Daily Current Affairs from The Hindu for 11 July 2026
1. The Government of India has admitted that the use of E20 fuel may reduce the fuel economy of some vehicles by approximately:
A. 1–2%
B. 3–5%
C. 8–10%
D. More than 15%
Answer: B. 3–5%
Explanation: The Centre acknowledged that vehicles using E20 (20% ethanol-blended petrol) may experience a 3–5% reduction in mileage because ethanol has a lower energy content than petrol. However, the government maintains that the programme will reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions, and support domestic ethanol production.
E20 is a blend consisting of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. India is promoting ethanol blending under the National Biofuel Policy to enhance energy security, reduce dependence on imported crude oil, and improve environmental sustainability.
2. Which group of premier institutions has sought exemption from the proposed Visakha Bhattacharya Higher Education Bill?
A. IITs, IIMs and Central Universities
B. AIIMS and NITs only
C. IISERs and State Universities only
D. Private Universities only
Answer: A. IITs, IIMs and Central Universities
Explanation: Premier institutions including IITs, IIMs, IISERs and Central Universities have expressed concerns over the proposed legislation, arguing that it could dilute their statutory autonomy in matters of governance, academics, and administration.
3. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) mentioned in the news was constituted to examine which Bill?
A. Waqf (Amendment) Bill
B. Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026
C. Digital Personal Data Protection Bill
D. Public Examinations Bill
Answer: B. Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026
Explanation: A Joint Parliamentary Committee examines important Bills in detail before they are considered by Parliament. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India raised concerns over certain provisions of the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
A Joint Parliamentary Committee is formed by Parliament and consists of members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. It examines specific Bills or issues and submits recommendations to Parliament.
4. Which constitutional provision is at the centre of the controversy over the proposed strict rules against polygamy practitioners in Assam government jobs?
A. Article 19
B. Article 21
C. Article 25
D. Article 32
Answer: C. Article 25
Explanation: The Assam government has proposed denying government jobs and certain benefits to individuals practising polygamy. The proposal has triggered debate because Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, subject to public order, morality, health, and other constitutional provisions.
5. The Ken–Betwa River Linking Project, recently seen in the news due to protests, primarily aims to link which two river basins?
A. Godavari and Krishna
B. Ken and Betwa
C. Narmada and Tapi
D. Mahanadi and Godavari
Answer: B. Ken and Betwa
Explanation: The Ken–Betwa River Linking Project is India’s first river interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan. It seeks to transfer surplus water from the Ken River to the water-deficit Betwa basin, benefiting Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
6. The Ken–Betwa River Linking Project is being implemented under which national programme?
A. Jal Jeevan Mission
B. National Perspective Plan for Interlinking of Rivers
C. Namami Gange Programme
D. Atal Bhujal Yojana
Answer: B. National Perspective Plan for Interlinking of Rivers
Explanation: The Ken–Betwa project is the first major river-linking project being executed under the National Perspective Plan for Interlinking of Rivers, which aims to improve water availability and irrigation through inter-basin water transfer.
7. The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), recently seen in the news, is implemented by which Union Ministry?
A. Ministry of Rural Development
B. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
C. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
D. Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Answer: A. Ministry of Rural Development
Explanation: NSAP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development. It provides financial assistance to elderly persons, widows, and persons with disabilities belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
8. The Prime Minister’s visit to New Zealand is expected to strengthen cooperation under which multilateral grouping?
A. BRICS
B. BIMSTEC
C. Indo-Pacific framework
D. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Answer: C. Indo-Pacific framework
Explanation: During his visit to New Zealand, the Prime Minister is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, education, technology, maritime security, and the broader Indo-Pacific region, which has emerged as a key strategic focus.
9. Which constitutional provision empowers the Supreme Court and High Courts to punish for contempt of court?
A. Articles 129 and 215
B. Articles 32 and 226
C. Articles 141 and 142
D. Articles 124 and 214
Answer: A. Articles 129 and 215
Explanation: Article 129 declares the Supreme Court a Court of Record with the power to punish for contempt of itself, while Article 215 grants the same power to High Courts. These provisions ensure the authority and dignity of the judiciary.
10. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, mentioned in the context of demands for a judicial probe into an alleged encounter, established which statutory body?
A. National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
B. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
C. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)
D. National Commission for Women (NCW)
Answer: B. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Explanation: The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 established the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), State Human Rights Commissions, and Human Rights Courts to protect and promote human rights in India.
