National Current Affairs From The Hindu

1. Which High Court recently held that wearing a hijab is not an essential religious practice in Islam?

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

Answer: C. Allahabad High Court

Explanation: The Allahabad High Court observed that wearing a hijab is not an essential religious practice in Islam while dealing with a petition concerning a Muslim student and the requirement to wear a school uniform. The ruling raises important issues concerning religious practices, educational institutions and constitutional rights.

2. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has directed Karnataka to release how much water per day to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days?

A. 5,000 cusecs
B. 7,500 cusecs
C. 9,000 cusecs
D. 12,000 cusecs

Answer: C. 9,000 cusecs

Explanation: The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed Karnataka to release 9,000 cusecs of water a day for 15 days to Tamil Nadu. The decision came amid a dispute over Karnataka’s water release and the Cauvery basin’s water availability. Karnataka had a backlog of about 17.49 TMC as of August 23 against its required release.

International Current Affairs

3. India and China agreed to push for progress on border delimitation during the 25th Special Representatives’ talks. Who represented India at the talks?

A. S. Jaishankar
B. Ajit Doval
C. Vikram Misri
D. Rajnath Singh

Answer: B. Ajit Doval

Explanation: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval represented India at the 25th meeting of the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question in Beijing. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi represented China. Both sides stressed maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border and agreed to work towards further progress on the boundary question. The two sides also discussed maintaining the momentum in improving bilateral relations.

4. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with his Russian counterpart in Moscow. Which major issue was discussed during the meeting?

A. Russia’s membership in SAARC
B. India-Russia bilateral relations and global issues
C. India-China maritime cooperation
D. Russia’s participation in QUAD

Answer: B. India-Russia bilateral relations and global issues

Explanation: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Discussions covered bilateral relations, global challenges and international developments, including issues related to the Ukraine conflict and wider geopolitical developments.

5. India spent approximately how much on STEM education in the U.S. during 2024-25, according to the report on H-1B dependence?

A. $500 million
B. $750 million
C. $1 billion
D. $2 billion

Answer: C. $1 billion

Explanation: India spent approximately $1 billion on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in the U.S. during 2024-25. The report also highlights India’s significant contribution to the U.S. technology workforce through H-1B visa holders.

6. The U.S. H-1B visa programme is primarily associated with which category of workers?

A. Seasonal agricultural workers
B. Highly skilled foreign workers in specialised occupations
C. Refugees and asylum seekers
D. Temporary construction workers

Answer: B. Highly skilled foreign workers in specialised occupations

Explanation: The H-1B visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa that allows American employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, particularly in fields such as technology, engineering, mathematics and other highly skilled sectors. India is a major source of H-1B workers.

7. Iran and Oman have discussed establishing a temporary path for which strategic waterway?

A. Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
B. Strait of Malacca
C. Strait of Hormuz
D. Bosporus Strait

Answer: C. Strait of Hormuz

Explanation: Iran and Oman discussed a temporary framework involving a mine-clearing and transit mechanism in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is strategically important because a significant share of global oil and gas shipments passes through it.

8. Why is the Strait of Hormuz strategically important in the context of the Iran-Gulf conflict?

A. It is the world’s busiest passenger shipping route
B. It is a major route for global oil and gas shipments
C. It connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
D. It is the headquarters of OPEC

Answer: B. It is a major route for global oil and gas shipments

Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints. A substantial share of global oil and LNG shipments passes through it, making any disruption there a major concern for global energy markets.

Economy & Banking Current Affairs

9. The Centre is considering adding how many vessels to the Indian merchant fleet as part of a plan to expand the country’s shipping capacity?

A. 50 vessels
B. 75 vessels
C. 100 vessels
D. 150 vessels

Answer: C. 100 vessels

Explanation: The Centre is considering a plan to add 100 vessels to India’s merchant fleet over the next five years. The initiative is aimed at strengthening India’s shipping capacity, reducing dependence on foreign-flagged vessels and supporting India’s maritime trade.

10. According to the data released by NPCI, what was the value of UPI transactions in India in FY 2025-26?

A. ₹214 lakh crore
B. ₹264 lakh crore
C. ₹314 lakh crore
D. ₹364 lakh crore

Answer: C. ₹314 lakh crore

Explanation: UPI transactions crossed ₹314 lakh crore in value in FY 2025-26, reflecting the rapid expansion of digital payments in India. UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has become a major component of India’s digital payment ecosystem.

11. According to the latest RBI bulletin, what is the current state of domestic demand in India?

A. It has weakened considerably
B. It remains buoyant
C. It has entered a recessionary phase
D. It has remained stagnant

Answer: B. It remains buoyant

Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bulletin observed that domestic demand remains buoyant, supported by indicators such as vehicle sales and petroleum product consumption. The RBI also noted that economic activity remains resilient despite global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

Science & Technology Current Affairs

12. According to the latest report, approximately what percentage of Influenza A cases in India are caused by H1N1?

A. 50%
B. 75%
C. 90%
D. 98%

Answer: D. 98%

Explanation: According to data cited by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), H1N1 accounts for nearly 98% of Influenza A cases in India. H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza A virus and can cause respiratory illness ranging from mild symptoms to severe disease.

