Daily Current Affairs June 18

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June 18 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs June 18

1. Which international observance aims to combat the spread of online hate and promote inclusive digital discourse every year on 18 June?
A) World Social Media Ethics Day
B) International Day for Digital Peace
C) International Day for Countering Hate Speech
D) Global Day of Online Tolerance
E) UN Day for Tech and Equality
Answer: C) International Day for Countering Hate Speech

Event and Location:

• Event: International Day for Countering Hate Speech observed globally
• Location: Worldwide
• Date: 18 June 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Observance of an international day promoting collective action against hate speech, emphasizing local and digital governance solutions.
• Objectives: To prevent the spread of hate speech online, protect marginalized communities, and promote peace, inclusion, and human dignity through education, technology, and multistakeholder collaboration.

Important Terms Explained:

• International Day for Countering Hate Speech: A United Nations-designated observance held annually on 18 June to raise awareness and mobilize action against hate speech in all forms, especially digital.
• UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech: Launched in 2019, this strategic framework defines hate speech and guides global efforts in combating it while safeguarding freedom of expression.
• #NoToHate: A global campaign by the United Nations encouraging individuals and communities to speak out against hate, foster respect, and build inclusive dialogue both online and offline.
• Global Digital Compact: An evolving international framework aimed at ensuring digital technologies, including AI, are used ethically and inclusively to prevent misuse and discrimination.
• Congress Report “Hate speech and fake news”: A publication offering actionable recommendations for local authorities to counter hate and misinformation through education and responsible governance.

Tabular Summary:

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2. Which date is globally observed as Sustainable Gastronomy Day, recognizing eco-friendly and culturally rich food practices?
A) June 5
B) June 10
C) June 15
D) June 18
E) July 18
Answer: D) June 18

Event and Location:

• Event: Sustainable Gastronomy Day 2025
• Location: Global
• Date: 18 June 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Commemorate Sustainable Gastronomy Day to raise awareness of the environmental, cultural, and economic significance of responsible food practices.
• Objectives: Promote food systems that support biodiversity, local economies, and cultural heritage; reduce environmental impact; and encourage healthy, sustainable diets through international cooperation and education.

Important Terms Explained:

• Sustainable Gastronomy: Refers to food practices that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable, focusing on how food is grown, transported, and consumed with minimal environmental impact.
• UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy: A subset of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network launched in 2004, which includes 56 cities (as of 2025) that promote local food heritage, sustainability, and innovation in gastronomy.
• FAO Green Culture Diets: A concept promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) encouraging consumption patterns that are plant-based, nutrient-rich, climate-friendly, and rooted in local traditions.
• Triple Planetary Crisis: Refers to the interconnected global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, all of which are directly impacted by food production and consumption patterns.

Tabular Summary:

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3. Which year has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of the Woman Farmer?
A) 2025
B) 2026
C) 2027
D) 2030
E) 2024
Answer: B) 2026

Event and Location:

• Event: UN declares 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer
• Location: United Nations General Assembly (Global)
• Date: Declared in June 2025 for observance in 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution to designate 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer to raise awareness and drive action toward gender equity in agriculture.
• Objectives:
  • Recognize and support the critical role of women in food production and rural economies
  • Address gender disparities in land ownership, finance, technology, and policy access
  • Promote inclusive, climate-resilient, and equitable agricultural systems

Important Terms Explained:

• International Year of the Woman Farmer (2026): A UN-designated global campaign to promote awareness, action, and policy reform to improve gender equity in agriculture and empower women farmers worldwide.
• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): A Government of India initiative under DAY-NRLM to empower women farmers through training, access to resources, and collectivization.
• ENACT Project (Assam): A joint initiative of the World Food Programme, Govt. of Assam, and Norway, promoting climate-smart agriculture through mobile-based climate advisories and women-focused empowerment in Assam.
• Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM): A government scheme offering 50–80% subsidy on farm equipment to encourage mechanization, especially for women and small/marginal farmers.
• Digital Divide (Rural Women): A significant gap in mobile and digital technology access among rural women, with ~51% of women aged 15+ not owning a mobile phone (NSO).

