Daily Current Affairs 18th July, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 18th July, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 18th July, 2024. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 18th July, 2024 Current affairs test.
National News
India’s External Affairs Minister Strengthens Ties with Mauritius
- On July 16 and 17, 2024, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar visited Mauritius for two days to strengthen the already robust historical and cultural ties between India and Mauritius.
- This visit signifies an important step in enhancing bilateral relations.
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 key G20 members including India, the United States, and Brazil.
- This agreement marks a significant milestone in the development of the GBA and underscores India’s commitment to global sustainable energy initiatives.
India Completes 4th ICCPR Human Rights Review
- India has completed its 4th periodic review by the Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva, reaffirming its dedication 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, developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
- This Rs. 16,600 crore project reduces travel time between Thane and Borivali from over an hour to just 12 minutes, cutting the distance by 12 km.
- This is part of larger infrastructure projects worth Rs. 29,000 crore aimed at improving connectivity in Mumbai.
International News
Elon Musk Relocates X and SpaceX Headquarters to Texas
- Elon Musk announced on July 16 that he would move the headquarters of his companies, the social media platform X and the rocket manufacturer SpaceX, from California to Texas, intensifying his ongoing conflict with California.
State News
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Announces Ladla Bhai Yojana
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the ‘Ladla Bhai Yojana’ for boys following the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ for girls, which provides eligible women with a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500.
- Shinde emphasized the state’s commitment to addressing unemployment and promoting gender equality.
Sri Lanka Celebrates Annual Kataragama Esala Festival
- The annual Kataragama Esala festival is underway in Sri Lanka. Devotees who began their Pada Yatra in May have arrived in Kataragama, completing a 500-kilometer journey on foot from Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka.
Appointments News
HSBC Appoints 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 seeks to stimulate growth.
Business News
ADB Approves $240.5 Million 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, supporting the government’s efforts to expand renewable energy access.
- This financing will aid tranches 2 and 3 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 Partners 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, aiming to enhance bancassurance and provide widespread life insurance coverage by 2047.
Ranks and Reports News
Kantar: Google, Tata Motors Among India’s ‘Most Inclusive’ Brands
- A study by Kantar has identified Google, Tata Motors, Amazon, Jio, and Apple as India’s ‘most inclusive’ brands.
- The Kantar Brand Inclusion Index 2024 underscores 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
- In a historic achievement, 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 sent into deep space.
- The song traveled 158 million miles, reaching Venus in approximately 14 minutes via NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.
Chandipura Virus Infection Confirmed in Gujarat
- Gujarat reported its first confirmed death due to Chandipura virus infection, a four-year-old child from Mota Kanthariya in Aravalli.
- The National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the virus, which has caused 14 deaths in two weeks and has 26 suspected cases under investigation.
Schemes News
Maharashtra Government Launches Scheme to Boost Youth Employability
- The Maharashtra government has introduced the Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana (Chief Minister Youth Work Training Scheme) to address youth unemployment by providing valuable internships and skill development opportunities.
Defence News
INS Delhi Wins Best Ship of Eastern Fleet 2024
- INS Delhi was honored as the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet at the Fleet Awards Function in Visakhapatnam on July 14, 2024, recognizing its exceptional performance and operational excellence over the past year.
Awards News
Andhra Pradesh Wins Gulbenkian Prize for Natural Farming Model
- The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative has been awarded the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity, highlighting India’s progress in sustainable farming and positioning Andhra Pradesh as a leader in eco-friendly agriculture.
Books and Authors News
“Power Within”: A Landmark Book on Leadership by Dr. R Balasubramaniam
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with author and development activist Dr. R Balasubramaniam and signed a copy of his latest book, “Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi,” bridging the worlds of politics and literature.
Important Days
Nelson Mandela International Day 2024: Date, Theme, Significance & History
- Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated on July 18th each year, honoring Mandela’s life and legacy.
- 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.
