Current Affairs

News & Analysis · Social Justice & Development

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

Today's practice test

21 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis21 Aug 2026thehindu.com

BJP MLA Jai Devi Kaushal alleges caste discrimination at Uttar Pradesh temple event

A BJP MLA from the Pasi community, Jai Devi Kaushal, alleged caste-based discrimination during a temple renovation ceremony (bhoomi pujan) in Kakori, Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh. She claimed she was not allowed to take her seat due to her caste. The incident drew criticism from the Congress party, which linked it to a broader pattern of feudal practices and untouchability.

Read analysis

18 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis18 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Left parties renew call to scrap NTA, NEP after UGC-NET paper errors

Left parties have renewed their demand to scrap the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, following errors in UGC-NET June 2026 examination papers. They allege 'entrenched rot' and 'abject incompetence' in the NTA, and criticize the NEP for promoting 'centralisation, commercialisation and communalisation' of education. Political leaders from CPI(M), CPI, and CPI (ML) Liberation have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the education system, reiterating the Kothari Commission's recommendation for increased public expenditure on education and emphasizing the role of State Governments.

Read analysis

16 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis16 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Taken by one of the big four: Snakebite at Maharashtra tribal school

Three tribal girls died from a common krait snakebite at a residential Ashram School in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, due to severe deficiencies in school infrastructure, lack of accessible medical facilities, and poor road connectivity. The incident highlights systemic negligence in the oversight of tribal residential schools and the broader challenges faced by remote tribal communities in accessing basic services like education and healthcare. The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice, and the state government has initiated action against the school management.

Read analysis
GS-2News & Analysis16 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Retrofitting Tamil Nadu to strike at drug menace

Tamil Nadu has launched a comprehensive strategy to combat drug abuse, spearheaded by the new Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). This multi-pronged approach involves specialized policing, financial investigations, cyber-surveillance, and extensive inter-departmental coordination (Health, Education, Rural Development, Municipal Administration, Information & Public Relations) for rehabilitation, awareness, and community participation. The initiative aims to dismantle drug syndicates, target financial networks, and leverage technology to achieve a 'Drug-Free Tamil Nadu', addressing both supply and demand for narcotics.

Read analysis

15 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis15 Aug 2026thehindu.com

On India’s disappearing pastoral communities | Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty

The article, part of Rohan Chakravarty's 'Green Humour' series, highlights the critical issue of India's disappearing pastoral communities. Chakravarty's work generally focuses on wildlife, nature conservation, environmental issues, and sustainability, suggesting an environmental perspective on the challenges faced by these communities.

Read analysis

08 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis08 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Discrepancies in validating Kunbi caste certificates: Jarange-Patil

The article details the ongoing conflict between Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil and the Maharashtra government concerning alleged discrepancies, delays, and cancellations in the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to the Maratha community. The dispute centers on the implementation of a 2025 government resolution granting Maratha reservation under the OBC Kunbi category, the findings of the Justice (Retd) Sandeep Shinde Committee, and the 'sage-soyare' policy. Jarange-Patil alleges a strategy to deny rightful reservation and has threatened further agitation, while the government maintains that caste scrutiny committees are independent quasi-judicial bodies.

Read analysis

05 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis05 Aug 2026thehindu.com

New Agasthyamalai eviction orders continue to silence Forest Rights Act

The article discusses the ongoing eviction orders issued by the Forest Department in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR), particularly in Tamil Nadu, based on Supreme Court directives and Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommendations. It argues that these evictions, aimed at removing alleged encroachments, are being carried out without proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, thereby perpetuating historical injustices against forest dwellers. The author criticizes state governments, the CEC, and the judiciary for ignoring key provisions of the FRA, such as the requirement for gram sabha verification and the prohibition of eviction until the recognition process is complete. The article highlights the conflict between conservation efforts in protected areas and the statutory rights of traditional forest dwellers.

Read analysis

02 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis02 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Punjab’s Dalits power politics with the purse

The article analyzes the growing socio-economic and political assertiveness of the Dalit community in Punjab, particularly in the Doaba region. It highlights how remittances from the Dalit diaspora (NRIs) have significantly improved their financial status, enabling them to build large religious institutions and gain land ownership. This economic empowerment, coupled with historical social movements like the Ad Dharm movement and the influence of figures like Guru Ravidass and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, has led to increased political consciousness and influence. The article also touches upon the role and limitations of government welfare schemes and constitutional provisions (like the 85th Amendment) in achieving social justice for Dalits, noting that political parties are actively courting Dalit voters in the state.

Read analysis
GS-2News & Analysis02 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Ceuta | A slice of Europe in Africa

The article details the Ceuta migration crisis of July 2026, where tens of thousands of migrants attempted to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. It highlights Ceuta's unique geographical and political status as one of the EU's only land borders with Africa, making it a flashpoint for migration politics. The crisis was fueled by false claims of easy asylum, alleged Moroccan permissiveness, and a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling. The event strained Spain-Morocco relations, raised questions about human rights and border security, and sparked domestic political debate in Spain regarding migration policies and territorial integrity.

Read analysis

26 July 2026

GS-2News & Analysis26 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Why are there protests over the Ken-Betwa project?

The article details the ongoing protests against the Ken-Betwa Link Project, India's first river-linking initiative under the National Perspective Plan. Villagers, primarily tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur and Panna districts, are demonstrating against displacement, inadequate rehabilitation packages, and alleged corruption in beneficiary selection. They also demand equitable compensation for related state irrigation projects. Significant environmental concerns are highlighted, particularly the project's impact on the Panna Tiger Reserve, including extensive tree felling and threats to endangered species like tigers, gharials, vultures, and mahseer fish. The government has responded by increasing rehabilitation funds for state projects and identifying additional beneficiaries, while dismissing some demands as 'invalid'.

Read analysis

24 July 2026

GS-2News & Analysis24 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Activist on hunger strike over Ken-Betwa river link project ends fast after 18 days

Activist Amit Bhatnagar ended an 18-day hunger strike against the Ken-Betwa river linking project after the government assured rehabilitation and improved compensation for affected people, including tribals, in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur and Panna districts. The protest, led by Jai Kisan Sangathan, focused on ensuring justice for those impacted by the project.

Read analysis

10 July 2026

GS-2News & Analysis10 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Over 56,000 in Karnataka unaware of HIV status; dating apps pose new challenge to tracing infections

The article highlights that over 56,000 people in Karnataka are unaware of their HIV status, posing a significant challenge to the state's HIV control program. Key hurdles include changing sexual networks due to dating apps, reluctance for voluntary testing due to stigma, and inadequate awareness. The Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), under the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), has launched the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) campaign, featuring a 'BreakFree QR code' for confidential self-assessment and testing center linkage, and expanding outreach beyond hospitals to address these issues, emphasizing early diagnosis and treatment.

Read analysis

UPSC MAINS PREP

Practise these topics in Mains evaluation

Upload a handwritten answer on any of these topics and get examiner-style feedback in under 2 minutes.

Upload your answer