Tabular Summary:

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4. When will the International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures be observed annually, starting from 2025?
A) 24 October
B) 4 December
C) 17 June
D) 10 December
E) 21 March
Answer: B) 4 December

Event and Location:

• Event: UN declares 4 December as International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures
• Location: United Nations General Assembly (Global)
• Date: Resolution adopted on June 17, 2025; observance begins December 4, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/79/L.93, officially declaring 4 December as the International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures.
• Objectives:
  • Raise awareness of the negative humanitarian and developmental consequences of unilateral sanctions
  • Promote multilateralism, uphold international law, and reaffirm state sovereignty and non-interference
  • Encourage global dialogue on the legitimacy and legality of economic measures outside the UN framework

Important Terms Explained:

• Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCMs): Economic, trade, or financial sanctions imposed by a single country or group outside the authorization of UN Security Council, often considered to violate principles of sovereignty and international law.
• Resolution A/79/L.93: The official UNGA resolution passed in June 2025 that established the International Day Against UCMs, with 116 votes in favor, 51 against, and 6 abstentions.
• Article 41 of the UN Charter: Specifies that economic and diplomatic sanctions can only be applied legally under multilateral decisions of the UN Security Council.
• SADC (Southern African Development Community): A regional bloc that has historically opposed unilateral sanctions, with Zimbabwe frequently highlighting their economic damage.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs June 18

5. Which Indian airline ranked 3rd globally among low-cost carriers in the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025?
A) Vistara
B) Air India
C) SpiceJet
D) IndiGo
E) Akasa Air
Answer: D) IndiGo

Event and Location:

• Event: Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025
• Location: Le Bourget Airport, Paris Air Show
• Date: June 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Recognize excellence in global airline services through customer-based voting across various service categories.
• Objectives: Honor top-performing full-service and low-cost airlines worldwide, enhance service standards in aviation, and provide a benchmark for customer satisfaction globally.

Top 10 Low-Cost Airlines – Skytrax 2025:

Top 10 Full-Service Airlines – Skytrax 2025:

Important Terms Explained:

• Skytrax World Airline Awards: An annual, internationally recognized awards platform established in 1999, based on global passenger surveys, and often dubbed the “Oscars of the aviation industry.”
• Low-Cost Carrier (LCC): An airline that offers affordable fares with limited in-flight services and a focus on operational efficiency, often excluding premium services like lounges and business class.
• Full-Service Airline: Airlines that provide a wide range of services including in-flight meals, checked baggage, premium seating, and loyalty programs, typically targeting business and long-haul travelers.
• Le Bourget Airport: A historic airport in Paris, France, and the site of the biennial Paris Air Show where the 2025 Skytrax Awards were held.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs June 18

6. What is the revised agency commission rate set by RBI for banks handling electronic government revenue transactions from April 2025?
A) ₹9 per transaction
B) ₹10 per transaction
C) ₹12 per transaction
D) ₹15 per transaction
E) ₹40 per transaction
Answer: C) ₹12 per transaction

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI revises agency commission for banks handling government transactions
• Location: India (Nationwide applicability)
• Date: Effective from April 1, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: RBI has increased the agency commission rates payable to agency banks for handling various government business transactions such as digital revenue receipts, pension disbursements, and non-pension payments.
• Objectives: To incentivize banks to improve efficiency in processing government transactions, encourage digital payments, support e-governance, and ensure fair compensation for increasing operational roles in public fund handling.

Important Terms Explained:

• Agency Banks: Scheduled banks authorized by RBI to carry out transactions on behalf of the central and state governments, including revenue collection and pension disbursements.
• Agency Commission: A fixed commission paid by RBI to agency banks for each transaction handled for the government, revised periodically to reflect policy shifts and cost considerations.
• Digital India Mission: A flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
• E-Governance: The application of information and communication technology (ICT) for delivering government services digitally, increasing transparency and reducing manual intervention.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs June 18

7. What was India’s overall unemployment rate in May 2025, as per data released by the Ministry of Statistics?
A) 5.1%
B) 4.8%
C) 5.6%
D) 6.0%
E) 5.9%
Answer: C) 5.6%

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s unemployment rate rises due to seasonal post-harvest slowdown
• Location: Nationwide (Urban + Rural)
• Date: Data released on June 16, 2025 (for May 2025 period)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Ministry of Statistics published monthly labour force statistics covering urban and rural India, reporting a rise in unemployment to 5.6% in May 2025.
• Objectives:
  • Monitor seasonal employment fluctuations, especially post-harvest
  • Highlight sectoral employment shifts and gender-based labour trends
  • Support informed policymaking in employment and labour welfare

