Daily Current Affairs - 18th August 2025

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In today’s Daily Current Affairs – 18th August 2025, we cover important topics like E20 Ethanol-Petrol Rollout, Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), Stanford’s Brain-Computer Interface breakthrough, Indian Oil’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Operation Sadbhavana, Mount Elbrus expedition, and more.

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Arunachalee Mountaineer Scales Mount Elbrus – Europe's Highest Peak and One of the Seven Summits

1. An Arunachalee mountaineer has recently achieved the feat of scaling Mount Elbrus.

2. Mount Elbrus is located in the western Caucasus Mountains of southwestern Russia.

3. It holds the distinction of being the highest peak in both Russia and Europe.

4. The elevation of Mount Elbrus is 5,642 meters above sea level.

5. It is classified as a dormant volcano, meaning it is currently inactive but may erupt again in the future.

6. The mountain features twin summits, which means it has two prominent peaks.

7. Mount Elbrus is a part of the Caucasus Mountains, a mountain range that forms the natural border between Europe and Asia.

8. It is also listed among the Seven Summits, which are the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.

   • The term Seven Summits refers to a prestigious mountaineering challenge involving climbing the tallest mountain on every continent.

ARCs Ramp Up Retail Loan Portfolio Acquisitions in Q1 FY26

1. Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) significantly increased their acquisition of retail loan portfolios in the first quarter of FY26.

2. An ARC is a company that is incorporated under the Companies Act.

3. It is also registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002.

4. The primary objective of an ARC is to enable securitisation and asset reconstruction of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

   • Securitisation refers to the process of converting illiquid assets, like loans, into marketable securities.

   • Asset reconstruction involves the revival and recovery of distressed or defaulted assets.

5. ARCs aim to ensure the earliest resolution of bad loans and to restore liquidity in the financial system.

6. They achieve this by purchasing NPAs or bad assets from banks and financial institutions.

7. This helps banks to clean up their balance sheets and focus on core lending activities.

8. Notable examples of ARCs in India include the National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL).

9. Another key example is the India Debt Resolution Company Ltd (IDRCL), which supports the resolution process.

Indian Army Inaugurates ‘Arogyam Health & Wellness Centre’ in Tawang Under Operation Sadbhavana

1. The Indian Army recently inaugurated the ‘Arogyam Health & Wellness Centre’ in Tawang under Operation Sadbhavana.

2. Operation Sadbhavana was launched by the Indian Army in the year 1998.

3. It was initially implemented in the Jammu & Kashmir region.

4. The operation aims to provide a “healing touch” to communities impacted by terrorism and insurgency.

5. Its core objective is to Win Hearts and Minds (WHAM) of the local population through constructive engagement.

6. It marked an extension of the Army’s role beyond border defence and counter-insurgency operations.

7. The focus shifted toward development and community welfare initiatives in affected regions.

8. Key focus areas under Operation Sadbhavana include education and healthcare services.

9. It also emphasizes women empowerment and skill development for sustainable livelihoods.

10. Additional focus areas include sports, infrastructure development, and ecology & environment protection.

Indian Oil’s Panipat Refinery Certified by ICAO for Producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Used Cooking Oil

1. Indian Oil’s Panipat refinery recently received certification from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from used cooking oil.

2. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is also known as jet biofuel or aviation bio-kerosene.

3. SAF closely resembles conventional jet fuels, which are traditionally derived from crude oil.

4. However, unlike conventional fuels, SAF is produced from diverse and renewable biomass sources.

5. The feedstock for SAF production includes oilseed plants, energy grasses, municipal solid waste, and industrial carbon monoxide waste gas.

6. It also uses agricultural and forestry residues, along with fats, oils, and greases from cooking waste and meat production.

7. A major benefit of SAF is its compatibility with existing aircraft engines and infrastructure when blended with conventional jet fuel.

