UPSC / PCS / PSSSB
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
THE HINDU | NEWS & EXPLAINED ANALYSIS
10 Important News • Static GK • Prelims Facts • Mains Practice • 10 MCQs
The Hindu Current Affairs — 5 November 2026
Prepare for UPSC CSE 2027, Punjab PCS, PPSC and PSSSB with DRONA IAS Academy, Patiala.
Our Approach: What Happened → Core Issue → Static GK → Prelims Trap → Mains Practice → 10 MCQs.
Language: English notes with Punjabi classroom explanation.
TODAY’S 10 MOST IMPORTANT NEWS
01. Agnipath Scheme — Two-Year Extension for Agniveers
Why in News?
The 5 November newspaper reported a decision concerning an additional two-year engagement opportunity for eligible Agniveers. The development is important because the original Agnipath framework provides for four years of service and selection of up to 25% of each batch for regular service.
Core Issue
The central challenge is balancing the Armed Forces’ manpower requirements with training, career continuity and post-service opportunities for young recruits.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Agnipath Scheme: Introduced in 2022.
- Agniveer: Recruit serving under the Agnipath framework.
- Original Engagement: Four years.
- Regular Cadre: Up to 25% may be selected under the original framework.
- Seva Nidhi: Financial package associated with completion of engagement.
- CDS: Chief of Defence Staff.
- Department of Military Affairs: Functions under the Ministry of Defence.
- Defence Services: Army, Navy and Air Force.
02. Supreme Court — SIR, Form 6 & Electoral Rolls
Why in News?
Supreme Court proceedings concerning the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls have brought attention to excluded voters, voter-registration procedures and the use of Form 6.
Core Issue
The issue is how electoral rolls can be updated accurately while protecting eligible citizens from wrongful exclusion and ensuring transparent procedures.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Article 324: Superintendence, direction and control of elections by the Election Commission.
- Article 326: Adult suffrage for Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
- RPA, 1950: Includes provisions concerning electoral rolls.
- RPA, 1951: Governs important aspects of election conduct.
- Form 6: Application for inclusion of a name in an electoral roll.
- Form 8: Used for specified corrections and updates.
- ECI: Election Commission of India.
- SIR: Special Intensive Revision.
03. CEC Immunity & Judicial Review
Why in News?
Proceedings concerning statutory immunity for the Chief Election Commissioner have raised questions about institutional independence, legal protection and accountability.
Core Issue
How can constitutional authorities be protected from improper interference while remaining subject to the Constitution and judicial scrutiny?
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Article 324: Constitutional basis of the Election Commission.
- CEC: Chief Election Commissioner.
- 2023 Act: Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act.
- Removal: The CEC enjoys a constitutionally protected removal process.
- Judicial Review: Courts examine the legality and constitutionality of government action.
- Basic Structure: Limits Parliament’s constitutional amending power.
- Election Independence: Essential for free and fair elections.
04. Energy Storage — ₹14,500 Crore VGF Scheme
Why in News?
The newspaper reported a ₹14,500-crore Viability Gap Funding initiative associated with energy-storage capacity. The reported framework includes 92 GWh of storage: 60 GWh pumped hydro, 30 GWh battery systems and 2 GWh alternative technologies.
Core Issue
Solar and wind generation vary with weather and time. Storage systems help maintain reliable electricity supply when renewable generation is low.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- VGF: Viability Gap Funding.
- BESS: Battery Energy Storage System.
- Pumped Storage: Water is pumped uphill and later released to generate electricity.
- MW: Megawatt measures power.
- MWh: Megawatt-hour measures energy.
- GWh: Gigawatt-hour; 1 GWh = 1,000 MWh.
- Grid Stability: Ability to maintain reliable electricity-system operation.
- Intermittency: Variation in solar and wind power availability.
05. Critical Minerals — ₹2,814 Crore Lithium & Nickel Scheme
Why in News?
A reported ₹2,814-crore scheme aims to support domestic processing of lithium and nickel. It highlights the need to build Indian mineral-processing capacity and reduce dependence on imported processed materials.
Core Issue
Critical minerals are essential for electric vehicles, batteries and modern industries. Concentrated global supply chains can create economic and strategic risks.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Critical Minerals: Economically important minerals with significant supply risks.
