Daily Current Affairs 18 July 2026
Daily current affairs for 18 July 2026 — 9 verified news items across Economy, National, Sports, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice MCQs.
Economy
RBI Governor Flags West Asia Crisis and Uncertain Monsoon as Major Risks to Indian Economy
RBI Governor Malhotra highlighted the ongoing crisis in West Asia and an uncertain monsoon season as the biggest risks to India's economic growth. Despite these challenges, the Indian rupee has remained relatively stable against a stronger US dollar. The governor also pointed out that services exports, remittances, and foreign direct investment (FDI) act as buffers supporting the external sector of the Indian economy.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 According to RBI Governor Malhotra, which two factors pose the biggest risks to the Indian economy?
- AWest Asia crisis and uncertain monsoonCorrect
- BGlobal inflation and rising oil prices
- CUS dollar depreciation and trade deficit
- DDomestic political instability and inflation
Explanation The RBI Governor specifically identified the West Asia crisis and uncertain monsoon as the biggest risks to India's economic growth.
Q2 What factors did the RBI Governor cite as buffers supporting India's external sector?
- AServices exports, remittances, and FDICorrect
- BAgricultural exports and gold imports
- CManufacturing exports and foreign loans
- DTourism and domestic consumption
Explanation The governor mentioned services exports, remittances, and foreign direct investment (FDI) as external-sector buffers.
Q3 How has the Indian rupee performed despite the stronger US dollar, according to RBI Governor Malhotra?
- AIt has remained relatively stableCorrect
- BIt has depreciated significantly
- CIt has appreciated sharply
- DIt has shown extreme volatility
Explanation The RBI Governor noted that the rupee remains relatively stable despite a stronger US dollar.
Gujarat Tops NITI Aayog's First Investment Friendliness Index 2026
NITI Aayog released its first Investment Friendliness Index in 2026, ranking Indian states based on factors such as infrastructure quality, logistics, skilled human resources availability, institutional capacity, fiscal health, environmental resilience, and regulatory predictability. Gujarat secured the top position, followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This index assesses states' ability to attract, facilitate, and sustain long-term investments.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which state topped NITI Aayog's first Investment Friendliness Index in 2026?
- AGujaratCorrect
- BMaharashtra
- CTamil Nadu
- DKarnataka
Explanation Gujarat secured the top position in NITI Aayog's first Investment Friendliness Index.
Q2 Which of the following factors is NOT considered in NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index?
- AInfrastructure quality
- BLogistics
- CCultural heritageCorrect
- DFiscal health
Explanation Cultural heritage is not a factor considered; the index includes infrastructure quality, logistics, skilled human resources, institutional capacity, fiscal health, environmental resilience, and regulatory predictability.
Q3 Which states followed Gujarat in the top three of the Investment Friendliness Index?
- AMaharashtra and Tamil NaduCorrect
- BKarnataka and Andhra Pradesh
- CRajasthan and Punjab
- DKerala and West Bengal
Explanation Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu ranked second and third respectively after Gujarat.
Nifty and Sensex Rally in Early Trade Led by IT Stocks
The Indian stock markets witnessed a significant rally in early trade, driven by strong buying in IT firms. The 30-share BSE Sensex surged by 480.95 points to reach 77,656.56, while the 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 125.05 points to 24,201. This upward movement reflects investor confidence in the IT sector during the trading session.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 By how many points did the BSE Sensex rise in early trade as reported?
- A185.77 points
- B480.95 pointsCorrect
- C125.05 points
- D42.15 points
Explanation The BSE Sensex jumped 480.95 points to 77,656.56 in early deals as per the latest report.
Q2 Which sector primarily propelled the rally in Nifty and Sensex during early trade?
- ABanking
- BPharmaceuticals
- CIT firmsCorrect
- DAutomobile
Explanation The rally was propelled by buying in IT firms, leading to the rise in Nifty and Sensex.
Q3 What was the approximate level of the NSE Nifty after the early trade rally?
- A24,132.60
- B24,201Correct
- C77,400.40
- D77,656.56
Explanation The NSE Nifty climbed 125.05 points to reach 24,201 in early trade.
NTPC-NPCIL JV floats ₹28,000 crore tender for Rajasthan nuclear plant
The joint venture between NTPC and NPCIL has floated a ₹28,000 crore tender to build a nuclear power plant in Rajasthan. This project marks the first nuclear power plant in India that will not be completely owned by the state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Currently, all 8.8 GW of India's installed nuclear power capacity is fully owned by NPCIL.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is significant about the nuclear power plant tender floated by the NTPC-NPCIL joint venture in Rajasthan?
- AIt is the first nuclear power plant in India not fully owned by NPCILCorrect
- BIt is the largest nuclear power plant in India
- CIt is the first nuclear power plant in Rajasthan
- DIt is fully owned by NPCIL
Explanation The tender floated by the NTPC-NPCIL JV is for the country's first nuclear power plant not completely owned by NPCIL.
Q2 What is the total installed nuclear power capacity in India currently fully owned by NPCIL?
- A8.8 GWCorrect
- B28,000 MW
- C10 GW
- D5 GW
Explanation All of the 8.8 GW of India's installed nuclear power capacity is fully owned by NPCIL.
Q3 What is the approximate value of the tender floated for the nuclear power plant in Rajasthan?
- A₹28,000 croreCorrect
- B₹8,800 crore
- C₹10,000 crore
- D₹50,000 crore
Explanation The NTPC-NPCIL joint venture floated a ₹28,000 crore tender for the nuclear power plant.
