Daily Current Affairs 20 February 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 20 February 2024. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on INDUS-X Summit, ‘Sagar Aankalan’ Guidelines, Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, World Day of Social Justice 2024.

Top 24 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 20 February 2024

National News

1.PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone of Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.
• PM Modi hailed India’s transition into a nation that sets global examples rather than following them, particularly in digital technology and innovation.
• He emphasized continuous support for local handicrafts and crafts, promoting economic growth and cultural preservation.

2.Prime Minister Modi’s Ambitious Inaugurations and Initiatives in Jammu

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Jammu is set to mark a significant milestone in the region’s developmental journey.
• With a suite of projects worth over Rs 45,375 crore ($5.5 billion approximately) set to be inaugurated or initiated, this visit underscores the Central Government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and healthcare in J&K.
• A highlight of the Prime Minister’s visit is the inauguration of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River. The foundation stone for a new terminal at Jammu Airport will also be laid by the Prime Minister.

3.Government Launches ‘Sagar Aankalan’ Guidelines to Boost Port Efficiency

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal spearheaded the launch of the ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines for Indian port performance index, signaling a concerted effort towards port efficiency enhancement.
• The ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines aim to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Indian ports. Enforced nationwide, these guidelines for National Benchmarking of Indian Ports Performance are set to revitalize the country’s maritime infrastructure.

International News

4.PM Modi Launches 100,000sqm Bharat Mart In Dubai For Exports

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE Vice President Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum laid the foundation stone of Bharat Mart, integrating retail, warehousing, and logistics at Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai.
• The Bharat Mart facility, reminiscent of China’s Dragon Mart, is a collaborative effort between DP World, a leading logistics conglomerate based in Dubai, and India’s commerce ministry.
• The facility, spanning over 100,000 square meters, aims to reduce shipping costs and time from India to Africa and Europe.

State News

5.Northern Railways To Launch MEMU, DMU Between Baramulla, Sangaldan

• The Northern Railway Firozpur division is set to revolutionize connectivity in the region with the introduction of a new Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) and Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train service between Baramulla and Sangaldan stations, Jammu and Kashmir.
• This initiative marks a significant milestone in the ongoing Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, enhancing transportation infrastructure and facilitating easier access for commuters.
• In the communication, it was revealed that a new railway section was slated to open between Banihal and Sangaldan station, paving the way for expanded connectivity in the region.

6.The 11th International Puppet Festival in Chandigarh

• The vibrant city of Chandigarh became a melting pot of cultural heritage and artistic innovation as it hosted the 11th International Puppet Festival at Tagore Theatre.
• The festival commenced with a spellbinding performance by the Novosibirsk Regional Puppet Theatre from Russia, captivating the audience with the renowned puppet show “Petrushka.”
• The festival also featured a Puppet Exhibition at Tagore Theatre, which ran from the opening day until February 21st.

Defence News

7.Indian Air Force (IAF) Conducted ‘Exercise Vayu Shakti-24’

• Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted ‘Exercise Vayu Shakti-24’ at the Pokhran range near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, presenting a formidable display of its aerial firepower.
• The event, attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, marked a significant demonstration of the IAF’s offensive capabilities through a series of meticulously planned aerial manoeuvres and precision strikes.
• Adhering to this year’s theme, ‘Lightning Strike from the Sky’, the exercise involved over 120 aircraft showcasing the IAF’s day and night offensive prowess.

8.Indian Army’s Rs 57,000 Crore Project to Replace Aging T-72 Tank Fleet

• The Indian Army is embarking on a significant endeavor to modernize its armored forces by replacing its aging Russian T-72 tank fleet with cutting-edge Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs).
• These FRCVs, totaling 1,770 units, will be produced indigenously in India with advanced technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), drone integration, active protection systems, and enhanced situational awareness.
• The induction will occur in three phases, each incorporating newer technologies for maximum survivability and lethality.

Economy News

9.Government Raises Authorized Capital of FCI from ₹10,000 crore to ₹21,000 crore

• The government has increased the authorized capital of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from ₹10,000 crore to ₹21,000 crore, demonstrating a significant commitment to enhancing its operational capacities.
• This initiative, announced by the Food Ministry, underscores the government’s dedication to strengthening FCI’s role in ensuring food security and safeguarding farmers’ interests.
• The augmentation of authorized capital aims to bolster FCI’s operational efficiency, reduce interest burdens, and positively impact government subsidies.

Banking News

10.Kotak Mahindra Bank Announces Major Senior Management Reshuffle

• Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) unveiled a comprehensive reshuffle of its senior management, signalling a new phase of leadership and strategic focus for the leading private sector bank.
• Effective March 1, 2024, this reorganization introduces KVS Manian and Shanti Ekambaram in enhanced roles as joint managing director and deputy managing director, respectively.
• Shanti Ekambaram’s role is set to expand significantly. Already a pivotal figure in the bank’s operations, Ekambaram will continue to spearhead the growth of key segments such as 811, treasury, and global markets

Important Days News

11.Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2024

• Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the northeastern corner of India, celebrates its Foundation Day annually on February 20th, marking the day it attained full statehood in 1987.
• This occasion commemorates the region’s transition from the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) to a distinct state within the Indian union.
• Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2024 falls on February 20th. This significant day commemorates the state’s official declaration as a distinct entity within India in 1987.

12.Mizoram Foundation Day 2024

• Mizoram Foundation Day, celebrated annually on February 20th, holds profound significance for the people of Mizoram, marking the establishment of the state as the 23rd state of India in 1987.
• This day commemorates the hard-fought struggle for political rights and self-determination by the Mizo people, culminating in the realization of their aspirations.
• The day celebrates the Mizo people’s struggle for self-determination and political rights, culminating in the historic peace accord between the government of India and the Mizo National Front in 1986.

