Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 01 June 2024 | Download PDF

• An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has arrived at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska to participate in exercise, Red Flag 24.

About exercise:

• Name: Red Flag 24
• Organized by: United States Air Force
• Location: Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, USA
• Participants: Multiple nations, including the Indian Air Force (IAF)
• Purpose:
  • Enhance combat readiness and interoperability among participating air forces.
  • Provide realistic air-combat training in a controlled environment.

• At the KAZA 2024 Heads of State Summit in Livingstone, Zambia, delegates have urged member states to withdraw from CITES. 
• This follows repeated refusals by CITES to let these states sell their abundant ivory and wildlife products.

About KAZA Summit 2024:

• Assess the progress in establishing and developing the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area since its inception.
• Review and track the progress of the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding and the implementation of the 2011 KAZA Treaty.
• Seek renewed commitment from current leaders of member countries.
• Theme: “Leveraging KAZA’s natural capital and cultural heritage resources as catalysts for inclusive socio-economic development of the eco-region.”

Did you know?

• KAZA region: 
  • Location: KAZA spans across five countries in Southern Africa – Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
  • Objective: The primary aim is to enhance the conservation of biodiversity, promote sustainable use of natural resources, and improve the livelihoods of local communities through eco-tourism.

Think:

• Know about CITES.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently introduced the Framework for Recognising Self-Regulatory Organisation for the FinTech Sector (SRO-FT) to enhance self-governance and compliance among firms in the FinTech sector.

About Framework for Recognising SRO-FT:

• The framework defines fintech as entities offering technological solutions for financial products and services delivery to businesses and consumers. 
• The Self-Regulatory Organisation for the FinTech Sector (SRO-FT) will be industry-led, responsible for 
  • Establishing and enforcing regulatory standards, 
  • Promoting ethical conduct, 
  • Ensuring market integrity, 
  • Resolving disputes, and 
  • Fostering transparency and accountability among its members.
• Applicants for SRO-FT must be not-for-profit companies with diversified shareholding. 

• A new global report highlights growing concerns about dietary habits in India. 
• The report reveals a significant rise in the consumption of unhealthy foods.

About report:

• Global food policy report 2024: Food systems for healthy diets and nutrition was released by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
• In India, the consumption of unhealthy, calorie-dense, and nutrient-poor foods is not only high but increasing. 
• At least 38% of the Indian population consumes such unhealthy foods.
• Processed foods are becoming more popular in India. 
• From 2006 to 2016, the prevalence of overweight adults rose from 12.9% to 16.4%.
• The report also highlights that in South Asia, micronutrient-rich foods are expensive, while cereals, fats and oils, sugar, and sugary and salty snacks are relatively cheap.

• Ajrakh, the renowned resist-dyeing craft from Kutch, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, marking its authenticity and providing legal protection. 

Key points:

• Bela, a village in Kutch, was once a thriving center for block printing. 
• However, over time, bela block printing declined. 
• Today, it faces the risk of extinction.

About Bela block printing:

• History: This traditional craft has been practiced for centuries.
• Techniques:
  • Hand Block Printing: Uses intricately carved wooden blocks to print designs on fabric.
  • Dyes: Natural dyes are commonly used, derived from plants, minerals, and other natural sources.
• Patterns: 
  • Features motifs inspired by nature, including floral and animal designs, as well as geometric patterns.
  • Fabrics: Typically done on cotton and silk fabrics, which are pre-washed and treated to absorb the dyes better.

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