Daily Current Affairs 26th August 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India Launches World’s First Mobile Hybrid Rocket: RHUMI-1

India’s space efforts received a significant boost with the successful launch of RHUMI-1, the world’s first mobile hybrid rocket. This achievement also marks a milestone as the first reusable hybrid rocket in India. Developed by Chennai-based startup Space Zone India in collaboration with Martin Group, RHUMI-1 represents a leap forward in rocket technology, promising to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs in space exploration.

India Celebrates National Space Day with Launch of ‘Sapno ki Udaan’ E-Magazine

On India’s inaugural National Space Day, the nation witnessed a significant educational milestone with the release of ‘Sapno ki Udaan’, an innovative e-magazine. This launch, spearheaded by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, marks a fusion of science, creativity, and education, aimed at inspiring the next generation of Indian students.

Dharmendra Pradhan Unveils First Edition of E-Magazine ‘Sapno ki Udaan’

On India’s National Space Day, marking the 1st anniversary of Chandrayaan-3’s landing on the lunar South Pole, the Department of School Education & Literacy, in collaboration with NCERT, launched the e-magazine ‘Sapno ki Udaan.’ Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, released the inaugural edition virtually, with Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Education, also attending.

PM Modi Distributes Certificates to 11 Lakh New ‘Lakhpati Didis’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed certificates to 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis in a function organised at Jalgaon in Maharashtra. The Prime Minister also felicitated Lakhpati Didis and discussed with them about their businesses. These Lakhpati didis whose number is more than one crore in the country, are earning more than one lakh rupees per year. 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis, recently became Lakhpati during the third term of the NDA Government.

International News

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Unveils New ‘Suicide Drones’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently unveiled a new type of “suicide drone,” with state media reporting that he personally oversaw a performance test of the weaponry. These drones, designed to carry explosives and crash into enemy targets like guided missiles, were showcased during a test conducted on August 24, 2024. The test was successful, with all drones accurately identifying and destroying their designated targets after flying along preset routes. Experts suggest that the technology behind these drones may have Russian origins.

States News

Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Revised NPS For Govt Employees On Lines Of Centre’s UPS

The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has approved the implementation of a revised National Pension Scheme (NPS) for state government employees on the lines of the Centre’s Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).

Summits and Conferences News

2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable To Held In Singapore Today

The 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR), aimed at further strengthening trade and economic ties between the two countries, will be held in Singapore on August 26. For India, Singapore has been a major source of FDI (foreign direct investment).

Appointments News

Chirag Paswan Re-Elected As President Of LJP For 5 years

Union Minister Chirag Paswan was on August 25 re-elected as the national president of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) for the next five years. The decision was taken unanimously during the LJP(RV) national executive meeting held in Ranchi.

Arun Agarwal Named Chairman of Texas Economic Development Corporation

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Arun Agarwal, a Dallas-based Indian-American entrepreneur, as the Chairman of the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) Board of Directors. This role involves marketing Texas as a premier business destination both domestically and globally. Agarwal’s appointment highlights Texas’s commitment to diversity and the increasing influence of Indian-American leaders in significant economic positions.

Schemes News

Cabinet Approves ‘Vigyan Dhara’ Scheme by Department of Science and Technology

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of three umbrella schemes merged into a unified central sector scheme called ‘Vigyan Dhara’ under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The scheme is designed to enhance efficiency in fund utilization and ensure better synchronization among the sub-schemes and programs. With an outlay of ₹10,579.84 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26), ‘Vigyan Dhara’ aims to bolster the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem in India.

23 Lakh Government Employees Will Benefit From UPS

In a big announcement ahead of assembly elections in one state and a Union Territory this year, the government has launched the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) amid protests by several non-BJP-ruled states over the New Pension Scheme (NPS).

Summits and Conferences News

Jitendra Singh Chaired Bilateral Meeting On US-India Civil Nuclear Commerce

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has chaired a bilateral meeting on US-India Civil Nuclear Commerce in New Delhi. The Ministry of Science and Technology said that the meeting highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two nations in critical areas including science, technology, and clean energy.

Sports News

Lando Norris Wins Dutch Grand Prix 2024

The Dutch Grand Prix witnessed a spectacular display of skill and determination as Lando Norris secured his second career win, outpacing championship leader Max Verstappen in a thrilling race. The McLaren driver’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, finishing over 20 seconds ahead of his closest competitor.

Science and Technology News

India Welcomes First Civilian Space Tourist Gopichand Thotakura

Gopichand Thotakura, India’s first civilian space tourist, received a warm welcome in Delhi upon his return on August 26, 2024. Thotakura made history by joining Blue Origin’s New Shepard-25 (NS-25) mission, founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, becoming the second Indian citizen to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. His trip lasted about ten minutes, reaching a maximum altitude of 105 km.

Obituaries News

Veteran Congress Leader Vasantrao Chavan Passes Away at 70

Veteran Congress leader and recently elected Nanded MP, Vasantrao Chavan, passed away at 4 a.m. on August 26, 2024, at KIMS Hospital in Hyderabad. Chavan, who was 70 years old, had been battling a prolonged illness and had been undergoing treatment for renal issues. His condition deteriorated suddenly, leading to his demise.

Miscellaneous News

Ladakh Gets Five New District

The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to create five new districts in the union territory of Ladakh, said home minister Amit Shah on August 26. “In pursuit of Narendra Modi’s vision to build a developed and prosperous Ladakh, the MHA has decided to create five new districts in the union territory.

Mother Teresa’s 114th Birth Anniversary, Observed on August 26

August 26, 2024 marks the 114th birth anniversary of Mother Teresa, a divine figure whose legacy of love and compassion continues to inspire the world. Born on 26 August 1910 in Albania, she became one of the most revered figures of the 20th century, recognized globally for her selfless service to humanity. Mother Teresa was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize, and India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, among many others.