Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 23 July 2024

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Addapedia Odisha – Daily Current Affairs -23 July 2024

National and International News
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights	Why in the news? India recently concluded its fourth periodic review by the UN Human Rights Committee under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in Geneva. About International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Adoption and Enforcement: Adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1966. Came into force in 1976. Significance: Part of the International Bill of Human Rights along with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Obligations for Ratifying Countries: Protect and preserve basic human rights including: Right to life and human dignity. Equality before the law. Freedom of speech, assembly, and association. Religious freedom and privacy. Freedom from torture, ill-treatment, and arbitrary detention. Gender equality. Implement administrative, judicial, and legislative measures to safeguard these rights. Provide effective remedies for violations. Global Participation: As of 2024, 174 countries are parties to the Covenant. India’s Participation: India became a party in 1979. Underwent three reviews, with the last one in 1997.
India Maritime Centre (IMC)	Why in the news? The India Maritime Centre (IMC) is advancing towards realization under the Maritime India Vision 2030. About India Maritime Centre (IMC): Initiative of: Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) Part of: Maritime India Vision 2030 Objectives: Provide a unified platform for the Indian maritime industry. Act as a think tank for policy formulation and industry recommendations. Advance India’s maritime interests domestically and internationally. Primary Goals: Strengthen India’s participation in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and global maritime forums. Create a robust domestic maritime sector through a unified and synchronized approach. Conduct flagship events to build a strong global brand for the Indian maritime cluster. Provide expert analysis and recommendations for sustainable growth. Establish platforms for industry stakeholders to collaborate and network. Create a pool of funds to support the industry, including startups. Location: Mumbai Facilities: IMC Secretariat to be built as a world-class facility. Equipped with conference areas and meeting rooms.
Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary	Why in the news? The Madhya Pradesh State Wildlife Board has approved the declaration of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the outskirts of Bhopal, as the eighth tiger reserve in the state. About Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: Raisen and Sehore districts, Madhya Pradesh Area: 823 sq. km Geography: Rocky forest with aquatic environment on Vindhya Hills Boundaries: Runs parallel to the northern side of the Narmada River; Kolar River forms the western boundary Significant Features: Bhimbetka: Group of rock shelters and rock paintings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Landscape: Rugged terrain with hills, valleys, plateaus, and plains Flora: Forest Types: Dry deciduous and moist deciduous Teak Coverage: About 55% of the area Other Species: Various dry deciduous species Fauna: Apex Predator: Tiger, with an estimated population of 40 Endangered Species: Chinkara Other Wildlife: Panther, Hyena, Jackal, Indian Fox, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Blue Bull, Black Buck, Chausingha, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, and more
Adam’s Bridge or Ram Setu	Why in the news? ISRO scientists have successfully mapped the submerged structure of Adam’s Bridge, also known as Ram Setu. About Adam’s Bridge: Connects Rameswaram Island (southeast coast of India) to Mannar Island (northwest coast of Sri Lanka). Separates the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait. Geological and Historical Significance: Represents a former land connection between India and Sri Lanka. Mentioned in the epic Ramayana as the bridge constructed by Lord Rama and his vanara (monkey) army to rescue Goddess Sita from the demon king Ravana. Described as Sethubanthan in Valmiki’s Ramayana. Cultural and Religious Importance: According to Islamic legend, Adam used this bridge to reach Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram temple records indicate that Adam’s Bridge was above sea level until 1480, after which it was submerged due to natural calamities.
Brown dwarfs	Why in the news? Researchers used observations from the James Webb Space Telescope to conduct detailed examinations of the atmospheric conditions on pairs of brown dwarfs. About Brown dwarfs: Celestial Bodies: Bigger than a planet, smaller than a star. Size Range: Between giant planets like Jupiter and small stars. Formation: Accumulate material like a star, not like a planet. Atmospheric Clouds: Can have clouds made of precipitates, likely hot silicate particles, unlike Earth’s water clouds. Element Retention: Hold onto lighter elements (hydrogen and helium) more effectively than planets, with low metal content. Nuclear Fuel: Do not have enough mass for their cores to burn nuclear fuel and radiate starlight. Nickname: Sometimes referred to as “failed stars” due to the inability to sustain nuclear fusion.

Odisha Specific News
Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha	Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made a significant administrative change in Odisha by appointing a new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). Key points: New CEO: R Santhanagopalan, a 2001-batch IAS Officer. Predecessor: Nikunj Bihari Dhal, who has been appointed as the Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi.
Advocate General of Odisha	Context: Pitambar Acharya, the newly-appointed Advocate General of Odisha, met with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seba Bhavan. The meeting marked the beginning of Acharya’s tenure in his new role, where he will be responsible for advising the state government on legal matters. About: Article 165 of the Constitution of India Overview: Article 165 of the Constitution of India, 1950, establishes the office of the Advocate General for States. The Advocate General is the highest legal officer in the state, analogous to the Attorney General of India at the national level. Role and Responsibilities: Advisory Role: The Advocate General provides legal advice to the State Government on various matters. Duties: He performs other legal duties assigned by the Governor and carries out functions as specified by the Constitution or any relevant laws. Remuneration: The salary and other terms of remuneration are determined by the Governor. Appointment of the Advocate General: Process: The Governor appoints an individual who is eligible to be a High Court Judge. Representation: Unlike the Attorney General of India, who represents the Union Government, the Advocate General represents the state government in legal issues.
Tourism in Odisha	Context: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget 2024-25, announcing various initiatives aimed at developing tourist places in Odisha. The announcement is part of a broader strategy, including the ‘Purvodaya’ plan, aimed at the holistic development of the eastern region of India. Purvodaya Plan for Eastern Region Development: Regions Included: The Purvodaya plan covers Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Development Focus: Human Resource Development: Initiatives to enhance skills and education in the region. Infrastructure Development: Investment in building and upgrading infrastructure. Economic Opportunities: Creation of jobs and economic growth to transform the region into an economic powerhouse. Objective: To make the eastern region a significant contributor to achieving a developed India (Viksit Bharat).
National Space Day	Context: The Research and Entrepreneurship Park of IIT Bhubaneswar, in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), celebrated National Space Day. About: India had successfully landed its Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander on the lunar south polar region on August 23, 2023. To commemorate this feat, every year August 23rd has been declared as “National Space Day” by the Government of India. Theme:“Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga”.

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