Daily Current Affairs 18 August 2026

Q1 Who is the fastest batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket?

• AAdam Gilchrist
• BVirender Sehwag
• CRishabh PantCorrect
• DRohit Sharma

Explanation Rishabh Pant became the fastest batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket, breaking Adam Gilchrist's record.

Q2 Which Indian cricketers are joint second in the number of sixes hit in Test cricket?

• ARishabh Pant and Virender Sehwag
• BVirender Sehwag and Rohit SharmaCorrect
• CRohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant
• DSachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag

Explanation Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma are joint second among Indians with 91 sixes each in Test cricket.

Q3 During which match did Rishabh Pant achieve the milestone of 100 Test sixes?

• AIndia vs Australia 1st Test
• BIndia vs Sri Lanka 1st TestCorrect
• CIndia vs England 2nd Test
• DIndia vs South Africa 3rd Test

Explanation Rishabh Pant reached 100 Test sixes during the 1st Test match between India and Sri Lanka.

Q1 What new health initiative has the Tamil Nadu government announced for the elderly?

• ALaunch of a health insurance schemeCorrect
• BFree housing for elderly
• CPension increase for elderly
• DSpecial employment program

Explanation The Tamil Nadu government announced the launch of a health insurance scheme specifically for the elderly.

Q2 Which old legislation is Tamil Nadu planning to replace with a modern Act?

• ATamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939Correct
• BTamil Nadu Education Act, 1950
• CTamil Nadu Labor Act, 1947
• DTamil Nadu Social Welfare Act, 1960

Explanation The government plans to replace the 87-year-old Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, with a modern comprehensive Act.

Q3 What is the main purpose of replacing the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939?

• ATo address contemporary and future health challengesCorrect
• BTo reduce taxes on healthcare
• CTo privatize hospitals
• DTo increase medical education seats

Explanation The replacement Act aims to address contemporary and future health challenges.

Q1 What was the immediate outcome of the Jharkhand student protests led by Devendra Mahto?

• AThe JSSC-CGL exam was cancelled by the state governmentCorrect
• BThe government agreed to conduct the exam without changes
• CThe hunger strike was extended indefinitely
• DA new recruitment exam was announced immediately

Explanation The state government cancelled the JSSC-CGL exam following the protests led by Devendra Mahto.

Q2 Who among the following did Devendra Mahto thank for agreeing to the students' demands?

• AHemant Soren, Rahul Gandhi, Dipika Pande, and Irfan AnsariCorrect
• BNarendra Modi and Amit Shah
• CJharkhand Police and Election Commission
• DThe Central Bureau of Investigation

Explanation Devendra Mahto thanked CM Hemant Soren, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, and state ministers Dipika Pande and Irfan Ansari.

Q3 What did Devendra Mahto announce after calling off the hunger strike?

• ALaunching a second phase of protests for corruption-free job examsCorrect
• BEnding all protests permanently
• CAccepting government assurances without further action
• DJoining the state government as an advisor

Explanation Devendra Mahto announced a second phase of protests to ensure no future paper leaks or irregularities.

Q1 How many people have been evacuated by the Odisha government due to the floods?

• A1 lakh
• B2 lakh
• C3.30 lakhCorrect
• D5 lakh

Explanation The Odisha government evacuated 3.30 lakh people affected by the floods as stated by CM Mohan Charan Majhi.

Q2 What measures did the Odisha government take in response to the ongoing floods and rains?

• ADeclared a state holiday
• BCancelled leave for employees and closed schoolsCorrect
• CStarted new construction projects
• DIncreased water supply

Explanation The government cancelled leave for employees and closed schools and educational institutions due to inclement weather and flood situation.

Q3 Until when did the India Meteorological Department forecast rains in Odisha during the flood situation?

• AAugust 16
• BAugust 17
• CAugust 18Correct
• DAugust 19

Explanation The IMD forecasted more rains in Odisha till August 18, worsening the flood situation.

Q1 On which date did the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram begin commercial operations?

• AAugust 15, 2026
• BAugust 16, 2026
• CAugust 17, 2026Correct
• DAugust 18, 2026

Explanation The airport began commercial operations on August 17, 2026.

Q2 Which IATA code was transferred to the new Bhogapuram airport from the existing Visakhapatnam airport?

