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Places in News |18 August 2026 Today’s Highlights: -India–Kenya bilateral relations -Parliamentary cooperation between India and Kenya -Kenya’s support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC -Kenya’s geographical location and significance in India–Africa relations #PlacesInNews #Kenya #IndiaKenyaRelations #UNSC #IndiaAfricaRelations #UPSC #UPSCPrelims #UPSCMains #CurrentAffairs #Geography #InternationalRelations #UPSC2026 #ForumIAS

Prelims Fact | 18 AUGUST 🌿 Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve 📍 Located in the southern Western Ghats, across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. -UNESCO MAB Programme site since 2016. -Covers ~3,500 sq. km and is rich in endemic biodiversity. -Includes Neyyar, Peppara, Shendurney and Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. -Home to the Kani tribal community. #PlacesInNews #Agasthyamala #BiosphereReserve #UNESCO #WesternGhats #Kerala #TamilNadu #Biodiversity #UPSC #UPSCPrelims #CurrentAffairs

We are now inviting applications for FRC #15. FRC #15 is a 12-14 weeks Mains oriented program for those who are looking to prepare with ForumIAS for CSE 2027. For more info click to- https://forumias.com/blog/frc15/

Knolls of the Day | 18 August 2026 Today’s Topic: Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) & Dialysis PMNDP and its objectives- -Dialysis services under public healthcare -Improving access to affordable renal care #ForumIAS #KnollsoftheDay #UPSC #UPSCPrelims #UPSCMains #GS2 #PMNDP #NationalDialysisProgramme #Dialysis #Healthcare #PublicHealth #HealthPolicy #UPSC2026

Cut the Crap | 18 August 2026 Today’s Topic: E20 Petrol — Energy Security vs Consumer Protection -E20 fuel transition in India -Energy security and ethanol blending -Impact on older vehicles -Food vs fuel trade-off -Consumer protection and automobile compatibility #ForumIAS #CutTheCrap #UPSC #UPSCPrelims #UPSCMains #GS2 #GS3 #E20Petrol #EthanolBlending #EnergySecurity #ConsumerProtection #FoodVsFuel #EnergyPolicy #UPSC2026

News of the Day — 18 August 2026 Today’s Highlights: -Green India Mission & CAG Audit -Science & Technology Funding -Rotating Detonation Engines -Freedom, Governance & Dissent -Legal Aid & Access to Justice Source: The Hindu & The Indian Express #ForumIAS #NewsOfTheDay #UPSC #UPSCPrelims #UPSCMains #UPSC2026 #CurrentAffairs #GreenIndiaMission #ForestConservation #ScienceAndTechnology #LegalAid #Governance #TheHindu #IndianExpress

Q9. With reference to the National Anubhav Awards Scheme, consider the following statements: 1. It is implemented by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW). 2. It aims to encourage retiring and retired government employees to document their experiences and contributions to public administration. 3. The National Anubhav Awards are exclusively meant for serving Central Government employees who have completed at least 25 years of service.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the Friedreich’s Ataxia: 1. It is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused primarily by mutations in the FXN gene, leading to reduced production of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. 2. The disorder is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and primarily affects the peripheral nervous system without significant involvement of the heart or skeletal system.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding a river: 1. It is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River and originates in the Tibetan Plateau. 2. It is an antecedent river that flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. 3. It is also known as the “Gold River” due to the presence of gold dust in its waters.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding a total solar eclipse: Statement I: A total solar eclipse provides a valuable opportunity to study the Sun’s corona from the Earth. Statement II: During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright disc, allowing the relatively faint corona to become visible. Which one of the following is correct? (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I. (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I. (c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect. (d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.