Daily Current Affairs 24th August 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

PM Modi Presents BHISHM Cubes to Ukraine

In a historic visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged extensive humanitarian support and handed over four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes to the Ukrainian government. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since its independence in 1991, emphasizing India’s stance for peace amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

International News

Key Takeaways From PM Modi’s Ukraine Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wrapped up his trip to Ukraine. Modi became the first Indian prime minister to make a state visit to Ukraine since the two countries established relations over three decades ago.

States News

Odisha CM Majhi Launches Subhadra Scheme

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has unveiled the Subhadra scheme, a significant initiative under the BJP government. The scheme promises ₹50,000 to one crore women aged 21 to 60 over the next five years, with a total budget allocation of ₹55,825 crore. The funds will be disbursed in annual installments of ₹10,000, divided into two payments of ₹5,000 each on Rakhi Purnima and International Women’s Day.

Appointments News

Nestlé Announces Laurent Freixe to Succeed Mark Schneider as CEO

Nestlé made public its decision to appoint Laurent Freixe as the new Chief Executive Officer, replacing the outgoing Mark Schneider. This announcement marks a new chapter in the company’s storied history and sets the stage for potential shifts in strategy and direction.

Banking News

Bandhan Bank Launches Avni Savings Account for Women

On August 22, 2024, Bandhan Bank, celebrating its Foundation Day, introduced Avni, a savings account tailored specifically for women. This launch is accompanied by the Bandhan Bank Delights loyalty program, designed to offer rewards, discounts, and exclusive benefits.

RBI Adds FASTag, NCMC Auto-Replenishment to E-Mandate Framework

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated its e-mandate framework to include the auto-replenishment of balances in FASTag and the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). Under the new rules, these auto-replenishment transactions, which occur when balances fall below a customer-defined threshold, will no longer require a pre-debit notification. This change aims to streamline recurring transactions that are irregular and lack fixed periodicity.

Business News

GAIL and Petron to Establish 500 KTA Bio-Ethylene Plant in India

On August 21, 2024, GAIL (India) Limited and US-based Petron Scientech Inc signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of a 500 Kilo Tonne per Annum (KTA) bio-ethylene plant in India. This initiative will involve a 50:50 joint venture, where both companies will conduct feasibility studies to evaluate the technical and financial viability of the project before seeking investment approval.

Schemes News

Postal Dept launches Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to Encourage Philately

The Department of Post under the Union Ministry of Communication has launched the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to promote research and scholarship in philately among students across India. Announced by the Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region, Ahmedabad, Krishna Kumar Yadav, during the closing ceremony of the ‘The Ideal and Great Stamps’ Paintings exhibition, the scheme aims to foster the hobby of stamp collection among children.

Ranks and Reports News

Mumbai Ranks 2nd, New Delhi 3rd In Global Property Price Index

Mumbai and Delhi are at the second and third positions, respectively, among 44 cities globally in annual price rise of prime residential properties during the June quarter, Knight Frank said in a report. The annual price growth across the 44 cities globally slowed to 2.6 per cent in the second quarter of the 2024 calendar year, from 4.1 per cent in the preceding quarter, real estate consultant Knight Frank report said.

Sports News

Shikhar Dhawan Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Indian cricket’s prolific white-ball opener, Shikhar Dhawan, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 38. While stepping away from representing India, Dhawan hinted at his intention to continue participating in league cricket, most notably the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Awards News

11th Puthiya Thalaimurai Tamilan Awards

The 11th edition of the Puthiya Thalaimurai Tamilan Awards recently honored outstanding individuals across various fields, recognizing both seasoned professionals and emerging talents. This prestigious event showcased the rich diversity of accomplishments in Tamil Nadu and beyond.

Books and Authors News

Soumya Swaminathan Releases Autobiography of Activist Kalpana Sankar

In a significant event celebrating women’s empowerment and social entrepreneurship, Dr. Kalpana Sankar’s autobiography, “The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women”, was unveiled at Cathedral Road. The book launch brought together notable figures from various fields, highlighting the impact of grassroots initiatives on women’s economic empowerment and community development.