• AVTZCorrect
• BBLR
• CHYD
• DDEL

Explanation The IATA code VTZ was transferred from the existing Visakhapatnam airport to the new Bhogapuram airport.

Q3 Which airline operated the first commercial flight arriving at Bhogapuram airport?

• AAir India Express
• BIndiGoCorrect
• CSpiceJet
• DVistara

Explanation The first commercial flight was an IndiGo flight arriving from Hyderabad.

Q1 Who has been appointed as the BJP national general secretary in August 2026?

• ASmriti IraniCorrect
• BNitin Nabin
• CNarendra Modi
• DAmit Shah

Explanation Smriti Irani was appointed as the BJP national general secretary as per the news from August 2026.

Q2 Which two leaders did Smriti Irani thank upon her appointment as BJP national general secretary?

• ANarendra Modi and Amit Shah
• BNitin Nabin and Amit Shah
• CNarendra Modi and Nitin NabinCorrect
• DAmit Shah and Rajnath Singh

Explanation Smriti Irani thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP party chief Nitin Nabin for her appointment.

Q3 What was Smriti Irani's political role before becoming BJP national general secretary?

• AUnion ministerCorrect
• BChief Minister
• CGovernor
• DSpeaker of Lok Sabha

Explanation Smriti Irani was a former Union minister before her appointment as BJP national general secretary.

Q1 How many death sentences did UP judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar hand down in four months?

• A10
• B22Correct
• C15
• D30

Explanation Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar sentenced 22 people to death in 10 cases over four months.

Q2 In which city did Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar hand down 22 death sentences?

• ALucknow
• BKanpur
• CMuzaffarnagarCorrect
• DVaranasi

Explanation The death sentences were handed down in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Q3 Which notable action brought Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar national attention before these death sentences?

• AOrdering the 2022 Gyanvapi surveyCorrect
• BPassing a landmark property ruling
• CLeading a judicial reform committee
• DIssuing a high-profile acquittal

Explanation Judge Diwakar earlier drew national attention for ordering the 2022 Gyanvapi survey.

Q1 What action did Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren take regarding the JSSC-CGL exam?

• ACancelled the exam and ordered an inquiry into recruitment exams since 2014Correct
• BPostponed the exam to a later date
• CIncreased the number of exam centers
• DAnnounced new recruitment exams

Explanation Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren cancelled the JSSC-CGL exam and ordered an inquiry into recruitment exams conducted since 2014.

Q2 Since which year did the inquiry ordered by Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren cover recruitment exams?

• A2010
• B2012
• C2014Correct
• D2016

Explanation The inquiry covers recruitment exams conducted since 2014.

Q1 At what age did Lakshmanan Meyyappan become the world's youngest Chartered Accountant?

• A15
• B16Correct
• C17
• D18

Explanation Lakshmanan Meyyappan became the world's youngest Chartered Accountant at the age of 16.

Q2 Which qualification did Lakshmanan Meyyappan pursue to become a Chartered Accountant?

• ACA India
• BCMA
• CACCACorrect
• DCFA

Explanation He prepared for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification.

Q3 What profession does Lakshmanan Meyyappan currently work in?

• AFinance Manager
• BResearch AnalystCorrect
• CAuditor
• DTax Consultant

Explanation He currently works as a research analyst.

Q1 Why did President Trump order a reduction in US-South Korea military drills in August 2026?

• ASouth Korea refused to help denuclearise IranCorrect
• BTo save military expenditure
• CDue to North Korea's aggressive actions
• DTo focus on joint exercises with Japan

Explanation Trump cited South Korea's refusal to assist in denuclearising Iran as the reason for scaling back military drills.

Q2 What was South Korea's reaction to the US decision to downsize joint military exercises?

• AThey condemned the decision strongly
• BThey hoped it would lead to talks between the US and North KoreaCorrect
• CThey decided to increase their own military drills
• DThey sought military support from China

Explanation South Korea expressed hope that the reduction in drills would facilitate talks between the US and North Korea.

Q3 Which US department was directed to scale back joint exercises with South Korea?

• ADepartment of State
• BDepartment of Defense (Pentagon)Correct
• CDepartment of Homeland Security
• DCentral Intelligence Agency

Explanation President Trump ordered the Pentagon to reduce the joint military exercises with South Korea.

Q1 What action did the Pakistan Supreme Court order regarding Imran Khan?

