UPSC Current Affairs 18 August 2026

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology GS3: Space Technology

After January launch vehicle debacle, GISAT-1A take-off in September to end ISRO's seven-month operational hiatus, Pg6

ISRO ends seven-month launch hiatus with GISAT-1A, while strategically joining NASA's Moon Base program and Artemis Accords for advanced space exploration.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology GS3: Space Technology

After January launch vehicle debacle, GISAT-1A take-off in September to end ISRO's seven-month operational hiatus, Pg6

ISRO ends seven-month launch hiatus with GISAT-1A, while strategically joining NASA's Moon Base program and Artemis Accords for advanced space exploration.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

States can't block elephant corridors fearing crop damage: SC, Pg9

Supreme Court orders Centre to conduct fresh survey of elephant corridors, asserting states cannot block them over crop damage fears, prioritizing wildlife movement.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

States can't block elephant corridors fearing crop damage: SC, Pg9

Supreme Court orders Centre to conduct fresh survey of elephant corridors, asserting states cannot block them over crop damage fears, prioritizing wildlife movement.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

60 days on, a disturbing US-Iran stalemate, Pg10

US-Iran 60-day peace window expires, escalating economic warfare and regional conflict, threatening global stability and India's energy interests.

GS 2: International Relations GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

60 days on, a disturbing US-Iran stalemate, Pg10

US-Iran 60-day peace window expires, escalating economic warfare and regional conflict, threatening global stability and India's energy interests.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

The rupee's borrowed breathing space , Pg11

RBI's FCNR(B) facility provides temporary rupee stability, attracting NRI deposits but shifting hedging costs to public balance sheet, creating future banking risks.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

The rupee's borrowed breathing space , Pg11

RBI's FCNR(B) facility provides temporary rupee stability, attracting NRI deposits but shifting hedging costs to public balance sheet, creating future banking risks.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

The Centre-states tussle over the Mines and Minerals Bill, Pg12

New Mines and Minerals Bill sparks Centre-state tussle over mineral taxation, threatening state revenues and raising federalism concerns after Supreme Court ruling.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure GS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

The Centre-states tussle over the Mines and Minerals Bill, Pg12

New Mines and Minerals Bill sparks Centre-state tussle over mineral taxation, threatening state revenues and raising federalism concerns after Supreme Court ruling.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Govt Nod To 31 More Applications For Electronic Components Mfg Scops, Pg13

MeitY approves 31 more ECMS applications, attracting Rs 7,877 crore investment for electronic component manufacturing, boosting domestic production and creating 10,000 jobs.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Govt Nod To 31 More Applications For Electronic Components Mfg Scops, Pg13

MeitY approves 31 more ECMS applications, attracting Rs 7,877 crore investment for electronic component manufacturing, boosting domestic production and creating 10,000 jobs.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Why India is finding it difficult to buy critical mineral assets abroad, expand footprint, Pg13

India's KABIL struggles to secure critical mineral assets abroad, facing high valuations, volatile prices, and financial constraints, impacting strategic resource security.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Distribution of Key Natural Resources GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Why India is finding it difficult to buy critical mineral assets abroad, expand footprint, Pg13

India's KABIL struggles to secure critical mineral assets abroad, facing high valuations, volatile prices, and financial constraints, impacting strategic resource security.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Governance GS 3: Economy GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: IT and Computers

China's grand plan: To shape what AI learns and remembers, Pg14

China unveils ambitious plan to become a global data powerhouse, shaping AI's learning to counter Western influence and gain strategic technological advantage.

GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: International Relations GS 2: Governance GS 3: Economy GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: IT and Computers

China's grand plan: To shape what AI learns and remembers, Pg14

China unveils ambitious plan to become a global data powerhouse, shaping AI's learning to counter Western influence and gain strategic technological advantage.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Role of External State and Non State Actors GS3: Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Security Agencies ‘Dismantled’ ISI-Backed Gang Ahead of Independence Day: Shah, Pg1

Security agencies dismantled the Pakistan-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network, detaining 253 and arresting over 200 operatives across 14 states in a major counter-terror operation.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations GS3: Role of External State and Non State Actors GS3: Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Security Agencies ‘Dismantled’ ISI-Backed Gang Ahead of Independence Day: Shah, Pg1

Security agencies dismantled the Pakistan-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network, detaining 253 and arresting over 200 operatives across 14 states in a major counter-terror operation.

GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Why Adivasis are resisting the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, PgII

Adivasi communities in Bundelkhand are fiercely resisting the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, facing displacement and loss of ancestral land and livelihoods.

