Daily GK Update - 19th February 2024 Current Affairs

                    Current Affairs

                                              National Affairs

The government announces the Janpith Award for Gulzar and Rambhadracharya.

• The government has announced that Gulzar and Rambhadracharya to be honored with the Jnanpith Award for 2023.
• the Jnanpith Award was Established in 1944, the Jnanpith Award is given annually for outstanding.

Odisha Government Introduces SWAYAM Scheme for Youth.

• Odisha Government has launched a new scheme ‘SWAYAM’ for the youth.
• Under this scheme, the government will provide loans up to 1 lakh and this loan will be interest-free.

Prime Minister Modi to Unveil 125-Foot Statue of Bir Lachit Borphukan in Assam.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil a colossal 125-foot statue of Bir Lachit Borphukan in Lahdoigarh, Holongapar, Jorhat.
• Lachit Borphukan was the General of the Ahom Kingdom. He is known for defeating the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat.

                                          International Affairs

France tops in Henley Passport Index-2024.

• The 2024 edition of the Henley Passport Index has been published, offering significant insights into global mobility and soft power.
• This index assesses nations based on passport strength, providing valuable insight into the global landscape of mobility and soft power.
• France secures the top spot on the Henley Passport Index, with its passport granting visa-free access to 194 countries.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar participates in the Munich Security Dialogue.

• S Jaishankar attends the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is attending the 60th Munich Security Conference in Germany.
• As part of the conference, Dr Jaishankar will address a panel discussion on 'Growing the Pie: Seizing Shared Opportunities, today.

                                             Days and Themes

World Whale Day

• World Whale Day, is observed on the third Sunday of February.
• This day is celebrated highlighting the critical importance of whale conservation.

                                                        Sports

India defeats England by a record margin of 434 runs in the 3rd test cricket match.

• India registered a major victory against England by 434 runs in the third Test between the two sides in Rajkot on Sunday to register its biggest win (by runs) in the longest format of the game.

1. Who has been awarded the Jnanpith Award for 2023 by the government?

a) Gulzar

b) Rambhadracharya

c) Both Gulzar and Rambhadracharya

d) None of the above

Answer- Both Gulzar and Rambhadracharya

2. Which state government has introduced the SWAYAM scheme for youth?

a) Maharashtra

b) Odisha

c) Assam

d) Punjab

Answer- Odisha

3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 125-foot statue of whom in Assam?

a) Mahatma Gandhi

b) Jawaharlal Nehru

c) Bir Lachit Borphukan

d) Bhagat Singh

Answer- Bir Lachit Borphukan

4. Which country has topped the Henley Passport Index-2024?

a) Germany

b) Japan

c) France

d) United States

Answer- France

5. Who represented India in the Munich Security Dialogue?

a) Prime Minister Narendra Modi

b) President Ram Nath Kovind

c) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar

d) Defense Minister Rajnath Singh

Answer- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar