Current Affairs for April 18, 2026

SIPRI Arms Import Report: According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Ukraine has become the world’s largest arms importer (9.2% global share), followed by India (8.2%) and Saudi Arabia.

Philippines Joins 'Pexilica' Group: The Philippines became the 13th member of the US-led Pexilica initiative (established Dec 2025), which focuses on AI-driven semiconductor chip manufacturing.

Harivansh Narayan Singh Re-elected: He was elected for a third consecutive term as the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha; his new term officially began on April 10, 2026.

Women’s Reservation Bill Update: The proposed 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, which sought 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, failed to pass in the Lok Sabha.

Tata’s Semiconductor Hub in Dholera: The Ministry of Commerce approved a ₹9,100 crore investment for the Tata Group to establish India's first major chip fabrication unit in the Dholera Special Economic Zone, Gujarat.

Pexilica Economic Corridor: As part of the Pexilica group's expansion, a new economic corridor focusing on high-tech manufacturing is being developed in the Luzon region of the Philippines.

'Aarogya Van' Initiative by NHAI: The National Highway Authority of India launched a major ecological project to plant over 67,400 medicinal trees along national highways across several states.

INS Dhruv Deployed in Arabian Sea: The Indian Navy deployed INS Dhruv, India's first nuclear missile tracking and ocean surveillance ship, in the Arabian Sea to monitor regional security activities.

'Divya Dakshin Yatra' Train: IRCTC launched a special tourism initiative under the Prasad Scheme, using the Bharat Gaurav Train to take pilgrims to 108 Vishnu temples (Divya Deshams) across South India.

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Contracts: The MCA became the first cricket body in India to introduce annual contracts for domestic players, providing financial support ranging from ₹8 lakh to ₹20 lakh per annum.

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