Daily Current Affairs- 18 February 2024

Today's Current Affairs 18th February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

NASA and JAXA Set to Launch World’s First Wooden Satellite

• NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the world’s first wooden satellite, dubbed the LignoSat probe, is poised for imminent launch.
• Developed by Kyoto University scientists in partnership with Sumitomo Forestry. 

NATIONAL

ISRO Young Scientist Programme 2024 (YUVIKA): Empowering Future Space Explorers

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) introduces the “Young Scientist Programme” “YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (YUVIKA). 

India’s First Indigenous Spy Satellite by TASL Set for SpaceX Launch

• India is preparing to launch its first spy satellite developed by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) aboard a SpaceX rocket in April.
• ISRO recently launched INSAT-3DS for meteorological studies, showcasing its diverse satellite capabilities. 

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Pradeep Kumar Sinha Appointed as Non-Executive Part-time Chairman of ICICI Bank

• ICICI Bank announced the appointment of Mr. Pradeep Kumar Sinha as the Non-Executive Part-time Chairman at its recent board meeting.
• This decision follows the retirement of Mr. G. C. Chaturvedi, the current Chairman, effective June 30, 2024. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Pangolin Day 2024 Observed On February 17th

• The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, in collaboration with environmentalists, has launched an awareness campaign to commemorate World Pangolin Day on February 17, 2024.
• Despite being protected under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 

World Whale Day 2024

• World Whale Day, initiated in 1980 by Greg Kauffman, founder of the Maui Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF).
• World Whale Day, observed on the third Sunday of February. 

SUMMITS AND MOU’S

External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar Attends 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is currently participating in the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany.

About Germany:

Capital: Berlin

Chancellor: Olaf Scholz 

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

BAFTA Awards 2024

• The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards 2024, hosted by the illustrious David Tennant, best known for his role in “Doctor Who,” was a celebration of cinematic excellence that unfolded at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
• Leading the charge with an impressive 13 nominations, “Oppenheimer” emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing seven BAFTAs, including Best Film. 

RANKING

Henley Passport Index 2024

• This year, France leads the pack, with its passport holders enjoying visa-free access to 194 countries.
• France, along with Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, stands at the pinnacle of passport power, each providing their citizens visa-free access to 194 countries.
• India slips one rank down to 85th place, despite an increase in visa-free access for its citizens to 62 countries. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

India’s Outward FDI in January 2024 Rises 25.7% to $2.1 billion

• According to recent data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), In January 2024, India’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments surged by 25.7% year-on-year to $2.09 billion.
• On a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) basis, India’s outward FDI commitments in January 2024 rose by 25.7% to $2.09 billion, compared to $1.66 billion in January 2023.