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18 August 2026 · exam-relevant news
Latest digest · 18 August 2026
AI summaries of PIB, RBI, All India Radio and national newspaper reports, organised for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State-PSC revision. Every story links to its source.
24 current-affairs updates for major exams.
BRICS nations collectively condemned the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), calling it discriminatory and protectionist. The bloc demanded a substantial increase in international climate finance…
Read full storyUS President Donald Trump warned Oman against engaging with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, threatening military action if Muscat interferes with Washington's stance. The warning came during a phone call with reporters…
Read full storyIran has announced a $30,000 bounty for killing or capturing U.S. soldiers, escalating tensions in West Asia. Simultaneously, Israel vowed to pursue Hezbollah after confirming the killing of another senior commander. Sa…
Read full storyPrime Minister Narendra Modi announced free online coaching for competitive exam aspirants from poor and middle-class families to reduce their financial burden. The initiative aims to democratize access to quality educa…
Read full storyThe Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers – Disclosure Scheme (FAST-DS) Rules, 2026, effective immediately. The scheme provides a one-time opportunity for small taxpayer…
Read full storyIran rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that the Strait of Hormuz is under American control, calling it a violation of international law. Tehran had effectively closed the strait in late February 2025 amid esc…
Read full storyPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day (August 15, 2026), outlining the vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047. He highlighted 12 years of unprecedented progress, Aatmanir…
Read full storyPM Modi, in his Independence Day 2026 address, urged the Opposition to support the implementation of the women's reservation quota, stating they could claim credit for it. He also warned against individuals with a 'Maoi…
Read full storyPM Modi addressed the nation on the 80th Independence Day, highlighting that India has signed Free Trade Agreements with nearly 40 countries since 2014. He urged MSMEs to leverage these FTAs for export growth under the…
Read full storyThe government has launched a foreign asset disclosure scheme targeting small taxpayers, imposing a 30% tax on undisclosed foreign assets or income plus an equal penalty, resulting in an effective 60% levy. This measure…
Read full storyThe White House released a report identifying over 40 countries, including India, associated with elevated illegal transshipment risk enabling China's tariff evasion. Specifically, the Pune-Gujarat-Chennai industrial be…
Read full storyA UN Security Council monitoring team has attributed the deadly Red Fort suicide car bombing in Delhi, which killed 11 people, to Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitori…
Read full storyIranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi rejected US President Donald Trump's claim of total control over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of repeated miscalculations due to intelligence failures. The Strait o…
Read full storyThe Ministry of Ayush is implementing the Ayurgyan Scheme (since FY 2021-22) to promote scientific research in Ayush systems. Under its ABIHR component (added FY 2023-24), 11 high-end research projects received Rs.58.28…
Read full storyThe Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that peace in border areas is of 'utmost importance' following reports of Chinese incursions. India rejected China's criticism over New Delhi's move to identify 27 place…
Read full storyWhite House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro stated that U.S. President Trump and Indian PM Modi will resolve issues related to Russia sanctions. This follows the U.S. Senate passing a bill authorizing the President to impos…
Read full storyFormer US President Donald Trump declared he would demand conflict compensation from Iran, responding to Tehran's insistence that US war reparations are a precondition for resolving ongoing hostilities in West Asia. Thi…
Read full storyIran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Tehran will not engage in direct talks with the U.S. as long as Washington violates the June 2024 interim nuclear deal. Iran links reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to U.S.…
Read full storyIsraeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu rejected US President Donald Trump's 15-point Gaza peace plan during a cabinet meeting, insisting Israel will not withdraw forces until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. Netanyahu emphasized con…
Read full storyIndia has successfully developed its first privately built Full Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine, joining an elite group of only three commercial entities globally — SpaceX and Stoke Space from the USA, and L…
Read full storyRussia has proposed a railway route connecting to the Indian Ocean and India to reduce reliance on critical maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Bosphorus Strait. Deputy PM Marat Khusnullin highlighted str…
Read full storyDefence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Operation Sindoor conveyed a global message of India's zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, emphasizing the country's commitment to protecting its citizens and national honour…
Read full storyIran's Security Chief Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr has issued a list of demands to the US, including lifting the naval blockade and withdrawing military forces, before reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway…
Read full storyUkraine President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed an agreement with the United States for monthly deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles during his visit to Belgrade. This development highlights ongoing Western militar…
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Exam-relevant stories with MCQ-ready key points, summarised by AI from PIB, RBI, All India Radio and national newspapers. Edition: 18 August 2026. Hindi appears where a translation is ready.
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The 18 August 2026 digest is free to read here. Monthly editions (English and Hindi) are listed only after both files pass source review.