Current Affairs - June 18, 2025 Current Affairs

The first-ever Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was hosted in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in global wildlife conservation. India led this initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the assembly chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. The event brought together representatives from nine big cat range countries, emphasizing India’s commitment to preserving the seven major big cat species. The Assembly ratified critical governance frameworks, elected leadership, and laid down collaborative strategies to reverse population declines, protect habitats, and foster international cooperation in big cat conservation.

Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed every year on June 18, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution A/RES/71/246. This global observance highlights the role of food as not just nourishment, but as a cultural and environmental force. It encourages sustainable practices that respect local traditions, support eco-friendly food production, and promote healthy dietary habits. With active involvement from UNESCO and the FAO, the day underscores the connection between culinary heritage, environmental stewardship, and responsible consumption. It aims to educate people about choosing food that is not only delicious but also sustainable and socially inclusive.

Researchers in Finland have innovated a sustainable method to recover silver from electronic waste using natural fatty acids present in cooking oils. This method stands out for its eco-friendliness, as it avoids harsh chemicals and aligns with the rising need for greener technologies amid increasing silver demand and growing concerns over e-waste, particularly in heavily impacted regions such as India. Finland's role in this advancement showcases its contribution to addressing environmental challenges through scientific innovation.

OpenAI secured a significant $200 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense in June 2025 to develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions for national security and military operations. This strategic partnership, set to run through July 2026, highlights the growing collaboration between top AI firms and defence agencies. The contract focuses on creating prototype frontier AI tools applicable to warfighting and enterprise domains such as logistics, intelligence, and operations. With OpenAI’s rapid growth—demonstrated by its $10 billion annual revenue run rate and 500 million weekly users—this deal marks a pivotal step in the company’s expansion into defence technology and AI-driven national security systems.

Bihar made history by becoming the first Indian state to introduce a mobile-based e-voting system for its 2024 urban body elections. Spearheaded by the Bihar State Election Commission and supported by technological input from C-DAC, the system is designed to enhance electoral participation, especially among marginalized groups like migrant workers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. With features such as blockchain-based transparency, biometric verification through live face scans, and an audit trail similar to VVPAT, the system emphasizes security and accessibility. This initiative represents a significant leap in leveraging digital tools to promote inclusive and secure democratic processes.

The Government of India has introduced a FASTag-based Annual Pass specifically for private vehicles at a fixed cost of Rs. 3000. This pass allows for up to 200 toll-free trips or one year of highway travel across all National Highways, whichever is earlier. The initiative aims to streamline toll collection, reduce congestion, and eliminate frequent toll-related disputes. It also promotes a digital-first, contactless travel experience. Available from August 15, 2025, the pass can be activated through the Rajmarg Yatra App or NHAI and MoRTH websites, making it a major step toward more predictable and cost-effective road commuting.

India is conducting the joint military exercise 'Shakti 2025' with France. This marks the eighth edition of the biennial Indo-French military drill, taking place from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at Camp Larzac in France. The exercise involves 90 Indian Army personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and 90 troops from the French Army’s 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade. The exercise aims to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, sub-conventional warfare, and peacekeeping operations under UN mandates, fostering greater military interoperability and mutual trust between the two nations.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has launched the country’s largest in-plant automobile railway siding at its Manesar facility in Haryana. This strategic investment of ₹452 crore is part of the company’s green logistics initiative to transition 35% of its vehicle dispatches to rail by FY2030-31. Spread over 46 acres and featuring 8.2 km of rail tracks, the Manesar siding can dispatch up to 4.5 lakh vehicles annually. The facility is expected to cut 1.75 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions and save 60 million litres of fuel each year, supporting India's broader goals under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the Net Zero Emissions target for 2070.

INS Arnala, commissioned on June 18, 2025, is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) inducted into the Indian Navy, marking a major milestone in coastal defence enhancement. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders, this indigenously designed vessel is part of a 16-ship series and boasts over 80% indigenous content. It is named after Arnala Fort off the coast of Maharashtra and is equipped with advanced technology to detect and counter enemy submarines in littoral waters. Its commissioning significantly boosts India’s maritime security and underscores the nation’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

India has been recognized for its efforts in containing the Rinderpest Virus, also known as cattle plague, by joining an elite global group dedicated to this cause. The ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal has been designated as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility. This designation by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations highlights India's significant contribution to global animal health and its commitment to preventing the re-emergence of this deadly livestock disease.