Current Affairs - February 20, 2024 Current Affairs

The 100,000 Bharat Mart, aimed at enhancing exports, is located in Dubai. Jointly led by DP World, a Dubai-based logistics firm, and inaugurated by the Prime Minister, this facility integrates retail, warehousing, and logistics, positioned to become a vital commerce and logistics hub in Dubai.

The Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair is centred around the theme "Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment," highlighting the vital role of Neem in promoting long-term sustainability across agriculture, healthcare, and environmental conservation. This theme underscores neem's multifaceted benefits and its potential contributions to fostering a healthier and more sustainable world.

Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2024 is celebrated on February 20th, marking the state's official declaration as a distinct entity within India in 1987. It is a day to commemorate the region's cultural heritage, achievements, and progress since attaining statehood.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has partnered with IREDA to drive renewable energy initiatives by jointly financing projects. This collaboration formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to support various renewable energy projects nationwide, contributing to sustainable development and environmental conservation efforts.

The INDUS-X Summit, aimed at fostering defence innovation and strategic technology partnerships between India and the USA, is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on February 20-21, 2024.

The 11th International Puppet Festival took place in Chandigarh at Tagore Theatre. This event celebrated the cultural heritage and artistic innovation of puppetry, featuring esteemed guests and dignitaries, including Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who inaugurated the festival, emphasizing puppetry's historical significance and universal appeal.

The pristine Gupteswar Forest, located in Odisha's Koraput district, has been designated as the 4th Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) of the state. This forest, covering 350 hectares, is culturally significant and renowned for its diverse flora and fauna.

KVS Manian has been appointed as the Joint Managing Director (JMD) of Kotak Mahindra Bank effective from March 1st. With nearly three decades of experience within the institution and a background in electrical engineering and financial management, Manian brings significant expertise to his new role.

The 'Sagar Aankalan' guidelines are designed to boost Port Efficiency across Indian ports. This initiative, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, underscores the government's commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure and competitiveness. By implementing these guidelines, the government aims to streamline port operations and drive economic growth through improved efficiency in port management.

The World Day of Social Justice is celebrated globally on February 20th each year. It serves as a reminder of the necessity to confront inequality, injustice, and social exclusion worldwide. This day emphasizes the urgent need for fairer and more equitable societies to address pressing global challenges.

Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, inaugurated the Khelo India University Games in Guwahati. The event aimed to promote sports among university students and was launched with the participation of the Prime Minister via video message.

The Northern Railway Firozpur division is set to introduce MEMU and DMU train services between Baramulla and Sangaldan stations, Jammu and Kashmir, to enhance regional connectivity and improve transportation infrastructure in the region.

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 aims to strengthen FCI's role in ensuring food security and safeguarding farmers' interests.

REC Limited received the 'Innovative Technology Development Award' at the 'Building India 2047: Technology for Better Tomorrow' CSR Summit, held at IIT Madras. This recognition acknowledges REC's initiative to install a 2 MW rooftop solar plant at IIT Madras, contributing to sustainable energy generation.

The Indian Army's initiative involves replacing its existing T-72 tank fleet, which originates from Russia, with advanced Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs). This strategic modernization project aims to enhance combat capabilities by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, drone integration, and active protection systems into indigenous production.

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) has collaborated with DBS Bank to enhance investor awareness regarding investment safety and fraudulent schemes. This partnership aims to leverage DBS Bank's digital platforms to disseminate crucial messages to investors across India.