National News
Maruti Suzuki Opens India’s Largest In-Plant Railway Siding at Manesar
- Maruti Suzuki India has inaugurated India’s largest automobile in-plant railway siding at its Manesar plant, marking a major step towards green logistics.
- Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, the ₹452 crore facility is part of the 126 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor.
- It will dispatch 4.5 lakh vehicles annually, cut 1.75 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions, and save 60 million litres of fuel per year.
- With this, MSIL aims to increase rail-based dispatches to 35% by FY2030–31, supporting India’s vision of a net-zero emission economy by 2070.
Govt Launches ₹3000 FASTag Annual Pass for Private Vehicles: Key Details
- The Government of India has introduced a ₹3,000 FASTag Annual Pass, starting August 15, 2025, for private vehicles like cars, jeeps, and vans.
- Valid for one year or 200 trips, this initiative aims to reduce toll-related disputes, especially where plazas are closely spaced, and encourage a digital-first tolling system.
- The pass can be activated through the Rajmarg Yatra App or official NHAI/MoRTH platforms, offering an affordable, hassle-free travel experience across National Highways.
State News
Bihar Pioneers India’s First Mobile-Based e-Voting System
- In a historic move, Bihar becomes the first Indian state to implement mobile-based e-voting, set to launch during the 28th June municipal elections.
- Developed by C-DAC and the Bihar State Election Commission, the Android-based system aims to boost inclusive voting by enabling migrant workers, senior citizens, pregnant women, and Divyang voters to vote remotely.
- With features like blockchain technology, live face scan, biometric verification, and audit trails, the system ensures digital security, transparency, and tamper-proof voting, revolutionizing India’s democratic process.
International News
OpenAI Secures $200 Million AI Contract with U.S. Defense Department
- OpenAI has won a $200 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop AI tools for national security and military operations, with a completion target of July 2026.
- The agreement focuses on frontier AI prototypes addressing warfighting and enterprise needs, and reinforces the growing role of AI in defense technologies.
- OpenAI, which has seen its revenue surge to $10 billion, continues to scale globally while moving into high-impact government partnerships.
- This move highlights the strategic importance of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of security and warfare.
UN Declares 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer
- The United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer is a pivotal global recognition of the indispensable role of women in agriculture.
- Women contribute significantly to food production, especially in developing nations, yet face barriers like low land ownership, limited access to credit and technology, and climate vulnerability.
- In India, initiatives like the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana and the ENACT Project show promise.
- The declaration is expected to catalyze gender-responsive policy reforms, foster inclusive rural growth, and build sustainable and resilient food systems for the future.
Operation True Promise 3: Iran’s Retaliatory Strike Redefines Modern Warfare
- Iran escalated tensions with Israel by launching Operation True Promise 3, a retaliatory strike in response to attacks on its nuclear facilities and top commanders.
- The IRGC employed a new missile warfare tactic involving AI-guided trajectories, decoy saturation, and internal disruption of Israel’s Iron Dome defence system.
- This operation highlights a strategic shift in asymmetric warfare, raising questions over urban defence vulnerabilities, cyber-kinetic weapons, and the future of missile interception technologies.
Banking News
RBI Hikes Agency Commission for Banks on Government Transactions
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised the agency commission structure for banks managing Central and State government business.
- From April 1, 2025, commission rates for electronic revenue transactions have risen to ₹12, while pension payment commissions have increased to ₹80.
- The change aims to enhance operational efficiency, promote digital governance, and fairly compensate agency banks for handling large volumes of government-related financial transactions.
Economy News
India’s Unemployment Rises to 5.6% in May 2025 Amid Post-Harvest Slowdown
- India’s unemployment rate climbed to 5.6% in May 2025, driven by a decline in rural agricultural jobs after the harvest season, according to new monthly labour force data.
- The jobless rate among youth and women saw notable increases, reflecting persistent challenges in employment access, especially in rural areas.
