*18 Apr(Saturday)* ________________________ *TODAYS TOP NEWS* --------------------------------------- 1. The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill 2026, intended to implement one-third women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and the legislative assembly, yesterday failed to get the nod in the Lower House. The Bill fell short of the two-thirds majority of 326, out of the total 489 members present in the Lok Sabha. During voting on the Bill, 298 MPs voted in favour of it and 230 against the bill. 2. Nominated member Harivansh has been elected as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for the third consecutive term. He was elected unopposed for the post. Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha JP Nadda moved the motion to choose Harivansh as the Deputy Chairman of the Upper House. 3. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is expanding its network of facilities to track space objects in Earth’s orbit, with plans to establish a phased array radar in the north-eastern region of India and an optical telescope at Hanle in Ladakh. 4. The Zojila Tunnel project along the Srinagar–Leh highway is approaching a historic milestone, with excavation work expected to achieve a breakthrough by the end of May.Officials associated with the project have confirmed that only around 300 metres of excavation remain, signalling that the tunnel is on the verge of connecting both ends. 5. Punjab government has partnered with Indian Institute of Technology Ropar to develop an advanced Artificial Intelligence-based system for real-time crime tracking and analysis. The initiative aims to modernise policing by transforming scattered data into actionable intelligence, strengthening ongoing anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns in the state. 6. To strengthen the national security of the country PM Narendra Modi will chair the first edition of the high-level conference of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). This initiative aims to bring together the top leadership to enhance the coordination and develop a unified approach to tackle evolving nature of the internal security challenges which includes the insurgency, extremism and cyber threats. 7. In Keralam, Amid scorching heat, the India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for hot and humid conditions in the state till Sunday. Maximum temperatures are likely to reach 40 degree Celsius in Palakkad district, 39 degree Celsius in Kollam, and 38 degree Celsius in Kottayam, --------------------------------------- *LEGAL REPORT* --------------------------------------- 1. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court in Uttar Pradesh directed to file an FIR against the Congress MP from Rae Bareli and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, in the dual citizenship case. 2. The important legal clarification has come up as the Honorable Supreme Court of India has ruled that those individuals who give dowry typically to the the bride and her family will not be prosecuted if they are the aggrieved victims. The court have also emphasized that the law recognizes the social reality where the families are often compelled to give the dowry and it is reinforcing protection under the Dowry Prohibition Act. 3. A division bench of the Gujarat High Court on Friday cleared the way for the state government to take over nearly 45,000 sqm of prime land allegedly encroached upon by the Motera Asaram Ashram, run by rape convict and self-styled godman Asaram Bapu. 5. Make Kannada mandatory for auto, cab drivers in Karnataka’: Citing the Maharashtra government’s recent move mandating proficiency in Marathi for auto and taxi drivers, KPCC spokesperson A N Nataraj Gowda has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to implement a similar policy in Karnataka. -------- *MISHAPS* ------- A tragic accident in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district claimed the lives of nine people after a tourist van fell into a deep gorge in the Valparai hills on Friday. Several others were left critically injured in the incident --------------------------------------- *DEFENCE News* --------------------------------------- 1. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has secured a three-year lifecycle support contract for the Prithvi-II missile system. This agreement is designed to ensure the missile’s operational readiness, reinforcing its role as a critical component of India’s strategic arsenal.The lifecycle support will encompass maintenance, system checks, and upgrades. 2. India has advanced its goal of establishing a formidable, multi-layered air defence shield following the Defence Procurement Board's (DPB) approval to acquire two new regiments of the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system. 3. Russia has officially secured new export contracts for its Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter, signaling a significant expansion into the international arms market. On April 15, 2026, during the opening of the DSA-2026 international arms exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, the state arms exporter Rosoboronexport announced that several partners have already signed contracts for the aircraft. 4. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are undertaking a critical feasibility study to equip the Mirage 2000 "Vajra" fighter jets with the advanced Astra Mk2 Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). This high-priority initiative seeks to upgrade the Mirage 2000 from a standard interceptor into a long-distance aerial sniper. 