In Current Affairs for 19 February 2024, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 19 February 2024
58th Jnanpith Award
- Renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya will receive the 58th Jnanpith Award.
- Gulzar is known for his works in Hindi cinema and is considered one of the finest Urdu poets of this era.
- Jagadguru Rambhadracharya is the founder and chief of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, and is a renowned Hindu spiritual leader, educator and writer of more than 240 books and texts.
- The recipients for the award were decided by a selection committee chaired by Jnanpith awardee Pratibha Rai. Established in 1944, the prestigious Jnanpith Award is given annually for outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
Munich Security Conference
- External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is attending the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany.
- As part of the conference, Dr Jaishankar will address a panel discussion on ‘Growing the Pie: Seizing Shared Opportunities, today.
- German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and US Secretary of State Blinken will also take part in the panel discussion along with the External Affairs Minister.
- On the sidelines of the Conference, Dr Jaishankar yesterday discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation as well as those of key global and regional concern with prominent leaders including US Secretary of State Blinken and his British counterpart David Cameron.
- In a social media post, Dr. Jaishankar said that during his meeting with Mr. Blinken, their talk centred on the situation in West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. He said they reviewed the continuing progress in India-US bilateral ties.
- The talks between the External Affairs Minister and his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly focused on the present state of bilateral ties. The two leaders also exchanged views on the global situation.
- The External Affairs Minister and European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell exchanged perspectives on the current global situation.
- Dr Jaishankar and UK Foreign Minister David Cameron discussed India-UK bilateral cooperation as well as global and regional issues. Earlier, the External Affairs Minister held a meeting with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, and discussed global challenges and the pathway ahead. The two leaders reviewed preparations for the next meeting of India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations.
- The 60th Munich Security Conference got underway. The three-day meeting offers a unique opportunity for high-level debates on the world’s most pressing security challenges.
Department of Fisheries to sign MoU with ONDC
- The Department of Fisheries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in the presence of Union Minister of Fisheries Parshottam Rupala in New Delhi.
- The MoU aims to strengthen direct access to consumers or markets for fishermen and unlock the potential of digital commerce in the field of Indian Fisheries.
- In a release, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying said that the collaboration between the Department of Fisheries and ONDC will facilitate the implementation of technology-driven solutions, and improve efficiency, collectivisation, and competitiveness of the small-scale producers and marketers.
- Providing a direct channel between producers and consumers, it said that ONDC will support reducing reliance on intermediaries, leading to higher profits for fishers and lower prices for consumers.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis
- Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be on a two-day State visit to India from the 21st of this month.
- Senior officials and a high-powered business delegation will accompany him. Mr Mitsotakis will be the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the 9th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Mitsotakis will hold bilateral discussions.
- This will be the first bilateral Head of State or Government level visit from Greece to India after 15 years. The last Prime Ministerial visit from Greece to India took place in 2008.
- Ministry of External Affairs said, India-Greece relations have been elevated to ‘Strategic Partnership’ during Mr Modi’s visit to Greece in August last year.
- The relations are based on shared cultural values, commitment to fostering economic growth, and collaboration in the fields of security and defence, shipping, and maritime, and are marked by convergence on regional and global issues.
- The two countries have also been cooperating closely in various multilateral forums. MEA said, Prime Minister Mitsotakis’s visit is expected to strengthen further and deepen the strategic partnership between India and Greece.
Asia Team Championship
- Badminton, the Indian Women’s Team has won their first-ever Asia Team Championships title at Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam, Malaysia today.
- In the final match, India clinched the gold medal by defeating Thailand 3-2, with youngster Anmol Kharb’s exceptional performance in the title decider game. Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu, and Anmol Kharb and the pair of Treesa and Gayatri registered victory in the final match.
Nawaf Salam Elected As ICJ’s New President
- Nawaf Salam was elected president of the ICJ in The Hague, succeeding US Judge Joan Donoghue.
- This significant milestone marks him as the first Lebanese and second Arab to hold this prestigious position for a three-year term.
- Salam’s journey with the ICJ began in 2018, and he currently holds the highest judicial position globally.
- As the principal judicial body of the United Nations, the ICJ is responsible for adjudicating legal disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on legal questions referred to by UN organs and specialized agencies.
- Salam follows in the footsteps of former Lebanese Foreign Minister Fouad Ammoun, who served as a judge in the ICJ from 1965 to 1976.
- Lebanon’s historical association with the ICJ underscores its commitment to global justice.
- Before joining the ICJ, Salam served as Lebanon’s ambassador to the UN from 2007 to 2017, gaining valuable experience in multilateral diplomacy. His representation in the Security Council further enriched his diplomatic credentials.
- Salam’s academic contributions are noteworthy, having taught contemporary history at Sorbonne University and international relations and law at the American University of Beirut. He headed the Department of Political Science and Public Administration from 2005 to 2007.
- Salam’s election as ICJ president not only highlights the importance of diversity within the Court but also recognizes the outstanding qualifications and capabilities of a Lebanese jurist poised to shape international justice in the years to come.
Third Largest Digital Economy
- India has cemented its position as the third-largest digitalized nation in the world, trailing only behind the technological powerhouses of the United States of America (USA) and China.
- This significant finding is part of the “State of India’s Digital Economy Report, 2024,” unveiled by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), a renowned Delhi-based think tank.
- The report paints a comprehensive picture of India’s digital landscape, comparing it favorably with some of the world’s most developed economies, yet highlighting areas for improvement in user-level digital engagement.
- ICRIER’s study employs the innovative ‘CHIPS’ framework to evaluate the digital prowess of nations across five critical dimensions: connect, harness, innovate, protect, and sustain.