National
PM Modi inaugurates redeveloped Koppal railway station under Amrit Bharat Scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the redeveloped Koppal railway station as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This inauguration is among the 75 redeveloped railway stations unveiled under the scheme, aimed at modernizing railway infrastructure across India.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Under which scheme was the Koppal railway station redeveloped and inaugurated by PM Modi?
- ASmart Cities Mission
- BAmrit Bharat Station SchemeCorrect
- CMake in India
- DDigital India
Explanation The Koppal railway station was redeveloped and inaugurated under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Q2 How many redeveloped railway stations did PM Modi inaugurate under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme as reported?
- A50
- B100
- C75Correct
- D25
Explanation PM Modi inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Q3 How did PM Modi inaugurate the redeveloped Koppal railway station?
- AIn-person ceremony
- BVirtual inaugurationCorrect
- CThrough a recorded video
- DBy sending a letter
Explanation PM Modi virtually inaugurated the redeveloped Koppal railway station.
India Rejects Japan Ex-Minister's Delay Claims on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train
The Ministry of External Affairs of India has rejected claims made by a former Japanese minister alleging delays and recklessness in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The ministry stated that the discussions on this high-end infrastructure project are progressing well and highlighted a considerable variance between the claims and the facts. India maintains that the project is on track despite the criticism from the ex-Japanese official.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was India's response to the former Japanese minister's claims about the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project?
- AIndia agreed with the delay claims
- BIndia rejected the claims citing variance with factsCorrect
- CIndia postponed the project indefinitely
- DIndia requested Japan to take over the project
Explanation India's Ministry of External Affairs rejected the former Japanese minister's claims, stating there was considerable variance with the facts.
Q2 According to the Ministry of External Affairs, how are the discussions on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project progressing?
- AThey have been halted due to disagreements
- BThey are progressing wellCorrect
- CThey are delayed indefinitely
- DThey are being transferred to another country
Explanation The Ministry of External Affairs stated that discussions on the high-end project are progressing well.
Q3 Who made the claims of 'recklessness' and delay regarding the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project?
- AAn Indian government official
- BA former Japanese ministerCorrect
- CA representative of the Ministry of External Affairs
- DA local Mumbai official
Explanation The claims were made by a former Japanese minister, which India has rejected.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar Enters 20th Day
Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest has entered its 20th day, with Wangchuk under 24-hour medical vigilance due to health concerns. The movement has gained increasing support from opposition parties and attracted several high-profile visitors, highlighting growing political attention to the issue.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the main demand of Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike at Jantar Mantar?
- AResignation of Education Minister Dharmendra PradhanCorrect
- BImplementation of new education policies
- CIncrease in education budget
- DAppointment of a new Chief Minister
Explanation Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike is specifically demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Q2 How long has Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike been ongoing as of the latest reports?
- A10 days
- B15 days
- C20 daysCorrect
- D25 days
Explanation The hunger strike has continued for 20 days according to the latest updates.
Q3 What measures are being taken regarding Sonam Wangchuk's health during the hunger strike?
- ANo medical supervision
- BWeekly health check-ups
- C24-hour medical vigilanceCorrect
- DHospitalization
Explanation Sonam Wangchuk is under 24-hour medical vigilance with his health being closely monitored.
Census 2027 Self-Enumeration Process Begins in Tamil Nadu on July 17
The Census 2027 self-enumeration process commenced in Tamil Nadu on July 17, 2026, starting in Chennai. Residents can complete their census details online before the house listing begins on August 1. Those who finish self-enumeration will receive a unique ID, which they can share with census enumerators during the house listing phase.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 When did the Census 2027 self-enumeration process begin in Tamil Nadu?
- AJuly 1, 2026
- BJuly 17, 2026Correct
- CAugust 1, 2026
- DJuly 31, 2026
Explanation The self-enumeration process in Tamil Nadu began on July 17, 2026.
Q2 What should residents do after completing self-enumeration before house listing starts?
- AWait for enumerators to visit without sharing any details
- BShare the unique self-enumeration ID with census enumeratorsCorrect
- CVisit the census office in person
- DSubmit a physical form to local authorities
Explanation Residents who complete self-enumeration receive a unique ID to share with enumerators during house listing.
Q3 When does the house listing phase of Census 2027 begin in Tamil Nadu?
- AJuly 17, 2026
- BAugust 1, 2026Correct
- CAugust 15, 2026
- DJuly 31, 2026
Explanation House listing for Census 2027 starts on August 1, 2026.
Sports
Legendary West Indies Cricketer Garry Sobers Passes Away at 89
Garry Sobers, the legendary West Indies cricketer and the first-ever batter to hit six sixes in an over in First-Class cricket, has passed away at the age of 89. Over his illustrious career, Sobers played 383 first-class matches, scoring more than 28,000 runs and taking over 1,000 wickets, cementing his legacy as one of cricket's all-time greats.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What historic batting achievement is Garry Sobers known for in First-Class cricket?
- AFirst-ever batter to hit six sixes in an overCorrect
- BHighest individual score in Test cricket
- CFastest century in One Day Internationals
- DMost centuries in a single season
Explanation Garry Sobers was the first-ever batter to hit six sixes in an over in First-Class cricket.
Q2 How many runs did Garry Sobers score in his First-Class cricket career?
- AMore than 28,000 runsCorrect
- BExactly 25,000 runs
- CMore than 30,000 runs
- DLess than 20,000 runs
Explanation Garry Sobers scored more than 28,000 runs in 383 First-Class matches.
Q3 At what age did legendary cricketer Garry Sobers pass away?
- A89 yearsCorrect
- B85 years
- C92 years
- D87 years
Explanation Garry Sobers passed away at the age of 89.
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