May 18, 2026 - Current Affairs

India-Sweden Upgrade Ties to Strategic Partnership

Context

India and Sweden elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, during an official visit of PM Modi to Sweden.

Key Highlights of the Visit

PM Modi received Sweden's Royal Order of Polar Star and Commander Grand Cross, the highest recognition and honour that can be conferred upon a head of government.

This marks PM Modi's 31st global honour.

India Rejects Permanent Court of Arbitration (CoA) Ruling on Indus Waters Treaty

In Context

India has rejected the latest ruling of the Court of Arbitration (CoA), a five-member arbitral panel set up in 2023 at Pakistan's request to settle a dispute over the design of India's Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu & Kashmir.

What Is the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)?

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed on September 19, 1960, after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, which is also a signatory.

Under the treaty, Pakistan receives rights over the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — while India retains control over the three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.

Prime Minister’s Visit to Netherlands

Context

PM Modi paid an official visit to the Netherlands.

Major Outcomes of the Visit

Elevation to Strategic Partnership: India and the Netherlands upgraded bilateral relations to a “Strategic Partnership”.

Semiconductor Cooperation: An MoU was signed between Tata Electronics and ASML.

ASML will supply advanced lithography systems for Tata’s semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat.

Early Onset of Southwest Monsoon

Context

Recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that the Southwest Monsoon is expected to reach Kerala earlier than the normal onset date of June 1.

Monsoon in India

The term ‘monsoon’ refers to the seasonal reversal of winds caused by differential heating and cooling of land and sea.

In India, monsoon rainfall is the backbone of the economy and climate system.

CBSE Makes Third Language Mandatory For Class IX

In News

The Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE) has made it mandatory for Class 9 students to study three languages from July 2026.

What is a three-language formula?

The three-language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends that students learn three languages, at least two of which must be native to India.

This formula applies to both government and private schools, giving states the flexibility to choose languages without any imposition.

President Approves Increase in Sanctioned Strength of Judges in SC

Context

President approved an increase in the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India, through the promulgation of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026.

Constitutional Provisions

Article 124(1) of the Constitution empowers Parliament to determine and increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court.

The Constitution originally provided for a Chief Justice of India and not more than seven judges, thereby allowing flexibility for future expansion.

News In Short 18-05-2026

Context

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina announced her resignation after her coalition pulled support from the government.

About Latvia

Latvia is a small country in Northern Europe, one of the three Baltic states (along with Estonia and Lithuania).

Latvia has borders with Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Lithuania.

It has linguistic links with Lithuania to the south, and historical and religious ties with Estonia to the north.