Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 15 March 2024 | Download PDF

• Health ministers from 11 African countries met in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and pledged to end malaria deaths.

Key points:

• In 2022, malaria cases globally rose significantly from 233 million in 2019 to 249 million.
• In Africa, cases increased from 218 million to 233 million during the same period.
• Africa accounts for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths.
• In 2022, an estimated 580,000 deaths occurred in Africa due to malaria.
• According to the 2023 Africa Malaria Progress Report, malaria incidence has declined by 7.6% and mortality by 11.3%, falling short of African Union’s interim goals.
• The African Union aims to control and eliminate malaria by 2030.

• SIDBI has secured $24.5 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for its Avaana Sustainability Fund (ASF), aimed at promoting sustainability and climate-focused startups and MSMEs. 
• The funding was approved during the 38th meeting of the GCF Board in Kigali, Rwanda.

Project Overview:

• The project is valued at $120 million and will support early-stage startups and MSMEs using technology-led innovations for sustainability and climate solutions in India.
• The ASF initiative aims to fund enterprises using technological innovations to address climate change challenges.
• It will aid in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and improving resilience in sectors vulnerable to climate impacts.

Implementation:

• SIDBI will work with stakeholders and ministries, including the Department of Financial Services of the Ministry of Finance.
• The bank can anchor proposals from other entities and submit its own, supporting the development of MSMEs.

Significance:

• This is a pioneering move by SIDBI, representing the first such project anchored by the bank and aligning with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
• SIDBI, as an accredited and direct access entity with the GCF, will fund projects promoting low-carbon and climate-resilient development across India.

Green Climate Fund:

• The GCF is the largest climate fund globally, supporting developing countries in meeting their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for global climate action.

• The high-level committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind has recommended simultaneous elections.
• The recommendation involves a phased approach: Lok Sabha and State Assemblies first, followed by municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of general elections.

Key points:

• The committee submitted an extensive report, spanning 18,000 pages, to President Droupadi Murmu, but a concise 321-page version is available to the public.
• The 22nd Law Commission is also examining the issue and likely to recommend the same from the 2029 general election cycle.
• The suggested method involves setting an ‘Appointed Date’ after each general election, initiating a new electoral cycle for synchronizing elections.
• State Assemblies formed post ‘Appointed Date’ would conclude before subsequent general elections, aligning with the Lok Sabha election cycle.
• Fresh Lok Sabha elections might occur in case of a hung House or no-confidence motion, but the House’s tenure would be limited to the unexpired term of the preceding full term.
• Constitutional amendments to Articles 83 and 172 are proposed, requiring no ratification by the States.
• Amendments to Article 324A and Article 325 are recommended for panchayat and municipality elections and the preparation of a common electoral roll and voter ID cards, necessitating ratification by the States.
• The committee aims to ease the burden on various stakeholders caused by frequent elections and suggests a mechanism for restoring the cycle of simultaneous elections.
• Recommendations aim for minimal amendments to the Constitution and have garnered support from 32 out of 47 political parties contacted, including the BJP and the National People’s Party.

• Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have found the oldest known “dead” galaxy.
• Named JADES-GS-z7-01-QU, it ceased star formation when the universe was just 5% of its current age.

Significance:

• This discovery surpasses prior findings by approximately 500 million years.
• It marks the earliest instance of a “dead” galaxy.
• Astrophysicist Tobias Looser likens its star formation pattern to James Dean’s sudden halt, post a rapid burst of activity.
• Despite ample gas availability in the early universe, star formation abruptly stopped.

Characteristics:

• Estimated to contain 100 million to one billion stars.
• Comparable in size to the Small Magellanic Cloud but devoid of ongoing star formation.
• Existing stars will expire without replacement, leading to a color shift from blue to yellow to red.

Potential Causes:

• Researchers speculate on reasons for cessation, including the influence of a supermassive black hole or gas depletion.
• The JWST’s advanced capabilities enabled a snapshot observation, leaving open the possibility of resumed star formation.

About James Webb Space Telescope:

• Launched in December 2021, it’s the most potent space telescope constructed to date.
• Tailored for infrared astronomy, it explores objects beyond the reach of the Hubble Space Telescope.
• Primarily aims to study the earliest stars and galaxies, providing insights into the universe’s infancy.
• Its inaugural image was captured in July 2022, leading to numerous discoveries, including ancient galaxies.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, marking the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March.
• Kochrab Ashram was Gandhi’s first home in India after returning from South Africa in 1915.
• Modi also revealed the master plan for the Rs 1,200 crore Gandhi Ashram Memorial and Precinct Development Project.

