Daily Current Affairs — 25 August 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 25 August 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 25 August 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories · 10-sec timer per question
Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.
History
Gorkhaland Issue
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) convened a tripartite meeting involving the West Bengal Government and Gorkha community leaders.
- The committee will examine all aspects of the Gorkha issue within the framework of the Indian Constitution
- About: The Gorkhaland issue is a long-standing demand for a separate administrative/political unit for the Nepali-speaking Gorkha population of the…
- Core Demand: The principal demand is for a separate state of Gorkhaland
- Basis of the Demand: Ethno-Linguistic Differences: Proponents argue that the people of the Darjeeling hills are ethnically
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- This sense of alienation and identity insecurity has strengthened demands for a separate state to affirm their identity as Indian citizens.
- The subsequent migration of people from Nepal
- The movement for greater political autonomy began in 1907
- Later, organisations such as the Gorkha Officers' Association and Kurseong Gorkha Library continued the demand and raised it before the Simon…
- By 1947, the undivided Communist Party of India (CPI) had submitted a memorandum seeking "Gorkhasthan" to Jawaharlal Nehru and Liaquat Ali Khan.
- The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), led by Subhas Ghising, emerged in 1980 and became the major force behind the Gorkhaland agitation of the…
5. Why is the Gorkhaland issue strategically important for India? The region is close to the Siliguri Corridor
Which statement correctly describes Gorkhaland Issue?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
Appointment of Interlocutor for Gorkhaland Talks
The Union Government has appointed the former Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) as interlocutor to engage with Darjeeling hill leaders on key…
- The move aims to find a political resolution to long-standing identity and autonomy issues in the region.
- However, the West Bengal state government has criticized the decision as "unilateral" and inconsistent with the principles of cooperative federalism.
- Constitutional Provision: Article 3 empowers Parliament to form new states or alter existing boundaries
- However, frequent boundary demands, such as Gorkhaland, strain Centre–State relations and test India's federal harmony.
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- The demand, therefore, is not just political but also a test of constitutional accommodation within the Indian Union.
- Proposed to include Darjeeling, Terai, and Dooars regions within West Bengal.
- Would enable access to reservation benefits, education, and government jobs.
- Despite multiple assurances, the recognition process remains pending, deepening community frustration.
- Nepal raised concerns that it may violate the 1947 Tripartite Agreement, which guaranteed pension and service rights.
- Maintaining robust India–Nepal–Darjeeling coordination is vital for border stability and preventing external influence.
Which statement correctly describes Appointment of Interlocutor for Gorkhaland Talks?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
IR
Enhancing Northeast Connectivity for Act East Policy
India's Act East Policy aims to transform the North-East into a gateway to Southeast Asia. The commissioning of the 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang rail line in Mizoram is a key step toward this.
- Infrastructure Transformation: The region has seen remarkable development in roads
- Rail Connectivity: Historic advances have been made in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram
- Despite challenges like difficult terrain and manpower shortages
- Enhanced Diplomatic and Security Ties: Connectivity through projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project
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- This rail line is a key piece of India's long-term infrastructure projects designed to link the northeastern states with Southeast Asia.
- It also promotes better access to education, healthcare, and disaster response, helping bridge developmental disparities between the NER and the rest…
- About: The Act East Policy, launched in November 2014, is an upgraded version of the earlier Look East Policy
- Geopolitical Challenges: Myanmar Civil Conflict (since 2021) has disrupted the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project
- Key projects like Imphal–Moreh Rail Line and Asian Highway 1 are stalled due to regional unrest.