13.World Day of Social Justice 2024

• Every year, on the 20th of February, the global community comes together to observe the World Day of Social Justice. It serves as a reminder of the pressing need to address inequality, injustice, and social exclusion around the world.
• At the core of the World Day of Social Justice is the advocacy for decent work and fair globalization. The theme chosen for the World Day of Social Justice 2024, “Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances,” highlights the importance of collaboration and partnership in tackling global challenges.

Summit & Conferences News

14.Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair: Promoting Sustainable Solutions

• The Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, held in New Delhi on 19-20 February 2024, is a collaborative effort between ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, and various stakeholders.
• The event aims to showcase the multifaceted uses of neem in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The overarching theme is “Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment.”

15.A two-day INDUS-X Summit in New Delhi: Driving Defence Innovation between India and the USA

• The highly anticipated INDUS-X Summit is set to take place on February 20-21, 2024, in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between India and the United States in defense innovation.
• Organized by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in conjunction with the U.S.-India Business Council and Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the summit aims to drive strategic technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation between the two nations.

Agreements News

16.IREDA And PNB Collaborate On Renewable Energy Projects

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance renewable energy initiatives across the nation.
• Signed at IREDA’s registered office in New Delhi on February 19, 2024, the agreement paves the way for joint efforts in co-lending and loan syndication for a spectrum of renewable energy projects.

17.IEPFA and DBS Bank Collaborate to Enhance Investor Awareness

• The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), operating under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has partnered with DBS Bank to bolster awareness regarding investment safety and fraudulent schemes.
• The MoU aims to bolster initiatives focused on raising investor awareness, fostering proactive interaction with stakeholders across different platforms, and improving responsiveness to the authority’s objectives.
• Through this agreement, efforts will be directed towards empowering investors with knowledge, engaging them actively through diverse channels, and ensuring alignment with the authority’s mission and responsibilities.

Awards News

18.President Awards ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak’ To RPSF Constable

• The Hon’ble President of India, in a momentous ceremony on Republic Day 2024, bestowed the prestigious ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak’ upon Sh. Shashikant Kumar, a constable of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF).
• The Jeevan Raksha Padak awards, stemming from the Ashoka Chakra series of Gallantry awards, were established in 1961.
• The award recognizes exemplary acts of humanity in saving lives in situations such as drowning, accidents, fires, electrocution, natural disasters, mine rescues, and similar emergencies.

19.REC Ltd Receives ‘Innovative Technology Development Award’ At IIT Madras CSR Summit

• REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power and a prominent NBFC, has been honored with the ‘Innovative Technology Development Award‘ at the ‘Building India 2047: Technology for Better Tomorrow’ CSR Summit, hosted by IIT Madras.
• The recognition highlights REC’s CSR initiative of installing a 2 MW rooftop solar plant at IIT Madras, which annually generates approximately 3.15 million units of clean energy, contributing significantly to reducing the institute’s carbon footprint.

Appointments News

20.KVS Manian Appointed As Kotak Mahindra Bank’s New JMD

• Private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank recently unveiled significant leadership alterations, signaling a strategic shift within the organization.
• In a move effective from 1st March, Kotak Mahindra Bank has re-designated KVS Manian, a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience within the institution, as the joint managing director.
• Manian, an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (BHU) – Varanasi, brings a wealth of expertise, having obtained degrees in electrical engineering and financial management from renowned institutes.

21.Shubman Gill designated as Punjab ‘state icon’ for Lok Sabha polls

• In a significant move to boost voter engagement and participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer’s office has announced Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as the new “state icon” for Punjab.
• This appointment is a strategic effort to connect with the youth and sports enthusiasts, ensuring that the electoral process resonates more deeply across various demographics.
• As a state icon, Shubman Gill will be actively involved in various voter awareness campaigns. The cricketer’s popularity could have on encouraging voter participation, especially in areas where voter turnout has historically been low.

Sports News

22.Anurag Singh Thakur Launched Khelo India University Games In Guwahati

• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the Khelo India University games in Guwahati.
• PM Modi noted the mascot of the Khelo India University Games, i.e. Ashtalakshmi in the shape of a butterfly, symbolizing the Northeast’s aspirations taking flight.
• Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur announced that the upcoming 4th edition of the Khelo India University Games in 2023 will serve as an exhilarating platform for 4544 athletes representing diverse regions of India.

Obituaries News

23.‘Anupamaa’ actor Rituraj Singh Passes Away at 59

• The Indian entertainment industry mourns the loss of Rituraj Singh, a versatile actor who passed away at the age of 59 due to cardiac arrest.
• Singh, whose career spanned over several decades, was revered for his dynamic performances across television, cinema, and web series.
• His sudden demise has left fans and colleagues deeply saddened, reflecting on the indelible mark he has left on the world of entertainment.

Miscellaneous News

24.Khajuraho Dance Festival, A Spectacle of Classical Dance

• The renowned Khajuraho Dance Festival embarks on its 50th year of celebration in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, marking a milestone in the preservation and promotion of India’s classical dance heritage.
• This prestigious event is being inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, showcasing the state’s commitment to cultural festivities.
• In an ambitious attempt to promote tourism and highlight the cultural significance of Kathak, more than 1500 artists will perform in what is dubbed as Kathak Kumbh on the festival’s opening day, aiming to create a world record.

20 FEBRUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS 2024 | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR

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