Daily Current Affairs from The Hindu for 17 July 2026 | WBCS, UPSC, SSC, Bank Exam Prep

The Hindu Current Affairs 17.07.2026

Chapters

1. Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s petition regarding his hunger strike was monitored by which High Court?

A. Punjab & Haryana High Court
B. Jammu & Kashmir High Court
C. Delhi High Court
D. Supreme Court of India

Answer: C. Delhi High Court

Explanation: The Delhi High Court directed authorities to monitor the health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a prolonged hunger strike demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. The Court instructed that his health be regularly monitored and appropriate medical intervention be provided if necessary.


2. The demand for inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution primarily seeks to protect:

A. Defence installations
B. Coastal ecosystems
C. Tribal rights, culture and local autonomy
D. Industrial corridors

Answer: C. Tribal rights, culture and local autonomy

Explanation: The Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous administration in certain tribal areas of northeastern India. Activists in Ladakh have demanded similar constitutional protection to safeguard tribal identity, land, culture and natural resources.


3. The Government clarified that the alleged ‘data breach’ at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was linked to:

A. The reactor control system
B. The nuclear reactor cooling system
C. India’s nuclear command network
D. Administrative computers not connected to nuclear operations

Answer: D. Administrative computers not connected to nuclear operations

Explanation: The government stated that the reported cyber incident involved administrative computers and had no connection with the plant’s reactor systems or nuclear operations. Critical operational systems remained isolated and unaffected.

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is situated in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It is India’s largest nuclear power station in terms of installed capacity and was developed with Russian cooperation.


4. India’s first hydrogen-powered train, to be flagged off from Jind, is located in which State?

A. Punjab
B. Rajasthan
C. Haryana
D. Uttar Pradesh

Answer: C. Haryana

Explanation: India’s first hydrogen-powered train is scheduled to be flagged off from Jind in Haryana. Unlike conventional trains, it generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapour as a by-product.


5. The only by-product emitted from a hydrogen fuel-cell train is:

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Nitrogen oxide
C. Sulphur dioxide
D. Water vapour

Answer: D. Water vapour

Explanation: Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen. The process emits only water vapour, making hydrogen-powered trains an environmentally friendly mode of transport.


6. The Kerala High Court directed authorities to establish a digitised inventory for the assets of which famous temple?

A. Guruvayur Temple
B. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
C. Sabarimala Temple
D. Chottanikkara Temple

Answer: C. Sabarimala Temple

Explanation: The Kerala High Court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to create a comprehensive digitised inventory management system for all movable and immovable assets of the Sabarimala Temple to improve transparency and accountability.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is an autonomous statutory body responsible for administering several temples in Kerala, including the Sabarimala Temple.


7. ISRO recently issued a memorandum to curb the exodus of scientists associated with which major human spaceflight mission?

A. Chandrayaan Programme
B. Aditya-L1 Mission
C. Gaganyaan Mission
D. Gaganyaan Mission

Answer: D. Gaganyaan Mission

Explanation: ISRO has issued a memorandum discouraging resignations and requests for permanent absorption from scientists working on critical projects, particularly the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, to prevent loss of experienced personnel.


8. The Gaganyaan Mission aims to place Indian astronauts in:

A. Geostationary Orbit
B. Lunar Orbit
C. Sun-Earth L1 Point
D. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Answer: D. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Explanation: The Gaganyaan Mission aims to send a crew of Indian astronauts (Gaganyatris) into Low Earth Orbit for a short-duration mission before safely returning them to Earth.


9. According to the Supreme Court, under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the third language should normally be introduced from which class?

A. Class 1
B. Class 3
C. Class 6
D. Class 9

Answer: C. Class 6

Explanation: The Supreme Court observed that under the three-language framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the third language is generally introduced from Class 6. The observation came while hearing a case concerning Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy.


10. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends which of the following language formula?

A. One-language formula
B. Two-language formula
C. Three-language formula
D. Four-language formula

Answer: C. Three-language formula

Explanation: NEP 2020 recommends a flexible three-language formula, with no language imposed on any State. The choice of languages is intended to be made by States, regions and students, while promoting multilingualism.


11. The Bombay High Court sought the Centre’s response in a petition challenging amendments to which set of rules?

A. Information Technology (Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2023
B. Cable Television Network Rules, 1994
C. Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
D. Cinematograph Rules, 1983

Answer: C. Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

Explanation: The Bombay High Court directed the Union Government to respond to a petition challenging the constitutional validity of amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.


12. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 were notified under which Act?

A. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
B. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
C. Telecommunications Act, 2023
D. Information Technology Act, 2000

Answer: D. Information Technology Act, 2000

Explanation: The IT Rules, 2021 were framed under the Information Technology Act, 2000 to regulate intermediaries, social media platforms and digital news publishers, while prescribing due diligence obligations.


13. The Congress announced that it would strongly oppose the proposed reintroduction of which exercise during the Monsoon Session of Parliament?

A. Census
B. One Nation, One Election
C. Delimitation Exercise
D. Simultaneous Elections

Answer: C. Delimitation Exercise

Explanation: The Congress stated that it would strongly oppose the proposed Delimitation Bill. Delimitation refers to the redrawing of the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on population data to ensure equal representation.

Delimitation is carried out by the Delimitation Commission, an independent statutory body constituted by the Central Government. Its orders have the force of law and cannot ordinarily be challenged in court.


14. Which Act, listed for the Monsoon Session of Parliament, seeks to amend the law regulating foreign contributions received by individuals and organisations?

A. Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
B. Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
C. Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010
D. Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002

Answer: C. Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010

Explanation: The Government listed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 for the Monsoon Session. The Act regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and NGOs.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) administers the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), including registration, renewal, suspension and cancellation of organisations receiving foreign contributions.


15. The proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhiniyam (VBSA) Bill primarily seeks to reform which sector?

A. School Education
B. Technical Education
C. Higher Education
D. Skill Development

Answer: C. Higher Education

Explanation: The proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhiniyam (VBSA) Bill aims to reform higher education by replacing the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act and restructuring the regulatory framework for universities and higher educational institutions.


16. According to recent Supreme Court observations, hunger strikes are:

A. Prohibited under the Constitution.
B. Automatically treated as an offence.
C. Neither unconstitutional nor banned by any law in India.
D. Permitted only with prior government approval.

Answer: C. Neither unconstitutional nor banned by any law in India.

Explanation: The Supreme Court observed that hunger strikes are not unconstitutional and are not prohibited by any law. At the same time, the State has a duty to protect the life of a person undertaking an indefinite fast.

Article 21 guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law. The Supreme Court referred to the State’s obligation to protect life while hearing the case concerning an indefinite hunger strike.


17. The Supreme Court recently directed all States and Union Territories to frame a uniform policy for the premature release of which category of prisoners?

A. Undertrial prisoners
B. First-time offenders
C. Juvenile offenders
D. Aged and terminally ill inmates

Answer: D. Aged and terminally ill inmates

Explanation: The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to formulate a uniform policy within three months for the premature release of aged and terminally ill prisoners on humanitarian grounds, while ensuring public safety and legal safeguards.

The Supreme Court directed NALSA to work with States and Union Territories in preparing a uniform framework for identifying eligible prisoners and facilitating their premature release on humanitarian grounds.


18. NITI Aayog has proposed a ₹50,000-crore BioEconomy Growth Fund primarily to promote:

A. Semiconductor manufacturing
B. Space technology startups
C. Green hydrogen production
D. Biotechnology research, innovation and commercialization

Answer: D. Biotechnology research, innovation and commercialization

Explanation: NITI Aayog proposed the BioEconomy Growth Fund to accelerate India’s biotechnology sector by supporting research, innovation, commercialization, startups and bio-manufacturing.


19. The BioEconomy Growth Fund is part of which national initiative?

A. Startup India Mission
B. National Research Foundation (NRF)
C. BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment)
D. National Biotechnology Development Strategy

Answer: C. BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment)

Explanation: The proposed fund is aligned with the BioE3 Policy, which aims to expand India’s bioeconomy by promoting biotechnology-based innovation, sustainable manufacturing and employment generation.


20. The BioE3 Policy primarily focuses on the development of:

A. Fossil fuel technologies
B. Nuclear power generation
C. High-performance biotechnology and bio-manufacturing
D. Conventional agricultural machinery

Answer: C. High-performance biotechnology and bio-manufacturing

Explanation: The BioE3 Policy seeks to strengthen India’s biotechnology ecosystem by promoting bio-manufacturing, synthetic biology, precision biotherapeutics, sustainable bioproducts and other advanced biotechnology sectors.


21. GLP-1 receptor agonists, recently discussed for obesity and diabetes treatment, were originally developed primarily for the management of:

A. Hypertension
B. Asthma
C. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
D. Osteoporosis

Answer: C. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Explanation: GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists were initially developed to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by improving insulin secretion and reducing blood glucose. They are now also widely used in obesity management due to their weight-loss benefits.

