Today's Current Affairs 20th February 2023

INTERNATIONAL

Biden Announces $500 Million Aid Package And More Arms Supplies To Ukraine During Surprise Visit.

US President Joe Biden on Monday announced new military aid and a fresh round of sanctions on Russia during his surprise visit to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This is Biden's first visit to a war zone as president. Biden announced an aid package worth $500 million that would include artillery ammunition, more javelins and howitzers.

North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Towards South Korea's Eastern Waters.

North Korea launched an unspecified ballistic missile on Monday, the South Korean military said. This is North Korea’s second missile launch in less than 48 hours and a day after joint US-South Korean drills, as reported by the news agency AFP. "North Korea fired an unspecified ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Monday," Seoul's Joint Chief of Staff said, according to the official Yonhap news agency, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

NATIONAL

Nitin Gadkari Laid Foundation Stone of The First Divyang Park of Maharashtra.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari laid the Foundation Stone of the world’s largest and unique Divyang Park – Anubhuti Inclusive Park in Nagpur, Maharashtra. On the occasion, he informed that the park is being developed keeping in mind the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build an inclusive society. Instead of sympathy, this park will show empathy, hence this park has been named Anubhuti Divyang Park.

SPORTS

India Beat Ireland To Reach T20 WC Semis In Rain-Affected Match.

India women's cricket team qualified for Women's T20 World Cup semi-final after winning the rain-affected match against Ireland women's cricket team at St. George Park in Gqebera on Monday, February 20.  India secured a 5-run win vs Ireland on the D/L method. Smirit Mandhana, who was dropped thrice by Ireland fielders during the match, starred with the bat as she played a heroic 87-run knock off 56 balls -- her career best score, highest score by an Indian women's batter in T20Is.

No Jasprit Bumrah In the Team For 3rd And 4th Test Matches Vs Australia.

Ranji stalwart Jaydev Unadkat has made it into the Indian red-ball side after missing the 2nd Test against Australia. Jasprit Bumrah has still not been added to the squad as he is still recuperating from the back injury.

Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out Of The Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Australia’s speedster Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to an Achilles injury. Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the same. The pacer will be flying back to Australia for his rehabilitation. Hazlewood confirmed the same as he sustained a left Achilles niggle at last month’s Test against South Africa.

Ben Stokes breaks the record for the most number of sixes ever hit in a Test match.

England Test captain Ben Stokes became the player to hit the most number of sixes in the history of Test cricket, surpassing England coach and former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum in the match against New Zealand.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Special 'Protein Toolbox' Developed By IIT Guwahati Can Convert Skin Cells To Heart Cells.

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a special 'Protein Toolbox' which can be used to convert skin cells into heart cells, and hence, fix a damaged heart. Known as a 'Recombinant Protein Toolbox', it comprises six special proteins, and can be used to regenerate damaged heart tissues.

IMPORTANT DAYS

Mizoram State Day.

Mizoram State Day is on February 20. The day marks the formation of Mizoram as a state. The region is a state in north-eastern India and shares a border with countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar. Are you wondering why this particular name was chosen for the state? Well, it’s because the inhabitants of the region are called Mizo. Based on the history, the British were particularly interested in the region’s resources such as tea and milk when they took over India. Hence, the state was officially formulated once India gained independence. To honor the day and the struggle of the residents, start celebrating now!

World Day of Social Justice.

World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20. Internationally, the world is plagued with unfortunate issues that prohibit millions of individuals from living a fair life. Many of the world’s population, through no fault of their own, are deprived of basic facilities, such as homes, jobs, healthcare, education, nutrition, and more.

President’s Day : United States

On the third Monday in February, the United States celebrates the federal holiday known as Presidents Day. The day takes place during the birth month of the country’s two most prominent presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. While the day once only honored President George Washington on his birthday, February 22nd, the day now never lands on a single president’s birthday.

National Love Your Pet Day

On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day. This holiday focuses on giving extra attention to our pets. The day encourages pampering our pets and focusing on the special relationship pets hold in our lives.