National Current Affairs From The Hindu

1. The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution urging the Union Government to make what change regarding admission to medical courses?

A. Conduct NEET twice a year
B. Abolish NEET for postgraduate courses
C. Allow admission to medical courses based on Class 12 marks
D. Replace NEET with state-level entrance examinations

Answer: C. Allow admission to medical courses based on Class 12 marks

Explanation: The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously adopted an anti-NEET resolution, arguing that the examination creates inequality and imposes financial and psychological burdens on students. The resolution urged the Centre to amend the relevant legal framework so that students can be admitted to medical courses based on their Class 12 marks, rather than through NEET. It also criticised the proliferation of coaching centres and the difficulties faced by students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds.

2. According to the Karnataka government’s submission before the Supreme Court, bike taxis should not be treated as public transport vehicles because they primarily involve which type of vehicle?

A. Three-wheelers
B. Electric buses
C. Two-wheelers
D. Four-wheelers

Answer: C. Two-wheelers

Explanation: The Karnataka government argued before the Supreme Court that bike taxis are not public transport vehicles, citing concerns regarding safety standards, accident risks and their limited utility as public transport. The case also involves the regulatory status of motorcycle taxis under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Karnataka’s transport regulations.

3. Tamil Nadu has issued guidelines for Advance Medical Directives (AMDs). What does an Advance Medical Directive primarily allow an individual to do?

A. Choose a private health insurance provider
B. Specify medical treatment preferences in case they later become incapable of making informed decisions
C. Nominate a doctor for emergency treatment
D. Transfer medical records to another State

Answer: B. Specify medical treatment preferences in case they later become incapable of making informed decisions

Explanation: An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) allows an individual to record their wishes regarding medical treatment for a future situation in which they become incapable of making informed decisions. Under the Tamil Nadu guidelines, an adult can execute an AMD in the prescribed form, including authorising a guardian or close relative to consent to the refusal or withdrawal of medical treatment in specified circumstances. The guidelines are connected with the Supreme Court’s framework on advance directives and end-of-life care.

4. A high-level committee constituted to study demographic changes in Jammu and Kashmir recently interacted with local groups in which districts?

A. Jammu and Kathua
B. Srinagar and Anantnag
C. Kishtwar and Doda
D. Leh and Kargil

Answer: C. Kishtwar and Doda

Explanation: The committee on demographic changes in Jammu and Kashmir, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, visited Kishtwar and Doda and interacted with various local groups. The committee was constituted to study demographic changes and issues related to communities and migration in the Union Territory.

5. The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the ‘commercial exploitation’ of what?

A. Judicial appointments
B. Remarks made by judges
C. Court infrastructure
D. Legal education

Answer: B. Remarks made by judges

Explanation: The Supreme Court considered a petition concerning the commercial exploitation of remarks made by judges, particularly through social media and digital platforms. The petition raised concerns that isolated statements made during court proceedings could be selectively circulated, monetised or presented out of context, potentially affecting the dignity and functioning of the judiciary.

6. President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to which Bill that makes Vande Mataram the national anthem?

A. Vande Mataram Bill
B. National Anthem Amendment Bill
C. Jana Gana Mana Bill
D. National Symbols Protection Bill

Answer: A. Vande Mataram Bill

Explanation: President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Vande Mataram Bill, making it law. The legislation provides statutory recognition to Vande Mataram and deals with provisions concerning its singing and observance. Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, is recognised as India’s national song, while Jana Gana Mana is the national anthem.

7. The Rajya Sabha has passed a Reforms Bill amid an Opposition walkout. The Bill seeks to reform which institutions?

A. Election Commissions
B. Tribunals
C. Lok Adalats
D. Gram Nyayalayas

Answer: B. Tribunals

Explanation: The Tribunals Reforms Bill seeks to reform the functioning and administration of tribunals in India. It deals with matters such as the composition, appointment and functioning of tribunals and aims to streamline the tribunal system. The Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha amid an Opposition walkout.

