Current Affairs — 18 July 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Sat, 18 Jul 2026
Skyroot's Vikram-1 becomes India's first privately developed rocket to reach orbit
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, reached Low Earth Orbit from Sriharikota on 18 July 2026 under Mission Aagaman.
72nd National Film Awards announced: Article 370 named Best Feature Film
The 72nd National Film Awards for 2024 were announced on 18 July 2026, with Article 370 winning Best Feature Film and Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan sharing Best Actor.
PM Modi dedicates 75 redeveloped Amrit Bharat Stations across 20 States
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated 75 redeveloped Amrit Bharat Stations in 20 States, built at about ₹1,570 crore, to the nation on 18 July 2026.
First direct express train between Ramnagar and Dehradun flagged off
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the Ramnagar–Dehradun Express, the first direct express train between the two Uttarakhand cities, on 18 July 2026.
Aadhaar App crosses 40 million downloads; email update free till December 2026
UIDAI said on 18 July 2026 that the Aadhaar App has crossed 40 million (4 crore) downloads, with about 49 lakh mobile number updates and 11.65 lakh address updates done through the App.
Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2026 released for public consultation
The Bar Council of India hosted the Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on its website on 18 July 2026, inviting comments from stakeholders and the public by 31 July 2026 (3 PM).
MNRE extends ALMM List-II exemption for net-metering and open-access projects to December 2026
MNRE said on 18 July 2026 that there is no change in ALMM List-II policy for solar PV cells, but net-metering and open-access RE projects can commission without ALMM List-II cells till 31 December 2026.
Amit Shah reviews border technologies at Jhumagachh BOP in Siliguri, lays foundation for BSF projects
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inspected a radio-based fence breach detection system at the Jhumagachh Border Outpost in Siliguri, West Bengal, on 18 July 2026 and laid the foundation for BSF projects worth about ₹77 crore.
Piyush Goyal concludes Europe visit; co-chairs 3rd India–EU Trade and Technology Council meeting
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a visit to Spain, Belgium, Finland and Estonia (13–18 July 2026), co-chairing the 3rd India–EU Trade and Technology Council ministerial meeting in Brussels.
PM announces ex-gratia after fireworks factory mishap in Ahmedabad
PM Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in a fireworks factory mishap in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on 18 July 2026 and announced PMNRF ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh per deceased and ₹50,000 per injured.
PM condoles passing of Chennamma, wife of former PM Deve Gowda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow on 18 July 2026 over the passing of Smt. Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.