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Current Affairs Report: June 18, 2025

This detailed report covers the most significant current affairs from June 18, 2025, tailored for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. Sourced from credible outlets like The Hindu, The Indian Express, Times of India, Business Standard, Reuters, and others, this article provides an engaging and comprehensive overview of key developments across politics, economy, science and technology, international relations, environment, defense, and sports. Designed to be reader-friendly and optimized for exam preparation, it aims to give students a competitive edge.

Politics and Governance: Shaping India’s Future

India’s political landscape was vibrant on June 18, 2025, with significant developments that underscored the nation’s commitment to sovereignty and effective governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines during a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, firmly stating that India has never accepted, does not accept, and will never accept mediation on the India-Pakistan issue. This stance, articulated on June 17 but reported widely on June 18, was reinforced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who noted a complete political consensus in India on this matter (The Hindu). This assertion highlights India’s resolve to handle bilateral issues independently, a critical point for exam aspirants studying international relations and national policy.

In a landmark judicial decision, the Calcutta High Court directed the Central Government to implement the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in West Bengal starting August 1, 2025. The court imposed special conditions to ensure transparency and prevent illegality, addressing long-standing concerns about the scheme’s administration in the state (The Hindu). This ruling is significant for understanding judicial interventions in social welfare programs.

In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a progressive education policy change, removing the mandatory requirement for students to learn Hindi as the third language. Students can now choose any Indian language, promoting linguistic diversity and flexibility in education (The Hindu). This move reflects India’s commitment to cultural inclusivity, a topic often discussed in governance-related exam questions.

The Allahabad High Court also made news by staying the final judgment in a 2016 eviction case against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan. With 12 FIRs involved, the trial continues, and the next hearing is scheduled for July 3, 2025 (The Hindu). This case underscores the intersection of politics and law, a recurring theme in competitive exams.

Additionally, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) extended the application deadline for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2025 exams to June 20, 2025, providing relief to aspirants (The Hindu). This update is crucial for students preparing for these exams.

Economy: Growth Amid Global Challenges

India’s economy demonstrated resilience on June 18, 2025, with reports highlighting robust growth and stabilizing inflation. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.4% in the fourth quarter of FY25, driven by increased government spending, a revival in rural demand, low interest rates, and a surge in consumer spending (HDFC Sky). This growth, despite global economic slowdowns, positions India as a leading emerging economy, a key topic for Banking and UPSC exams.

Looking forward, ICRA projected that India’s real GDP growth for the 2025-26 financial year will exceed 6.5%, aligning with Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s statement that India is on track to become an $8 trillion economy with a steady annual growth rate of 6.5% (The Print; New Kerala). These projections underscore India’s economic ambitions, making them essential for exam preparation.

On the stock market, the BSE Sensex closed at 81,444.66, down 138.64 points or 0.17%, and the Nifty 50 ended at 24,812.05, down 41.35 points or 0.17%, on June 18, 2025. The decline was attributed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and caution ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. Top gainers included IndusInd Bank and Trent, while TCS and Adani Ports were among the losers (Hindu BusinessLine). The Indian rupee weakened by 13 paise to 86.47 against the U.S. dollar, influenced by high crude oil prices and global risk aversion.

Inflation trends provided positive news, with India’s headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation easing to approximately 2.6-2.8% in May 2025, one of the lowest rates in recent years. This decline, driven by lower food prices, was reported by CRISIL and other sources, signaling economic stability (Economic Times; MOSPI). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is working to align the call money rate with the repo rate to maintain monetary stability and control inflation, a critical policy move for Banking exam aspirants (Moneycontrol).

A new policy initiative, the FASTag annual pass for private vehicles, was announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Priced at ₹3,000, it will be valid for one year or 200 trips, effective from August 15, 2025, aiming to streamline toll collection (The Hindu).

Economic Indicator	Value/Status (June 18, 2025)	Source
GDP Growth	7.4% (Q4 FY25)	HDFC Sky
Inflation	2.6-2.8% (May 2025)	Economic Times
Sensex	81,444.66 (-0.17%)	Hindu BusinessLine
Nifty 50	24,812.05 (-0.17%)	Hindu BusinessLine
Rupee vs USD	86.47 (-13 paise)	Hindu BusinessLine

Science and Technology: Reaching for the Stars

India’s advancements in science and technology were prominent on June 18, 2025, with significant developments in space exploration and innovation. The Axiom-4 mission, featuring Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, was rescheduled to June 22, 2025. The postponement allowed NASA to evaluate operations on the International Space Station (ISS) following repairs to the Zvezda service module (The Hindu). Shukla, part of ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission crew, will be the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, marking a milestone in India’s human spaceflight program (Wikipedia).

India also announced the inaugural World Technology Summit, scheduled for November 5-7, 2025, in Pune and Mumbai. Organized by World Technology in collaboration with MIT World Peace University, the summit will convene global experts to explore data science, life sciences, and public policy innovations. Paul J. Foster, Co-Founder of World Technology, highlighted India’s role as a hub for global ingenuity (Business Wire). This event positions India as a leader in technological advancement, a key topic for UPSC aspirants.

