Daily Current Affairs May 18

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May 18 | Daily Current Affairs 2026

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs May 18

1. What is the theme of International Museum Day 2026?
A) Museums for Education and Research
B) Museums Uniting a Divided World
C) Museums and Cultural Heritage
D) Museums for Sustainable Future
E) Museums and Peaceful Societies
Answer: B) Museums Uniting a Divided World.

Event and Location:

• Event: International Museum Day 2026 will be observed to highlight the role of museums in cultural dialogue, heritage preservation, inclusion, education, and peace-building.
• Location: Global.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: International Museum Day 2026 will be organised by the International Council of Museums with the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World”.
• Objectives: The observance aims to promote awareness about museums as spaces for learning, cultural exchange, social inclusion, mutual understanding, reduced inequalities, and stronger global communities.

Important Terms Explained:

• International Museum Day: It is a global observance organised every year on May 18 to recognise the importance of museums in society.
• International Council of Museums: It is the leading global organisation representing museums and museum professionals, founded in 1946 to promote museum standards, ethics, cultural preservation, and international cooperation.
• Museums Uniting a Divided World: It is the theme of International Museum Day 2026, focusing on the role of museums in bridging social, cultural, and political divisions through dialogue and education.
• Sustainable Development Goals: They are global goals adopted by the United Nations to address issues such as inequality, peace, justice, partnerships, and sustainable development.

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2. World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed every year on which date?
A) May 16
B) May 17
C) May 18
D) May 19
E) May 20
Answer: C) May 18.

Event and Location:

• Event: World AIDS Vaccine Day 2026 was observed to raise awareness about HIV vaccine research and the global fight against AIDS.
• Location: Global.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: World AIDS Vaccine Day was observed to promote HIV vaccine research, honour scientists and healthcare workers, support prevention awareness, and encourage global collaboration.
• Objectives: The observance aims to highlight the urgent need for an effective HIV vaccine, reduce stigma linked to HIV/AIDS, and strengthen public health efforts against the HIV epidemic.

Important Terms Explained:

• World AIDS Vaccine Day: It is an international awareness day observed on May 18 to promote HIV vaccine research and remind the world about the continuing fight against AIDS.
• HIV Vaccine Awareness Day: It is another name for World AIDS Vaccine Day and focuses on awareness, research support, and prevention of HIV infection.
• HIV: It is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if untreated.
• AIDS: It is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the advanced stage of HIV infection when the immune system becomes severely weakened.
• Antiretroviral Therapy: It is a treatment method that controls HIV infection, improves survival, and reduces disease progression, though it does not replace the need for prevention and vaccine research.

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs May 18

3. Who became the Indian batter with the most sixes in a single IPL season in 2026?
A) Abhishek Sharma
B) Shreyas Iyer
C) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
D) Virat Kohli
E) Suryakumar Yadav
Answer: C) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Event and Location:

• Event: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the Indian batter with the most sixes in a single IPL season.
• Location: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, India.
• Date: May 17, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved the record during Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals by surpassing Abhishek Sharma’s earlier Indian record of 42 sixes.
• Objectives: The achievement highlights the rise of a young Indian batting talent and marks a major milestone in IPL power-hitting records.

Important Terms Explained:

• Indian Premier League: It is India’s professional T20 cricket league featuring franchise teams and top domestic and international players.
• Rajasthan Royals: It is the IPL franchise represented by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during his record-breaking 2026 season.
• Single IPL Season Sixes Record: It refers to the highest number of sixes hit by a batter in one edition of the Indian Premier League.
• T20 Cricket: It is a short-format cricket version in which each team plays 20 overs, making power-hitting and high strike rates highly important.

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs May 18

4. By what percentage did India’s total gems and jewellery exports decline in April 2026?
A) 5.07%
B) 7.09%
C) 9.07%
D) 11.77%
E) 19.65%
Answer: C) 9.07%.

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s gems and jewellery exports declined sharply in April 2026 due to geopolitical tensions and global trade uncertainty.
• Location: India and global export markets.
• Date: April 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council released export data showing a fall in India’s gems and jewellery exports, with gold jewellery and diamond shipments declining while silver jewellery exports surged.
• Objectives: The data highlights the impact of West Asia conflict, US tariff uncertainty, disrupted shipping routes, weaker buyer sentiment, and changing export demand patterns.

Important Terms Explained:

• Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council: It is the industry body that promotes India’s gems and jewellery exports and releases trade-related data for the sector.
• Gold Jewellery Exports: It refers to the overseas shipment of gold-based jewellery products, which witnessed a major decline in April 2026.
• Cut and Polished Diamonds: These are diamonds processed through cutting and polishing before being exported for use in jewellery and luxury markets.
• Silver Jewellery Exports: It refers to the overseas shipment of silver-based jewellery products, which recorded a sharp rise in April 2026 despite weakness in other segments.
• West Asia Conflict: It refers to geopolitical tensions in the West Asia region that can disrupt shipping routes, supply chains, insurance costs, and international trade sentiment.

