Current Affairs 20 June 2026

Prime Minister’s visit to West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal on 20–21 June 2026 and participated in Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) celebrations at Tarakeswar in Hooghly district. During the visit, he launched, inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects across the sectors of agriculture, railways, fisheries, rural development, and animal husbandry.

Highlights

• The theme of Paschimbanga Divas 2026 was “West Bengal: Heritage, Harmony and Development.”
• The Prime Minister released the 23rd installment of PM-KISAN, transferring ₹18,880 crore to over 9.44 crore farmers across India.
• He launched key agricultural initiatives in West Bengal:
  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
  • AgriStack under the Digital Agriculture Mission
  • National Mission on Natural Farming
  • Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

Prime Minister’s visit to Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Odisha on 20 June 2026. The Prime Minister visited Pahadpur village in Mayurbhanj district. Development projects worth over ₹47,600 crore were inaugurated and foundation stones laid.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the ₹25,016 crore Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) Project at Lakhanpur, Jharsuguda district, Odisha. Developed as a joint venture between Coal India Limited (CIL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), the project is India’s first commercial-scale coal-to-ammonium nitrate facility and will produce 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate per day using indigenous coal gasification technology.

SIPB Approves ₹30,515 Crore Investments in Andhra Pradesh

The State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) of Andhra Pradesh has approved investment proposals worth ₹30,515 crore from 50 companies, which are expected to generate approximately 29,677 jobs across the State.

Highlights

• Total Investments Approved: ₹30,515 crore
• Number of Companies: 50
• Expected Employment Generation: 29,677 jobs

Major Projects Approved

Additional Development

• A Centre of Excellence for Rare Earth Mineral Research will be established at Andhra University.

Jonnagiri Gold Project to Enter Commercial Production Soon

Andhra Pradesh Excise, Mines & Geology Minister Kollu Ravindra has announced that the Jonnagiri Gold Project in Anantapur district is expected to enter the commercial production phase soon.

Highlights

• The Jonnagiri Gold Project is located in the Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.
• The project is estimated to contain around 13 tonnes of gold reserves.
• Potential gold-bearing regions identified in Andhra Pradesh include Chigurugunta, Ramagiri, and Visakhapatnam.

Beach Sand Minerals

• Andhra Pradesh possesses the second-largest beach sand mineral deposits in India after Tamil Nadu.
• Important beach sand minerals found along the Andhra Pradesh coast include ilmenite, Rutile, zircon, Garnet, and Titanium-bearing minerals.

World Sickle Cell Day – 19 June

World Sickle Cell Day is observed globally every year on 19 June to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), promote early diagnosis and treatment, and eliminate stigma associated with the disease. This was officially recognised by the UN in 2008.

World Sickle Cell Day theme 2026 is “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Care”

About Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

• Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder.
• It is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene.
• Red blood cells become sickle-shaped (crescent-shaped) instead of round.
• These abnormal cells can block blood flow, causing severe pain episodes, anemia, organ damage, and an increased risk of infections.

Q1. The ₹6,000 crore renewable energy project approved by the Andhra Pradesh SIPB for NTPC Renewable Energy is proposed to be established in which district?
A. Tirupati
B. Anakapalli
C. Kurnool
D. Anantapur

Q2. The Jonnagiri Gold Project, recently seen in the news, is located in which district of Andhra Pradesh?
A. Kurnool
B. Anantapur
C. Chittoor
D. Visakhapatnam

Q3. Which of the following places identified in Andhra Pradesh are known for their gold mineral potential?
1. Chigurugunta
2. Ramagiri
3. Visakhapatnam
4. Jonnagiri

Select the correct answer using the code below:

Q4. What is the theme of World Sickle Cell Day 2026?
A. Building Awareness, Saving Lives
B. Equity for All Patients
C. Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Care
D. End Sickle Cell by 2030

Q5. Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) is celebrated on which date every year?
A. 20 June
B. 21 June
C. 22 June
D. 23 June