Correct Answer :   Peru

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In Peru, the government has declared a health emergency due to the rapidly rising cases of dengue fever across the South American country. Local media reported that the health emergency was declared in 20 of Peru's 25 regions.

Peru's Health Minister Cesar Vasquez said yesterday that more than 31,000 cases of dengue have been recorded till date, including 32 deaths.

The move will enable the government to transfer funds more quickly to affected regions and more easily deploy doctors and nurses.

Peru has been experiencing high temperatures and heavy rains since 2023 due to the El Nino weather pattern, which has warmed the seas off the country’s coast and helped mosquito populations grow..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   Narendra Modi

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PM Narendra Modi launched the world's largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector, for farmers on Saturday (24th Feb 2024). He informed that that 700 lakh tonne storage capacity will be created in the next five years, with an investment of ?1.25 lakh crore. Under the scheme, thousands of warehouses and godowns will be constructed across the country.

On Saturday (25th Feb 2024), Modi inaugurated 11 godowns set up by 11 primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) across 11 states.

He also laid the foundation for creating godowns and other agri infrastructure in 500 more PACS. He also inaugurated a project for computerisation of 18,000 PACS across the country.

World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan

* Inauguration : PM Modi inaugurated the pilot project for the ‘World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector’, covering 11 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across 11 States.
* Objective : The initiative aims to integrate PACS godowns into the food grain supply chain, bolstering food security and fostering economic development.
* Support : Supported by NABARD and led by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), the project converges various schemes including the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and Agriculture Marketing Infrastructure (AMI).

Expansion of PACS and Agri Infra

* Foundation Stone Laying : PM Modi laid the foundation stone for an additional 500 PACS nationwide, facilitating the construction of godowns and agricultural infrastructure.
* Collaborative Effort : PACS participating in the project will benefit from subsidies and interest subvention under existing schemes.
* Objective : The initiative aims to integrate PACS into the broader agricultural framework, enhancing efficiency and resilience.

Digital Transformation of PACS

* Inauguration of Project : PM Modi inaugurated a project for the computerization of 18,000 PACS across the country.
* Financial Outlay : With a budget exceeding Rs 2,500 crore, the initiative involves transitioning functional PACS onto a unified Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) based national software.
* Linkage : By linking PACS with NABARD through State Cooperative Banks and District Central Cooperative Banks, the project aims to enhance operational efficiency and governance, benefiting small and marginal farmers.

Correct Answer :   0.72

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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.

Decline in Fertility Rate

* 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.

Impact on Population and Economy

* South Korea’s population, currently at 51 million, faces the prospect of halving by the end of the century.
* The demographic crisis poses significant risks to economic growth and strains the social welfare system.

Social and Economic Factors :

* Women cite concerns about career advancement and financial stability as primary reasons for delaying childbirth or opting out of having children altogether.
* The pressure to balance work commitments with family responsibilities contributes to the declining fertility rate.

Policy Response :

* Ahead of elections, political parties pledge measures such as public housing initiatives and easier loans to incentivize childbirth.
* Addressing the root causes of declining fertility, including housing affordability and work-life balance, becomes a focal point of government policies.

Regional Trends :

* South Korea’s fertility decline mirrors similar trends in neighboring countries like Japan and China, where aging populations and record-low fertility rates pose significant challenges.
* Efforts to reverse these trends through policies and incentives have yet to yield substantial results, reflecting the complexity of the issue.

Correct Answer :   Acharya Lokesh Muni

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With multiple conflicts among the naions across the world, that have or are on the verge of turning into a war, one thing that the world requires, is peace. In such times, people who propagate and encourage peace, hold a lot of importance and it is also important to recognise such people.

In this regard, the Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar will be conferring Acharya Lokesh Muni with the ‘Global Jain Peace Ambassador’ honour. This will be done in an event in Karnataka today (28th Feb 2024), which is being organised by the Jain Pilgrim Cenre, Navagraha Tirtha Kshetra in Hubli Varur, Karnataka. Apart from knowing about the event, know who is Acharya Lokesh Muni and why is he being honoured.

Acharya Lokesh Muni Being Honoured As ‘Global Jain Peace Ambassador’.

