008 ADDAPEDIA Odisha State Specific Current Affairs Notes DECEMBER

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CONTENTS
Polity & Governance........................................................................................................................................ 7
Chief Minister's Assistance to Rescued Laborers ....................................................................................... 7
Konark dance, sand art festivals inaugurated by CM .................................................................................. 7
Odisha’s Padampur Likely To Get District Status Soon .............................................................................. 7
Odisha Govt To Set Up New Medical College In Talcher ............................................................................ 7
Odisha govt to provide online coaching to NEET, JEE aspirants ................................................................ 8
Cabinet Nod For Amendment To Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules-1983 .................................. 8
Odisha govt roadmap to boost sex ratio at birth .......................................................................................... 8
Cabinet okays logistics link from Gopalpur port .......................................................................................... 8
Koraput gets affordable bus service ........................................................................................................... 9
Ernst & Young Technology Hub In Bhubaneswar ....................................................................................... 9
Daringbadi development ............................................................................................................................. 9
Centre Approves ODOP For Products Of All Districts In Odisha ................................................................. 9
CM sanctions Rs 15.2 crore for renovation of temples ................................................................................ 9
Foundation Stone For 2 Irrigation Projects ............................................................................................... 10
Odisha Govt Asks Banks To Expedite Loans To SHGs ............................................................................ 10
Govt Restructures Ayurvedic, Homeopathic Service Cadres .................................................................... 10
Geography & Places in News ....................................................................................................................... 10
5th Edition Of Eco-Retreat 2023-24 .......................................................................................................... 10
Blackbuck, Nilgai At Sambalpur Zoo ......................................................................................................... 11
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary .................................................................................................................... 11
Gahirmatha marine sanctuary .................................................................................................................. 11
Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary ........................................................................................................................ 12
Kotpad Weave At Barbil Art Project .......................................................................................................... 12
Deomali Peak ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Ganjam tops list in road mishap deaths .................................................................................................... 13
Ansupa Lake ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Paradip Port ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Nandankanan Zoological Park .................................................................................................................. 13
Bhitarkanika National Park ....................................................................................................................... 13
Similipal National Park .............................................................................................................................. 14
Chandaka Sanctuary ................................................................................................................................ 14
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History & Culture ........................................................................................................................................... 15
ASI to install steel support for Natamandap beam of Shri Jagannath Temple ........................................... 15
‘Unurum’ International Festival ................................................................................................................. 15
Toshali Crafts Mela................................................................................................................................... 15
Puri Most Booked Pilgrimage Destination ................................................................................................. 15
Joranda Mahima Pitha.............................................................................................................................. 16
Economy & Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................. 16
2,392 MBBS Doctors, 81 Dental Surgeons Inducted Into State Medical Services ..................................... 16
RITES - to develop three airports in Odisha.............................................................................................. 16
100 pc growth in retained GST ................................................................................................................. 16
Cabinet Approves Development Of Utility Corridor ................................................................................... 17
Economic offenses trial pendency 98 percent in Odisha ........................................................................... 17
Transforming Keonjhar District into an Open-Air Elephant Safari Experience. .......................................... 17
Development projects at Ekamra-Bhubaneswar Assembly constituency .................................................. 17
OYO Founder To Set Up 5 Healthcare Centres In Odisha ........................................................................ 17
Greywater management projects in Ganjam district.................................................................................. 18
Koraput district to be developed into a holistic tourist destination. ............................................................ 18
RBI Report on state finances .................................................................................................................... 18
3 Special Trains From Bhubaneswar & Puri ............................................................................................. 18
Hindalco To Set Up Battery Foil Manufacturing Facility ............................................................................ 19
Smart Braille classroom to be set up in school for blind at Burla ............................................................... 19
New MEMU Train ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Aditya Birla Group To Set Up Alumina Refinery, Apparel Unit In Odisha’s Rayagada ............................... 20
Odisha Startup Carnival 2023 ................................................................................................................... 20
OSDMA sets up gender and inclusion cell ................................................................................................ 20
Science & Technology .................................................................................................................................. 20
AIPH University to Study on Anaemia in Odisha ....................................................................................... 20
Odia scientist discovers disease resistant wild okra .................................................................................. 20
Odisha Registers 51% Growth In Maize Production ................................................................................. 21
Study on Anaemia in Odisha .................................................................................................................... 21
Smart India Hackathon-2023 .................................................................................................................... 22
Berhampur University to conduct research on marine ecology of Bay of Bengal ...................................... 22
Agriculture & Animal Husbandry.................................................................................................................. 22
Dongria Kondhs........................................................................................................................................ 22
5 new species sighted at Hirakud in Odisha ............................................................................................. 22
Karuna Silk project ................................................................................................................................... 23
Black Tigers Only Found In Odisha’s Similipal.......................................................................................... 23
Turaco and wallaby in Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) .................................................................... 23
Environment .................................................................................................................................................. 24
