UPSC Current Affairs — 30 July 2026

Today's five questions

Attempt these before you read the answers. Each explanation says why the tempting wrong option fails.

1. Consider the following statements regarding the NEET-UG 2026 counselling reforms: 1. The reform introduces one-time physical reporting for candidates. 2. It allows online seat resignation. 3. NEET-UG is conducted for admission to MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses. Which of the statements given above are correct?

   1. 1 and 2 only
   2. 2 and 3 only
   3. 1 and 3 only
   4. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer

   1, 2 and 3

   All three statements are correct. The reforms aim to reduce student burden and enhance transparency by requiring a single physical reporting session and enabling online seat resignation. NEET-UG covers MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH admissions, making it the common entry point for all medical programmes.

2. With reference to the bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram, consider the following statements: 1. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha. 2. It criminalises insult to the national anthem. 3. Opposition members raised concerns under Article 19(1)(a). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 3 only
   3. 2 and 3 only
   4. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer

   1 and 3 only

   Statement 1 is correct: the Rajya Sabha passed the bill. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bill specifically targets insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram', not the national anthem. Statement 3 is correct as the compatibility with Article 19(1)(a) is the core constitutional critique.

3. The recent amendment to Assam’s heritage land law seeks to: 1. Redefine the criteria for ‘original inhabitant’ status. 2. Potentially exclude certain communities from land ownership. Select the correct answer using the code below:

   1. 1 only
   2. 2 only
   3. Both 1 and 2
   4. Neither 1 nor 2
   Answer

   Both 1 and 2

   The amendment redefines who qualifies as an ‘original inhabitant’, a move that could indeed exclude certain communities from land ownership. This has triggered debates on indigenous rights, citizenship, and minority protections.

4. Consider the following statements regarding the Allahabad High Court’s recent observation: 1. The court rebuked the police for interfering in the marriages of consenting adults. 2. It affirmed the right to marry a person of one’s choice as a fundamental right under Article 21. 3. It directed the police to focus on moral policing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. 1 and 2 only
   2. 2 and 3 only
   3. 1 and 3 only
   4. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer

   1 and 2 only

   The court termed police action as ‘nosy parker’ behaviour and upheld the right to marry under Article 21. However, it directed the police to concentrate on criminal investigations rather than moral policing, making statement 3 incorrect.

5. Consider the following statements about the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): 1. It is a statutory body. 2. It was established under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. 3. It has recommended the use of drones to monitor stubble burning during peak hours. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. 1 and 2 only
   2. 1 and 3 only
   3. 2 and 3 only
   4. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer

   1 and 3 only

   CAQM is a statutory body, but it was created under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, not the older Air Act. It recently urged NCR states to deploy drones to detect stubble burning during peak hours when satellite evasion is common.