Daily Current Affairs- 20 February 2024

Today's Current Affairs 20th February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

PM Modi Launches 100,000sqm Bharat Mart in Dubai for Exports

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE Vice President Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum laid the foundation stone of Bharat Mart. 

NATIONAL

The 11th International Puppet Festival in Chandigarh

• The vibrant city of Chandigarh became a melting pot of cultural heritage and artistic innovation as it hosted the 11th International Puppet Festival at Tagore Theatre.
• The event, inaugurated by Punjab Governor and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh, Banwarilal Purohit. 

Indian Air Force (IAF) Conducted ‘Exercise Vayu Shakti-24’

• Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted ‘Exercise Vayu Shakti-24’ at the Pokhran range near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
• The event, attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan.
• Adhering to this year’s theme, ‘Lightning Strike from the Sky’, the exercise involved over 120 aircraft. 

OBITUARY

Anupamaa’ actor Rituraj Singh Passes Away at 59

• Rituraj Singh, a versatile actor passed away at the age of 59.
• He was featured in iconic shows such as “Banegi Apni Baat,” “Kahani Ghar Ghar Kii,” and “Kutumb.” His role in “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai”. 

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

KVS Manian Appointed As Kotak Mahindra Bank’s New JMD

• Kotak Mahindra Bank has re-designated KVS Manian, a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of experience within the institution, as the joint managing director. 

Shubman Gill designated as Punjab ‘state icon’ for Lok Sabha polls

• The Punjab Chief Electoral Officer’s office has announced Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as the new “state icon” for Punjab.
• This initiative follows the previous voter turnout of 65.96 per cent during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections across the 13 seats in Punjab.

About Punjab:

Capital: Chandigarh

Chief Minister: Bhagwant Mann

Governor: Banwarilal Purohit 

IMPORTANT DAYS

Mizoram Foundation Day 2024: 20 February

• Mizoram Foundation Day, celebrated annually on February 20th, holds profound significance for the people of Mizoram, marking the establishment of the state as the 23rd state of India in 1987. 

Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day 2024: 20 February

• Formerly a part of the larger state of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh emerged as a distinct entity following its rechristening from NEFA to Arunachal Pradesh on January 20, 1972. The journey towards statehood culminated on February 20, 1987. 

SUMMITS AND MOU’S

Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair: Promoting Sustainable Solutions

• The Neem Summit & Global Neem Trade Fair, held in New Delhi on 19-20 February 2024, is a collaborative effort between ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi, and various stakeholders.
• The overarching theme is “Neem for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, and Environment.” 

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

President Awards ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak’ To RPSF Constable

• The Hon’ble President of India, in a momentous ceremony on Republic Day 2024, bestowed the prestigious ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak’ upon Sh. Shashikant Kumar, a constable of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF).
• Jeevan Raksha Padak awards, stemming from the Ashoka Chakra series of Gallantry awards, were established in 1961.