Top News Today (18 August): India, World, Economy & Odisha

India

1. 326 MPs, 14 Chief Ministers Face Criminal Cases: Report
An amicus curiae report submitted to the Supreme Court says 326 MPs and 14 Chief Ministers face pending criminal cases. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy leads among chief ministers with 89 declared cases, while over 4,000 lawmakers’ cases remain pending nationwide.

2. President Approves Bill to Rename Kerala as Keralam
President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, paving the way for the state’s official name to become Keralam. The change follows a unanimous Kerala Assembly resolution seeking an amendment to the Constitution’s First Schedule officially.

3. Tamil Nadu Waives Farm Loans Up to ₹75,000 for Farmers
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has announced a full waiver of cooperative agricultural loans up to ₹75,000 and partial relief for higher loans. The measure is expected to benefit more than 14 lakh farmers despite continuing fiscal pressures.

World

4. Russian Missile Strike Hits Lakshmi Mittal’s Steel Plant in Ukraine
A Russian missile strike on ArcelorMittal’s steel plant in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killed two people and injured more than a dozen workers. The attack forced the facility, owned by Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, to temporarily halt operations amid escalating hostilities.

5. Putin Threatens to Seize European Ships Over Shadow Fleet Dispute
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European vessels if EU countries proceed with plans to confiscate cargo from Russia-linked shadow fleet ships. Moscow described the proposed seizures as piracy and robbery and warned of retaliation beyond regional waters.

Economy

6. Govt to Set Up ‘Banking for Viksit Bharat’ High-Level Panel
The Union Government is preparing to announce a high-level panel called Banking for Viksit Bharat to review India’s banking framework. The committee will examine consumer protection, financial stability and structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable long-term economic growth and development.

7. CEA Raises Concerns Over E20 Petrol, Suggests E10 Option
Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran has raised concerns over mandatory E20 petrol, citing compatibility issues for nearly 80 million older carburettor-based two-wheelers. He suggested restoring E10 options and urged careful assessment of land and water resources before further expansion.

Odisha

8. Supreme Court to Hear Odisha DGP Appointment Case
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case challenging the procedure used to appoint Odisha’s Director General of Police. The petition examines compliance with guidelines from the Prakash Singh judgment, including UPSC empanelment and minimum tenure requirements for police chiefs.