5. The Indian government is advancing its plan to acquire six additional Boeing P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the United States through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. --------------------------------------- ✈ *INTERNATIONAL NEWS* --------------------------------------- 1. The four astronauts selected for India’s Gaganyaan mission are now set to undergo extreme heat trials in the Rann of Kutch, following their recent high-altitude analogue tests in Leh.These simulations are part of ISRO’s broader preparations for human spaceflight, with the mission scheduled for 2027 and the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) expected to be operational by 2035. 2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on 16 April 2026, focusing on the worsening crisis in West Asia and the urgent need to safeguard maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.This was their second conversation on the matter in less than a month. 3. India is currently engaged in a delicate balancing act as it reviews a formal request for the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the matter is being examined through established legal and judicial channels, underscoring the importance of due process in such a sensitive case. 4. On the 27th April, 2026 India and New Zealand are set to sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The agreement also aims to strengthen the economic ties, boost exports and will attract nearly $20 billion in investment over 15 years. --------------------------------------- 🌎 *WORLD NEWS* 🌍 --------------------------------------- 1. US President, Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Lebanon will initiate a 10-day ceasefire beginning at 5 PM EST. This development follows trilateral discussions involving Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Lebanese President Michel Aoun.The agreement marks a significant pause in hostilities between the two nations. 2. US President Donald Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial shipping. 3. Global space exploration is set for a major milestone as Elon Musk’s SpaceX prepares to launch the Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars in 2028. --------------------------------------- 🚣🚴🏇🏊 *SPORTS* --------------------------------------- Indian Premier League 2026 70 T20s Mar 28 - May 31 GT vs KKR, 25th Match, Gujarat Titans won by 5 wkts KKR: 180(20) GT: 181/5(19.4) PLAYER OF THE MATCH Shubman Gill (b) Saturday, 18 Apr 2026 26th Match • Bengaluru, M.Chinnaswamy Stadium Royal Challengers Bengaluru Vs Delhi Capitals 3:30 PM / 3:30 PM LOCAL Match starts at Apr 18, 10:00 GMT 27th Match • Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Sunrisers Hyderabad Vs Chennai Super Kings 7:30 PM / 7:30 PM LOCAL Match starts at Apr 18, 14:00 GMT 2. South Africa defeated India by six wickets in the first T20I at Kingsmead, Durban, on 17 April 2026, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Despite Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 47 leading India to 157/7, Laura Wolvaardt (51) and Annerie Dercksen (44*) chased the target with five balls to spare. 3. Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced the introduction of the player contract system starting from the 2026-27 domestic season. This decision approved in the recent Apex Council meeting and which makes MCA the first state cricket association in India to implement the this type of structured remuneration model -------------------------------------- *FINANCE* --------------------------------------- *INDIAN RUPEE VALUE* 💷 *GBP* ₹123(Approx) € *Euro* : ₹107(Approx)  *USD* ₹ 92(Approx) 🇨🇦 *Canada* :CAD ₹67 🇦🇺 *Australia* : ₹ 65 🇦🇪 *UAE Dirham* : ₹ 25 *🇨🇳 China Yuan ¥* : ₹ 13 🇲🇻 *Maldives Rufiya* : ₹ 6.00 🇧🇹 *Bhutan ngultrum* : ₹ 1.00 🇳🇵 *Nepal Rupee* : ₹ 0.63 🇧🇩 *B'desh Taka** : ₹ 0.70 🇵🇰 *Pak Rupee* : ₹ 0.32 🇱🇰 *Sri Lanka Rupee* : ₹ 0.29 --------------------------------------- *BSE SENSEX* 78,493.54 +504.86 (0.65%)🌲 *NIFTY* 24,353.55 +156.80 (0.65%)🌲 --------------------------------------- *Rates in Financial Capital Mumbai* *GOLD* : ₹ 15,400/ 01gm (24 krt) *SILVER* : ₹ 2,65,000/KG 1. India has taken a decisive step towards building a domestic semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem with the approval of a special economic zone (SEZ) for TATA Semiconductor Manufacturing Private Ltd. 2. IndiGo has announced a strategic equity investment in Bangalore-based Sarla Aviation, marking a significant step towards building India’s first nationwide air taxi network. The commerce ministry confirmed that TATA plans to invest approximately ₹91,000 crore in the project, which will be spread across 66.16 hectares and is expected to generate around 21,000 jobs. 3. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched two new mobile applications—MyLIC for customers and Super Sales Saathi for agents—on April 15, 2026. This initiative highlights India’s push toward technology-driven, inclusive insurance services. --------------------------------------- *ENTERTAINMENT NEWS* --------------------------------------- 1. Sayani Gupta has been named Harvard South Asian “Person of the Year” 2026 by the Harvard South Asian Association, recognizing her impactful storytelling and representation of South Asian identities. 