Science & Tech Event	Details	Source
Axiom-4 Mission	Rescheduled to June 22, 2025; Shubhanshu Shukla to visit ISS	The Hindu
World Technology Summit	November 5-7, 2025, in Pune and Mumbai	Business Wire

International Relations: Strengthening Global Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was actively engaged in international diplomacy on June 18, 2025. On the sidelines of the G7 summit, he held bilateral meetings with world leaders, focusing on trade, investment, counter-terrorism, and global challenges. His meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the “extremely important” India-Canada relations, highlighting opportunities for collaboration (The Hindu). These discussions are vital for understanding India’s role in global forums like the G20, BRICS, and QUAD.

Modi’s historic visit to Croatia on June 18 marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. During talks with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, India and Croatia signed four agreements on agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange, strengthening bilateral ties (Indian Defence News). This visit underscores India’s expanding diplomatic footprint in Europe.

The Congress party raised concerns about U.S. outreach to Pakistan, questioning PM Modi’s silence on Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s visit to the U.S. (The Hindu). This highlights ongoing tensions in India-Pakistan-U.S. relations, a critical area for exam preparation.

Diplomatic Event	Details	Source
G7 Bilateral Talks	Modi met leaders, focused on trade and counter-terrorism	The Hindu
India-Croatia Visit	Four agreements signed on agriculture, science, culture	Indian Defence News

Environment: Balancing Growth and Sustainability

Environmental developments on June 18, 2025, highlighted India’s efforts to address climate challenges. The Ministry of Finance unveiled a draft Climate Finance Taxonomy, a classification tool to identify sustainable economic activities supporting India’s climate goals: achieving net zero by 2070, reducing emissions intensity by 45% by 2030, and sourcing 50% of electric power from non-fossil fuels by 2030. The taxonomy aims to unlock $2.5 trillion in investments by 2030 and aligns with global standards to prevent greenwashing (ESG News). Public comments are invited until June 25, 2025, making this a significant policy for UPSC aspirants.

However, challenges persist. A report indicated that India’s $89 billion clean industry pipeline struggles to attract financing, highlighting funding gaps in renewable energy projects (Reuters). Additionally, Delhi spent only one-third of funds allocated under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), raising concerns about air pollution management (The Hindu). The NCAP aims to reduce PM10 pollution by 40% by 2026 in 130 cities.

India also hosted the inaugural summit of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), with Somalia participating, focusing on wildlife conservation (Top Africa News). Furthermore, India has the fourth-highest potential globally to generate solar power from abandoned coal mines, offering a pathway to sustainable energy (Down To Earth).

Environmental Initiative	Details	Source
Climate Finance Taxonomy	Draft to attract $2.5 trillion by 2030	ESG News
NCAP Fund Utilization	Delhi used only one-third of funds	The Hindu
Solar Power Potential	Fourth-highest globally from coal mines	Down To Earth

Defense: Bolstering National Security

India’s defense sector saw notable advancements on June 18, 2025. The country is set to acquire homegrown Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) directed energy weapons, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Larsen & Toubro. These include 10-kilowatt systems with a 2-kilometer range and 30-kilowatt systems reaching 3.5 kilometers, aimed at countering drone threats amid regional tensions (The Defense Post). This development is crucial for understanding India’s push for indigenous defense technology.

The Indian Army facilitated the training of 10 youth from Manipur for induction as Agniveers, promoting inclusivity in the armed forces (The Hindu). Additionally, India and France commenced the Shakti joint military exercise from June 18 to July 1, 2025, with 90 personnel from each side, enhancing interoperability and defense cooperation (The Hindu).

Defense Development	Details	Source
Directed Energy Weapons	10-kW and 30-kW systems by DRDO	The Defense Post
Shakti Exercise	India-France joint exercise, June 18-July 1	The Hindu

Sports: Cricket and Hockey in Focus

Sports news on June 18, 2025, centered around cricket and hockey, reflecting India’s passion for these games. Shubman Gill, the new Test captain, will bat at number four in the upcoming India-England Test series, filling the void left by Virat Kohli. The series, starting June 20, 2025, in Leeds, has generated buzz, with Gautam Gambhir rejoining as head coach (Reuters; MyKhel). Discussions about India’s cricketing dominance and the absence of Rohit Sharma and Kohli were prominent (Times of India).

In hockey, the Indian women’s team faced Argentina in the FIH Pro League, suffering a loss in a shootout after a valiant effort. Despite the defeat, the team’s resilience was notable, though relegation risks loom (ESPN India). The men’s team also held Argentina to a draw, showcasing India’s competitive spirit (Indian Express).

