India's No.1 PU & Degree With Integrated IAS & IPS(UPSC/PSC) Training College.
Daily Current Affairs Digest | 18th June 2026
Daily Current Affairs Digest | 18th June 2026
US-Iran Sign 14-Point MoU to End Hostilities
US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement is expected to restore stability in one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
The MoU also begins a 60-day negotiation period on key issues, including sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear programme. The development is being closely watched because of its possible impact on global oil supply, West Asia geopolitics, and international security.
India-UK CETA and DCC to Take Effect from 15 July
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and Double Contributions Convention (DCC) will come into effect on 15 July 2026. Under the agreement, India will receive duty-free access on 99% of tariff lines, creating new opportunities for Indian exporters.
The DCC will also benefit Indian professionals working in the UK by extending social-security contribution exemption to five years. This is expected to support skilled workers, companies, and deeper economic cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.
PM Modi Attends VivaTech 2026 in Paris
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris to attend VivaTech 2026, Europe’s largest technology and startup event. During the visit, he is expected to highlight India’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem and strengthen India-France cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, startups, and digital transformation.
India’s participation at VivaTech reflects the country’s growing role as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Observed
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was observed on 17 June 2026 across 813 project areas under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 in India.
The observance highlighted the importance of land restoration, watershed management, sustainable agriculture, and drought resilience. For India, such initiatives are crucial in addressing soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate-related agricultural challenges.
Madhya Pradesh to Introduce UCC Bill
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the Uniform Civil Code Bill will be introduced in the State Assembly during the Monsoon Session, scheduled from 20 July to 24 July 2026.
The proposed bill is expected to generate significant discussion on personal laws, equality before law, constitutional provisions, and social reform. It will remain an important topic for polity and governance-related current affairs.
New Forester Moth Discovered in Karnataka
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India, Pune, announced the discovery of a new forester moth species from Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve on 17 June 2026. The species has been named Mimeusemia kali Kalawate & László, 2026.
This is the first addition to the genus Mimeusemia in nearly 30 years. The discovery highlights the ecological richness of the Western Ghats and the importance of biodiversity research and conservation.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Updates
In the FIFA World Cup 2026, England defeated Croatia 4-2 in an exciting contest. Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo, while Austria defeated Jordan. Argentina also began strongly with a 3-0 victory over Algeria.
These results have added early momentum and excitement to the tournament, with major teams already facing pressure to perform in the group stage.
Bengaluru Ranks Second in Asia’s AI-Native Startup Clusters
Bengaluru-Karnataka ranked second among Asia’s AI-native startup clusters, after Beijing, in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026. The report also placed Bengaluru among the top global startup ecosystems, with an ecosystem value of $153 billion.
This recognition reinforces Bengaluru’s position as India’s innovation capital and a major global centre for artificial intelligence, startups, research, venture capital, and technology-driven entrepreneurship.