2. *Interesting facts about the legendary singer Asha Bhosle ji* Asha’s father was the singer and actor Deenanath Mangeshkar, who passed away when she was 9 years old. Due to this, Asha and Lata Mangeshkar began singing for films to support the family. It was when she was just 10 years old that Asha sang her first song for a Marathi film, Majha Bal in 1943. Asha also sang across twenty languages including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Oriya, Assamese, Bhojpuri and even in Russian and Malaye. Asha Bhosle was nominated for the prestigious Grammy Awards in 1977 for her collaboration with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan for the album ‘Legacy’. In 2011, Asha Bhosle’s name was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records for recording the most number of studio recordings in the history of music. Asha recorded over 11,000 songs in 20 languages. Asha’s last song was an international collaboration with the British band Gorillaz. The track, titled “Shadowy Light” is among the last recorded songs by the playback singer, which released earlier this year. Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday (April 12, 2026) in a hospital in Mumbai. She was 92. --------------------------------------- Ⓝⓐⓥⓔⓔⓝ Ⓚⓤⓜⓐⓡ 🇮🇳 *FACTS ABOUT BHARAT* 🇮🇳 ======================= More than 60% of India is younger than 35 yrs. The average Indian age is much younger than most other nations. ======================= *Thought of the Day* =======================  Expect more from yourself than from others. Because expectations from others hurt a lot, while expectations from yourself inspire a lot. That's life. ======================= *JOKE OF THE DAY*======================= Savage 😏 Teacher: Why are you late? Student: Sir, a man lost ₹500... Teacher: So you were helping him find it? Student: No sir… I was standing on it 😌 ======================= *😳WHY❓❓❓* ======================= *Why rose is symbol of love* 🌹  According to Greek and Roman Mythology From the Western culture, it has been believed that this type of flower was created by the goddess of love, Aphrodite. According to the legend, her tears and her lover, Adonis', blood watered the ground from where the red Roses grew. It was then a symbol of love until death. ======================= *LEARN Sanskrit*🙏🏻 ======================= *शतक* -100 *Dasasahasra* , 10,000   *लक्ष** 1 lakh  *koti* . 10,000,000 =======================  🤔 *HOW IT WORKS* ⁉ ======================= Tyres can handle heavy weight because of a smart combination of air pressure, structure, and materials. 1. Air pressure does most of the work A tyre isn’t solid—it’s filled with compressed air. That air pushes outward in all directions, creating support. 👉 The basic idea comes from pressure: The weight of the vehicle = force (F) The part of tyre touching the ground = area (A) Air pressure spreads the weight evenly across that contact patch So instead of one point carrying all the weight, it’s distributed. ======================= 💁🏻‍♂‍ *GK TODAY*  ======================= *18 April- World Heritage Day*  This day is observed every year on 18 April to preserve the human heritage and recognise the efforts of all the relevant organisations in the field. This day was announced by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982 and was approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983 ======================= *BORN TODAY* 🐣💐 ======================= *Dhondo Keshav Karve* (18 April 1858 – 9 Nov 1962), popularly known as Maharshi Karve, was a social reformer in India in the field of women's welfare. In his honour, Queen's Road in Mumbai (Bombay) was renamed to Maharshi Karve Road. Karve was a pioneer in promoting widows' education. The Govt of India awarded him with the highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1958. He was the first living Indian to appear on a postal stamp of India. =====================  🙏🏻 *IDIOMS & PHRASES*  =======================  He's a chip off the old block The son is like the father ======================= *ANTONYMS*  Scatter x Collect *SYNONYMS*   deduct ~ subtract ===================== 🛕 *VEDIK GYAN*  ===================== (kindly inform, if given info is differ from actual facts🙏🏻) =======================  Arjuna, the third of the Pandava brothers, took the form of Brihannala – a eunuch during the incognito (staying in disguise for a year)-agnathavasam- exile period in the Mahabharata. As Brihannala, Arjuna taught dance and music to Uttara, the daughter of King of Virata. Arjuna did not need to act like Brihannala as he made use of a curse by Apsara Urvasi – the damsel in the court of Indra. Arjuna once did not show any interest to the sexual innuendos of Urvasi. Arjuna said “u work near my father Indra , so i feel like u r equal to my mother” .and refused her. The frustrated Apsara cursed him to be a eunuch. The curse was later changed by Indra to a year. Thus Arjuna used the curse during the incognito exile period and lived like a Eunuch. Brihannala was the charioteer of Uttara Kumara who went to fight against the Kauravas. After the death of Kichaka, there was no one to defend the kingdom of Virata. Using this opportunity, Kauravas took away the battle of Virata. ======================= 🧬 *HEALTH CARE: HOME REMEDIES*🩺 ( *Note* : These home tips followed in villages/ancient traditions, it is up to you to use it or not🙏🏻) ======================= *Health Benefits of Eucalyptus*  Get Relieves from Cough & Congestion Using steam from Eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus Oil Massage Relaxes Sore Muscles.  Use Eucalyptus Oil for Joint & Muscle Pain.  Eucalyptus Cures Respiratory Problems ===================== *🙏 *PLZ SHARE IT* #news #news #News Views