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5. Where is Tata Electronics setting up India’s first commercial 300 mm semiconductor fabrication facility with ASML support?
A) Noida
B) Dholera
C) Bengaluru
D) Hyderabad
E) Pune
Answer: B) Dholera.

Event and Location:

• Event: Tata Electronics signed a strategic partnership with ASML to support India’s first commercial semiconductor fab.
• Location: Dholera, Gujarat, India.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Tata Electronics and ASML signed an agreement to support the setup and rapid completion of the upcoming 300 mm semiconductor fabrication unit in Dholera.
• Objectives: The partnership aims to strengthen India’s chip manufacturing capacity, bring advanced lithography expertise, develop local talent, improve supply chain resilience, and support India’s semiconductor mission.

Important Terms Explained:

• ASML: It is a Netherlands-based semiconductor equipment leader known globally for advanced lithography systems used in chip manufacturing.
• Semiconductor Fab: It is a specialised manufacturing facility where semiconductor chips are fabricated on silicon wafers for use in electronic devices.
• Lithography: It is a critical semiconductor manufacturing process used to print microscopic circuit patterns onto silicon wafers.
• 300 mm Wafer: It is an industry-standard silicon wafer platform used for high-volume semiconductor production.
• Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation: It is a Taiwan-based semiconductor company partnering with Tata Electronics to provide manufacturing technologies for the Dholera fab.

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs May 18

6. Who took oath as the new Chief Minister of Kerala on May 18, 2026?
A) Pinarayi Vijayan
B) Ramesh Chennithala
C) VD Satheesan
D) K Muraleedharan
E) P K Kunhalikutty
Answer: C) VD Satheesan.

Event and Location:

• Event: VD Satheesan took oath as the new Chief Minister of Kerala, leading a 21-member United Democratic Front government.
• Location: Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: VD Satheesan and the full 21-member Cabinet took oath after the Congress-led United Democratic Front returned to power in Kerala.
• Objectives: The new government aims to lead Kerala after the 2026 Assembly election mandate and mark a political transition following a decade of Left Democratic Front rule.

Important Terms Explained:

• United Democratic Front: It is the Congress-led political alliance in Kerala that returned to power after winning a clear majority in the 2026 Assembly elections.
• Left Democratic Front: It is the CPI(M)-led political alliance that governed Kerala for two consecutive terms before losing the 2026 Assembly elections.
• Council of Ministers: It refers to the group of ministers headed by the Chief Minister that assists in governing the state.
• Paravur Constituency: It is the Assembly constituency represented by VD Satheesan, who has won six consecutive Assembly elections from the region.

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs May 18

7. Which Swedish honour was awarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official visit to Sweden?
A) Order of Vasa
B) Royal Order of the Polar Star
C) Order of the Sword
D) Order of Seraphim
E) Order of Merit
Answer: B) Royal Order of the Polar Star.

Event and Location:

• Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star during his official visit.
• Location: Sweden.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Sweden conferred the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official two-day visit.
• Objectives: The honour recognises contributions to international relations, public leadership, bilateral cooperation, and the strengthening of India-Sweden diplomatic ties.

Important Terms Explained:

• Royal Order of the Polar Star: It is one of Sweden’s historic and prestigious civil honours established in 1748 to recognise distinguished public service, civil merit, and international contributions.
• Commander Grand Cross: It is among the highest grades of the Royal Order of the Polar Star and is generally awarded to senior foreign dignitaries and Heads of Government.
• Nescit Occasum: It is the Latin motto of the Royal Order of the Polar Star and means “It Knows No Decline,” symbolising enduring excellence and consistent service.
• India-Sweden Bilateral Relations: It refers to diplomatic and strategic cooperation between India and Sweden in areas such as trade, innovation, clean technology, defence, space, climate action, and resilient supply chains.

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs May 18

8. Which organisation declared the latest Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern?
A) UNICEF
B) World Health Organization
C) World Bank
D) African Union
E) Red Cross
Answer: B) World Health Organization.

Event and Location:

• Event: World Health Organization declared the latest Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
• Location: Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: WHO declared a global health emergency after suspected Ebola cases and deaths increased in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
• Objectives: The declaration aims to strengthen coordinated global action, improve surveillance, support outbreak response, prevent regional spread, and ensure timely medical intervention.

