Current Affairs Feb 29, 2024

Current Affairs Feb 29, 2024

National Affairs

India and Thailand Sign MoU for Academic Collaboration in Ayurveda and Thai Traditional Medicine

• The MoU was signed between the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, India, and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Thailand.
• It aims to establish academic collaboration in the fields of Ayurveda and Thai Traditional Medicine.
• The signing ceremony occurred during the 10th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting at Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
• This collaboration signifies a step towards promoting traditional medicine practices and fostering cultural exchange between the two countries.

Thailand country:

• Location: Thailand is situated in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar (Burma) to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south.
• Capital: The capital city of Thailand is Bangkok, which is also the country’s largest city and economic center.
• Government: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government.
• Monarchy: The current monarch of Thailand (as of my last update in January 2022) is King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as King Rama X.
• Language: The official language of Thailand is Thai. English is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations.

 

Government Launches ‘SWAYAM Plus Platform’ to Boost Employability and Professional Development

• The Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan on February 28 launched the ‘SWAYAM Plus’ platform to offer courses developed collaboratively with the industry. 

• The SWAYAM Plus Platform is a collaboration between the Indian government and leading industry players to offer employability and professional development-focused programs.
• It expands upon the SWAYAM initiative, which is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform aimed at providing educational opportunities to all.
• The SWAYAM Plus Platform aims to identify and include courses aligned with industry needs to enhance learners’ employability.

Union Home Minister Inaugurates Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Science and Research in Gujarat

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and other dignitaries inaugurate the Swaminarayan Institute of Medical Science and Research in Kalol, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• The institute, located at the Shri Swaminarayan Vishwamangal Gurukul, is a significant development for medical education and healthcare services in the region.
• This inauguration reflects the commitment of the government and private institutions towards advancing medical education and enhancing healthcare facilities in Gujarat.

Award News

External Affairs Minister to Confer ‘Global Jain Peace Ambassador’ Title on Acharya Lokesh Muni

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will bestow the title of ‘Global Jain Peace Ambassador’ upon Acharya Lokesh Muni.
• The ceremony, to be held in Karnataka at the Jain pilgrim center Navagraha Tirtha Kshetra in Hubli Varur, honors Acharya Lokesh Muni’s contributions to peace and non-violence.
• Acharya Lokesh Muni is the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti and the World Peace Center, recognized for his efforts in promoting ahimsa (non-violence) and interfaith dialogue.

Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee Wins Romain Rolland Book Prize for Translation Work

• Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee receives the Romain Rolland Book Prize for translating Jean-Daniel Baltassat’s “Le Divan de Staline” into Bengali as “Staliner Divan”.
• His translation, published by New Bharat Sahitya Kutir, Kolkata, is recognized for its linguistic excellence and faithfulness to the original text.
• This is the second time a Bengali translation has been awarded this prestigious prize, highlighting the growing recognition of Bengali literature on the global stage.

Romain Rolland Book Prize:

• Origin: Established by the French Institute in India and the French Embassy in India.
• Purpose: Aims to promote literary exchange between France and India by recognizing exceptional translations of French works into Indian languages.
• Criteria: Awarded to translators for remarkable translation work, emphasizing linguistic proficiency, faithfulness to the original text, and overall quality.
• Categories: Focuses on translations of French literary works into diverse Indian languages, showcasing India’s cultural richness and linguistic diversity.
• Recognition: Winning signifies a significant achievement in the field of literary translation and fosters cultural understanding between France and India.

Appointment News

Ravindra Kumar Appointed Director-Operations at NTPC Ltd

• Ravindra Kumar brings over three decades of experience and expertise in the power sector to his new role.
• His career trajectory, from a graduate engineer trainee to leadership positions, reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation.
• Kumar’s appointment is expected to further strengthen NTPC Ltd’s operations and contribute to its growth and efficiency in the power sector.

NTPC Ltd, formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation Limited, is one of the largest power generation companies in India. Here are some key points about NTPC Ltd:

• Formation: Established in 1975 as a PSU by the Government of India.
• Operations: Primarily engaged in electricity generation and sales from conventional and renewable sources.
• Installed Capacity: Operates power plants across India, known for thermal power but expanding into renewables like solar and wind.
• Significance: One of India’s largest power generation companies, contributing significantly to the nation’s energy needs.
• Diversification: Actively expanding into renewable energy projects to diversify its energy portfolio and promote sustainability.