• ATo release him from jail
• BTo shift him to a hospital from jailCorrect
• CTo transfer him to another jail
• DTo grant him bail

Explanation The Pakistan Supreme Court ordered the government to move Imran Khan from jail to a hospital due to his health concerns.

Q2 What specific health issue of Imran Khan was highlighted by his lawyer in February?

• ALoss of hearing in left ear
• BLoss of 85% vision in right eyeCorrect
• CHeart problems
• DSevere back pain

Explanation His lawyer informed the Supreme Court that Imran Khan had lost 85% vision in his right eye.

Q3 Who expressed concern about Imran Khan’s deteriorating health while in prison?

• AHis political party members
• BHis sons and lawyersCorrect
• CThe Pakistan Army
• DInternational human rights groups

Explanation Imran Khan’s sons and lawyers repeatedly expressed concern regarding his deteriorating health.

Q1 Which Indian official did Donald Trump cite while advocating for the SAVE America Act?

• AChief Election Commissioner Gyanesh KumarCorrect
• BPrime Minister Narendra Modi
• CHome Minister Amit Shah
• DElection Commissioner Sunil Arora

Explanation Donald Trump cited India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in his remarks supporting the SAVE America Act.

Q2 What fact about India's recent general elections did Trump highlight to support his case?

• AOver 646 million people participated with less than 1% voting through postal ballotsCorrect
• BIndia used electronic voting machines for the first time
• CMore than 50% of votes were cast online
• DVoter turnout was below 50%

Explanation Trump emphasized that over 646 million people participated in India's recent general elections, with less than 1% voting through postal ballots.

Q3 What is the purpose of the SAVE America Act as mentioned in the sources?

• ATo safeguard American voter eligibilityCorrect
• BTo introduce electronic voting in the US
• CTo increase postal ballot usage in the US
• DTo reform campaign finance laws

Explanation The SAVE America Act aims to safeguard American voter eligibility, as highlighted by Trump's advocacy.

Q1 What is the main message the US plans to convey to its partners regarding the AI race?

• AThey must pick sides in the AI race with ChinaCorrect
• BThey should remain neutral in the AI race
• CThey should collaborate equally with China and the US
• DThey should avoid involvement in AI development

Explanation The US plans to tell its partners they must pick sides in the AI race with China, as stated in the draft letter.

Q2 To whom is the US State Department's draft letter about the AI race addressed?

• AAll UN member countries
• BThe 35 signatories of the US 'AI Opportunity Statement'Correct
• COnly NATO countries
• DCountries in the Asia-Pacific region

Explanation The draft letter is addressed to the 35 signatories of the US 'AI Opportunity Statement' signed in June.

Q3 When was the 'AI Opportunity Statement' signed by the 35 countries?

• AJune 2026Correct
• BAugust 2026
• CJanuary 2026
• DDecember 2025

Explanation The 'AI Opportunity Statement' was signed in June 2026, as mentioned in the source.

Q1 What action did Trump reportedly threaten if Oman interfered with the Iran peace deal?

• ATo impose economic sanctions on Oman
• BTo bomb OmanCorrect
• CTo cut diplomatic ties with Oman
• DTo support Oman militarily

Explanation Reports stated that Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it got in the way of the Iran deal.

Q2 What have Iranian and Omani officials been negotiating recently?

• AA military alliance
• BMaritime navigation arrangements through the shipping routeCorrect
• CAn economic trade agreement
• DA joint peace treaty with the US

Explanation Iranian and Omani officials have been talking about future maritime navigation arrangements through the shipping route.

Q3 What has been the status of the US-Iran war as of August 2026?

• AIt ended with a peace treaty
• BIt has dragged on for nearly six months with no resolutionCorrect
• CIt escalated into a full-scale war
• DIt was resolved through diplomatic talks

Explanation The US-Iran war has dragged on for nearly six months with no resolution in sight.

Q1 Who accompanied Jared Kushner in his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem?

• ANickolay MladenovCorrect
• BHamas chief
• CDonald Trump
• DMahmoud Abbas

Explanation Nickolay Mladenov, Trump's Board of Peace envoy for Gaza, joined Kushner in the meeting with Netanyahu.

Q2 What was the main aim of Jared Kushner's rare meeting with the Hamas chief in August 2026?