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone produced in the intestine that enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, delays gastric emptying and promotes satiety.


22. Cyclosporiasis is caused by which of the following?

A. Virus
B. Bacterium
C. Fungus
D. Protozoan parasite

Answer: D. Protozoan parasite

Explanation: Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal disease caused by the protozoan parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Infection usually occurs by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.

Cyclosporiasis spreads mainly through ingestion of food or water contaminated with the parasite. Fresh produce such as leafy vegetables, herbs and berries has been associated with outbreaks.


23. The demographic dividend refers to:

A. Increase in birth rate due to government incentives
B. Rise in per capita income through exports
C. Economic growth resulting from a higher proportion of working-age population
D. Increase in foreign direct investment

Answer: C. Economic growth resulting from a higher proportion of working-age population

Explanation: Demographic dividend is the economic growth potential arising when the share of the working-age population (15–64 years) is larger than the dependent population. It can boost growth if supported by quality education, healthcare, skill development and employment opportunities.


24. Inflation in India is officially measured for monetary policy using which index?

A. Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
B. Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
C. GDP Deflator
D. Consumer Price Index (CPI-Combined)

Answer: D. Consumer Price Index (CPI-Combined)

Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) targets inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-Combined). The inflation target is 4% with a tolerance band of ±2% under the flexible inflation targeting framework.

Since 2016, the RBI has followed a Flexible Inflation Targeting framework with a target of 4% CPI inflation and an upper and lower tolerance band of 2%, i.e., 2% to 6%.


25. Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna, recently in the news, was honoured with which award in 2026?

A. Padma Vibhushan
B. Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
C. Bharat Ratna
D. Padma Bhushan

Answer: D. Padma Bhushan

Explanation: Renowned Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. He is known for his contributions to Carnatic music and social activism.

India’s civilian awards are, in descending order: Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.


26. Which of the following is India’s National Academy of Letters?

A. Lalit Kala Akademi
B. Sangeet Natak Akademi
C. National Book Trust
D. Sahitya Akademi

Answer: D. Sahitya Akademi

Explanation: The Sahitya Akademi, established in 1954, is India’s National Academy of Letters. It promotes literary activities and presents annual literary awards in recognised Indian languages.


27. The reported data leak at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was traced to which company’s IT infrastructure?

A. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
B. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
C. Reliance Infrastructure Limited
D. Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

Answer: C. Reliance Infrastructure Limited

Explanation: The reported cyber incident affected the IT infrastructure of Reliance Infrastructure Limited, a contractor at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The government clarified that the reactor control systems and nuclear operations remained unaffected.


28. Which organisation operates the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant?

A. Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC)
B. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
C. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
D. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)

Answer: D. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)

Explanation: NPCIL, a public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy, owns and operates India’s commercial nuclear power plants, including Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.

The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is situated in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It is India’s largest nuclear power station by installed capacity.


29. The ransomware group that claimed responsibility for the Kudankulam data leak is known as:

A. LockBit
B. BlackCat (ALPHV)
C. REvil
D. World Leaks

Answer: D. World Leaks

Explanation: According to reports, the data was published by the ransomware group World Leaks, which operates a dark-web leak site used to extort victims after cyberattacks.


30. Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Scheme primarily provides:

A. Free LPG cylinders to women
B. Interest-free loans to women entrepreneurs
C. Direct financial assistance to eligible women beneficiaries
D. Free higher education for girls

Answer: C. Direct financial assistance to eligible women beneficiaries

Explanation: The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is a welfare scheme of the Maharashtra Government that provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women to improve their economic security and well-being.


31. Alexander Zverev, recently in the news, is associated with which sport?

A. Badminton
B. Table Tennis
C. Tennis
D. Squash

Answer: C. Tennis

Explanation: Germany’s Alexander Zverev recently won the French Open title and drew attention for competing at the highest level despite living with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM).

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, resulting in little or no insulin production.

Insulin is secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.


32. The revised CAFE III norms released by the Government primarily relate to:

A. Industrial emissions from factories
B. Household electricity consumption
C. Fuel efficiency standards for motor vehicles
D. Aviation fuel quality standards

Answer: C. Fuel efficiency standards for motor vehicles

Explanation: The Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms prescribe fuel efficiency and CO₂ emission standards for passenger vehicles sold in India. The draft CAFE III norms are proposed to come into effect from April 2027.


