Current Affairs 18 August 2026

Madhya Pradesh Opens India’s 1st Virtual Zoo in Indore.

• India’s first virtual zoo and 14-D cinema were inaugurated in Indore on 16 August 2026.
• Inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav.
• Features the country’s first virtual jungle safari and 14-D cinema theatre.
• Developed under the PPP model with an investment of around ₹4.5 crore.
• Uses digital technology to provide immersive wildlife and forest experiences.
• Aims to promote wildlife education among children and tourists.
• The facilities are located inside the existing Indore Zoo.

China Sends 24th Batch of Low-Orbit Internet Satellites into Space.

• China launched its 24th batch of low-orbit internet satellites from Hainan.
• The mission used the Long March-12 rocket.
• The launch took place from a commercial launch site in Hainan.
• The satellites were successfully placed in their designated orbits.
• The mission supports China’s plans for large low-orbit satellite internet networks.
• The constellation aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity from space.
• The launch highlights Hainan’s growing role in China’s commercial space sector.

BHEL Joins Hands with Hystar for Green Hydrogen Electrolysers.

• BHEL and Norway-based Hystar AS entered a strategic partnership for PEM electrolyser manufacturing in India.
• The partnership focuses on phased indigenisation and local production of PEM electrolysers.
• It aims to support India’s growing green hydrogen sector.
• BHEL can now offer both alkaline and PEM electrolyser solutions.
• The partnership supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Make in India initiative.

JSW Energy Partners for 920 MW Hydro Project in Bhutan.

• JSW Energy signed a Shareholders’ Agreement with DGPC on 17 August 2026.
• The agreement covers the joint development of the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan.
• DGPC: 51% equity; JSW Neo Energy: 49% equity.
• The project is located in Wangdue Phodrang District, Bhutan.
• It will generate clean hydropower to support Bhutan’s renewable energy sector.
• This is JSW Energy’s first power generation project outside India.
• The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently under preparation.

MIDHANI First Indian Company Approved by GE Aerospace for S400.

• MIDHANI became the first Indian company to receive GE Aerospace’s S400 laboratory qualification.
• The qualification covers international metallic material testing.
• It enables advanced chemical, mechanical and metallurgical testing.
• The lab can now support the global GE Aerospace supply chain.
• The approval strengthens India’s aerospace material testing capabilities.
• S400 qualification is unrelated to Russia’s S-400 air-defence system.
• The approval is limited to a defined testing scope and requires regular surveillance audits.