Current Affairs is the most important area in all competitive exams. But the difficulty level is very high. That’s why many aspirants get confused, how to select Current Affairs for Preparation of Competitive Examination? In this Post, Daily Current Affairs 18 June 2025, we have tried to cover each and every point and also included all important facts from National/ International news that are useful for upcoming competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, State Govt. etc.

24-million-year-old fossil leaves unearthed in Assam reveal ancient climate shifts

Recent fossil discoveries in the Makum Coalfield of Assam, India, have shed light on ancient biodiversity. Researchers at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences discovered fossil leaves of the genus Nothopegia (approximately 24 million years old) in the Makum Coalfield. This genus of plant species was formerly confined only to India’s Western Ghats, a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO. The research allows for knowledge about biodiversity to be retained, and the way this past biodiversity responded to climate change and geological change on a timescale of epochs of millions of years is underscored.

Fossil discovery in Assam

The researchers found fossil leaves in the Makum Coalfield of India, a unique place known for notable deposits of fossils. The fossil leaves were studied to obtain their morphological features, and their morphology compared to herbaria specimens to identify them as Nothopegia, a genus no longer found in Northeast India

Age of the fossils and significance

The fossil leaves are dated to the late Oligocene Epoch. They are dated to approximately 24–23 million years ago. The presence of this ancient plant contributes useful knowledge about past biodiversity and ecosystem processes in the context of South Asia.

Climate conditions in ancient northeast India

The data analysis and literature indicated that northeast India experienced warm, humid conditions in the late Oligocene period. The historical temperature and precipitation conditions state was obtained using implementation of a variety of analytical techniques including the Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program. The conditions presented an appropriate climatic situation for Nothopegia to flourish.

Geological Change and Its Influence

Geological change has taken place over millions of years. The rise of the Himalayas shifted temperature, rainfall, and wind patterns. This change caused the climate to become less amenable to tropical species, and ultimately Nothopegia also disappeared from northeast India.

Sustaining Nothopegia in the Western Ghats

Nothopegia additionally disappeared from northeast India, but sustained itself in a stable climate, in the Western Ghats. It is a good example of the survival potential of biodiversity refuges, even when conditions become less hospitable as a change occurs.

Study Methods and Approach

The study method was multidisciplinary, including paleobotany, systematics, and climate modelling. This approach allows the study of how the ecology has changed for Nothopegia over millions of years, since as far back as the Cretaceous, and better explains species response to climate change.

Implications for Current Biodiversity

The results identify the historic extinction and migration patterns, particularly with climate change. The acceleration of climate change influenced by human activity since the industrial revolution creates big trouble. The Natural History of Nothopegia contains invaluable knowledge about how modern plants too might adapt, or migrate, due to environmental pressure.

Biodiversity conservation is important

Protection of biodiversity hotspots, including the Western Ghats, is critical. These areas continue to sustain ancient species, and the research identifies the urgency of conservation needs to ensure biodiversity persists despite current climate stresses.

C-DOT Launches Samarth Telecom Incubation Programme

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has launched its ambitious ‘Samarth’ programme to create an ecosystem of innovation in the telecom and ICT sectors. Under Phase 1 of the programme, C-DOT has offered grants of up to ₹5 lakh to 18 startups, as well as access to modern office space and advanced research labs at C-DOT’s Delhi and Bengaluru campuses.

The Samarth program is meant to support early-stage firms in innovative areas such as 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Quantum Technologies and Internet of Things (IoT). The selected startups were chosen from a large number of applicants through a rigorous and competitive screening process. Collectively, the 18 companies represent a broad range of technological innovation, and the selected startups have the potential to contribute greatly to India’s digital economy.

The startups selected in the first cohort include: Turtleneck Systems & Solutions Pvt Ltd, AgriVerse Innovations, Threat Expert Cyber Solutions, Matisoft Cyber Security Labs, Revino Solutions, Ajayan Consulting, Vital Carbon, Atibha Research and Development, Alphappleton Innovations, Haranzel Technologies, Brahmi Systems , Paravani Business Solutions, Purvanchal Engineering Systems, Aaizel International Technologies, Brenin Technologies, Jumps Automation, Master Education, and Farsight Innovations.

To ensure a holistic approach, the programme provides not just funding, but structured mentoring and acceleration. The whole initiative is in conjunction with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) – the implementation partners of the programme. The programme is hybrid in nature, and there are a total of two six-month cohorts, it will support a total of 36 startups.

