National Current Affairs From The Hindu

1. The Meghalaya Autonomous District Council recently approved amendments to bar which category of people from contesting district council elections?

A. Government employees
B. Foreign citizens
C. Non-tribals
D. Persons below 25 years of age

Answer: C. Non-tribals

Explanation: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) approved amendments to prevent non-tribals from contesting council elections. The move aims to protect the rights and interests of Scheduled Tribes under the provisions governing Autonomous District Councils.

2. A High-Level Committee (HLC) has been constituted by the Union Home Ministry to study demographic changes in which border region?

A. Indo-Myanmar border
B. Indo-Nepal border
C. Jammu region near the International Border and Line of Control
D. Rajasthan border with Pakistan

Answer: C. Jammu region near the International Border and Line of Control

Explanation: The Union Home Ministry has constituted a High-Level Committee to study demographic changes in villages along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu region. The committee will assess demographic trends and suggest measures for balanced regional development and security.

3. Which High Court recently ruled that prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after conviction for the predicate offence does not amount to double jeopardy?

A. Delhi High Court
B. Bombay High Court
C. Karnataka High Court
D. Madras High Court

Answer: C. Karnataka High Court

Explanation: The Karnataka High Court held that proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, after conviction for the scheduled (predicate) offence do not amount to a second trial or violate the constitutional protection against double jeopardy.

4. The Allahabad High Court recently upheld the religious conversion of two women, observing that the right to choose one’s faith is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?

A. Article 19
B. Article 21
C. Article 25
D. Article 32

Answer: C. Article 25

Explanation: The Allahabad High Court upheld the religious conversion of two women and reaffirmed that Article 25 guarantees every individual the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practise, and propagate religion, subject to constitutional restrictions.

5. The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, primarily seeks to establish a National Tribunals Commission for which purpose?

A. To hear appeals against Supreme Court judgments
B. To oversee the appointment and service conditions of tribunal members
C. To merge all tribunals into one national tribunal
D. To replace High Courts with tribunals

Answer: B. To oversee the appointment and service conditions of tribunal members

Explanation: The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 proposes the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission (NTC) to oversee appointments, infrastructure, administration, and service conditions of members of various tribunals. The objective is to improve transparency, efficiency, and uniformity in tribunal administration.

International Current Affairs

6. The Supreme Court of which country recently witnessed a change in the leadership of its security body after the Supreme Leader rejected its chief?

A. Iraq
B. Iran
C. Syria
D. Yemen

Answer: B. Iran

Explanation: Iran’s Supreme Leader rejected the head of the country’s security body, leading to changes in its command structure. The development reflects the influence of the Supreme Leader over Iran’s security and political institutions.

7. India recently donated five peacocks to which international organization headquartered in Geneva?

A. World Health Organization (WHO)
B. United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)
C. World Trade Organization (WTO)
D. International Labour Organization (ILO)

Answer: B. United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)

Explanation: India donated five peacocks, including a rare white peacock, to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). The gesture symbolizes India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and strengthens its cultural diplomacy.

8. India recently rejected China’s attempt to rename places in which Indian State?

A. Sikkim
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Uttarakhand
D. Himachal Pradesh

Answer: B. Arunachal Pradesh

Explanation: India firmly rejected China’s attempt to rename 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating that the State is an integral and inalienable part of India. Such unilateral actions by China have no legal validity in India’s position.

9. Which country’s Foreign Ministry recently termed India’s move to label places in Arunachal Pradesh as “illegal, null and void”?

A. Nepal
B. Pakistan
C. China
D. Bangladesh

Answer: C. China

Explanation: China criticised India’s decision to officially designate and label locations in Arunachal Pradesh, while India reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and rejected China’s claims.

Economy & Banking Current Affairs

10. Russia’s share in India’s oil imports increased to approximately what percentage in June 2026?

A. 28%
B. 35%
C. 48%
D. 60%

Answer: C. 48%

Explanation: Russia’s share in India’s crude oil imports rose to about 48% in June 2026, continuing its position as India’s largest crude oil supplier amid changing global energy trade patterns.

11. Which digital payment system did the Union Government clarify will continue to remain free for users?

A. NEFT
B. RTGS
C. UPI
D. IMPS

Answer: C. UPI

Explanation: While replying to the discussion on the Payment and Settlement Systems (Amendment) Bill, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that customers will not have to pay charges for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions. The government reiterated its commitment to promoting digital payments.

12. The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, which was recently amended by Parliament, was originally enacted in which year?

A. 2005
B. 2007
C. 2009
D. 2011

Answer: B. 2007

Explanation: Parliament passed the Payment and Settlement Systems (Amendment) Bill, which amends the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The Act provides the legal framework for the regulation and supervision of payment systems in India by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

13. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has sought relaxation of restrictions on airport-airline cross ownership from which authority?

A. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
B. Ministry of Civil Aviation
C. Competition Commission of India (CCI)
D. Parliament of India

Answer: D. Parliament of India

Explanation: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has requested the Government to relax statutory restrictions on airport-airline cross ownership. Since the provision is contained in law, any relaxation would require Parliamentary approval through legislative amendment.

14. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has partnered with which company for deepwater oil and gas exploration in India?

A. Cairn Oil & Gas
B. Reliance Industries Limited
C. Shell Energy India Private Limited
D. ExxonMobil India

Answer: C. Shell Energy India Private Limited

Explanation: ONGC has entered into a partnership with Shell Energy India Private Limited to collaborate on deepwater oil and gas exploration, aiming to enhance exploration capabilities and accelerate offshore energy development.

Science & Technology Current Affairs

15. Which State has the second-highest number of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in India, according to recent government data?

A. Maharashtra
B. Karnataka
C. Gujarat
D. Tamil Nadu

Answer: B. Karnataka

Explanation: According to government data, Karnataka has 6,805 EV charging stations, the second-highest in India. The State’s early adoption of electric mobility policies and charging infrastructure has contributed to its strong position.

16. Scientists are using satellite-linked tags on which marine animal to improve hurricane prediction?

A. Blue whale
B. Olive ridley turtle
C. Great white shark
D. Dolphin

Answer: C. Great white shark

Explanation: Researchers are attaching satellite-linked electronic tags to great white sharks to collect real-time ocean data such as temperature, salinity, and depth. These observations can improve hurricane forecasting by filling gaps in ocean measurements.

17. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed telecom operators to use the 1601-series number for which purpose?

A. Customer care services
B. OTP authentication
C. Promotional voice calls by service entities
D. Emergency communication

Answer: C. Promotional voice calls by service entities

Explanation: TRAI has mandated the use of the 1601-series numbering for promotional voice calls by banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, government departments, and other service providers. The move aims to help consumers distinguish promotional calls from genuine communication.

18. Which Indian private company has successfully developed the country’s first Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine?

A. Skyroot Aerospace
B. Agnikul Cosmos
C. Bellatrix Aerospace
D. SpaceFields Technologies

Answer: D. SpaceFields Technologies

Explanation: Bengaluru-based SpaceFields Technologies has become the first Indian private company to develop a Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine named EVEREST. FFSC technology is regarded as one of the most advanced and efficient rocket engine cycles and is currently mastered by only a few companies globally.

19. The Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) engine developed by SpaceFields Technologies uses which combination of propellants?

A. Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene
B. Liquid Hydrogen and Liquid Oxygen
C. Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Methane
D. Hydrazine and Nitrogen Tetroxide

Answer: C. Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Methane

Explanation: The EVEREST engine is a LOX-Methane Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) engine. This propellant combination offers high efficiency, cleaner combustion, reusability, and lower maintenance compared to many conventional rocket engines.

20. Which organisation has selected SpaceFields Technologies under the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) Technology Adoption Fund?

A. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
B. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
C. IN-SPACe
D. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)

Answer: C. IN-SPACe

Explanation: SpaceFields Technologies has been selected under the IN-SPACe Technology Adoption Fund to support the development of its FFSC rocket engine. IN-SPACe promotes and facilitates private sector participation in India’s space ecosystem.

Defence & Security Current Affairs

21. Tamil Nadu has constituted the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) to combat drug trafficking under which department?

A. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
B. Tamil Nadu Police Department
C. Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
D. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Answer: B. Tamil Nadu Police Department

Explanation: The Tamil Nadu Government has constituted the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) under the State Police Department to strengthen intelligence gathering, investigation, and enforcement against drug trafficking. The initiative has been backed by a financial allocation of ₹264 crore.

Environment & Climate Change Current Affairs

22. The Indian vulture (Gyps indicus), recently seen in the news, is classified under which IUCN Red List category?

A. Vulnerable
B. Endangered
C. Critically Endangered
D. Near Threatened

Answer: C. Critically Endangered

Explanation: A rescued Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) was released into the Sri Madderamaddevata Vulture Sanctuary in Karnataka. The species is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to rapid population decline caused mainly by diclofenac poisoning and habitat-related threats.

23. The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is spread across which two Indian States?

A. Karnataka and Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu and Kerala
C. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
D. Kerala and Goa

Answer: B. Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Explanation: The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is located in the southern Western Ghats and extends across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The recent news highlights concerns over the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) amid eviction notices issued in the reserve.

24. According to the 2025 Asian Lion Population Estimation, India’s Asiatic lion population has reached what number?

A. 745
B. 812
C. 891
D. 936

Answer: C. 891

Explanation: The 2025 Asian Lion Population Estimation recorded 891 Asiatic lions in India. The estimation used advanced techniques such as direct observation, camera trapping, and GIS-based mapping to assess the population.

25. Which country is the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) in the wild?

A. Kenya
B. South Africa
C. India
D. Iran

Answer: C. India

Explanation: The Asiatic lion survives in the wild only in India, primarily in and around the Gir landscape of Gujarat. The latest population estimate of 891 lions highlights the success of long-term conservation efforts.

