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

National News

Union Cabinet Announces Economic Decisions Worth Over ₹2.88-Lakh Crore

The Union Cabinet has approved economic measures totalling over ₹2.88-lakh crore, including an MSP hike for 14 Kharif crops, the expansion of Varanasi airport, and the establishment of a new major port at Vadhavan. These decisions, announced in the first Cabinet meeting after the allocation of portfolios to Union Ministers in the Modi government’s third term, aim to bolster various sectors and drive economic growth.

Cabinet Approves National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)

The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the Central Sector Scheme titled “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)” with a comprehensive financial allocation of Rs. 2254.43 crore spanning from 2024-25 to 2028-29. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to bolster India’s forensic capabilities through strategic investments in infrastructure and manpower.

Chirag Paswan and Shri Ravneet Singh launch Website and Mobile App for World Food India 2024

As a precursor to the 3^rd edition of World Food India, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan and Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways, Shri Ravneet Singh, launched the website and mobile application for World Food India 2024.

9 Major Ports of India Makes It to Global Top 100 by World Bank, First for The Country

In a significant boost to the India’s port development programme, as many as 9 ports of India made it to the Global Top 100 in the latest edition of Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), 2023. This report is prepared by the World Bank and S&P Global Marketing Intelligence). The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal gave credit to the ambitious Sagarmala programme, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for modernisation of the ports and improving their efficiency.

Summits and Conferences News

112th International Labour Conference at Geneva, Switzerland

The 112th International Labour Organization (ILC) was held in Geneva from 3-14 June 2024. It was attended by more than 4,900 delegates – representing Governments, and Employers’ and Workers’ organizations. The 113rd ILC will be held in June 2025.

CCRYN in Collaboration with Svyasa Organizes Conference on “Yoga for Space” in Bengaluru

The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), in collaboration with Svyasa, Deemed to be University, organized a Conference on “Yoga for Space” at S-Vyasa University, Bengaluru, in observance of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024 with the theme “Yoga for Self & Society.” This conference brought together experts from various fields to enhance societal health, including astronauts, by exploring the benefits of yoga in extreme conditions and space environments.

Schemes News

Cabinet approves Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Implementation of Offshore Wind Energy Projects

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for the implementation of offshore wind energy projects in India. This decision marks a significant step towards harnessing the vast offshore wind energy potential within the country’s exclusive economic zone. The total financial outlay for this scheme is ₹7,453 crore.

Defence News

Indian Army Inducts Indigenous ASMI Submachine Gun

In a significant move towards self-reliance, the Northern Command of the Indian Army has ordered 550 indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured ASMI submachine guns worth Rs 4.26 crores from Hyderabad-based Lokesh Machine Limited. This marks the first time an indigenously designed and manufactured weapon has been inducted into the Indian Army.

Banking News

Axis Bank Acquires Additional Stake in Max Life Insurance Subsidiary for ₹336 Crore

Axis Bank has decided to increase its shareholding in Max Life Insurance, investing up to ₹336 crore. This transaction will raise the aggregate shareholding of Axis Entities from 19.02% to 19.66%.

Sports News

Neeraj Chopra Shines at Paavo Nurmi Games 2024

Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra added another feather to his cap by clinching the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw event at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2024 in Turku, Finland. The Paavo Nurmi Games is a prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour (Gold level) event, and Neeraj’s victory further solidifies his position as a dominant force in the sport.

Trent Boult Announces Retirement from International Cricket

New Zealand’s left-arm fast bowler, Trent Boult, has announced his retirement from international cricket after New Zealand’s final Group C match against Papua New Guinea at the 2024 T20 ICC Cricket World Cup. The match was played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba.

Important Days

World Refugee Day 2024, Date, Theme and History

Every year on June 20th, the world comes together to observe World Refugee Day. This day is dedicated to the millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, or natural disasters. It serves as a powerful reminder of their plight and a call to action to support and welcome refugees into our communities. The theme for World Refugee Day 2024 is “Everyone is Welcome.”

World Sickle Cell Day 2024, Date, Theme, History and Significance

The United Nations General Assembly recognized sickle cell disease as a public health issue and designated 19 June as World Sickle Cell Day in December 2008. The day aims to raise awareness about the disease, promote early detection, and encourage preventive measures for patient relief.