As mentioned earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will honour Acharya Lokesh Muni, the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti and the World Peace Center, as the ‘Global Jain Peace Ambassador’ during an event in Karnataka on Wednesday. The function will be organised by the Jain pilgrim centre, Navagraha Tirtha Kshetra, in Hubli Varur, Karnataka, today.

Why Is Acharya Lokesh Muni Being Conferred With This Honour?

The honour will be conferred in recognition of Acharya Lokeshji’s contribution to promoting peace and harmony globally as well as his efforts in enhancing the pride of India and Jainism on the international platform. The ceremony will be held in the presence of Digambar Jain, and Acharya Gunadharnandiji, founder of AGM Group of Institutions. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai and Vice-Chancellor S Vidyashankar will also grace the event.

Who Is Acharya Lokesh Muni?

Founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, Acharya Dr Lokesh Muni is a writer, poet, thinker and social reformer who has been making efforts in national character building and establishing non-violence, mutual cooperation and peace, for the last 32 years. To highlight the importance of eradicating social evils, Acharya Lokesh Muni has travelled 20,000 KMS across India. The organisation set up for this very cause, is Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati.

Acharya Dr Lokesh Muni was born in Pachpadra City on April 17, 1961 and he studied Jain, Buddhist, Vedic and other Indian and foreign philosophies after completing his formal education. Well-read in Sanskrit, Hindi, Prakrit, English and Gujarati among other languages, Acharya Lokesh Muni has also written many books.

Acharya Lokesh Muni has been bestowed with ‘Ethical Honour’ of Gulzarilal Nanda Foundation by then-President Smt Pratibha Patil in 2006, he was honoured with the National Communal Harmony Award by the Govt of India in 2010, the Ambassador of Peace Award by the United Nations in 2014 and with the ‘Keys of Milpitas City’ by the Mayor of Milpitas California Hoze Astawish..

Source : India

Correct Answer :   26 February to 1 March 2024

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Starting in 2016, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has consistently allocated each year to the observance of Financial Literacy Week (FLW). The primary goal is to convey messages regarding financial education to the general public, fostering the empowerment of individuals to adopt responsible financial behaviour and make informed financial decisions.

What is this year’s theme?

The designated theme for the Financial Literacy Week scheduled from February 26 to March 01, 2024, is “Initiate Wisely: Cultivate Financial Savvy". The theme centres on young adults and students, seeking to imbue prudent financial habits from an early age. It promotes the cultivation of a robust financial groundwork, fostering enhanced financial security and the attainment of future goals.

The focus lies on saving and recognizing the efficacy of compounding in wealth generation. Modern-day investors highlight that even modest, regular savings can experience exponential growth over time, all thanks to compound interest. This proves crucial for achieving long-term financial objectives such as retirement and education.

For students, it holds greater significance as it instructs them on topics such as bank accounts, secure transactions, budgeting, credit management, and navigating financial products tailored to their requirements. As online banking becomes increasingly prevalent, understanding cybersecurity risks and adopting secure digital financial practices is vital to safeguard personal financial information. The emphasis of the current year's theme aligns with broader objectives to foster a more financially literate and empowered population in India.

RBI’s efforts in promoting financial literacy

The Annual Financial Literacy Week features specialized campaigns addressing key financial themes, aiming to raise awareness across various segments of society. Collaborating with banks, block-level centers were set up to provide financial counseling and guidance to local communities. Dedicated museums have been established to enlighten the public about the history and development of money and banking in India.

The widely acclaimed “RBI Kehta Hai" campaign is actively disseminating information about banking, finance, and consumer rights through various media channels. The RBI collaborates with institutions such as the NCERT to integrate financial literacy into school and university curriculums.

Impact of initiatives undertaken by the RBI

The proactive measures taken by the RBI have notably elevated financial awareness in India, resulting in

* Individuals are making more informed decisions regarding the management of their finances.
* Promoting a savings culture and advocating for long-term financial planning has led to an increase in savings.
* Empowered consumers are better equipped to exercise their rights and safeguard themselves against fraudulent activities.
* An increasing number of individuals are becoming part of the formal financial system, gaining access to banking, investment, and insurance products..

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Tamil Nadu

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In a momentous occasion for India's space ambitions, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remotely laid the foundation stone for India's second spaceport at Kulasekharapattanam, a coastal village in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district on February 28, 2024, at 09:45 hrs.

