Today Current Affairs 20 October 2026

Today’s Current Affairs 20 October 2026 for Competitive Exams

The following revised article focuses on developments reported by the Government of India on 20 October 2026, with explanations for APSC, ADRE, UPSC, SSC, Railway and Banking examinations. The main topics include the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), nuclear energy, environmental awareness, Vijayadashami and important government initiatives. 

 Keywords: Today Current Affairs 20 October 2026, Daily Current Affairs in English, APSC Current Affairs, ADRE GK, UPSC Current Affairs, SSC General Knowledge, Government Schemes and Current Affairs.

1. 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting

India called for coordinated international action against terrorism at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 20 October 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India at the meeting.

India emphasised that terrorism threatens peace, economic development, investment and international commerce. The discussions also addressed economic cooperation, trade, transport connectivity, digital development and energy and food security.

The meeting adopted a joint communiqué covering the SCO budget for 2027 and the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026–2030.

Why is this important?

The SCO is a regional organisation that provides a platform for cooperation among its member states on security, economic development and other shared concerns. For competitive examinations, this development is relevant to international relations, regional security and India's foreign policy.

Important facts for examinations:

- Organisation: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

- Meeting: 25th Council of Heads of Government

- Venue: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

- Date: 20 October 2026

- Indian representative: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

- India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.

Official source: "Ministry of Defence, Press Information Bureau" (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2325428).

2. Green Diwali Campaign 2026

WWF-India's Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP), supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, launched a nationwide Green Diwali Campaign on 20 October 2026. The campaign will continue until 8 November 2026.

The initiative encourages citizens to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers and adopt environmentally responsible practices. It focuses particularly on schools, colleges, educational institutions, resident welfare associations and local communities, including the 130 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

The campaign promotes the use of traditional diyas and energy-efficient lighting, avoiding single-use plastics, segregating waste and choosing local products. These practices support environmental awareness and responsible consumption.

Connection with Mission LiFE

Mission LiFE, or Lifestyle for Environment, encourages individuals and communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles and reduce unnecessary pressure on natural resources.

The Green Diwali Campaign demonstrates how individual choices can contribute to environmental protection. Avoiding firecrackers can help reduce air pollution and noise, while waste segregation and reduced plastic use can improve waste management.

Important facts for examinations:

- Campaign: Green Diwali Campaign 2026

- Campaign period: 20 October–8 November 2026

- Supporting ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

- Related programme: Mission LiFE

- National Clean Air Programme: NCAP

- Main objective: Promote cleaner and environmentally responsible Diwali celebrations.

Official source: "Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, PIB" (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2325381).

3. Prime Minister Extends Vijayadashami Greetings

On 20 October 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the public on the occasion of Vijayadashami. The festival is widely associated with the victory of good over evil and is an important part of India's cultural and religious traditions.

Vijayadashami is also known as Dussehra in many parts of India. Celebrations vary across regions, reflecting the country's cultural diversity.

For competitive examinations, Vijayadashami is relevant to Indian culture, festivals, traditions and heritage. Candidates should remember that festivals often have different regional customs and historical or religious associations.

Important facts:

- Festival: Vijayadashami, also called Dussehra

- Date of the announcement: 20 October 2026

- Related subject: Indian culture and heritage

- Official source: Prime Minister's Office through PIB.

Official reference: "PIB – Prime Minister's greetings on Vijayadashami" (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2325351).

4. Prime Minister Shares a Sanskrit Subhashitam on Lord Rama

On 20 October 2026, the Prime Minister shared a Sanskrit subhashitam describing Lord Rama as an embodiment of righteousness, truth and valour.

The verse highlights the ideals of dharma, moral conduct, truthfulness and responsible leadership. Such themes have an important place in India's classical literature and cultural traditions.

For examination preparation, this topic connects current affairs with Indian philosophy, Sanskrit literature and cultural heritage. Candidates should understand the meanings of terms such as dharma and satya in their broader ethical and philosophical contexts.

