UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 18 July 2026

E-Commerce Council of India (ECCI)

July 18, 2026

E-Commerce Council of India Latest News

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) recently launched the E-Commerce Council of India (ECCI), a first-of-its-kind national platform dedicated to unify India’s $120 billion digital commerce ecosystem.

About E-Commerce Council of India

It is a first-of-its-kind national platform dedicated to advancing the country’s digital commerce ecosystem through collaborative engagement between industry, government, and other key stakeholders.
It was launched by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
The ECCI aims to bring together policymakers, e-commerce marketplaces, brands, retailers, logistics providers, technology companies, payment solution providers, startups, exporters, MSMEs, industry experts, and academic institutions.
The council will focus on policy advocacy, research, and industry engagement across areas such as
- product and service e-commerce
- cross-border trade
- logistics and Supply chain
- mobility
- travel technology
- MSME enablement
- digital payments
- consumer trust
- artificial intelligence.

Key Facts about Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)

Established in 2004, the IAMAI is a not-for-profit industry body registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
It is the country’s only organization representing the digital services industry, with over 500 members, including Indian and multinational corporations, as well as startups.
The overarching objective of IAMAI is to ensure the progress of the internet and the digital economy.
It is dedicated to presenting the unified voice of the businesses it represents to the government, investors, consumers, and other stakeholders.
IAMAI advocates free and fair competition and progressive and enabling laws for businesses as well as for consumers.
IAMAI represents varied sectors such as digital advertising, digital entertainment, traveltech, online gaming, digital payments, fintech, digital commerce, edtech, healthtech, agritech, big data, ML, AI & IoT, AR/VR, logistics-tech, and so on.
Its major areas of activities are public policy and advocacy, business to business conferences, research, promotion of start-ups, and promotion of consumer trust and safety.

News: TH

E-Commerce Council of India FAQs

Q1: What is the E-Commerce Council of India (ECCI)?

Ans: It is the first-of-its-kind national platform dedicated to advancing India's digital commerce ecosystem.

Q2: Who launched the E-Commerce Council of India (ECCI)?

Ans: The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

Q3: What is the primary objective of the ECCI?

Ans: To advance the country's digital commerce ecosystem through collaborative engagement among industry, government, and other stakeholders.

World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization

July 18, 2026

World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization Latest News

29 countries recently signed an agreement in Shanghai to set up the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, or WAICO.

About World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization

It is an independent intergovernmental international organization headquartered in Shanghai, China.
It was first proposed by China in July, 2025.
It aims to promote international cooperation and global governance on AI.
The organization will uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, be committed to extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and adhere to a people-centered approach.
Founding Members: China, Russia, Pakistan, South Africa, Brazil, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Oman, Cuba, Venezuela, Belarus, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Senegal, Zambia, and Nicaragua.
India is alone among the five founding BRICS countries in its absence in WAICO.

News: IT

World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization FAQs

Q1: What is the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO)?

Ans: It is an independent intergovernmental international organization to promote international cooperation and global governance on AI.

Q2: Where is the headquarters of World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) located?

Ans: Shanghai, China.

Q3: Which country first proposed the establishment of World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO)?

Ans: It was first proposed by China in July, 2025.

Q4: Is India a founding member of World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO)?

Ans: No, India is not a founding member of WAICO.

Vishwas 2026

July 18, 2026

Vishwas 2026 Latest News

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) recently launched VISHWAS, 2026 to facilitate amicable settlement of disputes relating to levy of damages and penalty-related disputes.

