Current Affairs - March 20, 2024 Current Affairs

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted AI-based fake news as a threat to democracy during the summit addressing digital threats and technology's role in promoting democracy.

In February 2024, India's outward foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $3.47 billion, marking a notable rise from the previous year. This increase, reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), indicates a growing trend of higher financial commitments by Indian entities in foreign markets, encompassing equity, debt, and guarantees.

The VSSC-developed SAKHI app provides astronauts with technical support, health monitoring capabilities, and mission management features during the Gaganyaan space flight, making it a crucial lifeline for the crew.

India and Brazil held their inaugural '2+2' defence and foreign ministerial dialogue, marking a significant step in their bilateral relations. The talks focused on expanding cooperation in key areas such as energy, critical minerals, technology, and counter-terrorism, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Finland has consistently ranked as the happiest country in the world for seven consecutive years according to the World Happiness Report, an annual survey conducted by the United Nations. Factors contributing to this ranking include high levels of life satisfaction, strong social support systems, and a sense of freedom among the population.

The Bugun tribe, known for their environmental stewardship, resides near the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh. They have donated forest land to the state forest department, contributing to conservation efforts and protecting the critically endangered Bugun Liocichla bird.

The Uttar Pradesh police force is adopting the Trinetra app 2.0, an advanced digital platform aimed at revolutionizing crime prevention and investigation in the state by digitizing criminal records and providing comprehensive crime-related information to officers.

YES Bank has collaborated with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as the Official Banking Partner for Team India at the Paris Olympics 2024, launching the 'Milkar Jitayengey' campaign and introducing the 'YES Glory Debit Card' and 'YES Glory' savings account to support India’s Olympic athletes.

Agnikul Cosmos, a space startup based in Tamil Nadu, is preparing to launch India's second privately developed rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD. This event is historic as it marks India's first private launchpad launch and showcases advancements like a semi-cryogenic engine and the world's first single-piece 3D printed engine, highlighting India's progress in space technology and collaboration with ISRO.

Hong Kong recently passed Article 23 legislation, which grants authorities increased powers to curb dissent, impose severe penalties for various offences, and detain suspects without charge, raising concerns about civil liberties and freedom of expression in the region.

Begusarai, a city in Bihar, was ranked as the most polluted city globally in the World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQAir. This report highlighted that out of the top 100 most polluted places worldwide, 83 were from India, with Begusarai leading the list. The high pollution levels in India, particularly in cities like Begusarai, underscore the urgent need for effective measures to address air quality issues.

Prabha Varma received the 33rd Saraswati Samman in 2023 for his novel in verse 'Roudra Sathwikam.' This prestigious literary award, established by the K.K. Birla Foundation, recognizes exceptional literary works in Indian languages published within the last decade. Varma's work delves into philosophical themes, exploring the complexities of power, politics, morality, and human nature in poetic form.

Vaughan Gething, currently serving as the Economic Minister of Wales, has made history by becoming the first Black leader of a European country after being elected as the new leader of the Welsh Labour Party.

World Sparrow Day is observed on March 20th each year to highlight the declining population of house sparrows globally. This day aims to raise awareness and inspire conservation efforts for these birds, whose numbers have drastically decreased in many regions.

CP Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Jharkhand, has been appointed as the in-charge governor of Telangana after Tamilisai Soundararajan's resignation, making him the third person from Tamil Nadu to hold this position in Telangana.