Daily Current Affairs 20 August 2024

Stay updated with the key national and international news, significant developments, and important events from August 20, 2024.

National News

Commemorative Coin for M. Karunanidhi

On August 18, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a centenary commemorative coin in honor of Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi in Chennai. During the event, the Minister praised the late leader, highlighting his significant contributions to Indian politics.

International News

China’s Nuclear Reactor Expansion

China has sanctioned the construction of 11 new nuclear reactors across five locations, with a total investment of around 220 billion yuan ($31 billion). This approval, granted by the State Council, aims to boost the country’s nuclear energy capacity to reduce carbon emissions. The reactors will be built in Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Guangxi, with an estimated construction period of five years.

Nepal’s Electricity Export to India

Nepal is set to export approximately 1,000 MW of electricity to India. This announcement was made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar following his meeting with Nepalese counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba in New Delhi on August 19. Jaishankar described this development as a significant milestone.

States News

Industrial Projects in Andhra Pradesh

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh inaugurated 16 industrial projects in Sri City, with investments totaling Rs 3,683 crore. These projects are expected to create over 15,000 jobs, reflecting the state’s commitment to industrial growth and efficiency.

Rajasthan’s Investment Proposals

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

Appointments News

New Director General of ESIC

Ashok Kumar Singh, IAS, has taken over as the Director General of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, as of August 19.

Defence News

High-Level Meeting Chaired by Army Chief

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

Business News

Increase in Net FDI to $6.9 Billion in Q1 FY25

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reported a significant rise in net foreign direct investment (FDI) to $6.9 billion for the April-June quarter of FY25, up from $4.7 billion in the same period last year. This growth is attributed to a 26.4% year-on-year increase in gross inward FDI, which reached $22.5 billion. Major sectors such as manufacturing, financial services, communication services, computer services, and energy contributed to approximately 80% of the total inflows.

Merger of Slice and North East Small Finance Bank Approved

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the merger of fintech company Slice with North East Small Finance Bank. The Guwahati bench of the NCLT sanctioned the scheme of arrangement and amalgamation, which involves 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, Delhi hosts the India-Japan Ministerial Dialogue, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing key areas of cooperation between the two nations.

Sports News

India’s Participation in the 2024 Paris Paralympics

The Paralympic Committee of India has announced the country’s participation in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. This announcement includes details about India’s representation, the event’s background, and the nation’s historical performance in the Paralympic Games.

Important Days

World Humanitarian Day 2024

World Humanitarian Day, observed on August 19th, highlights the increasing dangers faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones. The year 2023 was the deadliest on record for aid workers, and 2024 is on track to surpass this grim milestone, emphasizing the urgent need for better protection for those who dedicate their lives to helping others in challenging environments.

Obituaries News

Passing of ICG DG Rakesh Pal

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