Daily GK Update: 20th February 2024

National & International Appointments

Kotak Mahindra Bank re-designating whole-time director KVS Manian as the joint managing director effective 1 March.
Manian, an alumnus of the Indian Institutes of Technology (BHU) - Varanasi, with a degree in electrical engineering and a postgraduate in financial management.
Ekambaram, who has over 30 years of service at Kotak, holds a commerce degree, is a chartered accountant, and a Cost and Works Accountant.

International Affairs

India has contributed 1 million US Dollars to the Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund established by India, Brazil, and South Africa, IBSA.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj handed over the cheque to the Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) Dima Al-Khatib.
The IBSA Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA Fund) was established jointly by grouping in March 2004 and it became operational in 2006.

National Affairs

Labour and Employment Secretary, Arti Ahuja has said that the participation of women in the labour force in the country has increased from 23 percent to 37 percent.
She added that as the country’s population is growing, India needs to appreciate fifty percent of the talented, motivated and hardworking female workforce.
Female labour force participation rate can be defined as percentage women employed with respect to labour force of the country.

National Affairs

Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis will arrive in New Delhi tonight on a four-day State visit to India.
He will be accompanied by senior officials and a high-powered business delegation.
This will be the first bilateral Head of State or Government level visit from Greece to India after 15 years.
He will also visit Mumbai before returning to Athens.

Important Dates

The Northern States Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have celebrated their Foundation Day on February 20 since 1987.
Mizoram State took place on 20th February, 1987,as India’s 23rd state.
Arunachal Pradesh, a land of natural wonders and cultural heritage, became a full-fledged state on February 20, 1987.
Until 1972, it was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA).

Obituaries

Renowned TV actor Rituraj Singh, known for his versatile roles, passes away at 59 due to cardiac arrest.
He was born in Kota, Rajasthan, Singh’s journey in the entertainment industry was one of passion and dedication.
Singh’s contribution to Indian television was profound, with a career spanning decades.

National Affairs

Fifty more Amrit Bharat Trains have been approved by the Government.
Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that after the huge success of Amrit Bharat Train, another 50 trains have been approved.
The Amrit Bharat train is an LHB push-pull train with non-air-conditioned coaches.
It provides improved facilities for rail passengers like beautiful and attractive designed seats, better luggage racks with suitable mobile holders, among others.

Sports

Asian Games medallist Anush Agarwalla has secured the first-ever Paris Olympics quota in dressage discipline for the country.
He obtained the Paris 2024 quota for the country based on his performance in four FEI events.
Agarwalla had clinched India’s first individual bronze at the Asian Games in dressage last year.
In dressage competitions, the horse and rider perform a series of pre-determined movements in an arena of 20 metres to 60 metres.

Summits & Conferences

The India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem summit, INDUS-X, began in New Delhi.
The two-day aims to enhance strategic technology partnerships and defence cooperation between the two nations.
The summit will bring together stakeholders from both countries to explore and leverage emerging opportunities in defence innovation.
The event will also recognize winners of the Joint INDUS X challenge under the IMPACT program.

National Affairs

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved a draft bill proposing a 10%reservation for the Maratha community in both educational institutions and government employment.
This proposed reservation surpasses the 50 percent cap, an extension justified by a report submitted to the state government by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC), led by Chairman Justice (Retired) Sunil Shukre.

Sports

MI Emirates has won the title of the 2nd edition of UAE International League T20 (ILT20).
MI Emirates secured the title by defeating Dubai Capitals by 45 runs in the final match at Dubai International Stadium
MI team posted a total of 208 runs for the loss of 3 wickets,Dubai Capitals team could score only 163 runs at the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs.
ILT20 is a franchise-based T20 league organized by the Emirates Cricket Board, featuring six participating franchises.

Important Dates

Every year on 20 February the World Day of Social Justice is observed worldwide.
As grave injustices and widespread labour insecurity threaten social issues, the day stresses the need to build fairer and more equitable societies.
The theme of World Day of Social Justice 2024 is "Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances".