Today's Current Affairs 29th February 2024

INTERNATIONAL

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. 

NATIONAL

Government declares Muslim Conference Jammu & Kashmir (Sumji faction) and Muslim Conference Jammu & Kashmir (Bhat faction) as Unlawful Associations

• The central government, under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, has declared two factions of the Muslim Conference in Jammu & Kashmir as unlawful associations.
• Numerous criminal cases, including those under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, registered against the Sumji faction and its members. 

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. 

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Ravindra Kumar assumes charge as Director (Operations) of NTPC

• Ravindra Kumar, the newly appointed Director-Operations at NTPC Ltd, brings over three decades of rich experience and expertise in the power sector. 

PayU names Renu Sud Karnad as chairperson and independent director

• PayU Payments Private Ltd, a prominent fintech arm of the global consumer internet group Prosus, has announced the appointment of Renu Sud Karnad as the chairperson and independent director. 

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

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

• 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. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Jana Small Finance Bank, Dvara Money partner for digital banking

• Dvara Money, a leading fintech company, has announced a strategic partnership with Jana Small Finance Bank Limited (Jana SFB). 

India’s Weightage Surges on MSCI Global Standard Index

• India’s weightage in the MSCI Global Standard (Emerging Markets) index has reached a historic high of 18.2% following MSCI’s February review. This surge, nearly doubling since November 2020. 

RIL signs deal with Disney to merge Viacom18 and Star India

• Reliance Industries (RIL) has unveiled a significant merger deal with Viacom18 Media and The Walt Disney Company, aimed at forming a joint venture (JV) that will integrate the operations of Viacom18 and Star India.
• Nita M. Ambani appointed as Chairperson of the JV, bringing her visionary leadership to the forefront.

 

Amazon Pay Receives Final RBI Approval as Payment Aggregator

• Amazon Pay, the fintech arm of Amazon India, has secured a payment aggregator license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).