Current Affairs

News & Analysis · 26 August 2026

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

26 August 2026

GS-3News & Analysis26 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Buckingham Canal back in the limelight

The article discusses the renewed focus on restoring the Buckingham Canal (B'Canal) in Chennai, highlighting a proposed ₹876.35-crore plan for its navigability. It traces the canal's history from its construction in 1806 as Cochrane Canal, its expansion, and renaming to Buckingham Canal in 1878. Historically, it served as a vital and cheap transportation link for goods and passengers between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The article details its decline due to pollution from sewage and industrial effluents, slum encroachments, and the rise of alternative transport modes. It also covers past efforts for its improvement, its role as a flood carrier, and its designation as part of National Waterway 4. The current government's initiative aims to revive its functionality and address long-standing environmental issues.

History of India Environment & Ecology

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GS-2News & Analysis26 Aug 2026indianexpress.com

Expert Explains: Why Xi Jinping may be keeping India guessing over his BRICS summit participation

The article analyzes the reasons behind the ambiguity surrounding Chinese President Xi Jinping's potential attendance at an upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi. It suggests that China's suspense may be a tactical move, influenced by ongoing bilateral tensions, particularly India's actions regarding Arunachal Pradesh and China's historical claims. The piece highlights past instances of Xi's absence from major summits (like the 2023 G20 in New Delhi and a 2025 BRICS summit in Brazil) and links them to the state of India-China relations, including border disputes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Experts suggest China might be seeking concessions from India on issues like investment, visas, and its stance on Tibetan and Taiwan issues, or signaling against India's deepening alignment with the US.

International Relations

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GS-2News & Analysis26 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Iran, Oman hold talks on managing Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman are engaged in discussions to establish a framework for managing ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This framework includes a proposed joint temporary navigational corridor and efforts to clear mines from the waterway, with the ultimate goal of a permanent shipping corridor and joint administration. The article notes the Strait's critical role in global oil trade and highlights the uncertain stance of the United States, with past threats from President Trump towards Oman.

International Relations

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GS-2News & Analysis26 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Identify, eliminate threats before they grow big: Amit Shah urges security agencies

Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlined India's security policy, emphasizing proactive threat identification and elimination, particularly concerning geopolitical instability, radicalisation, cyber misinformation, and illegal immigration. He detailed a four-pronged border security strategy and the government's aim for an "infiltrator-free" and "narcotics-free" India. The article highlights the implementation of new criminal laws, the 'Prahar' anti-terror framework, the Narcotics Control Vision Document 2026-2029, and the crucial role of technology (CCTNS, ICJS, NatGrid, NAFIS, AI) and Centre-State coordination in strengthening internal security and bringing fugitive offenders to justice.

Indian Polity & Governance

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