State News
Mysuru Joins India’s Cleanest Cities League, Bengaluru Climbs to 36th
- In Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, Bengaluru rose to 36th among Million-Plus Cities, improving from last year’s 125th, but lagged in toilet cleanliness and landfill remediation.
- Mysuru, meanwhile, made headlines by joining the Super Swachh League, highlighting its long-term cleanliness, community participation, and sanitation excellence.
- These outcomes reflect Karnataka’s progress and gaps in implementing effective urban waste management, public hygiene, and the overarching goals of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.
Maharashtra Unveils Vidarbha’s First Integrated Steel Plant in Gadchiroli
- Maharashtra has unveiled Vidarbha’s first integrated steel plant by LMEL in Gadchiroli, featuring a 4.5 MnTPA steel facility, a 5 MnTPA iron ore grinding plant, and the state’s inaugural 10 MnTPA slurry pipeline.
- This initiative promises major advancements in industrial growth, green logistics, job generation, and puts Vidarbha on the map as a rising manufacturing and infrastructure hub in India.
Banking News
HSBC’s Exit from the Net Zero Banking Alliance
- HSBC’s withdrawal from the NZBA makes it the first UK bank to quit the coalition, following a trend set by major US and Canadian lenders.
- The exit has sparked widespread criticism from climate campaigners and investors, raising doubts about HSBC’s climate priorities and signalling potential risks for global climate coordination within the banking sector.
- While HSBC reaffirms its net zero 2050 target, the move has exposed deepening divides in how banks handle climate risks, disclosures, and sector-wide accountability.
Business News
Tesla opens first India showroom at Mumbai’s BKC
- Tesla has inaugurated its first India showroom at Mumbai’s BKC, debuting the Model Y at a starting price of ₹59.89 lakh.
- With imported variants, rapid charging solutions, and robust safety features, Tesla aims to catalyze India’s electric vehicle ecosystem despite high import tariffs and regulatory challenges.
- The move reinforces Mumbai’s position as an automotive innovation hub and signals broader opportunities for clean mobility in India’s future.
Agreements News
Vimananu-CYGR Partnership: Strengthening India’s UAV Capabilities
- The partnership between Vimananu Ltd and CYGR brings advanced drone manufacturing to Navi Mumbai, targeting domestic defence needs and international exports.
- It will produce various UAV types like ISR, nano, and fixed-wing drones, reinforce technology transfer, support self-reliance in defence, and align with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by enhancing India’s role in the global UAV ecosystem.
Awards News
Vijayawada Receives Top Award for Cleanliness Despite 2024 Floods
- Vijayawada‘s rise among India’s cleanest cities is due to its meticulous involvement in the Swachh Bharat Mission, advanced waste management systems, and rapid post-flood recovery.
- Its achievements, including a seven-star garbage free rating and a top-four national ranking, reflect the city’s strong disaster resilience, public participation, and sustainable urban planning.
- As a model for inclusive and green urban development, Vijayawada sets a benchmark for cities aiming to enhance livability, reduce carbon footprints, and achieve zero waste ecosystems.
India Shines at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad 2025
- India’s strong result at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025, with two gold and two silver medals, highlights its growing excellence in science education and Olympiad performance.
- Organized by HBCSE-TIFR and supported by national agencies like DAE, DST, and MoE, the Indian team trained rigorously before excelling in Dubai.
- India’s consistent achievements reflect a robust talent-nurturing ecosystem and enhance its global reputation in STEM education.
INCOIS Receives National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025
- INCOIS received the National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025 at IIT Bombay for its innovative use of open-source spatial technology in ocean information systems.
- From marine forecasts to disaster alerts, INCOIS has enhanced ocean governance with cost-effective GIS tools, enabling better public service, disaster management, and sustainable marine resource use.
Kerala Announces Kathakali and Classical Arts Awards
- Kerala has presented the State Kathakali Awards, Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram, and the Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram for 2023.
- Noted artists like Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri, Sankara Warrier, Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, and Girijadevi were honoured for their contributions to Kathakali, Chenda, Maddalam, and Koodiyattam.
- These awards spotlight Kerala’s cultural heritage, promote artistic excellence, and sustain the legacy of classical performing arts in India.
Defense News
India’s Successful Test of Prithvi-II and Agni-I Ballistic Missiles
- India’s test-firing of the nuclear-capable Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles at the Chandipur range validated key operational parameters and boosted its deterrence capability.
- Developed by the DRDO, both missiles enhance India’s nuclear arsenal with their reliable, indigenous design and proven effectiveness, maintaining high standards of military preparedness and strategic security.
Indian Navy Set To Participate in SIMBEX 2025
- India’s participation in SIMBEX 2025 marks a significant step in advancing India-Singapore naval cooperation.
- It reflects India’s strategic maritime goals under Act East and SAGAR, involving frontline naval platforms like INS Delhi and Satpura.
- SIMBEX boosts bilateral interoperability, ensures preparedness for maritime challenges, and paves the way for India’s leadership in future events like MILAN and the International Fleet Review, reinforcing a rules-based maritime order and regional stability.
Sports News
Bihar Wins U18 Boys’ Title at Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025
- Bihar won the U18 Boys’ title at the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025, defeating Odisha 17–15 and completing a historic double victory after claiming the U18 Girls’ title earlier.
- With standout performances from players like Goldan Kumar and Sunny Kumar, Bihar remained undefeated and displayed national dominance alongside top teams like Maharashtra and Delhi.
- The competition serves as a key talent pipeline for India’s future in senior rugby.
Obituaries News
Felix Baumgartner Record-Breaking Daredevil Dies in Paragliding Crash
- Felix Baumgartner famed for his record-breaking 2012 supersonic jump from the edge of space, died in a paragliding crash in Italy at 56.
- He was the first to break the sound barrier in free fall, set multiple global records, and inspired advancements in extreme flight and aerospace science.
- Globally mourned, he remains a symbol of courage and boundary-pushing adventure.
Current Affairs Today | 18 July Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam
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