18 Sep 2026 Daily Current Affairs by Vishal Sir for all One day & UPSC Exams

Summary of “18 Sep 2026 Daily Current Affairs by Vishal Sir…” (based on provided subtitles)

1) India–Pakistan maritime incident (Pakistan ship collision)

• The speaker claims a Pakistani Navy ship (PNS Hunain) collided with an Indian Navy ship in the Arabian Sea.
• The incident is described as highly unprofessional, attributed to the PNS Hunain captain’s turning/steering maneuver.
• No casualties are reported.
• The speaker compares it to a similar incident from 2011, alleging PNS Babur collided with INS Godavari, presented as a repeat pattern of violating maritime norms.

2) Allegation of treaty violation (Advance notice of military exercises)

• The speaker argues India can claim Pakistan violated an existing agreement because the collision/interruption is portrayed as disturbing military order “without reason.”
• Referenced agreement:
  • “Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Maneuvers and Troop Movements” (1991)
  • Focus on Article 10, described as requiring militaries not disturb each other without reason.
• In the video, a direct question is asked, and the speaker states the correct option is the C. Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Maneuvers, Troops and Movement.

3) Global Gender Gap Index: India’s ranking and scoring

• A World Economic Forum report is discussed: Global Gender Gap Index.
• Key figures stated by the speaker:
  • India’s rank: 131 (out of 145 countries)
  • Iceland tops the list at rank 1
  • India’s score: 64.5%
• Critique/cause presented:
  • Persistent patriarchal/social discrimination in India.
  • Example given: unequal investment in education (girls getting Hindi-medium, boys English-medium)—framed as reflecting parental prioritization in many families (not universally).
• The report’s structure is listed as four pillars:
  1. Economic participation and opportunity
  2. Educational attainment
  3. Health and survival
  4. Political empowerment
• The speaker encourages memorization for exam-style direct questions.

4) Artemis Accords: Djibouti becomes a new signatory

• The speaker says NASA welcomed Djibouti as a new member/signatory to the Artemis Accords.
• Claimed outcomes:
  • Djibouti is the 72nd country globally to sign.
  • Djibouti is the 8th country in Africa to sign.
• Explanation provided:
  • Artemis Accords are framed as an agreement for peaceful, transparent use of space.
  • Emphasis that space and the Moon should not be harmed.
• Background note included:
  • Djibouti is described as a former French colony (French Somaliland), gaining independence on 27 June 1977.

5) “Project Cheetah” progress in India

• The speaker covers “Four Years of Project Cheetah.”
• Key claims:
  • Cheetahs disappeared from India by 1952 (due to hunting/killings).
  • Under Project Cheetah, India’s cheetah population reached 52.
  • 32 cubs are said to have been born.
• Distribution mentioned:
  • 49 cheetahs in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
  • 3 cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
• Scientific classification mentioned:
  • Acinonyx jubatus, family Felidae
• A direct question is included:
  • The protected area hosting the largest number is stated as Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh).

6) India’s oil imports from Russia and proposed US sanctions/tariffs

• The speaker states: 51% of India’s July crude oil imports were from Russia.
• Context presented:
  • In a US–Russia conflict frame, the US is said to discourage purchases of Russian oil and warn of consequences.
• A US legislative move discussed:
  • The bill is called “Lindsay O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” (as stated).
  • Claim: after Donald Trump signs it, the US would impose tariffs up to 100%, primarily on the top five countries buying the most Russian oil—named as including India and China.
• Additional point:
  • China opposes the sanction/tariff approach, arguing it is baseless and that choosing cheaper energy should remain free.

7) Indian cinema award announcement (Dadasaheb Phalke Award)

• The speaker says veteran actor Anant Nag is set to be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.
• Mentions:
  • The award is described as India’s highest official cinema honour.
  • It is said to have been given since 1969, named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (“Father of Indian Cinema”).
  • The award is described as being given by the President of India with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• A question is asked, with the speaker stating the expected answer is Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

8) Course/batch announcements (CDS focus)

• The speaker makes multiple announcements for students:
  • CDS online batch classes starting 23 September, with the first five classes free (demo).
  • Offline batch in Dehradun starting October 1, with 30 seats.
  • Offline CDS One 2027 starting 5 October.
• Students are encouraged to join the course Telegram/updates and attend the classes.

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Presenters / contributors

• Vishal Sir (main presenter/teacher)