National Current Affairs From The Hindu

1. The West Bengal Assembly passed Bills proposing to increase the number of wards in Kolkata and Howrah to which figures respectively?

A. 200 and 60
B. 209 and 68
C. 210 and 70
D. 215 and 75

Answer: B. 209 and 68

Explanation: The West Bengal Assembly passed Bills proposing to increase the number of wards in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation from 144 to 209 and in the Howrah Municipal Corporation from 50 to 68. The proposed reorganisation involves delimitation and increasing representation in the two municipal corporations.

2. The Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment in the Mullaperiyar dam dispute allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the reservoir water level to what height?

A. 136 feet
B. 140 feet
C. 142 feet
D. 152 feet

Answer: C. 142 feet

Explanation: On May 7, 2014, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Tamil Nadu and allowed the Mullaperiyar reservoir level to be raised from 136 feet to 142 feet. The Court had also envisaged a possible increase to 152 feet after completion of strengthening measures.

3. India’s first branded train, ‘Sprite Tejas Express’, is set to run on which route?

A. Mumbai–Ahmedabad
B. Delhi–Varanasi
C. Delhi–Lucknow
D. Chennai–Bengaluru

Answer: C. Delhi–Lucknow

Explanation: India’s first branded train, the ‘Sprite Tejas Express’, is set to operate on the Delhi–Lucknow route. The train will carry advertising and branding rights for a limited period. It is an example of the commercial use of railway assets and advertising opportunities.

4. Which State government has been criticised for having no woman in its Cabinet despite women constituting a significant share of its population?

A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Telangana

Answer: B. Karnataka

Explanation: The issue concerns the Karnataka Cabinet, where the absence of a woman Minister has drawn criticism. The article highlights the wider issue of inadequate political representation of women in Karnataka, despite constitutional commitments to equality and increasing participation of women in electoral politics.

Economy & Banking Current Affairs

5. India’s retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to a 19-month high in July 2026. What was the retail inflation rate?

A. 3.45%
B. 4.45%
C. 5.45%
D. 6.45%

Answer: B. 4.45%

Explanation: India’s retail inflation rose to 4.45% in July 2026, a 19-month high, driven mainly by increases in food and fuel prices. The CPI data were released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

6. According to the Union Petroleum Minister, approximately what percentage of India’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports came from the United States in 2025-26?

A. 47%
B. 57%
C. 67%
D. 77%

Answer: C. 67%

Explanation: The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that nearly 67% of India’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports came from the United States in 2025-26. India is the world’s second-largest LPG importing country, making this dependence strategically important, particularly amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

7. How many Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India were reported to be non-operational as of July 31, 2026?

A. 75
B. 85
C. 95
D. 105

Answer: C. 95

Explanation: As of July 31, 2026, India had 95 non-operational Special Economic Zones (SEZs) out of 277 operational SEZs, according to the data cited in the newspaper. Haryana had the highest number of non-operational SEZs, followed by Telangana and Karnataka.

8. The Reserve Bank of India has recommended introducing polymer banknotes of which denominations for field trials?

A. ₹5 and ₹10
B. ₹10 and ₹20
C. ₹20 and ₹50
D. ₹50 and ₹100

Answer: B. ₹10 and ₹20

Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recommended the introduction of ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes on a field-trial basis. Polymer notes are more durable than conventional paper-based currency and can potentially reduce replacement and printing costs.

9. Net direct tax collections in India have risen by approximately what percentage so far in the current financial year?

A. 13%
B. 18%
C. 23%
D. 28%

Answer: C. 23%

Explanation: Net direct tax collections have increased by around 23% so far in the current financial year. The figures include collections from corporation tax and personal income tax after accounting for refunds, indicating strong growth in direct-tax revenues.

Science & Technology Current Affairs

10. Kazakhstan has turned to cloud-seeding technology to address severe water shortages and drought. Which substance is commonly used as a cloud-seeding agent?

