Current Affairs — 18 August 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Tue, 18 Aug 2026
National Sports Awards 2025 announced: 17 Arjuna awardees
The Sports Ministry on 18 August 2026 announced the National Sports Awards 2025, naming 17 Arjuna awardees and five Dronacharya awardees on the recommendation of a committee chaired by Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra.
Rajnath Singh flags off NCC girls' 'Aparajita - Parang La 2026' trek
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 18 August 2026 flagged off the NCC's all-India girls' high-altitude trek 'Aparajita - Parang La 2026', in which 28 girl cadets will cover 250 km in 30 days.
CAQM orders phased shift to cleaner light goods vehicles in Delhi-NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management, at its 29th full meeting on 18 August 2026, approved Direction No. 102 for phased restrictions on registering diesel, petrol and CNG light goods vehicles in Delhi-NCR from 2027.
Hakainde Hichilema re-elected President of Zambia
Zambia's Electoral Commission on 18 August 2026 declared Hakainde Hichilema re-elected President for a second five-year term with about 60% of the vote.
12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting adopts joint statement in New Delhi
The 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on 18 August 2026 adopted a Joint Ministerial Statement by consensus and launched four knowledge compendiums.
Centre approves incentive scheme to expand household PNG connections
The Centre on 18 August 2026 approved an Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections, effective 1 September 2026, giving city gas firms extra low-priced APM gas for each new billed household connection.
Defence Ministry notifies 6th Positive Indigenisation List of 405 items
The Department of Defence Production notified the sixth Positive Indigenisation List of 405 strategically important items worth an estimated ₹3,070 crore on 18 August 2026.
₹3,942-crore Amended BharatNet agreement signed for Chhattisgarh
Digital Bharat Nidhi signed an agreement on 18 August 2026 to roll out the Amended BharatNet Program in Chhattisgarh under the state-led model, with ₹3,942 crore of support covering 11,682 gram panchayats.
India and Armenia sign defence MoU during Defence Secretary's visit
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh concluded a two-day visit to Armenia on 18 August 2026, during which the two defence ministries signed an MoU on joint collaboration, innovation and research.
65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament opens in New Delhi
The 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament opened at Dr B. R. Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi, on 18 August 2026, with 108 teams in three categories.
Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 ends with concert marking 150 years of Vande Mataram
The Culture Ministry closed Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 with a Tiranga Concert by singer B Praak at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 18 August 2026, dedicated to 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Gauge-converted Kailaras-Sabalgarh-Birpur rail section opened in Madhya Pradesh
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 18 August 2026 virtually inaugurated the gauge-converted Kailaras-Sabalgarh-Birpur rail section in Madhya Pradesh and extended the Gwalior-Kailaras train to Birpur.
India and Malaysia hold 2nd JWG on public administration reforms
India and Malaysia held the 2nd Joint Working Group meeting on cooperation in public administration and governance reforms on 18 August 2026.
NHAI extends online FASTag Local Pass to 121 toll plazas
NHAI on 18 August 2026 extended the online FASTag Local Pass facility to 121 toll plazas, letting eligible commuters buy monthly passes through the Rajmargyatra app.