Daily current affairs:October 18, 2025

Long Description : During a three-day visit, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met PM Modi to discuss cooperation in education, women’s empowerment, and innovation. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening historic India–Sri Lanka ties. Amarasuriya also visited IIT Delhi, focusing on academic collaboration. Discussions touched upon sensitive issues like Katchatheevu Island and the 13th Amendment. These dialogues aim to ensure mutual progress and address regional concerns related to Tamil rights and maritime boundaries.

Long Description : The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the increasing ‘digital arrest’ scams, where conmen impersonate law officials to extort money via online threats. The case emerged from a ₹58 crore cyber fraud in Mumbai. The Centre and CBI have been directed to respond on measures to tackle these online crimes. Such frauds highlight security loopholes and growing digital vulnerability. The government has been urged to strengthen the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and implement awareness programs. This marks a significant step toward framing a national cyber fraud response mechanism.

Long Description : The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has withdrawn permission for drinks to use “ORS” (Oral Rehydration Salts) in their branding, highlighting health risks from misleading labeling. The decision follows reports of children being harmed by sugary “ORS-like” products. ORS is a vital medical solution used for dehydration management, and misuse of the term confuses consumers. FSSAI clarified only certified medical formulations can bear the name. This move strengthens India’s food regulation framework under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, ensuring stricter enforcement against deceptive health-related branding.

Long Description : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third production line for the LCA Tejas Mk-1A and the second line for HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft at HAL’s Nashik facility. The event featured the first public sortie of Tejas Mk-1A, lauded as a major stride toward defence self-reliance. HAL can now deliver up to 24 aircraft annually. Singh emphasized reducing imports and strengthening local defence ecosystems aligned with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision. The indigenously built Tejas jet, part of India’s 4.5-generation fighter fleet, symbolizes advancing domestic aerospace capability.

Long Description : The Supreme Court formed a committee led by former Delhi HC judge Justice Asha Menon to draft inclusive policies for transgender persons in workplaces and healthcare. The move follows a case of workplace discrimination against a trans teacher from Uttar Pradesh. The bench ordered interim adherence to court-drafted guidelines until government action. This initiative builds upon the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and aims to ensure compassion-driven reforms in employment, education, and medical settings. It marks progress toward institutional inclusion and equality for marginalized gender groups.

Long Description : The World Meteorological Organization revealed that atmospheric CO2 reached 423.9 ppm in 2024, marking a historic increase of 3.5 ppm over 2023. The rise underscores inadequate global progress under the Paris Agreement. The report attributes the surge to both anthropogenic emissions and weakening natural carbon sinks. India, as part of its 2025 Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity Rules, aims to cut emissions intensity by 45% by 2030. 2024 also became Earth’s warmest year, breaching the 1.5°C threshold. These developments intensify pressure on global climate governance and adaptation strategies.

Long Description : The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued India’s first legal Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Targets covering sectors like aluminium, cement, and pulp & paper. The new framework mandates performance-linked limits to reduce CO2 per unit GDP, supporting the country’s Paris Agreement pledges. Officials project a cumulative 45% emission intensity reduction by 2030. The reforms combine domestic environmental accountability and economic competitiveness to boost sustainable industrial practices in alignment with India’s climate mission.

Long Description : In a bilateral defence technology dialogue, India and the US reviewed mechanisms to boost industrial co-development under iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies). Discussions emphasized semiconductor supply diversification, AI innovation, and joint defence production. The move aims to balance trade and enhance military resilience amidst evolving global supply chains. It reflects a shared strategic focus on Indo-Pacific stability, backed by upcoming joint exercises and investment frameworks supporting technology transfer and industrial research partnerships.