Daily Current Affairs 31st July 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

3.5 lakh A.P. Farmers Benefited From PM Fasal Bima Yojana In 2022-23

As many as 3,49,633 farmers benefited to the tune of ₹563 crore for the financial year 2022-23 under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The number of farmers who had enrolled themselves under the scheme from Andhra Pradesh stood at 1.23 crore and 1.31 crore respectively for the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24, said Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur.

International News

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran

Hamas’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh has been assassinated in Iran’s capital, Tehran. Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed after the building where they were staying was struck, the statement said, adding that Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 30.

SEBI Launches AI Chatbot ‘SEVA’ for Investors

On July 29, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced ‘SEVA,’ an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist investors with a range of functions. This initiative aims to enhance investor experience and accessibility to crucial market information.

Appointments News

Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan to Head UPSC from August 1

Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan is set to assume the role of Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on August 1, 2024. This appointment is made under Article 316 A of the Constitution, as confirmed by a government official.

Mohsin Naqvi Set to Become President of the Asian Cricket Council

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is poised for a significant leadership change as Mohsin Naqvi, the current chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is expected to assume the role of ACC president later this year.

Sports News

Indian Badminton Star Ashwini Ponnappa Announces Retirement

Indian badminton veteran Ashwini Ponnappa bid an emotional farewell to her Olympic career on July 30, 2024, at the Paris Games. The announcement came after she and her partner Tanisha Crasto faced their third consecutive defeat in the women’s doubles competition.

Jia Rai: Youngest & Fastest Para-Swimmer to Cross the English Channel

16-year-old Jiya Rai from Mumbai has set a new world record as the youngest and fastest para-swimmer to cross the English Channel. Suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jiya completed her 34-kilometer swim from Abbot’s Cliff in England to Pointe de la Courte-Dune in France in 17 hours and 25 minutes on July 28-29, 2024.

Awards News

Tamil Epigrapher V. Vedachalam Honoured with Prestigious V Venkayya Epigraphy Award

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in the field of Indian epigraphy as V. Vedachalam, a renowned Tamil epigrapher and historian, receives the prestigious V Venkayya Epigraphy Award. This accolade not only recognizes Dr. Vedachalam’s extensive contributions to the field but also highlights the continuing importance of epigraphic studies in understanding India’s rich historical tapestry.