Today's Current Affairs 21st February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Japan Commits to Long-Term Engagement in Ukraine’s Reconstruction

• As the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has affirmed Japan’s commitment to Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction.
• Prime Minister Kishida framed the support for Ukraine as an investment not only in the future of the war-torn country but also as a contribution to global stability including Japan.

Malta Becomes 119th Country to Join International Solar Alliance

• Malta, recently took a remarkable step towards sustainable energy by joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• The International Solar Alliance originated from a joint effort by India and France.

About International Solar Alliance:

President: R. K. Singh;

Founders: Narendra Modi, François Hollande;

Founded: 30 November 2015. 

NATIONAL

Uttarakhand CM launches ‘Himalayan Basket’ to Empowering Local Economy

• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the ‘Himalayan Basket’ initiative from his residence. 

Arunachal Pradesh Achieves Full Har Ghar Jal Saturation, First In Northeast

• Arunachal Pradesh has made a significant achievement by reaching 100 percent saturation in the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), announced by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
• This milestone sets Arunachal Pradesh apart as the first state in the northeast and the tenth in India to fully embrace the central government’s initiative.

Multinational military exercise ‘Shanti Prayas IV’ commences in Kathmandu

• Kathmandu became the focal point of global peacekeeping efforts as it hosted the commencement of the multinational military exercise ‘Shanti Prayas IV’.
• The exercise was inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda in a ceremony held at the Nepali Army Headquarters in Bhadrakali, Kathmandu.

About Nepal:

Capital: Kathmandu;

Currency: Nepalese Rupee;

Prime Minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal;

President: Mr Ram Chandra Paudel.

 SPORTS

Faiz Fazal Retires From Professional Cricket

• Faiz Fazal, the esteemed Vidarbha cricketer, has decided to retire from all forms of the game.

 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Reliance Industries is set to launch ‘Hanooman’, a ChatGPT-style AI service

• Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, in collaboration with some of the country’s premier engineering institutions, is poised to unveil its pioneering ChatGPT-style service named ‘Hanooman’ next month.
• The development of ‘Hanooman’ is a result of a concerted effort between Reliance Jio Infocomm, Centre, and several Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), including IIT Bombay.

About Reliance Industries:

Owner: Mukesh Ambani;

Founder: Dhirubhai Ambani;

President: Mukesh Ambani;

Founded: 1957, Maharashtra;

Headquarters: Mumbai.

 OBITUARY

Ameen Sayani, Renowned Radio Presenter & Voice of Geetmala, Passes Away

• Ameen Sayani (Known for his iconic program Binaca Geetmala) the legendary voice that defined radio for generations of Indians, passed away at the age of 91.

 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Alex Dawson Captures the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024 Award

• Swedish photographer Alex Dawson has clinched the prestigious title of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

HDFC Bank Leads Profitability Rankings from April to December

• HDFC Bank emerges as the most profitable company in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, with a net profit of Rs 44,300 crore. State Bank of India (SBI) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) follow closely, reporting profits of Rs 40,378 crore and Rs 34,781 crore, respectively.