Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 10 December 2024 | Download PDF

National and International News

• An investigation has been initiated following the circulation of a viral video, which shows a convoy of vehicles, reportedly belonging to a minister in Uttar Pradesh, passing through the core area of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.

Key Points:

• It is located in Pilibhit District, Lakhimpur Kheri District, and Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh.
• It lies along the India-Nepal border in the foothills of the Himalayas and the plains of the ‘terai’ in Uttar Pradesh.
• The river Gomti originates from the PTR, which is also the catchment of several others like Sharda, Chuka, and Mala Khannot.
• The Sharda Sagar Dam, extending up to a length of 22 km (14 mi), is on the boundary of the reserve. 
• Vegetation: North Indian moist deciduous type.
• It has a dry and hot climate, which brings a combination of dry teak forest and Vindhya Mountain soils.

• Researchers have identified two separate groups of Indian star tortoises, suggesting that simply releasing seized individuals into nearby forests may be an unscientific approach to their conservation. This study highlights the need for more targeted conservation efforts.

Key Points:

• • Its name comes from the star-like patterns that feature on its high-domed shell.
  • It has very distinctive patterns and its highly rounded shell makes it popular in the world’s trade in exotic pets.
• Habitat

• • They occupy a wide variety of habitats, including semi-arid lowland forests, thorn scrub forests, semi-desert and arid grasslands.
  • This species has a high tolerance for habitats that are seasonally wet or dry, with many populations inhabiting areas with a monsoon or rainy season followed by a long hot and dry period.
• Distribution: It is endemic to the subcontinent and resides in arid pockets of northwest India (bordering Pakistan), South India, and Sri Lanka. 
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • CITES:Appendix I 
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
• Threats: The highly fragmented habitat of the species is greatly influenced by an increased level of urbanisation and agricultural practices throughout its range.

• The India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2024 will be held on December 9-10, 2024, at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Center, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Key Points:

• • It is the Indian chapter of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF).
  • It is a global multi-stakeholder platform that fosters dialogue on public policy issues related to the Internet.
  • Established in 2021, aims to maximize the opportunities of the Internet while addressing associated challenges and risks.
  • IIGF promotes collaborative discussions among representatives from government, civil society, industries, technical communities, think tanks, and industry associations.
• Key Highlights:

• • The initiative is backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI).
  • This initiative, driven by India’s multi-stakeholder community, aims to delve into important aspects of Internet governance, encourage meaningful discussions, and showcase India’s leadership in the global digital arena.
  • The forum will address critical topics to promote a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem.
  • A major focus will be on Legal and Regulatory Frameworks, aimed at creating balanced, growth-driven policies to strengthen Internet governance.
  • Another key area of focus is Responsible AI, emphasizing the ethical and effective application of artificial intelligence for the benefit of society.

• Recently, the union Minister for Education launched the PMeVIDYA DTH 24×7 Channel No. 31 for Indian Sign Language (ISL) in New Delhi.

Key Points:

• • It was launched as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan by the Ministry of Education on 17th May 2020.
  • It is aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring inclusive, quality education for all learners across the nation.
  • It provides multi-mode access to education through digital, online, and on-air platforms to minimise learning losses.
  • It supports the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring equitable and quality education across the country.
• Components:

• • DIKSHA: A national platform offering high-quality e-content, including QR-coded textbooks for all grades.
  • PM e-Vidya DTH TV Channels: Expanded from 12 to 200 channels, providing supplementary education in multiple languages for classes 1-12 across India.
  • SWAYAM: A national MOOC platform offering higher education courses and school courses (9th-12th) with credit transfer options, with over 10,000 courses and 4.1 lakh NCERT students enrolled.
  • Radio, Community Radio & CBSE Podcast – Shiksha Vani: Platforms used to broadcast educational content, especially in areas with limited internet access.
  • e-Content for Teachers: Offers digital resources and interactive e-courses for teacher and school education.

• The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, at Kaliningrad, Russia, next week. 

Key Points:

• It is a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate.
• It is the latest in a series of upgraded Krivak III-class frigates, part of the Russian-designed Project 1135.6.
• The Indian Navy already operates six ships from this class, including three Talwar-class frigates and three Teg-class follow-ons, all built at Russian shipyards in St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad. 
• INS Tushil, the seventh vessel in this series, is the first of two upgraded frigates under a contract signed in 2016 between the Indian Government, JSC Rosoboronexport, and the Russian defence industry.
• The ship’s name, Tushil, translates to “protector shield,” and its crest embodies the concept of an “Impenetrable Shield” (Abhedya Kavacham), reflecting the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding India’s maritime borders.
• The ship incorporates 26 percent indigenous technology, with over 33 systems developed by Indian manufacturers. 
• The ship will be assigned to the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command, joining the “Sword Arm” of the Indian Navy. 