- The Siliguri Corridor ("Chicken's Neck"), only 22 km wide, is prone to disruption
Which statement correctly describes Enhancing Northeast Connectivity for Act East…?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Polity
Constitutional Promise of Autonomy: Article 244(A)
Recently, in Assam's predominantly tribal Diphu Lok Sabha constituency, candidates from all political parties have pledged to implement Article…
- The demand for autonomy in the region dates back to the 1950s movement for a separate hill state
- Article 244 in Part X of the Constitution envisages a special system of administration for certain areas designated as 'scheduled areas' and 'tribal…
- Article 244(A) was added to the Constitution through the Twenty-second Amendment Act in 1969
- About: Sixth Schedule covers provisions relating to the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
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- Autonomous Districts: Tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram are governed as autonomous districts but remain under the state's…
- Acts of Parliament or state legislature might not apply directly to these districts unless adapted with specified modifications.
- They can make laws on certain specified matters like land
- The jurisdiction of the high court over these suits and cases is specified by the governor.
- Gorkhaland: The Gorkha-majority areas of Darjeeling and nearby regions in West Bengal have seen demands for a separate state of Gorkhaland due to…
- Bodoland: In Assam, the Bodo-majority areas have witnessed movements for a separate state of Bodoland, citing issues of ethnic identity and…
Which statement correctly describes Constitutional Promise of Autonomy: Article…?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
Agritourism in India
Himachal Pradesh (HP) is promoting agri-tourism to strengthen its economy where tourism contributes around 7% to the State's GDP.
- Orchards: Himachal can grow high-value crops like tulips (Kangra region), saffron, and medicinal herbs.
- Educational Agritourism: Students can explore farms to learn about food and sustainability, while farmers can host educational tours for a fee.
- Nutraceutical Farming: Himachal can promote Himalayan herbs, attracting nutraceutical tourism focused on health and organic farming.
- Cultural Connection: Engage local youth to share farm stories and develop agritourism sites showcasing traditional farming and culture.
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- About: Agritourism is a form of commercial enterprise that connects agriculture with tourism
- Benefits: Boosting Rural Economy: It provides farmers with alternative income through farm/home stays
- It preserves folk arts, pottery, weaving, and traditional food processing/cuisine and organic produce.
- Maharashtra: Maharashtra was the first state to promote agritourism, establishing the Agro-Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) in 2005
- E.g., Vineyards (Nashik, Pune) and mango (Ratnagiri, Raigad) orchards in Maharashtra.
- Bihar: Muzaffarpur's litchi orchards offer agri-tourism, while Nalanda's organic farms attract wellness tourists.
Which statement correctly describes Agritourism in India?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
💰 Indian Economy MCQ Quiz · भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था
10 bilingual MCQs · Indian Economy · Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Economy. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
Economy
Organic Farming in India
India ranks 1st in number of organic farmers and 9th in terms of area under organic farming.
- Indian Scenario Regarding Organic Farming Sikkim became the first State in the world to become fully organic in 2016.
- North East India has traditionally been organic and the consumption of chemicals is far less than the rest of the country.
- Similarly the tribal and island territories have been traditionally practicing organic farming.
- The major organic exports from India have been flax seeds, sesame, soybean, tea, medicinal plants, rice and pulses.
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- There was an increase of nearly 50% in organic exports in 2018-19, touching Rs. 5151 crore.
- Commencement of exports from Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland to UK, USA, Eswatini and Italy have proved the potential by increasing volumes and…
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD) Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER) is a…
- It was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 2015 for implementation in the states of Arunachal Pradesh
- The scheme aims to develop certified organic production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers and to support the development of the…
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, launched in 2015 is an elaborated component of Soil Health Management (SHM) of major project National Mission of…
Which statement correctly describes Organic Farming in India?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
PM’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE)
Recently, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, it was informed that 35 projects worth Rs. 4857.11 crore, including seven announced in Union Budget 2022-23, have been sanctioned under PM-DevINE.
- About: PM-DevINE, is a Central Sector Scheme introduced in the Union Budget 2022-23 with the aim of promoting rapid and holistic development in the…
- It aligns with PM GatiShakti, focusing on cohesive funding of infrastructure projects to ensure seamless connectivity and accessibility across NER.