33. Which bank recently reported a rise in net profit driven by higher net interest income?

A. Indian Overseas Bank
B. Federal Bank
C. Canara Bank
D. South Indian Bank

Answer: D. South Indian Bank

Explanation: South Indian Bank reported a significant increase in quarterly net profit, supported by growth in Net Interest Income (NII) and improved asset quality.

Net Interest Income (NII) is the difference between the interest a bank earns on loans and investments and the interest it pays on deposits and borrowings. It is a key indicator of a bank’s core profitability.


34. Uber recently announced a public takeover offer for which Germany-based food delivery company?

A. Just Eat Takeaway
B. Deliveroo
C. Delivery Hero
D. Zomato

Answer: C. Delivery Hero

Explanation: Uber announced a $14.8 billion public takeover offer for Delivery Hero, the Germany-based food delivery company. The acquisition aims to strengthen Uber’s global food delivery business.

Delivery Hero is a multinational online food delivery company headquartered in Berlin, Germany, operating in numerous countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.


35. Which region’s conflict has recently forced several international airlines to reroute or suspend flights due to security concerns?

A. South China Sea
B. Black Sea
C. Taiwan Strait
D. West Asia (Iran region)

Answer: D. West Asia (Iran region)

Explanation: Escalating tensions involving Iran have disrupted international air travel, forcing several airlines to avoid parts of West Asian airspace due to safety concerns.


36. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which sets global standards for civil aviation, is headquartered in:

A. Geneva, Switzerland
B. Vienna, Austria
C. New York, USA
D. Montreal, Canada

Answer: D. Montreal, Canada

Explanation: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations headquartered in Montreal, Canada. It develops international standards and recommended practices for civil aviation.

ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established by the Chicago Convention (1944) to promote the safe, secure and orderly development of international civil aviation.


37. The United States recently approved nearly $2 billion worth of weapons sales to which country?

A. United Arab Emirates
B. Qatar
C. Israel
D. Saudi Arabia

Answer: D. Saudi Arabia

Explanation: The United States approved nearly $2 billion in arms sales to Saudi Arabia, including air defence systems and precision-guided weapons, amid rising security concerns in West Asia.


38. Rabab Fatima, recently appointed as the head of the UN mission in Afghanistan, belongs to which country?

A. India
B. Pakistan
C. Sri Lanka
D. Bangladesh

Answer: D. Bangladesh

Explanation: Veteran Bangladeshi diplomat Rabab Fatima was appointed head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). She has previously served as Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.


39. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) was established by:

A. United Nations General Assembly
B. International Court of Justice
C. United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
D. United Nations Human Rights Council

Answer: C. United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

Explanation: UNAMA is a political mission established by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2002 to support peace, stability, governance and humanitarian coordination in Afghanistan.


40. The United States recently announced stricter rules limiting the stay of foreign students. Which visa category is generally issued to international students pursuing academic studies in the U.S.?

A. B-1 Visa
B. H-1B Visa
C. J-1 Visa
D. F-1 Visa

Answer: D. F-1 Visa

Explanation: The F-1 visa is the principal non-immigrant visa issued to international students pursuing full-time academic studies at accredited educational institutions in the United States.


41. Which political party is currently the principal opposition party in the United Kingdom?

A. Liberal Democrats
B. Scottish National Party (SNP)
C. Reform UK
D. Conservative Party

Answer: D. Conservative Party

Explanation: Following the UK General Election, the Conservative Party serves as the principal opposition party in the House of Commons, while the Labour Party forms the government.

In the UK’s parliamentary system, the Monarch appoints as Prime Minister the leader of the party (or coalition) that commands a majority in the House of Commons.


42. Indian wrestler Jaspreet Kaur recently tested positive for a prohibited substance. Anti-doping rules in international sports are governed by which organisation?

A. International Olympic Committee (IOC)
B. United World Wrestling (UWW)
C. National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
D. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Answer: D. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Explanation: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) develops and monitors the World Anti-Doping Code, which governs anti-doping regulations across international sports.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is India’s apex anti-doping organisation. It functions under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and implements the World Anti-Doping Code in India.


43. Viswanath Suresh, who won a gold medal recently, is associated with which sport?

A. Wrestling
B. Weightlifting
C. Athletics
D. Boxing

Answer: D. Boxing

Explanation: Viswanath Suresh won a gold medal in an international boxing event, continuing India’s strong performances in amateur boxing.


Rahul

Rahul is the founder of PYQArena and has over 9 years of experience in blogging, SEO, and educational content creation. Passionate about competitive exam preparation, he creates well-researched Previous Year Questions (PYQs), mock tests, current affairs, and study resources to help aspirants prepare smarter and achieve their goals.

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