National Current Affairs From The Hindu

1. The Census 2027 exercise is set to collect which two additional categories of information highlighted in the news?

A. Voter ID and PAN details
B. Caste and Aadhaar details
C. Passport and driving licence details
D. Bank account and GST details

Answer: B. Caste and Aadhaar details

Explanation: The upcoming Census 2027 is set to collect caste and Aadhaar-related details, making the exercise significant from the perspective of demographic data and social statistics.

2. What is the key feature of the ‘SI-led Station House Officer’ model being introduced by the Kerala Police?

A. All police stations will be headed by IPS officers
B. Sub-Inspectors will be made responsible for station-level administration
C. Police stations will be placed under district magistrates
D. Constables will be given independent investigative powers

Answer: B. Sub-Inspectors will be made responsible for station-level administration

Explanation: The Kerala government has decided to restore the Station House Officer (SHO) model, with Sub-Inspectors playing a greater role in station-level policing and administration. The move is intended to strengthen professional policing and improve accountability at police stations.

3. The second phase of Census 2027 will also include which major exercise for the first time since 1931?

A. Religious census
B. Caste enumeration
C. Occupational census
D. Linguistic census

Answer: B. Caste enumeration

Explanation: Caste enumeration will be undertaken as part of Census 2027, marking the first such exercise since 1931. The caste-related information is intended to provide updated demographic data on caste groups across the country.

International Current Affairs

4. Which country has formally abolished the death penalty, according to the news?

A. Jordan
B. Lebanon
C. Egypt
D. Iraq

Answer: B. Lebanon

Explanation: Lebanon has formally abolished the death penalty, joining a growing number of countries moving towards abolition. According to the report, West Asia and North Africa continue to account for a large share of global executions, making Lebanon’s move significant in the regional context.

Economy & Banking Current Affairs

5. India’s coal demand is projected to reach approximately what level by 2030?

A. 1.0 billion tonnes
B. 1.3 billion tonnes
C. 1.6 billion tonnes
D. 2.0 billion tonnes

Answer: C. 1.6 billion tonnes

Explanation: India’s coal demand is expected to touch 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030, driven by rising electricity generation and industrial demand. The government is also focusing on increasing domestic coal production and reducing dependence on imports.

6. India’s current account deficit (CAD) widened to what level in June 2026?

A. $2.1 billion
B. $4.2 billion
C. $6.2 billion
D. $9.2 billion

Answer: C. $6.2 billion

Explanation: India’s current account deficit widened to $6.2 billion in June 2026, compared with a surplus of $2.1 billion in June 2025. The widening was attributed mainly to a larger merchandise trade deficit.

7. India’s foreign exchange reserves increased to approximately what level in the week ended August 7, 2026?

A. $607 billion
B. $657 billion
C. $707 billion
D. $757 billion

Answer: C. $707 billion

Explanation: India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $14.16 billion to $707.08 billion in the week ended August 7, 2026. The increase came after reserves had declined in the previous week, with foreign currency assets and gold reserves contributing to the rise.

8. India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation eased to what level in July 2026?

A. 0.978%
B. 1.978%
C. 2.978%
D. 3.978%

Answer: A. 0.978%

Explanation: India’s WPI inflation eased to 0.978% in July 2026, mainly due to cheaper fuel and power products. This was the first time since October 2025 that WPI inflation fell below 1%.

9. Which type of bonds are described in the news as finding increasing investor interest in India?

A. Sovereign gold bonds
B. Green bonds
C. Inflation-indexed bonds
D. Municipal bonds

Answer: B. Green bonds

Explanation: Green bonds are attracting increasing investor interest as demand grows for financing environmentally sustainable projects. The article notes that Indian green bonds have been gaining traction, with investors increasingly seeking instruments linked to sustainable development and environmental objectives.

Science & Technology Current Affairs

10. The proposed data centre project in the Nicobar Islands is planned under which initiative?

A. Sagarmala Programme
B. Great Nicobar Island Project
C. Bharatmala Pariyojana
D. National Smart Cities Mission

Answer: B. Great Nicobar Island Project

Explanation: The Andaman and Nicobar administration is examining the feasibility of establishing a 1-GW data centre on Great Nicobar Island as part of the larger Great Nicobar Island Project. The proposed development has raised concerns among local communities and environmental groups because of its potential impact on the island’s fragile ecosystem.

Defence & Security Current Affairs

11. How many gallantry awards were announced by the Government for personnel of the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) on the eve of Independence Day 2026?

A. 58
B. 68
C. 78
D. 88

Answer: C. 78

Explanation: President Droupadi Murmu announced 78 gallantry awards for personnel of the Armed Forces and CAPFs on the eve of Independence Day 2026. The awards included Kirti Chakras, Shaurya Chakras, Sena Medals, Nao Sena Medals and Vayu Sena Medals.

12. Which of the following is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award in India?

A. Ashoka Chakra
B. Kirti Chakra
C. Shaurya Chakra
D. Sena Medal

Answer: B. Kirti Chakra

Explanation: The Kirti Chakra is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, awarded for conspicuous gallantry. Among the 78 gallantry awards announced in 2026 were nine Kirti Chakras, including seven posthumous awards.

13. The Government announced gallantry and service awards for which of the following categories of personnel on the eve of Independence Day 2026?

