Daily Current Affairs- 18 July 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 18th July 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Roberta Metsola Re-elected as European Parliament President

• Roberta Metsola has been re-elected president of the European Parliament for the next two years and a half, marking the beginning of the 10th legislature in Strasbourg, Roberta Metsola, a prominent Maltese politician, has secured a historic win at the European Parliament, making her the first woman to achieve this feat in the EU assembly’s history. Known for her leadership and advocacy, Metsola garnered significant support from EU politicians, receiving 562 out of 623 votes in her favor. 

Elon Musk says he will move SpaceX and X headquarters to Texas from California

• Billionaire Elon Musk has said he will move the headquarters of two of his most high-profile companies, rocket firm SpaceX and social media platform X, from California to Texas, He said the move was due to recent laws passed by the state - in particular a new law which prevents schools from making rules requiring staff tell anyone, including parents, information about a child's gender identity. 

EAM Jaishankar inaugurates Maitree Udyan in Port Louis, Mauritius

• External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar inaugurated the India -Mauritius Maitree Udyan in Port Louis and planted a tree there. The Foreign Minister of Mauritius, Maneesh Gobin was also present during the groundbreaking ceremony on 16 July 2024. Dr S Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to Mauritius on July 16 and 17, 2024. 

NATIONAL

Maharashtra CM Announces Ladla Bhai Yojana

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a new scheme called the 'Ladla Bhai Yojana' for youths who have passed the 12th examination in the state. Under this scheme, students who have completed their 12th grade will receive Rs 6,000 per month.

 SCIENCE & TEHNOLOGY

Zen Technologies Launches AI-Powered Robot for Global Defense Market

• Zen Technologies an anti-drone technology and defence training solutions provider, in collaboration with its subsidiary AI Turing Technologies has Launched an AI-Powered Robot for Global Defense Market called Prahasta, a powerful warrior from the Hindu epic the Ramayana.
• Prahasta is an automated quadruped that uses LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and reinforcement learning to understand and create real-time 3D terrain mapping for unparalleled mission planning, navigation, and threat assessment. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

HSBC Appoints Insider Georges Elhedery as CEO

• HSBC Holdings Plc has appointed its Chief Financial Officer Georges Elhedery as its next CEO Elhedery, 50, who becomes HSBC's third chief executive in less than eight years, will replace outgoing head Noel Quinn from Sept. 2. While the 160-year-old lender did consider external candidates, it has traditionally appointed its CEO from within.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

International Nelson Mandela Day

• International Nelson Mandela Day is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela's birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010, This year, the theme, "It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality," resonates deeply with Mandela's lifelong commitment to social justice.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Two Indian space scientists honored at the Global Space Conference - COSPAR

• Two Indian space scientists Prahlad Chandra Agrawal and Anil Bhardwaj, received the honor at the Global Space Conference from the prestigious organization. Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) conference in Busan.
• Senior space scientist Prahlad Chandra Agrawal is a retired professor at the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, The other scientist Anil Bhardwaj director of the Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), was honoured with the Vikram Sarabhai Medal, for his contribution to the country's space science research expansion. 

INS Delhi Wins Best Ship of Eastern Fleet 2024

• INS Delhi was awarded Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet for its exceptional performance at the Fleet Awards Function in Visakhapatnam on July 14, 2024. On July 14 Visakhapatnam hosted the prestigious Fleet Awards Function to honor the Eastern Fleet's exceptional operational achievements over the past year. 

BOOKS & AUTHOR

Book titled ‘Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi’ by Dr R Balasubramaniam

• Dr R Balasubramaniam released a book titled ‘Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi’. The book captures Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership journey and interprets it through Western and Indic lenses, amalgamating them to provide a roadmap for those who aspire to a life of public service. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi also met Dr R Balasubramaniam and signed a copy of the book. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

LIC Enters Into Tie-Up with IDFC First Bank under Corporate Agency Arrangement

• Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has entered into a tie-up with IDFC First Bank Ltd under corporate agency arrangement. This tie-up will facilitate more than 1 crore customers of IDFC First Bank to buy LIC policies online by visiting the bank's website.