11. Under the proposed recommendations, suspension of a constitutional functionary would be triggered after judicial custody for more than:
A. 15 days
B. 30 days
C. 60 days
D. 90 days
Answer: B. 30 days
Explanation: The proposed framework recommends suspension, rather than removal, if a constitutional functionary remains in judicial custody for more than 30 days, while ensuring that due process and the presumption of innocence are respected.
12. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), recently in the news, primarily regulates:
A. Election expenditure by political parties
B. Foreign investment in listed companies
C. Acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals and organisations
D. Foreign trade and customs duties
Answer: C. Acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals and organisations
Explanation: The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 regulates the acceptance and use of foreign contributions and foreign hospitality by individuals, associations, and NGOs to ensure that such funds do not adversely affect national interests.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for implementing and administering the FCRA. Organisations receiving foreign contributions must obtain registration or prior permission from the Ministry.
13. Which Article of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to decide substantial questions relating to the interpretation of the Constitution through a Constitution Bench?
A. Article 136
B. Article 141
C. Article 145(3)
D. Article 226
Answer: C. Article 145(3)
Explanation: Article 145(3) mandates that a minimum of five judges must hear any case involving a substantial question of law regarding the interpretation of the Constitution. Such cases are decided by a Constitution Bench.
14. The Union government amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 to regulate medicinal formulations containing more than what percentage of alcohol by volume?
A. 5%
B. 8%
C. 12%
D. 20%
Answer: C. 12%
Explanation: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 to strengthen regulation of medicinal formulations containing more than 12% alcohol by volume. Manufacturers must obtain appropriate licences and maintain stricter records to prevent misuse.
The Drugs Rules, 1945 were framed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. They regulate the manufacture, sale, distribution, and quality standards of drugs and cosmetics in India.
15. The Supreme Court recently expressed concern over delays in criminal trials, observing that prolonged incarceration without timely trials affects which fundamental right?
A. Right to Equality under Article 14
B. Right to Freedom of Religion under Article 25
C. Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21
D. Right against Exploitation under Article 23
Answer: C. Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21
Explanation: The Supreme Court observed that prolonged incarceration due to delayed criminal trials violates the spirit of Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, including the right to a speedy trial.
16. The ‘Right to Speedy Trial’, recently highlighted by the Supreme Court, has been interpreted as part of which constitutional provision?
A. Article 19
B. Article 21
C. Article 32
D. Article 39A
Answer: B. Article 21
Explanation: Although not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court has consistently held that the Right to Speedy Trial is an integral part of the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21.
17. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) clarified that no app can block calls from which number series meant for government communication?
A. 1400
B. 1600
C. 1800
D. 1900
Answer: B. 1600
Explanation: TRAI stated that calls originating from the 1600 number series, earmarked for genuine government service communications, cannot be blocked by third-party applications. The series has been designated to help citizens identify authentic government calls.
TRAI was established under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 to regulate telecom services, protect consumer interests, and ensure orderly growth of the telecommunications sector.
18. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, whose first batch of pilgrims reached Tibet, enters Tibet through which pass?
A. Nathu La Pass
B. Lipulekh Pass
C. Shipki La Pass
D. Jelep La Pass
Answer: B. Lipulekh Pass
Explanation: The first batch of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims entered Tibet through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. The pass connects India with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region and is one of the designated routes for the pilgrimage.
19. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, which country recorded the highest number of deaths due to terrorism in 2024?
A. Afghanistan
B. Pakistan
C. Burkina Faso
D. Syria
Answer: C. Burkina Faso
Explanation: The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 reported that Burkina Faso remained the country most affected by terrorism, accounting for a significant share of global terrorism-related deaths, largely due to the activities of extremist groups operating in the Sahel region.
The Global Terrorism Index is published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). It measures the impact of terrorism across countries using indicators such as incidents, deaths, injuries, and hostage-taking.
20. The Sahel region, frequently mentioned in discussions on global terrorism, is located in:
A. South America
B. Southeast Asia
C. Africa
D. Central Europe
Answer: C. Africa
Explanation: The Sahel is a semi-arid region stretching across Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have witnessed a sharp rise in terrorist activities in recent years.
21. Financial inclusion in India has been significantly strengthened through which initiative aimed at providing universal access to banking services?
