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

National News

Government Raises Retirement & Death Gratuity Limits to Rs 25 Lakh

The Indian government has raised the maximum limit of retirement gratuity and death gratuity from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, effective from January 1, 2024. This revision, issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, aims to enhance benefits for Central government employees.

States News

Goa Statehood Day 2024, Celebrating the Birth of a State

Goa Statehood Day is celebrated annually on May 30 to commemorate the day when Goa attained statehood in 1987. This occasion marks the recognition of Goa as a separate state within the Indian union, distinct from the Union Territory it was previously part of.

International News

Russia to Remove Taliban From Terrorist List

Russia is set to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations, three years after the group regained power in Afghanistan. This move, reported by state-run RIA Novosti news agency, comes after years of Russia fostering relations with the Taliban, including holding multiple rounds of talks and boosting trade despite international sanctions.

Sweden Boosts Ukraine’s Defenses with Advanced Radar Planes

In a significant move to fortify Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russia, Sweden has announced the donation of two Saab Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASC) 890 aircraft. These radar surveillance planes will play a crucial role in enhancing Ukraine’s long-range target identification capabilities and supporting the integration of F-16 fighter jets provided by other Western nations.

Appoinments News

Shah Rukh Khan Appointed as New Brand Ambassador of Muthoot Pappachan Group

The Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG), popularly known as Muthoot Blue, has announced the appointment of Shah Rukh Khan as its new brand ambassador. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for MPG, aimed at reinforcing its brand presence and establishing a new connection with a diverse audience across the country.

IRDAI Approves Sandeep Batra as ICICI Prudential Board Chairman

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has granted approval for the appointment of Sandeep Batra as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company. The company announced this development on Thursday.

Appointment of Rakesh Ranjan as Chairman, Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

Rakesh Ranjan, a 1992 batch IAS officer from Manipur Cadre, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). This appointment comes following a notification issued by the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet.

Emmanuelle Soubeyran Elected as New Director General of WOAH

France applauds the election of Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran as Director General of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) for the 2024-2029 term. She was elected to this position on May 28 at the World Assembly of Delegates, which was held in Paris, and extends her thanks to all the member countries and territories for their show of confidence.

Agreements News

TCS & IIT-Bombay Partner to Develop India’s 1st Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has entered a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-Bombay), to develop India’s first Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager. This advanced sensing tool aims to revolutionize the examination of semiconductor chips, reducing failures and enhancing the energy efficiency of electronic devices.

Defence News

Agnikul Cosmos’ Agnibaan – World’s First 3D Printed Space Rocket Engine

Chennai-based startup Agnikul Cosmos has achieved a remarkable feat by successfully launching the world’s first space rocket with a single-piece three-dimensional (3D) printed engine. After four failed attempts, Agnikul triumphed on its fifth try, launching its own rocket, named Agnibaan, into space. This launch marks India’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket, which was completely designed and manufactured indigenously.

IAF Contingent Joins ‘Red Flag 24’ Exercise in Alaska

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has joined a 16-day multi-nation mega military exercise in Alaska, United States, designed to provide realistic training to participating forces in a simulated combat environment. The exercise, known as ‘Red Flag 24’, commenced on May 30 and will continue until June 14.

Business News

Reliance and Tata Groups Recognized among TIME’s World’s Most Influential Companies

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Tata Group, two of India’s prominent business conglomerates, have been named among the World’s 100 ‘Most Influential Companies’ by the renowned TIME magazine. This recognition highlights their significant impact and influence on a global scale.

Banking News

Banks’ Credit Growth Outlook for FY25: CRISIL Analysis

In its latest report, CRISIL Ratings predicts a slowdown in bank credit growth for fiscal year 2025 to 14%, marking a decline of 200 basis points from the estimated 16% growth in FY24. This moderation is attributed to various factors including a high base effect, revision in risk weights, and a slightly slower pace of GDP growth.

Important Days

World No-Tobacco Day 2024, Know Date, Theme History and Significance

Every year, World No Tobacco Day is observed on 31st May to create awareness about the potential health risks associated with tobacco consumption and advocate for effective policies to reduce its use. This day serves as a reminder of several life-threatening diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory illnesses caused by smoking. Tobacco use is a major public health concern, causing millions of preventable deaths worldwide and imposing a massive burden on healthcare systems.

Hindi Journalism Day 2024, Celebrating the Voice of Vernacular Media

Hindi Journalism Day is celebrated annually on May 30. This year, the occasion falls on Thursday, May 30, 2024. The roots of Hindi journalism can be traced back to the publication of Udant Martand, the first Hindi newspaper to be published in India. During the British rule, Udant Martand was published in Calcutta on May 30, 1826, marking the beginning of Hindi journalism in the country.