These current affairs today are a part of our daily current affairs. We cover a wide range of topics from state, national, and international news that are relevant and important for competitive exams. Our team prepares today’s current affairs after going through many newspapers, such as The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, PRS, etc.
Scroll down for current affairs for 20-01-2024.
Bangalore & Delhi Airports at Wings India Awards:
- At the fourth edition of the “Wings India Awards” in the Civil Aviation Sector, Bangalore and Delhi Airports collectively secured the prestigious Best Airport Award.
- This esteemed recognition was presented by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia during a ceremony held in Hyderabad.
- Among the accolades bestowed, Vistara received the distinction of Best Airline of the Year.
- Furthermore, Air India garnered recognition for its commendable International Connectivity, while Alliance Air was acknowledged for its excellence in Regional Connectivity.
- The Sustainability Champion title was bestowed upon Air India Express.
- GMR Group received the honor of Best Aviation Service Provider, Skyways Air Services excelled in cargo services, and Indian Oil Skytanking Pvt. Ltd was recognized for its exemplary Fuel Services. GMR also received accolades for Aero Academy.
- In addition to these accomplishments, Wings India acknowledged several other organizations for their excellence in various categories within the realm of civil aviation.
Kuwait’s New Government under Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah:
- Kuwait has formed its inaugural government under the leadership of the country’s new Emir, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah.
- Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem heads the newly-formed cabinet, which consists of 13 members and includes new appointments in the ministries of oil, finance, and foreign affairs.
- A noteworthy departure from tradition is observed in the appointment of Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya, marking the first instance of a non-royal family member holding this position since Kuwait gained independence in 1961.
- This significant development follows the recent appointment of Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al Salem as the new prime minister, a decision made by Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah in December after the passing of his predecessor, Sheikh Nawaf.
- Sheikh Mohammed was entrusted with the task of forming a new cabinet, resulting in the establishment of the current 13-member government.
Resignations from Pakistan Cricket Board:
- The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially confirmed the resignations of foreign coaches Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, and Andrew Puttick from their respective roles with the national team and the board.
- This decision came after the trio was reassigned to duties at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore following a change in their responsibilities post the 50-overs World Cup in India.
- The main support staff of the Pakistan team during the World Cup, including bowling coach Morne Morkel, faced reassignment to the NCA after Pakistan’s failure to advance to the knockouts.
- However, the trio declined the reassignment and opted for vacations in their respective homes.
- Morkel promptly resigned from his incomplete contract after the World Cup.
- Subsequently, Puttick received an offer as a batting coach from Afghanistan, Bradburn was offered a contract by an English county side, and Arthur resumed his role as the head coach with Derbyshire.
Citigroup’s Collaboration with LuminArx for Private Lending:
- Citigroup has introduced a private lending initiative in partnership with alternative investment manager LuminArx Capital, aiming to broaden its presence in a market that has recently gained significant attention.
- Heightened regulations have led traditional banks to reassess the loans they offer, prompting collaborations with private capital providers. These entities, not subject to the same level of oversight as banks, can afford to provide riskier loans.
- LuminArx Capital has committed over $2 billion to the private lending vehicle, named Cinergy.
- Last year, Wells Fargo also launched a fund in collaboration with a private equity firm. Analysts anticipate increased demand for such loans in the coming months as the market for mergers and acquisitions rebounds.
Inauguration of Boeing’s Largest Facility by Prime Minister Modi:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to inaugurate Boeing’s largest facility outside the United States in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- The new state-of-the-art Boeing India Engineering and Technology Centre (BIETC) campus, located at the Aerospace Park in Devanahalli near Bengaluru Airport, represents a ₹1,600 crore investment and spans 43 acres.
- Boeing’s largest investment outside the US, the facility aims to support the growth of the country’s aviation sector.
- PM Modi will also unveil the Boeing Sukanya program, designed to facilitate the entry of more girls into India’s expanding aviation sector. This initiative will provide opportunities for girls and women to acquire critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields for careers in aviation.
Retirement Confirmation of West Indies Women’s Cricketers:
- West Indies women’s cricketers Anisa Mohammed, Shakera Selman, Kycia Knight, and Kyshona Knight have officially announced their retirement from international cricket.
- Both Mohammed and Selman served as vice-captains during their respective 20- and 18-year careers. All players communicated their decisions to Cricket West Indies (CWI).
- Mohammed, who made her debut at the age of 15 in 2003, played 141 ODIs and 117 T20Is. She took 180 ODI wickets and 125 T20I wickets, achieving the first-ever 100 T20I wickets by a male or female cricketer in 2016. She also holds the distinction of being the first West Indian bowler to secure a hat-trick in a Women’s T20I.
President Droupadi Murmu to Confer Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 2024:
- President Droupadi Murmu will present the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 2024, to nineteen outstanding children in New Delhi.
- The award will be given to 19 children from various regions of the country for their exceptional achievements in Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Social Service, and Sports.
- Among the awardees, there are nine boys and ten girls representing 18 States and UTs, including two Aspirational Districts.
- The PMRBP is awarded to children in the age group of 5 to 18 years, with each recipient receiving a medal and certificate.
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: India’s highest civilian honor for children, formerly known as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement, awarded annually by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, first awarded in 1996.
PepsiCo India’s New CEO Appointment:
- PepsiCo India has named Jagrut Kotecha as its chief executive officer (CEO), succeeding Ahmed El Sheikh, who held the position for seven years.
- Currently serving as the company’s chief marketing officer in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA), Kotecha will officially assume the CEO role in March 2024.
- Ahmed El Sheikh will transition to the role of CEO for the Middle East business unit.
- Over the past six years, Ahmed has played a pivotal role in transforming the business, fostering innovation, and guiding the team through challenging landscapes. His leadership witnessed the introduction of groundbreaking products and various community-focused initiatives.
- PepsiCo: Founded in 1898 | Headquarters: New York, U.S. | Chairman & CEO: Ramon Laguarta
JetSetGo’s Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Deal:
- JetSetGo, the air services operator, has inked a deal for 280 hybrid-electric aircraft, with an additional 130 on option, totaling over USD 1.3 billion. The agreement involves collaboration with three global aviation tech firms.
- These versatile aircraft can be utilized for airport transfers, regional connectivity, inter-city commute, intra-city shuttles, and urban air taxis.
- The strategic partnership with Electra.aero, Horizon Aircraft, and Overair was announced at the Wings India 2024 aviation event in Hyderabad.
- Advanced Air Mobility, leveraging technologies like electric and hybrid-electric propulsion, enables air taxi-style services for short-distance travel between and within cities.
- JetSetGo: Founded in 2014 | Headquarters: New Delhi
Passing of Former Pole Vault Champion Shawn Barber:
- Shawn Barber, the Canadian record holder and 2015 world champion in pole vault, has passed away at the age of 29.
- Notable achievements include winning gold at the 2015 Pan American Games and securing the world title in Beijing, defeating competitors like Raphael Holzdeppe and Renaud Lavillenie.
- Barber’s Canadian record-setting jump of 6.0 meters on Jan. 15, 2016, still stands. He also participated in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
- Barber’s pole vault journey began at the age of seven, breaking the U.S. high school record by over a foot. He went on to win consecutive NCAA indoor titles in 2014 and ’15 for the University of Akron and the 2015 NCAA outdoor title.
Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 20th January 2024
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