Current Affairs - August 18, 2026 Current Affairs

Gujarat is set to host Asia’s first desert-themed night safari at Juna Deesa in Banaskantha district. The project received approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) on August 12, 2026, and will be implemented by the Gujarat Forest Department. Spread across approximately 103 hectares, the Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari is estimated to cost ₹542.14 crore. It will feature five night safari enclosures along with a day zoo and is expected to house around 2,700 animals and birds belonging to nearly 83 species, highlighting desert and arid ecosystems.

Andhra Pradesh signed two strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on August 13, 2026, with CSIR-NGRI and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad to strengthen mineral exploration and mining research. CSIR-NGRI will undertake extensive exploration in the Vempalle area of the Kadapa Basin, where preliminary studies at Thummalapalle have indicated significant concentrations of lithium and gallium. Lithium levels are estimated at up to 1,000 ppm, while gallium levels may reach 250 ppm. The ₹140 crore exploration project will be funded by the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), while another MoU aims to establish a Centre of Excellence for Mining in the state.

Indore was the location where India’s first virtual zoo and 14-D cinema facility were inaugurated on August 16, 2026, by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. The facility has been developed within the existing Indore Zoo under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with an investment of approximately ₹4.5 crore. It features the country’s first virtual jungle safari and a 14-D cinema theatre, using advanced digital technology to provide immersive experiences of forests and wildlife. The initiative aims to promote wildlife education among children and tourists while offering an innovative way to experience nature and biodiversity.

Thailand participates with India in Exercise MAITREE-XV 2026, which is the 15th joint military exercise between the two countries. The exercise is being conducted from August 18 to 31, 2026, at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand. The Indian Army and Royal Thai Army are taking part with 85 personnel each. The exercise focuses on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in difficult jungle and semi-urban environments, while also enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and defence cooperation between the two armies.

JSW Energy signed a Shareholders’ Agreement with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) on August 17, 2026, for the joint development of the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III Hydroelectric Project. The project is located in Wangdue Phodrang District of Bhutan and will utilise the country’s Himalayan river systems to generate clean hydropower. DGPC will hold a 51% equity stake, while JSW Neo Energy, a subsidiary of JSW Energy, will hold 49%. This project is particularly significant because it marks JSW Energy’s first power generation venture outside India and supports Bhutan’s continued expansion of renewable energy.

BHEL partnered with Norway-based Hystar AS on August 17, 2026, to promote the phased indigenisation and local manufacturing of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser systems in India. The collaboration aims to support the country’s growing green hydrogen market and strengthen project execution capabilities under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Make in India initiative. With this partnership, BHEL becomes one of the few Indian companies capable of offering both alkaline and PEM electrolyser solutions. BHEL, established in 1964 and headquartered in New Delhi, is India’s largest engineering and manufacturing enterprise in the energy and infrastructure sector.

Kochi was the location in India where the 8th edition of the India-USN EOD Exercise 2026 concluded on August 14, 2026. The joint naval exercise was conducted at the Southern Naval Command and involved personnel from the Indian and US Navies. The training focused on explosive ordnance disposal, including improvised explosive devices, mine neutralisation, render-safe operations, diving and underwater activities. The exercise also covered the use of unmanned underwater systems, specialised diving equipment, wreck location and salvage. It strengthened the professional capabilities, interoperability and maritime cooperation between the two navies.

Dhiraj Seth, the Indian Army Chief, received the honorary General rank of the Nepali Army on August 17, 2026, during his official visit to Kathmandu. The honour was conferred by Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel. This recognition follows the long-standing tradition between the Indian Army and the Nepali Army that dates back to 1950, reflecting the cordial and close military relationship between India and Nepal. During his visit, General Seth also received a Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters and paid homage at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel.

New Delhi hosted the PMIS Industry Awards organised by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on August 16, 2026. The event recognised companies that made significant contributions by providing internship opportunities under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS). The scheme aims to enhance skill development and employability among Indian youth through industry-linked training and hands-on experience in leading companies. Mahindra & Mahindra Limited was recognised as the Overall Industry Champion, while several PSUs and private companies received awards in different categories. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, headquartered in New Delhi, administers the Companies Act, 2013 and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

Shabnam Sinha will succeed Sunil Bharti Mittal as the chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank from October 1, 2026, for a three-year term. Her appointment was approved by the company’s Board and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Sinha is currently an independent director on the bank’s board and chairs the Special Committee of the Board for Monitoring Frauds. She brings nearly four decades of leadership experience across development finance, financial services, public policy and institutional transformation. Her experience with the World Bank and expertise in financial inclusion and digital transformation are expected to support the bank’s continued growth.