Veer Bal Diwas 2024 (Day of Brave Children) + Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()?? Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Key Context:
Veer Bal Diwas 2024: Translated into ‘Day of Brave Children’, Veer Bal Diwas is a national commemoration honouring the bravery and sacrifice of the tenth Sikh guru— Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest sons.
On this day, we remember the significant contribution of ten Sikh gurus and the sacrifice of the Sikhs to safeguard the honour of their nation.
Veer Bal Diwas 2024: Date and History
Veer Bal Diwas is annually observed on December 26, and in 2024, it will fall on a Thursday.
On this day, we commemorate the brave events that took place at Anandpur Sahib Fort, where Guru Gobind Singh, along with his family and disciples, were compelled to flee as the Mughal Army encircled the Anandpur fort.
During the chaos, Guru Gobind Singh’s youngest sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, were captured by the Mughal forces and pressured to convert to Islam.
The two young boys courageously refused to abandon their faith, and consequently, Wazir Khan ordered them to be bricked alive around December 26, 1705.
Exemplifying bravery and loyalty to their religion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 declared to mark December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas annually to honour and remember their sacrifice.
Veer Bal Diwas 2024: Significance and Celebrations
The day holds profound significance as it honours the remarkable bravery of two young Sikh warriors who refused to renounce their faith despite extreme pressure and chose martyrdom over conversion.
On December 26, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will attend ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ in New Delhi to honour children as the foundation of the country’s future.
He was launched ‘Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan’ to improve nutrition outcomes and community participation.

About Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan:
The Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan is a government initiative aimed at eradicating malnutrition and promoting holistic nutrition at the grassroots level through active involvement of panchayats (local self-governments). This campaign is part of India's broader effort to achieve the goals of Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission), which focuses on improving the nutritional status of children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Key Objectives:
Eradication of Malnutrition:
Identify and address malnutrition at the village level by promoting better dietary practices and nutritional awareness.
Strengthening Panchayats:
Empower panchayats to act as agents of change in ensuring nutritional well-being for their communities.
Equip local governments with tools and training to implement nutrition-focused policies.
Community Involvement:
Foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including Anganwadi workers, self-help groups (SHGs), and community health workers, to achieve nutrition goals.
Holistic Nutrition:
Promote a balanced diet, clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene as part of a comprehensive approach to address malnutrition.
Implementation
Village-Level Action Plans:
Panchayats are encouraged to prepare and execute specific action plans targeting malnutrition.
They monitor key indicators like underweight and stunted children, anemia, and dietary deficiencies.
Capacity Building:
Training programs for elected representatives, Anganwadi workers, and health professionals to address local nutritional challenges.
Incentives and Recognition:
Best-performing panchayats under the Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyaan are recognized and rewarded to encourage widespread adoption.
Linkage with National Programs:
The campaign is aligned with other flagship schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), National Health Mission (NHM), and Mid-Day Meal Scheme to create a synergistic impact.
Focus Areas
Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers:
Ensuring they receive proper nutrition and healthcare to prevent maternal and infant mortality.
Children under 5 Years:
Addressing issues like stunting, wasting, and underweight by promoting healthy eating habits and immunization.
Adolescent Girls:
Providing iron and folic acid supplements to prevent anemia and improve overall health.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH):
Promoting hygiene practices to prevent diseases that contribute to malnutrition.
Significance
Grassroots Nutrition Revolution:
By involving panchayats, the campaign ensures that efforts are tailored to local needs, making it more effective and sustainable.
Achievement of SDGs:
Contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition.
Building Awareness:
Empowers communities to take ownership of nutritional challenges and find local solutions.
Challenges
Resource Limitations:
Lack of adequate infrastructure and financial resources at the village level may hinder implementation.
Awareness Gaps:
Limited knowledge about nutrition and health among community members can slow progress.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Difficulty in tracking and assessing outcomes at the grassroots level.
Way Forward
Strengthen the capacity of panchayats through continuous training and funding.
Integrate technology for real-time monitoring and data collection.
Foster greater collaboration between government departments, NGOs, and private stakeholders.

List of the Ten Sikh Gurus and Their Contributions:
1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539):
Founder of Sikhism.
Preached the concept of "Ek Onkar" (One God).
Advocated equality, universal brotherhood, and rejection of caste-based discrimination.
Established the tradition of Langar (community kitchen).
2. Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504–1552):
Compiled and standardized the Gurmukhi script, which became the script of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Promoted physical fitness and service to humanity.
3. Guru Amar Das Ji (1479–1574):
Established the practice of Manji system (administrative units for spreading Sikh teachings).
Introduced the Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage ceremony).
Strongly advocated for women's rights, abolishing practices like purdah (veiling) and sati.
4. Guru Ram Das Ji (1534–1581):
Founded the city of Amritsar, the spiritual center of Sikhism.
Composed hymns that became part of the Guru Granth Sahib.
5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606):
Compiled the Adi Granth, the precursor to the Guru Granth Sahib.
Built the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
Martyred for his faith, becoming the first Sikh martyr.
6. Guru Hargobind Ji (1595–1644):
Introduced the concept of Miri-Piri (spiritual and temporal authority).
Wore two swords symbolizing spiritual and worldly power.
Transformed Sikhism into a community of saint-soldiers.
7. Guru Har Rai Ji (1630–1661):
Promoted peace and compassion.
Established hospitals and herbal gardens for medical care.
8. Guru Har Krishan Ji (1656–1664):
Became the youngest Guru at the age of 5.
Known as the "Bal Guru" (Child Guru).
Provided aid during a smallpox epidemic in Delhi and sacrificed his life for humanity.
9. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675):
Defended religious freedom and opposed forced conversions by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Martyred for protecting the religious rights of Hindus and others.
10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708):
Formed the Khalsa Panth in 1699, a collective body of initiated Sikhs.
Introduced the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan) as the identity of Sikhs.
Declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
Guru Granth Sahib (The Eternal Guru):
Compilation of hymns and teachings of the Gurus and other saints from various faiths.
Emphasizes the unity of God, equality, and selfless service.
Considered the ultimate spiritual guide for Sikhs.
Core Teachings of Sikh Gurus:
Oneness of God: Belief in one universal, formless God.
Equality: No discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, or religion.
Service (Seva): Importance of selfless service to humanity.
Community and Sharing: Encouragement of communal harmony and sharing resources.
Justice: Standing against oppression and injustice.
Significance of Sikh Gurus:
The Sikh Gurus laid the foundation of Sikhism as a religion of peace, equality, and justice.
Their teachings continue to inspire millions across the world to live a life of devotion, humility, and service.