Daily Current Affairs 20th February, 2024

Daily Current Affairs 20th February 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation

Dear Readers,

This post contains important current affairs of 20th February2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 20th February2024. 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 20th February2024 Current affairs test.

 

1. Projection of India’s Per Capita Income Growth

• A research report from Standard Chartered Bank suggests that India’s per capita income could surge by about 70% by 2030, potentially reaching 4,000 dollars, compared to the current level of 2,450 dollars.
• This growth is anticipated to elevate India to a middle-income economy with a GDP of 6 trillion dollars, where a significant share of it, around half, would stem from household consumption.
• India’s per capita GDP has seen incremental growth, moving from 460 dollars in 2001 to 1,413 dollars in 2011 and further to 2,150 dollars in 2021.
• The expansion of external trade is foreseen as a pivotal factor in driving substantial economic progress, with expectations of doubling external trade to 2.1 trillion dollars by 2030.

2. Inauguration of the 20th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, India Region by Om Birla

• Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha, has inaugurated the 20th annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, India Region.
• The conference’s focal point is centered on deliberations about natural calamities and strategies for their management, particularly concerning the northeast region.
• Emphasis was placed on regional cooperation and enhanced connectivity through the Act East policy, envisaging bolstered regional integration on economic and social fronts in the North East.

3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Upcoming Visit to Jammu

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming journey to Jammu is expected to mark a significant milestone in the region’s development. The visit is notable for initiating projects with a total worth of around Rs 45,375 crore ($5.5 billion), showcasing the Central Government’s commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and healthcare services in Jammu & Kashmir. A major highlight of the visit includes the inauguration of the highest railway bridge in the world over the Chenab River, as well as the commencement of construction for a new terminal at the Jammu Airport.

4. Inauguration of Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal by PM Modi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently led the foundation-laying ceremony for the Shri Kalki Dham Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. At this event, PM Modi highlighted India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in digital technology and innovation, moving from a follower to a trendsetter on the international stage. He emphasized the need for supporting local craftspeople and artisans to promote economic growth and safeguard cultural traditions.

5. Introduction of ‘Sagar Aankalan’ Guidelines for Enhancing Port Efficiency

• The ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines, introduced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, aim to create a performance index for Indian ports. This initiative is designed to boost the efficiency and competitive advantage of Indian ports, applying across the nation to revitalize the maritime industry.

6. Modernization of the Indian Army’s Tank Fleet with a Rs 57,000 Crore Investment

• The Indian Army is set to update its armored capabilities by phasing out the old Russian T72 tanks in favor of the new Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs). This extensive plan involves the domestic manufacture of 1,770 FRCVs, featuring cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, drone integration, active protection systems, and enhanced situational awareness. The deployment of these vehicles will occur in three stages, incorporating the most recent technologies to boost effectiveness and firepower.

7. Increase in Food Corporation of India’s Authorized Capital

• The government has increased the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) authorized capital from ₹10,000 crore to ₹21,000 crore. Announced by the Food Ministry, this decision aims to enhance FCI’s operational efficiency, strengthen its crucial role in ensuring food security, support farmer welfare, reduce interest expenses, and have a positive impact on government subsidies.

8. Observance of World Day of Social Justice 2024

• The World Day of Social Justice, observed globally on February 20th each year, focuses on the fight against inequality, injustice, and exclusion. The day promotes the ideals of fair labor practices and equitable globalization, with the 2024 theme “Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances,” highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnerships in tackling global challenges.

9. Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair Highlights</Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair Highlights

• The Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, organized in New Delhi by the ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute and other stakeholders on 19-20 February 2024, showcased the various uses of neem in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental protection. The event, themed “Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment,” emphasized neem’s role in sustainable practices.

10. INDUSX Summit: Boosting Indo-US Defence Innovation

• The INDUSX Summit, taking place on February 20-21, 2024, in New Delhi, is a significant step in strengthening defense innovation and technological collaboration between India and the United States. Hosted by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the U.S.-India Business Council, and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the summit aims to enhance strategic technological partnerships and defense cooperation between the two nations.

11. Agreement between IREDA and PNB for Renewable Energy Projects

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) to support renewable energy projects across India. Signed on February 19, 2024, at IREDA’s office in New Delhi, the MoU promotes joint lending and loan syndication for renewable energy projects.

12. IEPFA and DBS Bank Partnership for Investor Education

• The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) has partnered with DBS Bank to raise public awareness about investment safety and the dangers of fraudulent schemes. This collaboration seeks to enhance investor education, engage with stakeholders across various platforms, and support the authority’s goals and responsibilities.

13. ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak’ Awarded to RPSF Constable by the President

• Sh. Shashikant Kumar, a constable of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF), was honored with the ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak’ by the President of India on Republic Day 2024. This award, a part of the Ashoka Chakra series of Gallantry awards established in 1961, recognizes courageous acts of lifesaving during emergencies, including accidents, natural disasters, and other critical situations.

14. Shubman Gill Appointed as Punjab’s ‘State Icon’ for Lok Sabha Elections

• Indian cricketer Shubman Gill has been appointed as the “state icon” for Punjab by the office of the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, aiming to boost voter engagement and turnout in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. This initiative intends to use Gill’s popularity to enhance voter awareness and participation, especially among the youth and sports enthusiasts, with Gill playing a crucial role in voter awareness campaigns.