Daily Current Affairs (18 February 2026) for Government Exams: Key Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Defence & More
The Current Affairs of 18 February 2026 cover major national policy decisions, defence advancements, RBI approvals, sports achievements, and important international observances. Key highlights include the launch of the PM RAHAT Scheme, major highway approvals by CCEA, India’s dominance in shooting championships, and RBI approvals in the fintech and NBFC sectors.
Jump to section
- Introduction
- 1. PM Narendra Modi Approves ‘PM RAHAT Scheme’
- 2. CCEA Approves ₹11,000 Crore Highway Projects
- 3. International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 – Bengaluru
- 4. Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Mountain Fire Control Radar
- 5. RBI Approves In-Solutions Global as Payment Aggregator
- 6. RBI Approves Bain Capital’s Stake in Manappuram Finance
- 7. Smriti Mandhana Wins BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025
- 8. India Tops Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026
- 9. Magnus Carlsen Wins FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026
- Global Tourism Resilience Day – February 17
- Tamil Nadu Signs MoUs Worth ₹5,980 Crore
Introduction
The Daily Current Affairs – 18 February 2026 includes major updates from national governance, infrastructure development, defence innovation, RBI approvals, sports achievements, and important observances.
Staying updated daily is crucial for success in UPSC IAS, SSC CGL & CHSL, IBPS PO/Clerk, RBI Grade B, RRB NTPC, Defence, State PSC and other government exams where current affairs carry significant weightage.
You can also explore:
- Weekly Current Affairs for consolidated weekly revision
- Monthly Current Affairs for exam-ready PDFs
- Static GK for Competitive Exams for concept-based preparation
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1. PM Narendra Modi Approves ‘PM RAHAT Scheme’
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the launch of the Pradhan Mantri RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) Scheme in February 2026.
Background
India witnesses a high number of road fatalities annually. Immediate treatment during the “Golden Hour” is critical to saving lives.
Key Features
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM RAHAT |
| Full Form | Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment |
| Coverage | Cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh |
| Duration | 7 days from accident |
| Helpline Integration | ERSS 112 (Emergency Response Support System) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) |
| Claims Agency | National Health Authority (NHA) |
Objectives
- Provide immediate financial and medical support
- Reduce accident-related mortality
- Strengthen emergency health response
Significance
- Linked with Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR)
- Supports road safety and public health goals
2. CCEA Approves ₹11,000 Crore Highway Projects
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved multiple highway projects across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana.
Major Projects
| State | Project | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | NH-160A Upgradation | – |
| Gujarat | NH-56 4-Laning | ₹4,583.64 crore |
| Telangana | NH-167 Widening | – |
| Assam | Underwater Road-Rail Tunnel | ₹18,662 crore |
Importance
- First underwater twin-tube tunnel under Brahmaputra River
- Boosts logistics and regional connectivity
- Promotes economic corridor development
3. International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 – Bengaluru
Held under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II & III.
Organising Bodies
| Institution | Full Form |
|---|---|
| MoJS | Ministry of Jal Shakti |
| CWC | Central Water Commission |
| DRIP | Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project |
Key Launches
- DAMCHAT (AI-based knowledge platform)
- Jal Shakti Data Management Platform
Exam Linkage
- Connected to Dam Safety Act, 2021
- Important for UPSC Prelims & Environment topics
DEFENCE
4. Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Mountain Fire Control Radar
At Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru.
Highlights
- Mountain Fire Control Radar for high-altitude terrain
- BEL Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy launched
- Centre of Excellence for AI inaugurated
Impact
- Promotes indigenous defence manufacturing
- Strengthens AI-enabled surveillance
BANKING & FINANCE
5. RBI Approves In-Solutions Global as Payment Aggregator
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted regulatory approval under its Master Directions 2025-26.
Categories Approved
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PA-O | Payment Aggregator – Online |
| PA-P | Payment Aggregator – Physical |
| PA-CB | Payment Aggregator – Cross-Border |
Significance
- Enables unified digital payments stack
- Strengthens fintech ecosystem
6. RBI Approves Bain Capital’s Stake in Manappuram Finance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Stake | Up to 41.66% |
| Investment | ₹4,385 crore |
| Sector | Gold Loan NBFC |
| Promoters Retain | 28.9% |
Importance
- Enhances NBFC capital base
- Strengthens gold loan segment
AWARDS & SPORTS
7. Smriti Mandhana Wins BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year 2025
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana won the BBC ISWOTY 2025 Award.
8. India Tops Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026
India secured 94 medals in total.
| Medal | Count |
|---|---|
| Gold | 51 |
| Silver | 23 |
| Bronze | 20 |
9. Magnus Carlsen Wins FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026
Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen won the inaugural Freestyle Chess Championship.
IMPORTANT DAY
Global Tourism Resilience Day – February 17
- Declared by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
- First observed in 2023
- 2027 declared International Year of Sustainable & Resilient Tourism
STATE NEWS
Tamil Nadu Signs MoUs Worth ₹5,980 Crore
| Company | Sector | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| MinebeaMitsumi | Semiconductor | ₹1,980 crore |
| Aequs Group | Aerospace & Defence | ₹4,000 crore |
Additional Exam Preparation Support
Staying updated with the latest news can be time-consuming, but structured preparation makes it easier.
- Revise through Weekly Current Affairs
- Practice using Daily Current Affairs Free Quizzes
- Build fundamentals with Static GK for Competitive Exams
- Track upcoming exams via Latest Government Jobs Notifications
JobsMe’s Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Current Affairs help aspirants stay fully prepared for General Awareness sections across competitive exams.
📌 One-Liner Revision Points
- PM RAHAT provides ₹1.5 lakh cashless accident treatment.
- CCEA approved ₹11,000 crore highway projects.
- India’s first underwater twin-tube tunnel approved in Assam.
- DAMCHAT launched at Dam Safety Conference 2026.
- RBI approved ISG as Payment Aggregator in three categories.
- Bain Capital to acquire up to 41.66% stake in Manappuram Finance.
- Smriti Mandhana won BBC ISWOTY 2025.
- India won 94 medals at Asian Rifle Championship 2026.
- Magnus Carlsen won inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess title.
- Global Tourism Resilience Day observed on February 17.
- TN signed ₹5,980 crore MoUs in semiconductor and aerospace sectors.
Regular revision of Daily, Weekly and Monthly Current Affairs ensures a strong edge in UPSC, SSC, Banking, RBI, Railways, Defence and State PSC exams.
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