Daily Current Affairs – 18-04-2026

National News

Women’s Reservation Bill Defeated in Parliament

The Women’s Reservation Bill, which proposed 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, was defeated in a parliamentary vote due to lack of the required two-thirds majority . The bill was part of measures linked to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, along with the Delimitation Bill, 2026 and Union Territory Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 introduced in a special session of Parliament . In the voting, out of 528 MPs, 298 voted in favour and 230 voted against, while at least 352 votes were required for passage . The bill aimed to implement provisions of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, including increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850 through delimitation . Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented details of proposed seat increases, including Tamil Nadu (39 to 59 seats), Kerala (20 to 30), Andhra Pradesh (25 to 38), and Karnataka (28 to 42) . Following the defeat, an emergency Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled

Lok Sabha Seat Changes and Delimitation History in India

Changes in the number of Lok Sabha seats have occurred multiple times since independence, with five instances of reorganisation. The first general election (1951–1952) had 489 seats, which increased to 494 seats in 1957, 520 seats in 1967, reduced to 518 seats in 1971, then increased to 542 seats in 1977, and finally to 543 seats in 1980, which remains unchanged till date. In 1976, the process of delimitation was frozen to promote family planning and maintain inter-state balance, with a decision that seat numbers would not increase despite population growth; this freeze was initially up to 2001 and later extended to 2026. Although constituency boundaries were redrawn after the 1971 Census, the total number of seats was not changed. Discussions are currently underway to increase the number of Lok Sabha constituencies after 2026, which would mark the sixth instance of such a change.

Harivansh Narayan Singh Re-elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman

Harivansh Narayan Singh, a nominated Member of Parliament, was elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for a third consecutive term, becoming the first nominated MP to hold this post . He has been associated with the Rajya Sabha since 2014 representing the Janata Dal (United) from Bihar, and was earlier elected Deputy Chairman in 2018 and 2020 . After the completion of his term on April 9, he was re-nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, following which the election was conducted . The motion for his election was moved by Union Minister J.P. Nadda and seconded by S. Phangnon Konyak, and was passed by voice vote . The result was announced by Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge

Central Government Plans ₹12,500 Crore Gas Pipeline Network

The Central Government has planned to establish a gas pipeline network across the country at a cost of ₹12,500 crore to reduce dependence on road transport of gas and enhance energy security. The project is being developed by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to connect gas import terminals, refineries, and cylinder filling stations through pipelines. Currently, imported gas is transported via tanker lorries to refineries and later distributed in cylinders, leading to heavy reliance on road transport. Under the plan, pipelines will be laid between these key points, significantly reducing road-based gas transportation. In the first phase, 9 locations have been identified, and work is underway to finalize tenders for laying pipelines over 2,500 km across 4 major locations. The project is expected to reduce road transport of gas and related tanker accidents by 2030.

Nasscom Announces Fourth Cohort of GenAI Foundry Programme

Nasscom announced the fourth cohort of its GenAI Foundry programme, inducting 33 Generative AI start-ups to strengthen India’s platform for building globally competitive AI ventures. The programme recorded growth in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) from $3.9 million in FY24 to $9.7 million in FY25, with projections of nearly $35 million in FY26. The data shows that over 60% of participating start-ups reported a median ARR of $300,000, compared to $90,000 for those with lower engagement, indicating a strong link between programme participation and revenue growth.

FDI and Banking Investments Planned for Nuclear Power Projects

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is exploring initiatives to mobilise funds for nuclear power projects through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the banking sector, which are currently under inter-ministerial consultation. The proposal, approved by the Atomic Energy Commission, was stated by Seema Jain, Member (Finance), DAE, during a workshop on the SHANTI Act, 2025. The estimated cost of setting up a nuclear reactor is about ₹22 crore per megawatt, and achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity would require approximately ₹20 lakh crore investment.

