Current affairs 26 July 2024

India Ranks 82nd on Global Passport Index.

• India is ranked 82nd on the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 58 countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
• Singapore occupied the top spot in the Index with its citizens having visa-free entry to 195 countries.
• Japan is now in second place along with Spain, France, Germany, and Italy.
• The passports of all five countries allow visa-free access to 192 destinations.

Salt Lake City to Host 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

• Salt Lake City, Utah, was elected to host the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics with 83 out of 89 votes.
• The city, which previously hosted the Winter Games in 2002, aims to build on its past success and create lasting benefits for the region.
• The decision was announced during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris, highlighting Salt Lake City's strong public support.
• IOC President - Thomas Bach

Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates India’s 500th Community Radio Station.

• Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India’s 500th Community Radio Station, Apna Radio 90.0 FM, at IIMC Aizawl.
• Winners of the 10th National Community Radio Awards were announced.
• Category: Thematic Award - 1st prize: Radio Mayur, District Saran, Bihar for programme: Tech Sakhi
• Category: Promoting Local Culture Award - 1st prize: Radio Brahmaputra, Dibrugarh, Assam for program: Igarekun

Paris Olympics opening ceremony confirmed for River Seine.

• French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the Paris Olympics opening ceremony will be held on the River Seine.
• Macron expressed openness to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attending the ceremony and welcomed the potential presence of singer Celine Dion.
• The opening ceremony on July 26 will feature thousands of athletes and performers parading along a 6-km stretch of the river.

Mudra loans limit doubled to Rs 20 lakh in huge boost to MSMEs.

• Objectives: Mudra Yojna aims to provide loans up to ₹10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises.
• Categories: The scheme offers loans under three categories:
• Shishu (up to ₹50,000),
• Kishor (₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh), and
• Tarun (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh)
• Union Budget: Under the Tarun category, the loan limit has been enhanced to ₹20 lakh for those who have repaid previous loans.