Important Terms Explained:

• Unemployment Rate: The percentage of people in the labor force who are willing and able to work but cannot find jobs. A key macroeconomic indicator of economic health.
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): The share of working-age people (usually 15+) who are either working or actively seeking work. Lower LFPR suggests discouragement or lack of opportunity.
• Post-Harvest Slowdown: A seasonal employment trend where jobs in agriculture decline after crop harvesting, especially affecting rural and female workers.
• Youth Unemployment (15–29 years): A segment particularly vulnerable to joblessness during economic transitions and sectoral shifts, often used to measure labour market entry conditions.

Tabular Summary:

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8. Which company inaugurated India’s largest in-plant railway siding at Manesar in June 2025 to promote green logistics?
A) Tata Motors
B) Ashok Leyland
C) Indian Railways
D) Maruti Suzuki
E) Mahindra & Mahindra
Answer: D) Maruti Suzuki

Event and Location:

• Event: Inauguration of India’s largest in-plant railway siding for automobile dispatch
• Location: Maruti Suzuki Plant, Manesar, Haryana
• Date: June 17, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) has inaugurated a ₹452 crore in-plant railway siding at Manesar to boost rail-based vehicle logistics and cut carbon emissions.
• Objectives: Shift 35% of vehicle dispatches to rail transport by FY2030–31, support green logistics, reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and align with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and India’s Net Zero targets.

Important Terms Explained:

• In-Plant Railway Siding: A dedicated railway infrastructure setup within an industrial facility for loading/unloading goods directly from the plant, improving logistics efficiency.
• PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan: A government initiative launched in 2021 to build integrated, multimodal infrastructure and reduce logistics costs across sectors.
• HORCL (Haryana Orbital Rail Corporation Ltd): A joint venture entity executing the 126 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC) from Sonipat to Palwal, supporting Maruti’s rail connectivity.
• Net Zero Emissions Target (India): India’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070, requiring adoption of green technologies across sectors including transport and manufacturing.

Tabular Summary:

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Books and Authors – Daily Current Affairs June 18

9. What is the title of Sucheta Raj Khanna’s debut novel, released in June 2025?
A) Between Two Suns
B) The Calling Within
C) The Stars Light the Way
D) Voice of the Ancients
E) Journey to the Source
Answer: C) The Stars Light the Way

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of debut novel The Stars Light the Way
• Location: India and Singapore (thematically), published by Penguin Random House India
• Date: June 14, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Debut of Singapore-based life coach Sucheta Raj Khanna as an author with the release of her novel The Stars Light the Way.
• Objectives:
  • Explore themes of faith, identity, ancestral legacy, and spiritual insight
  • Inspire readers to trust their inner guidance and balance personal transformation with social responsibility

Important Terms Explained:

• The Stars Light the Way: A debut novel centered on Shazma, a woman torn between her life in Singapore and an unexpected invitation to Indian political life, blending spiritual signals, ancestral memory, and emotional growth.
• Sucheta Raj Khanna: Singapore-based life coach and author, known for her work in personal development; she debuts in fiction with a focus on spiritual awakening and self-discovery.
• Penguin Random House India: A major publishing house responsible for releasing The Stars Light the Way, known for supporting contemporary Indian and global voices in literature.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs June 18

10. Who has been appointed as the first woman Economic Affairs Secretary of India, replacing Ajay Seth in July 2025?
A) Deepti Gaur Mukerjee
B) Meena Hemchandra
C) Anuradha Thakur
D) Aruna Sundararajan
E) Nirmala Joshi
Answer: C) Anuradha Thakur

Event and Location:

• Event: Anuradha Thakur appointed as Economic Affairs Secretary and SEBI Board member
• Location: India
• Date: Effective from July 1, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Anuradha Thakur, a 1994-batch IAS officer, is appointed to the SEBI Board as an ex-officio part-time member, and will represent the Finance Ministry in the RBI Central Board.
• Objectives: Strengthen policy representation from the Ministry of Finance in financial regulatory institutions; enhance leadership in economic reforms and gender representation at senior bureaucratic levels.

