Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 08 November 2023

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Addapedia Odisha – Daily Current Affairs – 08 November 2023

National and International News
SC seeks data on donations through electoral bonds, reserves verdict on scheme	Context The Supreme Court gave the Election Commission of India (EC) two weeks to produce updated data on contributions received by political parties through the electoral bonds scheme. About Electoral Bond Scheme The electoral bond scheme was launched by the Union government in 2018. It is a bearer instrument, like a promissory note that can be bought by any Indian citizen or company incorporated in India. The citizen or corporate can then donate the same to any eligible political party of his/her choice. The bonds are similar to bank notes that are payable to the bearer on demand and are free of interest. An individual or party is allowed to purchase these bonds digitally or through cheque. EBs are issued/purchased for any value, in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1,00,000, Rs 10,00,000 and Rs 1,00,00,000. The electoral bonds are available for purchase for 10 days at the beginning of every quarter. SBI is the only bank authorized to sell these bonds. Anonymous cash donations were capped at Rs 2,000. EBs have a life of only 15 days during which it can be used for making donations to political parties. Eligibility for Bonds Only political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of thePeople Act, 1951 and which secured not less than 1% of votes polled in the last general election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State, are eligible to receive electoral bonds. The bond can be encashed by an eligible political party only through a designated bank account with the authorized bank. The political parties have to disclose the amount to the Election Commission. The electoral bonds will not bear the name of the donor.
UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme	It is an intergovernmental scientific programme launched in 1971 by UNESCO to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. Under the programme, UNESCO has established the World Network of Biosphere Reserves(WNBR). Biosphere reserves are nominated by national governments. If selected by UNESCO, they are included in the WNBR. There are 12 biosphere reserves of India which have been recognized internationally under Man and Biosphere(MAB) Reserve program. These are: Nilgiri(First one to be included) Gulf of Mannar Sunderban Nanda Devi Nokrek Pachmarhi Similipal Achanakmar – Amarkantak Great Nicobar Agasthyamala Khangchendzonga (2018) and Panna(2020).
World Biosphere Reserve Day	Key points: This day celebrates the role of biosphere reserves in conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Established by UNESCO in 2022, to be observed annually on November 3. Aims to raise awareness, share best practices, and showcase achievements of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). The theme for 2023 was #ItsAboutLife.
Chinese vessel begins research off the coast of Sri Lanka amid India’s concerns	Context Chinese research vessel Shiyan 6, amid concerns raised by India and the U.S., is set to begin its two-day research off the Sri Lankan coast Key points The research will be pursued off Sri Lanka’s western coast, and in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and the University of Ruhuna It is marine scientific research.
Climate finance	It refers to local, national, or transnational financing—drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing—that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change. The UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement call for financial assistance from Parties with more financial resources (Developed Countries) to those that are less endowed and more vulnerable (Developing Countries).

Odisha Regional Specific News
Rowers Fetch Odisha A Gold & 2 Silver Medals	Context Odisha rowers helped swell Odisha’s tally with a gold and two silver medals at the National Games Key points The gold came through Shagandeep Singh and Sanjukta Dungdung, who topped the C Mix Double Sculls race. Oinam Bidya Devi, Shruti Chougule, Roji Devi and Fulmani Xaxa clinched silver in K4 Women’s 500m event. Tomthilnganba Ngashepam, Thongam Rahul Singh, Kh Nanao Meitei and Suraj Bijale claimed another silver, in the K4M 500m event. Odisha are currently placed 15th in the overall standings with a total of 42 medals – 8 gold, 11 silver and 23 bronze.
Legendary Odia Poet Gangadhar Meher	Context Demand for unveiling a postage stamp in honour of legendary Odia poet Gangadhar Meher is gaining momentum ahead of his death centenary next year. About Gangadhar Meher Gangadhar Meher , renowned Odia poet of 19th century also known as Swabhaba Kabi,was a literary Midas, who transformed everything into gold by the alchemic touch of his genius. He was a born poet of delicate charm. His was a clean white style. His poem Bhakti (The Devotion) bears eloquent testimony to the change in religious outlook. He was essentially a poet of intuition and side by side he had a penetrating insight. Though poor in wealth and education, he was very rich in mind and culture. In almost all his writings there is a glimpse of originality.
Over 1 lakh birds arrive at Chilika	Context Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon has geared up to host the winged guests with stringent protection measures About Chilika lake Chilika is Asia’s largest and world’s second largest lagoon. In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Major attraction at Chilika is Irrawaddy dolphins which are often spotted off Satapada Island. The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987. Kalijai Temple – Located on an island in the Chilika Lake. Chilika lake hosts birds migrating from thousands of miles away from the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas. The birds find the vast mud-field and abundant fish stock here suitable to congregate.
Nalabana bird sanctuary	The Nalabana bird sanctuary is located on Nalabana Island in the Chilika lagoon area in Odisha. The Nalabana Bird Sanctuary is the core area of Chilika. The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987. The island disappears during the monsoon due to inundation, only to emerge again post-monsoon. Nalabana and Mangalajodi (on the banks of Chilika lake) are the two major places in Chilika where the birds congregate.

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