18th August

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

[18th August 2026] The Hindu OpED: Match AI models to workloads, not leaderboards

Op-ed | Science and Technology | Mains GS3: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

Indian Air Force Updates

Navy to lease two new MQ-9B Sea Guardian unmanned aircraft from US firm

Prelims Only | Science and Technology | Mains GS3: GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.

Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

Rotating detonation engines: the science and the promises

ExplainedIndigenous/Made in India | Science and Technology | Mains GS3: GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology

Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

NASA’s Moon Base: What India will gain by joining

Explained | Science and Technology | Mains GS3: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

ISRO Missions and Discoveries

GISAT-1A take-off in September to end ISRO’s seven-month operational hiatus

| Science and Technology | Mains GS3: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

Wildlife Conservation Efforts

States can’t block elephant corridors fearing crop damage: SC

SC JudgementsSpecies | Environment | Mains GS3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

Losing forest for trees: India is counting trees when it should be restoring forests

ExplainedSchemes | Environment | Mains GS3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

River Interlinking

Why Adivasis are resisting the Ken-Betwa river-linking project

ExplainedNational Parks/WSStates | Environment | Mains GS3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

J&K – The issues around the state

In J&K, a facade of normalcy cannot substitute for peace

ExplainedStates | Internal Security | Mains GS3: GS3-21.Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.

Social Media: Prospect and Challenges

March to July, Govt sent one blocking order to social media firms every minute

Explained | Internal Security | Mains GS3: GS3-21.Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.

Coal and Mining Sector

Why India is finding it difficult to buy critical mineral assets abroad

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains GS3: GS3-01.Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

The Crisis In The Middle East

60 days on, a disturbing US-Iran stalemate

ExplainedWorld Mapping | International Relations | Mains GS2: GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Foreign Policy Watch: India-Afghanistan

At Afghan embassy, Taliban diplomats mark 5th anniversary of victory day

World Mapping | International Relations | Mains GS2: GS2-17.India and its neighborhood- relations.

Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

ID cards issued to transgender persons remain valid: Centre

Amended/EnactedBills/Act/LawsSC Judgements | Polity | Mains GS2: GS2-01.Indian Constitution-Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions, basic structure of Constitution

Legal aid defence needs reform, not retreat

op-ed snap | Polity | Mains GS2: GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies

Judicial Pendency

Over 4,000 cases pending against MPs, MLAs: Amicus curiae to SC

ExplainedSC Judgements | Polity | Mains GS2: GS2-09.Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies(powers, functions and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies

Black money in elections hampers democracy, says Supreme Court

SC Judgements | Polity | Mains GS2: GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Electoral Reforms In India

A third of names could be deleted in Delhi’s draft SIR roll of electors

ExplainedStates | Polity | Mains GS2: GS2-08.Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Coal and Mining Sector

The Centre-states tussle over the Mines and Minerals Bill

Amended/EnactedBills/Act/LawsStates | Polity | Mains GS2: GS2-02.Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure;

Vizhinjam International Seaport begins full-scale EXIM operations

First/Record | Economics | Mains GS3: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:

The rupee’s borrowed breathing space

op-ed snap | Economics | Mains GS3: GS3-01.Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

From price taker to price setter: India’s commodity market gains clout

Explained | Economics | Mains GS3: GS3-01.Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

CERC lets RE developers retain grid connectivity despite project delays

| Economics | Mains GS3: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:

Can SHANTI Act override court on compensation for nuclear disasters, asks SC

Bills/Act/LawsSC Judgements | Economics | Mains GS3: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:

IT Ministry okays Rs 7,877-cr worth projects under ECMS

Indigenous/Made in IndiaSchemes | Economics | Mains GS3: GS3-01.Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.