Important Terms Explained:

• SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India): India’s capital market regulator, which governs securities markets, protects investor interests, and ensures transparency and fairness in the system.
• RBI Central Board of Directors: The highest decision-making body of the Reserve Bank of India, consisting of government nominees and RBI officials who guide the central bank’s policy framework.
• Economic Affairs Secretary: A senior-most bureaucratic post in the Ministry of Finance, responsible for managing India’s fiscal policy, government borrowings, global credit ratings dialogue, and economic reforms.
• DIPAM (Department of Investment and Public Asset Management): The department responsible for managing government equity in public sector undertakings and spearheading disinvestment initiatives.

Tabular Summary:

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11. Who has been granted a six-month extension as MD & CEO of Yes Bank by the RBI in June 2025?
A) Shyam Srinivasan
B) Sandeep Bakshi
C) Prashant Kumar
D) Aditya Puri
E) Amitabh Chaudhry
Answer: C) Prashant Kumar

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI grants six-month extension to Yes Bank MD & CEO Prashant Kumar
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Date: Extension effective from October 6, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a six-month extension to Prashant Kumar as MD & CEO of Yes Bank, or until a new appointment is made.
• Objectives:
  • Ensure leadership continuity at Yes Bank
  • Facilitate a smooth transition while the bank finalizes its new top leadership
  • Allow the global search firm Egon Zehnder to identify a suitable successor

Important Terms Explained:

• Yes Bank Reconstruction (2020): A strategic rescue and recapitalization effort undertaken by the RBI and other banks to stabilize Yes Bank after a financial crisis, post which Prashant Kumar was appointed as CEO.
• Egon Zehnder: A global executive search firm appointed by Yes Bank in May 2025 to assist in recruiting a new MD & CEO.
• RBI Approval: All senior-level appointments in private sector banks require approval from the Reserve Bank of India, including extensions for top executives.
• MD & CEO (Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer): The top executive responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial leadership of the bank.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs June 18

12. Which Interpol-led international operation in 2025 disrupted global infostealer malware networks across 26 countries?
A) Operation CyberSafe
B) Operation Magnus
C) Operation Secure
D) Operation Sentinel
E) Operation Firewall
Answer: C) Operation Secure

Event and Location:

• Event: Operation Secure – Interpol-led international cybercrime takedown
• Location: Global (spanning 26 countries)
• Date: Conducted between January and April 2025; reported on June 11, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: A global crackdown led by Interpol, with participation from 26 countries, targeting infostealer malware groups involved in harvesting and trafficking stolen digital data.
• Objectives:
  • Disrupt malware infrastructure such as servers, IPs, and domains
  • Arrest key operators and dismantle criminal networks
  • Protect global users from cyberattacks, account breaches, and identity theft
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity firms for actionable intelligence and digital forensics

Important Terms Explained:

• Infostealer Malware: A type of malicious software that steals sensitive information like account credentials, browser cookies, and cryptocurrency wallet data, often sold on dark web markets.
• Command-and-Control (C2) Infrastructure: Servers and networks used by malware operators to control infected systems and coordinate cyber operations remotely.
• Lumma, RisePro, META Stealer: Prominent malware-as-a-service (MaaS) infostealers whose operations were disrupted during Operation Secure.
• Group-IB, Kaspersky, Trend Micro: Private cybersecurity companies that supported the operation by providing intelligence on threat actors and tracking their dark web activities.
• Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS): A cybercrime model where malware developers lease access to malicious software and supporting infrastructure to other cybercriminals.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs June 18

13. What is the name of the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) inducted by the Indian Navy in June 2025?
A) INS Veer
B) INS Kalvari
C) INS Arnala
D) INS Kavaratti
E) INS Vikrant
Answer: C) INS Arnala

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Navy commissions INS Arnala, India’s first ASW Shallow Water Craft
• Location: Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam
• Date: 18 June 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Commissioning of INS Arnala, the first in a series of 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) vessels, built with over 80% indigenous components.
• Objectives: Strengthen India’s coastal defence, underwater surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR); promote self-reliant defence production under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Important Terms Explained:

• INS Arnala: The Indian Navy’s first commissioned ASW-SWC ship, named after the historic Arnala Fort off Maharashtra’s coast, designed for submarine hunting in shallow waters.
• ASW-SWC (Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft): A specialized class of naval vessels designed to detect, track, and neutralize enemy submarines in littoral (coastal) zones.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Government of India’s initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance in manufacturing and defence through indigenous production and reduced dependency on imports.
• GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers): One of India’s leading defence shipyards, based in Kolkata, responsible for designing and constructing naval warships.
• Diesel Engine–Waterjet Propulsion: An advanced propulsion system that enhances manoeuvrability and allows operation in shallow waters — INS Arnala is India’s largest vessel using this system.