When C-DOT hosted the official launch event at its Delhi location, each selected startup received the initial round of funding. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT; Arvind Kumar, Director General of STPI; and Atul Dhawan, President, TiE Delhi-NCR. At the event, a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between C-DOT and STPI, reflective of a collaborative and long-term commitment to collaborative efforts in mentorship and innovation support.

With its focus on scalability and sustainability, Samarth not only encourages innovation but also plays a role in the bigger vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, by augmenting indigenous technological capabilities in these sectors.

India’s largest Gati Shakti Multi-Modal cargo terminal inaugurated in Manesar, Haryana

The Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal within the Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar facility. The terminal is the largest automobile cargo terminal in India. It improves logistics with regard to transporting automotives. The terminal has a dedicated rail link approximately 10 km long to Patli railway station, which is a part of the 121.7 km Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor. The project incurred a huge amount cif cost because ₹800 crore were spent on the terminal’s construction.

Investment and Infrastructure Development

The Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation bore approximately ₹684 crore of the cost of the terminal while the rest was contributed by Maruti Suzuki. The terminal has a capacity of 4.5 lakh automobiles yearly, one of the largest capacities for a train terminal in the country. This development is a part of larger scope of developing railway infrastructure in India as a whole.

Indian Railways Transformation

There has been transformation to the Indian Railways since 2014, as the annual budget has grown from ₹24,000 crore in 2014 to ₹2.5 lakh crore in the present day. Characteristically basic amenities at large stations were good, however now these stations will have satisfactory level basic amenities, over 1,200 General Coaches were added this year alone, and improvements to different passenger services improved.

Passenger Train Services Upgrades

A significant decision was made on the augmentation of MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Units) trains, as at present the number of coaches from 8-12 will be increased to 16-20.  This will positively affect  short distance commuters travelling, as this will allow for a sufficient number of seats per train compared to their travelling range. An estimated 100 MEMU trains will be provided from its new factory in Kazipet, Andhra Pradesh, and the arrival of Namo Bharat (high speed) trains coincides with the growing demand of passenger numbers.

Freight and Passenger Performance

For the FY 2023-24, Indian Railways transported around 720 crore passengers. Indian Railways also carried freight of 1,617 million tonnes, the second largest globally. This level of productivity demonstrates the efficiency of Indian Railways.

Reforms in Ticket Booking

Significant reform in ticket booking for Tatkal will be instituted from 1st July 2025. Only Aadhaar-authenticated users, will be able to book tickets for the first 30 minutes on a train after it is made available for booking. This agenda will allow tickets to reach actual passengers. A pilot project in Bikaner is developing reservation charts 24 hours before the departure of train and will improve the travel experience.

Amrit Bharat Trains Initiative

Today, three of Amrit Bharat trains are running and have been very well received by the people. Six more trains will soon be operational and manufacturing of 50 more trains is ongoing. The aim is to develop better connectivity and to enhance passenger services.

Haryana’s Railway Development

Haryana’s railway budget has increased from ₹300 crore to ₹3,416 crore. In the last 11 years, approximately 823 km of new rail lines were laid. And it is the only state in India to have fully electrified railway network. Ongoing projects worth ₹11,800 crore including the re-development of 34 railway stations is going on.

Modernisation of Railway Facilities

The Railway Coach Factory in Sonipat is in the process of being modernised. This modernisation will enhance the capacity of coach manufacturing. It is expected to have a significant effort in light of the increasing demand.

IndiGo Ranked Among World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines in Skytrax 2025 Awards

In a noteworthy global moment for Indian aviation, IndiGo Airlines has been placed third in the world’s low-cost carrier category in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. This recognition further catapults India to the world map of aviation, especially given that no Indian full-service airline placed.

Skytrax Awards: The Oscars of Aviation

The Skytrax World Airline Awards started in 1999 and are widely considered the ‘Oscars of aviation.’ For the 2025 awards over 22.3 million global passengers voted for their experiences with more than 325 airlines from across the globe. The award ceremony was held at Le Bourget Airport during the Paris Air Show and was attended by more than 500 leaders in airline industry, including CEOs, Presidents, and crew members.

IndiGo’s Global Recognition

India’s low-cost carrier IndiGo placed 3rd in the World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines 2025 list. In the low-cost carrier arena IndiGo was behind:

1. AirAsia (Malaysia) – Rank 1

2. Scoot (Singapore) – Rank 2

This achievement is important for IndiGo in recognizing the value of cheap travel, operational efficiency, and timeliness of their service domestically and internationally. 

