Daily Current Affairs 22nd July 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

PM Modi Inaugurates World Heritage Committee’s 46th Session in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. He emphasized India’s dedication to preserving global heritage and announced a $1 million donation to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre for conservation efforts, especially in the Global South. PM Modi also highlighted India’s work in conserving heritage sites in countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

International News

OVL Hikes Stake in Azerbaijani Oilfield with $60 Million Investment

ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), a subsidiary of ONGC, has bought Norwegian firm Equinor’s stake in Azerbaijan’s offshore Azeri Chirag Gunashli (ACG) oil field and an associated oil pipeline for $60 million. This increases OVL’s stake in the oil field to 2.95% and in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline to 3.097%.

Appointments News

Shikhar Dhawan Becomes Brand Ambassador for MotoGP India

Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been named the brand ambassador for MotoGP™ in India by Eurosport India. This partnership aims to promote motorcycle racing in a country where cricket is the most popular sport.

Manolo Marquez Appointed Head Coach Of Indian Men’s Football Team

Manolo Marquez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men’s football team by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). He will take over as the full-time national team head coach after the ISL 2024-25 season.

Sanjeev Krishan Re-Elected as PwC India Chairperson for Second Term

Sanjeev Krishan has been re-elected as the chairperson of PwC India for a second term, starting on April 1, 2025. His reappointment highlights his significant contributions to the firm’s growth and innovation. Krishan began his first term on January 1, 2021, and will continue to represent PwC both externally and internally.

Business News

Airbus and Tata to Debut India’s First H125 Helicopter by 2026

Airbus and Tata are collaborating to manufacture India’s first H125 helicopter, which is expected to be ready by 2026. This partnership supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and shows Airbus’s commitment to investing in the Indian aerospace market despite regulatory challenges.

Defence News

Captain Supreetha C.T. Breaking Barriers at Siachen Glacier

Captain Supreetha C.T. has made history by becoming the first woman officer from the Corps of Army Air Defence to be operationally deployed at the Siachen Glacier. This achievement is a significant step forward in integrating women into frontline combat roles in the Indian Army.

Awards News

Indian Tennis Legends Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

Former Indian tennis stars Leander Paes and Vijay Amritraj have been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. They are the first Asian men to receive this honor, marking a significant milestone for tennis in Asia.

Books and Authors News

Book on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Leadership Legacy

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was presented with a book titled “Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi”, authored by Dr. R Balasubramaniam. Dr. Balasubramaniam is a noted intellectual and former Rhodes Professor at Cornell University.

Sports News

Kush Maini Scores Maiden F2 Victory at Hungarian GP

Kush Maini achieved his first Formula 2 win at the Hungarian Grand Prix after Richard Verschoor, the original sprint race winner, was disqualified due to a technical issue. This victory is Maini’s fifth podium of the season, placing him eighth in the championship standings.

Important Days

National Mango Day 2024: Celebrating the King of Fruits

National Mango Day is celebrated every year on July 22. In 2024, it falls on a Monday. This day is dedicated to celebrating the mango, known for its delicious taste and health benefits. It’s a time to appreciate the fruit’s significance and history.

Obituaries News

Padma Shri Awardee Kamala Pujari Passes Away at 74

Kamala Pujari, a Padma Shri awardee and pioneering organic farmer, passed away at the age of 74 due to kidney-related issues. She was being treated at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Her death has led to condolences from prominent leaders and state honors from the Odisha government.

Miscellaneous News

Delhi’s Judicial System Enters the AI Era

Delhi Courts have introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology with the launch of their first ‘Pilot Hybrid Court’. This new courtroom features a ‘Speech to Text Facility’, marking a significant step towards modernizing judicial proceedings and improving efficiency.