Daily Current Affairs — 18 May 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 18 May 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
📚 10 Topics
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Economy: 8 · Geography: 1 · IR: 1
▶ Start Here — UPSC-Standard Quiz
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 18 May 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories · 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.
📰 Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
Economy
Economy
India Re-included in EU's List for Aquaculture Export
📰 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.
✅ 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 Export…
- 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 .
📊 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
📰 Why in News
Recently, India refuted the allegations made by a US based Human Rights Group of abusive conditions at shrimp farms in India.
✅ 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 abdomen…
- 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.
📊 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
📰 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.
✅ 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 Central…
- 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
📊 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
India’s Fisheries Sector
📰 Why in News
India has emerged as the world's 2 nd -largest fish-producing nation (after China)
✅ 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 development…
- 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.
📊 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
🎯 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
📰 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 Fisheries…
✅ 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 supporting…
- 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 national…
- Functions of NFDP: Training, financial literacy improvement, project preparation assistance, and strengthening of fisheries cooperative societies.
📊 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
📚 ⚖️ Core Subject Drill — Indian Polity
⚖️ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था
10 bilingual MCQs · Indian Polity · Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
📖 More Current Affairs Coverage
#06
Economy
Economy
Singapore as India's 2nd-Largest Export Market
📰 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.
✅ Quick Facts
- Geopolitical Disruption in Trade: The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz (a critical maritime choke point between Iran and Oman) has forced Indian…
- 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)
📊 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
📰 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 .
✅ 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 markets…
- 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.
📊 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%
🎯 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
India’s Strategic Turn to Free Trade Agreements
📰 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.
✅ 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-Australia…
- 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 supply…
📊 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
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
NITI AayogWTO
#09
Economy
Economy
UPI-PayNow Integration
📰 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.
✅ 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.
📊 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
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
RBIReserve Bank
#10
IR
IR
Prime Minister's Visits to Singapore and Brunei Darussalam
📰 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.
✅ 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.
📊 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
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
ISROG20Prime Minister
🗞️ Wrap Up — Simple CA Quiz
Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 18 May 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics · great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