India’s Absence in Full-Service Airline Rankings

In the full-service airline segment, India did not feature in the World’s Top 10 Full Service Airlines 2025 list, including Air India. The 2025 World’s Top 10 Full Service was topped by Qatar Airways, which continued a streak of 9 wins in the category.

Top 10 World’s Best Airlines (2025):

1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Cathay Pacific
4. Emirates
5. ANA All Nippon Airways (Japan)
6. Turkish Airlines
7. Korean Air
8. Air France
9. Japan Airlines
10. Hainan Airlines

India Hosts First Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance in New Delhi

India reaffirmed its global leadership role in wildlife conservation by convening the first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in New Delhi. Chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, the Assembly received delegations to include ministers of the environment from nine range countries of big cats and laid the framework for an international alliance to help protect the seven major species of big cats, including Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. The Assembly was important as a first step toward a global united stance to safeguard biodiversity.

The first-ever Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was convened in New Delhi, India. Under the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has garnished the responsibility of leading the international alliance to help conserve big cats. The Assembly formally endorsed essential leadership positions, strategic documents, and other international commitments to big cat conservation.

Aim and Objectives

• Halt the decline of big cat populations worldwide.
• Strengthen global conservation efforts through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and financial/technical support.
• Protect habitats and ecosystems crucial for the survival of these apex predators.

Seven Big Cats Covered under IBCA

1. Tiger
2. Lion
3. Leopard
4. Snow Leopard
5. Cheetah
6. Jaguar
7. Puma

Bihar Pioneers India’s First Mobile-Based e-Voting System

In a shift in the voting process, the Bihar State Election Commission has decided to implement the e-voting system and use it with an Android-based mobile. Bihar will be the first state in the country to implement a revolutionary change in the voting process. In an interview with Akashvani News, State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad said that the project will begin with the municipal and urban body polls in the state on 28th June. Mr Prasad said that the entire e-voting process will take place through two mobile apps called “e-Voting SECBHR”, one developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the second by the Bihar State Election Commission.

The state election Commissioner said that so far 10,000 electorates registered for e-voting and 50 thousand electorates will be able to cast their vote via e-voting, avoiding going to polling booths. He said that the biggest benefit of this initiative will be in many aspects. He said migrant labourers, migrant voters, divyang voters, pregnant female voters, elderly and senior citizens, and seriously ill electorates will have the capacity to vote using the e-voting process. The SEC said that it will help to increase voter turnout and make elections more rounded towards inclusivity. He said that fool-proofing from an e-voting digital security perspective has been taken care of.

Inclusive Voting: Reaching the Unreachable

The new system is designed to include citizens who traditionally face difficulties in voting due to physical or logistical barriers. As Commissioner Prasad stated, the e-voting initiative aims to empower:

• Migrant labourers and voters
• Persons with disabilities (Divyang voters)
• Pregnant women
• Senior citizens
• Seriously ill individuals

Digital Security and Transparency

The e-voting system will have features like a blockchain platform, liveness detection, face match, live face scan, and face comparison, making the voting tamper-proof. Like EVMs feature of VVPAT, an audit trail has also been put in place in the e-voting process.

OpenAI Secures $200 Million AI Contract with U.S. Defense Department

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a $200 million contract to OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, to build cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) tools for national security challenges that relate to military operations. The Pentagon announced news of the one year deal for OpenAI to work on military AI challenges on June 16, 2025. OpenAI will mainly be working at their office near Washington, D.C., for milestones that are expected to extend through July 2026.

The U.S. Department of Defense awarded OpenAI a $200 million contract. The contract states that the project is focused on making prototype frontier AI technologies for critical national security challenges. The awarding is made to a robot maker in the face of growing U.S. push to invest in defense-related AIs and secure a leadership position in defense-related AI systems.

The U.S. Department of Defense disclosed the OpenAI contract on Monday. The length of the project it mentioned on its landing page is one year but there could be multiple phases. The scope of the projects aims to include exploration on how AI can provide assistance with a range of tasks, including improving access to health care for military members and improving cybersecurity. OpenAI said this is the first major effort under the OpenAI for Government label.

OpenAI for Government combines all of OpenAI’s federal collaborations, which reportedly include ChatGPT Gov — a version of its chatbot limited for government users — as well as other partner organizations such as NASA, the National Institutes of Health, Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Treasury Department.

Significance

• The contract showcases the deepening ties between tech firms and defense institutions.
• Marks OpenAI’s entry into national security AI systems, signaling a shift beyond commercial use.
• Reinforces U.S. strategic goals of AI dominance in defense, security, and intelligence.