ProjectsPilot

UPSC current affairs — 18 July 2026

The day's most exam-relevant stories, scored and mapped to the UPSC syllabus by ProjectsPilot's AI. Full Prelims/Mains/Interview analysis is inside the app.

Vikram-1: Charting India’s Cosmic Future

India advances as a global space hub with private sector participation under Indian Space Policy 2023; Vikram-1 marks privately developed orbital launch as ecosystem grows toward a USD 100 billion space economy by 2040.

Science & TechnologyGS-II: Government policies and interventions for science and technologyGS-III: Science and technology development and applicationsPIB India

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India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket Vikram-1 set for July 18 lift-off

India’s first privately developed orbital rocket Vikram-1 to launch July 18 from Sriharikota; aims to demonstrate private-sector spaceflight capabilities and development of in-house propulsion and composite structures.

Science & TechnologyGS-III: Science and Technology developmentsGS-III: Space technology and applicationsThe Hindu · Sci-Tech +2 sources

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Coaches second class, not passengers: SC to Rlys

Supreme Court asks Railways to drop 'second class passenger' term and clarify usage, emphasizing that class connotation should attach to the coach, not the passenger, upholding constitutional spirit.

Polity & ConstitutionGS-II: Indian Constitution, GovernanceGS-II: Ethics & IntegrityHindustan Times · India

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A semiconductor vision beyond the factory floor

India moves from merely building semiconductor fabs to creating an integrated innovation ecosystem—design, materials, IP, and research under the India Semiconductor Mission to bolster global supply chains.

Science & TechnologyGS-II: Government policies for science and technologyGS-III: Science and technology developments and their applicationsIndian Express · Opinion

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Diamonds and 'cab to orbit': The rocket aiming to transform India's space ambitions

India’s space-tech unicorn Skyroot Aerospace aims to launch Vikram-1, signaling advancements in domestic rocketry and space capabilities.

Science & TechnologyGS-II: Government policies and interventions for science and techGS-III: Science and technology developments and their applicationsBBC News · India

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A trade deal that tests India’s competitive confidence

India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement reduces duties on most exports to the UK, notably textiles, leather, and engineering goods, potentially boosting employment-intensive sectors and formal jobs in India.

International RelationsGS-II: International RelationsGS-III: Indian Economy (Trade policy)The Hindu · Opinion

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Supreme Court to examine plea for recognition of intersex persons as a distinct class

SC seeks responses on plea to recognize intersex persons as a distinct class and to frame statutory guidelines for protection and affirmative support.

SocietyGS-II: Social justice initiatives, constitutional protections, rights of marginalized groupsGS-II: Welfare schemes and statutory guidelines for vulnerable communitiesThe Hindu · National

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Prime Minister extends best wishes to Skyroot Aerospace

PM Modi congratulates Skyroot Aerospace ahead of Vikram-1 maiden orbital launch, highlighting private sector space propulsion and India's space sector reforms.

Science & TechnologyGS-III: Science and Technology developmentsGS-II: Governance and public policyPIB India +2 sources

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Department of Land Resources Explores Convergence of Digital Public Infrastructure for Land and Credit with RBI Innovation Hub

DoLR and RBI Innovation Hub discussed converging Digital Public Infrastructure for land records with digital lending to improve credit delivery to farmers and rural citizens.

GovernanceGS-II: Governance under Federalism and reformsGS-III: Indian Economy – public credit and financial infrastructurePIB India

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Telangana CM congratulates Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace on Vikram-1 successful test flight

Telangana CM congratulates Skyroot Aerospace on Vikram-1 test flight, marking a milestone for private sector space activity in India and boosting Telangana’s aerospace ambitions.

Science & TechnologyGS-III: Science and technology developments; Space technology and related policiesGS-II: Government programs and initiatives in tech/spaceThe Hindu · National

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