Today's Current Affairs 19th February 2023

INTERNATIONAL

Israeli Missile Strikes Residential Building In Syria's Damascus : 15 Dead.

At least 15 people, including civilians, were killed in an Israeli rocket strike that hit a residential building in Damascus’s Kafr Sousa neighbourhood early on Sunday, reported AFP quoting the Syrian Observatory for human rights. The Israeli airstrikes targeted a heavily guarded security complex close to Iranian installations, witnesses and officials told Reuters.

North Korea Confirms Testing Ballistic Missile.

North Korea tested a Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Saturday in a "sudden launching drill" that confirmed its readiness for "mobile and mighty counterattack" against hostile forces, as per the state news agency KCNA. North Korea on Saturday afternoon launched a long-range ballistic missile into the sea off Japan’s west coast. The launch came after North Korea warned of a strong response to South Korea and US’ upcoming drills.

NATIONAL

Ujjain Breaks UP's World Record As 18.82 Lakh Diyas Illuminate City On Shivratri.

The country celebrated Mahashivratri on February 18, with great enthusiasm. From visiting the Shiva temples to the magnificent aarti in Varanasi and also the Sand Art Crafting at Juhu Beach, the festival was celebrated with devotion and fervour. Twitter and Instagram were flooded with wishes and posts amidst long hours of fasting. But, the most interesting bit of the entire celebration lay in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The city lit up with 18.82 lakh oil lamps, providing an outstanding view, and setting a New Guinness World Record. This took place primarily along the banks of the Kshipra river and drew over 20,000 volunteers.

SPORTS

Saurashtra beats Bengal By Nine Wickets To Bag Second Ranji Trophy Title.

Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat claimed a match haul of nine wickets, including 6/85 in the second innings, as Saurashtra thrashed Bengal by nine wickets in the Ranji Trophy final here on Sunday.          Brief Scores Bengal 174 and 241 in 70.4 overs (Manoj Tiwary 68, Anustup Majumdar 61; Jaydev Unadkat 6/85, Chetan Sakariya 3/76). Saurashtra: 404 and 14/1 in 2.4 overs. Saurashtra won by nine wickets.

India Beat Australia In 2nd Test of The Border–Gavaskar Trophy.

The Indian team outplayed the Australians by six wickets in the second Test and took a 2-0 lead in the four-match series in another three-day finish on Sunday. India got the target of 115 after they restricted the Kangaroo's batters for 113 in their second innings. India completed the chase in 26.4 overs on the third day of the match.

Virat Kohli Breaks Sachin Tendulkar's All-Time Record, Becomes Quickest To Score 25,000 Runs In International Cricket.

India batter Virat Kohli scaled another historic milestone in his career, becoming the fastest batter to score 25,000 runs in international cricket. He did so on Day 3 of the second Test against Australia in New Delhi. In the process, Kohli surpassed his idol and the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, who had reached the landmark in 577 matches. Virat, on the other hand, did so in 549 matches. Following Virat and Sachin are the likes of Ricky Ponting (588), Jacques Kallis (594), Kumar Sangakkara (608) and Mahela Jayawardene (701).

Women's T20 World Cup: Hayley Matthews' All-Round Show Steers West Indies To Thrilling Win Over Pakistan.

West Indies registered a thrilling three-run win over Pakistan in their Women's T20 World Cup face-off to keep their dim hopes of a semifinal qualification alive at the  Boland Park, Paarl on Sunday. Opting to bat first, the Windies had posted 116/6 with the help of useful knocks from Rashada Williams (30 off 34) and Hayley Matthews (20 off 21) with S Campbelle (22), Chinelle Henry (11) and Shabika Gajnabi (13) also chipping in with the bat

APPOINTMENTS

Brigadier BD Mishra (Retd) Takes Oath As New Lieutenant Governor Of Ladakh.

Brigadier BD Mishra (Retd.) was sworn in as the next lieutenant governor (LG) of Ladakh on Sunday. N. Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, administered the oath of office at the Raj Niwas in Leh. Mishra, a former governor of Arunachal Pradesh, is the second LG of Ladakh after Radha Krishnan Mathur, who resigned after three years in office, from 31 October 2019 to 11 February 2023, following Ladakh's secession from Jammu and Kashmir.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

These Silicon Nanowires Can Produce Hydrogen From Water And Sunlight.

A team of researchers has engineered silicon nanowires that can produce hydrogen from water and sunlight. Hydrogen is a greener alternative to fossil fuels. The nanowires, developed by researchers from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, can split water into oxygen and hydrogen gas, and hence, convert sunlight into electricity.

AWARDS AND RECOGITION

German Film 'All Quiet On The Western Front' Creates Buzz With Seven Wins at BAFTA Awards.

The German epic film "All Quiet on the Western Front" dominated the BAFTA Awards in London on Sunday night with a record-breaking seven wins, including for Best Director, Best Film and Best Film Not in the English Language. The previous record was held by 1988 film "Cinema Paradiso", which won five BAFTA Awards.

IMPORTANT DAYS

Shivaji Jayanti.

Shivaji Jayanti, also known as Shiv Jayanti and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, is a grand celebration that honors the birth of the great Maratha warrior, Shivaji Maharaj. From cultural programs to parades, the festival is a feast for the senses and a great chance to immerse yourself in the rich tradition and legacy of Maharashtra.

World Whale Day.

World Whale Day is celebrated every year on the third Sunday in February and this year, it takes place on February 19. This day seeks to appreciate these aquatic creatures that are an important part of the ecosystem. World Whale Day, was founded in Maui, Hawaii in 1980 to honor humpback whales, which swim off of the coast of this tropical island. This day was started as an idea by Greg Kauffman, founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation, to raise awareness about the threat of extinction faced by humpback whales.

International Tug of War Day

Tug of War Day is celebrated on February 19 every year. The day is dedicated to honouring one of the easiest sports, Tug of War. This game is a competitive sport that is beneficial for muscle development, and it is a lot of fun to play. The Tug of War is played all over the world.