National and International News ............................................................................................................... 24
Satabhaya, Pentha worst hit by coastal erosion ....................................................................................... 24
Tata Steel Raises Awareness On Protection & Conservation Of Birds In Odisha’s Sukinda ..................... 24
Bus Service From All Districts To Puri Town............................................................................................. 24
Conservationists urge Odisha govt to declare Mahendragiri as biosphere reserve ................................... 24
SWC Approves Sustainable Energy Projects............................................................................................ 25
Government Schemes ................................................................................................................................... 25
2 New Contraceptives measures Launched.............................................................................................. 25
Odisha Govt Plans Integrated Public Health Lab In All Districts ................................................................ 25
Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha’ scheme ........................................................................................................ 26
CM Extends State Food Security Scheme ................................................................................................ 26
Large-scale fodder plantation to tackle man-animal conflict ...................................................................... 26
‘Mandi Chalo’ Campaign........................................................................................................................... 26
'Advika: I am Unique’ Scheme .................................................................................................................. 27
Odisha to implement Mukta Soft application in 23 ULBs ........................................................................... 27
Drinking Water Project At Dargah In Bhadrak ........................................................................................... 27
2nd highest e-Shram registrations ............................................................................................................ 27
One District One Product (ODOP) ............................................................................................................ 28
Data on households electrification in Odisha ............................................................................................ 28
‘Nua O’ Programme .................................................................................................................................. 28
Odisha Govt Launches BSKY Nabin Card For Universal Health Coverage .............................................. 29
Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) ...................................................................................................... 29
Social & Welfare Issues ................................................................................................................................ 29
World AIDS Day ....................................................................................................................................... 29
National Pollution Control Day .................................................................................................................. 30
Odisha Sees Decline In Cases Of Crime Against Women In 2022 ........................................................... 30
Odisha Tops In Cyber Crime Cases Against Women Under IT Act: NCRB ............................................... 30
International Day of Persons with Disabilities ........................................................................................... 31
Child marriage cases come down in Odisha ............................................................................................. 31
Human Rights Day (HRD) ........................................................................................................................ 31
Good governance Day.............................................................................................................................. 31
International Relations .................................................................................................................................. 31
Dubai-Based Odia Father-Daughter Duo Sends COP 28 Appeal From 70 Ft Below The Sea .................. 31
Biswa Odia Bhasa Sammilani ................................................................................................................... 32
World record for Odia Artist ...................................................................................................................... 32
Nandankanan To Get Cheetahs, White Lions From Abroad ..................................................................... 32
Odisha zoo to get African lion, cheetah from Dubai Park .......................................................................... 32
Defence & Security ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Armed Forces Flag Day ............................................................................................................................ 32
Odisha CM Congratulates DRDO On Successful Training Launch Of Agni-1 ........................................... 33
Vijay Diwas ............................................................................................................................................... 33
Odisha To Raise Special Battalion For Puri Jagannath Temple Security .................................................. 33
Sports ............................................................................................................................................................. 34
Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila secured the mixed doubles title at Odisha Masters 2023. .................... 34
Odisha Introduces ‘Her Sport Ki Champion’ Initiative ................................................................................ 34
India’s Largest Sports Science Centre ...................................................................................................... 34
Person in News & Awards............................................................................................................................. 34
Orissa HCJudge Justice BR Sarangi Set to Become Chief Justice Of Jharkhand HC ............................... 34
Manisha Padhi From Odisha Becomes Country’s First Woman ADC ....................................................... 35
Lifetime Achievement Award For Odisha-Born Transplant Surgeon Mukut Minz ...................................... 35
Additional Chief Electoral Officer Of Odisha ............................................................................................. 35
Prof. Pravat Mohapatra, Prof. Bidyut Das Conferred Odisha Bigyan Academy Award .............................. 35
Two awards for East Coast Railway ......................................................................................................... 35
Odisha Writer gets ‘Timepass Booker Puraskar’ ....................................................................................... 36
Sahitya Akademi Award ........................................................................................................................... 36
Ekalabya Puraskar ................................................................................................................................... 36
Odisha farmer invited to Bharatia Vigyan Sammelan ................................................................................ 36
Satbir Singh Riar Becomes Manager Of Team India ................................................................................ 36
Orissa High Court Judge Justice BR Sarangi Set To Become Chief Justice Of Jharkhand HC ................. 37
Miscellaneous/GK.......................................................................................................................................... 37
Maniabandha Pata handloom ................................................................................................................... 37
Blackbuck ................................................................................................................................................. 37
Odisha Tops List In Deaths Due To Accidental Fire .................................................................................. 37
IIT-Indore Hosts Screening of National Award-Winning Odia Film 'Pratikshya' ......................................... 38
Dropout rate in Odisha ............................................................................................................................. 38
Kalahandi University Renamed As Maa Manikeshwari University ............................................................. 38
Polity & Governance
Chief Minister's Assistance to Rescued Laborers
Context
● Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has given financial help of Rs 2 lakh each to four Odia laborers recently rescued from
a partially-collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand.
Key Points:
● The four workers, Raju Nayak, Dhiren Nayak, Bisheshwar Nayak, and Bhagaban Bhatra, reached Odisha from New
Delhi via a special flight.
● The Chief Minister welcomed them at his residence, inquiring about their well-being and listening to their 17-day-long
struggle inside the tunnel.
● Notably 5 workers from Odisha were saved from the tunnel.
Konark dance, sand art festivals inaugurated by CM

