Daily Current Affairs- 18 October 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 18th October 2024

NATIONAL

First-ever coal gallery inaugurated at National Science Centre in New Delhi

• Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey unveiled the first-ever coal gallery at the National Science Centre in New Delhi. 

Jitendra Singh unveils India’s first self-powered indoor air quality monitor

• Union Minister Jitendra Singh unveiled the country’s first self-powered indoor air quality monitor, Pavana Chitra, at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport 

Indian government partners with Meta; launches 'Scam se Bacho' campaign

• The government of India has partnered with Meta to launch 'Scam se Bacho' campaign in order to tackle rising online scams. The initiative is being launched in collaboration of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). 

Indian Railways Reduces Advance Reservation Period from 120 to 60 Days

• Indian Railways has announced a reduction in the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for long-distance train bookings from 120 days to 60 days, effective November 1, 2024. This decision aims to enhance passenger convenience by reducing the blocking of funds for ticket bookings made months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like festivals. 

SPORTS

Vivaan Kapoor clinches silver in tap shooting at ISSF World Cup

• Vivaan Kapoor secured a silver medal in trap shooting at the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final. Vivaan finished second in the final with a score of 44. China’s QI Ying claimed the gold with 47 points, while Turkey’s N. Tolga Tuncer took the bronze with 35 points. 

Akhil Sheoran Secures Bronze at ISSF World Cup Final

• India’s Akhil Sheoran clinched the bronze medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the ISSF World Cup Final in New Delhi. In a high-pressure moment, Sheoran displayed remarkable composure and precision, making a decisive shot in the final round to finish third with a score of 452.6. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Akash Tripathi has been appointed as the MD and CEO of Digital India Corporation

• Akash Tripathi, a 1998-batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Digital India Corporation (DIC) and President/Chief Executive Officer (P&CEO) of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD). 

Ganguly Takes Charge as JSW Sports Director of Cricket

• Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI President, has been named the Director of Cricket for JSW Sports. In this role, Ganguly will oversee all cricketing operations for the organization, including its key franchises like Delhi Capitals’ men’s and women’s IPL and WPL teams, and Pretoria Capitals, which competes in the SA20 League. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Nikita Porwal Crowned Femina Miss India 2024

• Nikita Porwal from Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the winner of the Femina Miss India 2024 title. This prestigious event took place at Famous Studios in Mumbai, marking the 60th edition of India’s iconic beauty pageant. 

Aditi Anand’s ‘Marigolds’ Wins Prestigious UK Award

• Aditi Anand a 25-year-old graduate from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), has been named the winner of the prestigious Emerging Illustrator category at the V&A Illustration Awards. Her artwork, Marigolds, is set in India and highlights the theme of child labor and lost childhoods. The V&A Illustration Awards, which are held biennially and Aditi’s success further solidifies ARU’s strong reputation in the field of illustration.