A. Stand Up India
B. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
C. Startup India
D. PM SVANidhi
Answer: B. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Explanation: Launched in 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) aims to ensure universal access to banking facilities, financial literacy, insurance, pension, and direct benefit transfers, making it the world’s largest financial inclusion programme.
22. Which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is most directly linked to promoting universal access to financial services?
A. SDG 1 – No Poverty
B. SDG 4 – Quality Education
C. SDG 13 – Climate Action
D. SDG 15 – Life on Land
Answer: A. SDG 1 – No Poverty
Explanation: Expanding access to affordable financial services is a key target under SDG 1 (No Poverty). Financial inclusion enables savings, credit, insurance, and secure transactions, helping reduce poverty and improve economic resilience.
23. The proposed Parandur Greenfield Airport project is located in which State?
A. Karnataka
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Telangana
Answer: C. Tamil Nadu
Explanation: The proposed Parandur Greenfield Airport is planned in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is intended to serve as Chennai’s second airport to meet the city’s growing aviation demand.
24. Under current Indian guidelines, mechanised fishing vessels generally require a vessel length of at least how many metres to venture into deep-sea fishing?
A. 12 metres
B. 18 metres
C. 24 metres
D. 30 metres
Answer: C. 24 metres
Explanation: According to the report, Indian regulations generally permit 24-metre or longer mechanised fishing vessels to undertake deep-sea fishing, as they are better equipped to withstand rough sea conditions.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is the nodal ministry for fisheries development in India. It implements programmes aimed at improving fish production, fishermen’s welfare, and the blue economy.
25. Equity mutual fund (MF) inflows in India increased by 26.5% in June 2026 to approximately:
A. ₹18,450 crore
B. ₹22,973 crore
C. ₹28,973 crore
D. ₹35,500 crore
Answer: C. ₹28,973 crore
Explanation: According to the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), equity mutual funds recorded net inflows of ₹28,973 crore in June 2026, a 26.5% increase over May, driven by easing geopolitical tensions and strong retail participation.
26. Under the India–U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), India has allowed concessional imports of up to how many Completely Built Units (CBUs) of petrol, diesel and electric vehicles annually?
A. 10,000 units
B. 15,000 units
C. 20,000 units
D. 50,000 units
Answer: C. 20,000 units
Explanation: Under the India–U.K. CETA, India has permitted the import of up to 20,000 Completely Built Units (CBUs) of petrol, diesel, electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles annually at concessional tariff rates.
27. The India–U.K. trade agreement mentioned in the news is officially known as:
A. Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
B. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
C. Free Trade and Investment Agreement (FTIA)
D. Bilateral Economic Cooperation Agreement (BECA)
Answer: B. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
Explanation: India and the United Kingdom have concluded the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to promote bilateral trade by reducing tariffs and improving market access across various sectors.
28. Which institution committed $890 million to accelerate rooftop solar projects in India?
A. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
B. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
C. World Bank
D. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Answer: C. World Bank
Explanation: The World Bank committed $890 million to support rooftop solar expansion in India. The funding aims to increase access to clean energy, strengthen the distribution network, and create employment opportunities.
29. Which flagship scheme of the Government of India promotes rooftop solar installations for households?
A. PM-KUSUM
B. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
C. National Solar Mission
D. UJALA Scheme
Answer: B. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
Explanation: Launched in 2024, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households, providing free electricity up to a specified limit while promoting renewable energy adoption.
30. Black Pepper Futures, recently revived in the news, are traded on which commodity exchange?
A. Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
B. National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX)
C. Indian Energy Exchange (IEX)
D. National Stock Exchange (NSE)
Answer: B. National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX)
Explanation: The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) has revived trading in Black Pepper Futures, enabling price discovery and providing hedging opportunities for farmers, traders, and processors.
Since the merger of the Forward Markets Commission (FMC) with SEBI in 2015, SEBI has been the regulator of commodity derivatives markets and exchanges, including NCDEX.
31. The World Bank Group has set a target of helping India achieve net-zero carbon emissions by which year?
A. 2040
B. 2047
C. 2050
D. 2070
Answer: D. 2070
Explanation: India has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, a target announced at COP26. International financial support, including World Bank funding for renewable energy projects, contributes toward this long-term climate goal.
