Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 30 August 2024 | Download PDF

• The Central Government has recently expanded the scope of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme to enhance its appeal, aligning with its goal of bolstering farm-related infrastructure across the country.

About AIF Scheme:

• Objective: To provide medium- to long-term debt financing for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support.
• Duration: FY 2020 to FY 2032 (10 years).
• Eligible Entities:
  • Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
  • Marketing Cooperative Societies
  • Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)
  • Farmers
  • Self Help Groups (SHGs)
  • Joint Liability Groups (JLGs)
  • Multipurpose Cooperative Societies
  • Agri-entrepreneurs and Startups
  • Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects
• Exclusions: Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are not directly eligible, but projects sponsored by them under PPP are eligible.
• Financial Support: All scheduled commercial banks, scheduled cooperative banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) may participate.

• The Department of Higher Education, under the Union Ministry of Education, recently selected 16 teachers from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Polytechnic institutions for the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2024.

About National Teachers Award:

• Purpose of the Award:
  • Celebrates the unique contributions of exemplary teachers/faculty members in improving school education and enriching students’ lives.
  • Recognizes outstanding educators from higher education institutions and Polytechnics.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Open to regular faculty members of colleges, universities, higher educational institutions, and Polytechnics in India.
  • Must have at least five years of full-time teaching experience at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.
  • Nominees should be below 55 years of age as of the last date for receiving applications.
  • Vice-Chancellors, Directors, and Principals (regular or officiating) are not eligible to apply.
• Award Details:
  • Winners will receive a medal and a certificate.
  • Cash prize: Rs 50,000.

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved 12 new project proposals under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). 

About National Industrial Corridor Development Programme:

• Aims to develop new industrial cities as “Smart Cities.”
• Integrates next-generation technologies across infrastructure sectors.
• Investment Facilitation:
  • Targets both large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
  • Supports the government’s goal of achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030.
• Newly Sanctioned Industrial Areas:
  • Uttarakhand: Khurpia
  • Punjab: Rajpura-Patiala
  • Maharashtra: Dighi
  • Kerala: Palakkad
  • Uttar Pradesh: Agra and Prayagraj
  • Bihar: Gaya
  • Telangana: Zaheerabad
  • Andhra Pradesh: Orvakal and Kopparthy
  • Rajasthan: Jodhpur-Pali
• Industrial Cities Development:
  • Designed as state-of-the-art industrial smart cities.
  • Focuses on creating regional manufacturing hubs.
  • Greenfield smart cities built to global standards.
  • Embraces ‘plug-n-play‘ and ‘walk-to-work‘ concepts.
• Alignment with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan:
  • Emphasizes integrated and seamless multi-modal connectivity.
  • Ensures advanced infrastructure for sustainable and efficient industrial operations.

• The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) recently celebrated its 54th Foundation Day at its headquarters in New Delhi.

About BPR&D:

• Establishment: BPR&D was set up in 1970 under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, replacing the Police Research and Advisory Council.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Mandate:
  • Identify the needs and problems of the police in the country.
  • Undertake research projects and studies, suggesting solutions for challenges and meeting police requirements.
  • Promote the use of appropriate technology in police work by staying updated on the latest developments in science and technology, both in India and abroad.

• Four monkeys were recently found dead in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur district, Kerala, raising concerns among wildlife authorities.

About Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location:
  • Situated on the western slopes of the Western Ghats.
  • Contiguous with Wayanad-Brahmagiri, northern slopes of Wayanad, and the Protected Areas of Karnataka State, including Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and the forests of Coorg.
• Rivers:
  • Cheenkannipuzha river is the main drainage system on the southern side.
  • Other rivers: Narikkadavu Thodu, Kurukkathodu, Meenumuttithodu.
• Highest Peak: Katti Betta is the highest peak in the sanctuary.

• • Odisha CM has declared September 9, 2024, as a public holiday in the state to celebrate Nuakhai
  • Nuakhai is a significant harvest festival. 
• On this occasion, all state government offices, magisterial courts, and educational institutions will remain closed.

About:

• Nuakhai is a significant agricultural festival celebrated primarily in Western Odisha
• It marks the arrival of the new rice crop, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. 
• The festival is observed on the fifth day of the lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).

• The Government of Odisha is set to launch the CM-KISAN Yojana.

Key points:

• It is a significant initiative aimed at providing financial support to farmers in the state. 
• The scheme includes a provision for disbursing a total of Rs 4000 in two equal installments of Rs 2000 each and a total of Rs 12,500 to each landless agricultural family in three installments.
• Payments are scheduled for Akshay Tritiya and Nuakhai, with beneficiaries required to apply through the designated portal.
• Akshay Tritiya: This Hindu festival is celebrated on the third lunar day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Vaisakha.
• Nuakhai: This Odia festival marks the harvesting of new rice and is celebrated on the second day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.

• The Odisha government has announced the recipients of the prestigious Biju Patnaik Sports Award for the year 2023-24. 
• Among the awardees is the renowned Javelin-thrower, Kishore Jena. 
• Key recipients include:

1. Lifetime Achievement In Promotion of Sports and Games: Lazarus Barla
2. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games: Kishore Kumar Jena
3. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Contribution to Promotion of Sports and Games: National Aluminum Company (NALCO)
4. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching (Male): Bijay Kumar Lakra
5. Biju Patnaik Sports Award of Best Para-Sportsperson of the Year: Mohammed Zafar Iqbal
6. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Coaching (Female): Rupanwita Panda
7. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Best Upcoming Athlete (Junior) of The Year: Priteesmita Bhoi
8. Biju Patnaik Sports Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism: Sukesh Ranjan Behera
9. Biju Patnaik Bravery Award: Rudra Prasad Malik

• • Each of the awardee was given cash award of Rs 2 lakh each along with the trophy and certificate.
• Kishore Jena received Rs 3 lakh while Lazarus Barla was presented a cash award of Rs 4 lakh along with the trophy and certificate.

• Orissa Mountaineering Association (OMA) was officially launched in Bhubaneswar on August 29, 2024. 
• Founded by a group of adventure enthusiasts, the association aims to foster a spirit of adventure among the youth of Odisha.
• The primary aim of the association, sponsored by Sports Science India (SSI) is to propagate adventure and allied activities at the grassroots level and expose the youngsters to its thrills. 
• It also aims to wean away youngsters from the addiction of gadgets and bring them closer to nature.

• The Tara Ranjan Patnaik and family, promoters of Falcon Marine Exports, has been recognized as one of India’s most affluent families, ranking at 540 on the HURUN India Rich List 2024 with an estimated net worth of Rs 4,900 crore.
• Falcon Group, their flagship company, has established a strong presence in the seafood industry, boasting a 40-year history as the country’s largest integrated seafood exporter. 
• With a global reach and diversified ventures, the group has solidified its position as a key player in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Dubai.

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