National Daily Current Affairs: 21/06/2026

National Schemes in News 🏛️

The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), launched by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, aims to promote the use of ethanol-blended petrol. The EBP targets achieving 20% ethanol blending (E20) by 2025, significantly reducing India's crude oil import dependency and promoting a greener fuel alternative. It also supports farmers by providing better prices for their sugarcane and surplus food grains used for ethanol production. The recent clarification on E20 fuel not affecting vehicle insurance is crucial for its wider adoption and consumer confidence. The National Waterways Act, 2016 declared 111 waterways as National Waterways (NWs) in addition to the existing five, expanding the potential for inland water transport across the country. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is responsible for the development and regulation of these waterways for shipping and navigation. This initiative aims to provide a cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and environment-friendly mode of transport, contributing to regional development and economic growth.

Exam-Oriented Current Affairs 📝

• E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) clarified that E20 fuel use will not affect vehicle insurance coverage.
• India's target for ethanol blending is 20% (E20) by 2025, under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).
• The EBP is implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the statutory body responsible for developing and regulating inland waterways in India.
• IWAI functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• The National Waterways Act, 2016, designated 111 additional inland waterways as National Waterways, taking the total to 116.
• Inland Water Transport (IWT) is recognized as a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡

• E20 fuel, a 20% ethanol blend, does not void vehicle insurance policies.
• India aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025 to reduce oil imports and pollution.
• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) develops and regulates India's vast network of National Waterways.
• Inland waterways offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative for freight and passenger movement.
• The National Waterways Act, 2016 significantly expanded the scope of National Waterways in India.

MCQs from Current Affairs ❓

Q1: Which ministry recently clarified that the use of E20 fuel will not affect vehicle insurance coverage?

• A) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
• B) Ministry of Finance
• C) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
• D) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

View Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) recently issued a clarification stating that the use of E20 fuel will not affect the validity of vehicle insurance policies.

Q2: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) functions under which Union Ministry?

• A) Ministry of Railways
• B) Ministry of Shipping
• C) Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
• D) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

View Answer & Explanation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, responsible for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.