Exam relevance: Indian culture, classical languages, Sanskrit literature and ethical values.

Official reference: "PIB – Sanskrit Subhashitam shared by the Prime Minister" (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PMO=3&PRID=2325352&lang=1&reg=3).

5. Important Government and Policy Themes for Revision

The developments reported on 20 October 2026 highlight three broad themes that candidates should revise.

International relations: India's participation in the SCO meeting illustrates the importance of multilateral cooperation, regional security and international trade.

Environment and sustainable development: The Green Diwali Campaign connects environmental awareness with Mission LiFE, pollution prevention and responsible consumption.

Culture and heritage: Vijayadashami and the Sanskrit verse on Lord Rama highlight India's cultural diversity, classical traditions and ethical ideas.

For APSC and ADRE candidates, it is useful to connect these developments with Assam's cultural traditions, environmental challenges and regional development wherever appropriate.

Practice MCQs on Current Affairs – 20 October 2026

Q1. Where was the 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting held on 20 October 2026?

A. New Delhi, India

B. Dushanbe, Tajikistan

C. Beijing, China

D. Astana, Kazakhstan

Answer: B. Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Q2. Which Indian minister represented India at the 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting?

A. Amit Shah

B. S. Jaishankar

C. Rajnath Singh

D. Nitin Gadkari

Answer: C. Rajnath Singh

Q3. India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in which year?

A. 2014

B. 2015

C. 2017

D. 2020

Answer: C. 2017

Q4. What is the principal objective of the Green Diwali Campaign 2026?

A. Promoting international trade

B. Encouraging environmentally responsible celebrations

C. Increasing industrial production

D. Expanding railway infrastructure

Answer: B. Encouraging environmentally responsible celebrations

Q5. Which ministry supports the Green Diwali Campaign 2026?

A. Ministry of Commerce and Industry

B. Ministry of Education

C. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

D. Ministry of Tourism

Answer: C. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Q6. What does Mission LiFE stand for?

A. Lifestyle for Environment

B. Literacy for Everyone

C. Leadership in Financial Education

D. Livelihood Initiative for Enterprises

Answer: A. Lifestyle for Environment

Q7. Vijayadashami is also widely known by which name?

A. Baisakhi

B. Dussehra

C. Onam

D. Pongal

Answer: B. Dussehra

Q8. Which organisation is associated with the nationwide Green Diwali Campaign announced on 20 October 2026?

A. WWF-India EIACP

B. Election Commission of India

C. University Grants Commission

D. National Human Rights Commission

Answer: A. WWF-India EIACP

Q9. Which of the following is an environmentally responsible Diwali practice?

A. Burning waste in open spaces

B. Increasing single-use plastic consumption

C. Segregating waste and reducing pollution

D. Using more firecrackers

Answer: C. Segregating waste and reducing pollution

Q10. Which of the following subjects is most directly connected with the SCO meeting?

A. International relations

B. Indian classical dance alone

C. School curriculum design

D. Local municipal taxation alone

Answer: A. International relations

Conclusion

The current affairs of 20 October 2026 provide important revision material on international relations, environmental protection and Indian culture. The SCO meeting highlights India's role in regional cooperation, the Green Diwali Campaign promotes sustainable practices, and the Vijayadashami announcements connect current affairs with India's cultural heritage.

Candidates preparing for APSC, ADRE, UPSC, SSC, Banking and Railway examinations should revise the important facts and practise the MCQs regularly. Always verify new developments through official government releases before including them in examination notes.

Official Sources and References

1. Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India.

2. Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

3. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

4. Prime Minister's Office, Government of India.

Read today's current affairs for 20 October 2026 in English, including the SCO meeting, Green Diwali Campaign, Vijayadashami and important MCQs for APSC, ADRE, UPSC, SSC and other competitive examinations.