Current Affairs 20 July 2026

ICMR i-DRONE Initiative Speeds Up TB Diagnosis in Telangana.

• ICMR's i-DRONE initiative reduced TB diagnosis time from 15 days to 5 days in Telangana.
• Conducted by ICMR, AIIMS Bibinagar, and NTEP in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri.
• 840 participants enrolled to evaluate drone-based transport of sputum samples.
• Patient out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) dropped from ₹9,451 to ₹91; median OOPE became zero.
• Hub-and-spoke network connected 11 PHCs, 60 sub-centres, and 4 TB Units.
• i-DRONE: Uses drones to transport vaccines, medicines, blood products, and diagnostic samples to improve healthcare access in remote areas.

UP Introduces Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi Skill Platforms.

• Uttar Pradesh launched Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi to boost skill development and employment.
• Kaushal Setu: Paperless portal for training partner registration under UPSDM.
• Kaushal Sarathi: Portal for students/job seekers with course details and training centre locator.
• MoUs signed for training in AI, Robotics, and Advanced Textile Technology.
• UPSDM is the nodal agency for skill development in the state.

Alliance Air Introduces 1st Direct Flight from Daman's NAMO Airport.

• Alliance Air launched the first direct flight connecting NAMO Airport, Daman with Delhi.
• Travel time reduced from 8–10 hours to 2.5 hours.
• NAMO Airport is a dual-use airport operating from the Indian Coast Guard Air Station (ICGAS), Daman.
• Airport has an annual capacity of 3.67 lakh passengers.
• Alliance Air is a government-owned regional airline operating under the UDAN Scheme.
• UDAN Scheme aims to improve regional air connectivity across India.

FDA Gives Approval to Lipfendra, a Once-Daily Oral Cholesterol Drug.

• FDA approved Lipfendra (enlicitide) as the world’s first once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor.
• Developed by Merck for adults with high cholesterol.
• Blocks PCSK9 protein to increase removal of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Reduces LDL cholesterol by 56–60% in clinical trials.
• Used along with statins and a healthy diet.
• Provides an oral alternative to injectable PCSK9 inhibitors.

UK Introduces Storm Fighter Project to Modernize Air Force Capabilities.

• UK RAF launched the Storm Fighter Program to develop sixth-generation air combat capabilities.
• Focuses on autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) or loyal wingman drones.
• CCAs will operate with Typhoon, F-35B Lightning II, and future Tempest fighters.
• £5 billion funding allocated over four years, including £300 million for CCA.
• GCAP (UK-Japan-Italy partnership) aims to develop next-generation stealth fighters.