National Daily Current Affairs: 21/07/2026

National Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️

The Government of India has initiated several key schemes and policies across various sectors. Odisha's new Coastal Highway aims to boost spiritual journeys and coastal tourism, falling under the broader infrastructure push like the Sagarmala Project, focused on port-led development.

Furthermore, the 'Catch the Rain' campaign has been renewed as a national call for water conservation. This campaign, launched under the National Water Mission, promotes rainwater harvesting at a grassroots level. The government is also expanding AI-driven skilling initiatives to enhance the skill development ecosystem, aligning with the broader Skill India Mission and Digital India objectives. 👉 Prepare for upcoming recruitment tests: Practice Free Exam Mock Tests.

In public health, a Cervical Cancer Vaccination Campaign has been launched, emphasizing preventive healthcare. 👉 Prepare your application photos using our SSC Photo Resizer or UPSC Photo Resizer.

Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝

• Polity & Governance:
  • The Department of Legal Affairs (under the Ministry of Law and Justice) released the Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2026, for stakeholder and public consultation, aiming to amend the Advocates Act, 1961.
  • The 8th BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services Meeting was organized by the Department of Legal Affairs.
  • A meeting between the Government and Leaders of Political Parties was held, typically facilitated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
• Economy & Infrastructure:
  • Odisha’s new Coastal Highway is envisioned to boost spiritual tourism and coastal development.
  • Significant focus is placed on First Mile Connectivity and Coal Logistics Infrastructure, crucial for energy security, likely coordinated by the Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Railways.
  • APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) facilitated the first export of 24 metric tons of frozen french fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq. APEDA functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Science & Technology / Education:
  • IIT Goa held its 7th Convocation Ceremony. IITs are autonomous public technical universities established under the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961, functioning under the Ministry of Education.
  • The Government of India is expanding AI-driven skilling initiatives, coordinated by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and likely the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Defence:
  • The Indian Air Force participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 at Darwin, Australia, a biennial multinational air combat exercise.
• Social & Health Initiatives:
  • A national Cervical Cancer Vaccination Campaign has been launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • The 'Catch the Rain' campaign, spearheaded by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, continues its efforts in water conservation.
  • Efforts are ongoing to strengthen the Skill Development Ecosystem, overseen by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡

1. Odisha is developing a new Coastal Highway to boost tourism and spiritual journeys.
2. The Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been released for public consultation by the Department of Legal Affairs.
3. The 8th BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services Meeting was hosted by India's Department of Legal Affairs.
4. APEDA facilitated the first export of 24 MT frozen french fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq.
5. The Indian Air Force participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Darwin, Australia.
6. The 'Catch the Rain' campaign promotes water conservation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
7. A nationwide Cervical Cancer Vaccination Campaign has been launched.
8. India is expanding AI-driven skilling initiatives to enhance its workforce capabilities.

MCQs from Current Affairs ❓

Q1: Which project is the new Coastal Highway in Odisha likely to align with, aiming for port-led development and coastal tourism?

• A) Bharatmala Pariyojana
• B) Golden Quadrilateral
• C) Sagarmala Project
• D) National Highway Development Project (NHDP)

Q2: The Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aims to amend which existing act?

• A) Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
• B) Indian Bar Councils Act, 1926
• C) Advocates Act, 1961
• D) Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

Q3: Which organization facilitated the first export of 24 MT of frozen french fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq?

• A) Food Corporation of India (FCI)
• B) National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED)
• C) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
• D) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

Q4: Exercise Pitch Black 2026, involving the Indian Air Force, is a multinational air combat exercise held in which country?

• A) Japan
• B) United States
• C) France
• D) Australia

Q5: The 'Catch the Rain' campaign, a national call for water conservation, falls under the purview of which Union Ministry?

• A) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• B) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
• C) Ministry of Rural Development
• D) Ministry of Jal Shakti