Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: February 18, 2026
Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources
Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.
Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)
- India-France Ties: Relations elevated to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ during President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to India.
- AI Infrastructure: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an additional 20,000 GPUs for India’s AI sovereign compute capacity under the IndiaAI Mission.
- Conservation: Cheetah ‘Gamini’ gave birth to three cubs at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, taking India’s total cheetah count to 38.
- Health Policy: PM-RAHAT scheme approved to provide immediate cashless medical care for road accident victims during the ‘Golden Hour’.
- Forex Reforms: RBI proposed 24-hour currency trading and liberalized hedging tools in a draft framework for overhauling the foreign exchange market.
- Environment: ICCT study reveals India’s EV targets could halve road transport CO2 emissions by 2050.
- State News: Gujarat Assembly unanimously passed a bill extending shop working hours to 10 hours per day and permitting women to work night shifts.
- Infrastructure: CCEA approved highway projects worth ₹11,000 crore in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana.
- International: Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh, replacing the caretaker administration.
- Sports: Canada’s Yuvraj Samra scored a T20 World Cup century (100 off 58 balls) against New Zealand at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
1. State Affairs
Gujarat Assembly Passes Bill to Extend Working Hours and Allow Night Shifts for Women
Summary: New legislation allows shops to operate for longer hours and permits women to work night shifts.
On February 18, 2026, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a significant amendment to the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act. The bill extends the permissible daily working hours from 9 to 10 hours and, in a landmark move for gender parity, allows women to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments, provided adequate safety measures are in place. This reform is aimed at boosting the state’s retail economy and increasing female labour force participation. The legislation also simplifies the registration process for small businesses. Exam Angle: Relevant for State PSCs and UPSC (Social Justice/Economy) regarding labour law reforms and women’s empowerment initiatives.
Source: Indian Express
Bihar Transfers Funds to 25 Lakh Women Under CM Women Employment Scheme
Summary: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar initiated a massive fund transfer to empower women entrepreneurs.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on February 18, 2026, presided over a ceremony where ₹10,000 each was transferred to 25 lakh (2.5 million) prospective women entrepreneurs across Bihar. This disbursement is part of the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyami Yojana,’ a flagship scheme designed to foster grassroots entrepreneurship. The state government aims to provide financial support to women-led micro-enterprises to improve rural livelihoods. This latest tranche follows a budgetary expansion intended to cover the growing number of verified applicants under the scheme. Exam Angle: Important for exams focusing on state-level social welfare schemes and financial inclusion models.
Source: Indian Express
Tamil Nadu Assembly Condoles Death of National and State Personalities
Summary: The House paid tribute to former leaders including Ajit Pawar and local educationists.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, during its session on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, passed condolence resolutions for several prominent figures. These included the former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, and renowned educationist S.S. Rajagopalan. The House also remembered former MLA N. Sundaram (TMC/Congress) and K. Lingamuthu (CPI). Speaker M. Appavu led the House in observing a moment of silence, highlighting their contributions to public service and education. Such proceedings underscore the parliamentary tradition of honouring cross-party contributions to national development. Exam Angle: Relates to parliamentary procedures and obituary references of national importance for State PSC exams.
Source: The Hindu
2. National Affairs
Prime Minister Approves PM-RAHAT Scheme for Road Accident Victims
Summary: A new pan-India scheme to provide assured treatment for accident victims during the ‘Golden Hour’.
In a major move to reduce road fatalities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the ‘Pradhan Mantri Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment’ (PM-RAHAT) scheme on February 18, 2026. The scheme ensures that every victim of a road accident on national highways receives immediate, life-saving medical care within the critical ‘Golden Hour,’ regardless of their financial status. Managed jointly by the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the initiative integrates the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) system with the NHA’s claims portal to facilitate cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. Exam Angle: Significant for UPSC GS-II (Governance) and GS-III (Infrastructure/Health) concerning road safety policy and public health.
