National Daily Current Affairs: 20/07/2026
Verified Editorial
Source: BharathPulse Exclusive
⚡ Key Takeaways
- Today's highlights include the government's push for the NAMASTE scheme for sanitation workers and India's active participation in the Pitch Black 2026 exercise in Australia.
- Additionally, the Indian team's success at the International Biology Olympiad and initiatives in water conservation and youth leadership are featured.
National Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️
The government has reiterated its commitment to the NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme, which focuses on providing dignity, safety, and social security to sanitation workers across the country. This scheme aligns with the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' by eradicating hazardous cleaning practices. 👉 Prepare your application photos using our UPSC Photo Resizer.
Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝
- Defence: The Indian Air Force is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 held at Darwin, Australia, strengthening international military cooperation.
- Science & Tech: The Indian team secured 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026 held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Governance: MoS Raksha Nikhil Khadse has urged young officers to serve as catalysts for nation-building.
- Environment: A renewed national push has been launched for 'Catch the Rain' to promote large-scale water conservation.
- Entrepreneurship: Skyroot Aerospace's technological excellence has been recognized, citing the National Technology Start-up Award 2022 as a vindication of local innovation.
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One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡
- The NAMASTE scheme targets the welfare of sanitation workers.
- Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is being conducted in Australia.
- The 37th IBO 2026 was hosted in Vilnius, Lithuania.
- The 'Catch the Rain' campaign emphasizes water security.
- Skyroot Aerospace received the National Technology Start-up Award in 2022.
- MoS Raksha is Nikhil Khadse.
- Traditional Indian craftsmanship is being promoted by the PM to boost economic growth.
MCQs from Current Affairs ❓
Q1: Which ministry is a key stakeholder in the NAMASTE scheme?
- A) Ministry of Finance
- B) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
- C) Ministry of Environment
- D) Ministry of Education
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: NAMASTE is a joint venture between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Q2: Where is the Ex Pitch Black 2026 being held?
- A) Japan
- B) India
- C) Australia
- D) Singapore
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force in Darwin.
Q3: The 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026 was held in:
- A) Germany
- B) India
- C) Lithuania
- D) France
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The 37th IBO was held in Vilnius, Lithuania, where the Indian team performed exceptionally well.
Q4: What is the primary objective of the 'Catch the Rain' campaign?
- A) Increasing irrigation budget
- B) Water conservation
- C) Crop diversification
- D) Flood control
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: 'Catch the Rain' is a national movement aimed at water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
Q5: Who among the following is the Minister of State for Raksha?
- A) Rajnath Singh
- B) Nikhil Khadse
- C) Amit Shah
- D) Nitin Gadkari
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Nikhil Khadse currently serves as the Minister of State (MoS) for Raksha (Defence).