- Meanwhile, female labour force participation fell to 27.8%, and youth unemployment rose sharply in both urban and rural areas.
- With GDP growth holding steady at 6.5%, the slowdown in manufacturing and shifting sectoral employment trends call for policy action to boost inclusive and sustainable job creation.
Appointments News
Anuradha Thakur Appointed to SEBI Board, Set to Join RBI Central Board Soon
- Anuradha Thakur, a 1994 batch IAS officer, has been appointed to the SEBI Board, replacing outgoing Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth.
- Effective July 1, 2025, Thakur will also likely join the RBI Central Board, making her the first woman Economic Affairs Secretary in India.
- Known for her leadership in Air India’s disinvestment, Bharat Bond ETF, and regulatory enforcement, she brings rich administrative experience.
- Her new responsibilities include representing the government on SEBI and RBI, managing economic reforms, and liaising with rating agencies to enhance India’s economic outlook.
Books & Authors News
“The Stars Light the Way”: A Powerful Tale of Self, Spirit, and Destiny
- In her debut novel “The Stars Light the Way”, Sucheta Raj Khanna weaves a compelling tale of identity, ancestral wisdom, and spiritual reflection through the story of Shazma, a woman caught between her tranquil life in Singapore and a call to politics in India.
- Guided by signs from her late father, the novel explores inner conflict, personal transformation, and the invisible forces that shape human choices. A meditation on faith, belonging, and courage, the book is a timely and timeless read for those seeking meaning in life’s turning points.
Defense News
INS Arnala Commissioned: India’s First Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
- INS Arnala, the first of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series, was commissioned by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam on June 18, 2025, in a ceremony led by CDS General Anil Chauhan.
- Built by GRSE in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders, the vessel showcases 80% indigenous content, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Designed for coastal and littoral warfare, it enhances India’s anti-submarine capabilities and secures the nation’s interests in the Indian Ocean Region. With its diesel engine–waterjet propulsion system, INS Arnala represents both technological advancement and strategic preparedness.
India-France Joint Exercise ‘Shakti 2025’ Begins in France
- The Indian Army has deployed a 90-member contingent for Exercise Shakti 2025, a joint Indo-French military drill conducted at Camp Larzac in France.
- This eighth edition of the biennial exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations, particularly counter-terrorism, under UN Chapter VII frameworks.
- The Indian troops, mainly from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, will train alongside France’s elite 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade.
- Through simulated urban warfare in semi-urban terrain, the exercise enhances interoperability, strategic coordination, and mutual combat preparedness.
Ranks & Reports News
IndiGo Ranked Among World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines in Skytrax 2025 Awards
- In a major achievement, IndiGo Airlines ranked 3rd globally in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards under the Best Low-Cost Airlines category, following AirAsia and Scoot, showcasing India’s rising stature in global aviation.
- The Skytrax Awards, often called the “Oscars of aviation”, reflect votes from 22.3 million passengers.
- While no Indian full-service airline made the top 10, IndiGo’s efficiency, affordability, and expanding global reach earned it this prestigious international recognition.
Summits & Conferences News
India Hosts First Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance in New Delhi
- India hosted the first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in New Delhi, establishing a global coalition for the conservation of seven major big cat species.
- Chaired by Bhupender Yadav, the meeting saw the endorsement of governance frameworks and leadership roles, uniting nine participating countries.
- The IBCA, launched in March 2024, seeks to drive international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and financial support to protect biodiversity and habitats across 95 range nations. The event marked a significant milestone in India’s vision of global ecological stewardship.
Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025: Everything You Need to Know
- The Bonn Climate Change Conference 2025, held from June 16 in Bonn, Germany, is a vital UNFCCC technical meeting bringing together over 5,000 stakeholders to lay the groundwork for decisions at the next COP summit.
- It focuses on operational aspects like the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), climate finance, loss and damage, technology transfer, and NDC monitoring.
