UPSC / PCS / PSSSB
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
THE HINDU | NEWS & EXPLAINED ANALYSIS
10 Important News • 3 Editorials • Static GK • Prelims Facts • Mains Practice • 10 MCQs
The Hindu Current Affairs — 10 November 2026
Prepare for UPSC CSE 2027, Punjab PCS, PPSC and PSSSB with DRONA IAS Academy, Patiala, established in 2013.
Our Approach: Why in News → Core Issue → Static GK → Prelims Trap → Mains Practice → MCQs.
Language: English notes with Punjabi classroom explanation.
Today’s Focus: Forest Rights, Climate Change, Air Pollution, Census, Ethanol Blending, International Relations, Renewable Energy, Digital Divide, Himalayan Urbanisation and Public Health.
TODAY’S 10 MOST IMPORTANT NEWS
01. Supreme Court — Forest Rights Act, 2006 & Commercial Farming
Why in News?
The Supreme Court examined whether organised commercial cultivation in a reserve forest could be recognised as a forest right under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The issue involved silk cotton cultivation in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve region.
Core Issue
The Forest Rights Act recognises specified rights of eligible forest-dwelling communities. However, statutory recognition of forest rights should not be confused with an unrestricted entitlement to undertake commercial plantations in protected forest areas.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- FRA: Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
- Section 3: Specifies categories of forest rights.
- Section 3(1)(c): Rights of ownership, collection, use and disposal of minor forest produce traditionally collected within or outside village boundaries.
- Gram Sabha: Important authority in the forest-rights recognition process.
- Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal ministry for implementation of FRA.
- Agasthyamalai: Biosphere reserve in the southern Western Ghats.
- Constitution: Article 46, Fifth Schedule and Article 244 are relevant to tribal welfare and administration.
02. COP31 — Global Warming, 1.5°C Overshoot & Carbon Budget
Why in News?
Climate discussions around COP31 have renewed attention to the danger of exceeding the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature threshold and the importance of immediate emissions reductions.
Core Issue
Climate overshoot means temporarily exceeding a temperature threshold before attempting to bring warming back down. Such an approach creates serious risks because some climate impacts may be irreversible.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- UNFCCC: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted in 1992.
- COP: Conference of the Parties.
- Paris Agreement: Adopted at COP21 in 2015.
- Temperature Goal: Hold warming well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- NDC: Nationally Determined Contribution.
- Global Stocktake: Collective assessment of progress under the Paris Agreement.
- Carbon Budget: Estimated cumulative CO₂ emissions compatible with a specified temperature goal.
- CBDR-RC: Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities.
03. Delhi Air Pollution — Deepavali Firecrackers, PM2.5 & Environmental Governance
Why in News?
Delhi witnessed severe pollution after Deepavali, with firecracker emissions adding to an already difficult air-quality situation. The newspaper also examined the effectiveness of restrictions and environmental enforcement.
Core Issue
Seasonal pollution episodes result from multiple interacting sources, including transport, industry, construction dust, waste burning, regional agricultural burning and meteorological conditions.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty; judicial interpretation includes environmental protection.
- PM2.5: Particles with aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less.
- PM10: Particles with aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometres or less.
- CAQM: Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas.
- CAQM Act: 2021.
- GRAP: Graded Response Action Plan.
- CPCB: Central Pollution Control Board.
- Air Act: Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
- NCAP: National Clean Air Programme, launched in 2019.
04. Manipur Census — High Court Order & Administrative Challenges
Why in News?
The Manipur High Court indicated that Census activities in the State would remain suspended until at least April 30, 2027, while the Union government considered changes to the exercise’s schedule.
Core Issue
Population enumeration in conflict-affected regions raises challenges concerning security, displacement, administrative capacity, accurate coverage and public confidence in official statistics.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Census Act: 1948.
- Constitution: Census is a Union subject under Entry 69 of the Union List.
- Authority: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India.
- Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Article 82: Readjustment of Lok Sabha constituencies after each Census, subject to constitutional provisions.
- Article 170: Composition of State Legislative Assemblies.
- Census: Comprehensive population enumeration.
- NPR: National Population Register; a distinct administrative register.
05. E20 Petrol — Ethanol Blending & Fuel Quality Controversy
Why in News?
Karnataka authorities defended laboratory test reports suggesting ethanol blending above the prescribed E20 level in some petrol samples. Oil marketing companies disputed aspects of the testing process. Kerala also initiated inspections of fuel outlets.
Core Issue
The dispute highlights the need for credible fuel-quality testing, vehicle compatibility, transparent standards and consumer protection during the transition towards biofuels.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- E20: Petrol containing 20% ethanol by volume.
- National Policy on Biofuels: 2018, amended in 2022.
- EBP: Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme.
- First-generation ethanol: Produced from sugar- or starch-rich feedstocks.
- Second-generation ethanol: Can be produced from lignocellulosic biomass such as agricultural residues.
- NABL: National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
- QCI: Quality Council of India.
- OMCs: Oil Marketing Companies.
- Benefits: Reduced fossil-fuel dependence and additional demand for agricultural feedstocks.
