Daily Current Affairs 21st May 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Gopi Thotakura Makes History as First Indian Space Tourist

In a groundbreaking moment for space tourism, Indian expatriate Gopi Thotakura joined the ranks of space explorers as the first Indian to embark on a journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The NS-25 mission, part of Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin program, saw Thotakura and five other crew members lift off aboard the New Shepard spacecraft from a private ranch in West Texas.

Student Enrollment Under SC Category Grows By 44%

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has reported significant increases in student enrollment under various categories from 2014-15 to 2021-22. According to data released on Saturday, enrollment of Scheduled Caste (SC) students rose by 44%, from 4.61 million to 6.62 million. SC female student enrollment increased by 51%. Additionally, Scheduled Tribe (ST) student enrollment grew by 65.2%, from 1.641 million to 2.71 million, with female ST enrollment surging by 80%. Minority female student enrollment also saw a notable rise of 42.3%, growing from 1.07 million to 1.52 million.

International News

Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s Acting President and His Journey

Mohammad Mokhber, born on June 26, 1955, in Dezful, Iran, is a prominent figure in Iranian politics. He holds two doctoral degrees, one in international law and another in management, along with a master’s degree in management.

Iran President’s Death: A Spark in Tinderbox – Geopolitical Impact Explained

Iran mourns its President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other officials who were killed in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran. This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions in West Asia, notably the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza and the broader geopolitical confrontations involving Iran, Israel, and the US.

Lai Ching-te Sworn in as New Taiwan President, Urges China to Halt Military Intimidation

Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan’s new President in a ceremony on Monday after winning the election earlier this year. He succeeds Tsai Ing-wen, who led Taiwan through eight years marked by economic and social progress despite the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s increasing military threats. Lai, a relative moderate, aims to maintain Taiwan’s policy of de facto independence while bolstering its defense capabilities against China.

Appointments News

Sanjiv Puri Elected CII President for 2024-25: A Leadership Transition

In a significant leadership transition, Sanjiv Puri, the Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Ltd., has been elected as the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the term 2024-25. Puri succeeds R Dinesh, Chairman of TVS Supply Chain Solutions, in this prestigious role. Alongside Puri, Rajiv Memani assumes the position of President-Designate, while R Mukundan takes on the role of Vice President for the same term.

Banking News

YES Bank Launches YES Grandeur: Elevating Banking for Elite Customers

In a strategic move to cater to the evolving needs of affluent and elite customers, YES Bank has introduced ‘YES Grandeur,’ a premium banking service designed to provide tailored financial and lifestyle solutions.

Bank of Maharashtra Leads PSU Banks in FY24 Business Growth

In FY24, Bank of Maharashtra emerged as a frontrunner among public sector banks, showcasing remarkable growth in total business and deposit mobilization. Despite facing industry-wide challenges, the Pune-based lender recorded a notable 15.94% rise in total business, surpassing even the State Bank of India (SBI). With a focus on low-cost CASA deposits, Bank of Maharashtra achieved a remarkable 52.73% growth, underscoring its strategic advantage in maintaining a healthy cost of funds.

Awards News

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Receives First Stamp Commemorating 200 Years of Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka

Indian spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received the first stamp released to commemorate the completion of 200 years of Indian Origin Tamils (IOT) in Sri Lanka. The stamp was presented by the Governor of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Senthil Thondaman. The event aimed to recognize and honor the IOT community, which has faced decades of neglect. Thondaman expressed gratitude to both the Indian and Sri Lankan governments for their support to the IOT community.

Sports News

Indian Para Athlete Deepthi Jeevanji Wins Gold and Sets New World Record

Indian para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji etched her name in history by winning the gold medal in the women’s T20 400m event at the World Para Athletics Championships 2024. Her stunning performance on Monday not only secured India’s first gold medal at the prestigious event but also set a new world record time of 55.07 seconds.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty Triumph at Thailand Open 2024

The world’s third-ranked Indian badminton pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty etched their names in glory by winning the coveted Thailand Open 2024 men’s doubles title. In a thrilling final clash on May 19, 2024, the dynamic duo defeated the Chinese pair of Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi with a scoreline of 21-15, 21-15, in a match that lasted 46 minutes.

Alexander Zverev and Iga Swiatek Reign Supreme at Italian Open 2024

German tennis star Alexander Zverev etched his name in history by winning the Italian Open singles title for the second time. The 25-year-old defeated the first-time Masters finalist, Nicolas Jarry of Chile, in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5, to claim his eighth overall Masters title.

Neeraj Chopra Shines at Federation Cup 2024 Athletics Meet

Indian athletic sensation Neeraj Chopra continued his dominance in the men’s javelin throw event, clinching the gold medal with a modest effort of 82.27m at the prestigious Federation Cup 2024 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The 26-year-old Olympic champion showcased his prowess in his first competitive outing in India since his historic triumph three years ago.

Important Days

International Tea Day 2024, Date, History and Objective

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, tea enthusiasts and advocates worldwide will come together to commemorate International Tea Day. This annual celebration honors the rich cultural heritage, economic significance, and environmental impact of the humble tea leaf. As we raise our cups in reverence, let us delve into the history, themes, and objectives that underpin this cherished occasion.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2024: Celebrating Unity in Diversity

On May 21st, the world celebrates the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. This important day, designated by UNESCO, aims to highlight the richness of global cultures and the vital role of intercultural dialogue in achieving peace and sustainable development.

Obituaries News

Banking Icon N Vaghul Passes Away at 88

The Indian banking industry mourns the loss of a legendary figure, N Vaghul, who passed away on Saturday in Chennai at the age of 88. Vaghul, a former chairman of ICICI Bank, left an indelible mark on the financial sector with his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.