Context
Two flagship events of the Tourism department - the Konark festival and international sand art festival - were
inaugurated virtually by Chief Minister
Key points
● Konark Dance Festival is a five-day dance festival held every year in the month of December in the backdrop of the
Sun temple in Konark, Odisha in India.
● It is one of the biggest dance festivals held in Odisha
● The Sand festival celebrates sand sculptures produced by skilful sand artists.
● The International Sand Artist Festival celebrates the spectacular displays of sand artists from India and from many
other countries
Odisha’s Padampur Likely To Get District Status Soon

Context
● A high-level site selection committee visited Padampur town and identified three different lands for the construction of
a Collectorate for the proposed ‘Padampur district’
● The committee will submit its report to the Odisha Government, based on which the government will take a final call
about site selection for the proposed Padampur Collectorate.
Odisha Govt To Set Up New Medical College In Talcher

Context
A new medical college will come up in Angul district soon as the Odisha Government has approved setting up the Pabitra
Mohan Pradhan Medical College & Hospital in the coal town Talcher.
Key points
● the state government decided to take over the existing Nehru Shatabdi Hospital run by the MCL and name it as the
Pabitra Mohan Pradhan Government Hospital
● It will function as the future teaching hospital for the proposed medical college
Odisha govt to provide online coaching to NEET, JEE aspirants

Context
● The state government has decided to provide supplementary online coaching to NEET and JEE aspirants pursuing their
studies in government and non-government aided higher secondary schools.
● The supplementary online coaching to the NEET and JEE aspiring students will help enhance their competitive ability.
Cabinet Nod For Amendment To Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules-1983

Context
● The State Cabinet approved a proposal of the Revenue & Disaster Management department to amend the Odisha
Government Land Settlement Rules-1983
● This will help resolve the long pending land issues of Puri Municipality and wasteland lease for homestead purposes in
Bhubaneswar and Jatni tehsils of Khurda district.
Read more:
About the Odisha Government Land Settlement 1983.
Odisha govt roadmap to boost sex ratio at birth

Context
Alarmed by low sex ratio at birth, the Odisha government has swung into action and prepared a roadmap to arrest the
declining trend and improve the situation
Key points
● The child sex ratio of Odisha has been showing a declining trend since 1961.
● While the number of women was 1,035 against 1,000 men in 1961, it declined to 1,020 in 1971, 995 in 1981, 967 in
1991, 953 in 2001 and 941 in 2011.
● The sex ratio in educated, comparatively developed and industrialised districts like Khurda, Balasore, Puri, Angul and
Jajpur is the lowest as compared to tribal districts.
● Several initiatives by the state government and the Centre, notwithstanding, the child sex ratio at birth declined from
932 in 2015-2016 to 894 in 2019-2021, as per the National Family Health Survey-5.
Cabinet okays logistics link from Gopalpur port