• According to a recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), approximately five million people in Odisha suffered from diarrhoea and typhoid due to contaminated water between 2017-18 and 2021-22. 
• The report highlights that these health issues arose from poor sanitation and delayed sewerage projects, which resulted in significant water pollution.
• The most affected districts included Khurda, Sundargarh, and Ganjam, with thousands also suffering from hepatitis and renal diseases.

About: 

• The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is a constitutional authority responsible for auditing and overseeing the financial affairs of the Government of India and the state governments. 
• CAG’s role is to ensure transparency, accountability, and the proper utilization of public funds.
• The CAG is a constitutional office, and its functions are enshrined in Articles 148 to 151 of the Indian Constitution.
• The CAG submits audit reports to the President of India, who in turn presents them to Parliament.

• Odisha-based Sports Science India (SSI) recently hosted a gala award ceremony here at Kalinga Stadium and felicitated more than 17 international-level athletes and sportspersons.
• This year, SSI Karna award was conferred on:
  • Karnataka swimmer Aneesh S Gowda
  • Arjuna awardee weightlifter Sathish Sivalingam
  • Odia cyclist Swasti Singh
  • Racer Aditya Thakur
  • Sprinters Sandeep Kumar and Sneha
  • Olympian gymnast Pranati Nayak 
  • Badminton sensation Anmol Kharb.

• Similarly, SSI Milkha Singh Sprint Champion award was given to Odia sprinter Lalu Prasad Bhoi and Nithya Gandhe
• The SSI Emerging Player award was given to Chhattisgarh sprinter Animesh Kujur.
• The Dilip Tirkey hockey best player award was received by Shilanad Lakra
• SSI Paika team award was conferred on the Indian Hockey team.
• The SSI Best Coach and Grassroots Coach awards were received by national badminton coach Vimal Kumar and Indian women Ice Hockey team coach Abdul Hakim Giri respectively.
• Similarly, SSI Sports Development and Sports Journalism awards were received by JSW Sports and Dipti Ranjan Samal respectively.

Key Points:

• The awards recognize athletes from various disciplines who have excelled in their respective fields, showcasing India’s growing prowess in sports on both national and international stages.

• The brass fish art of Ganjam, particularly from the village of Belaguntha in Odisha, is a traditional craft that has recently received renewed attention and support to ensure its sustainability. 
• Under master artisan Sushant Kumar Sahu, at least 25 women of Palaksandha village are undergoing training in the craft by forming Jay Ganesh Pitala Macha WSHG.

Key Points:

• This ancient craft, which dates back to the 9th century during the reign of the Bhanja kings, is known for its lifelike flexibility and intricate design. 
• The brass fish, locally called pitala macha, are not only decorative items but also carry cultural significance, symbolizing peace and auspiciousness, often included in a bride’s trousseau.

Note:

• To revive interest in this craft, the Odisha state handicraft department has applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Belaguntha’s flexible brass products.

• The Odisha government has formulated a new action plan to prevent forest fires, particularly focusing on the Similipal Tiger Reserve, which has been severely affected by wildfires in recent years. 
• This plan includes several key initiatives aimed at enhancing firefighting capabilities and community involvement in fire management.

Key Components of the Action Plan:

• Enhanced Firefighting Infrastructure: The state has introduced a fleet of 139 vehicles, including all-terrain and firefighting vehicles, specifically designed to improve response times during fire outbreaks. These vehicles are distributed across various protected areas, including Similipal, which received 40 specialized vehicles for better access in challenging terrains.
• Community Engagement: The plan emphasizes the importance of involving local communities, particularly indigenous groups, in fire prevention efforts. Local residents often act as first responders and play a crucial role in managing forest fires
• 24/7 Control Room: A dedicated control room has been established for effective communication and coordination during fire emergencies. This facility will help monitor fire incidents in real-time and mobilize resources quickly.
• Preventive Measures: Historical data on fire incidents is being utilized to create detailed fire maps, identifying at-risk areas within the forest. This proactive approach allows for better resource allocation and targeted interventions.
• Equipment Procurement: The forest department has procured additional equipment, including 733 fire blowers and 425 personal protective equipment kits for field personnel, enhancing their preparedness for the upcoming fire season.

Refer to Addapedia notes for detailed info on Simlipal Tiger Reserve.

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