Daily Current Affairs โ 18 May 2026
Daily Current Affairs ยท 18 May 2026
10 fully-analysed topics ยท 30 bilingual MCQs ยท 3 embedded videos ยท built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
๐ 10 Topics
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
Economy: 8 ยท Geography: 1 ยท IR: 1
โถ Start Here โ UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ โ 18 May 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories ยท 10-sec timer per question
Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.
๐ฐ Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
Economy
Economy
India Re-included in EU's List for Aquaculture Export
๐ฐ Why in News
India has been re-included in the European Union 's revised draft list for continued export of aquaculture products, ensuring uninterrupted seafood flow to one of its largest global markets.
โ
Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- Regulatory Compliance: The re-inclusion follows India's strict adherence to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905
- India's compliance is supported by robust systems like the National Residue Control Programme (NRCP) and the Post Harvest Testing Programme
- The development also recognises sustained efforts undertaken by the Department of Commerce through organisations such as the Marine Products Exportโฆ
- Economic Significance: The EU is India's 3 rd -largest seafood market
- Global & Economic Standing: India is the 2 nd largest fish-producing nation in the world after China
- Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer followed by West Bengal , Uttar Pradesh , and Gujarat .
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- after China, accounting for approximately 8% of global output . The fisheries sector
- Inland production now accounts for roughly 75% of total fish production. Andhra Pradesh is
#02
Economy
Economy
Shrimp Farming in India
๐ฐ Why in News
Recently, India refuted the allegations made by a US based Human Rights Group of abusive conditions at shrimp farms in India.
โ
Quick Facts
- About: A shrimp is a crustacean (a form of shellfish) characterised by a semi transparent body flattened from side to side and a flexible abdomenโฆ
- They prefer warm water, with temperatures between 25-30C (77-86F).
- Preferred soil textures are clay-loam or sandy-clay loam , slightly alkaline soil with pH between 6.5 and 8.5 is optimal.
- A minimum of 5% calcium carbonate in the soil is beneficial for shrimp farming.
- India as Shrimp Exporter : India is one of the world's largest shrimp exporters
- India's share of seafood exports in the U.S. market was 40% in 2022-23 , far ahead of rivals like Thailand, China, Vietnam and Ecuador.
- West Bengal and Gujarat are other major players in shrimp farming, with Sundarbans in West Bengal and Kutch in Gujarat being a key producer.
- All shrimp units are registered with MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority) and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).
- They follow a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) based food safety management system as per the US Code of Federal Regulations.
- Usage of pharmacologically active substances in aquaculture has been banned since 2002.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- 6.5 and 8.5 is optimal. A minimum of 5% calcium carbonate in the soil is beneficial
- of seafood exports in the U.S. market was 40% in 2022-23 , far ahead of rivals like
- exports in the U.S. market was 40% in 2022-23 , far ahead of rivals like Thailand, China
- producer state in India which accounts for 70% of India's shrimp output. West Bengal and
- New cardholders can obtain credit up to Rs. 2 lakhs with interest subvention. Existing KCC
- can access an increased credit limit of Rs. 3 lakhs. The lending rate for KCC loans is 7%
#03
Economy
Economy
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
๐ฐ Why in News
As Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) enters its 4 th year of implementation , the Department of Fisheries plans to expedite the pace of implementation of the scheme.
โ
Quick Facts
- As part of this plan, the Department has scheduled a series of review meetings with states and Union Territories (UTs)
- About: It aims to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India.
- PMMSY was introduced as part of the 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' package with an investment of Rs
- It is implemented as an umbrella scheme with two separate components namely: Central Sector Scheme: The project cost will be borne by the Centralโฆ
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme: All the sub-components/activities will be implemented by the States/UTs
- Harness the potential of the fisheries sector in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner
- Enhance fish production and productivity through expansion, intensification, diversification and productive utilisation of land and water
- Modernise and strengthen the value chain including post-harvest management and quality improvement
- Double fishers' and fish farmers' incomes and generate meaningful employment
- Enhance the contribution of the fisheries sector to agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and exports
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25. In order to facilitate access to
- FY20, aquaculture products accounted for 7075% of the country's total fishery exports.
- Rs 14,654.67 crore have been approved from 2020-21 to 2022-23. As the 3 rd largest fish
- an all-time high of 16.25 MMT during FY 2021-22 with marine exports touching Rs. 57,586
#04
Economy
Economy
Indiaโs Fisheries Sector
๐ฐ Why in News
India has emerged as the world's 2 nd -largest fish-producing nation (after China)
โ
Quick Facts
- Economic Contribution: Fisheries account for 7.43% of Agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA)
- RAS is a high-density fish farming technology that uses a closed-loop filtration system to treat and continuously reuse water
- Bio-floc Technology is a sustainable aquaculture method where a carbon source is added to the water to grow beneficial microbial protein (floc)
- Inland Potential: Integration of 500 reservoirs and 1,222 Amrit Sarovars into the fisheries value chain is targeting rural livelihood diversification
- About: PMMSY is a flagship scheme launched in September 2020 to bring about a " Blue Revolution " through the sustainable and responsible developmentโฆ
- The government has further introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY)
- Financial Allocation: PMMSY has a total estimated investment of Rs 20,050 crore
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) : Jointly funded by the Centre and States/UTs
- SC/ST/Women Category: 60% subsidy to encourage inclusive growth.
