Daily Current Affairs 20th August 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Centenary Commemorative Coin Honoring M. Karunanidhi

On August 18, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released a special coin to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi in Chennai. During the event, the Minister praised the late leader, calling him a significant figure in Indian politics.

International News

China Approves $31 Billion for 11 New Nuclear Reactors Across Five Sites

China has given the green light for the construction of 11 new nuclear reactors at five different locations, with a total investment of around 220 billion yuan ($31 billion). This is the highest number of permits ever issued as the country aims to increase its use of nuclear energy to cut down on carbon emissions. The reactors will be built in Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Guangxi, and the construction is expected to take about five years.

Nepal To Export 1000 MW Electricity To India

Nepal will export nearly 1,000 MW of electricity to India. This was announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar after meeting with his Nepalese counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba in New Delhi on August 19. He described this development as a “new milestone.”

States News

Andhra CM Inaugurates Projects and Deals Worth Rs 3,683 Crore at Sri City

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated 16 industrial projects in Sri City and signed deals worth Rs 3,683 crore. These new projects are expected to create over 15,000 jobs, highlighting the state’s commitment to boosting industrial growth.

Rajasthan Govt Secures Rs 5.21 Trillion in Investment Proposals Ahead of Summit

The Rajasthan government has received investment proposals worth over Rs 5.21 lakh crore (approximately USD 62 billion) ahead of the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Investment Summit 2024. These proposals, received within two weeks of the summit’s announcement, are expected to create around 1.55 lakh direct jobs. This investment represents more than 33% of the state’s current Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), estimated at Rs 15.28 lakh crore for 2023-24.

Appointments News

Ashok Kumar Singh Takes Over as Director General, ESIC

Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, IAS, took over as the Director General of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, at its headquarters in New Delhi on August 19.

Defence News

Army Chief General Chairs High-Level Meeting

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi chaired a high-level meeting on August 20. The meeting focused on the ongoing transformational initiatives by the Indian Army and its role in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.

Business News

Net FDI Rises to $6.9 Billion in Q1 FY25

According to the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), net foreign direct investment (FDI) in India increased to $6.9 billion during the April-June quarter of FY25, compared to $4.7 billion in the same period last year. This rise was driven by a significant increase in gross inward FDI, which grew by 26.4% year-on-year to reach $22.5 billion. Key sectors like manufacturing, financial services, communication services, computer services, and energy accounted for about 80% of the total inflows.

NCLT Approves Slice and North East Small Finance Bank Merger

Fintech company Slice has received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for its merger with North East Small Finance Bank. The Guwahati bench of the NCLT has sanctioned the scheme of arrangement and amalgamation involving several entities, including Garagepreneurs Internet, Quadrillion Finance, Intergalactory Foundry, RGVN (North East) Microfinance, and North East Small Finance Bank.

Summits and Conferences News

India-Japan Ministerial Dialogue In Delhi Today

China has approved the construction of 11 new nuclear reactors across five sites, with a total investment of approximately 220 billion yuan ($31 billion). This marks a record number of permits as the government intensifies its reliance on nuclear energy to reduce carbon emissions. The State Council’s approval includes reactors in Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Guangxi. The construction is expected to take about five years.

Sports News

India’s Participation in the 2024 Paris Paralympics

The Paralympic Committee of India has announced the country’s participation in the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympics. This article explores the details of India’s involvement, the event’s background, and the nation’s historical performance in the Paralympic Games.

Important Days

World Humanitarian Day 2024

World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19th, takes on a somber tone in 2024 as the global community faces a grim reality: humanitarian workers are increasingly becoming targets in conflict zones. The year 2023 was the deadliest on record for aid workers, and 2024 threatens to surpass this grim milestone. This alarming trend highlights a critical failure in protecting those who dedicate their lives to helping others in the world’s most challenging environments.

Obituaries News

ICG DG Rakesh Pal Dies of Cardiac Arrest

Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Rakesh Pal, passed away due to a severe cardiac arrest in Chennai. He was 59 years old and was in Chennai to participate in a Coast Guard function led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.