National Daily Current Affairs: 18/06/2026
Verified Editorial
Source: BharathPulse Exclusive
⚡ Key Takeaways
- The Government of India introduced key reforms to simplify scholarship access and approved large-scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds under PSS in four states, benefitting farmers.
- Additionally, TATA Motors joined a scheme for vehicle replacement in Delhi-NCR, while the Prime Minister announced visits to West Bengal and Odisha.
National Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️
- Scholarship Access Reforms: The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) has introduced key reforms and digital initiatives to simplify access to various scholarships for eligible students. These reforms aim to streamline the application process and ensure wider outreach.Static GK Highlight: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) operates under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is responsible for welfare, social justice, and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society.
- Price Support Scheme (PSS) for Pulses and Oilseeds: The Centre has approved large-scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) in four states. This initiative, announced by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, aims to ensure fair prices for farmers and stabilize the market.Static GK Highlight: The Price Support Scheme (PSS) is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. It is aimed at protecting farmers from distress sales during bumper harvests by procuring agricultural commodities at Minimum Support Price (MSP) when market prices fall below it.
- Vehicle Scrappage Policy (Delhi-NCR): TATA Motors has joined the Government of India's scheme to provide discounts for the replacement of old trucks and buses in the Delhi-NCR region. This move supports the broader vehicle scrappage policy aimed at reducing pollution and promoting new, greener vehicles.Static GK Highlight: The Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernization Program, commonly known as the Vehicle Scrappage Policy, was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Its objective is to remove old and unfit vehicles from Indian roads to reduce vehicular pollution and improve road safety.
Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝
- Polity & Governance:
- Prime Minister to visit West Bengal on June 20-21, 2026.
- Prime Minister to visit Odisha on June 20, 2026.
- Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced the approval for large-scale procurement under PSS.
- Economy & Finance:
- Reforms are being introduced to expand foreign participation in Government Securities (G-Secs).
- Prime Minister discussed with Saint-Gobain CEO Benoit Bazin about expanding the company's footprint in India, indicating potential foreign investment.
- Science & Technology / Health:
- India reported 84,332 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, marking the lowest count after 70 days.
- Discussion on "A New Chapter in India's Nuclear Journey" hints at ongoing developments in the nuclear energy sector.
- Culture & Events:
- International Festival of Yoga and Meditation 2026 was celebrated in Leh.
- Prime Minister shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam on knowledge and foresight.
One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡
- DoSJE introduced digital initiatives for simplified scholarship access.
- PM will visit West Bengal and Odisha on June 20-21, 2026.
- India recorded 84,332 new COVID-19 cases, lowest in 70 days.
- Reforms are underway to boost foreign participation in G-Secs.
- Centre approved PSS procurement of pulses and oilseeds in four states.
- TATA Motors joined the vehicle scrappage scheme for Delhi-NCR.
- International Festival of Yoga and Meditation 2026 took place in Leh.
MCQs from Current Affairs ❓
Q1: The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) operates under which Union Ministry?
- A) Ministry of Home Affairs
- B) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- C) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- D) Ministry of Education
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) is part of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, responsible for the welfare of marginalized sections of society.
Q2: The Centre has approved large-scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds under which scheme in four states?
- A) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- B) Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme
- C) Price Support Scheme (PSS)
- D) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The news states that the Centre approved large-scale procurement of pulses and oilseeds under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).
Q3: Which company recently joined the Government of India's scheme to provide discounts for the replacement of old trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR?
- A) Mahindra & Mahindra
- B) Ashok Leyland
- C) TATA Motors
- D) Eicher Motors
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: As per the news item, TATA Motors joined the Government of India scheme for vehicle replacement in Delhi-NCR.
Q4: Where was the International Festival of Yoga and Meditation 2026 celebrated?
- A) New Delhi
- B) Bengaluru
- C) Leh
- D) Rishikesh
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The International Festival of Yoga and Meditation 2026 was celebrated in Leh, as stated in the news updates.
Q5: What significant update was reported regarding COVID-19 cases in India?
- A) A new peak in daily cases was observed.
- B) Daily cases dropped to 84,332, the lowest in 70 days.
- C) Cases remained stable with no significant change.
- D) A new variant was identified causing a surge in cases.
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: India reported 84,332 new cases in the last 24 hours, which was the lowest count after 70 days, indicating a decline in cases.