8. This means SAF can be used in existing aircraft without modifications.

9. SAF contributes to fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, helping reduce aviation’s environmental impact.

10. It also offers more flexibility in sourcing fuel compared to fossil-based jet fuels.

11. However, there are barriers to widespread SAF adoption, such as higher production costs than conventional fuels.

12. Other challenges include the availability and sustainability of feedstock needed for large-scale SAF production.

MIT Researchers Use Generative AI to Create Novel Antibiotics Targeting Drug-Resistant Bacteria

1. MIT researchers have used Generative AI to design completely novel antibiotics from scratch.

2. These newly designed antibiotics are effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes drug-resistant gonorrhea.

3. They are also effective against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), a dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

4. The methodology involved generating over 36 million hypothetical compounds using AI, which were then screened computationally.

5. This process allowed researchers to create and evaluate theoretical compounds never seen before in nature or labs.

6. The significance of this work lies in opening new avenues for drug discovery through AI technologies.

7. These AI-designed antibiotics have potential applications against other pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the cause of tuberculosis.

Scientists Reconstruct 12,000 Years of AMOC Stability, Warn Climate Change Could Trigger Dangerous Slowdown

1. Scientists have reconstructed 12,000 years of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a major system of ocean currents in the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Their findings show that while the AMOC experienced natural fluctuations, it remained largely stable during the Holocene Epoch (the last 12,000 years).

3. The AMOC is a system that circulates water by moving warm water north and cold water south within the Atlantic Ocean.

4. This circulation is driven by differences in water temperature and salinity (salt concentration in water).

5. Warm tropical water travels toward the poles, cools and becomes denser in the North Atlantic, then sinks and flows south before warming and resurfacing, continuing the cycle.

6. The significance of AMOC includes influencing weather patterns, such as the Indian monsoon and rainfall in the Sahel region of West Africa.

7. It also transports heat from the tropics to higher latitudes, which helps moderate Europe’s climate.

8. Additionally, the AMOC plays a key role in carbon uptake by moving dense, carbon-rich water from the ocean surface to the deep ocean.

9. However, future projections warn that human-caused climate change could cause an unprecedented weakening of the AMOC.

10. This potential weakening is linked to an increased influx of freshwater from the melting Greenland ice sheet and Arctic amplification (faster warming in the Arctic).

11. Freshwater decreases the density of North Atlantic waters, reducing their ability to sink and thus disrupting the circulation cycle.

12. A slowdown of the AMOC could reduce ocean carbon uptake, causing more atmospheric CO2 to accumulate and accelerating global warming.

13. It could also lead to extreme weather events, such as colder temperatures in Europe and shifts in South Africa’s rain belt, triggering droughts affecting millions.

14. Sea level rise, particularly along the U.S. East Coast, is another possible impact of an AMOC slowdown.

15. Furthermore, fewer nutrients transported by the circulation could harm marine ecosystems, affecting plankton, seabirds, fish, and whales.

Stanford Develops Password-Protected Brain-Computer Interface to Secure Thought-to-Text Communication

1. Stanford researchers have developed a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) that uses mental passwords to protect user privacy.

2. This innovation ensures that only authorized users can convert their thoughts into text or audio using the BCI.

What is a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)?

1. A BCI is a system that enables direct communication between the brain and an external device.

2. It translates neural signals (brain activity patterns) into commands without requiring muscle movement.

3. BCIs allow users to control applications using only their thoughts.

4. These interfaces acquire brain activity using either invasive implants (surgically inserted) or non-invasive wearables (like EEG headsets).

5. BCIs then process the neural signals, extract meaningful data, and send commands to a device.

6. Feedback from the device is essential for users to adapt and improve their control over time.

Key Applications of BCIs

1. In the medical field, BCIs help restore mobility and speech for patients with conditions like paralysis, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), or stroke.

2. BCIs are also used in mental wellness by providing real-time brain feedback to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

3. In gaming and industrial use, BCIs enable immersive experiences and aid in real-time decision-making systems.

4. They hold potential in cognitive enhancement by improving functions like memory, attention, and decision-making.

Key Concerns Related to BCIs

1. Cybersecurity risks include brain tapping, which refers to intercepting or eavesdropping on private thoughts or beliefs.

2. Another concern is misleading stimuli attacks, where malicious inputs could potentially influence a person’s thoughts or behavior (mind control).

3. Adversarial attacks target the AI models within BCIs, leading to manipulated or false interpretations of brain signals.

4. Privacy is at risk if sensitive neural data is accessed, stored, or shared without user consent.

5. Cognitive liberty, meaning the right to mental self-determination, can be threatened if BCIs are misused.

6. There are still unclear long-term health impacts of continuous BCI usage, especially with invasive types.

7. The field faces challenges due to lack of standardized regulations and the high cost of BCI technologies, limiting access to only a few.

Way Forward for Safe and Ethical BCI Use

1. There is a need for robust regulations, including BCI-specific data privacy laws and clear policies on informed consent.

2. Enhanced security frameworks must be developed, including access control systems specifically tailored for BCIs.

3. Establishing neurorights—which are rights to mental privacy, cognitive autonomy, and freedom of thought—is crucial to protect users from exploitation or manipulation.

States Plan to Curb Off-Budget Borrowings to Enhance Fiscal Discipline and Transparency

1. States are planning to ease off-budget borrowings as part of a push for stronger fiscal discipline.

   • Off-budget borrowing (OBB) is defined as government borrowing not explicitly included in the official budget presented to the public or approved by the legislature.

2. These borrowings are usually raised through government-controlled Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) or entities reliant on budgetary support.

3. Such support can come in the form of equity infusions, loans, grants, or subsidies for their operations.

4. The main purpose of OBBs is to keep borrowings off the fiscal deficit books, creating an impression of prudent financial management.

5. However, OBBs raise concerns because they reduce transparency and accountability in public finances.

6. They also conceal the true debt burden of the government, making it harder to assess fiscal health accurately.

Scientists Create Self-Powered E. coli Biosensor for Direct Electronic Use

1. Recently, scientists successfully engineered E. coli bacteria into a self-powered chemical biosensor.

2. This biosensor is capable of interfacing directly with electronic devices.

   • A biosensor is an analytical device that converts a biological signal into a detectable electrical signal.

3. A Whole-cell biosensor uses living microorganisms, such as genetically engineered bacteria, as sensing elements.

4. These microorganisms can repair themselves and function within contaminated or complex samples.

5. In contrast, traditional biosensors, often based on enzymes, tend to be fragile, costly, and may have a slow response time in real-world environments.

6. Whole-cell biosensors offer an advantage in terms of durability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability.

7. They have a wide range of applications including pollution detection in agriculture.

8. They are also used in environmental monitoring to identify toxic substances.

9. Additionally, they are valuable in biomedical diagnostics for detecting disease markers and pathogens.

E-Jagriti Platform Achieves Over 100% Disposal Rate in July 2025 Across 10 States and NCDRC

1. In July 2025, 10 States along with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) recorded a disposal rate of over 100 percent on the E-Jagriti platform.

2. The E-Jagriti platform was launched on 1st January 2025.

3. It was developed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution.

4. The main objective of E-Jagriti is the computerization and networking of all Consumer Commissions across national, state, and district levels.

5. This initiative ensures transparency, efficiency, and speedy resolution in handling consumer disputes.

6. The platform allows consumers to file complaints online, making the grievance process more accessible.

7. It also enables users to track the status of their cases in real time.

8. Additionally, consumers can access judgments and case records online, promoting openness and ease of access.

Must Read | India Achieves 100%+ Consumer Case Disposal in July 2025

India Accelerates E20 Ethanol-Petrol Rollout in 2025 Amid Vehicle Compatibility Concerns and Environmental Benefits

1. The government began the nationwide rollout of E20—petrol blended with 20% ethanol—in April 2025.

2. This rollout has caused concern among vehicle owners about potential impacts on older vehicles and possible increases in maintenance costs.

