Lok Sabha Passes Vande Mataram Bill, Iran Claims US Jet Destruction
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending legal protection to Vande Mataram, amid opposition protests over the NEET paper leak and police action on students. Iran claimed it destroyed three US F-35 fighter jets in Jordan, though Washington has not confirmed.
Background
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 originally protected the national flag, Constitution, and anthem. The amendment adds Vande Mataram to the list of protected symbols. India's ethanol blending programme aims to blend 20% ethanol with petrol (E20) to reduce emissions and oil imports.
Key facts
Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending legal protection to Vande Mataram.
Opposition protested over alleged police action against student protesters and demanded Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the government's handling of the NEET paper leak and called for education reforms.
Over 200 academicians wrote an open letter to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra objecting to her remarks targeting IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti during the anti-paper leak Bill debate.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament that E20 petrol (20% ethanol blend) can reduce vehicle fuel efficiency by 2% to 6%.
Extensive testing by ARAI, SIAM, and Indian Oil found no evidence of engine failures linked to E20 fuel.
E20 fuel improves acceleration, ride quality, and reduces carbon emissions by around 30%.
Iran claimed it destroyed three US F-35 fighter jets in Jordan; the US has not confirmed the claim.
Hockey India explained the saffron World Cup jersey, citing better visibility on blue turf and national symbolism.
Prelims pointers
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Vande Mataram
- National symbols protected under the Act: national flag, Constitution, national anthem, and now Vande Mataram
- E20 fuel: 20% ethanol blended with petrol
- ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India)
- SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers)
- Indian Oil Corporation
- NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) paper leak
- IIT Madras
- Iran-US conflict: F-35 fighter jets
Mains angles
- GS2: Parliament – legislative process, amendments to national honour laws, opposition protests and parliamentary disruptions
- GS2: Education – NEET paper leak, education reforms, role of academicians in public discourse
- GS3: Environment – ethanol blending programme, impact on fuel efficiency and emissions, energy security
- GS2: International Relations – Iran-US tensions, implications for Middle East stability and India's strategic interests