National Current Affairs From The Hindu

1. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, recently passed by Parliament seeks to bring the regulation and management of minerals mainly under whose control?

A. State governments
B. District administrations
C. Central Government
D. NITI Aayog

Answer: C. Central Government

Explanation: The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to increase the role of the Central Government in the regulation and management of minerals. The amendment is significant because mining and mineral resources are important sources of revenue and industrial raw materials. The Bill also proposes changes concerning mining-affected areas, rehabilitation and environmental protection.

2. Which Constitutional Amendment Act provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies?

A. 101st Constitutional Amendment Act
B. 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act
C. 106th Constitutional Amendment Act
D. 108th Constitutional Amendment Act

Answer: C. 106th Constitutional Amendment Act

Explanation: The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023, popularly associated with the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, provides for one-third (33%) reservation for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies and the Delhi Legislative Assembly. The reservation is to be implemented after a census followed by delimitation.

3. Which Supreme Court judgment is associated with the right of individuals to remain silent when participation in singing the National Anthem conflicts with their freedom of conscience?

A. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
B. Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala
C. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India
D. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India

Answer: B. Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala

Explanation: In the landmark Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986) case, the Supreme Court protected the rights of three schoolchildren who did not sing the National Anthem because of their religious beliefs, while they stood respectfully during its rendition. The judgment is an important precedent concerning freedom of conscience under Article 25.

International Current Affairs

4. India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit China for the 25th round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China on which issue?

A. Trade and investment
B. India-China boundary question
C. Water-sharing agreement
D. Defence procurement

Answer: B. India-China boundary question

Explanation: NSA Ajit Doval is expected to hold the 25th round of talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi under the Special Representatives mechanism on the India-China boundary question. The discussions are also expected to review the broader bilateral relationship, including border management and the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The talks come amid efforts toward gradual normalisation of India-China relations.

5. The India-China Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the Boundary Question was signed in which year?

A. 2003
B. 2004
C. 2005
D. 2007

Answer: C. 2005

Explanation: India and China signed the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the Boundary Question in 2005. It formed an important part of the framework for negotiations aimed at resolving the long-standing boundary dispute.

Science & Technology Current Affairs

6. Following the successful re-entry of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-I, which Indian organisation released guidelines for planned re-entry of space objects?

A. ISRO
B. IN-SPACe
C. DRDO
D. NSIL

Answer: B. IN-SPACe

Explanation: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) released guidelines for planned re-entry of space objects after the successful re-entry of Vikram-I. The guidelines aim to make private space operators more responsible for the environmental and safety consequences of objects returning through Earth’s atmosphere.

7. What is the agricultural model highlighted in Rajasthan that allows crops to be grown beneath solar panels?

A. Solar farming
B. Agrivoltaics
C. Hydroponic farming
D. Vertical farming

Answer: B. Agrivoltaics

Explanation: Agrivoltaics (APV) is a system in which agricultural crops are cultivated beneath or between elevated solar panels. It allows the same land to be used for both crop production and solar power generation, potentially providing farmers with an additional source of income.

Defence & Security Current Affairs

8. Which organisation has been highlighted as having the potential to make India a global hub for shipbuilding?

A. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
B. Yantra India Limited
C. Bharat Electronics Limited
D. Cochin Shipyard Limited

Answer: B. Yantra India Limited

Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the potential for India to become a major shipbuilding hub. The government is seeking to strengthen India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities as part of its broader push for self-reliance in defence and manufacturing.

Environment & Climate Change Current Affairs

9. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recently pulled up the Assam government over mining activities near which national park?

A. Manas National Park
B. Kaziranga National Park
C. Nameri National Park
D. Orang National Park

Answer: B. Kaziranga National Park

Explanation: The Central Empowered Committee, constituted by the Supreme Court, criticised the Assam government over alleged inaction regarding mining activities near the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. The issue concerns protection of wildlife habitats, elephant corridors and environmentally sensitive areas.

10. Kaziranga National Park is particularly famous for the conservation of which animal?

A. Asiatic lion
B. One-horned rhinoceros
C. Snow leopard
D. Nilgai

Answer: B. One-horned rhinoceros

Explanation: Kaziranga National Park in Assam is globally renowned for its population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. It is also an important habitat for elephants, tigers, wild water buffalo and several other species. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Government Schemes Current Affairs

11. The Uttar Pradesh government recently handed over a cashless healthcare card to which category of workers?

A. Anganwadi workers
B. Midday meal cooks
C. ASHA workers
D. Accredited social health activists

Answer: B. Midday meal cooks

Explanation: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath handed over cashless healthcare cards to midday meal cooks in Lucknow. The initiative aims to provide healthcare support to workers associated with the school midday meal programme.