BHAVYA Scheme for Plug-and-Play Industrial Parks

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (BHAVYA) scheme to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks in partnership with State Governments, Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), and the private sector. The scheme will be implemented for six years (2026–27 to 2031–32) with a financial outlay of ₹33,660 crore. The parks will provide ready infrastructure such as roads, power, water, and approvals, enabling immediate industrial operations. The implementation will involve a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) and State agencies, which will own and manage the assets. Financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore per acre (₹50 lakh for private parks) will be provided for core, value-added, and social infrastructure, with an additional 25% support for last-mile connectivity. The scheme aims to promote ease of doing business, employment generation, regional industrial growth, and integration with PM GatiShakti for multimodal connectivity and green energy focus.

River Basin Management (RBM) Scheme Extended for Five Years

The River Basin Management (RBM) Scheme has been extended for the 16th Finance Commission period (2026–27 to 2030–31) with a total outlay of ₹2183 crore, fully funded by the Central Government. The scheme, launched in 2014 as a Central Sector Scheme, is administered by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It focuses on strategically important and water-rich regions such as the North Eastern Region and the Indus Basin in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with priorities including national water security, cross-border water management, flood control, erosion management, and ecological stability. The institutional framework includes the Brahmaputra Board for basin-level planning and flood management, and the Investigation of Water Resources Development Scheme (IWRDS) implemented through the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the National Water Development Agency (NWDA), which prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and undertake national water planning including the Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) programme.

NMEDT: Parliamentary Panel Flags Operational Gaps

A Parliamentary Standing Committee has highlighted gaps in the functioning of the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT), a statutory trust established under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to promote mineral exploration, especially for deep-seated and critical minerals in India. The primary objective of NMEDT is to accelerate and strengthen mineral exploration activities. The fund is financed through a levy equal to 3% of the royalty paid by mining lease holders. The governance structure includes a Governing Body headed by the Union Minister of Mines and an Executive Committee headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Mines.

Hanging Glaciers Identified in Alaknanda Basin

A recent study has identified 219 hanging glaciers in the Alaknanda Basin of Uttarakhand with unstable ice volumes and avalanche potential. A hanging glacier is defined as a glacier that ends at the edge of a steep slope or cliff without extending to the valley floor. Unlike valley glaciers, these glaciers transfer ice mainly through icefalls and avalanches. They are considered highly unstable and pose hazards such as sudden break-offs, triggering of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and blocking of river flows, leading to potential disasters.

Phytoremediation: India’s First Water-Neutral Railway Facility

The Kankaria Coaching Depot in Ahmedabad has become India’s first water-neutral railway facility by treating and reusing wastewater using the phytoremediation technique. Phytoremediation is a bioremediation process that uses plants, microalgae, and seaweeds to remove toxic heavy metals from soil and water, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable technology. Common examples include water hyacinth, duckweed, and water lettuce. Bioremediation techniques are classified into in-situ methods, where treatment is carried out at the contaminated site, and ex-situ methods, where contaminated material is removed and treated elsewhere.

Reports and Indices

Gautam Adani Becomes Asia’s Richest Person

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Gautam Adani has become the richest person in Asia, surpassing Mukesh Ambani. Adani’s net worth reached $92.6 billion, placing him 1st in Asia and 19th globally, while Ambani’s net worth stands at $90.8 billion, placing him 2nd in Asia and 20th globally. Adani’s wealth increased by $8.1 billion in 2026, with a $3.56 billion rise in a single day, mainly due to the performance of Adani Group companies in the stock market. The Adani Group operates across sectors such as ports, airports, power generation and distribution, natural resources, data centres, cement, defence and aerospace, urban redevelopment, roads and railways, FMCG, and digital platforms. Meanwhile, major stock indices Sensex and Nifty recorded a decline.

International News

Reed Hastings to Step Down as Netflix Chairman

Reed Hastings, co-founder and Chairman of Netflix, will step down from his position after the annual meeting in June, ending his 29-year association with the company. He became CEO in 1999 and played a key role in transforming Netflix from a video distribution company, competing with firms like Blockbuster. He had earlier relinquished the CEO role and will now exit the Board of Directors. He will continue to serve on the Board of Bloomberg. Meanwhile, Netflix reported its January–March quarterly revenue at $12.30 billion, exceeding estimates, and its shares rose by over 40% after withdrawing from the Warner Bros. acquisition attempt in February.

Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz Amid Ceasefire

Following the announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah by U.S. President Donald Trump, Iran declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for commercial vessels during the remaining period of the two-week Iran–U.S. truce. The statement was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, confirming that shipping routes would operate along designated coordinated paths. Despite this, the United States will continue its blockade on Iranian ports until a formal agreement is reached between Tehran and Washington. The reopening led to a decline in global crude oil prices. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea, accounts for nearly 20% of global crude oil supply transit and also carries a significant share of global LNG exports, particularly from Qatar.

Scarborough Shoal Dispute in South China Sea

China has deployed ships to block access to the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea (SCS), a disputed maritime feature. The Scarborough Shoal is an atoll claimed by both China and the Philippines as part of their territory. It holds strategic importance due to its location along major sea lanes, rich fishing grounds, and potential natural resources. The South China Sea also includes other disputed regions such as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands.

States’ News

Motilal Nagar Redevelopment Project in Mumbai by Adani Group

The Motilal Nagar Redevelopment Project at Goregaon (West), one of India’s largest redevelopment projects, is being undertaken by the Adani Group with an investment of about ₹1 lakh crore over 7–10 years. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) released the master plan, and the project will be executed under the Construction & Development Agency (C&DA) model across 143 acres. The project will have a total FSI of 28 lakh sq. metres, including a free-sale component of 18 lakh sq. metres. About ₹36,000 crore will be spent on MHADA housing, rehabilitation flats, commercial units, and internal roads. The plan for redevelopment of Motilal Nagar 1, 2 and 3 was presented by Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS), Vice President and CEO of MHADA. The project, originally developed in the 1960s and pending for nearly two decades, has recently received State Government approval.

Supreme Court Action on Illegal Sand Mining in Chambal Sanctuary

The Supreme Court of India has warned of strict action against illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary and directed the States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to install CCTV cameras on all mining routes and GPS devices on vehicles and machinery involved in mining. Sand is classified as a minor mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, leading to regulatory control by State Governments. The National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, established in 1979, is located along the Chambal River near the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and is famous for the conservation of the Gharial (critically endangered species) and also hosts crocodiles, red-crowned roofed turtle and Ganges river dolphin. The sanctuary lies across these three states, which also host major protected areas such as Kuno National Park, Madhav National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Ranthambore National Park, Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), and Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh). Illegal sand mining affects river morphology, biodiversity, water quality, public infrastructure such as bridges and pipelines, and causes loss of revenue to the government.

Sports News

Shubhankar Sharma Wins Inaugural Boulders Classic Title

Shubhankar Sharma won the first Boulders Classic tournament by scoring 5-under 67 in the final round, securing his seventh DP World PGTI title and a prize of ₹15 lakh. The 29-year-old finished with a total score of 25-under 263, setting a new record for the lowest aggregate score in PGTI history and winning by an 8-shot margin. This victory marks his first win on the PGTI tour since the McLeod Russel Tour Championship (December 2017, Kolkata) and his first international professional title since the Maybank Championship (February 2018). His score surpassed the previous record of 24-under 264 jointly held by Anirban Lahiri (2010), Rashid Khan (2019), Akshay Sharma (2020), and Manu Gandas (2022). Rashid Khan, Angad Cheema, and Mohd. Azhar finished second with 17-under 271, while Khalin Joshi and Saptak Talwar finished tied 12th with 10-under 278.

Important Days

April 18 – World Heritage Day (International Day for Monuments and Sites)

World Heritage Day (International Day for Monuments and Sites) is observed on April 18 every year to promote awareness about the importance of cultural heritage, monuments, and historical sites and the need to preserve them for future generations. It was established in 1982 by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and later approved by UNESCO in 1983. The day highlights the significance of protecting world heritage sites and encourages global cooperation in conserving historical monuments and cultural diversity.