This is the current affairs 17 & 18 July 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. Who was honoured with the 60th Jnanpith Award?
a. R. Vairamuthu
b. Vinod Kumar Shukla
c. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
d. Damodar Mauzo
Answer: a. R. Vairamuthu (He received the award for 2025)
– Eminent Tamil poet and lyricist R. Vairamuthu was honoured with the 60th Jnanpith Award for the year 2025 on 13 July 2026.
– The award was presented to him at a ceremony held in New Delhi.
– R. Vairamuthu is the third Tamil litterateur to receive this award after a gap of 24 years.
– Earlier, the late writers Akilan and Jayakanthan had received this award.
– R. Vairamuthu was honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2003 for ‘Kallikkattu Ithikasam’.
– He has also been honoured with seven National Film Awards for Best Lyricist, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan.
Jnanpith Award
– The Jnanpith Award is the highest Indian literary award given for Indian literature.
– It has been awarded annually since 1965 for outstanding contribution to Indian literature.
– It is presented by Bharatiya Jnanpith, which was established in 1944.
– Any Indian citizen who writes in any of the 22 languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution is eligible for this award.
– The award comprises a citation, a shawl, and ₹11 lakh.
List of winners so far
Year : Winner, Language
1965 : G. Sankara Kurup, Malayalam
1968 : Sumitranandan Pant, Hindi
1972 : Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’, Hindi
1976 : Ashapurna Devi, Bengali
1978 : Sachchidananda Hirananda Vatsyayan ‘Agyeya’, Hindi
1982 : Mahadevi Varma, Hindi
1992 : Naresh Mehta, Hindi
1999 : Nirmal Verma, Hindi
2005 : Kunwar Narayan, Hindi
2009 : Amarkant and Shrilal Shukla, Hindi
2013 : Kedarnath Singh, Hindi
2017 : Krishna Sobti, Hindi
2018 : Amitav Ghosh, English
2019 : Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri, Malayalam
2021 : Damodar Mauzo, Konkani
2022 : Damodar Mauzo, Konkani
2023 : Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Gulzar, Hindi and Urdu
2024 : Vinod Kumar Shukla, Hindi
2025 : R. Vairamuthu, Tamil
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2. Who won the Wimbledon 2026 Men’s Singles title?
a. Jannik Sinner
b. Alexander Zverev
c. Arthur Fery
d. Novak Djokovic
Answer: a. Jannik Sinner (Italy)
– Italy’s Jannik Sinner defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev.
– It was Sinner’s second Wimbledon title and the fifth Grand Slam title of his career.
– The 2026 final was played on 12 July 2026 at Centre Court of the All England Club in London.
Wimbledon
– It is the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual tennis tournament.
– It is played every year in June–July on grass courts at the All England Club in London.
The Four Grand Slams
– Australian Open (Hard Court)
– French Open (Clay Court)
– Wimbledon (Grass Court)
– US Open (Hard Court)
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3. Who won the Wimbledon 2026 Women’s Singles title?
a. Coco Gauff
b. Linda Noskova
c. Karolina Muchova
d. Marta Kostyuk
Answer: b. Linda Noskova (Czech Republic)
– In the final, the Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova defeated her compatriot Karolina Muchova.
– It was the first time in Wimbledon history that the women’s singles final was contested between two Czech players.
– The 21-year-old Linda Noskova won her first Grand Slam title.
Wimbledon 2026 Prize Money (in Indian Rupees)
– Champion – ₹46.08 crore
– Runner-up – ₹23.04 crore
– Semifinalist – ₹11.52 crore
– Quarterfinalist – ₹6.14 crore
– Round of 16 – ₹3.84 crore
– Round of 32 – ₹2.37 crore
– Round of 64 – ₹1.61 crore
– Round of 128 (First Round) – ₹1.02 crore
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4. Who won the Wimbledon 2026 Men’s Doubles title?
a. Harri Heliovaara and Thanasi Kokkinakis
b. Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic
c. Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara
d. Aleksandar Kovacevic and Thanasi Kokkinakis
Answer: c. Henry Patten (Great Britain) and Harri Heliovaara (Finland)
– The pair of Henry Patten of Great Britain and Harri Heliovaara of Finland defeated the pair of Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador and Mate Pavic of Croatia in the final.
