Current Affairs One - Liner : 18th June 2025

National:

On June 14, 2025, the University of Aberdeen received UGC approval to set up its first Indian campus in Navi Mumbai. It’s the first Scottish university to do so, with classes beginning by September 2026. The campus will offer programs in AI, Data Science, Business, and Public Health, aligned with NEP 2020. Located near Navi Mumbai International Airport, it’s part of a planned International EduCity initiative.

On June 17, 2025, India’s largest automobile cargo terminal was inaugurated at Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar plant by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The ₹800 crore terminal connects to Patli railway station via a 10 km electrified corridor under the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor. It can dispatch 4.5 lakh vehicles annually, reaching 380 cities and key ports like Mundra and Pipavav.
The DhartiAaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan was launched on June 15, 2025 to empower tribal communities across 1 lakh villages. It ensures doorstep delivery of schemes like Aadhaar, PM-Kisan, scholarships, and health cover. The campaign honors Birsa Munda and aligns with Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh. Led by 17 ministries, it emphasizes real-time, community-driven governance in tribal regions.

International:

On June 13, 2025, Vietnam became the 10th partner country of BRICS, announced by Brazil, the 2025 Chair. This follows the creation of the partner country category at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia (October 2024). Vietnam joins nations like Belarus, Bolivia, and Malaysia to boost South-South cooperation. As a partner, it will engage in BRICS+ summits, supporting a more inclusive global governance model.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University built the world’s first silicon-free computer, using 2D materials like MoS₂ and WSe₂. Published in Nature on June 11, 2025, the system performs logic operations with ultra-thin transistors. It operates below 3V and up to 25 kHz, showcasing minimal power use and leakage.

Banking:

The MSC Bank launched India’s first Cyber Security Operations Centre (C-SOC)—Sahakar Suraksha—for cooperative banks on 14 June 2025 in Navi Mumbai. With a ₹50 crore investment, it offers AI-driven, 24×7 threat monitoring to safeguard 31 District Central Cooperative Banks in Maharashtra. The centre also provides free cybersecurity services and staff training to enhance digital resilience.

MoUs:

The Pondicherry University (PU) and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) signed an MoU on June 14, 2025, in New Delhi. It aims to strengthen academic–policy collaboration and promote global development dialogue. The partnership enables student internships, joint research, and faculty engagement.

Science & Technology:

On June 14, 2025, China launched the ‘Zhangheng 1-02’ satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using a Long March-2D rocket. It’s designed to enhance natural disaster monitoring, including earthquakes and extreme weather events. The mission is a China–Italy collaboration, carrying 9 payloads like electromagnetic and particle detectors.

Sports:

India’s Team MGD1 won the FIDE World Rapid Team Championship 2025 (chess) on 14 June 2025 in London, securing the nation’s first title at the event. They topped the leaderboard with 21 match points, outpacing top teams like Hexamind and Team Freedom. Star players like Pranav V and Arjun Erigaisi delivered stunning performances across 12 rounds.
On June 15, 2025, Mondo Duplantis broke the pole vault world record for the 12th time. He cleared 6.28 meters at the Stockholm Diamond League in front of a home crowd. It was his first world record on Swedish soil, making the moment deeply personal. The achievement came in the sport of Athletics (Pole Vault), thrilling fans worldwide.

Defence:

On June 16, 2025, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) launched the 5th Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ‘Achal’ for the Indian Coast Guard in Goa. Built under a ₹473 crore contract, the 52-meter vessel can reach speeds of 27 knots and features over 60% indigenous content. ‘Achal’ is designed for coastal surveillance, protection of offshore assets, and island security, boosting India’s maritime readiness.

Important Days:

The International Day of Family Remittances 2025 was observed on 16 June with the theme “Remittances Financing Development”. It highlights the vital role of over 200 million migrant workers supporting 800 million families worldwide through remittances.
World Crocodile Day 2025 was observed on 17 June with the theme “Connecting Crocodiles and Communities”. It aims to raise awareness about the conservation of crocodilian species and their vital role in wetland ecosystems.
Autistic Pride Day is celebrated on 18 June to honor the identity and strengths of people on the autism spectrum. It promotes acceptance, inclusion, and neurodiversity, moving beyond awareness to pride.

Appointments:

Anuradha Thakur has been appointed to the SEBI Board from June 16, 2025. She becomes the first woman Economic Affairs Secretary starting July 1. She will also join the RBI Central Board as an ex-officio member. Thakur played key roles in Air India’s disinvestment and Bharat Bond ETF.

Awards & Honours:

Ram Bahadur Rai received the Padma Bhushan (India’s third-highest civilian award) on June 18, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). As he missed the Rashtrapati Bhavan ceremony, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) organized a special event. He is the President of IGNCA Trust and Chancellor of Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University, Gurugram.

Books:

“The Stars Light the Way” is a debut novel by Sucheta Raj Khanna, released on 14 June 2025 by Penguin Random House India. Set across Singapore and India, it follows Shazma, whose life takes a turn after a call to join Parliament.
A.K. Bhattacharya’s third book, Different Strokes (1998–2014), released on 19 June 2025, captures India’s economic evolution in the post-reform era. It examines key decisions under finance ministers like Yashwant Sinha, Jaswant Singh, Pranab Mukherjee, and P. Chidambaram.
Jacinda Ardern released her memoir A Different Kind of Power on June 3, 2025. The book reflects on her empathetic leadership during crises like COVID-19 and Christchurch attacks. It delves into her struggles with burnout, motherhood, and decision to resign in 2023.