32. The European Union (EU) directed Meta to modify the “addictive design” of which two social media platforms?
A. WhatsApp and Threads
B. Facebook and Instagram
C. Instagram and X
D. Facebook and Messenger
Answer: B. Facebook and Instagram
Explanation: The European Union directed Meta to modify features on Facebook and Instagram that are considered to have an “addictive design,” citing concerns over user well-being and compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The EU alleged that certain design features of Facebook and Instagram violate the Digital Services Act (DSA), which seeks to create a safer and more transparent online environment by imposing obligations on large digital platforms.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) establishes rules for online platforms to combat illegal content, improve transparency, protect users, and reduce systemic risks posed by digital services.
33. Ukrainian drone strikes recently targeted Russian refineries and the port of Azov. The Sea of Azov is connected to the Black Sea through which strait?
A. Bosporus Strait
B. Dardanelles Strait
C. Kerch Strait
D. Strait of Gibraltar
Answer: C. Kerch Strait
Explanation: The Sea of Azov is connected to the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait, a strategically important waterway between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula.
The Port of Azov is located on the Sea of Azov, an inland sea bordered by Russia and Ukraine. It plays an important role in regional trade and military logistics.
34. Andy Burnham, who was in the news, is set to become the Prime Minister of which country?
A. Canada
B. Australia
C. United Kingdom
D. Ireland
Answer: C. United Kingdom
Explanation: Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a senior Labour Party leader, is reported to be on the verge of becoming the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom following political developments within the Labour Party.
35. Typhoon Bavi, seen in the news, affected the coastal waters of which country?
A. Japan
B. China
C. Philippines
D. South Korea
Answer: B. China
Explanation: The report mentions that Typhoon Bavi affected the coast near Jiangsu Province, China, forcing fishing boats to remain in harbour because of rough sea conditions.
36. India and Germany signed an agreement in 2023 to facilitate the migration of Indian solar technicians under which initiative?
A. Green Skills India Programme
B. SuryaMitra Programme
C. PM-KUSUM Mission
D. National Solar Mission
Answer: B. SuryaMitra Programme
Explanation: India and Germany signed an agreement in 2023 to facilitate the migration of trained SuryaMitra solar technicians to Germany. SuryaMitra is a skill development programme that trains technicians in the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic systems.
The SuryaMitra Skill Development Programme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) through the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). It aims to create a skilled workforce for India’s solar energy sector.
The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) is an autonomous institution under the MNRE. It serves as India’s apex national research and training institute for solar energy technologies.
37. Benjamin Netanyahu, recently in the news, is the Prime Minister of:
A. Jordan
B. Israel
C. Lebanon
D. Egypt
Answer: B. Israel
Explanation: Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel. He has been in the news over proposed legislative measures, coalition politics, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
38. Jyothi Yarraji, featured in the news, is associated with which athletics event?
A. 100 metres sprint
B. Long Jump
C. 100 metres hurdles
D. Pole Vault
Answer: C. 100 metres hurdles
Explanation: Jyothi Yarraji is India’s leading 100 metres hurdler. She is the national record holder and one of India’s top medal prospects in hurdles at major international competitions.
Jyothi Yarraji won the gold medal in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships, becoming one of India’s leading track and field athletes.
39. Anushka Yadav, who was in the news, qualified for the 2026 Asian Games in which athletics event?
A. Shot Put
B. Discus Throw
C. Hammer Throw
D. Javelin Throw
Answer: C. Hammer Throw
Explanation: Anushka Yadav qualified for the 2026 Asian Games after setting a new National Record in the women’s hammer throw at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships.
40. Sindhushree G., featured in the news, is associated with which athletics event?
A. Pole Vault
B. High Jump
C. Triple Jump
D. Heptathlon
Answer: A. Pole Vault
Explanation: Sindhushree G. earned qualification for the 2026 Asian Games after setting a new National Record in women’s pole vault at the National Inter-State Athletics Championships.
41. The 2026 Asian Games, for which Anushka Yadav and Sindhushree qualified, will be held in:
A. Hangzhou, China
B. Doha, Qatar
C. Nagoya, Japan
D. Incheon, South Korea
Answer: C. Nagoya, Japan
Explanation: The 20th Asian Games will be held in Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026.
42. The Asian Games are organised under the supervision of which organisation?
A. Asian Athletics Association (AAA)
B. International Olympic Committee (IOC)
C. Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)
D. World Athletics
Answer: C. Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)
Explanation: The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is the governing body responsible for organising the Asian Games, the largest multi-sport event in Asia.
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