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National and International Current Affairs of 20th January 2024

1.           Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai:

·             13th edition inaugurated by PM Modi.

·             Torch lighting marked the official start.

·             Projects worth Rs 250 crores announced.

2.           PM Modi Launches Projects in Solapur:

·             Inaugurated 8 AMRUT projects.

·             Dedicated 90,000 houses under PMAY-Urban.

·             Distributed PM-SVANIDHI benefits.

3.           UNDP and EU Grants in Papua New Guinea:

·       Grants over $420,000 for deforestation, food security, climate change.

·       Workshop in Enga Province.

4.           Solar Power Stations in Egyptian Heritage Sites:

·             Inauguration at five world heritage sites.

·             Part of Egypt PV project funded by GEF and EU.

5.           Himachal Pradesh's 'My School-My Pride' Initiative:

·             Aligns with National Education Policy.

·             Encourages contributions for holistic school development.

6.           Gole Mela Festival in Udhampur:

·             Annual festival at Jagannath Temple.

·             Showcases diverse stalls, local artistry, and delicacies.

7.           Defence Minister Inaugurates BRO Projects:

·             35 projects across border regions.

·             Cost of 670 crore, focusing on connectivity.

8.           SEBI Chairperson Launches CDSL’s Initiatives:

·             Multi-lingual CAS for investor ease.

·             'Apka CAS – Apki Zubaani' initiative.

·             Introduction of multi-lingual chatbot.

9.           LIC Introduces Jeevan Dhara II Plan:

·             Deferred annuity plan with life cover.

·             11 annuity options, accessible from age 20.

10.       PM Modi Inaugurates Boeing’s Global Engineering & Technology Centre:

·             Inauguration near Bengaluru with an investment of Rs 1,600 crore.

·             Expected to play a crucial role in aerospace and defence industry.

11.       Maharashtra Secures Investments of Rs 3.53 Trillion at Davos:

·             CM Eknath Shinde signs 19 MoUs for diverse sectors.

·             Potential to generate around two lakh jobs.

12.       India Launches “Alliance For Global Good-Gender Equity And Equality”:

·             Unveiled at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.

·             Gains support from WEF and Invest India.

13.       Best Airport Awards at Wings India:

·             Bengaluru and Delhi airports jointly awarded 'Best Airport of the Year.'

·             Bengaluru's airport recognized with '25 MPPA Traffic Award.'

14.       Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024:

·             Awards for 19 children presented by President Droupadi Murmu.

·             Interaction with PM Modi on January 23.

15.       Skyways Air Services Wins Best Cargo Services Award at Wings India Awards:

·             Recognized for outstanding cargo services.

·             Contributing significantly to the aviation industry.

16.       PepsiCo India Appoints Jagrut Kotecha As New CEO:

·             Kotecha succeeds Ahmed El Sheikh in March 2024.

·             Strategic realignment for continued growth.

17.       MoU for AI-Driven Agriculture:

·             Signed by National Farmers’ Welfare Programme, IndiaAI, and Wadhwani Foundation.

·             Aims to advance AI-driven digital agriculture.

18.       Tata Group Retains IPL Title Sponsorship:

·             Utilizes Right to Match card for the next five seasons.

·             Extended association with IPL.

19.       “Conversations With Aurangzeb”: A Novel By Charu Nivedita:

·             Historical and satirical novel by Charu Nivedita.

·             Offers a fresh perspective on historical and contemporary themes.

20.       Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha: World’s Largest Lock and Laddoo Prasad:

·             400 kg lock and 1,265 kg laddoo offered for consecration ceremony.

·             Crafted by artisans as a mark of devotion.