National Current Affairs From The Hindu
1. The Supreme Court has directed that reforms at the National Testing Agency (NTA) must be enduring and not merely a knee-jerk response to examination irregularities. Who has been appointed to head the Centre’s task force for reforming the NTA?
A. K. Radhakrishnan
B. Nandan Nilekani
C. P. S. Narasimha
D. Amitabh Kant
Answer: B. Nandan Nilekani
Explanation: The Centre has constituted a task force chaired by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA). The Supreme Court emphasised that reforms should provide structural and systemic solutions to recurring problems in conducting public examinations, including issues related to paper leaks and examination security.
2. The Supreme Court recently questioned the Centre’s decision to constitute a committee under which former ISRO chairman to recommend reforms in the National Testing Agency?
A. S. Somanath
B. K. Sivan
C. K. Radhakrishnan
D. G. Madhavan Nair
Answer: C. K. Radhakrishnan
Explanation: A seven-member committee headed by former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan was constituted in 2024 to recommend structural reforms in the NTA. The Supreme Court has stressed the need for institutional and long-term reforms rather than temporary measures to address examination irregularities.
3. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed a national licence to practise medicine. Under the proposed system, doctors will be required to obtain registration and a licence to practise from whom?
A. State Medical Register only
B. National Medical Register
C. Indian Medical Council Register
D. National Health Professionals Register
Answer: B. National Medical Register
Explanation: The NMC has proposed amendments to create a system in which doctors obtain registration and a licence to practise through the National Medical Register (NMR). The draft regulations seek to establish a more uniform system of registration and licensing across India, while State Medical Councils would continue to play a role in registration and granting licences within their jurisdictions.
1. The Maharashtra government has announced that auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers will be required to demonstrate working knowledge of which language to retain their licences?
A. Hindi
B. Marathi
C. Gujarati
D. English
Answer: B. Marathi
Explanation: The Maharashtra Transport Department has announced amendments requiring auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to demonstrate working knowledge of Marathi. Drivers will initially receive a one-month grace period to learn the language. Failure to comply may eventually lead to suspension and cancellation of their licences. The move has been justified as an effort to promote Marathi among transport workers.
5. The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has passed a Bill to restore which system of election to urban local bodies?
A. Indirect election of Mayors and Chairpersons
B. Direct election of Mayors and Chairpersons
C. Nomination of Mayors by the Governor
D. Appointment of Mayors by the State Government
Answer: B. Direct election of Mayors and Chairpersons
Explanation: The Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporations and Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeking to restore the direct election of Mayors of municipal corporations and Chairpersons of municipalities and Nagar Panchayats. The amendment is aimed at changing the existing method of selecting these local representatives.
6. The Union Cabinet has approved four railway projects worth ₹9,450 crore. These projects are expected to add approximately how much to the railway network?
A. 538 km
B. 638 km
C. 738 km
D. 838 km
Answer: D. 838 km
Explanation: The Union Cabinet has approved four railway projects with a total estimated cost of ₹9,450 crore. The projects will add about 838 km to the railway network across West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. They are aimed at improving connectivity, decongesting routes and supporting economic activity.
7. The Union Cabinet’s recently approved railway projects will cover how many States?
A. Four
B. Five
C. Six
D. Seven
Answer: C. Six
Explanation: The four railway projects will cover six States — West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. The projects are expected to improve connectivity, ease congestion on existing routes and facilitate movement of passengers and freight.
8. Census 2027 is scheduled to be conducted in how many phases, according to the concerns raised by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh?
A. One phase
B. Two phases
C. Three phases
D. Four phases
Answer: B. Two phases
Explanation: Census 2027 is planned in two phases. Jairam Ramesh raised concerns over the proposed inclusion of the caste-related component and questions surrounding the timing and methodology of the exercise. Census 2027 is significant because it is expected to include a caste enumeration component.
9. Which new component is proposed to be included in Census 2027, making it particularly significant for socio-economic data collection?
A. Household income survey
B. Caste enumeration
C. Agricultural census
D. Migration census
Answer: B. Caste enumeration
Explanation: Caste enumeration is proposed to be part of Census 2027. The inclusion is politically and administratively significant because it could provide updated nationwide data on the distribution of different caste groups and potentially influence policies relating to reservation, welfare and social justice.
10. The Supreme Court has previously dealt with the issue of a Hindu man marrying again after converting to Islam in which landmark case?
A. Shah Bano v. Union of India
B. Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India
C. Shayara Bano v. Union of India
D. Joseph Shine v. Union of India
Answer: B. Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India
Explanation: In Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India (1995), the Supreme Court held that conversion to Islam does not automatically dissolve a Hindu marriage and that a Hindu husband cannot contract a second marriage merely by converting to Islam while the first marriage remains valid. The case remains an important precedent concerning personal law, marriage and religious conversion.
