Daily Current Affairs Today 18 April 2026 for SSC And Railway Exams

Daily Current Affairs Today 18 April 2026  brings forth the most pertinent events and policy updates crucial for SSC GD, SSC CGL, CHSL, RRB Group D, NTPC, ALP, and Railway exams. 

Covering a spectrum of topics from international defense reports and constitutional mandates to domestic economic policies and sports initiatives, this overview is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of current happenings. It highlights India's strategic positioning and ongoing developmental strides across various sectors.

SIPRI Report on Arms Import/Export

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), established in 1966 with headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, plays a crucial role in analyzing global military expenditure and arms trade. SIPRI regularly releases data on arms purchases and sales by countries worldwide.

Top Arms Importers (SIPRI Report)

1. Ukraine: Accounts for 9.2% of global arms imports, primarily supplied by Germany and Poland due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

2. India: Represents 8.2% of global arms imports. Despite "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives, India remains a significant importer, sourcing primarily from Russia, France, and Israel.

3. Saudi Arabia

4. Qatar

5. Pakistan: Accounts for 4.2% of global arms imports.

Top Arms Exporters

1. USA

2. France

3. Russia

Related Indices and Rankings

• Global Firepower Index (Military Strength): India ranks 4th globally.

• GDP Ranking: India is currently ranked 6th globally.

Constitutional Provisions on Self-Incrimination

Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution safeguards individuals by stating that "No person accused of any offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself." This provision is a fundamental right protecting against forced self-incrimination.

Pexsilica Group and Philippines' Membership

The Philippines, with its capital Manila, has joined the Pexsilica Group as its 13th member. Formed on December 12, 2025, and led by the USA, this group focuses on manufacturing and supplying semiconductor chips for various hardware applications, primarily utilizing AI technology. India is also a member. The Philippines aims to transform its Luzon Island into a chip manufacturing hub and an economic corridor within Southeast Asia.

Constitutional Provisions on Language in Higher Courts

Article 348 of the Indian Constitution mandates that all proceedings and processes of both the Supreme Court and High Courts must be conducted in the English language.

Appointment of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson

Harivansh Narayan Singh has been appointed as the Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha for his third term, effective from April 10, following the end of his previous term.

Rajya Sabha Overview

• Nature: Rajya Sabha is a permanent house and is covered under Article 80 of the Constitution.

• Elections: Members are chosen through indirect elections by MLAs (members of state legislative assemblies).

• Maximum Seats: The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 seats. Of these, 12 members are nominated by the President from fields such as Social Work, Art, Science, and Literature.

• Chairperson: The Vice President of India serves as the Chairperson.

• Deputy Chairperson: Harivansh Narayan Singh. A person can hold this position as long as they are a member of the Rajya Sabha.

• Motion of Election for Deputy Chairperson: Initiated by JP Nadda, who is also the Leader of Rajya Sabha.

Removal or Resignation of Deputy Chairperson

1. Resignation: The Deputy Chairperson can resign by submitting their resignation to the Chairperson.

2. Removal: They can be removed by a majority vote in the Rajya Sabha.

Leaders in Parliament

• Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha): Kharge.

• Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha): Rahul Gandhi.

Update on Failed Women's Reservation and Withdrawn Delimitation Bills

The proposed Women's Reservation Bill, which sought 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, failed to pass in the Lok Sabha, as it required a 2/3rd majority. 

This bill was previously linked to the 131st Constitutional Amendment Act (proposed), with the actual being the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act. Additionally, the Delimitation Bill, which aimed to increase Lok Sabha seats to 850 for the 2029 elections, has been withdrawn.

Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub

Tata is establishing a Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Dholera, Gujarat. This facility, India's first chip fabrication unit, will handle all aspects of chip manufacturing from basic components, utilizing AI technology for hardware production. The project, approved by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal under the Ministry of Commerce, involves an investment of ₹9,100 Crore. 

Related Semiconductor Initiatives

• Gujarat is being developed as a semiconductor hub, specifically the Sanand area, and is the first state to implement a Semiconductor Policy.

• A Quantum Valley is being developed in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.

First Meeting of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)

The first meeting of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be held in May, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the meeting aims to enhance internal security and prevent infiltration and insurgency. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will also attend.

Participating CAPF Forces and Formation Dates

• Assam Rifles: 1835

• Border Security Force (BSF): 1965 (Guards borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh)

• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): 1963 (Guards Nepal border)

• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): 1962 (Guards India-Tibet border)

• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): 1968

• National Security Guard (NSG) Commandos

• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): 1939

Father of Genetics

The Father of Genetics is recognized as Mendel.

Fluid Mosaic Model

The Fluid Mosaic Model for the plasma membrane was proposed by Singer and Nicolson.

Indian Navy Vessel: INS Dhruv

INS Dhruv, an Indian Navy vessel commissioned in 2021 and developed by Hindustan Shipyard, has been deployed in the Arabian Sea near Pakistan. 

Its key functions include surveillance of coastal areas, tracking nuclear weapons and submarines, and mapping the ocean floor. This strategic deployment is to monitor potential nuclear activities by Pakistan. INS Dhruv operates at a speed of 21 knots and is powered by two engines.

Divya Dakshin Yatra (Tourism Initiative)

IRCTC has launched the Divya Dakshin Yatra under the Prasad Yojana to facilitate pilgrimages to South Indian temples. 

Utilizing the Bharat Gaurav Train, the initiative offers tours of varying durations, such as 10 nights/11 days or 8 nights/9 days, starting from Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh. The yatra focuses on covering 108 Divya Desam temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, including sites like Meenakshi Temple and Brihadeeswarar Temple. The initiative runs from April 27th to May 4th.

LIC & Related Digital Initiatives

The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched two applications, My LIC and Super Sales Saathi, as part of its drive towards a paperless system. LIC, established in 1956 with headquarters in Mumbai, operates under the motto "Zindagi ke saath bhi, zindagi ke baad bhi."

Application Comparison

All insurance covers in India are regulated by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India), headquartered in Hyderabad and functioning under the Ministry of Finance.

Also Read:

• SSC Monthly Current Affairs
• SSC Weekly Current Affairs

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Annual Contract System

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has pioneered in India by introducing an annual contract system for domestic cricketers. This initiative aims to provide financial support to domestic players who are not part of international (BCCI) or IPL contracts, enabling them to focus on domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy without financial strain.

Structure of Contracts

The system comprises three grades based on performance:

• Grade A: Annual earnings of ₹12-20 lakhs.

• Grade B: Annual earnings of ₹8-12 lakhs.

• Grade C: Annual earnings of up to ₹8 lakhs.
  Unlike BCCI's system for international players, MCA's is specific to domestic-level cricket, running on a trial basis from 2026 to 2027.

FIFA Series 2026 (Nairobi, Kenya)

The FIFA Series 2026 football event, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from April 9-18, saw 16 teams participate. The India women's team secured the Bronze Medal by defeating Malawi with a score of 3-2 in the bronze medal match.