• ATo discuss a Gaza road map involving Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawalCorrect
• BTo negotiate a trade agreement
• CTo plan a joint military operation
• DTo establish a new Palestinian government

Explanation The talks aimed to salvage the plan for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw from Palestinian territory.

Q3 What milestone did former President Trump hail regarding the Gaza ceasefire plan?

• AHamas agreeing to hand over weapons to a new Palestinian governing bodyCorrect
• BIsrael agreeing to annex Gaza
• CHamas agreeing to form a coalition government with Israel
• DThe United Nations deploying peacekeepers

Explanation Trump hailed Hamas's agreement to hand over weapons to a new Palestinian governing body as a major milestone.

Q1 Which Ukrainian port, targeted by Russian strikes, is located near the Romanian border and is the largest on the Danube river?

• AOdesa
• BIzmailCorrect
• CMariupol
• DKherson

Explanation Izmail is near the Romanian border and is Ukraine's largest port on the Danube river, targeted in the Russian strikes.

Q2 According to President Zelenskyy, what types of attacks have Ukrainian cities faced over the past week?

• AOnly missile strikes
• BMore than 1,550 attack drones, nearly 1,560 guided aerial bombs, and 62 missilesCorrect
• COnly drone attacks
• DOnly guided aerial bombs

Explanation Zelenskyy reported Ukrainian cities faced over 1,550 attack drones, nearly 1,560 guided aerial bombs, and 62 missiles in the past week.

Q3 What has President Zelenskyy appealed for in response to the intensified attacks on Ukraine?

• AMore ground troops
• BIncreased air defence supportCorrect
• CEconomic sanctions on Russia
• DHumanitarian aid

Explanation Zelenskyy renewed his appeal to allies for more air defence support amid the intensified attacks.

Q1 What is the latest reported death toll in the Zimbabwe ferry capsizing?

• A68
• B84Correct
• C90
• D114

Explanation The latest official figures report the death toll as 84.

Q2 What was the authorized passenger capacity of the ferry involved in the Zimbabwe tragedy?

• A90Correct
• B114
• C153
• D84

Explanation The ferry was authorized to carry 90 people.

Q3 According to reports, how many adults and crew members were initially estimated to be on the ferry?

• A90 adults and 5 crew
• B114 adults and 5 crewCorrect
• C153 adults and 5 crew
• D84 adults and 5 crew

Explanation Officials initially reported 114 adults and 5 crew members on board.

Q1 What is the primary purpose of Vizhinjam Port beginning full-scale EXIM operations?

• ATo provide Kerala exporters and importers a direct route to international marketsCorrect
• BTo serve as a domestic cargo hub only
• CTo focus solely on passenger transport
• DTo replace all other ports in India

Explanation The port's transition to EXIM operations aims to give exporters and importers in Kerala a more direct route to international markets.

Q2 Which of the following sectors is NOT mentioned as a key sector benefiting from Vizhinjam Port's EXIM operations?

• ASeafood
• BSpices
• CAutomobile manufacturingCorrect
• DCashew

Explanation The key sectors highlighted include seafood, spices, cashew, coir, and engineering goods, but not automobile manufacturing.

Q3 Who held discussions with investor groups to explore scaling up EXIM operations at Vizhinjam Port?

• AThe Chief Minister of KeralaCorrect
• BThe Prime Minister of India
• CThe Governor of Kerala
• DThe Minister of Shipping

Explanation The Chief Minister held discussions with investor groups to explore opportunities to scale up EXIM operations through Vizhinjam.

Q1 What was the closing exchange rate of the Indian rupee against the US dollar as reported?

• A95.50
• B95.59
• C95.61Correct
• D95.70

Explanation The rupee closed at 95.61 against the US dollar, down 19 paise from the previous close.

Q2 Which factor contributed to the depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar?

• AStrengthening of the US dollarCorrect
• BDecline in crude oil prices
• CCompletion of the US-Iran deal
• DDecrease in forex trading

Explanation The rupee was pressured by broader dollar support, rising crude oil prices, and delay in the US-Iran deal, with the strengthening of the US dollar being a key factor.

Q3 What was the rupee's opening rate against the US dollar on the reported day?

• A95.50Correct
• B95.59
• C95.61
• D95.70

Explanation The rupee opened at 95.50 against the US dollar before falling in early trade.

Q1 Who is appointed as the new chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank starting October 1, 2026?

