Daily Current Affairs 22nd July 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

PM Modi Inaugurates World Heritage Committee’s 46th Session in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, emphasizing India’s commitment to global heritage preservation. PM Modi announced a $1 million contribution to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for heritage conservation, particularly in the Global South. He highlighted India’s efforts in conserving heritage sites in countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

International News

OVL Hikes Stake in Azerbaijani Oilfield with $60 Million Investment

ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), a subsidiary of ONGC, has acquired Norwegian firm Equinor’s stake in Azerbaijan’s offshore Azeri Chirag Gunashli (ACG) oil field and an associated oil pipeline for $60 million. This increases OVL’s stake in the oil field to 2.95% and in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline to 3.097%.

Appointments News

Shikhar Dhawan Becomes Brand Ambassador for MotoGP India

In a groundbreaking move that bridges the worlds of cricket and motorsports, Eurosport India has announced the appointment of renowned Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan as the brand ambassador for MotoGP™ in India. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the promotion of motorcycle racing in a country traditionally dominated by cricket fandom.

Manolo Marquez Appointed Head Coach Of Indian Men’s Football Team

Manolo Marquez was appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men’s football team by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on July 20. Marquez will take over as the full-time national team head coach after ISL 2024-25.

Sanjeev Krishan Re-Elected as PwC India Chairperson for Second Term

Sanjeev Krishan has been re-elected as the chairperson of PwC India for a second term, set to begin on April 1, 2025. This reappointment underscores his significant contributions to the firm’s growth and innovation. Krishan, who began his first term on January 1, 2021, will continue representing PwC externally and internally, and will maintain his role on the PwC Global Strategy Council.

Business News

Airbus and Tata to Debut India’s First H125 Helicopter by 2026

Airbus and Tata are joining forces to manufacture India’s first H125 helicopter, which is set to roll out by 2026. This partnership aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and reflects Airbus’s commitment to investing in the Indian aerospace market despite regulatory challenges.

Defence News

Captain Supreetha C.T. Breaking Barriers at Siachen Glacier

In a landmark moment for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Indian Armed Forces, Captain Supreetha C.T. has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman officer from the Corps of Army Air Defence to be operationally deployed at the Siachen Glacier. This achievement not only highlights her personal valor but also marks a significant step forward in the ongoing integration of women into frontline combat roles in the Indian Army.

Awards News

Indian Tennis Legends Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

In a momentous occasion for Indian and Asian tennis, former Indian tennis stars Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj have become the first Asian men to be inducted into the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame. This historic induction not only celebrates their individual achievements but also marks a significant milestone for tennis in the Asian continent.

Books and Authors News

Book on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Leadership Legacy

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was recently presented with a significant book titled “Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi”, authored by Dr. R Balasubramaniam. Dr. Balasubramaniam, a noted intellectual, former Rhodes Professor at Cornell University, and current Member HR at the Capacity Building Commission, has previously written acclaimed works such as Voices From The Grassroots and Leadership Lessons For Daily Living.

Sports News

Kush Maini Scores Maiden F2 Victory at Hungarian GP

Kush Maini achieved his first-ever Formula 2 win at the Hungarian Grand Prix after Richard Verschoor, the original sprint race winner, was disqualified due to a technical infringement. This victory marks Maini’s fifth podium of the season, placing him eighth in the championship standings, just three points behind Dennis Hauger.

Important Days

National Mango Day 2024: Celebrating the King of Fruits

National Mango Day is celebrated annually on July 22. In 2024, this falls on a Monday, providing a perfect start to the week with a fruity celebration. Every year, National Mango Day is observed to celebrate the fruit known for its exquisite taste and numerous health benefits. As we approach this special day, it’s important to understand its significance, history, and the various ways we can commemorate this beloved fruit.

Obituaries News

Padma Shri Awardee Kamala Pujari Passes Away at 74

Kamala Pujari, the renowned Padma Shri awardee and pioneering organic farmer, passed away at the age of 74 due to kidney-related ailments. She was being treated at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack but succumbed to her condition early on Saturday. Her death has prompted condolences from prominent leaders and the announcement of state honours by the Odisha government.

Miscellaneous News

Delhi’s Judicial System Enters the AI Era

In a significant leap towards modernizing the judicial system, Delhi Courts have embraced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology with the inauguration of their first ‘Pilot Hybrid Court’. This innovative courtroom, equipped with a groundbreaking ‘Speech to Text Facility’, marks a new era in judicial proceedings, promising enhanced efficiency and productivity.