GS 1: Indian Society GS 2: Social Justice GS 2: Governance GS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Vulnerable Sections GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Why Adivasis are resisting the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, PgII

Adivasi communities in Bundelkhand are fiercely resisting the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, facing displacement and loss of ancestral land and livelihoods.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Losing forest for trees, Pg6

CAG audit exposes Green India Mission's failure to improve forest quality and cover, highlighting a critical gap in India's climate change mitigation efforts.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Changes in Critical Geographical Features, Water Bodies, Ice Caps, Flora and Fauna GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Losing forest for trees, Pg6

CAG audit exposes Green India Mission's failure to improve forest quality and cover, highlighting a critical gap in India's climate change mitigation efforts.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Taxing ‘Frivolous’ Industries Will Not Fund India’s Science, Pg6

Expert debunks taxing 'frivolous' industries for science, advocating for economic liberalization, streamlined government funding, and increased private investment to boost India's scientific research.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Taxing ‘Frivolous’ Industries Will Not Fund India’s Science, Pg6

Expert debunks taxing 'frivolous' industries for science, advocating for economic liberalization, streamlined government funding, and increased private investment to boost India's scientific research.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

Decoding India’s growth in merchandise exports, Pg7

India's merchandise exports surge 20% to $44.2 billion in July 2026, driven by petroleum and electronics, despite widening trade deficit and West Asia conflict.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment GS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

Decoding India’s growth in merchandise exports, Pg7

India's merchandise exports surge 20% to $44.2 billion in July 2026, driven by petroleum and electronics, despite widening trade deficit and West Asia conflict.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Representation of the People's Act GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Number of MPs Who Have Criminal Cases Against Them, Pg8

Supreme Court report reveals 326 MPs, including 251 Lok Sabha and 75 Rajya Sabha members, face criminal cases, highlighting political criminalization.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Parliament and State Legislatures GS2: Representation of the People's Act GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Number of MPs Who Have Criminal Cases Against Them, Pg8

Supreme Court report reveals 326 MPs, including 251 Lok Sabha and 75 Rajya Sabha members, face criminal cases, highlighting political criminalization.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

The road to E20 is not without bumps, Pg8

India's rapid E20 fuel transition faces significant challenges, including mileage drops, vehicle compatibility issues, and contamination risks, sparking a complex policy debate.

GS 3: Economy GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 3: Science & Technology GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

The road to E20 is not without bumps, Pg8

India's rapid E20 fuel transition faces significant challenges, including mileage drops, vehicle compatibility issues, and contamination risks, sparking a complex policy debate.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS3: Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Space Technology

Rotating Detonation Engines: The Science and The Promises, Pg9

Indian defence start-up D-Propulse successfully demonstrates advanced Rotating Detonation Engine at DRDO, promising significant fuel efficiency for rockets and missiles.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS3: Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development GS3: Space Technology

Rotating Detonation Engines: The Science and The Promises, Pg9

Indian defence start-up D-Propulse successfully demonstrates advanced Rotating Detonation Engine at DRDO, promising significant fuel efficiency for rockets and missiles.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernanceEthicsPrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Representation of the People's Act GS2: Constitutional Bodies GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Black Money In Elections Hampers Democracy, Says SC, Pg10

Supreme Court emphasizes black money's threat to democracy, directing EC and state agencies to ensure timely investigation and reporting of electoral seizures.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: GovernanceEthicsPrelimsGS2: Structure and Functioning of Executive and Judiciary GS2: Representation of the People's Act GS2: Constitutional Bodies GS2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Black Money In Elections Hampers Democracy, Says SC, Pg10

Supreme Court emphasizes black money's threat to democracy, directing EC and state agencies to ensure timely investigation and reporting of electoral seizures.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Can SHANTI Act override court on compensation for nuclear disasters, asks SC, Pg10

Supreme Court challenges SHANTI Act 2025's liability caps for nuclear disasters, questioning if it can restrict constitutional courts from awarding suitable victim compensation.

GS 2: Polity GS 2: Governance GS 3: Science & Technology GS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Disaster and Disaster Management

Can SHANTI Act override court on compensation for nuclear disasters, asks SC, Pg10

Supreme Court challenges SHANTI Act 2025's liability caps for nuclear disasters, questioning if it can restrict constitutional courts from awarding suitable victim compensation.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Qatar-India Postal Remittance Service based on PosTransfer powered by UPI now available through Qatar Post Outlets

India and Qatar launch PosTransfer-UPI remittance service, enabling instant, affordable money transfers for Indian diaspora via Qatar Post, boosting bilateral digital financial connectivity.

