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The Ministry of Education conducted the “Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye” from Feb 28 to Mar 6, 2024, aiming to engage and encourage youth in the electoral process. UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar issued a call to inspire and mobilize first-time voters, urging all to support the campaign. The nationwide initiative, in collaboration with the Election Commission of India, seeks to raise electoral awareness among the youth, fostering universal enlightened participation in elections.

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The Prime Minister inaugurated the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport in Tamil Nadu, the second spaceport after Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The facility will specialize in launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles commercially. Spanning 2,350 acres, it features 35 facilities, including launch pads and rocket integration areas. The spaceport’s unique advantage is launching directly south over the Indian Ocean, saving fuel for small rocket launches compared to the existing site. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 986 crore, boosting India’s space capabilities.

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The BioTRIG, a revolutionary waste management technology, employs pyrolysis to combat indoor air pollution, enhance soil health, and generate clean power in rural India. Functioning at the community level, it utilizes locally generated waste, producing bio-oil, syngas, and biochar fertilizer. These products not only contribute to healthier living but also ensure sustainability by powering subsequent cycles and supplying surplus electricity to local homes and businesses. The clean-burning bio-oil serves as a green alternative for household cooking, while biochar aids in carbon storage and soil fertility improvement.

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Peru declares a health emergency as dengue fever cases surge. The government activates the emergency in 20 out of 25 regions due to the rapid rise in cases, totaling over 31,000 with 32 deaths. Health Minister Cesar Vasquez cites El Nino’s impact, causing high temperatures and heavy rains since 2023, facilitating mosquito breeding. The declaration expedites fund transfers to affected areas and facilitates the swift deployment of medical personnel.

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The National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) in Jaipur, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Thailand in February 2024. The MoU is for academic collaboration in Ayurveda and Thai traditional medicine. The NIA also has collaborations with other universities, institutes, and organizations in countries like Malaysia and Korea.