The selection of Kulasekharapattanam offers strategic advantages, particularly in enhancing payload capability with its direct southward launch trajectory for small launch vehicles.

The ceremony saw the esteemed presence of Shri Somanath S, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space (DoS), Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe and other senior officials.

The highlight of the event was the successful launch of the Rohini Sounding Rocket "RH200" from the newly established launch complex at 13:40 hrs IST. VSSC provided the rocket and the meteorological payload, while SDSC spearheaded the realization and installation of launch facilities including radars, launchers, and electronic systems.

The maiden launch from the new spaceport marked a significant milestone, with the RH200 rocket reaching a peak altitude of 75 km, precisely tracked by two on-site radars. The RH200 rocket, developed by VSSC, has a long-standing reputation for reliability, with this launch marking its 1928th successful mission.

Chairman, ISRO, Shri Somanath S., stated that today marks a historic day in the Indian space program as the Honorable PM laid the foundation for the second launch site, and a sounding rocket was successfully launched from the Kulasekharapattanam launch station. He further added that the launch site will be fully commissioned within 24 months and will enhance the space activities of NGEs..

Source : ISRO

Correct Answer :   Thailand

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The National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur under the Ministry of Ayush of the Government of India and Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine of the Ministry of Public Health of the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) on the establishment of an Academic Collaboration in Ayurveda and Thai Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, India at 10th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting held at Hyderabad House, New Delhi on 27th Feb 2024.

Shri B.K. Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, Director General, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative MedicineThailand signed the MoU in the presence of other dignitaries during the event.

The initiative has been taken to promote, facilitate, and develop academic collaboration in the field of Ayurveda and Thai Traditional Medicine based on equality and mutual benefit of the Participants. This MoU will facilitate the exchange of experts for research and training programs, academic and technical activities, and conducting research, exchange of information, technologies, and best practices of Traditional Medicine.

The Participants will take necessary steps to encourage and promote cooperation in facilitating academic and technical activities and conducting research for mutual benefits. Exchanging and accommodating experts, teaching instructors, practitioners, and students for research and training programmes.

Exchanging knowledge, experiences, information, technologies, and best practices. Providing scholarships for education. Promoting the participation of experts in conferences, workshops, seminars, and events held by the Participants and other important areas of cooperation, with the mutual consent of the Participants.

During implementation of this MOU, the Participants, within their capacities will support each other with mutual cooperation and collaborative activities on the basis of equality and mutual benefits by facilitating training courses in Thailand and India, conducting collaborative research studies on diseases of common interest to both Participants and visits and exchanges of policy makers, academics, experts, researchers, practitioners, and students.

NIA and Departement of Thai Tradtional and Alternative Medicine, Thailand will share information on regulatory mechanisms, best practice, guidelines of practice and courses of study and training; and organize conferences/meetings alternately in India and Thailand and reviewing the progress of the implementation of the MOU and the evaluation of the results of collaborative programmes..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Sachin Jain

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The World Gold Council, a body of global gold miners, has appointed Sachin Jain as its new CEO, India from March 2024. Jain joins WGC India from De Beers where he has held several senior roles for the past 13 years. As Managing Director of DeBeers India, he has led the De Beers Forevermark business in India and West Asia.

He brings with him deep understanding of the Indian consumer and jewellery market, from strategic thinking to practical execution. He has over two decades of rich experience and understanding of the Indian consumer. Previously, Sachin has held senior positions for De Beers, Lladro, Swatch Group and Benetton, said WGC.

David Tait, Global CEO, World Gold Council, said Jain’s marketing expertise will help deepen the Council’s engagement not only with the gold industry but also with financial institutions and raise awareness of gold’s role in every investment portfolio.

Jain said his vision for gold industry in India is rooted in a dedication to fostering sustainable practices and driving positive change besides strengthening engagement with various stakeholders, promoting responsible practices, harnessing gold’s growing appeal as an investment asset, and enhancing its role in economic growth of India.

The present India CEO Somasundaram PR will retain his current role and responsibilities until Jain joins and ensure a smooth transition. He will continue to be associated with World Gold Council as an advisor on the setting up of an SRO (self-regulatory organisation), an important initiative for the Indian gold industry..