International Current Affairs
11. Bangladesh is scheduled to hold its first presidential election after a gap of how many years?
A. 25 years
B. 30 years
C. 35 years
D. 40 years
Answer: C. 35 years
Explanation: Bangladesh is scheduled to hold a presidential election after a 35-year gap. The election follows the removal of the previous President and the political transition in the country. The development is significant in the context of Bangladesh’s evolving political and constitutional system.
12. India plans to build a hospital in which Palestinian territory and deploy a field hospital in Gaza?
A. Gaza and West Bank
B. West Bank and Gaza
C. Jerusalem and Gaza
D. West Bank and East Jerusalem
Answer: B. West Bank and Gaza
Explanation: India plans to build a hospital in the West Bank and deploy a field hospital in Gaza as part of its humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. The initiative reflects India’s continued humanitarian engagement with Palestine, particularly in the health sector, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Economy & Banking Current Affairs
13. What is T-GNA, mentioned in the context of renewable energy transmission constraints in India?
A. A long-term renewable energy subsidy programme
B. A short-term arrangement allowing renewable energy to use available inter-State transmission capacity
C. A national green hydrogen trading platform
D. A renewable energy generation incentive scheme
Answer: B. A short-term arrangement allowing renewable energy to use available inter-State transmission capacity
Explanation: T-GNA (Temporary General Network Access) is a short-term arrangement that allows renewable energy projects to use available inter-State transmission capacity, typically for periods ranging from a single time block to about 11 months. However, prolonged use can expose renewable projects to curtailment when transmission capacity is inadequate.
14. The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the policy repo rate unchanged at what level in its latest meeting?
A. 5.00%
B. 5.25%
C. 5.50%
D. 5.75%
Answer: B. 5.25%
Explanation: The RBI’s MPC kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%. The latest MPC minutes indicate that the scope for further rate cuts has narrowed as inflation has picked up. The RBI’s policy stance is therefore increasingly focused on assessing incoming inflation and growth data before considering further easing.
15. According to the RBI’s MPC minutes, what was the average retail inflation rate projected for the current financial year?
A. 2.75%
B. 3.25%
C. 3.75%
D. 4.25%
Answer: C. 3.75%
Explanation: The MPC minutes noted that average retail inflation for the current financial year was projected at around 3.75%. The RBI has been closely monitoring the inflation trajectory while balancing price stability with economic growth.
16. SEBI has introduced the Closing Auction Session (CAS) primarily to achieve what objective?
A. Increase foreign investment in Indian markets
B. Reduce stock-market manipulation and improve price discovery
C. Reduce brokerage charges
D. Increase the trading hours of stock exchanges
Answer: B. Reduce stock-market manipulation and improve price discovery
Explanation: The Closing Auction Session (CAS) is being introduced to strengthen the price-discovery process at the end of the trading day and help address concerns over manipulation of closing prices. SEBI is seeking to make the closing price less vulnerable to artificial trading activity and market manipulation.
17. SEBI’s Closing Auction Session (CAS) is primarily designed to improve what aspect of stock-market functioning?
A. Liquidity management
B. Price discovery
C. Foreign exchange management
D. Dividend distribution
Answer: B. Price discovery
Explanation: SEBI’s Closing Auction Session (CAS) is a 20-minute auction mechanism designed to determine the closing price of securities more transparently. It aims to improve price discovery and reduce the scope for manipulation of closing prices by preventing a few trades near the end of regular trading from disproportionately influencing the final price.
Science & Technology Current Affairs
18. Pilot plants in Odisha are being established to extract valuable rare earth elements from which source?
A. Seawater
B. Coal and industrial waste
C. Granite deposits
D. Agricultural waste
Answer: B. Coal and industrial waste
Explanation: Pilot plants are being established in Odisha to recover rare earth elements from industrial waste, particularly coal ash and other waste materials. The initiative involves institutions including the National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) and aims to develop technologies for recovering critical minerals from waste. Rare earth elements are important for high-tech industries, renewable energy, electronics and defence applications.
19. Which organisation is establishing a pilot plant in Odisha to extract rare earth elements from industrial waste?
A. Indian Rare Earths Limited
B. National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
C. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
D. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Answer: B. National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
Explanation: NALCO is establishing pilot plants in Odisha for recovering valuable rare earth elements from industrial waste. The project involves collaboration with institutions such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and aims to develop economically viable methods for recovering critical minerals from waste materials.
Defence & Security Current Affairs
20. Who is the Japanese Defence Minister scheduled to hold talks with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh?
A. Taro Kono
B. Yasukazu Hamada
C. Shinjiro Koizumi
D. Yoshimasa Hayashi
Answer: C. Shinjiro Koizumi
Explanation: Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is scheduled to hold talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. The discussions are expected to focus on bilateral defence and security cooperation, defence equipment and technology cooperation, and the broader India-Japan strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
Environment & Climate Change Current Affairs
21. The Supreme Court has directed the Education Department to include practical lessons on which subject in school and college curricula?
A. Water conservation
B. Solid waste management
C. Disaster management
D. Climate change
Answer: B. Solid waste management
Explanation: The Supreme Court has directed the Education Department to integrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of solid waste management into school and higher-education curricula. The Court emphasised that students can help educate their families and communities about responsible waste disposal and that waste management is a collective responsibility, not merely the task of sanitation workers.