Banking News

Amazon pay received online payment aggregator license from RBI

• The RBI Granted final authorisation to Bengaluru (Karnataka) based amazon pay (india) private limited (formaly Amazon Online Distribution Services Private Limited) to act as a online payment aggregator (PA)
• Amazon pay received in principle approval from RBI to operate as a PA in 20203
• The license paves way for amazon pay to offer online merchant payment services to its clients

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank of India, responsible for regulating the country’s monetary policy and controlling the issuance and supply of the Indian Rupee. Here are some key points about the RBI:

1. Establishment: The RBI was established on April 1, 1935, under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, in accordance with the recommendations of the Hilton Young Commission.
2. Functions:
   • Monetary Authority: Formulates and implements the monetary policy of India.
   • Regulator and Supervisor: Regulates the functioning of banks and other financial institutions to ensure financial stability.
   • Currency Issuer: Issues and manages the currency in circulation.
   • Banker to the Government: Manages the central and state government accounts.
   • Developmental Role: Initiates various measures to promote the development of the financial system.
3. Governance: The RBI is governed by a central board of directors appointed by the Government of India. The Governor of the RBI, appointed by the government, heads the institution.

ICICI Bank Increases Stake in ICICI Lombard General Insurance by 1.4% via Open Market Purchase

• ICICI Bank has acquired an additional 1.4% stake in ICICI Lombard General Insurance through purchases made in the open market.
• This move signifies ICICI Bank’s continued investment in its subsidiary, ICICI Lombard, strengthening its position in the insurance sector.
• ICICI Lombard General Insurance is one of the leading general insurance companies in India, offering a wide range of insurance products and services to customers.

DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Coast Guard Celebrates 48th Raising Day with ‘Day at Sea’ Event in Chennai

• Indian Coast Guard organized a ‘Day at Sea’ event on Feb 25 in Chennai to mark its 48th Raising Day.
• Eight ships of the Indian Coast Guard, accompanied by about 1,500 guests, embarked from Chennai harbour to showcase operational prowess and capabilities at sea.
• The event aimed to highlight the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to maritime security, search and rescue operations, and safeguarding India’s coastal waters.

The Indian Coast Guard:

• Formation: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is the maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India. It was formally established on February 1, 1977, by the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
• Mission: The primary mission of the Indian Coast Guard is to ensure the safety and security of India’s maritime interests and to enforce maritime law within the country’s maritime zones.
• Roles and Responsibilities: The Indian Coast Guard is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, marine pollution response, coastal security, and assistance to fishermen.

India’s 3^rd defence museum featuring indian navy decommissioned TU-142M aircraft was inaugurated at Kakinada beach park in east Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh (AP)

• The aircraft museum was inaugurated by geetha viswanath vanga, member of parliament, lok sabha
• This aircraft museum was developed by Kakinada urban development authority with an investment of rs 5.89
• This is also the 2^nd aircraft museum of Andhra Pradesh (1^st was established in AP in 2017)

Sports News

Khelo India winter games 2024 army tops medal tally with 21 medals

• The indian army finished top and clinched the overall trophy in the khelo india winter games 2024 by winning 21 medals (10 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze)
• The mascot of the KIWG 2024 is a snow leopard it has been named “sheen-e-she” or shan in ladakh region

About ministry of youth affairs and sports

• Union minister-anurag singh Thakur (constituency of hamirpur, himachal Pradesh)
• Minister of state- nisith pramanik

OBITUARY

Renowned ghazal singer and Padma Shri awardee Pankaj Keshubhai Udhas passed away

• A prominent indin ghazal singer and Padma shri awardee Pankaj keshubhai udhas passed away at the age of 72 in Mumbai, Maharashtra he was born on 17 may 1951 In jetpur, saurashtra, Gujarat
• Governement of india honoured him with Padma shri for arts in 2006

Books and Authors

Goa governor PS sreedharan pillai unveiled his new book “basic structure and republic” this books is based on the golden jubilee speeches, particularly the kesavananda bharati versus sanyasi case.