8. The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was launched as part of which broader initiative?

A. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
B. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
C. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
D. Meri Mati Mera Desh

Answer: B. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

Explanation: Har Ghar Tiranga was launched in 2022 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations marking 75 years of India’s Independence. The campaign encourages citizens to hoist or display the national flag and has subsequently become an important part of Independence Day celebrations.

Economy & Banking Current Affairs

9. India now sources around 67% of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports from which country?

A. Russia
B. United States
C. Saudi Arabia
D. Qatar

Answer: B. United States

Explanation: India has become increasingly dependent on the United States for LPG, with around 67% of its LPG imports coming from the U.S. The shift represents diversification away from traditional West Asian suppliers, but it also creates exposure to geopolitical disruptions, particularly amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. India is also seeking to strengthen domestic LPG storage and build more resilient supply chains.

10. The Union Government has approved the introduction of ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes on a field-trial basis. Which institution will issue these banknotes?

A. State Bank of India
B. Reserve Bank of India
C. Ministry of Finance
D. Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India

Answer: B. Reserve Bank of India

Explanation: The government has approved the introduction of ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes on a field-trial basis. The RBI will issue the notes, which are expected to have greater durability and improved resistance to wear compared with conventional paper-based banknotes. Polymer notes are already used by several countries.

11. Net direct tax mop-up has risen by approximately what percentage so far, according to the latest data reported by the government?

A. 13%
B. 18%
C. 23%
D. 30%

Answer: C. 23%

Explanation: India’s net direct tax collections have risen by about 23% so far in the current fiscal year. The increase reflects higher collections from both corporate income tax and personal income tax, after accounting for refunds. Direct taxes are an important source of government revenue and include income tax and corporate tax.

12. SEBI has proposed bringing all bullion trades under which form of management?

A. Central bank management
B. Vault management
C. Government procurement management
D. Exchange-rate management

Answer: B. Vault management

Explanation: SEBI has proposed bringing bullion trades under vault management, under which physical bullion involved in regulated trading would be kept in designated, SEBI-regulated vaults. The proposal aims to improve transparency, traceability and oversight in the bullion market and strengthen the regulatory framework for gold-backed trading.

Science & Technology Current Affairs

13. A recent review found that AI-based technology for predicting cardiovascular disease is not yet ready for routine clinical use. What was identified as a major concern?

A. Lack of medical imaging technology
B. Insufficient validation in real-world clinical settings
C. High cost of blood tests
D. Complete absence of AI models for heart disease

Answer: B. Insufficient validation in real-world clinical settings

Explanation: A review of 30 studies published since 2017 found that AI tools show promise in predicting cardiovascular disease risk but are not yet ready for routine clinical use. Researchers highlighted the need for stronger independent validation and better demonstration of how these models perform across different patient populations and healthcare settings before widespread adoption.

14. NASA has invited ISRO to join which proposed mission?

A. Mars Sample Return Mission
B. Lunar Outpost Mission
C. Venus Orbiter Mission
D. Asteroid Redirect Mission

Answer: B. Lunar Outpost Mission

Explanation: NASA has invited ISRO to participate in its proposed lunar outpost programme. The initiative is connected with NASA’s broader plans for sustained human and scientific activity around the Moon. Cooperation between NASA and ISRO has expanded in recent years, including the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission.

15. Indian Railways plans to deploy AI-based cameras at level-crossing gates primarily for what purpose?

A. Ticket verification
B. Detecting accidents and strengthening safety monitoring
C. Tracking freight trains
D. Monitoring railway station crowds

Answer: B. Detecting accidents and strengthening safety monitoring

Explanation: Indian Railways plans to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance cameras at level crossings to improve safety. The system will monitor crossings, detect potential violations or unsafe situations and provide real-time alerts to railway control rooms. The initiative is intended to strengthen monitoring at non-interlocked level crossings and reduce accidents.

16. Deepak Dhar is particularly known for his work on which model in statistical mechanics?

A. Standard Model
B. Abelian sandpile model
C. Ising gauge model
D. Big Bang model

Answer: B. Abelian sandpile model

Explanation: The Abelian sandpile model, developed by Deepak Dhar, is an important model in statistical mechanics used to study self-organised criticality. In the model, grains are added to a pile until the system reaches a critical state, after which avalanches can occur. Dhar’s work established important mathematical foundations for understanding such critical phenomena.