A. Sodium chloride
B. Silver iodide
C. Calcium carbonate
D. Potassium nitrate

Answer: B. Silver iodide

Explanation: Cloud seeding involves introducing substances such as silver iodide into suitable clouds to encourage the formation of ice crystals and precipitation. Kazakhstan is using aircraft equipped for cloud seeding amid severe drought and water shortages, particularly in its southern agricultural regions. Cloud seeding cannot create rain from clear skies; it requires suitable existing clouds and atmospheric conditions.

11. Deepak Dhar’s research is particularly associated with which model in statistical physics?

A. Standard Model
B. Abelian sandpile model
C. Bohr model
D. Ising-Gell-Mann model

Answer: B. Abelian sandpile model

Explanation: Deepak Dhar made pioneering contributions to the theory of the Abelian sandpile model, a mathematical model used to study complex systems and self-organised criticality. The model helps explain how simple local interactions can produce large-scale, complex behaviour.

Defence & Security Current Affairs

12. The Defence Ministry has floated a tender worth about ₹1 lakh crore for how many multi-role transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force?

A. 40
B. 50
C. 60
D. 70

Answer: C. 60

Explanation: The Defence Ministry has issued a tender for 60 multi-role transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, estimated at around ₹1 lakh crore. The programme aims to replace the IAF’s ageing fleet of transport aircraft and encourages Indian companies to partner with global manufacturers. The aircraft are expected to support tactical airlift, humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations.

Environment & Climate Change Current Affairs

13. Illegal riverbed mining has been reported near which national park in Assam, prompting an activist to approach the National Green Tribunal?

A. Manas National Park
B. Nameri National Park
C. Kaziranga National Park
D. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

Answer: C. Kaziranga National Park

Explanation: An environmental activist has approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seeking action against alleged illegal riverbed mining and excavation near Kaziranga National Park in Assam. The activity has raised concerns over alteration of river morphology, damage to aquatic ecosystems and impacts on nearby communities. Kaziranga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is particularly famous for its one-horned rhinoceros.

14. The proposed Great Nicobar Island project has raised concerns among which indigenous tribal community?

A. Toda
B. Jarawa
C. Shompen
D. Bhil

Answer: C. Shompen

Explanation: Tribal leaders have raised concerns that the proposed Great Nicobar project may overlook the interests and rights of the Shompen, an indigenous tribal community of Great Nicobar Island. The Shompen are recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). The project has raised concerns relating to forests, land, ecology and tribal rights.

Government Schemes Current Affairs

15. Maharashtra has made Marathi proficiency mandatory for app-based cab drivers. Which organisation announced the new requirement?

A. Maharashtra Transport Ministry
B. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation
C. Regional Transport Offices of Maharashtra
D. Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority

Answer: A. Maharashtra Transport Ministry

Explanation: The Maharashtra Transport Ministry announced that app-based cab drivers would need functional Marathi proficiency. Drivers must demonstrate knowledge of Marathi, with training and examinations being introduced. The requirement is intended to ensure drivers can communicate effectively with passengers in the State.

16. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households are entitled to how much foodgrain per household per month?

A. 25 kg
B. 30 kg
C. 35 kg
D. 40 kg

Answer: C. 35 kg

Explanation: Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, AAY households are entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month, while priority households are entitled to 5 kg per person per month. The editorial discusses the need to reconsider the food entitlement structure in view of changing household sizes, nutritional requirements and food consumption patterns.

17. The Union government has extended the PM E-DRIVE scheme by how long?

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

Answer: C. 2 years

Explanation: The government has extended the PM E-DRIVE scheme by two years, taking its timeline to March 31, 2028. However, the incentive for electric two-wheelers has been reduced. The scheme aims to accelerate electric mobility and the development of EV charging infrastructure.

18. Under the extended PM E-DRIVE scheme, what is the maximum ex-factory price of an electric two-wheeler eligible for the incentive?

A. ₹1 lakh
B. ₹1.25 lakh
C. ₹1.50 lakh
D. ₹2 lakh

Answer: C. ₹1.50 lakh

Explanation: The government has retained a ₹1.5 lakh maximum ex-factory price criterion for electric two-wheelers eligible for incentives under PM E-DRIVE. The incentive support has also been revised downward compared with the earlier level.

Awards & Honours Current Affairs

19. Who has been awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal for outstanding contributions to theoretical physics?