Tabular Summary:

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14. Which Indo-French military exercise, focused on UN peacekeeping and sub-conventional warfare, began in France in June 2025?
A) Exercise Yudh Abhyas
B) Exercise Varuna
C) Exercise Shakti
D) Exercise Indra
E) Exercise Garuda
Answer: C) Exercise Shakti

Event and Location:

• Event: 8th edition of Indo-French Joint Military Exercise Shakti 2025
• Location: Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, France
• Date: June 18 to July 1, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Conduct of the 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, a biennial joint military drill between India and France, simulating UN Chapter VII scenarios in semi-urban terrains.
• Objectives:
  • Strengthen military interoperability and tactical coordination
  • Practice sub-conventional operations, including counter-terrorism and cordon-and-search tactics
  • Promote mutual understanding and readiness for UN-mandated peacekeeping operations

Important Terms Explained:

• Exercise Shakti: A biennial Indo-French military exercise focused on counter-terrorism, urban warfare, and UN peacekeeping drills, held alternately in India and France.
• Chapter VII of the UN Charter: Grants the UN authority to take military action for peacekeeping in cases of threats to peace, breaches, or acts of aggression, forming the legal basis for multinational exercises like Shakti.
• 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE): An elite infantry unit of the French Foreign Legion, known for its global deployment capability and experience in conflict zones.
• Jammu and Kashmir Rifles: A decorated infantry regiment of the Indian Army, leading the Indian contingent in Shakti 2025.

Tabular Summary:

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15. What is the name of DRDO’s new indigenous air defence system being developed in three variants for multi-layered space protection?
A) Agni
B) Trinetra
C) Kusha
D) Sudarshan
E) Surya
Answer: C) Kusha

Event and Location:

• Event: DRDO developing three variants of Kusha air defence system
• Location: India (under development by DRDO)
• Date: Announced on June 13, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: DRDO is developing Kusha M1, M2, and M3, a new multi-tiered indigenous air defence system, with full induction planned by 2030.
• Objectives:
  • Strengthen India’s aerial and space defence capabilities
  • Offer a multi-layered shield against aircraft, missiles, drones, and space-based threats
  • Achieve Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in long-range air defence solutions
  • Provide a desi alternative to imported systems like S-400 and S-500

Important Terms Explained:

• Kusha Air Defence System: A next-generation Indian long-range air defence solution under development by DRDO, designed to neutralize a wide spectrum of aerial threats using short, medium, and extended-range interceptors.
• Kusha M1: Equipped with short-range missiles, designed for intercepting aircraft and short-range missiles.
• Kusha M2: Features medium to extended-range surface-to-air missiles (MRSAM) for broader aerial defence.
• Kusha M3: A long-range variant with interception capability beyond 400 km, comparable to advanced systems like Russia’s S-500.
• Kill Vehicle: The final component of the missile system that physically intercepts and destroys incoming threats; common across all Kusha variants, with only boosters differing.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: India’s national mission focused on achieving self-reliance in defence and other key strategic sectors.
• S-400 & S-500: Russian-made surface-to-air missile systems; India is acquiring 5 squadrons of S-400 Triumf, known in India as Sudarshan Chakra.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs June 18

16. Which of the following big cat species is not included under the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?
A) Cheetah
B) Jaguar
C) Panther
D) Puma
E) Snow Leopard
Answer: C) Panther

Event and Location:

• Event: First Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: June 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Convening of the first-ever IBCA Assembly with participation from nine big cat range countries and formal endorsement of leadership and governance framework.
• Objectives:
  • To halt the global decline in big cat populations, promote habitat protection, enhance international cooperation for conservation, and provide technical and financial support to member countries.

Important Terms Explained:

• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): A multilateral platform initiated by India in March 2024 under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to protect seven major species of big cats across 95 member countries.
• National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): A statutory body under India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change that leads tiger conservation efforts and has now expanded its scope via IBCA.
• Project Tiger: Launched in 1973 in India, this is one of the world’s most successful wildlife conservation programs aimed at preserving the tiger population and its habitat.
• Ecotourism: Responsible travel to natural areas that supports conservation efforts and benefits local communities economically and educationally.

