Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 29 December 2023 | Download PDF

• The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the Court of Appeals in Doha has commuted the death sentence of Eight Indian nationals to life imprisonment.
• All eight arrested last year were employees of the Dahra Global defense services company.
• The eight men were previously convicted of charges related to the death of a Qatari citizen during a robbery attempt. 

• The recent discovery of Pegasus spyware on the phones of several journalists in India has sparked major concerns about privacy, press freedom, and national security. 

Key Points:

• The Security Lab of Amnesty International announced that the founder editor of The Wire news website Siddharth Varadarajan and another journalist in India were targeted with Pegasus spyware this year
• The journalists had received an alert from Apple that they were being targeted by “state-sponsored hacking”, following which they provided their phones to the non-profit for testing.

About:

• Pegasus is a sophisticated Israeli-made software that allows attackers to remotely access a phone’s data, including messages, calls, emails, and even location information.
• Pegasus attack is also called as a “Zero Click attack”

• Vijayakant, the charismatic actor and influential politician who transcended the screen to win over the hearts of millions in Tamil Nadu, passed away at the age of 71.
• He was born in Madurai as Muthuraman
•  Vijayakanth made his acting debut in 1976 and quickly rose to stardom with powerful performances in action-oriented roles. 
• Vijayakanth, who was known for his action films and philanthropic work, launched the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in 2005 as an alternative to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

• The Indian government has implemented a policy granting disabled staff reservation in promotions within government departments, retroactive to June 30, 2016. 
• This decision signifies a significant step towards ensuring equal opportunities for disabled individuals in career progression.

Key Points:

• The policy provides a 4% reservation in vacancies within Groups C, B, and A for promotion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
• Employees with benchmark disabilities exceeding 40% in specified categories, as defined by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, are eligible for the quota.
• It aims to address the underrepresentation of PwDs in higher positions within government departments, offering them a fair chance to climb the career ladder.
• The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued guidelines for various aspects of the policy, including identification of vacancies, application procedures, and selection criteria.

• The recent drone attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels have raised concerns about maritime security, disrupting global trade routes and potentially impacting economies.

Key Points:

• These attacks have prompted some shipping companies to reroute vessels, avoid the Red Sea, and increase operational costs
• India heightened its presence, deploying various resources to counter potential threats in the region and monitor maritime activity.
• On December 23, the crisis in the Red Sea reached Indian waters as Liberian-flagged merchant vessel Chem Pluto heading to Mangalore port was hit by a projectile about 271 miles from Porbandar in Gujarat, just outside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 
• This comes in the backdrop of a sharp rise in missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels in Yemen in the last couple of weeks following Israel’s offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

• Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Russia and NASA have agreed to continue joint flights to the International Space Station (ISS) until at least 2025. 
• This decision ensures uninterrupted operation of the orbiting laboratory, a landmark example of international cooperation in science and technology. 
• The agreement covers delivery of crews by both countries’ spacecraft, guaranteeing continued presence of American and Russian astronauts on the ISS.

• From volatile weather patterns and climate change to plummeting crop prices and rising input costs, the agricultural sector is facing immense challenges. 
• This crisis is hitting young people particularly hard, pushing many towards the perilous path of illegal migration.

Reasons for the Exodus:

• Dwindling Profits: Declining agricultural incomes due to factors like unfair market practices and volatile prices leave many young farmers with bleak financial prospects.
• Limited Opportunities: The lack of alternative employment opportunities in rural areas, often characterized by limited infrastructure and education, further amplifies the pressure to seek greener pastures abroad.
• Debt Burden: Many young farmers inherit crippling debts from their families, adding to the financial strain and making migration seem like the only escape route.
• Desire for a Better Life: The allure of higher wages, better living conditions, and access to education and healthcare in developed countries acts as a powerful magnet for young people desperate for a brighter future.

• The Indian Ministry of Health recently revealed that nearly 49% of Ayushman cards, also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) cards, are held by women. 
• This signifies a significant step towards inclusivity and equitable access to healthcare in India.

Key takeaways:

• Increased participation: The figure reflects the growing awareness and utilization of the Ayushman Bharat scheme among women.
• Empowering women: Access to quality healthcare empowers women to take charge of their health and well-being, leading to improved overall health outcomes.
• Focus on women’s health: The scheme also includes 141 health benefit packages specifically designed for women, addressing various health concerns and needs.

 Vivad Se Vishwas I scheme

• Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic   can tap new relief window from Jan. 1
• This new window will open for them to submit fresh claims under the Vivad Se Vishwas I scheme, offering relief from pending litigation related to taxes, interest, and penalties.

About:

• The Vivad Se Vishwas I scheme was launched in 2020 
• The aim is to resolve tax disputes between businesses and the government through mutual agreement.

Odisha Regional Specific News

●     Odisha Cricket Association’s member Satbir Singh Riar has been appointed as the manager of the Indian Cricket Team for Test series in South Africa.

●     Riar will serve as the manager of the team in the first Test in Centurion and second Test in Cape Town.

●     In an orientation programme held at Kalinga Stadium, at least 2,473 medical officers have been inducted into the State medical services.

●     It includes 2,392 of them are MBBS doctors, and 81 are dental surgeons.

●     This step by the government will further strengthen the healthcare delivery system of the State.

●     The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the name of Orissa High Court Judge Dr Justice BR Sarangi for the post of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.

 About: 

●     The Collegium system is a unique method of judicial appointments in India\

●     The Collegium comprises the Chief Justice of India and four senior most judges of the Supreme Court for appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts.

●     Each High Court also has its own Collegium headed by the Chief Justice of that Court.

●     Kalahandi University in Bhawanipatna, Odisha, has been renamed as Maa Manikeshwari University following approval from Odisha CM.

●     This decision comes after a proposal was put forward by the Higher Education Department, citing the desire to honor Maa Manikeshwari, a revered deity worshiped in the Kalahandi region.

●     The Odisha government has launched the BSKY Nabin Card initiative, marking a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage in the state.

●     This scheme aims to bridge the gap in healthcare access for rural families who were previously not covered under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY). 

Key Features: 

●     Eligibility: All rural families in Odisha who are not regular government employees or income tax payees are eligible for the BSKY Nabin Card.

●     Cashless Healthcare: The card offers cashless healthcare services for critical ailments at empanelled private hospitals across the state.

●     Financial Coverage: Each family receives an annual coverage of Rs. 5 lakh with an additional Rs. 5 lakh specifically for female members after the initial limit is exhausted.

●     Expanding BSKY: This launch marks the third phase of BSKY, expanding its reach to previously uncovered rural populations.

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