- Inland & Marine Fisheries: Promoting cage culture, seaweed farming, and ornamental fisheries.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- after China), accounting for approximately 8% of global output and establishing the
- Contribution: Fisheries account for 7.43% of Agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA
- for a five-year period (FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25). It is extended up to 2025-26 . The
- to FY 2024-25). It is extended up to 2025-26 . The government has further introduced the
- activities. General Category: 40% subsidy for individuals/groups. SC/ST/Women
- individuals/groups. SC/ST/Women Category: 60% subsidy to encourage inclusive growth. Core
๐ฏ UPSC Relevance
1. What is the significance of the fisheries sector to India's Agricultural GVA? Fisheries contribute 7.43% to the Agricultural GVA
#05
Economy
Economy
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana and FIDF
๐ฐ Why in News
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the "Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) and has granted an extension to the Fisheriesโฆ
โ
Quick Facts
- The extension aims to cater to the infrastructure needs of the fisheries sector, ensuring sustained development and growth.
- About: PM-MKSSY, a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada (PMMSY) for formalisation of the fisheries sector and supportingโฆ
- Gradual Formalisation of the unorganised fisheries sector through self-registration of fishers
- Facilitating access to institutional financing for fisheries sector micro and small enterprises.
- Providing a one-time incentive to beneficiaries for purchasing aquaculture insurance.
- Incentivising adoption and expansion of safety and quality assurance systems for fish, and fishery products and maintenance of jobs.
- Fishers, Fish (Aquaculture) Farmers , fish workers, vendors, and other stakeholders in the fisheries value chain.
- Micro and Small enterprises – proprietary firms
- Component 1-A: Formalisation of Fisheries Sector: NFDP to be established to formalise the unorganised fisheries sector by creating a nationalโฆ
- Functions of NFDP: Training, financial literacy improvement, project preparation assistance, and strengthening of fisheries cooperative societies.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- Fund (FIDF) for an additional 3 years until 2025-26. The extension aims to cater to the
- over a period of next four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 in all States/Union
- of next four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 in all States/Union Territories.
- size for the incentive is 4 hectares) and a 40% incentive for intensive aquaculture
- Women beneficiaries receive an additional 10% incentive. Component 2: Supporting
- General Category: Grant capped at 25% of total investment or Rs. 35 lakhs. SC
๐ โ๏ธ Core Subject Drill โ Indian Polity
โ๏ธ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz ยท เคญเคพเคฐเคคเฅเคฏ เคฐเคพเคเคตเฅเคฏเคตเคธเฅเคฅเคพ
10 bilingual MCQs ยท Indian Polity ยท Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
๐ More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Economy
Economy
Singapore as India's 2nd-Largest Export Market
๐ฐ Why in News
The prolonged West Asia war has significantly altered India's trade and energy supply chains, with Singapore overtaking UAE as India's second-largest export destination amid severe disruptions in Gulf trade routes.
โ
Quick Facts
- Geopolitical Disruption in Trade: The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz (a critical maritime choke point between Iran and Oman) has forced Indianโฆ
- Conversely, exports to the UAE (another major FTA partner) dropped by 36%
- To manage foreign exchange reserves and limit fuel consumption
- Trade Dynamics: Driven by the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- with India, exports to Singapore surged by 180% . Conversely, exports to the UAE (another
- UAE (another major FTA partner) dropped by 36%. Diversification of Energy Imports: With
- to multiple record lows (depreciating by 5.2% against the US dollar since February 2026).
- dramatically from USD 6.7 billion in FY 2004-05 to USD 34.3 billion in 2024-25
- in FY 2004-05 to USD 34.3 billion in 2024-25 , solidifying Singapore as India's 6th
#07
Geography
Geography
Strait of Hormuz
๐ฐ Why in News
Iran seized a Marshall Islands -flagged oil tanker while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz and diverted it into Iranian territorial waters .
โ
Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- This incident has raised concerns about maritime security in one of the world's most strategic energy chokepoints.
- Strategic Location: It is a narrow maritime chokepoint (5595 km wide) between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula
- Major exporters such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar depend on this route, with over 80% of the oil headed toward Asian marketsโฆ
- However, a complete shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has never occurred, though the region has experienced major disruptions .
- Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- artery for global oil movement, carrying 20% of the world's total oil supply . Major
- and Qatar depend on this route, with over 80% of the oil headed toward Asian markets
- Korea . India's Reliance: Approximately 40% of India's crude oil imports and nearly 54%
- 40% of India's crude oil imports and nearly 54% of its LNG imports move through this
- Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and carries 2025% of global oil, making it critical for
- shipments via the Strait of Hormuz? Around 40% of India's crude oil imports and nearly 54%
๐ฏ UPSC Relevance
Around 40% of India's crude oil imports and nearly 54% of its LNG imports pass through the Strait, underscoring its importance for India's energy security.