GS 3: Economy GS 2: International Relations GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS2: Indian Diaspora GS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Qatar-India Postal Remittance Service based on PosTransfer powered by UPI now available through Qatar Post Outlets

India and Qatar launch PosTransfer-UPI remittance service, enabling instant, affordable money transfers for Indian diaspora via Qatar Post, boosting bilateral digital financial connectivity.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 2: International Relations GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

MoD Inks Contract With General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc For Leasing Of Two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems For Indian Navy For 30 Months

Ministry of Defence inks Rs 1,943 crore deal with GA-ASI to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones, boosting Indian Navy's maritime surveillance for 30 months.

GS 3: Internal Security GS 2: International Relations GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements GS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas GS3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

MoD Inks Contract With General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc For Leasing Of Two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems For Indian Navy For 30 Months

Ministry of Defence inks Rs 1,943 crore deal with GA-ASI to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones, boosting Indian Navy's maritime surveillance for 30 months.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International Relations GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Salient Features of World's Physical Geography GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

India Launches First-Ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems at UNCCD COP17, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

India launches its first-ever comprehensive guide on Open Natural Ecosystems at UNCCD COP17, emphasizing conservation, biodiversity, and climate resilience for sustainable land management.

GS 3: Environment & Ecology GS 2: International Relations GS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Salient Features of World's Physical Geography GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora GS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

News Analysis

After January launch vehicle debacle, GISAT-1A take-off in September to end ISRO's seven-month operational hiatus, Pg6

After January launch vehicle debacle, GISAT-1A take-off in September to end ISRO's seven-month operational hiatus, Pg6

States can't block elephant corridors fearing crop damage: SC, Pg9

States can't block elephant corridors fearing crop damage: SC, Pg9

60 days on, a disturbing US-Iran stalemate, Pg10

60 days on, a disturbing US-Iran stalemate, Pg10

The rupee's borrowed breathing space , Pg11

The rupee's borrowed breathing space , Pg11

The Centre-states tussle over the Mines and Minerals Bill, Pg12

The Centre-states tussle over the Mines and Minerals Bill, Pg12

Govt Nod To 31 More Applications For Electronic Components Mfg Scops, Pg13

Govt Nod To 31 More Applications For Electronic Components Mfg Scops, Pg13

Why India is finding it difficult to buy critical mineral assets abroad, expand footprint, Pg13

Why India is finding it difficult to buy critical mineral assets abroad, expand footprint, Pg13

China's grand plan: To shape what AI learns and remembers, Pg14

China's grand plan: To shape what AI learns and remembers, Pg14

Security Agencies ‘Dismantled’ ISI-Backed Gang Ahead of Independence Day: Shah, Pg1

Security Agencies ‘Dismantled’ ISI-Backed Gang Ahead of Independence Day: Shah, Pg1

Why Adivasis are resisting the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, PgII

Why Adivasis are resisting the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, PgII

Losing forest for trees, Pg6

Losing forest for trees, Pg6

Taxing ‘Frivolous’ Industries Will Not Fund India’s Science, Pg6

Taxing ‘Frivolous’ Industries Will Not Fund India’s Science, Pg6

Decoding India’s growth in merchandise exports, Pg7

Decoding India’s growth in merchandise exports, Pg7

Number of MPs Who Have Criminal Cases Against Them, Pg8

Number of MPs Who Have Criminal Cases Against Them, Pg8

The road to E20 is not without bumps, Pg8

The road to E20 is not without bumps, Pg8

Rotating Detonation Engines: The Science and The Promises, Pg9

Rotating Detonation Engines: The Science and The Promises, Pg9

Black Money In Elections Hampers Democracy, Says SC, Pg10

Black Money In Elections Hampers Democracy, Says SC, Pg10

Can SHANTI Act override court on compensation for nuclear disasters, asks SC, Pg10

Can SHANTI Act override court on compensation for nuclear disasters, asks SC, Pg10

Qatar-India Postal Remittance Service based on PosTransfer powered by UPI now available through Qatar Post Outlets

Qatar-India Postal Remittance Service based on PosTransfer powered by UPI now available through Qatar Post Outlets

MoD Inks Contract With General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc For Leasing Of Two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems For Indian Navy For 30 Months

MoD Inks Contract With General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc For Leasing Of Two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems For Indian Navy For 30 Months

India Launches First-Ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems at UNCCD COP17, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

India Launches First-Ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems at UNCCD COP17, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Government Strengthens Comprehensive Rehabilitation And Social Inclusion Through SMILE Scheme

Government Strengthens Comprehensive Rehabilitation And Social Inclusion Through SMILE Scheme

Bharat Taxi

Bharat Taxi

Beyond the Numbers: Decoding India's School Education Progress

Beyond the Numbers: Decoding India's School Education Progress

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