A. Deepak Dhar
B. Ashoke Sen
C. C.N.R. Rao
D. S. N. Bose

Answer: A. Deepak Dhar

Explanation: Indian physicist Deepak Dhar has been awarded the Dirac Medal for outstanding contributions to theoretical physics. His work includes important contributions to statistical physics, particularly the theory of the Abelian sandpile model. The Dirac Medal is awarded by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP).

20. The Dirac Medal awarded to Deepak Dhar is named after which renowned physicist?

A. Albert Einstein
B. Paul Dirac
C. Richard Feynman
D. Stephen Hawking

Answer: B. Paul Dirac

Explanation: The Dirac Medal is named after British theoretical physicist Paul Dirac, one of the pioneers of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. The ICTP established the medal in 1985 to honour physicists who have made outstanding contributions to theoretical physics.

Appointments & Resignations Current Affairs

21. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, has announced that he will step down at the end of his current term in February 2027. Tata Sons is the principal holding company of which business group?

A. Aditya Birla Group
B. Reliance Group
C. Tata Group
D. Mahindra Group

Answer: C. Tata Group

Explanation: N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, has decided not to seek reappointment when his current term ends on February 20, 2027. The announcement comes after a prolonged disagreement over his reappointment. Tata Sons is the principal holding company of the Tata Group.

Sports Current Affairs

22. Which Indian chess player defeated Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Sindarov at the Sinquefield Cup?

A. D. Gukesh
B. R. Praggnanandhaa
C. Arjun Erigaisi
D. Vidit Gujrathi

Answer: B. R. Praggnanandhaa

Explanation: Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa got the better of Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Sindarov at the Sinquefield Cup, an important international chess tournament. Praggnanandhaa is one of India’s leading young chess Grandmasters.

23. The 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup will be hosted by which three countries?

A. India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
B. Australia, New Zealand and England
C. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia
D. South Africa, Kenya and Uganda

Answer: C. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia

Explanation: The 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. South Africa and Zimbabwe have previously hosted World Cup matches, while Namibia will be a co-host for the tournament.

24. Which Indian fencer won seven medals, including one gold and two silver medals, at the 2023 Commonwealth Fencing Championships?

A. Bhavani Devi
B. Karan Singh
C. Arjun Khatri
D. Khushi Dabbah

Answer: D. Khushi Dabbah

Explanation: Indian fencer Khushi Dabbah won seven medals at the 2023 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos, including one gold, two silver and four bronze medals. Her performance has been highlighted as part of India’s growing strength in fencing.

25. How many teams will compete in the junior women’s National Hockey Championship mentioned in the report?

A. 20
B. 24
C. 30
D. 36

Answer: C. 30

Explanation: A total of 30 teams will participate in the junior women’s National Hockey Championship, with teams representing various States and institutional units. The tournament is aimed at developing the next generation of Indian women hockey players.

Places in News Current Affairs

26. The Mullaperiyar Dam, which is currently in the news over the stalling of related works, is located in which State?

A. Karnataka
B. Kerala
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Andhra Pradesh

Answer: B. Kerala

Explanation: The Mullaperiyar Dam is located in Kerala’s Idukki district, although it is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu under a long-standing inter-State arrangement. The issue remains a major point of contention between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, particularly concerning dam safety, water rights and related works.

27. The Shompen tribe, in the news in connection with the Great Nicobar project, belongs to which category recognised by the Government of India?

A. Scheduled Tribe only
B. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group
C. Denotified Tribe
D. Nomadic Tribe

Answer: B. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group

Explanation: The Shompen are an indigenous tribal community inhabiting Great Nicobar Island and are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Their traditional way of life and the ecological sensitivity of the Great Nicobar region are important considerations in discussions surrounding large infrastructure projects.

Obituaries Current Affairs

28. Zhu Rongji, who died recently, served as the Premier of which country?

A. Japan
B. South Korea
C. China
D. Vietnam

Answer: C. China

Explanation: Zhu Rongji, former Premier of China, has died. He served as China’s Premier from 1998 to 2003 and was regarded as an important figure in China’s economic transformation and reform period.