- Prioritises funding for projects that tackle critical social issues and improve the quality of life for residents in NER.
- Emphasizes creating sustainable livelihood opportunities specifically for youth and women, fostering greater participation in the region's growth.
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- Focuses on bridging developmental disparities in sectors not covered by other schemes, enhancing regional balance.
- 35 projects worth Rs 4857.11 crore include initiatives such as cancer care facilities
- Road connectivity projects have developed new roads, connecting remote villages, reducing travel time, and boosting local economies.
- Smart water supply projects providing integrated drinking water systems have directly benefited over 1 lakh residents.
- Projects related to administrative buildings, government offices, or sectors already addressed by existing MDoNER schemes or listed in the Negative…
- Infrastructure Initiatives: Bharatmala Pariyojana
Which statement correctly describes PM’s Development Initiative for North East…?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
History
India's 1st Non-GMO High-Expansion Popcorn Maize Hybrid Seed
The Vice-President of India launched the country's first indigenous
- The initiative is a major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in the agricultural sector
- Collaborative Development: The seeds were developed through collaboration between ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR) and Gourmet…
- Seed Varieties: The research has produced high-expansion
- They do not contain artificially inserted foreign genetic traits
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- Scientific Classification: Maize (Zea mays) is a major cereal crop belonging to the grass family Poaceae
- Mechanism of Popping: The kernels have a hard moisture-resistant hull surrounding a dense pocket of starch and moisture
- Maize in India: Maize is the third most important food crop in India after rice and wheat
- India's maize productivity has increased beyond 3.19 tonnes/ha, but it remains below the global average of about 5.5–5.6 tonnes/ha
- Rabi maize is also expanding in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana and West Bengal.
Which statement correctly describes India's 1st Non-GMO High-Expansion Popcorn…?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
Green Revolution in Maize
Recently, India's maize industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a basic feed crop to a crucial component in the fuel and industrial sectors.
- This shift is indicative of a broader green revolution
- Tripling Production: Since 1999-2000, India's maize production has more than tripled, increasing from 11.5 million tonnes to over 35 million tonnes…
- Maize is the third most important cereal crop in India after rice and wheat. It accounts for around 10% of total food grain production in the country.
- Major Export Destinations: Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nepal, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka are key markets for Indian maize.
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- Maize is a primary energy source in livestock feed, with 55-65% of broiler feed and 15-20% of cattle feed comprising maize.
- Starch and Ethanol: Maize grains, containing 68-72% starch, are used in industries such as textiles, paper, and pharmaceuticals
- During the crushing season, distilleries run on sugarcane molasses and juice/syrup, while in the off-season they use grains, with the recent shift…
- Self-Pollinating vs. Cross-Pollinating: Unlike self-pollinating wheat and rice
- The Green Revolution in maize has been, and continues to be, a private sector-led one
- The starch in maize is a mixture of two polymers
Which statement correctly describes Green Revolution in Maize?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Environment
Exploring the Opportunities and Challenges of GM Crops
Amid ongoing trade negotiations, the US is pushing India to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops.
- About: Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA is altered using modern genetic engineering technology to introduce or enhance desirable…
- Global Adoption: GM crops were first commercialized in the USA in 1994 with the Flavr Savr tomato, engineered to delay ripening
- It provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for all activities involving GMOs
- They apply to genetically engineered organisms
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- Approved GM Crop: Bt cotton is the only genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation in India (since 2002)
- It also contributed to higher farmer incomes and reduced pesticide use.
- Since 2015, cotton yields have declined from 566 kg/ha (2013–14) to around 436 kg/ha (2023–24).
- India now lags behind China and Brazil, with pest resurgence and absence of updated GM traits cited as key reasons.
- Bt Brinjal: Approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in 2009
- HT-Bt Cotton (Herbicide Tolerant): It is a herbicide-tolerant GM variant
Which statement correctly describes Exploring the Opportunities and Challenges of…?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 25 August 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics · great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
