Daily Current Affairs 18th Aug, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 18th Aug, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 18th Aug, 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 Aug, 2024 Current affairs test.
NATIONAL NEWS
India’s Greening Efforts Strengthened with Launch of Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) SOP by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
- Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, has officially launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).
- This initiative is crucial for transitioning from conventional fuel-based harbor tugs to more sustainable alternatives, marking a major milestone in India’s maritime sector and its environmental sustainability efforts.
Government to Acquire 1,000 GPUs to Enhance India’s AI Capabilities under the IndiaAI Mission
- The government has finalized a tender to acquire 1,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) as part of the IndiaAI Mission.
- This initiative aims to provide computing power to Indian startups, researchers, public sector agencies, and other approved entities.
- The procurement is part of the broader Rs 10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission, which seeks to build a computing infrastructure with over 10,000 GPUs.
Union Cabinet Greenlights Key Infrastructure Projects Including Airport Expansions and Metro Extensions
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved five major infrastructure projects.
- This includes the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposals for developing new Civil Enclaves at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, and Bihta in Patna, Bihar, with estimated costs of ₹1,549 crore and ₹1,413 crore, respectively.
BANKING & FINANCE
Reserve Bank of India Fines Bank of Maharashtra, Hinduja Leyland Finance, and Poonawalla Fincorp for Compliance Breaches
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalties on three financial institutions due to various compliance failures.
- The institutions penalized include the Bank of Maharashtra, Hinduja Leyland Finance, and Poonawalla Fincorp.
Bank of Baroda Unveils ‘Phygital’ Branch in Hyderabad
- Sanjay Vinayak Mudaliar, Executive Director of Bank of Baroda (BoB), inaugurated a new ‘phygital’ branch at ChandaNagar, Hyderabad.
- This branch combines self-service and assisted service options to meet the varied needs of customers.
- The ChandaNagar branch is the second of its kind, with the first ‘phygital’ branch being launched on July 20 at Horniman Circle, Mumbai, Maharashtra, coinciding with the bank’s 117th foundation day.
- Bank of Baroda plans to introduce a total of seven ‘phygital’ branches as part of a pilot project across India.
- Additionally, the bank has launched the Baroda mDigiNext Mobile App for Corporate Banking customers and is rolling out an enhanced version of its UPI Payments PSP app, bobइPay.
STATE NEWS
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Launches Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Scheme to Promote Youth Entrepreneurship
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath raised the national flag during an event commemorating India’s 78th Independence Day at Vidhan Bhavan in Lucknow.
- During the event, Mr. Adityanath announced the launch of the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana, a new initiative designed to empower youth through entrepreneurship.
- The scheme aims to provide financial support to young entrepreneurs, with a goal of establishing one million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) units across the state.
BUSINESS NEWS
BPCL Launches India’s First Biofuel Blend HFHSD Bunker Facility at Mumbai Port
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has introduced India’s first biofuel blend High Flash High-Speed Diesel (HFHSD) bunker facility at Mumbai Port.
- This initiative marks a significant step forward in promoting environmental sustainability within the maritime industry.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
Highlights from the 70th National Film Awards
- The 70th National Film Awards recognized outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, with Southern films securing the majority of the top awards.