• ASunil Bharti Mittal
• BShabnam SinhaCorrect
• CRaghuram Rajan
• DArundhati Bhattacharya

Explanation Shabnam Sinha has been appointed as the new chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank starting October 1, 2026.

Q2 When will Sunil Bharti Mittal step down as the non-executive Chairman of Airtel Payments Bank?

• ASeptember 30, 2026Correct
• BOctober 1, 2026
• CDecember 31, 2026
• DAugust 17, 2026

Explanation Sunil Bharti Mittal will step down as non-executive Chairman effective September 30, 2026.

Q3 What is the duration of Shabnam Sinha's term as chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank?

• AOne year
• BTwo years
• CThree yearsCorrect
• DFive years

Explanation Shabnam Sinha will serve a three-year term starting October 1, 2026.

Q1 What is the maximum farm loan waiver announced by Tamil Nadu CM Vijay for loans up to ₹1,00,000?

• A₹35,000
• B₹50,000
• C₹75,000Correct
• D₹1,00,000

Explanation Farmers with loans between ₹75,000 and ₹1,00,000 will receive a maximum waiver of ₹75,000 as announced by CM Vijay.

Q2 What is the maximum waiver amount for farmers who have taken loans exceeding ₹1 lakh in Tamil Nadu?

• A₹75,000
• B₹50,000
• C₹35,000Correct
• DNo waiver

Explanation Farmers with loans exceeding ₹1 lakh will be given a maximum waiver of ₹35,000 according to the announcement.

Q3 Who announced the full farm loan waiver scheme in Tamil Nadu?

• APrime Minister Narendra Modi
• BTamil Nadu CM VijayCorrect
• CFinance Minister
• DAgriculture Minister

Explanation The farm loan waiver scheme was announced by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay.

Q1 Who has been appointed as the new CEO of NITI Aayog?

• AAnurag JainCorrect
• BB.V.R. Subrahmanyam
• CAmitabh Kant
• DRajiv Kumar

Explanation Anurag Jain, former Madhya Pradesh chief secretary, has been appointed as the new CEO of NITI Aayog.

Q2 What is the duration of Anurag Jain's term as NITI Aayog CEO?

• AOne year
• BTwo yearsCorrect
• CThree years
• DFive years

Explanation Anurag Jain's appointment as NITI Aayog CEO is approved for a two-year term.

Q3 What is one of the main objectives of Anurag Jain's appointment as NITI Aayog CEO?

• ATo improve cooperation between Centre and statesCorrect
• BTo reduce government expenditure
• CTo increase foreign investments
• DTo privatize public sector units

Explanation His appointment aims to bolster cooperation between the Centre and states while advancing government policies.

Q1 For how long has India leased the two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones for the Navy?

• A12 months
• B24 months
• C30 monthsCorrect
• D36 months

Explanation India has leased the two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones for 30 months.

Q2 What is the lease amount paid by India for the two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones?

• A₹1,000 crore
• B₹1,943 croreCorrect
• C₹2,500 crore
• D₹3,000 crore

Explanation The lease amount for the two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones is ₹1,943 crore.

Q3 What are the MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones equipped with?

• ABasic cameras and communication systems
• BAdvanced systems, state-of-the-art sensors, and sophisticated payloadsCorrect
• COnly surveillance cameras
• DConventional radar and weapons

Explanation The MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones are equipped with advanced systems, state-of-the-art sensors, and sophisticated payloads.

Q1 What is the expected impact of El Niño on India's monsoon rainfall through September?

• AIt will improve rainfall and end the deficit
• BIt will deepen the rainfall deficitCorrect
• CIt will have no effect on rainfall
• DIt will cause excessive rainfall and floods

Explanation El Niño is expected to strengthen its influence on the monsoon, deepening the rainfall deficit through September.

Q2 According to ECMWF, what is the overall rainfall shortfall in India during the current monsoon season?

• A5%
• B10%
• C13%Correct
• D20%

Explanation The overall shortfall in rainfall is reported to be 13% as per the European forecaster.

Q3 Which organization forecasted the deepening rainfall deficit in India due to El Niño?

• AIndia Meteorological Department
• BEuropean Centre for Medium-Range Weather ForecastsCorrect
• CWorld Meteorological Organization
• DNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Explanation The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) provided the forecast about El Niño's impact on India's monsoon.