26. The Government’s Green Energy Corridor (GEC) project is primarily aimed at facilitating the transmission of electricity generated from which source?

A. Thermal power plants
B. Nuclear power plants
C. Renewable energy sources
D. Hydroelectric power stations only

Answer: C. Renewable energy sources

Explanation: The Green Energy Corridor (GEC) project aims to strengthen India’s power transmission network for evacuating electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The third phase is currently awaiting Cabinet approval.

Government Schemes Current Affairs

27. The Union Home Ministry has recently added 11 new entry points for e-Visa holders, increasing the total number of authorised entry points to how many?

A. 72
B. 80
C. 88
D. 96

Answer: C. 88

Explanation: The Ministry of Home Affairs added 11 new immigration check posts for e-Visa holders, taking the total number of authorised entry points in India to 88, improving ease of travel for international visitors.

Reports & Indices Current Affairs

28. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India’s unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above increased to what level during April–June 2026?

A. 4.8%
B. 5.1%
C. 5.4%
D. 6.2%

Answer: C. 5.4%

Explanation: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reported that India’s unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above rose to 5.4% during April–June 2026, compared with 4.4% in the previous quarter.

29. According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, how many Indian institutions were featured in the rankings?

A. 38
B. 45
C. 52
D. 67

Answer: C. 52

Explanation: A total of 52 Indian institutions were featured in the QS World University Rankings 2027, an increase from 51 in the previous edition. The rankings evaluate universities on parameters such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research, and international outlook.

Appointments & Resignations Current Affairs

30. Who has been appointed as the head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC)?

A. Mohammad Bagher Zolqadr
B. Ahmad Vahidi
C. Mohsen Rezaei
D. Hossein Salami

Answer: C. Mohsen Rezaei

Explanation: Iran appointed Mohsen Rezaei as the head of its Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) as part of a broader restructuring of its security establishment. The SNSC is Iran’s highest body for national security and strategic decision-making.

Sports Current Affairs

31. How many medals did India win at the U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship held in Lagos, Nigeria?

A. 12
B. 15
C. 17
D. 21

Answer: C. 17

Explanation: India won 17 medals at the U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship in Lagos, Nigeria, including 4 gold, 4 silver, and 9 bronze medals, reflecting the country’s growing strength in fencing.

32. Which city will host the BWF World Championships 2026, for which the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Badminton Association of India (BAI) have upgraded facilities?

A. Hyderabad
B. New Delhi
C. Chennai
D. Mumbai

Answer: B. New Delhi

Explanation: India is set to host the BWF World Championships 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The venue has undergone major infrastructure upgrades, including improved lighting, air circulation, and bird-proofing measures to ensure smooth conduct of the event.

33. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), recently seen in the news, primarily functions as:

A. The disciplinary body of FIFA
B. The highest international tribunal for resolving sports-related disputes
C. A committee of the International Olympic Committee
D. A tribunal for anti-doping cases only

Answer: B. The highest international tribunal for resolving sports-related disputes

Explanation: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is an independent international body that settles sports-related disputes through arbitration. It was recently in the news after the Russian Athletics Federation filed an appeal.

34. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a new Super Series qualification system for the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup. Under the new format, which teams will compete in the qualification process?

A. Teams ranked 1st to 8th
B. Teams ranked 9th to 16th
C. Teams ranked 12th, 13th and 14th in the Super Series standings
D. Only Associate nations

Answer: C. Teams ranked 12th, 13th and 14th in the Super Series standings

Explanation: The ICC has introduced a revised qualification pathway under which the teams finishing 12th, 13th and 14th in the Super Series standings will enter the qualification process for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.

35. Which Indian golfer won the 2026 LIV Golf Chicago event to claim his third consecutive LIV Golf title?

A. Shubhankar Sharma
B. Anirban Lahiri
C. Rahil Gangjee
D. Jon Rahm

Answer: D. Jon Rahm

Explanation: Spain’s Jon Rahm won the LIV Golf Chicago tournament, securing his third consecutive LIV Golf title and strengthening his position as one of the leading golfers on the LIV circuit.

Art & Culture Current Affairs

36. Vande Mataram will be sung for the first time at which iconic monument during India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations?

A. India Gate
B. Parliament House
C. Red Fort
D. Rashtrapati Bhavan

Answer: C. Red Fort

Explanation: As part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, Vande Mataram will be sung at the Red Fort for the first time. The event marks a symbolic addition to the national celebrations.

37. The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly recently passed a resolution making which song mandatory to be sung first at government functions in the State?

A. Jana Gana Mana
B. Vande Mataram
C. Tamil Thai Vazhthu
D. Sare Jahan Se Achha

Answer: C. Tamil Thai Vazhthu

Explanation: The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution making Tamil Thai Vazhthu the mandatory opening song at all government functions, public institutions, universities, schools, and local bodies. Written by Manonmaniam Sundaranar, it is the official State song of Tamil Nadu.