12. What percentage of seats is reserved for women under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam?

A. 25%
B. 30%
C. 33%
D. 50%

Answer: C. 33%

Explanation: The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam provides reservation of approximately one-third (33%) of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Within the reserved seats, one-third is also reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

13. Which Central Government scheme is being linked with agrivoltaic solar projects to help farmers generate renewable energy and additional income?

A. PM-KUSUM
B. PM-KISAN
C. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
D. PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana

Answer: A. PM-KUSUM

Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) promotes solar energy use in agriculture, including decentralised solar power generation and solarisation of agricultural pumps. The article highlights its potential to support agrivoltaic projects, allowing farmers to combine agriculture with solar-energy generation.

Reports & Indices Current Affairs

14. According to the data discussed in the newspaper, which State recorded the highest average annual percentage-point increase in female labour force participation in the rural sector between 2019-20 and 2024-25?

A. Uttar Pradesh
B. West Bengal
C. Gujarat
D. Odisha

Answer: B. West Bengal

Explanation: The data based on PLFS 2024-25 show that West Bengal recorded the highest average annual percentage-point increase in rural female labour force participation among the States shown, at about 3.68 percentage points between 2019-20 and 2024-25.

Sports Current Affairs

15. Who became the first Frenchman to win the men’s singles title at the BWF World Championships?

A. Christo Popov
B. Alex Lanier
C. Thom Gicquel
D. Toma Junior Popov

Answer: B. Alex Lanier

Explanation: Alex Lanier created history by becoming the first Frenchman to win the men’s singles world title. He defeated Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in the final in New Delhi.

16. Who won the women’s singles title at the 2026 BWF World Championships?

A. Akane Yamaguchi
B. Wang Zhiyi
C. An Se-young
D. Carolina Marin

Answer: C. An Se-young

Explanation: South Korea’s An Se-young won her second BWF World Championship women’s singles title, defeating Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 21–17, 21–14. She had already won the Olympic title and is now among the most decorated active players in women’s singles badminton.

17. Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won which medal at the 2026 BWF World Championships?

A. Gold
B. Silver
C. Bronze
D. No medal

Answer: C. Bronze

Explanation: Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won the bronze medal in women’s doubles after reaching the semifinals. Their achievement marked India’s first women’s doubles medal at the BWF World Championships since 2011.

18. Which team won the 2026 Durand Cup, ending a 22-year wait for the trophy?

A. Mohun Bagan Super Giant
B. East Bengal FC
C. Bengaluru FC
D. NorthEast United FC

Answer: B. East Bengal FC

Explanation: East Bengal FC defeated arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4–1 in the final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The victory ended East Bengal’s 22-year wait for the Durand Cup and gave the club its 17th title, equalling Mohun Bagan’s record tally.

19. Who scored a hat-trick for East Bengal in the 2026 Durand Cup final?

A. Bipin Singh
B. Manvir Singh
C. Edmund Lalrindika
D. Mohammed Rashid

Answer: C. Edmund Lalrindika

Explanation: Edmund Lalrindika scored a spectacular hat-trick as East Bengal defeated Mohun Bagan 4–1. His three goals, together with Bipin Singh’s opener, secured East Bengal’s record-equalling 17th Durand Cup title.

20. Who won the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix in Formula 1?

A. Max Verstappen
B. Lando Norris
C. Oscar Piastri
D. Charles Leclerc

Answer: B. Lando Norris

Explanation: Lando Norris retained the Dutch Grand Prix title, continuing his strong record at the Zandvoort circuit. The race was part of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.

Important Days & Themes Current Affairs

21. August is observed internationally as which month in recognition of women? 

A. Women in Literature Month
B. Women in Translation Month
C. International Women’s Writing Month
D. Global Translation Month

Answer: B. Women in Translation Month

Explanation: August is observed as Women in Translation Month, highlighting works by women writers translated from languages other than English and recognising the role of translators in bringing diverse literary voices to wider audiences.

Art & Culture Current Affairs

22. Which two stanzas of Vande Mataram were recognised as the National Song of India?

A. First and second stanzas
B. Second and third stanzas
C. First and third stanzas
D. First and fourth stanzas

Answer: A. First and second stanzas

Explanation: The first two stanzas of Vande Mataram were recognised as the National Song of India. The decision was taken in the context of concerns about references to Hindu religious imagery in some of the later stanzas.

23. Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in which novel?

A. Durgeshnandini
B. Kapalkundala
C. Anandamath
D. Devi Chaudhurani

Answer: C. Anandamath

Explanation: Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and included in his 1882 novel Anandamath. The song later became a major symbol of India’s nationalist movement and was recognised as the National Song of India.