– The duo has now won three Grand Slam doubles titles together.
– Earlier, they won Wimbledon in 2024 and the Australian Open in 2025.
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5. Who won the Wimbledon 2026 Women’s Doubles title?
a. Jiang Xinyu and Xu Yifan
b. Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani
c. Xu Yifan and Guo Hanyu
d. Guo Hanyu and Kristina Mladenovic
Answer: d. Guo Hanyu and Kristina Mladenovic (China)
– The Chinese pair Guo Hanyu and Kristina Mladenovic defeated Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski and Brazil’s Luisa Stefani in the final.
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6. Who won the Wimbledon 2026 Mixed Doubles title?
a. Marcelo Arevalo and Jelena Ostapenko
b. Storm Hunter and Marc Polmans
c. Fanny Stollar and Mate Pavic
d. Jelena Ostapenko and Shuai Zhang
Answer: a. Marcelo Arevalo (El Salvador) and Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia)
– Jelena Ostapenko is from Latvia and Marcelo Arevalo is from El Salvador.
– In the final, they defeated the Australian pair of Storm Hunter and Marc Polmans by 4–6, 7–5, 6–2.
– Marcelo Arevalo became El Salvador’s first Wimbledon champion.
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7. List of Wimbledon 2026 Winners
Men’s Singles
– Winner: Jannik Sinner (Italy)
– Runner-up: Alexander Zverev (Germany)
Women’s Singles
– Winner: Linda Noskova (Czech Republic)
– Runner-up: Karolina Muchova (Czech Republic)
Men’s Doubles
– Winners: Harri Heliovaara (Finland) and Henry Patten (Great Britain)
– Runners-up: Marcelo Arevalo (El Salvador) and Mate Pavic (Croatia)
Women’s Doubles
– Winners: Guo Hanyu (China) and Kristina Mladenovic (France)
– Runners-up: Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) and Luisa Stefani (Brazil)
Mixed Doubles
– Winners: Marcelo Arevalo (El Salvador) and Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia)
– Runners-up: Storm Hunter and Marc Polmans (Australia)
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8. Who became the first Indian high jumper to win a medal at the Diamond League?
a. Neeraj Chopra
b. Sarvesh Kushare
c. Avinash Sable
d. Murali Sreeshankar
Answer: b. Sarvesh Kushare
– At the event held in Monaco on 10 July 2026, the 31-year-old Sarvesh from Maharashtra secured third place.
– He became the first Indian high jumper to reach the podium at the Diamond League and the fourth Indian athlete overall to achieve this feat.
– Earlier, only Neeraj Chopra, Vikas Gowda, and Murali Sreeshankar had achieved this distinction.
– Sarvesh cleared 2.26 metres to finish ahead of Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Mutaz Essa Barshim, Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi, and America’s JuVaughn Harrison.
– Ukraine’s Oleh Doroshchuk (2.32 metres) won the gold medal, while Great Britain’s Jack Kimmins (2.30 metres) won the silver medal.
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9. According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which Indian state received the highest number of cyber fraud complaints in the first half of 2026?
a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Punjab
c. Bihar
d. Haryana
Answer: a. Uttar Pradesh
– In a meeting chaired by senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, data related to cyber fraud and measures to prevent it were discussed.
– Uttar Pradesh recorded 1.85 lakh cyber fraud complaints in six months, the highest in the country.
– These complaints included various types of digital financial crimes, indicating a shift in the current cybercrime landscape in India’s most populous state.
– Maharashtra ranked second with 1.58 lakh cases.
– Karnataka ranked third with 1.21 lakh cases, followed by Gujarat with 97,937 cases and Bihar in fifth place with 93,137 cases.
– Discussions on state-wise financial cyber fraud data revealed that more than 12.71 lakh complaints were registered between 1 January 2026 and 30 June 2026.
– In these complaints, victims reported alleged fraudulent transactions worth more than ₹10,178 crore.
Top 10 States with the Highest Cyber Fraud Complaints
– Uttar Pradesh
– Maharashtra
– Karnataka
– Gujarat
– Bihar
– Rajasthan
– West Bengal
– Delhi
– Haryana
– Telangana
Types of Fraud Included
– Digital arrest scams
– Fake investment and business schemes
– OTP and banking fraud
– UPI payment scams
– Fake customer service fraud
– Job and work-from-home scams
– Courier and parcel scams
– Social media impersonation fraud
How Can Citizens Protect Themselves?
