Daily Current Affairs 18th July 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

India’s External Affairs Minister Strengthens Ties with Mauritius

External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar visited Mauritius on July 16 and 17, 2024, to strengthen the relationship between India and Mauritius. This visit aimed to reinforce the historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

India Prepares to Sign Headquarters Agreement with Global Biofuels Alliance

India is set to sign a headquarters agreement with the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), which was launched in September 2023 by G20 members including India, the United States, and Brazil. This agreement marks a significant step in the alliance’s development and highlights India’s role in global sustainable energy efforts.

India Completes 4th ICCPR Human Rights Review

India has successfully completed its 4th periodic review by the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva, demonstrating its commitment to human rights protection and promotion.

Thane to Borivali: India’s Longest and Largest Urban Tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel, India’s longest and largest urban tunnel project. Developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), this Rs. 16,600 crore project will reduce travel time between Thane and Borivali from over an hour to just 12 minutes, cutting the travel distance by 12 km. This is part of broader infrastructure projects worth Rs. 29,000 crore to improve connectivity in Mumbai.

International News

Elon Musk Says X, SpaceX Headquarters Will Relocate To Texas From California

Elon Musk announced on July 16 that he will move the headquarters of his companies, the social media platform X and the rocket manufacturer SpaceX, from California to Texas, intensifying his ongoing dispute with California.

State News

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Announces Ladla Bhai Yojana After Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the ‘Ladla Bhai Yojana’ for boys, following the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ for girls, which provides monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 to eligible women. Speaking in Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, Shinde emphasized that the state government does not differentiate between boys and girls and that the ‘Ladla Bhai Yojana’ will address unemployment issues.

Sri Lanka Celebrates Annual Kataragama Esala Festival

Sri Lanka is celebrating the annual Kataragama Esala festival. Devotees who began their Pada Yatra in May have reached Kataragama, completing a journey of over 500 kilometers on foot from Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula.

Appointments News

HSBC Appoints Insider Georges Elhedery As CEO

HSBC Holdings Plc has appointed its Chief Financial Officer Georges Elhedery as its next CEO, effective July 17, ensuring continuity as the bank aims to boost growth.

Business News

ADB Approves $240.5 Mn Loan For Rooftop Solar Systems In India

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of USD 240.5 million to finance rooftop solar systems in India. This funding will support the second and third tranches of the Multitranche Financing Facility (MFF) Solar Rooftop Investment Program, initially approved in 2016 and restructured in 2023 to focus on residential solar rooftop systems.

LIC Enters Into Tie-Up With IDFC First Bank Under Corporate Agency Arrangement

Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India has partnered with IDFC First Bank Ltd under a Corporate Agency Arrangement to increase bancassurance contributions and provide life insurance coverage to all by 2047.

Ranks and Reports News

Kantar: Google, Tata Motors Top ‘Most Inclusive’ Brands in India

A study by Kantar has ranked Google, Tata Motors, Amazon, Jio, and Apple as the ‘most inclusive’ brands in India. The Kantar Brand Inclusion Index 2024 highlights issues of discrimination and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for Indian consumers.

Science and Technology News

Missy Elliott’s “The Rain” Sent to Venus by NASA

NASA has transmitted Missy Elliott’s 1997 hit song “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” to Venus, marking the first time a hip-hop song has been beamed into deep space. The song traveled 158 million miles to Venus, taking approximately 14 minutes to reach its destination.

Schemes News

Maharashtra Government Launches Scheme To Boost Youth Employability

The Government of Maharashtra has launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana (Chief Minister Youth Work Training Scheme) to tackle youth unemployment. This scheme aims to provide valuable internship opportunities, equipping young individuals with essential skills to enhance their employability.

Defence News

INS Delhi Wins Best Ship of Eastern Fleet 2024

On July 14, 2024, Visakhapatnam hosted the Fleet Awards Function to honor the Eastern Fleet’s operational achievements. INS Delhi was recognized as the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet for its outstanding performance.

Awards News

Andhra Pradesh’s Wins Gulbenkian Prize for Natural Farming Model

The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative has won the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, recognizing its innovative agricultural practices and placing Andhra Pradesh on the global map for eco-friendly agriculture.

Books and Authors News

A Book “Power Within”: A Landmark Book on Leadership Authored by Dr. R Balasubramaniam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with author and development activist Dr. R Balasubramaniam. During the meeting, Modi signed a copy of Dr. Balasubramaniam’s latest book, “Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi.”

Science and Technology News

Chandipura Virus Infection Confirmed in Gujarat

The first confirmed death due to Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat was reported as a four-year-old child from Mota Kanthariya in Aravalli. The National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the case. The virus has spread to new areas, raising concerns about a potential outbreak with 14 deaths in two weeks and 26 suspected cases under investigation.

Important Days

Nelson Mandela International Day 2024: Date, Theme, Significance & History

On July 18th, the world celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day, honoring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. This day serves as a global call to action, encouraging individuals and communities to embody Mandela’s spirit of service and dedication to social justice.