06. India–Bangladesh Relations — Sheikh Hasina & Extradition Treaty
Why in News?
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought new travel documentation, while Bangladesh reiterated its demand for her return under the bilateral extradition framework. India had acknowledged receiving extradition requests but had not announced a decision.
Core Issue
Extradition disputes require consideration of treaty provisions, legal procedure, diplomatic relations and the circumstances surrounding the requested person’s prosecution.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Extradition: Formal surrender of a person by one State to another for prosecution or punishment, subject to applicable law.
- India–Bangladesh Extradition Treaty: Signed in 2013.
- Amendment: The treaty was amended in 2016.
- Extradition Act: India’s Extradition Act, 1962.
- Article 51: Directive Principle promoting international peace and respect for international law.
- Neighbourhood First: India’s foreign-policy approach towards neighbouring countries.
- Important Geography: India and Bangladesh share a long international land boundary.
- Cooperation: Trade, connectivity, river-water management and border security.
07. Renewable Energy — Grid Flexibility, Battery Storage & Energy Security
Why in News?
The Hindu examined the next stage of India’s renewable-energy transition, focusing on the need for storage, transmission infrastructure and dependable electricity supply alongside expansion of renewable capacity.
Core Issue
Solar and wind power are variable energy sources. A high-renewable electricity system therefore requires storage, flexible generation, improved transmission, demand management and modern distribution networks.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- MNRE: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
- BESS: Battery Energy Storage System.
- Pumped Storage: Stores energy by pumping water to an elevated reservoir.
- Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable electricity through electrolysis.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission: Approved in 2023.
- DISCOM: Electricity Distribution Company.
- Smart Grid: Electricity network using digital monitoring and control technologies.
- Critical Minerals: Important inputs for batteries and other clean-energy technologies.
08. Rural Digital Divide — 4G Connectivity & BSNL
Why in News?
According to RTI-based figures reported in the newspaper, the number of villages without 4G connectivity declined from 45,180 in 2022 to 11,372. The figures highlight progress as well as remaining gaps in rural telecommunications.
Core Issue
Mobile connectivity supports digital payments, online education, telemedicine, e-governance and rural entrepreneurship. However, connectivity gaps can deepen inequalities in access to essential services.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- DoT: Department of Telecommunications.
- BSNL: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
- BharatNet: Programme to strengthen broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats.
- Digital India: Launched in 2015.
- USOF: Universal Service Obligation Fund, subsequently renamed Digital Bharat Nidhi under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
- 4G: Fourth-generation mobile communications technology.
- Digital Divide: Unequal access to digital infrastructure, services and skills.
09. Srinagar Urban Planning — Himalayan Ecology & Land-Use Governance
Why in News?
An opinion article examined concerns surrounding Srinagar’s future development and land-use exemptions, arguing for public scrutiny and stronger safeguards in urban planning.
Core Issue
Unplanned construction in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions can increase pressure on wetlands, drainage systems, groundwater, public infrastructure and disaster-management capacity.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Srinagar: Located in the Kashmir Valley along the Jhelum River.
- Dal Lake: Major freshwater lake associated with Srinagar.
- Wetlands: Provide flood regulation, water filtration and biodiversity benefits.
- Ramsar Convention: International treaty on wetlands, adopted in 1971.
- Urban Planning: Includes zoning, land use, transport, drainage and public infrastructure.
- Disaster Risk: Himalayan settlements face vulnerabilities related to floods, landslides and seismic activity.
- 74th Constitutional Amendment: Associated with urban local governance.
10. Shigella Outbreak — Public Health, Water Safety & Disease Surveillance
Why in News?
Health authorities in Malappuram district reported confirmed Shigella infections following illness among people associated with a social gathering. Preventive measures included surveillance and water disinfection.
Core Issue
Shigellosis is a bacterial intestinal infection that can spread through contaminated food or water and person-to-person transmission, particularly where hygiene and sanitation are inadequate.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Pathogen: Shigella bacteria.
- Disease: Shigellosis, which may cause dysentery.
- Transmission: Mainly faecal-oral route.
- Symptoms: Diarrhoea, fever, abdominal cramps and sometimes bloody stools.
- Prevention: Safe drinking water, handwashing, sanitation and food hygiene.
- Chlorination: Common water-disinfection method.
- WASH: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
- Surveillance: Early detection and monitoring of disease outbreaks.
EDITORIAL ANALYSIS — SEPARATE CLASS
EDITORIAL 01 — The Cracker Conundrum: Clean Air, Rights & Regulation
Editorial Theme
The debate over firecracker regulation reflects the difficulty of balancing cultural practices, public health, environmental rights and effective law enforcement.
Core Argument
Pollution policy must be based on scientific evidence and enforceable rules. Restrictions on firecrackers should form part of a broader strategy addressing major year-round emission sources.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty.
- Article 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion, subject to constitutional limitations.
- Article 48A: Directive Principle on environmental protection.
- Article 51A(g): Fundamental Duty to protect and improve the natural environment.
- Environment Protection Act: 1986.
- Air Act: 1981.
