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Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 29 January 2024 | Download PDF

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Addapedia Odisha – Daily Current Affairs -29 January 2024

National and International News
Laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) First-Time Sighting in the Country:

  • Laughing gull, a migratory bird from North America, discovered for the first time in the country.
  • Sightings reported at the Chittari estuary in Kasaragod district.

Key Points:

  • Known for unique laughter-like calls, the laughing gull traveled thousands of kilometers from North America to the coastal region of Kerala.

Identification Amidst Diverse Avian Population:

  • Smaller than the brown-headed gull, with distinctive features such as a dark upper part, black legs, long drooping bill, and a dark smudge on the back of the head.

Contribution to India’s Bird Species Count:

  • The discovery elevates the total number of bird species found in India to 1,367.
  • Kasaragod district contributes 400 species to the state’s overall count of 554.

Conservation Status:

  • Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, as the species has a large and stable population.
ISRO’s INSAT-3DS Satellite Context:

  • The INSAT-3DS satellite flagged off to the launch port at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • Scheduled to be launched on board GSLV F14 next month.

Objectives and Significance:

  • Exclusive meteorological satellite designed to provide continuity of services to existing INSAT-3D and 3DR satellites (which aid in weather monitoring)
  • Aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of the INSAT system.

Advanced Payloads:

  • State-of-the-art payloads include a six-channel imager and 19-channel sounder meteorology payloads.
  • Communication payloads, a data relay transponder (DRT), and a satellite-aided search and rescue (SAS&R) transponder.
  • DRT instrument receives meteorological and oceanographic data, augmenting weather forecasting capabilities.
  • SAS&R transponder incorporated for relaying distress signals/alerts, facilitating global search and rescue services.
Nitish Kumar’s Ninth Term as Bihar Chief Minister Context:

  • Nitish Kumar, President of Janata Dal (United), took oath as Bihar Chief Minister for the ninth time.
  • This marks his fifth switch in political alliances since 2015.
  • He rejoined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after leaving it 18 months ago.

Key Points:

  • Alongside Nitish Kumar, six Ministers and two Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha from the BJP were sworn in.
  • The Cabinet is expected to be expanded further in the near future.
Germany seeks inter-governmental deal for submarines with India Context:

  • Germany presents an inter-governmental proposal to sell 6 advanced conventional submarines to India.
  • The proposal is part of India’s Navy P-75I procurement program.
  • Discussions were recently held in New Delhi with a senior German delegation.
  • The deal, expected to cost over ₹45,000 crore, is in competition between Germany and Spain.

India’s Navy P-75I procurement program

  • Planned class of diesel-electric submarines for the Indian Navy.

Project Overview

  • It is an acquisition plan for six conventional diesel-electric attack submarines.
  • Project mainly emphasizes advanced capabilities, including air-independent propulsion (AIP), ISR, SOF, AShW, ASW, ASuW, land-attack capabilities, and more.
  • All six submarines to be constructed in India.
  • The project aligns with the Make in India initiative, emphasizing self-sufficiency and indigenous manufacturing in defense projects.
China’s ties with Africa Context:

  • Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, embarked on his 11th annual trip to Africa, visiting Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and the Ivory Coast.
  • The visit aimed at enhancing economic and security cooperation, implementing outcomes of the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue in August 2023.

Key Points:

Purpose of visit:

  • Execution of three key initiatives: industrialization support, agricultural modernization, and talent development cooperation.
  • Setting the groundwork for the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation 2024 (FOCAC).
  • Mediation efforts for peace in Gaza, specifically addressing the Rafah border shared with Egypt.

Why is Africa China’s Primary Focus?

  • Historical ties dating back to the 1950s, with China supporting African liberation movements.
  • Importance of African support in China acquiring a UN Security Council seat in the 70s.
  • Evolution from ideological support to the “Go Out Policy” encouraging Chinese companies to invest in Africa in 1999.
  • Growth of Sino-African relations through FOCAC dialogues, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and strategic military presence.

Objectives of China in Africa:

  • Securing access to crucial resources (cobalt, platinum, coltan) vital for China’s tech industry.
  • Strengthening geopolitical alliances with Africa to sway international resolutions in forums like the UN General Assembly.
  • Promoting the use of the Chinese Yuan (RMB) in trade, offering financial incentives, and restructuring African debt.
  • Exploiting commercial opportunities through Africa’s import of finished goods, supporting Chinese exports and economy.

Concerns and Criticisms:

  • Western concerns about Chinese investments being predatory, leading to debt traps.
  • Varied African responses, with some poorly managing debt (e.g., Kenya, Zambia) and others benefiting from manageable arrangements.
  • Chinese ‘non-interference’ stance providing space for authoritarian regimes in Africa to maintain power.

 

Odisha Regional Specific News

Republic Day Contingent Awards 2024 State Tableau Awards:

Judges Choice Category:

  • Odisha Tableau: Adjudged the Best
  • Gujarat Tableau: Second Prize
  • Tamil Nadu Tableau: Third Prize

People’s Choice Category:

  • Gujarat Tableau: Voted the Best
  • Uttar Pradesh Tableau: Second Prize
  • Andhra Pradesh Tableau: Third Prize

Ministry/Department Tableau Awards:

Judges Choice Category:

  • Ministry of Culture (MoC) Tableau: Best

People’s Choice Category:

  • Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Tableau: Best

Military Contingent Awards:

Judges Choice Category:

  • Sikh Regiment: Best Marching Contingent from Services
  • Delhi Police Women’s Wing: Best Marching Contingent from CAPFs/Auxiliary Forces

People’s Choice Category:

  • Rajputana Rifles: Best Military Contingent
  • CRPF Women’s Wing: Best Marching Contingent from CAPFs/Auxiliary Forces.
Sonapur Beach Gets Blue Flag Certification Context:

  • The sea beach at Sonapur under Chikiti block of Ganjam district has become the second Blue Flag beach of Odisha after Puri.

Key Points:

  • The application for certification was submitted by the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM), an agency operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
  • The beach has successfully met all 33 stringent criteria established for obtaining the Blue Flag certification.

About Blue Flag status:

    • Blue Flag Certification is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded by a non-profit organization called the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark. 
  • The Blue Flag recognition is awarded by a jury comprising members from the IUCN, UNWTO, UNEP, and UNESCO after considering 33 parameters.
    • The certification is based on 33 parameters which are then divided into 4 major categories. They are-
  • Environmental education and information
  • Bathing water quality
  • Environmental management
  • Conservation and safety services on the beaches
1st World Odia Language Conference
  • Purpose: Discussing the Past, Present, and Future of Odia Language
  • Status: Odia Attained Classical Language Status
  • Objective: Setting Goals for Language Propagation.
  • The conference will be held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar between 3rd and 5th February.
  • Various events are organized to promote the language and generate interest among attendees, aiming for every participant to leave with a sense of pride in being Odia and a memorable experience.

Suggestions for Urban Language Promotion

  • Display portraits of influential poets, writers, and linguists in prominent urban areas.
  • Circumambulate the “Odia Asmita Rath” in various wards of urban self-governing bodies.
  • Encourage the use of Odia in signboards, billboards, and hoardings.
Jharsuguda Heritage Post Office Context:

  • The 141-year-old heritage post office building in Odisha’s Jharsuguda, has undergone a stunning overhaul.
  • Jharsuguda Post Office was established in 1882.
  • It accorded a heritage tag in 2021

 

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