About Vishwas 2026

It was launched by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
It is a one-time dispute resolution initiative to facilitate amicable settlement of disputes relating to levy of damages and penalty-related disputes.
The scheme provides employers with an opportunity to settle eligible cases through a transparent, fully digital and time-bound process.
It has been introduced with the objective of promoting voluntary compliance, reducing litigation, and enabling speedy resolution of long-pending disputes relating to penalty/damages while safeguarding the interests of employees.
The VISHWAS scheme came into effect on June 29, 2026. It will remain operational for six months from the date of notification.
The scheme will broadly cover four categories of cases, including:
- Cases where orders for penalty or damages are under challenge before a judicial forum.
- Final damages or penalty orders where recovery is pending or only partly made, including Recovery Certificate (RRC) cases.
- Cases where notices have been issued but final orders for damages or penalty are yet to be passed.
- Cases where notices for penalty or damages are yet to be issued.
Exclusion:
- Cases where damages or penalties have already been fully recovered.
- Cases involving fraud, misappropriation or deliberate falsification of records.
- Cases where the applicable statutory interest has not been fully deposited.
Eligible employers with pending disputes can apply through the EPFO Employer Portal using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or e-Sign.
Applicants must also furnish an undertaking that no further appeal will be pursued in respect of the dispute settled under the scheme.
Benefits:
- It enables eligible employers to settle disputes by offering substantially reduced rates for historical defaults (prior to 14 June 2024), subject to payment of the applicable statutory interest and compliance with prescribed conditions.
- For employers, the scheme presents a valuable opportunity to regularise legacy EPF compliance issues at a significantly lower financial cost.
- Although the scheme is primarily directed at employers, employees stand to benefit through quicker resolution of long-pending EPF disputes and improved compliance by establishments.

News: NOA

Vishwas 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is Vishwas 2026?

Ans: It is a one-time dispute resolution initiative launched by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

Q2: What is the primary purpose of Vishwas 2026?

Ans: To facilitate the amicable settlement of disputes relating to levy of damages and penalties.

Q3: How does Vishwas 2026 benefit employers?

Ans: It enables them to regularise legacy EPF compliance issues at a significantly lower financial cost.

Q4: How does Vishwas 2026 benefit employees?

Ans: It leads to quicker resolution of long-pending EPF disputes and improves compliance by establishments.

Boss Scam

July 18, 2026

Boss Scam Latest News

SEBI recently cautioned regulated entities and listed firms against a ‘Boss Scam’, wherein fraudsters impersonate chief executives or senior officials to trick finance teams into transferring funds.

About Boss Scam

It is an emerging cyber fraud where fraudsters impersonate Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Managing Directors (MDs) and other senior officials to trick finance executives into transferring funds.
Cyber criminals are using two major methods to carry out the fraud.
Under the first method, fraudsters use deepfake technology, including AI-generated voice cloning, fake video calls and false social media groups to impersonate top executives.
- Finance officials are then instructed to transfer money to a specified bank account.
- In some cases, they are also told not to disclose the transaction by claiming that it relates to Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI).
Another method involves sending compressed ZIP files containing malicious executable programs.
- Once opened, these files can compromise systems and hijack the active WhatsApp Web sessions.
- The fraudster gets access to the finance officer's WhatsApp account and then contacts accounts or finance employees, instructing them to make immediate payments to specified bank accounts
- In some instances, attackers modify contact lists by saving their own numbers under the names of CEOs or MDs, making fraudulent messages appear genuine.

News: TH

Boss Scam FAQs

Q1: What is a Boss Scam?

Ans: It is an emerging cyber fraud in which fraudsters impersonate CEOs, Managing Directors (MDs), and other senior officials to trick finance executives into transferring funds.

Q2: What is the main objective of a Boss Scam?

Ans: To deceive finance officials into transferring money to fraudsters' bank accounts.

Q3: What is the purpose of malicious executable programs used in a Boss Scam?

Ans: To compromise computer systems and hijack WhatsApp Web sessions.

Q4: Which officials are most vulnerable to Boss Scam attacks?

Ans: Finance executives and accounts personnel.

Manasbal Lake

July 18, 2026

Manasbal Lake Latest News

Recently, it was observed that the Manasbal Lake is on the path of ecological recovery with the return of migratory birds.