3. The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas clarified that E20 improves vehicle performance due to its higher octane rating (a measure of fuel’s resistance to knocking).

4. The ministry also assured that any perceived loss in fuel efficiency is often due to other factors, and confirmed vehicle and insurance compatibility with E20.

Key Concerns about Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) and Vehicle Compatibility:

1. Materials compatibility: Ethanol can degrade rubber, plastics, and metals in older or non-upgraded vehicles, leading to leaks and corrosion.

2. Fuel system issues: Ethanol absorbs water and can cause phase separation, which increases risks of clogging and fuel system failures.

3. Engine combustion and control: Older or simpler engines may have difficulty adjusting air-fuel mixtures with ethanol blends, causing drivability and emissions problems.

4. Emissions control: High ethanol blends may increase NOx (nitrogen oxides) and aldehyde emissions if engines and materials are not designed for them.

5. Legacy and regional fleet concerns: Many older vehicles and two-wheelers lack ethanol-compatible parts, making them less tolerant to higher ethanol blends.

About the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme:

1. The programme was launched in 2003 to promote the blending of ethanol in petrol.

2. It is managed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

3. The original target was to achieve 20% ethanol blending by 2030, but this was advanced to 2025-26.

India's Ethanol Blending Progress:

1. Ethanol blending in petrol increased from 1.53% in 2014 to 10% in 2022, achieving this target five months ahead of schedule.

2. India achieved the 20% ethanol blending target five years earlier than planned.

Economic and Environmental Impact of Ethanol Blending:

1. Ethanol blending has saved over ₹1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange by reducing crude oil imports.

2. It has also contributed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

3. The programme supports feedstock diversification by increasing maize-based ethanol production from 0% in 2021-22 to 42% currently.

Global Plastics Treaty Talks Stall in 2025 Amid Disagreements

1. The UN Environment Assembly adopted a resolution in 2022 to create a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty aimed at ending plastic pollution.

2. The treaty is mandated to address the entire lifecycle of plastics, from design through disposal.

3. The Geneva talks in August 2025 (INC-5.2) were intended as the final negotiation round to adopt this treaty.

4. However, the talks ended without a deal due to lack of consensus on key issues.

5. One major disagreement was whether the treaty should impose caps on new plastic production or focus on waste management, reuse, and improved design.

Need for a Global Plastic Treaty:

1. Global plastic production exceeds 460 million metric tons per year.

2. Only 9% of this plastic is recycled.

3. Approximately 20 million tons of plastic pollution enter the environment annually.

4. By 2060, plastic waste is projected to triple, worsening pollution issues.

5. The economic damage caused by plastic pollution is estimated at $281 trillion between 2016 and 2040.

Environmental and Health Impacts:

1. Plastics contribute about 4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

2. Plastic pollution is a major driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.

3. Microplastics—tiny plastic particles—are infiltrating oceans and entering food chains, posing health risks.

India’s Initiatives to Control Plastic Pollution:

1. The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 impose responsibilities on manufacturers for plastic waste disposal.

2. The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 focus on waste segregation, recycling, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which makes producers accountable for their plastic waste.

3. India implemented a ban on identified single-use plastic items in 2022 to reduce pollution.

4. The Mandatory Jute Packaging Act, 2010 promotes the use of jute packaging as a sustainable alternative to plastic.

Global Initiatives:

1. The UN Clean Seas Campaign promotes the right to a healthy environment, including efforts to reduce plastic pollution in oceans.

2. The Basel Convention includes measures to prevent and minimize plastic waste generation and reduce risks from hazardous components in plastic waste.

Must Read | No Deal Reached on World’s First Legally Binding Treaty on Plastic Pollution

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