22. According to ICRA, approximately what percentage of India’s renewable energy capacity is affected by curtailment in the northern, western and southern regions?
A. 17%
B. 27%
C. 37%
D. 47%
Answer: C. 37%
Explanation: ICRA estimates that around 37% of renewable energy capacity in the northern, western and southern regions is affected by curtailment. Curtailment occurs when power generators are forced to reduce or stop electricity production because of grid congestion or oversupply. Insufficient transmission infrastructure has therefore emerged as a major constraint on India’s renewable-energy expansion.
23. Renewable energy, including large hydro, is estimated to account for more than what share of India’s electricity generation by 2029–30?
A. 20%
B. 25%
C. 30%
D. 35%
Answer: D. 35%
Explanation: According to ICRA, renewable energy, including large hydro, is expected to account for more than 35% of India’s electricity generation by 2029–30, compared with about 22% in 2024–25. However, inadequate transmission infrastructure, delays in power-purchase agreements and financing issues could constrain the pace of renewable-energy expansion.
24. What is the major concern associated with the rapid expansion of solar irrigation in groundwater-stressed regions?
A. Increased soil salinity due to solar panels
B. Excessive extraction of groundwater
C. Reduction in agricultural land
D. Increased carbon emissions from solar pumps
Answer: B. Excessive extraction of groundwater
Explanation: Solar pumps reduce the cost of pumping groundwater because farmers do not have to pay the full electricity or diesel cost. This can unintentionally encourage over-extraction of groundwater, especially when farmers have little financial incentive to conserve water. The article argues that solar irrigation policies should therefore be linked with groundwater management.
25. The Supreme Court recently pulled up the Tamil Nadu government over encroachment in which ecologically sensitive region?
A. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
B. Agasthyamalai region
C. Gulf of Mannar region
D. Eastern Ghats region
Answer: B. Agasthyamalai region
Explanation: The Supreme Court criticised the Tamil Nadu government for failing to effectively deal with encroachments in the Agasthyamalai region. The Court directed authorities to identify and remove illegal structures and stressed the need to protect ecologically sensitive areas, including forest land. The case highlights the conflict between environmental conservation and encroachment-related livelihood issues.
26. The Supreme Court case concerning encroachments in the Agasthyamalai region involves which important protected area in Tamil Nadu?
A. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
B. Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
C. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
D. Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Answer: B. Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Explanation: The Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) is an important protected area in southern Tamil Nadu and forms part of the ecologically significant Agasthyamalai landscape. The region is recognised for its rich biodiversity and forest ecosystems. The Supreme Court’s intervention focuses on protecting these environmentally sensitive areas from encroachment.
Government Schemes Current Affairs
27. The Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN), which has become a subject of political debate, is primarily associated with what?
A. Providing permanent government jobs through UPSC
B. Hiring contractual manpower for government departments
C. Providing loans to small industries
D. Conducting skill-development examinations
Answer: B. Hiring contractual manpower for government departments
Explanation: The Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN) is a government mechanism for engaging manpower on a contractual basis in government departments and institutions. The issue has recently drawn political attention over the regularisation and employment conditions of workers hired through the system.
28. The Tamil Nadu government has increased the health insurance coverage under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme from ₹5 lakh to what amount?
A. ₹10 lakh
B. ₹15 lakh
C. ₹20 lakh
D. ₹25 lakh
Answer: D. ₹25 lakh
Explanation: Tamil Nadu has increased the maximum health insurance coverage under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh. The expanded coverage is intended to provide greater financial protection for beneficiaries requiring costly medical treatment, including major surgeries and cancer care.
29. Under which scheme has India installed over 2.5 million solar pumps over the past five years to promote solar-powered irrigation?
A. PM-KUSUM
B. PM-Kisan
C. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
D. National Solar Mission
Answer: A. PM-KUSUM
Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme promotes solar energy use in agriculture, including solar-powered irrigation pumps. Over 2.5 million solar pumps have been installed under the programme. However, the article highlights that poorly designed incentives can encourage excessive groundwater extraction, particularly in groundwater-stressed regions.
Sports Current Affairs
30. Who became the first Indian left-arm spinner to take a 10-wicket haul in a Test match?
A. Ravindra Jadeja
B. Axar Patel
C. Manav Suthar
D. Kuldeep Yadav
Answer: C. Manav Suthar
Explanation: Manav Suthar produced a match-winning performance against Sri Lanka, taking 10 wickets in the Test. He became the first Indian left-arm spinner to achieve a 10-wicket haul in a Test match. His performance was crucial to India’s 10-wicket victory at Galle.
Summits & Conferences Current Affairs
31. The Southern Zonal Council meeting to be chaired by Amit Shah is being held in which State?
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C. Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to chair the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu. The Southern Zonal Council comprises Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Zonal Council meetings provide a platform for States and the Centre to discuss issues of common and regional interest.
Leave a Comment