Samachar Pathshala

Daily briefing

Current Affairs — 15 July 2026

The day's source-attributed current affairs for UPSC, organized for fast revision.

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Articles from 15 July 2026

  1. The Hindu · 2026-07-15U.S. hits Iran and Tehran retaliates across West Asia; 3 tankers struckThe United States struck Iranian maritime and missile assets after tensions over the Strait of Hormuz escalated, and Iran retaliated against regional targets and tankers.Read analysis →
  2. The Hindu · 2026-07-15What is meant by 'trial in absentia'?A Special NIA Court in Jammu issued a non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed, and the National Investigation Agency may seek a trial in absentia under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.Read analysis →
  3. The Hindu · 2026-07-15The disruptive rise of India’s new political generationThe Hindu column says India’s youth are reshaping politics through digital engagement, while Telangana’s public discourse is increasingly marked by personalised abuse.Read analysis →
  4. The Hindu · 2026-07-15SC suggests temporary prayer space for Muslims near Bhojshala complexThe Supreme Court has asked the Madhya Pradesh government to find a temporary open space for Friday prayers near the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex while the dispute remains pending.Read analysis →
  5. The Hindu · 2026-07-15HC defers hearing on PSC chief’s suspensionThe Karnataka High Court adjourned proceedings on a challenge to the suspension of Karnataka Public Service Commission chairperson Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar under Article 317(2) of the Constitution.Read analysis →
  6. The Hindu · 2026-07-15Acid ingestion included in amended Act: Centre to SC on redefining “acid attack victim”The Union government told the Supreme Court that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 now covers acid ingestion victims with internal injuries.Read analysis →
  7. The Hindu · 2026-07-15Govt. summons Iran envoy after missile hit kills Indian sailor in Strait of HormuzIndia summoned Iran’s Deputy Chief of Mission after missile attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz killed one Indian sailor and injured other seafarers.Read analysis →
  8. The Hindu · 2026-07-15India-U.S. defence tech ties — big ambitions, little deliveryThe Hindu column says India-U.S. defence technology cooperation has repeatedly promised industrial depth but delivered mostly procurement.Read analysis →
  9. The Hindu · 2026-07-15W.B. withdraws plea over nixing of OBC statusThe West Bengal government and the State Backward Classes Commission withdrew their Supreme Court petitions against a Calcutta High Court ruling that struck down the inclusion of 77 castes in the State Other Backward Classes list.Read analysis →
  10. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15Gyanvapi row: Hindu, Muslim sides seek SC-mandated talksBoth Hindu and Muslim parties have sought court-directed talks in the Gyanvapi dispute, indicating continued reliance on a negotiated process under Supreme Court supervision.Read analysis →
  11. The Hindu · 2026-07-15Can’t English be considered an Indian language, asks top courtThe Supreme Court questioned the CBSE’s use of the term “non-native” for English in its three-language scheme for Classes 5 and 6.Read analysis →
  12. The Hindu · 2026-07-15How the Gaganyaan crew module is built to surviveISRO explains how the Gaganyaan crew module uses a sphere-cone design, heat-shielding, thrusters, and parachutes to return astronauts safely.Read analysis →
  13. The Hindu · 2026-07-15Fear, chaos in the Strait of HormuzThe Strait of Hormuz is facing renewed attacks, raising fears about maritime safety and navigation in West Asia.Read analysis →
  14. The Hindu · 2026-07-15Steady in turbulence: India must build partnerships in this age of global turmoilIndia’s diplomacy with Australia and New Zealand is shifting toward defence, maritime, energy, and trade cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.Read analysis →
  15. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15Ladakh groups slam new hill councils; ‘maximum govt, minimum governance’Ladakh’s political groups have rejected the Union government’s draft hill council changes, saying the proposed framework would limit elected representation and local autonomy.Read analysis →
  16. The Hindu · 2026-07-15Hussain was part of mob driven by ‘animus against Hindus’: courtA Delhi court convicted former Aam Aadmi Party councillor Tahir Hussain and four others for the murder of Intelligence Bureau staffer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 north-east Delhi riots, holding that the mob acted with hostility toward Hindus.Read analysis →
  17. The Hindu · 2026-07-15SC weighs SOP for urgent cases affecting life, libertyThe Supreme Court has said it will examine a standard operating procedure for urgent mentions in matters affecting life and liberty outside normal court hours.Read analysis →
  18. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15Bhojshala dispute: SC orders Friday prayers at alternative siteThe Supreme Court has asked that Friday prayers related to the Bhojshala dispute be shifted to an alternative site while the case continues.Read analysis →
  19. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15Forced labour: why debt bondage persists despite lawsWhy bonded labour persists despite legal bans and what policy response is still missingRead analysis →
  20. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15E. Explained: (Hormuz/Jurisdiction-related explainer)The Indian Express published an explainer on the Hormuz-related crisis and the jurisdictional context around it.Read analysis →
  21. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15Food price surge pushes WPI inflation to nearly 10% in June; core easesIndia’s Wholesale Price Index inflation rose sharply in June, driven mainly by higher food prices, while some core measures eased.Read analysis →
  22. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15Amid new US tariff plan, government prohibits import of goods made using forced labourThe government has announced a ban on imports made using forced labour and linked the move to tighter trade-compliance concerns.Read analysis →
  23. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15Letters to the Editor: Sir, grievancesA set of reader letters includes a note demanding restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and criticising the delay as a democratic and constitutional issue.Read analysis →
  24. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15Complicates RBI’s choiceThe Indian Express column says the Reserve Bank of India faces tighter trade-offs between inflation control and growth support under mixed economic signals.Read analysis →
  25. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15For Iran’s third republic, America is the defining questionThe Indian Express editorial says Iran’s internal political future is tied to its unresolved confrontation with the United States.Read analysis →
  26. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15Counsel, you are on mute: The world of virtual courtsIndia’s courts expanded virtual hearings, e-filing, and hybrid proceedings during the pandemic, and the format has remained part of judicial administration.Read analysis →
  27. The Indian Express · 2026-07-15Pahlgam attack: Former official? Saeed paves way for trial in absentiaA Pakistani anti-terror court has reportedly allowed proceedings to continue against Hafiz Saeed even if he is not present in court.Read analysis →
  28. The Hindu · 2026-07-15Railway reforms to cut red tape, boost freight: VaishnawThe Railway Minister announced freight and contracting reforms aimed at shifting bulk cargo to enclosed containers, simplifying tariffs and licensing, and tightening project execution norms.Read analysis →
  29. The Hindu · 2026-07-15Deeply concerned over hostilities in West Asia: CongressThe Congress said renewed hostilities in West Asia threaten India’s strategic autonomy, commercial shipping, and access to the Chabahar Port route.Read analysis →
  30. The Hindu · 2026-07-15‘Gold standard’ India-U.K. trade deal is coming into effect todayThe India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Double Contribution Convention begin implementation, reducing tariffs and social-security duplication.Read analysis →