Daily Morning Brief -18 April 2026

India News

1. Gautam Adani overtakes Mukesh Ambani to become the richest person in Asia.

Gautam Adani has officially overtaken Mukesh Ambani to become Asia’s richest person. According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Adani’s net worth reached $92.6 billion, driven by a massive surge in the market valuation of his group’s diverse shares.

2. Women Reservation Bill Defeated in Parliament.

In a significant legislative setback, the Constitution Amendment Bill for women’s reservation failed in the Lok Sabha on April 17, 2026. Despite receiving 298 votes in favor, it fell short of the mandatory two-thirds majority required for constitutional changes.

3. Harivansh Narayan Singh becomes Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman for the third term.

Harivansh Narayan Singh has been re-elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha for a historic third consecutive term. Prime Minister Modi congratulated him, noting that his inclusive approach and dignified conduct continue to earn the trust of the House.

World

4. Strait of Hormuz Reopens for all trade now.

Following intense negotiations, the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened for international trade. While this has immediately lowered global oil prices, the US maintains a naval blockade specifically on Iranian ports pending a final political agreement between the two nations.

Economy News

5. The USA may impose tariffs again; India is on alert, says the US Finance Secretary.

Trade tensions have resurfaced as the US Finance Secretary hinted at new "punitive tariffs." While a previous deal capped rates at 18%, new subsidy investigations into Indian textiles and chemicals have caused fresh anxiety regarding "Made in India" export costs.

6. India buys oil from Iran using the Chinese yuan.

India has successfully bypassed the US-dollar financial system by using the Chinese Yuan to pay for Iranian crude oil. Transactions were routed through ICICI Bank’s Shanghai branch, marking a strategic shift in India’s energy payment mechanisms amid global sanctions.

Odisha News

7. Notification released for 225 librarian posts by SSB.

The State Selection Board (SSB) Odisha has released a notification for 225 Librarian posts in non-government aided colleges. Online applications open on April 27, 2026. This recruitment drive includes 67 seats reserved specifically for women candidates across 28 districts.

8. Femina Miss India Finale at KIIT University today.

Bhubaneswar is hosting the grand finale of Femina Miss India 2026 today, April 18, at the KIIT Campus. 30 contestants from across India are competing for the crown in a star-studded event featuring Ishaan Khatter and Jubin Nautiyal.