Daily GK Update - 29th February 2024 Current Affairs

Amit Shah Inaugurates Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Science and Research in Gujarat

• Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries, inaugurated the ‘Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Science and Research’ at the Shri Swaminarayan Vishwamangal Gurukul in Kalol, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• This significant development marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of medical education and healthcare services in the region.

PM Modi Launches World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme: Strengthening Cooperative Sector

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for key initiatives aimed at bolstering the cooperative sector in India. The pilot project for the ‘World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector’, expansion of PACS, and digital transformation aim to enhance food security, economic development, and governance, benefiting millions of farmers.

• The ceremony, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marks a significant step towards enhancing food security, economic development, and governance within the cooperative domain.

Education Minister launches SWAYAM Plus platform

• In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced the launch of the SWAYAM Plus platform, operated by IIT-Madras.

• This initiative aims to provide industry-relevant courses to enhance the employability of learners, including working professionals.

South Korea’s Fertility Rate Hits New Low in 2023

• In 2023, South Korea experienced a further decline in its already record-low fertility rate, exacerbating concerns about population decline.

• Political promises aim to tackle the crisis, but similar trends in Japan and China underscore the complex challenges of reversing declining birth rates.

• South Korea’s fertility rate hits a record low of 0.72 in 2023, continuing a trend of decline.

• The rate is well below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman required for population stability.

• Factors such as career advancement concerns and financial burdens deter women from having children, contributing to the decline.

Peru declares dengue health emergency

• Peru has declared a health emergency in response to the escalating cases of dengue fever across the nation.

• Health Minister Cesar Vasquez announced on Monday that over 31,000 cases of dengue have been reported within the first eight weeks of 2024, resulting in 32 fatalities. The emergency declaration will encompass 20 out of Peru’s 25 regions.

Acharya Lokesh Muni to be Honored as ‘Global Jain Peace Ambassador’

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to confer the esteemed title of ‘Global Jain Peace Ambassador’ upon Acharya Lokesh Muni.

• The ceremony, scheduled to take place in Karnataka, will be organized by the Jain pilgrim center, Navagraha Tirtha Kshetra, in Hubli Varur. Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti and the World Peace Center, is a multifaceted personality known for his profound impact in various domains.

Bengali Translation Wins Prestigious Romain Rolland Book Prize 2024

• The recipient of this year’s Romain Rolland Book Prize is Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee for his remarkable translation of Jean-Daniel Baltassat’s “Le Divan de Staline” into Bengali, titled “Staliner Divan.”

• Published by New Bharat Sahitya Kutir, Kolkata, Chatterjee’s translation stood out for its linguistic prowess and fidelity to the original text. This marks the second time that a Bengali translation has been honoured with this prestigious award.

A book title “Basic Structure and Republic” Released by Governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai

• In a notable event at the Durbar Hall (Old) of Raj Bhavan, Governor Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai unveiled his latest literary contribution, “Basic Structure and Republic,” marking his 212th publication.

• The ceremony was adorned by the gracious presence of His Gracious H. G. Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Archbishop of Changanacherry, Kerala, and Shri. Subhash Shirodkar, Minister for Water Resource Development, Co-Operation, and Provedoria, highlighting the significance of the occasion.