Daily Current Affairs 18th July 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India’s External Affairs Minister Strengthens Ties with Mauritius

In a significant move to bolster India’s international relations, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar embarked on a two-day visit to Mauritius on July 16 and 17, 2024. This visit marked a crucial step in reinforcing the strong bonds between India and Mauritius, two nations with deep historical and cultural ties.

India Prepares to Sign Headquarters Agreement with Global Biofuels Alliance

The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), launched in September 2023 by key G20 members including India, the United States, and Brazil, is poised to take a significant step forward in its institutional development. The Indian government is preparing to sign a headquarters agreement with the alliance, marking a crucial milestone in the organization’s evolution and India’s role in global sustainable energy initiatives.

India Completes 4th ICCPR Human Rights Review

India has successfully completed its 4th periodic review by the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva, showcasing its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights.

Thane to Borivali: India’s Longest and Largest Urban Tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s longest and largest urban tunnel project, the Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel, developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). This Rs. 16,600 crore project will reduce travel time between Thane and Borivali from over an hour to just 12 minutes, cutting the travel distance by 12 km. This initiative is part of broader infrastructure projects worth Rs. 29,000 crore aimed at enhancing connectivity in Mumbai.

International News

Elon Musk Says X, SpaceX Headquarters Will Relocate To Texas From California

Elon Musk said on July 16, said that he would move the headquarters of two of his businesses, the social media platform X and the rocket manufacturer SpaceX, to Texas, escalating an increasingly contentious fight with California.

State News

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Announces Ladla Bhai Yojana After Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the ‘Ladla Bhai Yojana’ for boys in the state after announcing the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ for girls. The latter aims to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 to eligible women. Speaking in Maharashtra’s Pandharpur on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, Shinde reportedly said the state government does not differentiate between boys and girls and that the ‘Ladla Bhai Yojana’ scheme will solve the unemployment issue.

Sri Lanka Celebrates Annual Kataragama Esala Festival

The annual Kataragama Esala festival is being celebrated in Sri Lanka. Devotees who started their Pada Yatra in May have reached Kataragama completing a journey of over 500 kilometres across difficult terrain on foot from as far afield as Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula.

Appointments News

HSBC Appoints Insider Georges Elhedery As CEO

HSBC Holdings Plc has appointed its Chief Financial Officer Georges Elhedery as its next CEO, the bank said on July 17, opting for continuity as it tries to kickstart growth.

Business News

ADB Approves $240.5 Mn Loan For Rooftop Solar Systems In India

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of USD 240.5 million to finance rooftop solar systems in India, aiding the government’s efforts to expand energy access through renewable energy. The ADB announced on July 17, that this financing will support tranches 2 and 3 of the Multitranche Financing Facility (MFF) Solar Rooftop Investment Program, initially approved by ADB in 2016. In 2023, the program was restructured to focus specifically on deploying residential solar rooftop systems.

LIC Enters Into Tie-Up With IDFC First Bank Under Corporate Agency Arrangement

Continuing with its endeavor to increase the contribution of bancassurance and its pursuit to provide life insurance coverage to all by 2047. Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India has tied-up with one of the best technologically advanced and promising banks in the country, IDFC First Bank Ltd, under Corporate Agency Arrangement.

Ranks and Reports News

Kantar: Google, Tata Motors Top ‘Most Inclusive’ Brands in India

A recent study by Kantar reveals that Google, Tata Motors, Amazon, Jio, and Apple are ranked as the ‘most inclusive’ brands in India. The Kantar Brand Inclusion Index 2024 highlights significant issues of discrimination and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for Indian consumers.

Science and Technology News

Missy Elliott’s “The Rain” Sent to Venus by NASA

In a groundbreaking achievement, NASA has transmitted Missy Elliott’s 1997 hit song “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” to Venus, marking the first time a hip-hop song has been beamed into deep space. The transmission was made possible through NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), from their Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Traveling at the speed of light, the song covered the vast distance of 158 million miles to Venus, taking approximately 14 minutes to reach its destination.

Schemes News

Maharashtra Government Launches Scheme To Boost Youth Employability

In a bid to tackle unemployment among the youth, the Government of Maharashtra has unveiled the Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana (Chief Minister Youth Work Training Scheme). It aims to provide valuable internship opportunities, equipping young individuals with essential skills and enhancing their employability in a competitive job market.

Defence News

INS Delhi Wins Best Ship of Eastern Fleet 2024

On July 14, 2024, Visakhapatnam hosted the prestigious Fleet Awards Function to honor the Eastern Fleet’s exceptional operational achievements over the past year. INS Delhi was recognized as the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet for its outstanding performance and operational prowess.

Awards News

Andhra Pradesh’s Wins Gulbenkian Prize for Natural Farming Model

In a significant recognition of innovative agricultural practices, the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. This accolade not only highlights India’s progress in sustainable farming but also places Andhra Pradesh on the global map for its pioneering efforts in eco-friendly agriculture.

Books and Authors News

A Book “Power Within”: A Landmark Book on Leadership Authored by Dr. R Balasubramaniam

In a significant event that bridges the worlds of politics and literature, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with renowned author and development activist Dr. R Balasubramaniam. The occasion was marked by a special gesture from the Prime Minister, who signed a copy of Dr. Balasubramaniam’s latest work, “Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi.”

Science and Technology News

Chandipura Virus Infection Confirmed in Gujarat

The first confirmed death due to Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat was reported as a four-year-old child from Mota Kanthariya in Aravalli. The confirmation came from Pune’s National Institute of Virology. The virus, initially reported in north Gujarat, has spread to new areas, raising concerns about a potential outbreak with 14 deaths in two weeks and 26 suspected cases under investigation.

Important Days

Nelson Mandela International Day 2024: Date, Theme, Significance & History

Every year on July 18th, the world unites to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, honouring the life and enduring legacy of one of history’s most inspiring figures. This day serves not only as a commemoration but as a global call to action, encouraging individuals and communities worldwide to embody Mandela’s spirit of service and dedication to social justice.