Context
● The state cabinet approved a proposal for development of a utility corridor between Gopalpur port and Tata Steel
Industrial Park at Gopalpur
● It was done at a cost of Rs 128.88 crore to provide logistics facilities for existing and upcoming industries.
Key points
● The cabinet also approved a special incentive package for Welspun Group’s projects at Choudwar in Cuttack and
Nilgungri in Sambalpur district.
● The projects with an investment of Rs 6,600 crore will create job opportunities for more than 20,000 people, revitalise
the textile industry, foster sustainable industrial growth and skill development.
Koraput gets affordable bus service
Context
● The Chief Minister launched affordable bus services in Koraput district, extending the facility to six districts in the first
phase.
● It is done under the Location Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI)
● Under the scheme,the state government plans to operate 1,623 buses in rural areas with a budget of Rs 3,178 crore.
● Earlier, the services were launched in the districts of Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Gajapati
district.
Ernst & Young Technology Hub In Bhubaneswar

Context
Chief Minister inaugurated a technology hub of Ernst & Young in Odisha capital
Key points
● Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, strategy, transaction and consulting services.
● Its new technology hub in Bhubaneswar is the 15th such facility in India.
● It showcases the firm’s commitment to Odisha’s growing economic prowess and business landscape.
● The 15,000 sq ft state-of-the-art infrastructure at O-Hub, the expanded presence of EY in Bhubaneswar will create
opportunities for existing employees as well as enable the company to harness the potential talent from the technical
educational ecosystem in Odisha.
Daringbadi development
Context
● The state government has sanctioned `18 crore for the development of Daringbadi tourist site in Kandhamal district
● Daringbadi is considered the Kashmir of Odisha
● Every year the footfall of tourists is increasing at Daringbadi.
Centre Approves ODOP For Products Of All Districts In Odisha

Context
The Central government has approved One District One Product (ODOP) for all the districts of Odisha.
Key points
● The Ministry has approved ODOP for 713 districts in 35 States and Union Territories under the Pradhan Mantri
Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.
● The districts have been included in ODOP on recommendations from respective state in consultation with the Ministry
of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
● Under ODOP, credit linked subsidy has been sanctioned for 12,024 micro food processing enterprises, 76 Incubation
Centres have been approved and 14 brands launched for marketing and branding support to micro food processing
units in the country.
CM sanctions Rs 15.2 crore for renovation of temples

Context
● Chief Minister sanctioned Rs 15.2 crore for the renovation of religious institutions and community projects in the
state capital.
● The amount will be utilised for renovation and repair of 507 such institutions in the Bhubaneswar north, Ekamra and
Bhubaneswar central Assembly constituencies of the city.
Key points
● Bhubaneswar is famous as a temple city as the city has more than 700 temples, including several ancient shrines.
● Thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit the places every day.
● The amount has been sanctioned keeping in view the need for beautification and improvement of all religious places
including ancient structures.
Foundation Stone For 2 Irrigation Projects

Context
● The Chief Minister inaugurated the left canal of Baitarani river under Anandpur barrage in Keonjhar district.
● He also laid the foundation stone for second phase work of Subarnarekha project.
● He also laid the foundation stone for a barrage over Khairi Bhandan river at Anlabani village in Mayurbhanj district.
● The 28-km canal connecting Baitarani and Salandi rivers will facilitate irrigation to 2,221 hectare (ha) of agricultural land
in Hatadihi and Anandpur blocks of the district.
Odisha Govt Asks Banks To Expedite Loans To SHGs

Context
● The Odisha government has asked the banks to expedite the loans to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to meet the target
in financial year 2023-24.
● Mission Shakti department had set a target to provide Rs 15,000 crore loan in the financial year.
Key points
● The banks have sanctioned loans amounting to Rs 5,763 crore to 45,046 SHGs by September, achieving 38.43% of
the target.
● While the average loan disbursement to SHGs was Rs 3.81 lakh, the department has planned to increase the amount
to Rs 4 lakh
● Ganjam district topped in the state in achieving 59.47% of loan target, followed by Deogarh with 52.7% and
Mayurbhanj 51.53%.
Govt Restructures Ayurvedic, Homeopathic Service Cadres

Context
● The Odisha government has decided to restructure the Ayurvedic Medical Service and Homeopathic Medical
Service cadres in the state and revise their pay structures.
● The government will create 228 posts of Senior AMO in the pay scale of Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77,500 under ORSP rules,
2017.
● In addition to the existing 20 posts of District Ayurvedic Medical Officer/ Deputy Superintendents/Superintendents,
15 additional posts of DAMO in the pay scale of Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77, 500 in the state
● The state government will create one more post of Deputy Director (Ayurveda) in the pay scale of Rs 67,700 to Rs 2,08,
700 in Odisha.
Geography & Places in News

