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Daily Current Affairs 18th July 2025: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation

Dear Readers,
This post contains the daily current affairs 18th July 2025. It includes all National, International, Business & Sports related to Current Affairs 18th July 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 July, 2025 Current affairs test.

 

National News

Mysuru Enters India’s Cleanest Cities League; Bengaluru Climbs to 36th

  • Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 has marked a significant improvement for Bengaluru, which rose to 36th position among Million-Plus Cities, a major leap from last year’s 125th rank.
  • Despite this progress, Bengaluru still faces challenges in toilet maintenance and landfill remediation.
  • Mysuru has achieved a prestigious milestone by entering the Super Swachh League, demonstrating:
    • Sustained cleanliness initiatives.
    • Strong community involvement.
    • Excellence in sanitation practices.
  • These results reflect Karnataka’s mixed performance in terms of urban waste management, public hygiene, and progress toward the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.

Vidarbha’s First Integrated Steel Plant Unveiled in Gadchiroli

  • Maharashtra has inaugurated Vidarbha’s first integrated steel plant in Gadchiroli, developed by LMEL.
  • The project features:
    • A 4.5 MnTPA steel plant.
    • A 5 MnTPA iron ore grinding unit.
    • The state’s first 10 MnTPA slurry pipeline.
  • The initiative is expected to:
    • Spur industrial growth in the region.
    • Promote green logistics solutions.
    • Create significant employment opportunities.
    • Position Vidarbha as a major manufacturing and infrastructure hub in India.

Banking News

HSBC Withdraws from Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)

  • HSBC has become the first UK-based bank to exit the Net Zero Banking Alliance, following a trend previously set by major US and Canadian banks.
  • This move has led to:
    • Criticism from climate activists and investors.
    • Concerns regarding HSBC’s climate strategy and the future of global climate coordination in the banking sector.
  • While HSBC reiterates its commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, the decision exposes:
    • Differences among financial institutions in tackling climate-related risks.
    • Gaps in disclosure practices and accountability standards.

Business News

Tesla Launches First India Showroom in Mumbai

  • Tesla has opened its first showroom in India at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).
  • Key highlights:
    • The Model Y has been introduced with a starting price of ₹59.89 lakh.
    • Features include imported models, fast-charging infrastructure, and advanced safety systems.
  • This move aims to:
    • Accelerate the growth of India’s electric vehicle (EV) market.
    • Overcome hurdles such as high import duties and regulatory complexities.
  • It further strengthens Mumbai’s status as an automotive innovation hub and opens up new prospects for clean mobility in India.

Agreements News

Vimananu-CYGR Collaboration to Boost UAV Manufacturing

  • Vimananu Ltd and CYGR have entered a partnership to advance domestic drone production in Navi Mumbai.
  • The agreement covers:
    • Manufacturing of multiple UAV types such as ISR, nano drones, and fixed-wing systems.
    • Emphasis on technology transfer and indigenous capability development.
  • This initiative supports:
    • India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
    • Enhanced defence self-reliance.
    • Expansion of India’s role in the global UAV ecosystem.

Awards News

Vijayawada Wins Top Cleanliness Award Despite Floods

  • Vijayawada has earned a top-four national ranking and a seven-star garbage-free certification.
  • Success achieved through:
    • Effective implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
    • Advanced waste management systems.
    • Swift post-flood recovery measures.
  • This accomplishment highlights:
    • Strong disaster resilience.
    • Community participation.
    • A commitment to sustainable urban development and zero-waste goals.

India Excels at 57th International Chemistry Olympiad

  • At the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2025 in Dubai, India secured:
    • Two gold medals.
    • Two silver medals.
  • Organized by HBCSE-TIFR with support from DAE, DST, and MoE.
  • India’s performance reflects:
    • A robust STEM education ecosystem.
    • Continued success in nurturing scientific talent.

INCOIS Bags National Geospatial Practitioner Award 2025

  • INCOIS received the award at IIT Bombay for its pioneering use of open-source GIS technology in:
    • Marine forecasting.
    • Disaster warning systems.
  • Contribution areas:
    • Improved ocean governance.
    • Enhanced public safety and disaster resilience.
    • Sustainable use of marine resources.

Kerala Announces Kathakali and Classical Arts Awards

  • Kerala conferred:
    • State Kathakali Awards.
    • Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram.
    • Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram for 2023.
  • Honorees include:
    • Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri (Kathakali).
    • Sankara Warrier (Chenda).
    • Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar (Maddalam).
    • Girijadevi (Koodiyattam).
  • The awards aim to:
    • Celebrate Kerala’s cultural heritage.
    • Foster artistic excellence and sustain classical performing arts.

Defense News

India Successfully Tests Prithvi-II and Agni-I Missiles

  • Prithvi-II and Agni-I, both nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, were successfully test-fired from Chandipur.
  • Developed by DRDO, the tests:
    • Validated operational capabilities.
    • Strengthened India’s strategic deterrence posture.
  • These systems are vital for maintaining military preparedness and ensuring national security.

Indian Navy to Join SIMBEX 2025

  • India will participate in SIMBEX 2025, advancing naval cooperation with Singapore.
  • Involves:
    • Deployment of INS Delhi, INS Satpura, and other key platforms.
  • This exercise:
    • Enhances bilateral interoperability.
    • Aligns with Act East Policy and SAGAR vision.
    • Positions India as a leader in regional maritime security and cooperation.

Sports News

Bihar Wins U18 Boys’ Title in Junior National Rugby 7s

  • Bihar triumphed in the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025, defeating Odisha 17–15.
  • Achievements:
    • Secured double victory (also won U18 Girls’ title earlier).
    • Maintained an undefeated streak throughout the tournament.
  • Standout performers include Goldan Kumar and Sunny Kumar.
  • The event highlights:
    • Bihar’s dominance in junior rugby.
    • Its role as a talent pipeline for India’s senior rugby teams.

Obituaries News

Felix Baumgartner Dies in Paragliding Crash

  • Felix Baumgartner, the world-renowned skydiver famous for his 2012 supersonic jump from near space, died in a paragliding accident in Italy at the age of 56.
  • Notable achievements:
    • First person to break the sound barrier during freefall.
    • Set multiple aerospace and extreme flight records.
  • His legacy continues to inspire advancements in aerospace science and adventure sports.