NEWS 18-08-2026. News For 21st-Aug (Friday) National 1. Vande Mataram was sung at the Red Fort for the first time as part of the Independence Day ceremony, beginning the 150-year commemoration of the National Song. 2. The MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed by Parliament, bringing changes to the legal framework governing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. 3. As of May 2026, the BharatNet programme had connected around 2.19 lakh Gram Panchayats with high-speed broadband. The project aims to provide reliable digital connectivity to rural India, supporting e-governance, education, healthcare and digital services. 4. India’s nationwide E20 petrol contains up to 20% ethanol blended with petrol. The minimum mandatory Research Octane Number (RON) is 95, helping provide better anti-knock performance and supporting the government’s goals of reducing petrol imports and carbon emissions through greater ethanol blending. International 1. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu proclaimed 15 August 2026 as “India Day”, recognising India's Independence Day and the contributions of the Indian-American community. 2. Russian President Vladimir Putin met Myanmar's junta chief-turned-president in Moscow on 18 August. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, including energy projects, highlighting Russia's expanding strategic engagement in Southeast Asia. 3. US Allocates Over $206 Million for Proposed Gaza International Stabilization Force to support security, demilitarisation, humanitarian aid and reconstruction, but disagreements between Israel and Hamas continue to delay its implementation. Defence 1.The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) conducted Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 from 10–14 August 2026 in Malaysia to strengthen operational cooperation, interoperability, air-combat capabilities and exchange of best practices between the two air forces. 2. The Indian Navy and US Navy conducted an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise at Kochi from 10–14 August, focusing on joint training, sharing expertise and dealing with explosive threats. 3. Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth finished a three-day official visit to Nepal (17–19 August) to strengthen India–Nepal defence and military cooperation.General Dhiraj Seth was also conferred the honorary rank of General by Nepal during his visit. 4.The 15th India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise is being conducted in Surat Thani, Thailand, focusing on joint military training, counter-terrorism and operational cooperation. 5. On Independence Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 Gallantry Awards, including 9 Kirti Chakras, 19 Shaurya Chakras and 13 posthumous honours, along with 89 Mentions-in-Despatches for Armed Forces personnel. 6.The Indian Navy to lease MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft systems under a ?1,943-crore contract to strengthen maritime surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering capabilities across the Indian Ocean Region. Sports 1. Vignesh Vemula won the gold medal in the Open category at the Asian Junior Blitz Chess Championship in Mumbai. 2.The 30th BWF World Championships are being held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, from 17–23 August 2026. Ayush Shetty Stuns World No.1 as he defeated World No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi of China and PV Sindhu and Satwik–Chirag Reach Pre-Quarterfinals. < < Back