Daily Current Affairs- 18th August 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 18th August 2026

India-USN EOD Exercise 2026 Concludes in Kochi

In the News: The 8th edition of the Indian Navy–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 was held from 10–14 August 2026 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Kerala. The five-day bilateral engagement brought together specialist diving and EOD teams of the two navies. It focused on improving interoperability and responses to complex maritime explosive threats.

Key Points:

• 8th Edition and Venue: The 2026 exercise was the eighth edition of this specialised bilateral naval engagement. It was hosted by the Southern Naval Command at Kochi, an important training establishment of the Indian Navy.
• Main Training Areas: The exercise featured Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, cross-training, equipment demonstrations and scenario-based practical drills. Training addressed underwater mines, unexploded ordnance and other maritime explosive hazards.
• Use of Advanced Technology: The exercise included demonstrations of modern EOD technologies, including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Such systems allow underwater inspection and handling of dangerous objects while reducing risk to divers.
• Objective of the Exercise: A major objective was to enhance interoperability and operational synergy between specialist Indian and US naval teams. Mine clearance and port security are important for maintaining safe maritime trade routes and naval operation.

NTA Introduces Four-Tier Question Paper Checks

In the News: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a major overhaul of its question-paper preparation system by introducing four levels of scrutiny before an examination. The agency has also removed around 600 experts from its panels and begun inducting new specialists. The changes follow concerns over errors and irregularities in major national examinations.

Key Points:

• Four-Tier Scrutiny: Every NTA question paper will now undergo four levels of checking before being used in an examination. The aim is to identify factual, technical and quality-related problems before papers reach candidates.
• Restructuring of Expert Panels: Around 600 experts have been removed from existing NTA panels, with new specialists being onboarded. This forms part of a wider attempt to strengthen accountability in question-setting and examination management.
• Reason for Reforms: The overhaul follows controversies surrounding major examinations, including NEET-UG and UGC-NET, which raised questions regarding examination integrity and errors. The reforms are intended to restore candidate confidence in the national testing system.
• Security Measures: Security around NTA's operations is also being strengthened, with CISF security planned for NTA offices. The objective is to improve protection of sensitive examination-related material and institutional infrastructure.
• About NTA: NTA was established by the Ministry of Education as an independent and autonomous testing organisation under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It conducts standardised entrance and eligibility examinations for higher-education institutions.

Supreme Court on Electoral Black Money

In the News: The Supreme Court of India has held that state governments must obtain the approval of the concerned High Court before criminal cases involving electoral malpractices are withdrawn. Such cases may include allegations involving black money and other unfair means during elections. The ruling seeks to prevent politically motivated withdrawal of sensitive election-related cases after a change of government.

Key Points:

• High Court Approval Required: State governments can no longer facilitate withdrawal of such electoral-malpractice prosecutions without scrutiny by the relevant High Court. The safeguard is aimed at preventing arbitrary closure of politically sensitive criminal proceedings.
• Why the Court Intervened: The Court took note of the practice of election-related cases being dropped after a change in political dispensation. The decision strengthens judicial oversight over cases involving allegations of unfair electoral practices.
• BNSS Provision: Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 deals with withdrawal from prosecution. It allows a Public Prosecutor or Assistant Public Prosecutor to seek withdrawal before judgment, subject to the consent of the court.
• Representation of the People Act: The Representation of the People Act, 1951 is the principal legislation dealing with conduct of elections, electoral offences and corrupt practices. Section 123 defines various corrupt practices, including bribery.   

India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV 2026

In the News: An Indian Army contingent departed for Thailand in August 2026 to participate in the 15th edition of Exercise MAITREE, the bilateral joint military exercise between India and Thailand. MAITREE-XV is aimed at strengthening defence cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army.

Key Points:

• 15th Edition: MAITREE-XV represents the 15th edition of the India–Thailand joint military exercise. It forms an important component of regular military-to-military engagement between the two countries.
• Participating Forces: The exercise is conducted between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army. Its primary objective is to improve joint operational skills, interoperability and professional understanding between troops of both countries.
• Exercise Began in 2006: Exercise MAITREE was instituted in 2006 and has developed into an important bilateral defence-training mechanism. Earlier editions have been conducted alternately in India and Thailand.
• Operational Focus: Previous editions have prominently focused on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in jungle, urban and semi-urban environments. Training has included joint planning, tactical drills, surveillance and coordinated field operations.
• Previous Edition: MAITREE-XIV was held at the Joint Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, from 1–14 September 2025. It focused on company-level counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

National Sports Awards 2025 Announced: Key Winners List

In the News: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2025 on 18 August 2026. A total of 17 sportspersons were selected for the Arjuna Award, one for the Arjuna Award (Lifetime), while five coaches were chosen for Dronacharya honours. Significantly, no sportsperson was selected for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for 2025.

Key Points:

• No Khel Ratna for 2025: No athlete was selected for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honour. This is only the third such instance since the award was instituted in 1991–92, after 2008 and 2014.
• Key Arjuna Award Winners: Among the prominent Arjuna awardees are Tejaswin Shankar (Athletics), Vidit Gujrathi (Chess), Divya Deshmukh (Chess) and Lalremsiami (Hockey). In total, 17 athletes were selected for the Arjuna Award.
• Historic Honour for Mizoram: Indian women's hockey player Lalremsiami became the first sportsperson from Mizoram to be selected for the Arjuna Award. The achievement marked an important milestone for sport in the state.
• Lifetime and Other Awards: Former Indian footballer I. Arumainayagam, a member of India's 1962 Asian Games gold-medal-winning team, received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime). Five coaches were selected for Dronacharya Awards, while the Army Paralympic Node, Pune was chosen for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar.
• Major Award Categories: The Khel Ratna recognises spectacular and outstanding sporting performance, while the Arjuna Award honours consistent outstanding performance. The Dronacharya Award recognises coaches producing international-level sporting achievements, while the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) honours long-term contribution to sports.