In Current Affairs for 18 June 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 18 June 2026
Autistic Pride Day 2026
Autistic Pride Day is observed every year on 18 June to celebrate the identity, rights, and contributions of autistic individuals across the world. The day promotes the concept of neurodiversity, which recognizes neurological differences as natural variations of the human brain rather than disorders that need to be cured.
The observance encourages society to move beyond outdated stereotypes and create an environment of acceptance, respect, and inclusion. It highlights the importance of empowering autistic individuals and ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, and social life.
The theme for Autistic Pride Day 2026 is based on three key pillars:
- Recognition
- Representation
- Reform
These principles emphasize acknowledging autistic voices, increasing their participation in decision-making, and improving policies that support their rights and well-being.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought was observed globally on 17 June 2026. The occasion draws attention to the growing challenges of land degradation, water scarcity, and drought, which threaten ecosystems, livelihoods, and food security worldwide.
The theme for 2026 is “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.” The theme underlines the ecological and economic importance of rangelands and calls for their conservation and sustainable management.
In India, the observance was marked across more than 800 project areas under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0). The initiative is implemented by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development and focuses on improving water conservation and restoring degraded land.
Deepti Sharma Equals International Wicket Record
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma achieved a major milestone in women’s cricket by becoming the joint-highest wicket-taker in international women’s cricket.
The record was achieved during India’s Group A match against the Netherlands in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Headingley, Leeds. Deepti claimed her 355th international wicket by dismissing Dutch opener Phebe Molkenboer.
With this achievement, she joined two legendary bowlers at the top of the wicket-taking chart:
| Player | Country | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Deepti Sharma | India | 355 |
| Jhulan Goswami | India | 355 |
| Katherine Sciver-Brunt | England | 355 |
The accomplishment further strengthens Deepti Sharma’s reputation as one of the most successful all-rounders in women’s cricket.
India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
India and the United Kingdom are set to implement the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) on 15 June 2026.
The agreements are expected to significantly strengthen bilateral trade, boost investment flows, and create new opportunities for businesses and professionals in both countries.
The foundation for these agreements was established through the Enhanced Trade Partnership and the India–UK Roadmap 2030 launched in 2021.
CETA is a modern free trade agreement covering 30 chapters related to:
- Trade in goods and services
- Investments
- Digital trade
- Financial services
- Intellectual property rights
- Government procurement
- Innovation and sustainability
- Support for small and medium enterprises
A major achievement under the agreement is the UK’s commitment to provide duty-free access to nearly 99% of India’s tariff lines, covering almost the entire value of Indian exports.
The agreement also opens opportunities in major service sectors including:
- Information Technology (IT)
- IT-enabled Services (ITES)
- Financial Services
- Professional Services
- Healthcare
- Education
- Engineering
- Telecommunications
- Consulting Services
The Double Contribution Convention will provide financial relief to Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK by preventing double social security contributions.
US and Iran Reach Interim Understanding
The United States and Iran have announced a 14-point interim framework aimed at reducing tensions and restoring maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
Known as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the agreement seeks to establish a foundation for broader negotiations on sanctions, nuclear concerns, and regional security issues.
One of the most important outcomes is the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route through which a substantial portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
Key provisions include:
- Gradual lifting of maritime restrictions by the United States.
- Complete removal of the naval blockade within 30 days.
- Assurance by Iran for the safe movement of commercial ships.
- Joint efforts to restore normal shipping operations.
The agreement is considered a significant diplomatic breakthrough with potential impacts on global energy markets and regional stability.
₹22 Crore Support for Green Hydrogen Startups
The Government of India has approved financial assistance worth ₹22 crore for nine startups under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
The support forms the first phase of a dedicated ₹100 crore startup funding initiative designed to encourage innovation and commercialization in the green hydrogen sector.
The announcement was made by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi during a National Green Hydrogen Mission workshop organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Alongside the funding support, the government launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI), a digital platform aimed at improving transparency and regulatory compliance.
The portal is expected to:
- Improve transparency in green hydrogen production
- Increase investor confidence
- Support export opportunities
- Ensure sustainability compliance
- Strengthen the development of a reliable green hydrogen market
Launched in 2023, the National Green Hydrogen Mission has a financial outlay of approximately ₹19,744 crore and aims to establish India as a global leader in green hydrogen production and exports.
Sarvam AI Joins India’s Unicorn Club
Indian artificial intelligence startup Sarvam AI has achieved unicorn status following a major funding round that valued the company at approximately $1.5 billion.
The investment round was led by HCL Tech with a strategic contribution of around $150 million. Other participants included Bessemer Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures, and Peak XV Partners.
Founded in 2023 by AI entrepreneurs Vivek Raghavan and Pratyush Kumar, Sarvam AI has rapidly emerged as one of India’s leading AI companies.
The startup secured unicorn status after raising $234 million in the first close of its planned $300 million Series B funding round.
The company plans to expand its capabilities in several advanced technology areas, including:
- Agentic AI systems
- Coding assistants
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Enterprise AI applications
- Advanced computing infrastructure
The development reflects India’s growing ambitions to become a major global hub for artificial intelligence innovation and technology development.
Review Questions
- Autistic Pride Day is observed every year on which date?
(a) 16 June
(b) 17 June
(c) 18 June
(d) 19 June
Ans: (c) 18 June
- Which of the following is NOT one of the three pillars of Autistic Pride Day 2026?
(a) Recognition
(b) Representation
(c) Reform
(d) Rehabilitation
Ans: (d) Rehabilitation
- The theme of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026 is:
(a) Land for Life
(b) Restore the Earth
(c) Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.
(d) Save Water, Save Future
Ans: (c) Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.
- Which ministry implements the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY 2.0?
(a) Ministry of Agriculture
(b) Ministry of Rural Development
(c) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(d) Ministry of Jal Shakti
Ans: (b) Ministry of Rural Development
- Deepti Sharma became the joint-highest wicket-taker in international women’s cricket with how many wickets?
(a) 350
(b) 352
(c) 355
(d) 360
Ans: (c) 355
- The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is expected to provide zero-duty access on approximately what percentage of India’s tariff lines?
(a) 85%
(b) 90%
(c) 95%
(d) 99%
Ans: (d) 99%
- The agreement on Social Security Contributions between India and the UK is also known as:
(a) Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
(b) Double Contribution Convention
(c) Social Welfare Convention
(d) Bilateral Labour Agreement
Ans: (b) Double Contribution Convention
- The interim agreement between the United States and Iran is known as the:
(a) Tehran Peace Accord
(b) Gulf Security Pact
(c) Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding
(d) Hormuz Cooperation Treaty
Ans: (c) Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding
- Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Government of India approved financial assistance of ₹22 crore for:
(a) 5 startups
(b) 7 startups
(c) 9 startups
(d) 12 startups
Ans: (c) 9 startups
- Sarvam AI achieved unicorn status after attaining a valuation of approximately:
(a) $500 million
(b) $1 billion
(c) $1.2 billion
(d) $1.5 billion
Ans: (d) $1.5 billion
