Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 08 October 2024 | Download PDF

• The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has proposed to notify 3,328 square kilometers around the Gir forest in Gujarat as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).

About Eco-Sensitive Zone:

• ESZ Definition: Land within 10 km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is generally notified as an ESZ.
• Flexibility: The 10-km rule is a general guideline, and the extent of ESZs can vary based on specific ecological needs.
• Sensitive Corridors: Areas beyond 10 km can also be designated as ESZs if they are crucial for wildlife movement or ecological connectivity.
• Buffer Zone Function: ESZs serve as a buffer zone around protected areas, allowing wildlife to transition between habitats.

• The Global Framework on Chemicals fund has recently launched its first project, aimed at promoting the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste.

About Global Framework on Chemicals Fund:

• Established: During the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in September 2023.
• Purpose: Supports countries in implementing the international agreement on chemicals management.
• Objective: To finance projects and programs that help developing countries, least developed countries, Small Island Developing States, and countries with economies in transition prevent or minimize harm from chemicals and waste.   
• Executive Board: Made up of representatives from UN regions and donors.
• Financing: Provides grants of $300,000 to $800,000 for up to three years.
• Funding Source: Voluntary contributions. 

• The French Interior Minister recently reported that several people, including a child, had lost their lives while attempting to cross the English Channel from France to England.

About English Channel:

• Location: Separates southern England from northern France.
• Connection: Connects to the North Sea through the Strait of Dover.
• Name: English Channel (18th century), previously known as the “Narrow Sea” (English) and “la Manche” (French).
• Climate: Temperate maritime climate with warm summers and cold winters.
• Importance: One of the world’s busiest shipping areas, accounting for 20% of global maritime trade.

• The forest department celebrated World Wildlife Week 2024 with a cyclothon.
• The event took place at the buffer zone of the Kawal Tiger Reserve.
• This was the first cyclothon organized by the forest department.

About Kawal Tiger Reserve:

• • Location:
    • North-eastern part of Telangana State
    • Along the banks of the river Godavari
• Deccan Peninsula-central highlands

• Status: Tiger Reserve (declared in 2012)
• Habitat:
  • Diverse habitat: dense forests, grasslands, open areas, rivers, streams, water bodies
  • Catchment for Godavari and Kadam rivers
  • Southernmost tip of Central Indian Tiger Landscape
  • Linked to Tadoba-Andhari (Maharashtra) and Indravati (Chhattisgarh) tiger reserves
• Vegetation:
  • Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest
  • Teak and Bamboo
• Fauna:
  • Cheetal, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Sloth Bear, Indian Bison, Panther, Tiger
  • Reptiles: Crocodile, Python, Monitor Lizard, Star Tortoise, Cobra

• Pilgrims have recently had a historic opportunity to see the sacred Kailash peak from the Old Lipulekh Pass, which is located within Indian territory.

About Lipulekh Pass:

• Location: High-altitude mountain pass in Kumaon region, Uttarakhand.
• Significance:
  • Ancient Trade Route: Connected India and Tibet for centuries.
  • Religious Significance: Part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
  • Strategic Importance: Gateway to higher Himalayan regions.
• Historical Events:
  • First Indian border post opened for trade with China in 1992.
  • Followed by Shipki La and Nathu La passes.

• The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has a new chairperson. 

About:

• Arun Sarangi, a former Director General of Police (DGP) of Odisha, has taken charge of the post. Sarangi brings with him a wealth of experience in public service and leadership. His appointment is expected to bring new energy and direction to the OPSC, which is responsible for conducting examinations for recruitment to various government services in Odisha.

• The All Odisha Leopard Estimation 2024 revealed that Odisha’s leopard population has increased by 22%, rising from 568 to 696 in two years between 2022 and 2024.
• The report estimates the State’s leopard population to range between 668 and 724, with a median count of 696. 
• However, the present leopard population lags behind the 2018 census carried out by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which put Odisha’s big cats number at 760. In 2022, the population dropped to 568.

• Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently said the central government is planning to organise the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar in January 2025.
• This will be followed by an investment summit (Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025) in the city.

About:

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, or Non-Resident Indian Day, is an annual event celebrated in India on January 9th to honor the contributions of the Overseas Indian community to the development of India. 
• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being celebrated every year since 2003.
• This day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India on January 9, 1915.   
• The last Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention was held from January 8 to 10, 2023 at Indore in Madhya Pradesh as the partner state

• The Odisha government has announced plans to paint all government buildings in the state orange with red borders. 
• This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote the state’s cultural heritage and identity. 
• Orange, a color associated with the state’s flag and culture, is believed to symbolize auspiciousness and prosperity. 
• The red borders are intended to add a touch of vibrancy and patriotism. 

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