Current Affairs - July 18, 2025 Current Affairs

The 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025 was held in Dubai, UAE, where India achieved an impressive result by securing two gold and two silver medals. The event brought together students from 90 countries, and India’s sixth-place global ranking highlighted the effectiveness of its national Olympiad program led by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE). Dubai, as the host city, provided the stage for showcasing global academic talent, and India’s performance not only demonstrated the strength of its school-level science education but also reinforced its reputation in the international academic arena.

The successful test-firing of the nuclear-capable Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles took place at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, on July 17, 2025. These tests were carried out under the Strategic Forces Command to validate India’s operational and technical readiness of its strategic missile systems. Odisha, home to critical defence infrastructure like the Chandipur testing range, plays a pivotal role in India’s missile development and deployment efforts. By conducting these tests in Odisha, India, not only demonstrated the reliability of its homegrown missile technology but also reinforced its strategic deterrence posture and rapid-response capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics.

The Indian government is preparing to implement the CAFE-III and CAFE-IV norms over a ten-year period from 2027 to 2037. These norms are part of a broader push to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions across all passenger vehicles under 3,500 kg, including those powered by petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, hybrids, and electric powertrains. CAFE, which stands for Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency, was introduced in 2017 by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power. The target year 2037 marks the end of this regulatory roadmap aimed at ensuring cleaner and more energy-efficient transportation in India.

In the fiscal year 2024/25, Nepal received foreign aid commitments surpassing its budget estimates, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) contributing the largest share—over Rs. 118 billion—primarily focused on environmental projects. This placed ADB ahead of other development partners, including the World Bank, which committed around Rs. 100 billion in sectors like roads, disaster resilience, bridges, and trade. Notably, ADB was also the top donor in the previous fiscal year (2023/24), demonstrating its continued commitment and leading role in supporting Nepal’s development priorities.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed Nitu Chandra and Kranti Prakash Jha as SVEEP icons for Bihar. SVEEP, which stands for Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation, is the ECI’s flagship program aimed at increasing voter awareness and participation, especially in regions with historically low voter turnout as public figures with strong roots in Bihar, Nitu Chandra and Kranti Jha are expected to use their influence to connect with citizens and encourage informed and active electoral engagement. Their selection aligns with the broader goal of strengthening democracy through inclusive voter education initiatives.

Maharashtra launched Vidarbha’s first integrated steel plant in Gadchiroli, marking a significant milestone in the region’s industrial development. This project, spearheaded by Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL), includes a 4.5 million tonne per annum steel plant at Konsari and a 5 million tonne iron ore grinding unit at Hedri. A key highlight is the state’s first iron ore slurry pipeline, spanning 85 km and reducing transport emissions by 55%. The initiative not only addresses longstanding underinvestment in the mineral-rich but economically backwards district but also promotes sustainable, resource-based industrial growth, paving the way for Vidarbha to become a key industrial hub in Maharashtra.

Vijayawada, located in Andhra Pradesh, earned national recognition by ranking fourth in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 and receiving the prestigious 'Super Swachh League City' award. This achievement is especially notable given the city’s resilience in maintaining high cleanliness and sanitation standards despite severe flooding in September 2024. The recognition reflects a combination of strong civic administration, infrastructure, waste management strategies, and active citizen participation. Vijayawada’s consistent progress aligns with India's broader cleanliness initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission and supports global sustainability objectives such as the Paris Agreement and Net Zero Emissions goals, reinforcing its status as a model for urban development.

Mysuru made a significant comeback in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 by entering the prestigious Super Swachh League, becoming the only city from Karnataka to achieve this distinction. Recognised for consistent sanitation excellence, the city showcased effective civic engagement, strong sanitation systems, and impactful cleanliness campaigns led by both the administration and local communities. This accomplishment is particularly meaningful given Mysuru’s earlier status as India’s cleanest city in 2016 and affirms its long-term commitment to sustainable urban hygiene. The Super Swachh League designation highlights not just cleanliness at a point in time but sustained performance, making Mysuru a model for other cities aiming for holistic urban cleanliness.

The Uttar Pradesh government has informed the Allahabad High Court that it will be preparing guidelines to regulate police conduct in civil disputes, specifically restraining officers from visiting properties under litigation without prior court approval. These proposed rules also aim to prevent direct contact between police personnel and advocates representing parties involved in such disputes. This move came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL), reflecting the state’s intent to ensure due legal process and avoid potential misuse of authority in property-related legal matters.

Yuliia Svyrydenko has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Ukraine, marking a significant leadership change during wartime. Formerly serving as the Economy Minister, Svyrydenko replaces Denys Shmyhal, who has now taken over as Defence Minister. This reshuffle represents the first major political transition since the onset of the war in 2022 and is part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s broader strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s wartime governance. Svyrydenko is recognised for her strategic role in advancing Ukraine’s international economic ties, including her involvement in critical mineral deal negotiations with the United States, showcasing her leadership credentials in a pivotal period.