Tabular Summary:

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17. Which company has been awarded a $200 million AI contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop advanced national security tools?
A) Google DeepMind
B) Meta AI
C) OpenAI
D) IBM Watson
E) Anthropic
Answer: C) OpenAI

Event and Location:

• Event: OpenAI awarded $200 million contract for national security AI development
• Location: Primarily in and around Washington, D.C., USA
• Date: Announced on June 16, 2025; contract runs until July 2026

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has signed a $200 million agreement with OpenAI to develop prototype frontier AI tools for both combat and enterprise military use.
• Objectives: To strengthen U.S. military and intelligence capabilities using advanced AI technologies, maintain strategic dominance, and address evolving threats in defense and logistics domains.

Important Terms Explained:

• Frontier AI: Refers to the most advanced and capable forms of artificial intelligence, typically involving large-scale models like GPT, capable of general-purpose reasoning and strategic planning.
• Department of Defense (DoD): The federal agency responsible for national security and the U.S. Armed Forces. It is increasingly integrating AI for decision-making, defense operations, and logistics.
• AI Procurement Guidelines (OMB 2025): Guidelines issued by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget that regulate how U.S. federal agencies acquire AI solutions. Defense-related procurement is exempt from some restrictions, enabling direct partnerships with top AI firms like OpenAI.
• SoftBank: A Japanese investment conglomerate known for its significant funding in tech startups, leading OpenAI’s planned $40 billion round with a projected valuation of $300 billion.

Tabular Summary:

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18. What is the name of the Iranian military operation launched in June 2025 as a retaliatory missile strike against Israel?
A) Operation Desert Shield
B) Operation Iron Claw
C) Operation True Promise 3
D) Operation Sword of Resistance
E) Operation Red Sabre
Answer: C) Operation True Promise 3

Event and Location:

• Event: Iran launches Operation True Promise 3 targeting Israeli infrastructure
• Location: Iran–Israel conflict zone (Middle East)
• Date: June 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Iran, under the leadership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), launched Operation True Promise 3 as a retaliatory missile campaign following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.
• Objectives:
  • Respond to Israeli strikes on Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities
  • Deter future attacks and demonstrate Iran’s missile warfare advancement
  • Target strategic urban and energy infrastructure in Israel

Important Terms Explained:

• Operation True Promise 3: A third-phase retaliatory missile offensive by Iran against Israel, representing a strategic escalation in the Iran–Israel standoff.
• IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps): Iran’s elite military force responsible for strategic operations, including regional warfare, intelligence, and missile strikes.
• Iron Dome: Israel’s air defense system designed to intercept incoming rockets; targeted by Iran’s new tactics using AI-assisted and decoy saturation missiles.
• Decoy Saturation: A modern military tactic involving the launch of fake or low-impact projectiles alongside real ones to overwhelm and bypass enemy air defenses.
• Cyber-Kinetic Convergence: The fusion of cyber tactics (jamming, disabling communications) with kinetic (physical) missile strikes for maximum disruption.

Tabular Summary:

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19. What is AviList, launched in June 2025?
A) A global migration tracking app
B) A new birdwatching mobile platform
C) A unified global checklist of bird species
D) A biodiversity treaty for birds
E) A bird extinction alert system
Answer: C) A unified global checklist of bird species

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of AviList, the world’s first unified global checklist of bird species
• Location: Global (Initiated by international ornithological and conservation bodies)
• Date: June 12, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Working Group on Avian Checklists, under the International Ornithologists’ Union, has launched AviList to create a globally accepted, taxonomically consistent bird species checklist.
• Objectives:
  • Standardize bird taxonomy using the integrative species concept
  • Facilitate global collaboration across conservation, research, and policy platforms
  • Replace inconsistent older systems (IOC and Clements lists)
  • Improve clarity in biodiversity monitoring, legal treaties, and international bird databases

Important Terms Explained:

• AviList: A unified global bird taxonomy checklist launched in June 2025 with input from BirdLife International, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, American Ornithologists Society, and others. It includes 11,131 species, 19,879 subspecies, and will be updated annually.
• Integrative Species Concept: A method of species classification that considers multiple factors such as morphology, genetics, ecology, reproductive isolation, and biogeography.
• BirdLife International: A global authority on bird conservation, instrumental in aligning conservation strategies with the AviList taxonomy.
• eBird & Avibase: Global bird observation platforms that will now integrate AviList to enhance taxonomic consistency across birding and research databases.
• Clements Checklist & IOC List: Previously used major bird taxonomy checklists that AviList will replace as the standard reference globally.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs June 18

20. Which Indian state became the first to implement a mobile-based e-voting system during urban body polls in 2024?
A) Maharashtra
B) Karnataka
C) Gujarat
D) Bihar
E) Tamil Nadu
Answer: D) Bihar

Event and Location:

• Event: Bihar becomes the first Indian state to implement mobile-based e-voting
• Location: Bihar, India
• Date: Urban polls scheduled for 28 June 2024; announcement reiterated in June 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Introduction of mobile-based e-voting system by Bihar State Election Commission for municipal and urban local body elections.
• Objectives: Enhance electoral accessibility, empower marginalized voters (migrants, senior citizens, persons with disabilities), improve voter turnout, and demonstrate secure, digitally advanced election mechanisms.

Important Terms Explained:

• e-Voting: A system that enables eligible voters to cast their ballots electronically, in this case via Android mobile apps, without visiting polling stations.
• C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing): A premier R&D institution under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, which developed the “e-Voting SECBHR” application for Bihar’s election system.
• Blockchain: A secure digital ledger technology used to ensure transparency, traceability, and tamper-proof data management in e-voting.
• Liveness Detection: A biometric security feature that ensures the voter is present in real-time (not using pre-recorded photos or videos) during the voting process.
• VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail): A method of vote verification used with EVMs; Bihar’s e-voting system integrates a similar digital audit trail for transparency.

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21. Which traditional Goan beverage was recently awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Indian government in 2025?
A) Toddy
B) Cashew Wine
C) Goan Feni
D) Solkadi
E) Coconut Mead
Answer: C) Goan Feni

Event and Location:

• Event: Goan Feni receives Geographical Indication (GI) tag
• Location: Goa, India
• Date: June 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Goan Feni, also known as Ozzo Feni, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique regional identity, traditional preparation methods, and historical roots in Goa.
• Objectives:
  • Protect and promote the cultural and historical heritage of Feni
  • Ensure legal recognition for its unique identity
  • Enhance market value, protect against imitation, and support local producers

Important Terms Explained:

• Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: A certification granted by the Government of India that identifies a product as originating from a particular place, where its qualities, reputation, or characteristics are linked to its geographic origin.
• Goan Feni: A traditional distilled spirit from Goa made from cashew apples or coconut sap, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40–43%.
• Bhatikars: Traditional Feni makers in Goa, historically using earthen pots (bhatis) for distillation; modern processes now use copper pots and natural fermentation.
• Cazcar Distillery: The main producer of GI-tagged Feni, located in Nanora village near Panaji, Goa.

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22. What is the name of Kerala’s aerial afforestation initiative launched in June 2025 to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and restore ecological balance?
A) Green Kerala Mission
B) Jungle Reconnect
C) Vithoot
D) Vanashree
E) Seedscape
Answer: C) Vithoot

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Vithoot afforestation programme
• Location: Kerala, India
• Date: June 5, 2025 (World Environment Day)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Kerala Forest Department launched ‘Vithoot’, an innovative aerial seed ball afforestation programme aimed at ecological restoration and conflict mitigation.
• Objectives:
  • Reforest degraded lands and restore natural ecology
  • Reduce human-wildlife conflicts by increasing food and shelter availability
  • Engage local communities and students in forest restoration
  • Promote biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience

Important Terms Explained:

• Vithoot: A Malayalam word meaning “seed shower”, symbolizing aerial dispersal of seed balls over forest areas for natural regeneration.
• Seed Balls: A reforestation method involving clay-encased seeds that are thrown or dropped into areas for natural germination without direct planting.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Situations where wildlife encroach on human habitats, often due to habitat loss or food scarcity, leading to damage or threat to both sides.
• Microclimatic Zones: Localized climate regions influenced by vegetation, topography, or water bodies, crucial for sustaining forest ecosystems.

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Over All Review

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