Important Terms Explained:

• Public Health Emergency of International Concern: It is WHO’s highest emergency alert under international health regulations for outbreaks that pose cross-border health risks and require coordinated global action.
• Ebola Virus: It is a highly dangerous viral disease that causes severe haemorrhagic fever and can lead to organ failure, bleeding, and death.
• Bundibugyo Virus Strain: It is a rare strain of Ebola linked to the current outbreak and is concerning due to limited treatment and vaccine coverage.
• Zoonotic Disease: It refers to a disease that can spread from animals to humans, with fruit bats considered the natural host of Ebola.
• Monoclonal Antibody Treatment: It is a medical treatment using lab-made antibodies such as Ansuvimab and Inmazeb to help fight certain Ebola virus strains.

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 18

9. Which historic artefacts were formally returned to India by the Netherlands during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit?
A) Ashokan Edicts
B) Chola Copper Plates
C) Gupta Gold Coins
D) Pallava Sculptures
E) Mughal Miniatures
Answer: B) Chola Copper Plates.

Event and Location:

• Event: India secured the return of the Chola Copper Plates from the Netherlands after a long diplomatic and cultural restitution effort.
• Location: Netherlands and India.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Netherlands formally returned the 11th-century Anaimangalam Copper Plates, also known as the Leiden Plates, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit.
• Objectives: The restitution aims to restore a priceless part of Tamil heritage, preserve India’s historical records, and strengthen efforts to bring stolen or displaced cultural artefacts back to India.

Important Terms Explained:

• Anaimangalam Copper Plates: They are 11th-century Chola-era copper plate inscriptions that record royal decisions, land grants, religious rights, and administrative details.
• Leiden Plates: It is the international name for the Anaimangalam Copper Plates, which were preserved at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
• Chola Dynasty: It was a powerful South Indian dynasty known for its administration, temple architecture, naval power, trade links, and cultural influence across Southeast Asia.
• Cultural Restitution: It refers to the return of cultural artefacts, heritage objects, or historical materials to their country or community of origin.
• ICPRCP: It is UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin, which supports discussions on returning cultural heritage.

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs May 18

10. How much cash incentive has Andhra Pradesh announced for the birth of a third child under the new policy?
A) ₹20,000
B) ₹25,000
C) ₹30,000
D) ₹35,000
E) ₹40,000
Answer: C) ₹30,000.

Event and Location:

• Event: Andhra Pradesh announced cash incentives for families having a third and fourth child to address declining population growth.
• Location: Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced proposed financial incentives of ₹30,000 for a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth child.
• Objectives: The policy aims to respond to declining fertility rates, encourage larger families, maintain demographic balance, and reduce future risks linked to population ageing and workforce decline.

Important Terms Explained:

• Birth Incentive Scheme: It refers to a government policy that provides financial support to families for childbirth to encourage population growth or maintain demographic balance.
• Replacement-Level Fertility Rate: It is the average number of children a woman needs to have to keep the population stable over time, generally considered around 2.1 children per woman.
• Fertility Rate: It refers to the average number of children born to women during their reproductive years in a population.
• Demographic Balance: It refers to maintaining a stable population structure with a healthy proportion of children, working-age people, and elderly citizens.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs May 18

11. Which Dutch water engineering structure did PM Modi visit to study lessons relevant to Gujarat’s Kalpasar Project?
A) Oosterscheldekering
B) Afsluitdijk Dam
C) Delta Works
D) Maeslantkering
E) Houtribdijk
Answer: B) Afsluitdijk Dam.

Event and Location:

• Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Afsluitdijk Dam in the Netherlands to study Dutch water engineering lessons relevant to Gujarat’s Kalpasar Project.
• Location: Netherlands.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: PM Modi visited the Afsluitdijk Dam along with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during his official Netherlands visit to understand advanced flood control and water management systems.
• Objectives: The visit aims to learn from Dutch expertise in flood defence, freshwater storage, climate adaptation, salinity control, and multipurpose water infrastructure for projects such as Gujarat’s Kalpasar Project.

Important Terms Explained:

• Afsluitdijk Dam: It is a 32-kilometre-long Dutch barrier dam that separates the North Sea from the IJsselmeer freshwater lake and supports flood protection, freshwater storage, navigation, and climate resilience.
• Kalpasar Project: It is Gujarat’s ambitious water infrastructure project aimed at freshwater storage, flood control, climate resilience, salinity management, and transport connectivity.
• Dutch Water Model: It refers to the Netherlands’ advanced approach to managing floods, sea-level rise, freshwater resources, coastal protection, and climate adaptation through engineering and planning.
• Salinity Intrusion: It refers to the movement of seawater into freshwater systems, which can affect drinking water, agriculture, and coastal ecosystems.
• Afsluitdijk 2.0: It is the modernisation project of the Afsluitdijk involving stronger flood barriers, advanced water discharge systems, storm defence, fish migration channels, and renewable energy integration.

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12. What percentage of the world’s jaggery production comes from India?
A) Over 40%
B) Over 50%
C) Over 60%
D) Over 70%
E) Over 80%
Answer: D) Over 70%.

