Daily Current Affairs 18th May 2026
INDIA–NETHERLANDS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
India and the Netherlands elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s visit, securing 17 pacts including cooperation on green hydrogen and defence.
INDIA–SWEDEN TIES UPGRADED
India and Sweden upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership; PM Modi received Sweden’s highest honour, the Royal Order of the Polar Star.
INDUS WATERS TREATY DISPUTE
India rejected the latest Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling on hydroelectric projects under the Indus Waters Treaty, maintaining the treaty in “abeyance.”
MONSOON EARLY ONSET
India Meteorological Department announced the Southwest Monsoon is likely to reach Kerala earlier than the normal date of June 1, aiding early agricultural planning.
THREE-LANGUAGE POLICY IN SCHOOLS
CBSE made study of three languages compulsory for Class IX from July 2026, aligning with NEP 2020’s three-language formula.
SUPREME COURT JUDGES STRENGTH INCREASED
President approved increasing the Supreme Court’s sanctioned strength from 33 to 37 judges via an ordinance.
LATVIA PM RESIGNS
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned after her coalition withdrew support, reflecting political instability in the Baltic state.
WHO DECLARES EBOLA EMERGENCY
WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to cross-border spread risks.
INDIA EXPORT DIVERSIFICATION GAINS
India’s export diversification added US $202 million in FY 26 as exporters entered 1,821 new global markets, strengthening trade resilience.
GLOBAL HEALTH & CLIMATE CALL
Experts urged WHO to declare the climate crisis a global public health emergency, citing rising disease burdens and environmental risks.
FINANCIAL MARKETS
Indian equity markets recovered with the Sensex and Nifty closing higher after volatile trade, supported by tech stock rallies.