A. Armed Forces and CAPFs only
B. Armed Forces, CAPFs and CBI
C. Armed Forces, State Police and CBI only
D. Armed Forces, CAPFs, CBI and NIA

Answer: B. Armed Forces, CAPFs and CBI

Explanation: The government announced gallantry and service awards covering personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Separately, a large number of police personnel across the country were also recognised with gallantry and service medals.

Government Schemes Current Affairs

14. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on which occasion?

A. Republic Day, 2014
B. Independence Day, 2014
C. Gandhi Jayanti, 2014
D. Constitution Day, 2014

Answer: B. Independence Day, 2014

Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2014. The scheme was formally launched on August 28, 2014, with the objective of promoting financial inclusion by providing access to bank accounts, RuPay debit cards and insurance cover.

15. According to the article, approximately how many PMJDY accounts had been opened by July 2026?

A. 38 crore
B. 48 crore
C. 58 crore
D. 68 crore

Answer: C. 58 crore

Explanation: By July 2026, PMJDY accounts had crossed 58 crore, with deposits reaching around ₹3 lakh crore. More than half of the accounts are held by women, while roughly three-fourths are in rural and semi-urban areas, highlighting the scheme’s role in expanding financial inclusion.

16. Which of the following is a key feature associated with accounts opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?

A. Mandatory minimum balance
B. RuPay debit card facility
C. Compulsory income-tax registration
D. Mandatory investment in government securities

Answer: B. RuPay debit card facility

Explanation: PMJDY was designed to provide basic access to formal banking services, including a bank account and RuPay debit card, along with insurance-related benefits. The scheme has also become an important foundation for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and India’s wider digital financial infrastructure, including UPI.

17. Under which scheme is the Telangana government providing ₹5 lakh financial assistance for house construction to eligible beneficiaries?

A. Gruha Jyothi Scheme
B. Indiramma Indlu Scheme
C. Kalyana Lakshmi Scheme
D. Dalit Bandhu Scheme

Answer: B. Indiramma Indlu Scheme

Explanation: The Indiramma Indlu Scheme of the Telangana government provides ₹5 lakh financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries for constructing houses. However, the news highlights that rising construction costs have pushed the actual cost of many houses beyond the assistance amount, forcing beneficiaries to borrow or use their savings.

Appointments & Resignations Current Affairs

18. Who was elected as the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly?

A. Ramesh Jarkiholi
B. K. B. Koliwad
C. K. H. Muniyappa
D. G. B. Patil

Answer: B. K. B. Koliwad

Explanation: K. B. Koliwad was elected as the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The election took place amid objections from the Opposition, which raised concerns over the manner in which the Speaker was elected.

Sports Current Affairs

19. Who became the first Indian badminton player to win a gold medal at the BWF World Championships?

A. Saina Nehwal
B. P. V. Sindhu
C. Prakash Padukone
D. Jwala Gutta

Answer: B. P. V. Sindhu

Explanation: P. V. Sindhu created history by winning the women’s singles gold medal at the BWF World Championships in 2019, becoming the first Indian badminton player to win a World Championships title. Her victory came after she had previously won silver medals in 2017 and 2018.

20. Who was the first Indian to win a medal at the BWF World Championships?

A. Prakash Padukone
B. Saina Nehwal
C. P. V. Sindhu
D. Kidambi Srikanth

Answer: A. Prakash Padukone

Explanation: Prakash Padukone won a bronze medal in men’s singles at the BWF World Championships in 1983, becoming the first Indian to win a medal at the event. His achievement preceded India’s major World Championships successes in the 21st century.

Persons in News Current Affairs

21. Who became the first female cricketer of South Asian origin to play for the England women’s cricket team?

A. Isa Guha
B. Melanie Jones
C. Sarah Taylor
D. Charlotte Edwards

Answer: A. Isa Guha

Explanation: Isa Guha became the first female cricketer of South Asian origin to play for England. She later became a prominent cricket commentator and broadcaster. She was also part of England’s 2009 Women’s Cricket World Cup-winning team.

Art & Culture Current Affairs

22. A parliamentary panel has expressed concern over the slow pace of digitisation of manuscripts under which mission?

A. National Mission for Manuscripts
B. National Digital Library Mission
C. BharatNet Mission
D. National Archives Digitisation Mission

Answer: A. National Mission for Manuscripts

Explanation: A parliamentary panel expressed concern over the slow pace of digitisation of manuscripts under the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM). The mission seeks to preserve, document and digitise India’s manuscript heritage. The panel noted that a large number of manuscripts remain to be digitised and called for faster progress.

23. Kashmir willow bats received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in which year?

A. 2021
B. 2023
C. 2025
D. 2026

Answer: C. 2025

Explanation: Kashmir willow bats received the GI tag in 2025, providing recognition to the region’s traditional bat-making industry. The GI tag can help establish the authenticity and geographical identity of Kashmir willow bats and support the industry’s international market.

24. The Kanwar Yatra, discussed in the news, is primarily associated with devotees of which Hindu deity?

A. Vishnu
B. Shiva
C. Brahma
D. Hanuman

Answer: B. Shiva

Explanation: The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas. They collect sacred Ganga water, particularly from places such as Haridwar, and carry it in kanwars to offer at Shiva temples. The 2026 Kanwar Yatra began on July 30 and ended on August 11.