Today's Current Affairs 20th October 2023

INTERNATIONAL

China’s Nuclear Arsenal Buildup: U.S. Pentagon Report

• The Pentagon 2023 report suggests that China is on track to have over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.
• China’s aim is to modernize its military to become “world-class” by 2049. China’s military spending in 2023 reportedly increased by 7.2% to $216 billion USD.

About China:

President: Xi Jinping 

Capital: Beijing 

S Jaishankar Unveils Mahatma Gandhi’s Bust In Vietnam

• One of the prominent events during Jaishankar’s visit to Vietnam was the unveiling ceremony of a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Ho Chi Minh City.
• External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also unveiled the bust of Rabindranath Tagore in Bac Ninh province.

About Vietnam:

Capital: Hanoi

President: Vo Van Thuong

 NATIONAL

Assam CM Inaugurated ‘Shraddhanjali,’ Second Longest Flyover in the State

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the newly constructed ‘Shraddhanjali’ flyover in Guwahati on October 19, 2023.

About Assam:

Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria

Arunachal Cabinet Approves Formation of Special Tiger Protection Force for 3 Tiger Reserves

• Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet has given the green light for the establishment of a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) for three tiger reserves, the allocation of honorariums to third language teachers.

About Arunachal Pradesh:

Chief Minister: Pema Khandu

Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik

Indian Army Clinched Gold Medal In 2023 Cambrian Patrol Military Exercise Held In UK

• The event, held in Wales, UK, witnessed the participation of an elite team from the 3/5 Gorkha Rifles.
• Test of endurance and teamwork, often referred to as the “Olympics of Military Patrolling.”

 APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Puma Ropes In Mohammed Shami as Its Brand Ambassador

About Puma:

Founder: Rudolf Dassler

Founded: 1948, Herzogenaurach, Germany

Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany

 IMPORTANT DAYS

World Statistics Day 2023 Celebrates On 20 October

• In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly established World Statistics Day, marking October 20.
• The theme of World Statistics Day 2023 is not known yet.

World Osteoporosis Day 2023 Observed On 20th October

• Step Up for Bone Health – Build Better Bones” serves as the central theme for World Osteoporosis Day in 2023.
• The first World Osteoporosis Day took place in 1996.

International Chef’s Day 2023 Celebrates On 20th October

• This day, introduced by the late chef Dr. Bill Gallagher in 2004.
• Theme for this year is ‘Growing A Healthy Future.’

 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Shreya Ghoshal Won 5th National Awards 2023

• Won Best Female Playback Singer award at the 69th National Film Awards.
• The award was presented to her by the Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Her fifth National Film Award. Her first National Award was in 2003 for the soul-stirring rendition of “Bairy Piya” in the iconic movie ‘Devdas.’

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

India’s Growing Contribution To Global Economic Growth

• Krishna Srinivasan, Director of IMF Asia & Pacific Department, has stated that India’s contribution to global economic growth will increase from its current 16% to 18% within the next five years.
• Srinivasan highlighted that the region’s economy is expected to grow by 4.6% in 2023 and 4.2% in 2024.

Tata Motors To Invest ₹150 Crore To Acquire 27% Stake In ‘Freight Tiger’

• The company revealed its plan to acquire a 27% stake in Freight Tiger.
• Tata Motors also holds the option to further invest ₹100 crore over the next two years.

About Tata Motors:

Founded: 1945, Mumbai

Headquarters: Mumbai

Founder: J. R. D. Tata