Source: Press Information Bureau / AffairsCloud
CCEA Clears ₹11,000 Crore Highway Projects in Three States
Summary: Cabinet Committee approves major road infrastructure upgrades in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi on February 18, 2026, approved a suite of highway projects totalling over ₹11,000 crore. Key approvals include the 4-laning of NH-56 stretches in Gujarat under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) for ₹4,583 crore and the widening of the 80 km Gudebellur–Mahbubnagar section of NH-167 in Telangana. In Maharashtra, the Ghoti–Trimbak–Palghar section of NH-160A will be upgraded. These projects are intended to improve logistics efficiency and connectivity between industrial hubs. Exam Angle: Vital for exams covering infrastructure development, CCEA functions, and the PM Gati Shakti framework.
Source: AffairsCloud
India Post Releases ‘Puppets of India’ Commemorative Postage Stamps
Summary: Department of Posts launches a set of eight stamps celebrating India’s rich puppetry traditions.
On February 18, 2026, the Department of Posts released a set of eight commemorative stamps titled ‘Puppets of India’ at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Released by Vandita Kaul, Secretary of the Department of Posts, the stamps feature diverse traditions including Kathputli (Rajasthan), Pavakathakali (Kerala), and Ravanachhaya (Odisha). Each stamp carries a denomination of ₹5. This initiative aims to preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage of India, highlighting traditional shadow, string, and rod puppetry styles to a global audience. Exam Angle: Important for Art & Culture sections (UPSC Prelims/Mains) regarding traditional performance arts and intangible heritage.
Source: AffairsCloud
3. International Affairs
India and France Elevate Ties to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’
Summary: PM Modi and President Macron upgrade bilateral relations during the French President’s state visit.
Following high-level talks in New Delhi on February 18, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron announced the elevation of India-France relations to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership.’ This upgrade focuses on defence self-reliance, green energy, and the Indo-Pacific region. A joint statement highlighted the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Rafale engines and a joint venture for HAMMER air-to-surface missiles. Both leaders also inaugurated the ‘2026 India-France Year of Innovation’ to deepen collaboration on Artificial Intelligence and sustainable technology. Exam Angle: Critical for International Relations (GS-II) concerning major bilateral summits, strategic defence cooperation, and Technology Transfer (ToT).
Source: Press Information Bureau
Tarique Rahman Sworn In as New Prime Minister of Bangladesh
Summary: Transition of power in Dhaka as Tarique Rahman assumes charge as head of government.
On February 18, 2026, Tarique Rahman was officially sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in Dhaka, marking a significant political transition in the South Asian nation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an immediate invitation to the new leader to visit India, emphasising the importance of the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. The transition is being closely watched by New Delhi for its implications on regional security, bilateral trade, and ongoing repatriation issues. India has reiterated its commitment to working constructively with the new administration for shared prosperity. Exam Angle: Relevant for neighbourhood relations, South Asian geopolitics, and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy in various competitive exams.
Source: The Hindu
India-US Finalise Legal Text for First Tranche of Trade Agreement
Summary: Commerce Secretary announces a delegation visit to Washington to complete trade deal details.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal announced on February 18, 2026, that an Indian trade delegation will travel to Washington D.C. the following week to finalise the legal text for the first tranche of the comprehensive India-US trade agreement. This follows the second round of negotiations held in Geneva. The deal aims to reduce trade barriers in specific sectors, including electronics and agriculture. The finalisation of this text is considered a major milestone towards a broader Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations, which have seen bilateral trade grow significantly over the past decade. Exam Angle: Key for Economy and International Relations sections regarding trade pacts and US-India economic ties.
Source: Indian Express
4. Economy & Finance
RBI Proposes 24-Hour Forex Trading and Hedging Liberalisation
Summary: Central bank moves to integrate Indian currency markets with global liquidity pools.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a draft framework on February 18, 2026, aimed at overhauling the foreign exchange market. The proposal permits banks to execute trades round the clock (24/7), aligning with global market hours and enabling clients to manage currency exposures across time zones. Key changes include broadening the types of derivatives banks can offer to individuals and firms for hedging currency and interest-rate risks. Additionally, the rules would permit rupee-linked non-deliverable derivatives with offshore counterparties, signalling a major step towards the internationalisation of the Indian Rupee. Exam Angle: Vital for Banking and Economy sections regarding monetary policy, forex management, and RBI’s regulatory role.
