Daily Current Affairs July 18, 2024

Daily Current Affairs July 18, 2024

1. Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana (Chief Minister Youth Work Training Scheme) in Maharashtra:
   • The Government of Maharashtra has launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana to tackle youth unemployment.
   • This scheme aims to provide valuable internship opportunities, equipping young individuals with essential skills and enhancing their employability in a competitive job market¹².
   • Eligible candidates aged between 18 and 35, residing in Maharashtra, can apply for this scheme.
   • The scheme offers a six-month internship duration and a stipend structure based on educational qualifications. Monthly stipends will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
     • 12th pass: ₹6,000
     • ITI/Diploma: ₹8,000
     • Degree/Post-graduation: ₹10,000
   • Both government establishments and private sector industries within Maharashtra are encouraged to participate.
2. Elon Musk’s Headquarters Move to Texas:
   • Elon Musk announced that he will move the headquarters of his companies, X (social media platform) and SpaceX (rocket manufacturer), from California to Texas.
   • This decision comes amid an increasingly contentious fight with California³⁴.
3. HSBC’s CEO Appointment:
   • HSBC Holdings Plc appointed its Chief Financial Officer, Georges Elhedery, as the next CEO.
   • This move emphasizes continuity as the bank aims to kickstart growth⁵⁶⁷.
4. Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel Project in Mumbai:
   • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s longest and largest urban tunnel project developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
   • The Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel, costing ₹16,600 crore, will reduce travel time between Thane and Borivali from over an hour to just 12 minutes, cutting the travel distance by 12 km⁸⁹.
5. Chandipura Virus Outbreak in Gujarat:
   • Gujarat reported the first confirmed death due to Chandipura virus infection in a four-year-old child from Mota Kanthariya in Aravalli.
   • The virus, part of the Rhabdoviridae family, is transmitted primarily by sandflies (Phlebotomine sandflies, Phlebotomus papatasi) and mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti).
   • There have been 14 deaths in two weeks, with 26 suspected cases under investigation¹⁰¹¹¹².
6. PM Modi’s Interaction with Author Dr. R Balasubramaniam:
   • Prime Minister Narendra Modi met renowned author and development activist Dr. R Balasubramaniam.
   • The occasion was marked by PM Modi signing a copy of Dr. Balasubramaniam’s latest work, “Power Within The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi.”
7. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s Visit to Mauritius: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar embarked on a two-day visit to Mauritius on July 16 and 17, 2024.

This visit signifies a significant move to bolster India’s international relations and reinforces the strong bonds between India and Mauritius, two nations with deep historical and cultural ties.

Daily Current Affairs July 18, 2024

8. Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) Initiative and the 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity:

The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming initiative has received the prestigious 2024 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity.

This recognition highlights India’s progress in sustainable farming and places Andhra Pradesh on the global map for its pioneering efforts in eco-friendly agriculture.

9. The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity is awarded annually by the Portugal-based Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (CGF) to individuals and organizations contributing significantly to global food security, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection.
10. Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) and India’s Role in Sustainable Energy Initiatives:

Launched in September 2023 by key G20 members, including India, the United States, and Brazil, the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) is advancing institutional development.

11. India is preparing to sign a headquarters agreement with the GBA, marking a crucial milestone in the organization’s evolution and emphasizing India’s role in global sustainable energy initiatives.
12. Kantar Brand Inclusion Index 2024 and Inclusive Brands in India:

A recent study by Kantar reveals that Google, Tata Motors, Amazon, Jio, and Apple are ranked as the ‘most inclusive’ brands in India.

The Kantar Brand Inclusion Index 2024 underscores the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for Indian consumers.

13. ADB’s Loan for Rooftop Solar Systems in India:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 240.5 million loan to finance rooftop solar systems in India.

This funding supports tranches 2 and 3 of the Multitranche Financing Facility (MFF) Solar Rooftop Investment Program, initially approved by ADB in 2016. The program now focuses specifically on deploying residential solar rooftop systems.

14. Nelson Mandela International Day 2024:

Every year on July 18th, the world celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day, honoring the enduring legacy of this inspiring historical figure.

The theme for 2024, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality,” resonates deeply with Mandela’s lifelong commitment to social justice.

15. Ladla Bhai Yojana for Boys in Maharashtra:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde introduced the ‘Ladla Bhai Yojana’ for young men who have completed their 12th grade.

Under this scheme, 12th-grade graduates will receive ₹6,000 per month, diploma holders will get ₹8,000 per month, and graduates will receive ₹10,000 per month.

Additionally, youth will have the opportunity to participate in a one-year apprenticeship in factories, gaining valuable work experience to enhance their employability.

The scheme aims to create a skilled workforce and address unemployment issues.

Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana for Women:

The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana provides a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 to eligible women aged 21 to 60 years.

The scheme focuses on the overall development and empowerment of women, including economic independence, self-reliance, health, and nutrition.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar announced an annual allocation of ₹46,000 crore for this scheme, which will be implemented in July.

Benefits include monthly financial assistance, empowerment, enhanced economic security, and efforts to reduce gender disparities.

Eligibility Criteria for Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana:

Applicants must be residents of Maharashtra.

Eligible women include those who are married, widowed, divorced, abandoned, or destitute.

The annual family income should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh.

Women above 60 years of age are not eligible for the program.