Sports Event	Details	Source
Cricket Test Series	Shubman Gill to captain, bat at no. 4	Reuters
Women’s Hockey	Lost to Argentina in FIH

Daily quiz on current affairs with answers

Question 1: What was India’s key diplomatic assertion regarding the India-Pakistan issue during PM Modi’s conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump?
Option 1: India is open to third-party mediation on Kashmir
Option 2: India prefers mediation by the United Nations
Option 3: India will seek bilateral talks through the OIC
Option 4: India has never accepted and will never accept mediation on the issue
Option 5: India has requested U.S. facilitation for peace talks
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position during a conversation with Donald Trump that India has never accepted, does not accept, and will never accept any form of mediation on the India-Pakistan issue. This statement was backed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, emphasizing national consensus on bilateral resolution—a crucial aspect of India’s foreign policy doctrine.

Question 2: Which financial rating agency projected India’s real GDP growth to exceed 6.5% for FY 2025–26?
Option 1: CRISIL
Option 2: ICRA
Option 3: Moody’s
Option 4: Fitch
Option 5: S&P Global
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: ICRA projected India’s real GDP growth to exceed 6.5% for FY 2025–26. This estimate aligns with statements by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on India’s target of becoming an $8 trillion economy. Such forecasts indicate confidence in the Indian economy’s resilience amid global uncertainties.

Question 3: Who is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS)?
Option 1: Rakesh Sharma
Option 2: Gaganyaan pilot Ritu Karidhal
Option 3: Rajeev Bansal
Option 4: Anil Menon
Option 5: Shubhanshu Shukla
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, part of the Gaganyaan mission crew and an officer in the Indian Air Force, will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS as part of NASA’s Axiom-4 mission. The mission was rescheduled to June 22, 2025, to accommodate ISS maintenance work.

Question 4: The Calcutta High Court ordered the implementation of which scheme in West Bengal from August 1, 2025?
Option 1: MGNREGA
Option 2: PM-KISAN
Option 3: Ayushman Bharat
Option 4: National Rural Health Mission
Option 5: Jal Jeevan Mission
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: The Calcutta High Court directed the Centre to implement the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in West Bengal starting August 1, 2025. This move aims to address concerns over delayed wage payments and administrative lapses by ensuring transparency in the scheme’s rollout.

Question 5: During his visit to Croatia, Prime Minister Modi signed agreements in all of the following areas except:
Option 1: Agriculture
Option 2: Science and Technology
Option 3: Defense
Option 4: Cultural Exchange
Option 5: Innovation
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: During PM Modi’s historic visit to Croatia, the first by any Indian Prime Minister, four agreements were signed in the fields of agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange. There was no defense-related agreement signed during this visit, which focused on soft-power diplomacy and scientific collaboration.

Question 6: Which new toll policy was announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, valid from August 15, 2025?
Option 1: FASTag for commercial vehicles only
Option 2: Quarterly highway passes
Option 3: Cashless metro tolls
Option 4: NHAI Gold Cards
Option 5: Annual FASTag pass for private vehicles
Answer: Option 5
Explanation: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari introduced a new annual FASTag pass for private vehicles, priced at ₹3,000, valid for one year or up to 200 trips. The scheme is intended to streamline toll payments and enhance convenience for frequent travelers on national highways.

Question 7: What is the name of the joint military exercise between India and France that began on June 18, 2025?
Option 1: Varuna
Option 2: Surya Kiran
Option 3: Shakti
Option 4: Indra
Option 5: Garuda
Answer: Option 3
Explanation: The Shakti military exercise, which commenced on June 18, 2025, involves 90 personnel from both India and France. The bilateral drill focuses on counter-terrorism, combat conditioning, and inter-operability. It reflects growing defense ties between the two countries.

Question 8: Which Indian city hosted the inaugural International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) summit?
Option 1: Mysuru
Option 2: New Delhi
Option 3: Hyderabad
Option 4: Bhopal
Option 5: Lucknow
Answer: Option 2
Explanation: New Delhi hosted the first-ever International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) summit, focusing on wildlife conservation. Somalia participated as a member country. The alliance seeks to coordinate conservation efforts for species like tigers, lions, leopards, and jaguars globally.

Question 9: What was the closing value of the Sensex on June 18, 2025?
Option 1: 81,444.66
Option 2: 82,050.10
Option 3: 80,231.50
Option 4: 84,712.75
Option 5: 78,900.00
Answer: Option 1
Explanation: On June 18, 2025, the BSE Sensex closed at 81,444.66, down by 138.64 points (0.17%). The decline was influenced by global market caution, particularly due to Middle East tensions and anticipation surrounding the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy decision.

Question 10: What is the proposed investment target under India’s draft Climate Finance Taxonomy by 2030?
Option 1: $1 trillion
Option 2: $1.5 trillion
Option 3: $2 trillion
Option 4: $2.5 trillion
Option 5: $3 trillion
Answer: Option 4
Explanation: India’s Ministry of Finance unveiled a draft Climate Finance Taxonomy on June 18, 2025, which aims to attract $2.5 trillion in sustainable investments by 2030. The taxonomy is intended to classify economic activities that align with India’s climate targets, including net-zero emissions by 2070 and a 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030.

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