Source: Times of India
Surat Bullion Trader Arrested for ₹18 Crore GST Evasion
Summary: Enforcement agencies crack down on a major tax fraud involving fake invoices in Gujarat.
In a significant move against economic offences, GST officials in Surat arrested a prominent bullion trader on February 18, 2026, for allegedly evading taxes worth ₹18 crore. The investigation revealed the use of a network of shell companies to generate ‘circular trading’ invoices without any actual physical movement of goods. This arrest is part of a larger nationwide drive by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to curb fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims. Authorities have seized digital records and are investigating further links to other trading hubs across the country. Exam Angle: Relevant for Economy (Taxation/GST) and Internal Security topics related to economic crimes and financial fraud.
Source: Indian Express
Adani Road Transport Acquires 49% Stake in Sree Vishwa Varadhi
Summary: Infrastructure giant expands its road portfolio through a strategic stake acquisition.
Adani Road Transport, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, announced on February 18, 2026, that it has completed the acquisition of a 49% shareholding in Sree Vishwa Varadhi Private Limited. This move strengthens the Adani Group’s foothold in the highway construction and management sector. The acquisition is part of the group’s strategy to consolidate road assets under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models. Market analysts suggest this could be a precursor to bundling these assets into an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) in the near future. Exam Angle: Important for corporate affairs news and infrastructure investment trends in the Indian economy.
Source: Business Standard
5. Sports
Canada’s Yuvraj Samra Scores Historic Century in T20 World Cup 2026
Summary: Associate nation player stuns the cricket world with a century against New Zealand in Chennai.
In a stunning display of batting at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, Canada’s Yuvraj Samra became the second player to score a century in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on February 18, 2026. Samra reached the three-figure mark off just 58 balls against a formidable New Zealand bowling attack. Despite Samra’s heroics, New Zealand managed to secure a victory in the match. However, the innings has been widely hailed as one of the finest by an Associate nation player in a major ICC tournament, highlighting the growing competitiveness of cricket beyond the traditional cricketing powerhouses. Exam Angle: Important for Sports current affairs (T20 World Cup 2026 events and records).
Source: Indian Express
Cole McConchie Joins New Zealand Squad as Replacement for Injured Michael Bracewell
Summary: New Zealand makes a late squad change to their T20 World Cup lineup following an injury.
On February 18, 2026, the ICC Event Technical Committee approved Cole McConchie as an official replacement for the injured Michael Bracewell in the New Zealand squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. McConchie, an off-spinning all-rounder from Central Districts, was already travelling with the team as a reserve player in India. Bracewell was ruled out of the tournament due to a finger injury sustained during a practice session. The substitution comes at a critical juncture as the tournament progresses towards the knockout stages. Exam Angle: Relates to sports administration, player eligibility rules, and major international tournament updates.
Source: Indian Express
Ashwin Criticises Pakistan Following Heavy Defeat Against India in T20 World Cup
Summary: Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin comments on Pakistan’s performance after India’s 61-run victory.
Following India’s dominant 61-run victory over Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 group stage match played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin provided a candid assessment on February 18, 2026. Ashwin remarked that India’s total of 175 runs was equivalent to ‘250 on this pitch,’ implying that Pakistan’s batting lineup failed to read and adapt to the slow, turning conditions. Ishan Kishan was India’s star performer with a brilliant half-century. The win solidifies India’s position among the title favourites, while Pakistan faces a difficult road to the semi-finals. Exam Angle: General awareness of major sports rivalries and T20 World Cup 2026 tournament progression.
Source: NDTV Sports
6. Science, Technology & Environment
India to Add 20,000 GPUs to Boost AI Sovereign Compute Capacity
Summary: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces a massive hardware scale-up under the IndiaAI Mission.
During the ‘India-AI Impact Summit 2026’ on February 18, 2026, Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India will procure an additional 20,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), augmenting the existing 38,000 GPUs already available under the ₹10,300 crore IndiaAI Mission. This expansion brings India’s total sovereign AI compute capacity to 58,000 GPUs. The Minister emphasised that compute access is being democratised, with high-end GPUs made available to startups and researchers at a subsidised rate of ₹65 per GPU-hour. This initiative aims to position India as a global hub for AI innovation and a key driver of the ‘Fifth Industrial Revolution.’ Exam Angle: Crucial for Science & Technology (AI/Compute) and Government Schemes (IndiaAI Mission) sections.
