Daily Current Affairs- 24 August 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 24th August 2024

INTERNATIOMAL

Sri Lanka announces visa-free access to India and 34 other nations from October 1

• Sri Lanka has decided to provide free visa access to 35 countries including India from October 1, Some of the major names include the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Israel, New Zealand, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and Australia. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Ali Sabry appreciated the development and called it the first step towards a visa-free regime. 

DARPG - Government of India & Government of Malaysia signed MoU

• The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India and Public Service Department, Prime Minister’s Department, Government of Malaysia signed MoU on ‘Co-operation in the field of Public Administration and Governance Reforms’ for a period of five (05) years w.e.f. 20th August, 2024. 

Agreement signed for export of green ammonia from India to Japan 

• The Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, chaired the signing ceremony of the first-ever agreement for the export of Green Ammonia from India to Japan, known as the Heads of Terms (HoT) agreement. The project offtake agreement, marks a significant step forward in India’s journey to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen and ammonia production.
• The signing ceremony for heads of terms (HoT) for the cross-border green ammonia supply from India to Japan was also graced by H.E. Mr Simon Wong, High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to India; Mr Yuta Hikichi, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in India; Mr Ajay Yadav,JS,MNRE ; and Mr Vipul Tuli, Chairman – South Asia & CEO – Hydrogen Business, Sembcorp Industries. 

India and Ukraine sign agreements in agriculture, medicine, and cultural cooperation

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have formalized several agreements during Modi’s visit to Kyiv, focusing on agriculture, medical products regulation, and cultural cooperation. The leaders oversaw the signing of four key documents that are set to enhance bilateral relations in these areas. 

NATIONAL

Odisha CM Mohan Majhi announces Subhadra scheme for women

• Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has unveiled the Subhadra scheme, this scheme promises ₹50,000 to one crore women aged 21 to 60 over the next five years, with a total budget allocation of ₹55,825 crore. The funds will be disbursed in annual installments of ₹10,000, divided into two payments of ₹5,000 each on Rakhi Purnima and International Women’s Day. 

Postal Dept launches Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to encourage Philately

• The Department of Post under the Union Ministry of Communication has launched the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to promote research and scholarship in stamps amongst the country's students.
• Announcing the Yojana, the Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region, Ahmedabad, Krishna Kumar Yadav, said that this scholarship aims to inculcate the hobby of Philately among the children from a young age. 

SPORTS

Shikhar Dhawan Announces Retirement from International Cricket

• Shikhar Dhawan, has officially announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket at the age of 38, the left-handed batter took to social media to post an emotional message for fans where he announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket. In all he scored 10,867 runs with 24 centuries and 44 half-centuries, in 269 appearances for India. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Nestlé appoints longtime company executive Laurent Freixe as new CEO

• Nestle has appointed long-serving executive Laurent Freixe as its new CEO following the resignation of Mark Schneider after eight years in the role. Freixe joined the French division of Nestlé in 1986 and managed the company's European and Americas segments before being appointed CEO Zone Latin America in 2022. 

RANKING

Mumbai ranks second globally in property price growth as per Knight Frank Report

• Driven by a surge in demand for residential and luxury properties, Mumbai has ascended to the second spot in the latest Prime Global Cities Index, published by property consultancy firm Knight Frank. 

BOOKS & AUTHOR

Kalpana Sankar’s Autobiography Unveiled

• Kalpana Sankar’s autobiography, “The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women”, was unveiled by Soumya Swaminathan at Cathedral Road. The book launch brought together notable figures from various fields, highlighting the impact of grassroots initiatives on women’s economic empowerment and community development. 

BANKING & ECONOMY

Bandhan Bank launches Avni Saving Account for Women Customer

• On August 22, 2024, Bandhan Bank Ltd, on the eve of its Foundation Day, announced the launch of Avni, an exclusive savings account tailored for women. The bank also introduced its innovative loyalty program, Bandhan Bank Delights, where customers can earn reward points known as Delight Points. These points can be redeemed for purchases and come with exclusive offers. 

Axis Bank launches Neo for Merchants, one stop solution for the merchant community

• Axis Bank launches a mobile application a one stop solution for the merchant community, in partnership with VISA and Mintoak, Merchants can accept payments, view transaction reports, and raise service requests directly through the mobile app christened 'Neo for Merchants'.