Daily Current Affairs 20-August-2026 – Latest MCQs, News Analysis for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams
1. Which institution successfully tested India’s new reusable hypersonic experimental flight vehicle under recent ISRO mission updates?
A) Defence Research and Development Organisation
B) Indian Space Research Organisation
C) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
D) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
Correct answer: B) Indian Space Research Organisation
Notes: The Indian Space Research Organisation conducted a successful flight test of its reusable hypersonic vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, according to a recent ISRO official statement. This milestone aims to reduce launch costs for future interplanetary and orbital missions by mastering scramjet propulsion technology. Achieving reliable atmospheric re-entry is vital for India as space agencies globally race toward sustainable space access. For aspirants tracking science updates, questions often probe the technical parameters of scramjet engines and autonomous navigation systems during competitive tests.
2. Under the newly signed bilateral pact, India and which African nation agreed to enhance maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean?
A) Kenya
B) Tanzania
C) Mozambique
D) Seychelles
Correct answer: D) Seychelles
Notes: India and Seychelles signed a comprehensive defense cooperation agreement focusing on joint maritime surveillance and hydrographic mapping, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs. This pact strengthens regional stability against illegal fishing and piracy along vital trade corridors. Strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific remain central to India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region doctrine. Civil services candidates should examine how small island developing states influence geopolitical dynamics and bilateral naval diplomacy.
3. Which ministry recently launched the National Agroforestry Carbon Credit Portal to incentivize sustainable farming practices?
A) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
B) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
C) Ministry of Rural Development
D) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
4. The Supreme Court of India recently issued guidelines regarding the timeline for deciding mercy petitions under which constitutional article?
A) Article 61
B) Article 72
C) Article 123
D) Article 161
Correct answer: B) Article 72
Notes: The Supreme Court emphasized strict procedural timelines for resolving clemency pleas under Article 72, noting that unexplained administrative delays infringe upon fundamental rights, according to a recent The Hindu report. The bench reiterated that executive clemency must balance retributive justice with humanitarian considerations without undue protraction. Judicial review applies primarily to procedural lapses rather than the merits of the President’s decision. Polity questions frequently test the boundaries of executive mercy powers and judicial oversight.
5. Which financial institution approved a substantial loan to upgrade urban resilient water infrastructure in tier-2 Indian cities?
A) New Development Bank
B) Asian Development Bank
C) World Bank
D) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Correct answer: C) World Bank
Notes: The World Bank approved a multi-million-dollar financing package to modernize municipal water supply networks and mitigate urban flood risks across multiple states, as detailed in a recent PIB release. This funding supports climate-resilient urban planning and sustainable piped water access under national infrastructural frameworks. Efficient municipal financing addresses systemic urban vulnerabilities exacerbated by erratic weather patterns. Banking and finance aspirants must note multilateral lending priorities and project execution models.
Frequently Asked Questions – Daily Current Affairs
Q1. What is the primary objective of the hypersonic flight test conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation?
The primary objective is to test reusable scramjet propulsion technology in order to significantly lower the operational costs of future orbital and interplanetary missions.
Q2. How does the defense pact with Seychelles benefit India’s maritime strategy in the Western Indian Ocean?
It facilitates joint maritime surveillance, hydrographic mapping, and coordinated patrols to counter piracy and safeguard critical commercial shipping lanes.
Q3. What legal principle did the Supreme Court emphasize regarding mercy petitions under Article 72?
The court ruled that unreasonable executive delays in deciding clemency pleas violate fundamental rights, making procedural promptness legally enforceable.