Source: Press Information Bureau
Three New Cubs Born to Cheetah ‘Gamini’ at Kuno National Park
Summary: India’s cheetah reintroduction project sees a major milestone as the national population reaches 38.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on February 18, 2026, that Cheetah ‘Gamini’ has given birth to three healthy cubs at the Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh. This brings the total count of cheetahs in India, including cubs, to 38. The Minister described the development as a ‘roaring success’ of Project Cheetah, the world’s first intercontinental large carnivore translocation programme. The birth of these second-generation cubs is considered a key positive indicator of the cheetahs’ successful adaptation to their Indian habitat, although cub survival remains a critical focus for wildlife managers. Exam Angle: Important for Environment and Biodiversity sections (Project Cheetah, Kuno National Park, and wildlife conservation).
Source: The Hindu
India’s EV Targets Could Halve Road Transport Emissions by 2050: ICCT Study
Summary: Global study highlights the massive climate mitigation potential of India’s electric vehicle transition.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) released its ‘Vision 2050’ report on February 18, 2026, stating that India could reduce its road transport CO2 emissions by 50% by 2050 if current national and state-level EV targets are met. The report notes that 80% of EVs currently sold in India are manufactured domestically, positioning India as a leader among emerging markets in EV localisation. The study further suggests that transitioning heavy-duty vehicles (trucks and buses) to EVs will offer the next significant opportunity for climate impact. This transition is expected to support India’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070 and reduce dependence on crude oil imports. Exam Angle: Relevant for Environment/Climate Change (Net-Zero targets, COP commitments) and Economy (EV manufacturing under PLI Scheme).
Source: Down To Earth
7. Others
Director General of Coast Guard Inaugurates India’s First Waterjet Production Facility
Summary: New facility in Goa makes India only the third country globally to manufacture advanced waterjet propulsion systems.
On February 18, 2026, Paramesh Sivamani, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, inaugurated India’s first Waterjet Production and Testing Facility in Goa. Developed by M/s Marine Jet Power (MJP) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) framework, the facility enables the indigenous manufacture of high-performance waterjet propulsion systems for naval and coast guard vessels. This development makes India only the third country in the world, after the USA and South Korea, to host such a specialised manufacturing facility. The initiative represents a significant boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision in the maritime defence sector. Exam Angle: Important for Defence (‘Make in India’/Atmanirbhar Bharat), indigenisation, and maritime security topics in competitive exams.
Source: AffairsCloud
ISI Kolkata Holds 60th Convocation; Emphasis Placed on Fundamental Science
Summary: Renowned scientist Padmanabhan Balaram urges graduates to focus on foundational research.
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) celebrated its 60th Convocation on February 18, 2026, in Kolkata. The event featured a keynote address by distinguished scientist Prof. Padmanabhan Balaram, who urged the graduating class to prioritise basic sciences over purely application-driven technology. He emphasised that fundamental research is the true bedrock of future innovations, including in Artificial Intelligence and data science. Founded by Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis, ISI remains a premier national institution for statistics and mathematics. Several students were awarded gold medals for excellence in research areas including stochastic processes and quantum computing. Exam Angle: Relevant for institutional history (ISI, P.C. Mahalanobis) and the importance of basic sciences in India’s research ecosystem.
Source: Indian Express
Draft Income Tax Rules 2026 Propose Increase in Taxable Value of Company Car Perks
Summary: New rules could lead to a higher tax burden for salaried employees using company-provided vehicles.
The Ministry of Finance released draft Income Tax Rules on February 18, 2026, proposing a revision in the valuation of perquisites for company-provided vehicles. Under the new rules, the taxable value of car perks for employees would increase significantly compared to current rates, as the valuation is being realigned with present-day market costs and vehicle maintenance expenses. For an individual with an annual salary of ₹15 lakh, the proposed change could add approximately ₹4,352 to their annual tax liability. The government has invited public comments on the draft before issuing the final notification. Exam Angle: Important for Economy and Direct Taxation topics concerning personal income tax, perquisites (perks), and the Income Tax Act.
