Daily Current Affairs 23rd July 2024, Important News Headlines(Daily GK Update)

National News

AIM, WIPO Join Hands To Boost Innovation In Global South

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at NITI Aayog and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) on July 22, joined hands towards building joint innovation programmes in the Global South. Union Minister for Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan said that innovation is India’s strength.

Assam’s Charaideo Maidam Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site

Charaideo Maidam has been nominated to become North East India’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the cultural category. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this nomination at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held from July 21-31 in New Delhi. If accepted, Charaideo Maidam will be India’s 43rd World Heritage Site, joining Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, which are listed under the natural category.

PM Modi Announces $1 Million Grant to UNESCO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s contribution of one million dollars to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre to support heritage conservation globally, particularly in the Global South. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Shiksha Saptah 2024: Celebrating 4 Years of NEP 2020

The Department of School Education and Literacy is observing Shiksha Saptah from July 22 to July 28, 2024, to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This week-long event focuses on promoting collaboration and highlighting the educational reforms introduced by NEP 2020.

International News

China Unveils World’s First Carbon Fiber High-Speed Train

China has built the world’s first passenger train made from carbon fibre, a material that makes it much lighter and more energy-efficient than conventional trains. The metro train – known as Cetrovo 1.0 or the Carbon Star Rapid Transit – was unveiled in Qingdao, in the eastern province of Shandong, on July 17.

Banking News

SIDBI To Build $1B Fund For Green Financing With $215 M

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which received approval of funding of $ 215.6 m from the Green Climate Fund, will create a corpus of $1 billion for ‘financing mitigation and adaptation projects’ (FMAP) of Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs). The board of the Green Climate Fund, which is an entity set up by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), approved a $200 million loan and $15.6 million grant for capacity building to SIDBI.

Economy News

Union Budget 2024-25

The Budget 2024-25 outlines a total expenditure of ₹48.21 lakh crore and receipts (excluding borrowings) of ₹32.07 lakh crore, with net tax receipts estimated at ₹25.83 lakh crore. The fiscal deficit is projected at 4.9% of GDP. Key initiatives under the “Viksit Bharat” theme include developing twelve industrial parks, providing internships for 1 crore youth in top companies, promoting rental housing with dormitory-type accommodations for industrial workers, and setting up Bharat Small Reactors for energy security. These efforts aim to boost economic opportunities, support youth employment, enhance housing, and secure clean energy sources.

Awards News

Abhinav Bindra Awarded Prestigious Olympic Order by IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has honored Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, with the prestigious Olympic Order. This recognition will be formally presented during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on August 10, 2024, a day before the closing of the Paris Olympics. The Olympic Order, the IOC’s highest award, acknowledges distinguished contributions to the Olympic Movement.

Ranks and Reports

Uttarakhand Becomes The Top Performer In NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index 2023-24

Uttarakhand and Kerala have been named the top-performing states in NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index 2023-24, which measures the progress of states and union territories on social, economic, and environmental factors. Bihar was ranked as the worst performer. The NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index 2023-24 shows that India’s overall Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) score rose to 71 in 2023-24, up from 66 in 2020-21. This improvement is due to significant progress in areas such as poverty elimination, decent work, economic growth, climate action, and life on land.

Sports News

PR Sreejesh Announces Retirement After Paris Olympics 2024

Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, a pivotal figure in the sport, has announced that he will retire from international hockey following the Paris Olympics 2024. This decision marks the end of an illustrious career, characterized by significant achievements and a lasting impact on the team.

IOC Announces Olympic Esports Games To Be Hosted In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on July 12, announced that it has partnered with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games 2025 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This groundbreaking step follows the IOC’s recent announcement that the IOC Executive Board (EB) has established Olympic Esports Games. The proposal will be made to the IOC Session, which will be held on the eve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Harmanpreet Kaur Surpasses Smriti Mandhana To Become India’s Highest T20I Run-Getter

Harmanpreet Kaur has now become the top run-scorer in women’s T20I cricket for India, overtaking Smriti Mandhana. This milestone was achieved during India’s Women’s Asia Cup T20 match against the UAE in Dambulla on  July 21. The UAE won the toss and chose to bowl first, Smrit Mandhana getting out on 13 runs.

Important Days

National Broadcasting Day in India Observed Annually on July 23

National Broadcasting Day in India, observed annually on July 23, commemorates the evolution of the country’s broadcasting landscape since its inception in 1927. This day highlights the pivotal role broadcasting has played in India’s development, educational outreach, and cultural preservation. As India observes another National Broadcasting Day, it envisions a future where broadcasting continues to adapt and serve as a crucial instrument for national unity, education, and citizen empowerment.

India’s National Flag Day 2024: Honouring the Tiranga

India’s National Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian national flag on July 22, 1947, by the Constituent Assembly, just days before the country attained Independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. This day holds great significance as it honors the symbol of India’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty, according to the government website Know India.

Books and Authors News

A Book Title Jamsetji Tata: Powerful Learnings For Corporate Success

Interwoven with engaging real-life stories and interesting anecdotes that went into the making of India’s popular brands such as Tata Tea, Tata Motors, Titan and Tanishq. This unique account brings alive the vision of Jamsetji Tata and what we can learn from it.