Environment & Climate Change Current Affairs

17. A committee has recommended that Andhra Pradesh increase the number of tiger base camps from around 100 to how many?

A. 110
B. 115
C. 125
D. 150

Answer: C. 125

Explanation: A committee examining tiger protection in Andhra Pradesh recommended increasing the number of tiger base camps from around 100 to 125. It also recommended ensuring at least four field-level personnel at every camp and strengthening protection measures. The recommendations followed concerns over tiger deaths and the need for better monitoring and anti-poaching operations.

18. The Union Government has revised the definition of a ‘floodplain’ of the Ganga, replacing the earlier blanket construction ban with a more regulated approach. Under the revised framework, construction will be prohibited in which category of floodplain?

A. Areas flooded once in 25 years
B. Areas flooded once in 50 years
C. Areas flooded once in 100 years
D. Areas flooded once in 500 years

Answer: C. Areas flooded once in 100 years

Explanation: The Centre has revised its 2016 framework for construction along the Ganga floodplain. The new framework permits certain construction activities in areas subject to moderate or rare flooding after regulatory clearances, while retaining a prohibition on construction in areas with a 1-in-100-year flood frequency. The revised approach aims to balance development needs with flood-risk management and protection of the river system.

19. A recent study has found that glaciers in the Zanskar region of Ladakh are slowing down as the Himalayas warm. What is the major concern associated with this trend?

A. Increase in snowfall across the Indus basin
B. Decline in long-term glacier meltwater contribution to rivers
C. Permanent increase in river discharge
D. Expansion of Himalayan glaciers

Answer: B. Decline in long-term glacier meltwater contribution to rivers

Explanation: Glaciers in the Zanskar region of Ladakh are among the largest in the Himalaya and act as natural reservoirs of freshwater. A study found that glaciers have been moving more slowly over recent decades, with the rate of slowing increasing over time. Continued glacier thinning can eventually reduce the amount of meltwater entering rivers, affecting water security, agriculture, hydropower and downstream ecosystems, particularly in the Indus basin.

20. The phenomenon in which increased glacier melting temporarily raises river runoff before declining as glaciers lose substantial ice reserves is known as what?

A. Ice-albedo effect
B. Peak water
C. Glacier surge
D. Snowmelt inversion

Answer: B. Peak water

Explanation: Peak water refers to the stage when increasing glacier melt initially causes river discharge to rise, but after glaciers lose a substantial portion of their stored ice, meltwater contribution begins to decline. This creates a long-term water-security concern for glacier-fed river basins such as the Indus basin. The phenomenon has important implications for agriculture, hydropower and downstream communities.

21. Retrofitting existing vehicles with electric powertrains can contribute to which principle of a resource-efficient electric vehicle transition?

A. Linear economy
B. Circular economy
C. Cash economy
D. Gig economy

Answer: B. Circular economy

Explanation: Retrofitting involves replacing a conventional vehicle’s internal-combustion powertrain with an electric powertrain while retaining usable components of the vehicle. This extends the vehicle’s useful life and reduces the need for new materials and manufacturing. It therefore supports the circular economy principle of reuse, alongside repair, refurbishment and recycling.

22. Why is the ‘reuse’ principle considered important in India’s transition to electric mobility?

A. It eliminates the need for battery manufacturing
B. It reduces material demand and waste by extending the useful life of existing vehicles
C. It prevents the adoption of electric vehicles
D. It increases dependence on imported fossil fuels

Answer: B. It reduces material demand and waste by extending the useful life of existing vehicles

Explanation: A resource-efficient EV transition should not focus only on replacing conventional vehicles with new electric vehicles. Reuse, refurbishment and retrofitting can extend the life of existing vehicles and reduce material consumption, waste generation and the environmental burden associated with manufacturing new vehicles. The approach is particularly relevant to India because of its large existing vehicle fleet.

Government Schemes Current Affairs

23. The Union Government has extended the PM E-DRIVE scheme by how long, while reducing the incentive cap for electric two-wheelers?