Source: Economic Times
Quick Revision Toolkit – Core Recall Points
- National & State Governance
- India-France ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’ (Feb 18, 2026):
- Significance: Tests knowledge of landmark bilateral summit outcomes, strategic defence partnerships (Rafale MRO, HAMMER missiles), and India’s evolving foreign policy.
- PM-RAHAT Scheme Approved:
- Significance: Tests knowledge of government health-safety schemes, role of the National Health Authority (NHA), and the concept of ‘Golden Hour’ in emergency medicine and road safety governance (GS-II/GS-III).
- Gujarat Labour Law Amendment (9 → 10 Hours; Night Shifts for Women):
- Significance: State-specific labour law reform. Tests knowledge of the Factories Act, state concurrent list powers, and women’s labour force participation initiatives.
- Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyami Yojana (₹10,000 to 25 Lakh Women):
- Significance: State welfare scheme for financial inclusion and women entrepreneurship. Important for Social Justice sections and DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) models.
- Economy & Finance
- RBI Draft Forex Framework – 24-Hour Trading & Hedging Liberalisation:
- Significance: Core development in financial market reform. Tests knowledge of RBI’s regulatory role, forex market structure, derivatives, non-deliverable forwards (NDFs), and rupee internationalisation.
- CCEA Approves ₹11,000 Crore Highway Projects (MH, GJ, TG):
- Significance: Important for infrastructure development. Tests knowledge of CCEA’s composition and powers, Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
- Adani Road Transport Acquires 49% Stake in Sree Vishwa Varadhi:
- Significance: Corporate/infrastructure news. Tests awareness of InvIT (Infrastructure Investment Trust) structures, HAM/BOT models, and private sector infrastructure investment trends.
- Surat GST Evasion Arrest (₹18 Crore; Circular Trading):
- Significance: Taxation enforcement. Tests knowledge of GST framework, Input Tax Credit (ITC) mechanism, CBIC’s enforcement mandate, and shell company fraud.
- International Relations & Defence
- Tarique Rahman Sworn in as PM of Bangladesh:
- Significance: Neighbourhood First policy. Tests knowledge of India-Bangladesh relations, repatriation issues, regional security in South Asia, and political developments in neighbouring nations.
- India-US Trade Agreement – First Tranche Legal Text Being Finalised:
- Significance: Crucial for Economy & IR overlap. Tests knowledge of WTO norms, FTA (Free Trade Agreement) negotiations, and sectoral implications for electronics and agriculture.
- India’s First Waterjet Production Facility Inaugurated in Goa:
- Significance: Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence. Tests knowledge of Transfer of Technology (ToT) frameworks, Indian Coast Guard capabilities, and India’s indigenisation milestones (3rd country globally after USA, South Korea).
- Science, Environment & Sports
- IndiaAI Mission – Additional 20,000 GPUs (Total: 58,000); Cost: ₹65/GPU-Hour:
- Significance: Key digital infrastructure development. Tests knowledge of the IndiaAI Mission (₹10,300 crore outlay), sovereign compute, and India’s AI policy framework.
- Project Cheetah – 3 New Cubs at Kuno NP; Total Count Reaches 38:
- Significance: Wildlife conservation success story. Tests knowledge of Project Cheetah, Kuno National Park (MP), intercontinental translocation, and Schedule I species protection.
- ICCT Report – India’s EV Targets Can Cut Transport Emissions 50% by 2050:
- Significance: Climate policy and sustainable transport. Tests knowledge of India’s net-zero 2070 target, PLI scheme for EV manufacturing, and India’s NDC commitments under the Paris Agreement.
- Sports – Yuvraj Samra (Canada) T20 World Cup Century (100 off 58 balls vs NZ, Chennai):
- Significance: Tests awareness of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted in India), Associate nation cricket milestones, and significant tournament records.
- Sports – India Beat Pakistan by 61 Runs in T20 World Cup 2026 (R. Premadasa Stadium):
- Significance: Tests knowledge of major sporting rivalries, venue details, and T20 World Cup 2026 group stage results. Star performer: Ishan Kishan (half-century).
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