#08
Economy
Economy
Indiaโs Strategic Turn to Free Trade Agreements
๐ฐ Why in News
India is currently accelerating its pursuit of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with a wide range of countries like New Zealand, Russia and Oman, even though past FTAs delivered modest trade gains.
โ
Quick Facts
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- This shows a shift in focus, with FTAs now used more to secure strategic partnerships and geopolitical interests than to boost trade alone.
- India's renewed push for FTAs reflects a move away from pure trade liberalisation towards using FTAs as tools for geopolitical alignment
- Past FTAs delivered modest export gains while widening trade deficits and stressing domestic sectors
- Strategic Realignment in Global Geopolitics: The global shift from a unipolar to a multipolar order (e.g.
- In a volatile world order, FTAs act as "political safety nets" , ensuring closer bilateral ties and strategic insurance (e.g., India-Australiaโฆ
- FTAs provide a platform to pursue WTO-plus commitments , especially in areas like services, digital trade, and investment.
- The India-EFTA TEPA exemplifies this shift binding commitment of USD 100 billion in FDI over 15 years.
- They enable India to access new markets , diversify supply chains, and secure critical resources (e.g., energy, minerals).
- Also, FTAs are no longer just about market access, they are strategic tools to operationalize the "China Plus One" policy and secure upstream supplyโฆ
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- this shift binding commitment of USD 100 billion in FDI over 15 years. Diversification of
- to ASEAN increased only marginally from 10.2% to 10.8%, while it declined from 2.1% to
- increased only marginally from 10.2% to 10.8%, while it declined from 2.1% to 1.9% with
- to 10.8%, while it declined from 2.1% to 1.9% with Japan , and from 1.9% to 1.4% with
- from 2.1% to 1.9% with Japan , and from 1.9% to 1.4% with South Korea , based on
- 2.1% to 1.9% with Japan , and from 1.9% to 1.4% with South Korea , based on five-year
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
NITI AayogWTO
#09
Economy
Economy
UPI-PayNow Integration
๐ฐ Why in News
Recently, India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapore's PayNow have been integrated to enable faster Remittances between the two countries.
โ
Quick Facts
- Singapore has become the first country with which cross-border Person to Person (P2P) payment facilities have been launched.
- The UPI-PayNow partnership marks the world's first to feature cloud-based infrastructure and participation by non-bank financial institutions.
- UPI: UPI is India's mobile-based fast payment system
- PayNow is a fast payment system in Singapore. It enables peer-to-peer funds transfer service
- It allows users to send and receive instant funds from one bank or e-wallet account to another in Singapore by using just their mobile number
- With this facility, funds held in bank accounts or e-wallets can be transferred to /from India using just the UPI ID, mobile number, or VPA.
- This facility will eliminate the need for entering the details of beneficiaries , such as bank account numbers, bank codes etc.
- The project is expected to greatly benefit the Indian diaspora
- Of the total inward remittances to India in 2020-21
- BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- Of the total inward remittances to India in 2020-21, the share of Singapore stood at 5.7%
- in 2020-21, the share of Singapore stood at 5.7%, according to the RBI (Reserve Bank of
- cost of sending remittances by as much as 10%. By reducing the cost and inefficiencies of
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
RBIReserve Bank
#10
IR
IR
Prime Minister's Visits to Singapore and Brunei Darussalam
๐ฐ Why in News
Recently, Prime Minister of India's visits to Brunei Darussalam and Singapore have marked significant advancements in India's diplomatic and strategic engagements in Southeast Asia.
โ
Quick Facts
- Brunei Darussalam: Location: Situated on the north-west of the island of Borneo
- Economy: Revenue is generated predominantly from crude oil and natural gas, with efforts towards economic diversification
- Singapore: Geography: Singapore is an island nation, consisting of one main island (Pulau Ujong) and 62 smaller islands
- Historical Background: Originally known as Tumasik, meaning "sea," the island was a key stop for traders
- In 1959, Singapore became self-governing, though Britain still controlled the country's military
- The PM visited the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan
- India appreciated Brunei's support in hosting ISRO's Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand (TTC) Station
- Both nations underscored the importance of peaceful dispute resolution in the South China Sea in line with international law
- Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership: An MoU was signed to develop a resilient semiconductor supply chain, marking a new area of bilateral cooperation
- India has agreed to grant an exemption for exporting non-Basmati white rice to Singapore , addressing Singapore's food security needs.
๐ Key Numbers & Data
- the 1970s, accounting for approximately 10% of global semiconductor output and 20% of
- 10% of global semiconductor output and 20% of semiconductor equipment production.
- with imports valued at approximately USD 500-600 million annually. Indian Community: The
- 6 th largest trade partner, with a share of 3.2 % of India's overall trade. Investments
- Community : Ethnic Indians make up about 9.1% of Singapore's 3.9 million residents. Tamil
๐๏ธ Key Stakeholders
ISROG20Prime Minister
๐๏ธ Wrap Up โ Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ โ 18 May 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics ยท great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
