Addapedia Odisha | Daily Current Affairs | 19 October 2024 | Download PDF

• The Director-General of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) recently inaugurated the third Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum.

About Hand-in-Hand Initiative:

• Initiative Overview: Launched in 2019 by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
• Objectives:
  • Eradicate poverty (SDG 1).
  • End hunger and malnutrition (SDG 2).
  • Reduce inequalities (SDG 10).
• Target Areas: Prioritizes countries and territories with:
  • High poverty and hunger rates.
  • Limited national capacities.
  • Significant operational challenges due to natural or man-made crises.
• Interventions:
  • Develop value chains for priority commodities.
  • Build agro-industries and efficient water management systems.
  • Introduce digital services and precision agriculture.

• The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K), has launched the Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence (SARTHI) system. 
• This innovative system aims to enhance the efficiency of refrigerated transportation by integrating solar energy and advanced control technologies.

About SARTHI system:

• Features:
  • Dual Compartment Design: Stores fruits and vegetables at different temperatures, catering to their unique storage needs.
  • IoT Integration and Real-Time Monitoring:
    • Sensors collect data on temperature, humidity, ethylene, and CO2 levels.
    • Data is sent to the cloud, accessible via a mobile app for real-time quality assessment.
  • Solar-Powered Air Handling Unit: Maintains temperature control during transport halts.
• Significance:
  • Extended Shelf Life: Reduces losses from chilling injury and moisture loss.
  • Informed Decision-Making:
    • Allows transporters to reroute produce to closer markets if spoilage is detected.
    • Cuts energy waste and lowers carbon footprints.

• The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved five major road stretches, four of which traverse the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary located along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

About Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location:
  • Situated in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
  • Borders Jammu and Kashmir.
  • North of Hemis National Park and east of Deosai National Park.
• Climate: Average temperature in the warmest month is below 0°C at higher elevations and remains below 10°C in other areas.
• Major Peaks:
  • Saltoro Kangri
  • Saser Kangri I
  • K12
• Rivers:
  • Shyok River
  • Nubra River

• The Centre has decided to extend the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme benefits to all subscribers of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and their families until further notice.

About EDLI Scheme: 

• • Launch Year: 1976
  • Objective: To provide social security benefits to private sector employees who typically do not receive such benefits from employers.
  • Administered by: Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
  • Applicable to: All organizations registered under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
• Benefits:

• • Insurance Coverage: Provides term life insurance cover to member employees.
  • Lump-Sum Payment: Paid to the nominee upon the death of the EPF member while in service.
• Benefit Amount:
  • Maximum: Up to ₹7 lakh to the nominee or legal heir.
  • Minimum: ₹2.5 lakh if the member had continuous employment for 12 months prior to death.

• Cheetahs will be reintroduced to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary to promote tourism in the region.

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location:
  • Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, bordering Rajasthan.
  • Lies in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
  • The River Chambal flows through the sanctuary, dividing it into two parts.
• Topography:
  • Diverse landscape including hills, plateaus, and the catchment area of the Gandhi Sagar Dam.
  • Designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
• Flora:
  • Principal tree species: Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.
• Fauna:
  • Herbivores: Chinkara, Nilgai, and Spotted Deer.
  • Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal.
  • Other wildlife: Good population of crocodiles, fish, otters, and turtles.

• A study reveals that it has the highest capital outlay to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ratio among all major states.
• The state has one of the highest per capita capital outlays and share of capital outlays in the country. 
• The average capital outlay to GSDP ratio that stood at 4.4 per cent during last decade is much higher than 18 major states, which have an average of 3.1 per cent.

Note: Odisha aspires to transition from a low middle-income economy to a developed state by 2047

Refer to Addapedia notes for detailed info on GSDP.

• Former Kendrapara MP Prabhat Samantaray passed away on October 17, 2024, at the age of 74. 
• A prominent figure in Odisha’s politics, Samantaray was known for his strong association with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). 
• He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Kendrapara constituency for two terms, from 1998 to 2004.

• The Odisha government on Thursday reconstituted the task force to suggest measures for implementation of National Education Policy (NEP-2020).
• It will have 13 Ex-officio Members  and Expert Members as Special Invitees from UNICEF, Central Square Foundation (CSF), AKSHARA Foundation, Language Learning Foundation (LLF), PRATHAM, and Nominees from Higher Education Department.

About NEP:

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a comprehensive framework designed to revolutionize India’s education system.
• Its focus on holistic development, increased access, and quality education promises to usher in significant positive changes.  

Key goals of NEP 2020 include:

• Access and Equity: Ensuring quality education for all, regardless of socioeconomic background. 
• Holistic Development: Focusing on overall development of students, including cognitive, social, and emotional skills.  
• Flexibility: Offering multiple pathways for learning, including vocational education and skill development.  
• Research and Innovation: Promoting research and innovation to address national challenges.  
• Governance: Improving governance and accountability in the education sector

• The State government will issue a helpline number for Habisyalis in Puri, enabling them to report their concerns to the district administration.
• The government had announced accommodations, requiring online registration from October 6.

About:

• Habisyalis are devout women from Odisha who undertake a month-long religious fast called Kartika Brata at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. 
• During this period, they observe strict dietary and lifestyle restrictions, abstaining from certain foods and activities. 
• They come from various parts of Odisha and often face challenges in finding accommodation and other facilities in Puri. 

Refer to Addapedia notes for detailed info on Jagannath Temple.

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