- This methodology offers a holistic view of the digital ecosystem, allowing for a nuanced understanding of India’s digital economy relative to global standards.
- India Achieves Global Digitalization Milestone as Third Largest Digital Economy The report’s findings underscore India’s formidable presence on the digital stage.
- Surpassing developed nations like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan in aggregate levels of digitalization, India has showcased its ability to leverage digital technology for economic and social advancement.
- However, the country’s rank as the 12th in terms of individual user digitalization among G20 nations points to a disparity between overall digital infrastructure and the personal digital engagement of its citizens.
- India’s digital infrastructure has been a key driver of its third-place ranking. Investments in connectivity, digital services, and technology innovation have paid dividends, positioning the country as a significant player in the global digital economy. The government’s focus on digital initiatives, such as the Digital India campaign, has been instrumental in this growth, expanding digital access and literacy across diverse demographics.
Bir Lachit Borphukan
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil a colossal 125-foot statue of Bir Lachit Borphukan in Lahdoigarh, Holongapar, Jorhat.
- The statue of Bir Lachit Borphukan, a celebrated general who is best known for his leadership in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat where he thwarted the Mughal invasion, is a project that symbolizes the valor and spirit of the Assamese people.
- The unveiling of this imposing statue not only pays homage to a historical figure but also serves as an inspiration for generations to come.
- During his visit to Jorhat, Prime Minister Modi has a packed agenda that underscores the central and state governments’ commitment to development and social welfare.
- Among the key activities scheduled are the laying of the foundation stone for the Sivasagar Medical College and Hospital and the Griha Pravesh ceremony for 5.5 lakh homes constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme in Assam.
- These initiatives reflect the government’s focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and providing housing for the underprivileged. Ahead of the unveiling, the Assam Chief Minister visited the Lachit Moidam Memorial and Cultural Complex at Lahdoigarh to assess the progress of the construction work. His visit also included a review of the statue of Bir Lachit Borphukan and the development of the surrounding areas, expressing satisfaction with the ongoing work.
- This complex is anticipated to become a significant cultural and historical site, attracting visitors from across the nation and beyond.
- The erection of the Bir Lachit Borphukan statue and the development of the memorial complex are part of a broader effort to celebrate and preserve Assam’s historical legacy.
- Bir Lachit Borphukan’s heroics are a source of immense pride for the Assamese people, and this statue is a fitting tribute to his memory and the indomitable spirit of resistance he represents.
Current Affairs 19 February Question
- 58th Jnanpith Award Is Awarded To
A. Gulzar
B. Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
C. Shankar Mahadevan
D. Both a & b
ANSWER: D - Nawaf Salam Elected As President Of
A. ICJ
B. UNESCO
C. WHO
D. UNICEF
ANSWER: A - Kyriakos Mitsotakis Is PM Of
A. Spain
B. Greece
C. Egypt
D. Finland
ANSWER: B - Munich Security Conference Is Held In
A. Italy
B. Sweden
C. Germany
D. Denmark
ANSWER: C - AT ‘Solar Policy 2024’, What Is Targeted Installed Capacity Of Solar Power In
Delhi By 2027
A. 5500 MW
B. 3500 MW
C. 4500 MW
D. 2500 MW
ANSWER: C - What Is The Theme Of World Radio Day 2024
A. Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining And Educating
B. Radio And Trust
C. Radio And Diversity
D. Dialogue, Tolerance, And Peace
ANSWER: A - Usha Kiran Khan, Passed Away Recently, Was Associated With Which Field
A. Sports
B. Politics
C. Literature
D. Medicine
ANSWER: C - AIIMS New Delhi & University Of Liverpool Signed An Agreement For Which
Research
A. Cancer
B. AIDS
C. Diabetes
D. Tuberculosis
ANSWER: A - Swachhata Green Leaf Rating System Is A Government Initiated Rating System
For Which Sector
A. Hospitality sector
B. Medical sector
C. Environmental sector
D. Agricultural sector
ANSWER: A - UP Government Collaborated With Which Institute To Enhance Disaster
Management
A. IIT Roorkee
B. IIT Kanpur
C. IIT Guwahati
D. IIT Bombay
ANSWER: A - Where Was First Ever Digital India Future Skills Summit Held
A. Jaipur
B. Indore
C. Guwahati
D. Chennai
ANSWER: C - India’s First Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Is Launched In Which State
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Uttarakhand
C. Rajasthan
D. Himachal Pradesh
ANSWER: B - Malaprabha River, Is A Tributary Of Which River
A. Godavari
B. Kaveri
C. Krishna
D. Narmada
ANSWER: C - What Is ‘Cuscuta Dodder’, Recently Seen In The News
A. Invasive weed
B. Fish
C. Virus
D. Spider
ANSWER: A - Which State Government Has Officially Declared Kaji Nemu (Citrus Limon) As
The State Fruit
A. Nagaland
B. Manipur
C. Assam
D. Sikkim
ANSWER: C - Nua -O Scholarship Program, Is Associated With Which State
A. Gujarat
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Odisha
D. Bihar
ANSWER: C - Government Released Guidelines For Starting Pilot Programmes To Use Green
Hydrogen In Which Of Following Sectors
A. Steel sector
B. Transportation sector
C. Industrial sector
D. Shipping sector
ANSWER: B - Archaeologists Discovered An Eighth Century ‘ Kotravai Sculpture’ In Which
State
A. Gujarat
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Kerala
ANSWER: C - Attemsostreptus Leptoptilos Belongs To Which Species
A. Millipede
B. Snake
C. Invasive plant
D. Fish
ANSWER: A - Under Whose Leadership Shvetambara Sect Formed
A. Bhadrabahu
B. Sthalabahu
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. Ashoka
ANSWER: B
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