Daily Current Affairs 18 July 2026

Q1 What is Vikram-1, launched on 18 July 2026 from Sriharikota?

• AIndia's first privately developed orbital-class rocketCorrect
• BIndia's first government-developed satellite
• CIndia's first manned space mission
• DIndia's first reusable launch vehicle

Explanation Vikram-1 is India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket launched by Skyroot Aerospace.

Q2 What is a key structural feature of the Vikram-1 rocket?

• AIt is made with an all-carbon composite structureCorrect
• BIt uses a titanium alloy frame
• CIt is constructed from aluminum only
• DIt has a steel body

Explanation Vikram-1 is built with an all-carbon composite structure as per the sources.

Q3 At what revised time did Vikram-1 lift off on 18 July 2026?

• A11:30 AM
• B12:05 PMCorrect
• C10:00 AM
• D1:00 PM

Explanation The revised liftoff time for Vikram-1 was 12:05 PM on 18 July 2026.

Q1 What is the name of the rocket that completed India's first private orbital launch?

• AVikram-1Correct
• BGaganyaan
• CPSLV
• DMission Aagaman

Explanation The Vikram-1 rocket by Skyroot Aerospace successfully completed India's first private orbital launch.

Q2 What was deployed into orbit by the Vikram-1 rocket?

• ATechnology demonstration payloads and postcardsCorrect
• BOnly communication satellites
• CWeather monitoring instruments
• DMilitary satellites

Explanation The Vikram-1 rocket deployed multiple technology demonstration payloads and commemorative postcards into low Earth orbit.

Q3 What is the significance of the Vikram-1 launch for India?

• AIndia entered the elite group of nations with private orbital launch capabilityCorrect
• BIndia launched its first manned space mission
• CIndia launched its first interplanetary probe
• DIndia launched its first satellite

Explanation The successful Vikram-1 launch marks India’s entry into an elite group of nations with private orbital launch capability.

Q1 What is the name of India's first private orbital rocket that successfully completed its maiden launch?

• AVikram-1Correct
• BPSLV
• CGSLV Mk III
• DAgni-V

Explanation The rocket named Vikram-1 is India's first private orbital rocket that successfully completed its maiden launch.

Q2 How long did the total flight duration of Vikram-1's maiden launch last?

• A10.25 minutes
• B15.46 minutesCorrect
• C20.30 minutes
• D12.50 minutes

Explanation The total duration of Vikram-1's flight from lift-off to orbit injection was 15.46 minutes.

Q3 How many phases did Vikram-1's flight sequence cover during its maiden launch?

• A10
• B12
• C14Correct
• D16

Explanation Vikram-1's flight sequence covered 14 phases from lift-off to orbit injection.

Q1 Which city requested Apple and Google to remove AI 'nudification' apps from their app stores?

• ASan FranciscoCorrect
• BNew York
• CLos Angeles
• DChicago

Explanation San Francisco requested Apple and Google to remove AI 'nudification' apps from their app stores.

Q2 What action did Apple and Google take regarding the AI 'nudification' apps?

• AThey ignored the request
• BThey confirmed taking action against the offending appsCorrect
• CThey promoted the apps
• DThey developed similar apps

Explanation Apple and Google confirmed they had taken action against the offending apps violating their policies.

Q3 Why did San Francisco want the AI 'nudification' apps removed?

• ADue to policy violations by the appsCorrect
• BBecause the apps were expensive
• CBecause the apps were not popular
• DDue to technical issues in the apps

Explanation San Francisco's request was based on the apps violating policies.

Q1 How much money did RBL Bank raise through the FCNR route?

• A$100 million
• B$150 millionCorrect
• C$200 million
• D$250 million

Explanation RBL Bank raised $150 million through the FCNR deposit route as stated in the source.

Q2 Which entity backs RBL Bank in raising funds via FCNR deposits?

• AState Bank of India
• BHDFC Bank
• CEmirates NBDCorrect
• DICICI Bank

Explanation RBL Bank is backed by Emirates NBD in raising $150 million through FCNR deposits.

Q3 What are the key focus areas for RBL Bank after raising funds via FCNR deposits?

• ARetail loans and digital banking
• BTrade finance, margin recovery, and card portfolio stabilizationCorrect
• CAgricultural loans and rural expansion
• DInvestment banking and wealth management

Explanation The bank plans to focus on trade finance, margin recovery, and stabilizing its card portfolio after raising funds.

Q1 What special permission did Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta grant ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?

• AAllowing restaurants and cafés to stay open till 4 AMCorrect
• BOrganizing a public screening in stadiums
• CBanning alcohol sales during the match
• DExtending public transport hours till midnight

Explanation Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta allowed restaurants, cafés, and other eligible establishments to remain open till 4 AM for fans to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

Q2 Which teams are competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final mentioned in the sources?

• ABrazil vs Germany
• BArgentina vs SpainCorrect
• CFrance vs Italy
• DEngland vs Portugal

Explanation The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is between Argentina, the world’s top-ranked team, and Spain, Europe’s best.

Q3 What is the significance of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final as described in the sources?

• AIt is the first final held in India
• BIt features a summit clash between top-ranked Argentina and Europe’s best SpainCorrect
• CIt is the last World Cup final with 32 teams
• DIt is the first World Cup final to be played indoors

Explanation The final is described as a summit clash between the world’s top-ranked team Argentina and Europe’s best Spain.

Q1 Where did the massive fire that killed four people occur?

• AA firecracker factory in Ahmedabad's Mahmudpura areaCorrect
• BA chemical plant in Mumbai
• CA textile factory in Surat
• DA warehouse in Delhi

Explanation The fire occurred at a firecracker factory in Ahmedabad's Mahmudpura area.

Q2 How many people were reported killed in the Ahmedabad firecracker factory fire?

• ATwo
• BFourCorrect
• CSix
• DEight

Explanation At least four people were killed in the fire.

Q3 On which day did the fire at the Ahmedabad firecracker factory occur?

• AFriday
• BSaturdayCorrect
• CSunday
• DMonday

Explanation The fire broke out on a Saturday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Q1 What is the 'Boss Scam' warned against by SEBI?

• AA cyber fraud where fraudsters impersonate senior executives to trick finance employees into transferring fundsCorrect
• BA scam involving fake stock market tips
• CA phishing attack targeting retail investors
• DA scam related to insider trading

Explanation SEBI described the 'Boss Scam' as a cyber fraud where fraudsters impersonate CEOs, MDs, or senior executives to trick finance employees into transferring funds.

Q2 Who has SEBI cautioned against the 'Boss Scam'?

• AOnly retail investors
• BOnly government agencies
• CListed companies and regulated entitiesCorrect
• DOnly banks

Explanation SEBI has cautioned listed companies and regulated entities about the 'Boss Scam'.

Q3 What is the main method used by fraudsters in the 'Boss Scam'?

• AImpersonating CEOs, MDs, and other senior executivesCorrect
• BHacking stock exchange servers
• CSending fake dividend cheques
• DManipulating share prices

Explanation The scam involves fraudsters impersonating CEOs, MDs, and other senior executives to deceive finance employees.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.