- CAQM: Statutory air-quality management body for NCR and adjoining areas.
EDITORIAL 02 — Nepal, Climate Loss & Responsibility of Major Emitters
Editorial Theme
The article considers the possibility of seeking legal accountability for climate-related flood damage, particularly in vulnerable Himalayan countries such as Nepal.
Core Argument
Countries contributing relatively little to historical greenhouse-gas emissions may nevertheless face severe climate impacts. This raises questions of responsibility, climate finance and international legal remedies.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- Climate Justice: Fair distribution of climate-related responsibilities and burdens.
- Loss and Damage: Climate harms that cannot be fully avoided through mitigation or adaptation.
- GLOF: Glacial Lake Outburst Flood.
- ICJ: International Court of Justice, principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
- Paris Agreement: Framework for global climate cooperation.
- CBDR-RC: Principle recognising differentiated responsibilities and capabilities.
- Himalayan Vulnerability: Glacier retreat, extreme rainfall, landslides and flood risks.
EDITORIAL 03 — The Next Test for Renewable Energy
Editorial Theme
The next stage of the clean-energy transition requires more than installation of solar panels and wind turbines. Reliable electricity delivery must become a central policy objective.
Core Argument
India needs investment in energy storage, modern transmission systems, distribution reform, flexible electricity demand and critical-mineral supply chains.
Important Static GK & Prelims Facts
- BESS: Battery Energy Storage System.
- Pumped Hydro Storage: Energy storage using water at different elevations.
- Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable electricity.
- DISCOM Reform: Financial and operational improvement of electricity distribution.
- Smart Metering: Digital measurement and communication of electricity consumption.
- Grid Flexibility: Ability to balance variable electricity supply and demand.
- Critical Minerals: Strategic materials required for batteries and clean technologies.
QUICK REVISION — 10 NOVEMBER 2026
FRA 2006; Gram Sabha; Section 3; Minor Forest Produce.
UNFCCC; COP31; Paris Agreement; NDCs.
CAQM; GRAP; PM2.5; CPCB; Article 21.
Census Act 1948; Union List Entry 69; RGI.
E20; Biofuel Policy 2018; NABL; QCI.
Extradition Act 1962; India–Bangladesh Treaty 2013.
BESS; Grid Flexibility; Green Hydrogen.
BharatNet; BSNL; Digital Bharat Nidhi.
Srinagar; Jhelum; Dal Lake; Wetlands.
Shigella; Dysentery; WASH; Disease Surveillance.
Articles 21 and 25; Environmental Rights.
CBDR-RC; Loss and Damage; ICJ.
Ethanol; Renewable Energy; Import Dependence.
74th Amendment; Zoning; Urban Planning.
Biosphere Reserves; Biodiversity; Community Rights.
Extradition; Neighbourhood First; Climate Diplomacy.
10 UPSC / PCS / PPSC / PSSSB PRACTICE MCQs
Test Your Understanding — 10 November 2026
Click each question to reveal the correct answer and explanation.
Q1. Consider: (1) The Forest Rights Act was enacted in 2006. (2) Gram Sabha has a role in initiating the forest-rights recognition process. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
The FRA was enacted in 2006. Gram Sabha is central to the recognition and verification process.
Q2. Consider: (1) The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015. (2) NDCs are associated with the Paris Agreement. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
The Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015 and establishes the NDC framework.
Q3. Consider: (1) CAQM has a statutory basis under legislation enacted in 2021. (2) PM2.5 refers to particles with diameter up to 2.5 micrometres. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CAQM is governed by the 2021 Act. PM2.5 denotes fine particulate matter based on aerodynamic diameter.
Q4. Consider: (1) Census is included in the Union List. (2) The Census Act was enacted in 1948. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Census falls under Union List Entry 69 and is governed by the Census Act, 1948.
Q5. Consider: (1) E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol by volume. (2) India’s National Policy on Biofuels was introduced in 2018. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
E20 represents 20% ethanol blending. The National Policy on Biofuels was introduced in 2018.
Q6. Consider: (1) India and Bangladesh signed an extradition treaty in 2013. (2) Extradition and deportation are legally identical. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
The bilateral treaty was signed in 2013. Extradition and deportation operate under different legal frameworks.
Q7. Consider: (1) Battery storage can help manage variability in solar and wind generation. (2) Installed renewable capacity always equals actual electricity generation. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Storage supports grid balancing. Capacity is measured in power units, whereas generation is measured in energy units.
Q8. Consider: (1) BharatNet focuses on broadband connectivity. (2) BSNL is a public-sector telecommunications company. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
BharatNet strengthens broadband infrastructure, and BSNL is a public-sector telecom company.
Q9. Consider: (1) Srinagar is situated along the Jhelum River. (2) The Ramsar Convention concerns wetland conservation. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Srinagar lies along the Jhelum. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty on wetlands.
Q10. Consider: (1) Shigellosis is caused by bacteria. (2) Shigella infections may spread through the faecal-oral route. Which is correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Shigella is a bacterial pathogen, and faecal-oral transmission is an important route of infection.