Source : The Hindu Businessline

Correct Answer :   Ministry of Education

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The Centre on Tuesday (27th Feb 2024) launched a campaign “Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye” in higher education institutions across the country, to be held between February 28 and March 6, to inspire and mobilise youth, particularly first-time voters, and sensitise them about the significance of voting for the nation’s collective welfare.

The campaign was launched after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned it in his recent ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address where he emphasised on encouraging first time voters to participate in the electoral process in large numbers.

“Let us make our electoral process even more participative. I call upon people from all walks of life to spread the message, in their own style, among first time voters - #MeraPehlaVoteDeshKeLiye!” Modi said in a post on X (formerly twitter) on Tuesday (27th Feb 2024).

According to a statement issued by the education ministry, the main objective of the initiative is to engage and encourage young voters to vote and to convey the importance of voting for the larger good of the nation. “The initiative symbolises the importance of elections and the pride of voting in the largest democracy in the world,” the ministry said.

The move comes ahead of the 2024 general elections. According to official election commission of India (ECI) data, as on February 9, there were 1,84,81,610 voters aged between 18 and 19 years, and 19,74,37,160 voters in the age group of 20-29 years.

Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged the youth of the nation to make their voices heard, and highlighted Modi’s call to first-time voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers.

“The upcoming 18th Lok Sabha elections is going to be special, particularly for our youth who are turning 18. It will bring them an opportunity to make their voices heard as well as shape today’s and tomorrow’s politics,” Pradhan said in a post on X.

“In pursuance to PM Modi’s appeal, I have directed all HEIs (higher education institutions) in the country to conduct comprehensive voter awareness activities at their campuses from 28th February to 6th March. These activities will galvanise our #YuvaShakti, emphasising upon them the value of voting, making informed choices and participating in electoral processes for a more representative democracy,” he added.

Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur also took to X and shared the #MeraPehlaVoteDeshKeLiye anthem. “A clarion call was given by our Honourable PM Shri @narendramodi ji in his recent Mann Ki Baat address & as the Nation gears up for its biggest festival of democracy, I urge all of you to join the #MeraPehlaVoteDeshKeLiye campaign and encourage young voters to exercise their democratic right,” Thankur said.

Under the campaign, HEIs across the country will identify spaces at their campus where voter awareness-related activities including competitions on blog writing, podcasts, debates, essay writing, quizzes,extempore, battle of bands and activities documented on the My Government portal for wider dissemination, will be conducted..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   28th February

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National Science Day is celebrated annually on 28th February in India to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. This day serves as a reminder of the pivotal role science plays in shaping our lives and society. Each year, National Science Day is celebrated with a specific theme, highlighting significant aspects of scientific progress and innovation.

National Science Day Theme 2024 :

The theme for National Science Day 2024 is ‘Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat’, emphasizing the importance of promoting scientific, technological, and innovation skills. It underscores the achievements of Indian scientists in addressing the country’s challenges through home-grown technologies. The theme also advocates for collaboration between the public and scientific community to contribute to India’s well-being and global welfare.

National Science Day History :

National Science Day traces its origins to the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by Sir C.V. Raman on 28th February 1928. This groundbreaking discovery marked a significant contribution to the field of physics, earning Sir C.V. Raman the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. The Raman Effect refers to the phenomenon of light scattering when passing through a transparent material, leading to a change in its wavelength and energy.

National Science Day 2024 Significance :

National Science Day holds immense significance as it serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it spreads awareness about the importance of science and its applications in daily life. It showcases the efforts and achievements of Indian scientists, inspiring future generations to pursue scientific endeavors. Moreover, National Science Day fosters discussions on scientific issues, promotes the adoption of new technologies, and encourages public engagement with science and technology.

Promoting Scientific Literacy and Collaboration

National Science Day aims to :

* Raise public awareness : The day serves as a catalyst for igniting public interest in science and its applications in everyday life.

* Celebrate scientific achievements : It provides a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Indian scientists to various fields of science and technology.

* Encourage scientific engagement : National Science Day encourages schools, universities, and research institutions to organize various activities, such as science fairs, exhibitions, and competitions, to nurture a spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation among the younger generation.

* Foster collaboration : The theme for 2024 emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the scientific community, policymakers, and the public to develop indigenous technologies for addressing national and global challenges.