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian jaggery is gaining global recognition as a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
• Location: India and global export markets.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: India’s jaggery sector is expanding through increased production, export growth, agro-processing support, branding, certification, and government-backed food processing schemes.
• Objectives: The sector aims to boost rural livelihoods, increase farmer incomes, promote natural sweeteners, strengthen agro-processing, and expand India’s presence in global health-focused food markets.

Important Terms Explained:

• Jaggery: It is a traditional unrefined sweetener made mainly from sugarcane juice and is popularly known as gur in India.
• Agro-processing: It refers to the conversion of agricultural produce into value-added products such as jaggery, packaged foods, extracts, and processed commodities.
• PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana: It is a government scheme aimed at strengthening food processing infrastructure, reducing wastage, and improving value addition in agriculture.
• PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises: It is a scheme that supports micro food processing units through formalisation, credit support, branding, and capacity building.
• Geographical Indication Tag: It is a legal recognition given to products linked to a specific region and known for unique qualities, reputation, or traditional production methods.

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13. What is the new approved strength of the Supreme Court of India including the Chief Justice of India?
A) 34
B) 35
C) 36
D) 37
E) 38
Answer: E) 38.

Event and Location:

• Event: President Droupadi Murmu approved an increase in the Supreme Court judge strength from 34 to 38.
• Location: India.
• Date: May 18, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Centre increased the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court through The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026.
• Objectives: The move aims to reduce case pendency, improve judicial efficiency, enable faster constitution of benches, and strengthen the Supreme Court’s capacity for timely justice delivery.

Important Terms Explained:

• Supreme Court: It is the highest judicial court in India and functions as the final court of appeal and constitutional authority in the country.
• The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026: It is the ordinance used to increase the Supreme Court’s sanctioned judge strength from 34 to 38 including the Chief Justice of India.
• Article 124(1): It is the constitutional provision that deals with the composition of the Supreme Court and allows Parliament to prescribe the number of judges by law.
• Ordinance: It is a temporary law issued by the President when Parliament is not in session and immediate legislative action is required.
• Consolidated Fund of India: It is the main government fund into which revenues, loans, and loan repayments are credited and from which authorised government expenditure is made.

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14. Who inaugurated the Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 in Puri district?
A) Mohan Charan Majhi
B) Pravati Parida
C) Naveen Patnaik
D) Dharmendra Pradhan
E) Baijayant Panda
Answer: B) Pravati Parida.

Event and Location:

• Event: Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 was inaugurated to promote Odia culture, youth participation, sports, awareness campaigns, and local development.
• Location: Nimapara, Puri district, Odisha, India.
• Date: May 17, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 and unveiled key elements under the Utkarsha Nimapara 2.0 initiative.
• Objectives: The festival aims to blend cultural heritage, public awareness, youth engagement, sports participation, and development-oriented community activities.

Important Terms Explained:

• Nimapara Patha Utsav: It is a community-focused street festival in Odisha that combines cultural performances, public awareness activities, youth engagement, and local development initiatives.
• Utkarsha Nimapara 2.0: It is a development-focused initiative linked to public participation, youth involvement, sports, cultural identity, and community-driven activities in Nimapara.
• Patha Utsav: It refers to a community street festival that reclaims public spaces for culture, wellness, social interaction, public dialogue, and citizen participation.
• Utkarsha Ghoda: It is the mascot unveiled during Nimapara Patha Utsav 2026 as part of the Utkarsha Nimapara 2.0 initiative.

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15. From which date will Sikkim implement the Anand Marriage Act, 1909?
A) May 18, 2026
B) June 1, 2026
C) July 1, 2026
D) August 15, 2026
E) October 1, 2026
Answer: B) June 1, 2026.

Event and Location:

• Event: Sikkim will implement the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 to allow direct registration of Sikh marriages solemnised through Anand Karaj.
• Location: Sikkim, India.
• Date: June 1, 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Union Law Ministry notified that the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 will become operational in Sikkim after the state framed the Sikkim Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2026.
• Objectives: The move aims to provide dedicated legal recognition to Sikh marriages, simplify registration of Anand Karaj ceremonies, and reduce dependence on broader marriage laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Important Terms Explained:

• Anand Marriage Act, 1909: It is a law that legally recognises Sikh marriages performed through the Anand Karaj ceremony.
• Anand Karaj: It is the traditional Sikh marriage ceremony conducted according to Sikh religious customs, usually in a Gurdwara in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Sikkim Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2026: These are state-level rules framed by Sikkim to create a registration mechanism for Sikh marriages under the Anand Marriage Act.
• Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: It is a broader marriage law under which many Sikh couples had earlier registered their marriages due to the absence of specific local registration rules.
• Amanjot Singh Chadha vs Union of India: It is the Supreme Court case in which the court highlighted administrative gaps in implementing the Anand Marriage Act and directed states to act.

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