- Led by the SBI and SBSTA, the conference plays a key role in ensuring scientific rigor, accountability, and policy readiness in global climate governance.
Sports News
ICC to Permit 4-Day Tests in 2027–29 WTC Cycle for Smaller Nations
- The ICC is preparing to implement four-day Test matches in the 2027–29 World Test Championship cycle to help smaller cricketing nations manage schedules and costs better.
- While the Big Three — India, Australia, and England — will continue playing five-day Tests for their major series, the change could make Test cricket more inclusive, efficient, and economically viable.
- The plan also introduces the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, while maintaining the traditional format for the 2025–27 WTC cycle.
ICC Unveils Schedule for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India & Sri Lanka
- The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 will be held from 30th September to 2nd November in India and Sri Lanka, featuring eight teams in a round-robin format.
- Due to political tensions, Pakistan’s matches will be played in Sri Lanka, while India will face Sri Lanka in the tournament opener.
- The high-profile India-Pakistan clash is set for October 5 in Colombo, with the final scheduled for November 2.
- This event underscores India’s continued prominence in global cricket and boosts the stature of women’s cricket worldwide.
Science & Technology News
India’s Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment: Nano-Cups for Photothermal Therapy
- India has marked a significant milestone in cancer research by developing a one-step synthesis method for PEGylated nano-cups, offering a non-toxic, efficient alternative for photothermal therapy (PTT).
- Spearheaded by INST Mohali with contributions from IIT Bombay and ACTREC, this breakthrough utilizes ZIF-8 MOF and ascorbic acid to create semi-shells that can precisely target and destroy cancerous tumors, especially in advanced breast cancer.
- The innovation not only enhances therapeutic efficacy but also opens pathways for biosensing and chemo-photothermal treatments, making it a game-changer in minimally invasive oncology.
Axiom Mission 4 Rescheduled: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Fly on June 22
- India’s participation in international commercial spaceflight has reached new heights as the Axiom Mission 4 launch, featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has been rescheduled to June 22 due to safety checks in the Zvezda module of the ISS.
- The mission, led by NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and operated by Axiom Space, includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, and will fly aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 using the Dragon capsule.
- With ISRO’s support, this mission reflects India’s evolving space ambitions and boosts its role in low-Earth orbit (LEO) scientific operations.
Important Days News
UN Declares 4 December as International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures
- The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution establishing 4 December as the International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures, reflecting increasing global concern over sanctions imposed without multilateral approval.
- While supported by 116 countries, the resolution faced strong opposition from the US and EU, who view sanctions as vital tools to counter security threats and rights violations.
- Proponents argue such measures violate international law, harm civilian populations, and undermine development. The day, to be observed from 2025, seeks to raise awareness and promote respect for the UN Charter and sovereignty of nations.
Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2025: Celebrating Food with a Purpose
- Sustainable Gastronomy blends the art of food with environmental responsibility, focusing on local, seasonal, and eco-friendly food practices that honor cultural traditions and minimize harm to the planet.
- Officially recognized by the United Nations through Sustainable Gastronomy Day on June 18, this global initiative is promoted by UNESCO and FAO to link culinary heritage with sustainable development.
- Efforts include the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy, clean energy use in restaurants, and public education on sustainable food systems, making gastronomy a key player in shaping a sustainable future.
World marks International Day for Countering Hate Speech on 18 June
- On 18 June, the world observes the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, with renewed calls for action against the rise of online hate.
- Nazia Rehman, Chair of the Congress Social Inclusion Committee (UK), emphasized the need for local and regional authorities to implement practical measures.
- Online hate affects women, the LGBTI community, and minorities, undermining democracy and social cohesion. Rehman urged education programs, responsible AI use, and support for officials facing abuse, citing the Congress report “Hate Speech and Fake News” as a guiding framework for counteraction.
Current Affairs Today | 18 June Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam
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