Current Affairs 17 July 2026

India Records ₹6.51 Lakh Crore in Net Direct Tax Collections.

• India’s net direct tax collections rose 16.4% YoY to ₹6.51 lakh crore as of July 13, 2026.
• Corporate tax collections increased to ₹2.40 lakh crore.
• Non-corporate tax collections reached ₹3.85 lakh crore.
• Gross direct tax collections grew 16.11% to ₹7.74 lakh crore.
• Refunds issued: ₹1.22 lakh crore, up 14.57%.

Karnataka to Set Up India’s 1st Government-Driven AI University.

• Karnataka announced India’s first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University and AI Hub.
• The announcement was made during Google Connect India 2026 in Bengaluru.
• AI Hub will support AI research, innovation, start-ups, and industry collaboration.
• The initiative aims to make Karnataka an AI-native state by integrating AI into governance and daily life.
• The AI University will focus on developing skilled AI talent and strengthening academia–industry partnerships.

India’s Cumulative Exports Reach US$ 232.73 Billion in Q1 2026.

• India’s cumulative exports (goods + services) reached US$ 232.73 billion in April–June 2026, growing 11.37% YoY.
• Merchandise exports stood at US$ 129.32 billion with 15.92% growth.
• Services exports were estimated at US$ 103.41 billion.
• Non-petroleum exports increased to US$ 106.30 billion (12.44% growth).
• Overall trade deficit stood at US$ 37.42 billion.
• Key export growth sectors: Gems & Jewellery, Engineering Goods, Electronic Goods, and Rice.

UNICEF India and AIIMS Nagpur Conduct Media Workshop on Childhood NCDs.

• UNICEF India, PIB Western Zone, and AIIMS Nagpur organized a two-day media workshop on Childhood Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
• The workshop focused on rising NCD risks among children (5–9 years) and adolescents (10–19 years).
• AIIMS Nagpur serves as a Centre of Excellence for childhood NCD prevention and management.
• Key concerns highlighted: childhood obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
• Emphasized the use of evidence-based health data for reporting on childhood NCDs.

Government Blocks 5 Crore Fake Mobile Connections Through DoT Action.

• DoT disconnected over 5 crore fraudulent mobile connections to curb cyber-enabled financial frauds.
• Recovered 12 lakh+ lost and stolen mobile phones across India.
• Prevented cyber frauds worth more than ₹1,800 crore using the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator framework.
• Andhra Pradesh LSA recovered the highest number of devices (2.04 lakh phones) and busted illegal telecom setups.
• First Network Security Laboratory of DoT was inaugurated in Hyderabad.