Daily Current Affairs 18th August 2025: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
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This post contains the daily current affairs 18th August 2025. It includes all National, International, Business & Sports related to Current Affairs 18th August 2025. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these Current Affairs, we would recommend you to try 18th August, 2025 Current affairs test.
NATIONAL NEWS
India Post to End Registered Post Service from September 1, 2025
- The Department of Posts will discontinue the Registered Post service effective September 1, 2025.
- This service, active for more than five decades, will be merged into the Speed Post service.
- The move is aimed at modernizing postal services and creating more streamlined operations.
- Speed Post, in service since 1986, provides quicker delivery, advanced tracking options, and greater efficiency.
- Cost comparison:
- Registered Post – ₹25.96 + ₹5 for every extra 20 grams.
- Speed Post – ₹41 for parcels up to 50 grams, making it 20–25% costlier but more efficient.
President Droupadi Murmu Unveils New Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan
- President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Plumeria Garden, Banyan Grove, and Babbling Brook within the Udyan complex of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- These newly developed spaces enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of the President’s Estate.
- They also integrate aspects of sustainability, public wellness, and community engagement.
India’s Deep Ocean Mission Reaches Record Human Dive Depth
- As part of the Deep Ocean Mission, an aquanaut successfully dived 5,002m in the North Atlantic Ocean.
- This marks India’s deepest human dive to date, reinforcing progress toward the Samudrayaan project (2027).
- The dive was conducted in collaboration with France, reflecting India’s commitment to deep-sea technology, exploration, resource utilization, and marine research.
BANKING & BUSINESS NEWS
Foxconn Begins iPhone 17 Production at Bengaluru Plant
- Foxconn has started manufacturing the iPhone 17 at its new Devanahalli facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- This unit is now Foxconn’s second-largest plant worldwide outside China.
- The development strengthens India’s role in Apple’s global supply chain.
- The launch is a major step forward in India’s ambition to become a global hub for high-tech electronics and smartphone production.
S&P Global Upgrades Ratings of Indian Banks and Financial Institutions
- On August 15, 2025, S&P Global Ratings upgraded the long-term issuer credit ratings of seven major Indian banks and three finance companies.
- The move follows the upgrade of India’s sovereign credit rating.
- Banks upgraded:
- State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Bank.
- Financial institutions upgraded:
- Bajaj Finance, Tata Capital, L&T Finance.
- Reasons cited:
- Strong economic growth momentum in India.
- Anticipated stable asset quality, profitability, and improved capitalization for the next 1–2 years.
India’s Sovereign Credit Rating Upgraded by S&P
- S&P Global raised India’s sovereign credit rating from ‘BBB-’ to ‘BBB’.
- The short-term rating was also upgraded from ‘A-3’ to ‘A-2’.
- Outlook remains Stable.
- This marks the first upgrade in 18 years (previous in 2007).
- In May 2024, S&P had already revised India’s rating outlook from Stable to Positive.
NSIC Signs MoUs with Private Banks to Support MSME Credit
- The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), under the Ministry of MSME, signed MoUs on August 11, 2025 with several private sector banks.
- Partner banks: Axis Bank, Dhanlaxmi Bank, Karnataka Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, IndusInd Bank.
- The agreement will enhance the MSME credit facilitation program, helping small enterprises access finance more efficiently.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Beijing Hosts First World Humanoid Robot Games
- China is hosting the first World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.
- The event features 500 humanoid robots, representing 280 teams from 16 countries.
- A total of 26 competitive events are being held, including soccer, boxing, medical sorting, and cleaning tasks.
- The initiative aligns with China’s national strategy to make humanoid robotics a key technological sector.
- The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) highlighted that this move demonstrates China’s AI-driven innovation and global competitiveness.
DEFENCE NEWS
INS Tamal Visits Naples, Italy, During Return Voyage
- The Indian Navy’s newest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, arrived at Naples, Italy, on August 13, 2025.
- The ship had been commissioned in Russia on July 1, 2025.
- This visit highlights the growing India–Italy bilateral relationship, elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023.
- Before docking, INS Tamal carried out a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy’s ITS Trieste, which included maneuvering, communication drills, and flying operations.
- The ship also hosted Independence Day celebrations in Naples on August 15, 2025.
Indian Navy Inducts Third Survey Vessel (Large) – Ikshak (Yard 3027)
- On August 14, 2025, the Navy received Ikshak (Yard 3027), the third Survey Vessel (Large).
- This marks the 102nd ship designed by the Warship Design Bureau.
- Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the vessel was monitored by the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata).
- Contract details:
- Signed on October 30, 2018, for four Survey Vessels (Large).
- Previous inductions: INS Sandhayak (Feb 3, 2024) and INS Nirdeshak (Dec 18, 2024).
SPORTS NEWS
Real Madrid Retains No. 1 Spot in Football Brand Rankings 2025
- Real Madrid has been ranked the world’s most valuable football club in the Brand Finance Football 50 – 2025 report.
- Brand value: €1.921 billion.
- Brand strength score: 94.9/100.
- Achieved a 14% YoY growth in brand value, securing the top spot for the fourth consecutive year.
- Holds an AAA+ brand rating, showcasing global reach and commercial dominance.
- Success factors:
- 15th UEFA Champions League victory against Borussia Dortmund.
- Strong sponsorships, merchandise, and worldwide fan engagement.
Top 5 Clubs by Brand Value (2025):
- Real Madrid – €1.921bn | Strength: 94.9/100
- FC Barcelona – €1.7bn | ↑11%, back to 2nd after 2021
- Manchester City – €1.4bn | ↓11%, hit by controversies and sponsorship issues
- Liverpool – €1.4bn | ↑2%, strong commercial and global fan presence
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – €1.4bn | ↑13%, driven by marketing, youth academy, and European performance
Clubs Ranked 6–10:
- Bayern Munich – €1.3bn | ↑1%
- Manchester United – €1.2bn
- Arsenal – €1.2bn
- Chelsea – €961m
- Tottenham Hotspur – €798m