– Never share your OTP, password, or banking PIN with anyone.
– Verify the identity of unknown callers claiming to represent banks or government agencies.
– Avoid clicking on unknown links received through SMS, email, or messaging apps.
– Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts.
– In case of any suspicion, report it by calling 1930.
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10. Which country’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, passed away on 12 July 2026, following which India declared one day of state mourning and flew the national flag at half-mast?
a. Iran
b. UAE
c. Qatar
d. Saudi Arabia
Answer: c. Qatar
– Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, aged 74, served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013.
– In 2013, he handed over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is the current Emir of Qatar.
– In countries such as the UAE, the position of Emir is that of the Head of State.
India Declared State Mourning
– The Government of India declared state mourning on 13 July 2026, the day after the former Emir of Qatar passed away.
– On that day, the national flag was flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly flown.
– No official government entertainment programmes were held on that day.
About Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
– In June 1995, Sheikh Hamad came to power through a bloodless coup by removing his father, Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, while his father was on a foreign visit.
– He is regarded as the architect of modern Qatar.
– During his 18-year rule, Qatar transformed from a small Gulf nation into one of the world’s richest and strategically most important countries.
Qatar
– Capital: Doha
– Emir: Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
– Currency: Qatari Riyal
– Neighbouring Country: Saudi Arabia
– Sea: Persian Gulf
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11. In which city is the world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra held?
a. Rourkela
b. Puri
c. Bhubaneswar
d. Cuttack
Answer: b. Puri
– The world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is held in the city of Puri, Odisha.
– According to the Hindu calendar, this grand festival begins every year on the Dwitiya Tithi (second day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha.
– In 2026, the Rath Yatra was held from 16 July to 24 July.
About the Rath Yatra
– During the Rath Yatra, millions of devotees pull Lord Jagannath’s chariot ‘Nandighosha’, Balabhadra’s chariot ‘Taladhwaja’, and Subhadra’s chariot ‘Darpadalana’.
– Lord Jagannath, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, embarks on a grand procession through the city seated on magnificent chariots.
– Generally, devotees visit the sanctum sanctorum of the temple to have the darshan of the Lord, but the Jagannath Rath Yatra is a unique tradition in which the Lord Himself comes out of the temple to bless His devotees.
– It is believed that devotees who are unable to enter the temple for any reason receive the Lord’s darshan when He Himself comes onto the streets and showers His blessings upon them.
– During this period, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days.
– According to the scriptures, having the Adapa Darshan of the Lord here is considered equivalent to the spiritual merit of performing one hundred yajnas.
– The distance between the Shree Jagannath Temple and the Gundicha Temple in Puri is about 3 kilometres. The entire chariot route, known as the Bada Danda, presents an extraordinary spectacle of faith.
– Every year, millions of devotees from India and abroad visit Puri.
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12. In which state were new species of damselfly discovered in the Western Ghats?
a. Tamil Nadu
b. Assam
c. Kerala
d. Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: c. Kerala
– Damselflies are flying insects belonging to the order Odonata and closely resemble dragonflies.
– Two new species of damselflies—*Euphaea wayanadensis* and *Melanoneura agasthyamalaiica* (Agasthyamalai Bambootail)—were discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala.
– This region of the Western Ghats has exceptionally high diversity of damselflies and dragonflies.
– *Euphaea wayanadensis* was discovered in April in the rocky, fast-flowing streams of Wayanad. It is the 191st odonate species recorded from Kerala.
– *Melanoneura agasthyamalaiica* was discovered near the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary in Thiruvananthapuram.
– This species resembles a bamboo stem.
About Damselflies
– They are flying insects belonging to the order Odonata and closely resemble dragonflies.
– They are commonly found near lakes, ponds, and rivers.
– They play an important role in the ecosystem by feeding on mosquitoes and other small insects, thereby helping to control their populations.
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13. According to the Brand Finance report, which company’s tyres were declared India’s most valuable and strongest tyre brand?
a. JK Tyre
b. Apollo
c. MRF
d. CEAT
Answer: c. MRF
– Chennai-based MRF Tyres also ranked as the world’s third strongest tyre brand with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.7 out of 100.