Future Plans for Gandhi Ashram Memorial

• The master plan aims to expand the ashram to 55 acres, restoring and conserving 36 buildings, including Gandhi’s residence, Hriday Kunj.
• It includes new structures for administration facilities, visitor amenities, interactive workshops, and public utilities.
• An orientation center, a library, and archive buildings will be built to safeguard and disseminate Gandhi’s ideas.

• The Supreme Court stopped the Assam government from withdrawing a 26-year-old notification that established the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its significant rhino population.
• The Supreme Court stated that revoking a notification for a wildlife sanctuary requires permission from the National Board of Wildlife. It clarified that its order does not hinder efforts to protect the rights of forest dwellers.

About:

• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is known for holding the highest density of Greater One Horned Rhinoceros in the country.
• The Sanctuary consists of the Rajamayong Reserve Forest and Pobitora Reserve Forest. The Rajamayong hills harbor several species including Leopard, Capped Langur, Porcupine, Pangolin, etc.
• Often called ‘Mini Kaziranga,’ it shares similar landscape and vegetation with its renowned counterpart.
• Approximately 72% of Pobitora’s area comprises a wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum grasses, with the rest covered by water bodies.

About One-Horned Rhino:

• IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable.
• Habitat: Mainly found in Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Assam is home to an estimated 2,640 rhinos in four protected areas: Pobitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park.

Odisha Regional Specific News

• The Forest department in Odisha is set to introduce Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology at Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district to ensure satellite connectivity for its personnel. 
• This move, aimed at enhancing communication and surveillance, is part of the department’s strategy to combat poaching and illegal activities at the reserve.

Key points:

• VSAT stations will be set up at vantage points in Similipal and Satkosia Tiger Reserve in the first phase, with a total of 23 stations in Similipal and six in Satkosia.
• VSATs will facilitate communication among field personnel within the reserves and with external locations, improving the exchange of information to combat illegal activities.
• Additionally, the authorities at Similipal are planning to procure at least 10 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to provide easier access for field personnel to remote areas of the reserve.
• The ATVs will be used for transportation of personnel to fire points for firefighting and for anti-poaching activities.

• March 15, marks World Consumer Rights Day, which highlights the significance of consumer rights in the global marketplace. 
• It underscores the importance of transparency in goods regarding their quantity, quality, and price, as well as the need to protect consumer rights.
• This day aims to educate and empower consumers about their rights and responsibilities while advocating for fair business practices worldwide.

Theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2024: ‘Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers’

• Consumers International, the global voice for consumers, has chosen the theme ‘Fair and responsible AI for consumers’ for this year’s World Consumer Rights Day. 
• This theme focuses on the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our daily lives and the importance of ensuring that AI technologies respect consumer rights.

• • The state government has launched a new initiative called the Nano Unicorn Scheme.
  • Aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and reducing unemployment in rural areas.
  • Target: Supporting 1,200 mini-sized businesses (nano unicorns) by 2025-26.
• Rs 13.56 crore allocated by state government.

Key points:

• The state government has planned to provide refundable seed funding of up to Rs 1 lakh to entrepreneurs and extend mentorship and handholding support for their sustainability. 
• The scheme will cover all 30 districts with special focus on 10 aspirational ones.

Target Group:

• Skilled-in-Odisha youth (18-35 years) who have undergone skilling courses.
• Farmers and self-help groups recommended by line departments.

Selection Process: 400 nano unicorns selected annually from 30 districts, with specific allocations from aspirational and other districts.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Entrepreneurial intent excluding fast food and single-use plastic manufacturing.
• Priority for women entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, transgenders, ST, SC, and other marginalized groups.

Repayment Terms: Repayment starts from the second year in twenty installments (13th to 32nd month), with interest rates of 4% in the second year and 8% in the third year. No interest for first-year repayment.

• Observed on the second Thursday of March annually i.e., on March 14th 2024.

Objective:

• Aimed at educating individuals about reducing the incidence and impact of kidney diseases.
• Healthcare professionals and nephrologists play a pivotal role in spreading awareness.

History:

• Originated from a collaboration between the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundation.
• First observed in 2006 with the theme ‘Are your kidneys okay?’

Theme of World Kidney Day 2024:

• ‘Kidney Health for All – Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.’
• Chosen in a meeting of the World Kidney Day Steering Committee in September 2023.

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