Who Inaugurated State-of-the-Art Medical Facility in Thimphu on 23rd Mar 2024?

Daily Current Affairs

Narendra Modi

Amit Shah

Droupadi Murmu

Devendra Fadnavis

Correct Answer : Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay jointly inaugurated (23rd Mar 2024) a modern hospital in the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu. The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital is a shining example of the strong development cooperation between India and Bhutan.

A World-Class Medical Center :

The hospital is a state-of-the-art 150-bedded facility that has been built with Indian assistance. The construction was carried out in two phases, with the first phase costing ?22 crore and becoming operational in 2019. The second phase, completed recently, was undertaken as part of Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan at a cost of ?119 crore.

Strengthening Ties during PM Modi’s Visit :

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan on Friday and Saturday aimed to further cement the unique and long-standing friendship between the two nations. During his stay, PM Modi met with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay.

In a significant gesture, the King of Bhutan conferred the prestigious ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ on PM Modi, making him the first foreign Head of Government to receive this honor. The award recognizes PM Modi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric leadership.

Enduring Partnership and Support :

India and Bhutan established diplomatic relations in 1968, and their relationship is guided by the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 and revised in 2007. During his visit, PM Modi announced that India will provide ?10,000 crore in support to Bhutan over the next five years, further solidifying the enduring partnership between the two nations.

The inauguration of the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital stands as a testament to the deep-rooted ties between India and Bhutan. This world-class medical facility will not only serve the people of Bhutan but also serve as a symbol of the unwavering commitment to each other’s development and prosperity.

Published On : March 26, 2024

Recently Updated Current Affairs

Q .

International Day of Argania 2024 Observed on?

7th May

8th May

9th May

10th May

Correct Answer : Option (D) - 10th May

On May 10 every year, people around the world celebrate the International Day of Argania. This special day honours the Argan tree (Argania spinosa), an ancient species that has grown in Morocco for about 80 million years. These trees are not just old; they play a crucial role in the local economy and environment. The celebration aims to increase awareness about these unique trees, their benefits, and the challenges they face.

The Argan tree is a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, growing in arid and semi-arid areas. It’s the defining species of a woodland ecosystem, also known as Arganeraie, which is rich in endemic flora. It is resilient to harsh environments with water scarcity, erosion risk, and poor soils.

The Arganeraie ecosystem is not only important for conservation but also for research and socio-economic development due to its forestry, agricultural, and livestock use. The argan tree woodlands provide forest products, fruits, and fodder. The leaves and fruits are edible and highly appreciated, as is the undergrowth, and constitute a vital fodder reserve for all herds, even in periods of drought. The trees are also used as fuelwood for cooking and heating.

The World-Renowned Argan Oil :

The world-famous argan oil is extracted from the seeds and has multiple applications, especially in traditional and complementary medicine, and in the culinary and cosmetic industries.

The Argan Tree: A Fundamental Pillar for Sustainable Development :

The argan tree is typically a multipurpose tree that supports income generation, increases resilience, and improves climate adaptation, playing a crucial role in achieving the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental – at the local level.

Published On : May 10, 2024

Q .

Who has been appointed (7th May 2024) as the Chairman of HDFC Life?

Keki Mistry

Vijay Kamath

Ashok Sinha

Rahul Shetty

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Keki Mistry

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) on 7th May 2024 approved the appointment of Keki Mistry as Chairman of HDFC Life. “We now wish to inform that IRDAI on May 7, 2024 has accorded its approval for the appointment of Keki Mistry as Chairman of the Board of the Company,” HDFC Life said in an exchange filing on May 8.

Earlier, the insurer had appointed Mistry as the Chairman of the Board as Deepak Parekh stepped down from the post. “The board has unanimously approved the appointment of Keki M Mistry as the Chairman of the Board with immediate effect subject to approval of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority,” the company said on April 18.

Published On : May 10, 2024

Q .

Which country has recently extended the deadline for visa-free entry for Indians till November 11, 2024?

France

Sri Lanka

Malaysia

Vietnam

Correct Answer : Option (B) - Sri Lanka

Thailand and Sri Lanka have extended the visa-free entry facilities for visitors from India. Thailand has announced the extension of visa-free entry till November 11, 2024. The facility, implemented on November 10, 2023, was initially till May 10, 2024.

The Sri Lanka government has announced the extension of the facility till May 31, 2024. The country started visa-free entry as a pilot project in October last year. In both countries, the facility is valid for 30 days for visitors from India.

Tourism Authority of Thailand officials said there had been a sharp increase in the number of tourists from India since the facility was implemented.

The number of visitors to Thailand from India between November 2022 and April 2023 was 7,55,066, the official said. This number went up to 9,68,000 between November 2023 and April 2024.

“There has been a 28.2 per cent increase in the number of visitors from India between November 2023 and April 2024 compared with the previous year. This helped the Thailand government decide to extend the visa-free facility,” said Sirges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi Office. “India is a very important market for us.”

Published On : May 10, 2024