- Lithium: Important for rechargeable batteries.
- Nickel: Used in batteries, alloys and stainless steel.
- Cobalt: Used in certain battery chemistries.
- Rare Earth Elements: Important for magnets and advanced technologies.
- Mineral Processing: Converts mined material into usable products.
- National Critical Mineral Mission: Supports India’s mineral security objectives.
- Strategic Autonomy: Reducing vulnerability to external supply disruptions.
06. ISRO NVS-03 Satellite & NavIC
Why in News?
ISRO’s NVS-03 navigation satellite was reported to have reached its intended geosynchronous orbit following orbital manoeuvres. The satellite is part of India’s next-generation navigation infrastructure.
Core Issue
India seeks reliable indigenous satellite-navigation capabilities for civilian applications, transport, timing services and strategic requirements.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- ISRO: Indian Space Research Organisation.
- NavIC: Navigation with Indian Constellation.
- IRNSS: Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System.
- GSLV: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.
- Geosynchronous Orbit: Orbital period matches Earth’s rotation period.
- Geostationary Orbit: A special geosynchronous orbit appearing fixed above the equator.
- Atomic Clock: Provides highly accurate timing for navigation.
- Signals: NavIC uses navigation-frequency bands including L1, L5 and S-band.
- Coverage: India and approximately 1,500 km beyond its boundary.
07. INCOIS — Marine Heatwaves & Swell Surge
Why in News?
INCOIS-related warnings concerning marine heatwaves and swell surges have highlighted changing ocean conditions and risks to coastal communities, marine ecosystems and fisheries.
Core Issue
Unusually warm seawater can stress marine organisms, while long-period ocean waves can create hazardous coastal conditions even without a nearby cyclone.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- INCOIS: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services.
- Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Marine Heatwave: An unusually warm ocean-temperature event lasting several days or longer.
- SST: Sea Surface Temperature.
- Coral Bleaching: Stress-related loss of symbiotic algae from corals.
- Swell Waves: Waves generated by distant weather systems.
- Storm Surge: Abnormal sea-level rise associated with a storm.
- Bay of Bengal: Northern Indian Ocean basin.
- Arabian Sea: Northwestern Indian Ocean basin.
08. Supreme Court — Two-Child Norm & Falling Fertility
Why in News?
Supreme Court observations concerning two-child restrictions have renewed debate about population policies as India’s fertility rate has declined. The reported Total Fertility Rate is approximately 1.9, below the commonly used replacement benchmark of 2.1.
Core Issue
Population policy must consider reproductive autonomy, demographic ageing, gender equality and changing fertility patterns.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- TFR: Total Fertility Rate.
- Definition: Average number of children a woman would have under current age-specific fertility rates.
- Replacement Level: Approximately 2.1 births per woman in many populations.
- Demographic Dividend: Potential economic benefit from a favourable working-age population share.
- Population Ageing: Increasing share of older persons.
- National Population Policy: 2000.
- NFHS: National Family Health Survey.
- Article 21: Life and personal liberty, relevant to reproductive autonomy.
- Demographic Transition: Long-term changes in birth and death rates.
09. U.S. Midterm Elections & Congressional Control
Why in News?
The newspaper reported developments in the U.S. midterm elections and the Democratic Party’s congressional performance. The outcome is important for legislative control, oversight of the President and U.S. domestic and foreign policy.
Core Issue
In the U.S. presidential system, the executive and legislature are separately elected. Congressional elections can change the President’s ability to pass laws and implement policies.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- U.S. Congress: Bicameral federal legislature.
- House of Representatives: 435 voting members.
- House Term: Two years.
- Senate: 100 members, two from each State.
- Senate Term: Six years.
- Midterm Elections: Congressional elections held midway through a President’s four-year term.
- Checks and Balances: Institutional limits on government power.
- Separation of Powers: Division of executive, legislative and judicial authority.
- Impeachment: House has impeachment power; Senate tries impeachments.
10. Strait of Hormuz — Iran Crisis & Energy Security
Why in News?
The newspaper reported tanker-related security incidents near the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions involving Iran. Such developments raise concerns about maritime safety, international oil trade and global energy prices.
Core Issue
Disruption at a narrow maritime chokepoint can affect crude-oil shipments, insurance costs, supply chains and energy-importing countries such as India.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Strait of Hormuz: Connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
- Bordering Countries: Iran and Oman.
- Persian Gulf: Important oil-producing region.
- Gulf of Oman: Connects towards the Arabian Sea.
- Maritime Chokepoint: Narrow, strategically important shipping route.
- UNCLOS: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- Energy Security: Reliable and affordable access to energy.
- Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Emergency crude-oil stocks.
- Strait of Malacca: Another major Asian maritime chokepoint.
QUICK REVISION — 5 NOVEMBER 2026
2022; Agniveers; Four-year framework; Seva Nidhi.
Article 324; Article 326; Form 6; RPA 1950.
CEC; 2023 Act; Judicial Review; Constitutional Independence.
VGF; ₹14,500 crore reported; 92 GWh; Pumped Hydro; BESS.
Lithium; Nickel; Battery Supply Chains; Mineral Processing.
ISRO; NVS-03; Geosynchronous Orbit; Atomic Clock.
INCOIS; Ministry of Earth Sciences; SST; Coral Bleaching.
TFR 1.9 reported; Replacement Level ~2.1; Demographic Transition.
House 435; Senate 100; House 2 years; Senate 6 years.
Persian Gulf; Gulf of Oman; Iran; Oman; Energy Security.
POCSO Act, 2012; Special Courts; Speedy Justice.
State Sales Tax Cess; Taxing Powers; Centre-State Relations.
Tenth Schedule; 52nd Amendment; Independent MLCs.
Article 130; Seat of Supreme Court; Chief Justice of India.
₹4,371 crore reported; Statistical System; Economic Census.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel; Draft Policy; Aviation Emissions.
Public Accounts Committee; CAG; Parliamentary Audit.
AQI; CPCB; PM2.5; PM10; Stubble Burning.
ED; PMLA; Financial Investigation; State-Level Governance.
10 UPSC / PCS / PPSC / PSSSB PRACTICE MCQs
Test Your Understanding — 5 November 2026
Click each question to reveal the correct answer and explanation.
Q1. Consider: (1) Agnipath was introduced in 2022. (2) Under its original framework, every Agniveer is automatically absorbed into regular service. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: regular absorption is selective, not automatic. The original framework provides for selection of up to 25%.
Q2. Consider: (1) Article 324 concerns the Election Commission. (2) Form 6 is used for inclusion of a name in the electoral roll. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements are correct. Article 324 provides the constitutional basis of the ECI, and Form 6 is used for electoral-roll inclusion.
Q3. Consider: (1) The CEC is associated with Article 324. (2) Judicial review is an important constitutional safeguard. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements are correct. The Election Commission is provided for under Article 324, while judicial review helps protect constitutional supremacy.
Q4. Consider: (1) MW measures power. (2) MWh measures energy. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements are correct. Megawatt measures power, whereas megawatt-hour measures energy delivered or stored.
Q5. Consider: (1) Lithium is important for rechargeable batteries. (2) Mineral extraction and mineral processing are identical operations. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because mining extracts mineral-bearing material, while processing converts it into usable forms.
Q6. Consider: (1) NavIC is India’s regional satellite-navigation system. (2) Every geosynchronous satellite is necessarily geostationary. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
NavIC is India’s regional navigation system. A geostationary orbit is a special type of geosynchronous orbit; not all geosynchronous orbits are geostationary.
Q7. Consider: (1) INCOIS functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. (2) Marine heatwaves involve unusually warm ocean conditions. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements are correct. INCOIS provides ocean information and warning services. Marine heatwaves are unusually warm ocean-temperature events.
Q8. Consider: (1) TFR measures the average number of children per woman under current age-specific fertility rates. (2) Replacement-level fertility is commonly estimated at about 2.1. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements are correct. TFR is an important demographic indicator, and approximately 2.1 is a common replacement-level benchmark.
Q9. Consider: (1) Members of the U.S. House serve two-year terms. (2) U.S. Senators serve six-year terms. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements are correct. The U.S. House has 435 voting members and the Senate has 100 members.
Q10. Consider: (1) The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. (2) It lies between Iran and Oman. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements are correct. The Strait of Hormuz is a major strategic route for international energy shipping.
