Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 18 June 2024 | Download PDF

• Recently, European Union countries approved the Nature Restoration Plan. 

About Nature Restoration Plan:

• Objective: To enhance the protection and restoration of nature across the European Union.
• Approval Date: Final approval given on June 17, 2024.
• Member States: All 27 EU member countries.
• Key Features:
  • Restoration of degraded ecosystems.
  • Improvement of biodiversity.
  • Sustainable management of natural resources.
• It includes binding restoration targets for specific habitats and species, covering at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and aims for all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.

• India stated that only proposals acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine can lead to peace. 
• India chose to disassociate itself from the final document issued on June 16 at the conclusion of a Peace Summit in Switzerland.

About Peace Framework:

• Commitment to International Law:
  • Attendees reaffirmed dedication to international law and the UN Charter.
  • Referenced UN General Assembly Resolutions A/RES/ES-11/1 and A/RES/ES-11/6.
• Nuclear Safety:
  • Ensuring safe operation of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including Zaporizhzhia.
  • Compliance with IAEA principles under Ukraine’s sovereign control.
  • Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the conflict is deemed unacceptable.
• Global Food Security:
  • Importance of uninterrupted food production and supply.
  • Emphasis on safe navigation and access to sea ports.
  • Attacks on merchant ships and port infrastructure are unacceptable.
  • Ukrainian agricultural products should be freely available to other countries.
• Humanitarian Issues:
  • Call for the release of all prisoners of war through a complete exchange.
  • Demand for the return of all unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children and civilians.

• India is set to become the 6th country to launch its own Deep Sea Mission. 
• The first stage of the harbor trial, reaching depths of 40-50 meters, is planned for September 2024. 

About Deep Sea Mission:

• Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Objective: To explore and harness deep-sea resources for sustainable use.
• Key Areas of Focus:
  • Development of Manned Submersible: To explore depths up to 6,000 meters.
  • Development of Technologies for Deep Sea Mining: Mining of polymetallic nodules from the central Indian Ocean.
  • Development of Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: Providing services related to ocean climate.
  • Development of Marine Biodiversity: Studies and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity.
  • Development of Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration: Mapping and exploring deep-sea resources.
  • Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean: Developing technologies to harness ocean resources for energy and freshwater.
• Components:
  • MATSYA 6000: Manned submersible capable of reaching depths of 6,000 meters.
  • Robotics and Artificial Intelligence: Utilized for deep-sea exploration.
  • Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: Enhancing the understanding of the impact of climate change on the ocean.

• The recently released SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024 reveals that the world is still off track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 for energy by 2030.

About SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024:

• Aim of SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
• Custodian Agencies:
  • International Energy Agency (IEA)
  • International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
  • United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD)
  • World Bank
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
• Report Summary:
  • Tracks progress on energy access, energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean cooking, and international cooperation to advance SDG 7.
• Key Findings:
  • Number of people without access to electricity increased for the first time in over a decade.
  • In 2022, 685 million people lacked electricity, 10 million more than in 2021.
  • Population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa outpaced new electricity connections.

• An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in the Exercise Red Flag 2024 conducted at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska of the United States Air Force, from 04 Jun to 14 Jun 24.

About Exercise Red Flag 2024:

• Event: Second edition of Ex Red Flag 2024, an advanced aerial combat training exercise.
• Frequency: Held four times a year by the US Air Force.
• Participants:
  • Indian Air Force (IAF)
  • Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)
  • Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom
  • Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF)
  • German Luftwaffe
  • US Air Force (USAF)
• Exercise Structure:
  • Red Force: Simulating Air Defence, primarily with USAF Aggressor Squadron’s F-16 and F-15 aircraft.
  • Blue Force: Simulating Offensive Composite elements.

• Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who oversees Mission Shakti, reviewed the department’s progress. She emphasized that every necessary step will be taken to achieve the goal of a ‘Viksit Odisha.’

About:

• “Mission Shakti” is the self-help mission for empowering women through promotion of Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) to take up various socio-economic activities which was launched in the state on 8th March 2001 on the eve of International Women’s Day. 
• Mission Shakti has the clear objective of empowering women through gainful activities by providing credit and market linkage. 
• Empowerment of women through WSHGs under Mission Shakti is a flagship programme of the Government. It envisages that over a period of time more & more women would be part of a WSHG.

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will release the 17th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme on 18th June 2024 at Varanasi in which more than 9.26 Cr. farmers will receive the benefits amounting to over Rs.20,000 crore. 
• Chief Minister Mohan Majhi is set to visit Odisha’s Bargarh district for the state-level celebration of PM Kisan Utsav.

About:

• PM-KISAN scheme launched on 24th February 2019 to supplement the financial needs of all land-holding farmers subject to certain exclusion criteria of higher income status. 
• Financial benefit of Rs 6,000/- per year in three equal instalments, every four months, is transferred into the bank accounts of farmers’ families across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. 

• The tiger cub population in Similipal has risen to 12, showcasing the success of ongoing conservation efforts. This significant increase is a promising sign for the future of tiger conservation in the region.

Key points:

• According to PCCF Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden Susanta Nanda, a female tiger identified as T24 was recorded rearing two melanistic cubs. 
• This marks the first breeding of tiger cubs in the Similipal North division in several decades.

Current Tiger Population in Similipal:

• With the recent sighting, the total number of tiger cubs in Similipal has increased to 12. 
• The All Odisha Tiger Estimation report for 2023-24 indicates that Similipal is home to approximately 27 tigers, reflecting a healthy and growing population.

• The Odisha state government is set to initiate an extensive sickle cell disease (SCD) screening and awareness campaign across 21 districts with significant tribal populations. 
• This campaign aligns with the observance of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day and will run from June 19 to July 3.

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day:

• World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is observed annually on June 19th to raise awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD) and its profound impact on individuals, families, and communities worldwide.
• Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal red blood cells that assume a crescent or sickle shape. 
• These irregularly shaped cells can cause blockages in blood vessels, leading to a range of health complications.
• World Sickle Cell Awareness Day has its roots in a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2008. 
• This resolution acknowledged sickle cell disease as a global health concern and designated June 19th as the official day to raise awareness about the disease worldwide.

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