A. 6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years
D. 3 years

Answer: B. 1 year

Explanation: The government has extended the PM E-DRIVE scheme by one year, taking its timeline to March 31, 2028. However, the maximum incentive available for electric two-wheelers has been reduced. The scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and support the development of India’s EV ecosystem.

24. The PM E-DRIVE scheme is primarily associated with which sector?

A. Renewable energy generation
B. Electric mobility
C. Rural housing
D. Railway electrification

Answer: B. Electric mobility

Explanation: PM E-DRIVE (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) is a government initiative aimed at promoting electric mobility in India. It provides demand-side incentives for eligible electric vehicles and supports the development of charging infrastructure and other components of the EV ecosystem.

Awards & Honours Current Affairs

25. Indian physicist Deepak Dhar has been awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal for outstanding contributions to which field?

A. Experimental particle physics
B. Theoretical physics
C. Nuclear engineering
D. Astrophysics

Answer: B. Theoretical physics

Explanation: Indian physicist Deepak Dhar has been awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal for outstanding contributions to theoretical physics. The Dirac Medal is awarded by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) to scientists who have made significant contributions to theoretical physics. Dhar is particularly known for his work in statistical mechanics, including the theory of the Abelian sandpile model.

Sports Current Affairs

26. India’s women’s hockey team won the Nations Cup, giving the team qualification for which major tournament?

A. FIH Hockey World Cup
B. Asian Games
C. Commonwealth Games
D. Olympic Games

Answer: A. FIH Hockey World Cup

Explanation: India’s women’s hockey team won the FIH Nations Cup, boosting its confidence ahead of the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026. Captain Salima Tete said the Nations Cup success had given the team belief going into the World Cup. The World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands in August 2026.

27. R. Praggnanandhaa recently won the Saint Louis Rapid title after defeating which player in the final round?

A. Magnus Carlsen
B. Javokhir Sindarov
C. Fabiano Caruana
D. Wesley So

Answer: B. Javokhir Sindarov

Explanation: Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won the Saint Louis Rapid 2026 title after drawing with Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov in the final round. Praggnanandhaa had led the tournament from the opening day and secured the title with a round to spare.

28. Indian para-cyclists won seven medals at which international event mentioned in the news?

A. Asian Para Games
B. UCI Para-cycling World Cup
C. Commonwealth Para-cycling Championships
D. African Para-cycling Championships

Answer: B. UCI Para-cycling World Cup

Explanation: Indian para-cyclists produced a strong performance at the UCI Para-cycling World Cup in Lagos, Nigeria, winning seven medals. The haul included gold, silver and bronze medals, highlighting India’s growing presence in international para-cycling.

Important Days & Themes Current Affairs

29. The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign is associated with which national occasion?

A. Republic Day
B. Independence Day
C. Constitution Day
D. Gandhi Jayanti

Answer: B. Independence Day

Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign ahead of Independence Day. The campaign encourages people to display the Tricolour at their homes as part of the celebrations and to promote a sense of national pride and participation.

Apps, Portals & Digital Initiatives Current Affairs

30. The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to consider a time-bound mechanism for emergency responses to online threats such as deepfakes, cyberstalking and impersonation. Which committee was asked to examine the issue?

A. Law Commission of India
B. Justice Surya Kant Committee
C. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud Committee
D. Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs

Answer: B. Justice Surya Kant Committee

Explanation: The Supreme Court asked the government to examine the need for a time-bound emergency mechanism to deal with online threats including deepfakes, cyberstalking, impersonation and non-consensual intimate images. The court also highlighted the need for a balance between protecting individuals from harmful digital content and preserving freedom of expression.

Obituaries Current Affairs

31. M.P. Parameswaran, who died recently, was associated with which of the following fields?

A. Nuclear science and Marxist thought
B. Space science and literature
C. Marine biology and economics
D. Genetics and political science

Answer: A. Nuclear science and Marxist thought

Explanation: M.P. Parameswaran, a former nuclear scientist, Marxist theoretician and writer, died at the age of 88. He worked at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and later became associated with social and political movements, while writing extensively on science, development and Marxist thought.