Daily Current Affairs April 18, 2026

Current Affairs and GK updates 18/04/2026

Here is the Daily current affairs and GK updates of the day for UPSC,SSC,IBPS,RRB,NTPC and other competitive exams preparations.This updates particularly focus on news updates from 18th April 2026.

National

• In Uttarakhand, the Char Dham Yatra will formally commence with the opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarkashi district tomorrow. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off buses for the Yatra from Rishikesh today.
• Tipra Motha Party chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma today met Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu at the Raj Bhavan to stake claim for forming the government in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
• The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, intended to implement one-third women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and the legislative assembly, failed to get the nod in the Lower House. The Bill fell short of the two-third majority of 352, out of the total 528 members present in the Lok Sabha.During voting on the Bill, 298 MPs voted in favour of it and 230 against the bill. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the results of the voting, saying that it is not possible to move forward with this legislation as it failed to get the required majority for its passage.
• The Manipur government has announced plans to develop a bird sanctuary at Kharungpat in Kakching district, in a move aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation and promoting eco-tourism in the state. A senior forest official said that the proposed sanctuary will cover around 227 hectares, accounting for about 6.7 per cent of the total wetland area. The site is considered ecologically significant, particularly for the conservation of waterbirds, including both resident and migratory species.According to the official, the 2023 bird census recorded around 69 species in the area, of which nearly 40 per cent were migratory birds.

International

• Australia and Japan have signed a landmark 7 billion Dollar deal to supply warships to Australia. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the agreement highlights both nations’ commitment to successfully delivering the vessels.The deal reflects Japan’s shift away from its postwar pacifist stance as it strengthens security partnerships beyond its alliance with the United States, partly in response to China’s growing influence. Under the agreement, Japan will supply the Royal Australian Navy with three upgraded Mogami-class multi-role frigates, to be built in Japan starting in 2029. An additional eight frigates will be constructed in Australia.
• The historic and vibrant Bisket Jatra of the Kathmandu Valley has concluded in Bhaktapur with the symbolic lowering of the ceremonial pole, marking the end of one of Nepal’s most iconic festivals.

Days Observed

• World Heritage Day (also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites) is celebrated globally on April 18. Established to promote the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, the day highlights the vulnerability of our shared historical treasures and encourages conservation efforts worldwide.

Static GK for exam preparations.

• Char Dham Yatra:The Char Dham Yatra is India's premier Himalayan pilgrimage circuit, routing clockwise through four holy shrines in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.