– The company’s brand value increased by 24% year-on-year to US$863 million (approximately ₹7,200 crore).
Parameters Considered for the Index
– Consumer loyalty
– Brand image
– Marketing efficiency
– Business performance
– Investment in the brand
MRF
– The company was established in 1946 and is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
– MRF (Madras Rubber Factory) Limited is one of the largest tyre manufacturers in India.
The Company Manufactures Tyres for
– Cars
– Trucks
– Motorcycles
– Buses
– Trailers
– Agricultural machinery
– Aircraft
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14. When is the World Day for International Justice observed?
a. 17 July
b. 16 July
c. 15 July
d. 14 July
Answer: a. 17 July
– This day is also known as the International Criminal Justice Day or International Justice Day.
– It focuses on advocating fundamental human rights and promoting international criminal justice.
Why is this Day Observed?
– On 17 July 1998, many countries signed the international treaty known as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
– Based on this treaty, the International Criminal Court (ICC) was established. Therefore, 17 July is observed as the World Day for International Justice.
About the International Criminal Court (ICC)
– Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
– It is different from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
– Established: 1 July 2002
– The Court was established under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which was signed on 17 July 1998.
– Member Countries: 123 (India is not a member and has not signed the treaty.)
Jurisdiction of the ICC
– It has jurisdiction only over countries that have signed and ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
– Total member countries: 123.
Crimes Under the Jurisdiction of the ICC
(1) Genocide
(2) Crimes against humanity
(3) War crimes
(4) The crime of aggression
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15. When is International Nelson Mandela Day observed?
a. 10 July
b. 15 July
c. 18 July
d. 19 August
Answer: c. 18 July
Theme for 2026 – It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.
About the Day
– This day is observed in honour of the long struggle for justice against apartheid by Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected Black President of South Africa.
Nelson Mandela
– He was born in 1918 in the Cape Province of South Africa.
– He was a human rights activist, lawyer, and international promoter of peace.
– He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 1993.
– He passed away in 2013 at the age of 95.
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16. The US attacked and damaged the Chabahar Port, in which India has invested, located in which country?
a. Kuwait
b. Iran
c. Venezuela
d. Iraq
Answer: b. Iran
– On 17 July 2026, the United States also targeted Iran’s Chabahar Port.
– Through an airstrike, the US damaged the port’s control (surveillance) tower.
– US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also shared a picture of the damaged control tower.
– According to the US Central Command, the video showed the Shahid Kalantari Port surveillance tower at Chabahar Port being destroyed on 16 July. The tower was allegedly used for attacks on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
– On the other hand, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that it had seen the reports, but the terminal had not suffered any damage.
– India has invested in the development of Chabahar Port, and it was being operated by the Indian company India Ports Global Limited (IPGL).
– However, just before the outbreak of the Iran–US conflict, India handed over the operations to Iran.
– The port provides India with trade access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan.
Chabahar Port Development Agreement Signed in 2016
– In 2016, India, Iran, and Afghanistan signed the Chabahar Port Development Agreement.
– India committed an investment of US$120 million and promised financial assistance of up to US$250 million.
– India’s state-owned company India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) operates the Shahid Beheshti Terminal.
– The Shahid Beheshti Terminal is a major deep-water maritime terminal at Chabahar Port, located in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan Province on the south-eastern coast.
– In 2024, the two countries signed a 10-year agreement for the operation of the port.
– This provides India with direct access to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia while bypassing Pakistan.
Impact on India
Strategic Impact
– Chabahar Port provides India with access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
– US sanctions are likely to affect India’s strategic ambitions.
– Chabahar served as an alternative route to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, making its importance even greater.
Impact on Economic Investment
– India has invested approximately US$500 million in the port.
– The US decision has raised concerns over the security and future of this investment.
Impact on Trade and Connectivity
– India’s trade connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia may be disrupted.
– India will have to explore alternative routes and partnership options.
Aspect and Impact
– Strategic importance: Obstacle to access Afghanistan and Central Asia.
– Economic investment: Questions over the security of the US$500 million investment.
– Commercial connectivity: Reduced availability of an alternative to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.
– Possible responses: Diplomatic dialogue, search for alternative partnerships, and review of development plans.
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