About Manasbal Lake

Location: It is located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
The lake lies at an altitude of about 1,585-1,600 metres in the Jhelum Valley.
It is considered the deepest freshwater lake in India with a depth of about 13 metres (43 ft).
The name is derived from Lake Manasarovar.
Surroundings: It is surrounded by Baladar mountains, Karewa plateau in the north and Ahtung hills in the south used for limestone extraction.
Water Source: It is being fed mainly by precipitation and over 1,200 springs, with outflow regulated into the Jhelum River.
Physical Characteristics: The lake is monomictic with thermal stratification from March to November, thermocline depth of 9 metres and surface water temperature ranging from 6°C in winter to 27.5°C in summer.
History: The Mughal garden Jaroka Bagh built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake, while nearby ruins of a 17th century fort and an ancient temple (800-900 AD).
Flora: The lake hosts macrophytes (emerged, submerged, floating) and phytoplankton, with plankton biomass.
Fauna: It supports zooplankton, benthos and fish species such as Schizothorax niger, S. esocinus, Cyprinus carpio and Neomacheilus latius, contributing to local fisheries and economy.

Source: TH

Manasbal Lake FAQs

Q1: Manasbal Lake is situated in which district?

Ans: Ganderbal District

Q2: Manasbal Lake is also known as?

Ans: Gem of all Kashmir Lakes"

Laudankia Vine Snake

July 18, 2026

Laudankia Vine Snake Latest News

Recently, wildlife enthusiasts have successfully photographed the rare Laudankia Vine Snake (Ahaetulla laudankia) in Udaipur’s Ubeshwar wildlife area.

About Laudankia Vine Snake

Scientific Name: Ahaetulla laudankia.
It is a diurnal and arboreal species belonging to the vine snake group.
Appearance
- The snake is distinguished by its slender, vine-like body, chestnut-brown colour with fine black speckles and pale white patches on the lower part of its head.
- It also has a long, pointed snout, large eyes and horizontal pupils.
Habitat: It inhabits dry deciduous forests, scrublands, hill slopes and other natural green habitats.
Distribution: It is endemic to India
- Its known range extends from the Eastern Ghats through Central India to eastern Rajasthan.
Diet: Its diet mainly consists of lizards, geckos, small frogs and small birds.
It is mildly venomous and rear-fanged, its venom is primarily effective against small prey and is not considered seriously dangerous to humans.

Source: TOI

Laudankia Vine Snake FAQs

Q1: What is the Scientific name of Laudankia Vine Snake?

Ans: Ahaetulla laudankia

Q2: The genus Ahaetulla is commonly known as?

Ans: Asian Vine Snakes

Belgium

July 18, 2026

Belgium Latest News

Recently, the first meeting of the India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue was held in Brussels.

About Belgium

It is a Western European nation.
Bordering countries: It is bordered by 4 countries: by the Netherlands in the north; by Germany in the east; by Luxembourg in the southeast and by France in the southwest.
Water bodies: It is bounded by the North Sea in the northwest.
Capital City: Brussels

Geographical Features of Belgium

Terrain: It has three main geographical regions: the coastal plain to the northwest, the central plateau, and the Ardennes uplands to the southeast.
Highest Point: The highest point is the Botrange, at 2,276 ft. (694m).
Rivers: The Scheldt, Meuse, and Yser are the three major rivers of the country.
Lakes: The country also has several lakes like Lake Genval, Lake Gileppe, Lake Eupen, Lake Robertville, etc.
Natural resources: It mainly consists of Limestone, cobalt, copper, iron and steel, lead, nitrogen (ammonia), tin, and zinc.

Source: News On Air

Belgium FAQs

Q1: What is the Capital of Belgium ?

Ans: Brussels

Q2: Brussels is headquarters of which 2 major organizations?

Ans: European Union - EU and NATO

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

July 18, 2026

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Prime Minister of India virtually inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).

About Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

It was launched in 2022 which aims at development and upgradation of railway stations over the Indian Railways (IR) network.
The scheme envisaged development of stations with a long term vision.
The policy is based on Master Planning for long term and implementation of the same as per needs and demand of the station to station.
The ABSS has a long-term vision that involves creating master plans, promoting multimodal connectivity, better station accessibility for passengers, etc.
The goal is to make stations cleaner, more comfortable, and easier to use.

Features of Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Amenities: It includes proving entry and exit points, waiting halls, toilets, platforms, and roofing. Facilities like lifts, escalators, and free Wi-Fi are added wherever needed.
Local Economy Support: Local products will be sold at kiosks under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, and efforts will be made to make stations look greener and more attractive.

Source: News On Air

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme FAQs

Q1: Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched by?

Ans: Ministry of Railways

Q2: What is the main objective of Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?

Ans: Redevelopment and modernization of railway stations

BIMSTEC

July 18, 2026

BIMSTEC Latest News

Recently, BIMSTEC security chiefs vowed joint action against terrorism and endorsed maritime law enforcement principles.

About BIMSTEC

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a grouping of seven Member States lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal.
The organization came into existence on 6 June 1997 through the 'Bangkok Declaration'.
Members: It is a unique link connecting South Asia with South-East Asia - five Members from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and two from South-East Asia (Myanmar and Thailand).
Historical Background
- It was formed as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation) in 1997.
- It was renamed to BIMST-EC with the addition of Myanmar in 1998.
- It was fully transformed into BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) in 2004.
The BIMSTEC objectives are to strengthen technical and economic cooperation among its seven member nations situated around the Bay of Bengal.
BIMSTEC Working Mechanism: It organizes intergovernmental interactions through Summits (held once in 2 years), Ministerial Meetings (Convened annually), Senior Officials Meetings (held twice a year).
BIMSTEC has identified 14 priority areas of cooperation where a member country takes the lead.
India is the lead country for Transport & Communication, Tourism, Environment & Disaster Management, and Counter Terrorism & Transnational Crime.
Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Source: News On Air

BIMSTEC FAQs

Q1: BIMSTEC was established in which year?

Ans: 1997

Q2: What are the 7 member countries of BIMSTEC?

Ans: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan

MH-60R Seahawk

July 18, 2026

MH-60R Seahawk Latest News

The Indian Navy recently received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States.

About MH-60R Seahawk

It is a state-of-the-art multi-mission naval helicopter.
Often called the “Romeo,” it is manufactured by US defence major Lockheed Martin.
It is an all-weather helicopter designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), maritime surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and shipborne operations.
It is the U.S. Navy's primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter.
Besides the United States, the platform is operated by countries including India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Greece, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, and Brazil.
- India signed a deal with the United States to procure 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in 2020 as part of efforts to modernise the Indian Navy's helicopter fleet.

MH-60R Seahawk Features

It measures 19.5 m (63.9 ft) in length with a height of 5.18 m.
The helicopter can carry a crew of three to four personnel, accommodate five additional passengers, lift nearly 3,000 kg of payload, attain a top speed of about 330 kmph and has an operational range of around 830 km.
It can endure airborne for up to 2.7 hours when deployed in undersea warfare missions and up to 3.3 hours in surface warfare operations.
It is one of the world’s best submarine-hunting helicopters, equipped with advanced sensors like the AN/AQS-22 ALFS dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and multi-mode radar.
The cockpit is also fitted with a global positioning system, an inertial navigation system, a satellite communication system, and secure VHF/UHF communications.
It can be armed with Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare missions.
For surface warfare missions, the MH-60R can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, lightweight torpedoes, and machine guns.

News: TH

MH-60R Seahawk FAQs

Q1: What is the MH-60R Seahawk?

Ans: It is a state-of-the-art multi-mission naval helicopter.

Q2: Which company manufactures the MH-60R Seahawk?

Ans: It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin of the United States.

Q3: What are the primary roles of the MH-60R Seahawk?

Ans: Anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), maritime surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and shipborne operations.

Q4: How many MH-60R Seahawk helicopters did India procure under the 2020 deal?

Ans: Twenty-four helicopters.