13. China’s Chang’e-7 mission, mentioned in the report, is planned to explore which region of the Moon?

A. The lunar equatorial region
B. The far side of the Moon
C. The Moon’s south polar region
D. The Moon’s north polar region

Answer: C. The Moon’s south polar region

Explanation: China’s Chang’e-7 mission is planned as a major lunar exploration mission targeting the Moon’s south polar region. The mission is expected to investigate the region’s environment and resources, including the search for water ice, which is important for future lunar exploration.

Defence & Security Current Affairs

14. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed security agencies to identify and eliminate threats before they become major problems. Which organisation’s 60th Raising Day did he attend?

A. Research and Analysis Wing
B. Intelligence Bureau
C. Central Reserve Police Force
D. National Investigation Agency

Answer: B. Intelligence Bureau

Explanation: Amit Shah addressed the 60th Raising Day of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and emphasised strengthening intelligence-gathering and counter-terrorism capabilities. He stressed the need to identify emerging security threats at an early stage and prevent them from developing into major challenges.

15. The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have warned that the world is dangerously close to what major development in warfare?

A. Fully autonomous nuclear weapons
B. Autonomous weapons that can select and attack human targets
C. Space-based missile warfare
D. Complete replacement of conventional armies by drones

Answer: B. Autonomous weapons that can select and attack human targets

Explanation: The UN and ICRC have warned that the world is moving dangerously close to the use of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), often described as “killer robots.” These systems can potentially select and engage targets without direct human intervention, raising serious ethical and international humanitarian law concerns.

Environment & Climate Change Current Affairs

16. The 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) of which UN convention was held in Mongolia?

A. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
B. UN Convention on Biological Diversity
C. UN Convention to Combat Desertification
D. UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Answer: C. UN Convention to Combat Desertification

Explanation: COP17 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The conference focused on drought resilience, land degradation, desertification, sustainable land management and restoration of degraded ecosystems.

17. The Supreme Court has observed that the Aravalli hills panel failed to conduct an adequate scientific assessment. Which State is particularly associated with the Aravalli range mentioned in the report?

A. Kerala
B. Rajasthan
C. Bihar
D. Odisha

Answer: B. Rajasthan

Explanation: The Aravalli Range, one of India’s oldest mountain systems, extends mainly through Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, with its southern extension reaching Gujarat. The Supreme Court flagged concerns over the adequacy of the scientific assessment concerning the Aravallis, including ecological and environmental implications.

Sports Current Affairs

18. Who won the prestigious Kaniz Open Chess tournament in Hungary in August 2026?

A. Mayank Chakraborty
B. Pranav Venkatesh
C. Pranesh M
D. Arjun Erigaisi

Answer: C. Pranesh M

Explanation: Indian Grandmaster Pranesh M won the prestigious Kaniz Open Chess tournament in Hungary. He finished with 7 points from 9 games, securing the title after a strong performance.

19. Which Indian chess players won the Asian Junior Chess Championship titles in 2026?

A. Mayank Chakraborty and Pratite Routh
B. Pranesh M and Divya Deshmukh
C. R Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali Rameshbabu
D. Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy

Answer: A. Mayank Chakraborty and Pratite Routh

Explanation: Mayank Chakraborty and Pratite Routh won the open and girls’ sections respectively at the Asian Junior Chess Championship in Malaysia. Their victories added to India’s strong presence in international junior chess.

20. The second Commonwealth Youth Sports Championships are scheduled to be held in which Indian city in 2026?

A. New Delhi
B. Ahmedabad
C. Mumbai
D. Bengaluru

Answer: B. Ahmedabad

Explanation: Ahmedabad will host the second Commonwealth Youth Sports Championships from October 7 to 10, 2026. The event will feature young athletes from Commonwealth nations competing across multiple sports.

21. Which Indian judoka won India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games judo gold medal in the women’s 48 kg category?

A. Yashpal Solanki
B. Asmita
C. Yami Dangi
D. Tulika Maan

Answer: B. Asmita

Explanation: Asmita created history by winning India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games judo gold medal in the women’s 48 kg category at Glasgow. Her victory came after a bout that went into the Golden Score, where she secured the winning action.

22. Which Indian judoka won a historic gold medal in the men’s event at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games?

A. Vijay Kumar Yadav
B. Harsh
C. Jiwon Kumar
D. Deepak

Answer: B. Harsh

Explanation: Indian judoka Harsh won the second historic judo gold for India at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. His victory, along with Asmita’s gold, gave India two gold medals in judo, contributing to India’s record of four judo medals at the Games.

23. At the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, India won how many medals in judo, including how many gold medals?

A. 2 medals, including 1 gold
B. 3 medals, including 1 gold
C. 4 medals, including 2 gold
D. 5 medals, including 2 gold

Answer: C. 4 medals, including 2 gold

Explanation: India won four judo medals at Glasgow, including two historic gold medals. The success strengthened the case for judo’s continued inclusion in the Commonwealth Games and highlighted India’s growing strength in the sport.