Today's Current Affairs 20th January 2024

NATIONAL

PM Launches Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

• The 13th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Prime Minister Modi mentioned India’s preparations for the Paris Olympics in the current year and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. 

Defence Minister Unveils 35 BRO Projects in Border Regions

• The Defence Minister inaugurated 35 crucial projects, comprising 29 bridges and six roads, strategically positioned across seven states and union territories. 

LIC Introduces Jeevan Dhara II Deferred Annuity Plan

• Unveiled by LIC Chairman Siddhartha Mohanty, the new Jeevan Dhara II plan offers a non-participating, individual savings, deferred annuity option. 

Gole Mela Festival Commenced At Jagannath Temple, Udhampur

• The beautiful town of Udhampur witnessed a glorious spectacle today as the sacred precincts of the Jagannath Temple came alive with the vibrant celebrations of the much-anticipated ‘Gole Mela.‘ 

SPORTS

Tata Group Secures IPL Title Sponsorship for Next 5 Years

• Tata Sons Private Limited has successfully utilized its Right to Match card, retaining the prestigious title sponsorship of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the upcoming five seasons, spanning 2024 to 2028. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

PepsiCo India Appoints Marketing chief Jagrut Kotecha as new CEO

• PepsiCo India, in a strategic realignment, has appointed Jagrut Kotecha as its new CEO, succeeding Ahmed El Sheikh.
• Kotecha, currently the Chief Commercial Officer for PepsiCo in Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA).
• This move comes as Ahmed El Sheikh transitions to the role of CEO for PepsiCo’s Middle East Business Unit.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Skyways Air Services wins Best Cargo Services Award at Wings India Awards

• Skyways Air Services Pvt Ltd has been recognized for its outstanding cargo services at the prestigious Wings India Awards held in Hyderabad.
• The GMR Group was recognized as the Best Aviation Service Provider, and Indian Oil Skytanking Pvt Ltd for fuel services. 

Bengaluru, Delhi airports get best airport award at Wings India

• At the prestigious Wings India Awards 2024, both the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi were jointly awarded the ‘Best Airport of the Year’.

 BOOKS & AUTHOR

“Conversations with Aurangzeb”: A Novel by Charu Nivedita

• “Conversations with Aurangzeb” is a novel by Tamil literary icon Charu Nivedita, translated into English by Nandini Krishnan.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

SEBI Chairperson Launches CDSL’s Multi-Lingual Initiatives for Investor Ease

• In celebration of its silver jubilee year, Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), Asia’s first listed depository, took a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility in the capital market landscape.
• SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch launched two groundbreaking multi-lingual initiatives at the silver jubilee function held on January 17.