5th Edition Of Eco-Retreat 2023-24
Context
● Eco-Retreat, a popular glamping event in Odisha, is back for its 5th edition, inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen
Patnaik virtually.
● This year's event is bigger, taking place at three new locations—Konark, Sonapur, and Bhitarkanika, in addition
to Putsil, Daringbadi, Hirakud, and Satkosia.
Aim:
● Odisha's Eco Retreats aim to be zero-waste discharge tourism initiatives, strategically located in ecologically
sensitive areas with minimal impact on the environment.
● Tourists can enjoy 5-star facilities, glamorous camps, guided tours, and adventure activities like water sports and
paragliding during their winter stay.
Blackbuck, Nilgai At Sambalpur Zoo

Context
● visitors will have the opportunity to watch blackbuck, nilgai and hog deer at Odisha’s Sambalpur Zoo.
● The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved an animal exchange programme between Nandankanan Zoological
Park (NZP) in Odisha and Sambalpur Zoo recently
About Nilgai
● It is also called bluebuck
● It is the largest Asian antelope (family Bovidae).
● The nilgai is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent.
● It is the only one of the four Indian antelopes that is still abundant.
● It is the largest of all Asian antelopes and is one of the most commonly seen wild animals in all of India.
● IUCN Status : Least Concern
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

● It is a wildlife sanctuary and a proposed tiger reserve located in the Nuapada district of Odisha, adjoining
Chhattisgarh.
● It has a total area of 600 km2
● The sanctuary harbours a great diversity of wildlife habitats, with a vast plateau, multiple valleys, gorges and magnificent
waterfalls. The sanctuary forms the catchment area of the Jonk River, over which a dam has been constructed to
facilitate irrigation.
● The Indra nullah and Udanti River lies to the south of the sanctuary.
● The important vegetation of the site comprises dry deciduous tropical forest.
Gahirmatha marine sanctuary

Context
● The influx of Olive Ridley sea turtles has marked the commencement of the annual mating rituals in the Gahirmatha
marine sanctuary
● It is recognised as the world’s largest rookery in Kendrapara district.
About Gahirmatha marine sanctuary
● Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is a marine wildlife sanctuary located in Odisha.
● It extends from Dhamra River mouth in the north to Mahanadi river mouth in the south.
● It is very famous for its nesting beach for olive ridley sea turtles.
● It is one of the world’s most important nesting beaches for turtles.
● This phenomenon is referred to as ‘arribada’.
Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary
● It owes its name to the narrow stretch of River Mahanadi i.e. “Sat-Kosh'' or seven miles long near Tikarpada, 60 km
south of Angul.
● The area was made a sanctuary in 1976 and spreads out in four districts of Odisha namely Angul, Budh, Cuttack and
Nayagarh.
● The Satkosia Gorge is a unique feature in geomorphology of India because here Mahanadi cuts right across the Eastern
Ghats and has formed a magnificent gorge.
● Fauna: It is known for Gharials, Mugger crocodile and rare freshwater turtles like Chitra indica and Indian softshell
turtle.
Kotpad Weave At Barbil Art Project

Context
● The sixth edition of the biennial event, Barbil Art Project, was organised at Arya Colony in Barbil of Odisha’s
Keonjhar district
● The Artisans Created Exquisite Work Of Kotpad Weave
Key points
● The theme for this edition’s event was Kata Sarei: Weaving human tapestry with art, a colloquial term used for the
weaving of Kotpad textiles providing an overarching concept for the artists and artisans to adopt for their art projects.
● The project was designed to bring together contemporary and traditional artisans to prepare artworks at Barbil
in collaboration with the local community and develop an understanding of Odishan traditional art as well as create
awareness among the those participating in the event to infuse concepts to create a new meaning to their practice.
● It also aimed at providing access to the community, especially residents of Bolani and Barbil, to witness, participate
and engage with the artisans.
Did you know?
The Barbil Art Project is a collaboration of Utsha Foundation, Bhubaneswar, and Arya Group Foundation, Barbil.
Deomali Peak
● Deomali Peak, with an elevation of about 1,672 m, is the highest peak in the state of Odisha.
● It is situated near Doodhari village, Pottangi Panchayat division which is about 70 km from Koraput via Semiliguda.
● It is surrounded by deep green forest, the peak is rich in flora and fauna.
● This hill range is rich in mineral resources such as bauxite, limestone and gemstones.
● Deomali is dotted with brooks and deep valleys, and inhabited by tribes such Kandhas, Parajas, Bhumia, Malis and
Bhotias.
Ganjam tops list in road mishap deaths

Context
● Ganjam district has registered the highest number of road accident deaths in the state this year.
● There has been a sharp rise in road mishap deaths.
● Despite a 13.42 per cent decline in the number of road accidents for the period January to September in comparison
to the same timeframe last year, the deaths have increased by 4.58 per cent.
Ansupa Lake
● It is the largest freshwater lake of Odisha situated in Banki sub-division of Cuttack district.
● The wetland is an oxbow lake formed by River Mahanadi.
● It provides a safe habitat to:
● Three threatened bird species- Rynchops albicollis (EN), Sterna acuticauda (EN) and Sterna aurantia (VU)
● Three threatened fish species- Clarias magur (Clariidae) (EN), Cyprinus carpio (Cyprinidae) (VU) and Wallago attu
(VU).
Paradip Port
Context
Paradip Port achieved yet another 100 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of cargo handling, in shortest time, in its history
About
● Paradip Port is a natural, deep-water port on the East coast of India in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha.
● It is situated at confluence of the Mahanadi river and the Bay of Bengal.
● The port is administered by the Paradip Port Trust (PPT), an autonomous corporation under the Major Port Trusts Act,
1963 functioning under Ministry of Shipping.
Nandankanan Zoological Park

● Nandankanan Zoological Park is a significant and unique zoological park and botanical garden located in Odisha,
India.
● It focuses on the well-being and conservation of the animals in its care.
● Nandankanan comprises several components, including a Zoological Park, a State Botanical Garden, and a
National wetland known as Kanjia Lake.
● This diversity of attractions makes it a comprehensive destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
● The park has been successful in breeding various endangered species, including gharials, Indian pangolins, and white
tigers.
● It is known for hosting the largest collection of white tigers in the world.
Bhitarkanika National Park

Context
The Bhitarkanika National Park is set to carry out the headcount of estuarine crocodiles for the crocodile census.
About Bhitarkanika National Park
● Location: It is located in Kendrapara district in the state of Odisha.
● It is India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sunderbans.
● It is a 145 Sq km large national park which was designated on 16th September 1998 and obtained the status of a
Ramsar site in August 2002, i.e. the second Ramsar site of the State after the Chilika Lake.
● This National Park is a network of creeks and canals which are inundated with waters from rivers Brahmani, Baitarani,
Dhamra and Patasala, forming a unique ecosystem.
● Flora: Mangrove species, casuarinas, and grasses like the indigo bush.
● Fauna:Bhitarkanika has one of the largest populations of endangered saltwater crocodiles in India.
● The Gahirmatha Beach, which forms the boundary of the park in the east, is the largest colony of the Olive Ridley Sea
Turtles.
Similipal National Park

Context
Similipal National Park was reopened for visitors after remaining closed for around a month.
About
● Located in northern part of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district
● Similipal derives its name from ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree
● It is a national park and a Tiger Reserve
● The tiger reserve is spread over 2750 sq km and has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani.
● The park is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini
(1515m above mean sea level).
● At least twelve rivers cut across the plain area, all of which drain into the Bay of Bengal – Burhabalanga, Palpala
Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi and Deo.
● Prominent tribes – Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia and Sahara.
● The vegetation is a mix of deciduous with some semi-evergreen forests
● Sal is the dominant tree species
Chandaka Sanctuary
Context
Seven elephant calves that were rescued after being separated from their herds will undergo Kumki training in Chandaka
Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
About
● Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve located in the south fringe of cuttack in the Indian state of Odisha.
● It is nestled on Khurdha uplands of the Eastern Ghats biotic region
● Chandaka forest is spread over 175.79 square kilometres of rolling table land and small sprawling hillocks of Khurdha
and Cuttack districts.
● It was designated as an elephant reserve in December 1982.
History & Culture
ASI to install steel support for Natamandap beam of Shri Jagannath Temple
Context
● The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will install a stainless-steel box beam for strengthening the cracked beam
inside the Natamandap (dancing hall) of Shri Jagannath Temple at Puri.
● The high court is monitoring repair and renovation inside the Natamandap as part of adjudication on a PIL for
conservation of the 12th century shrine filed by Abhisek Das, a resident of Cuttack in 2016
‘Unurum’ International Festival

About:
● ‘Unurum’ International Festival was inaugurated at Fakir Mohan university
● 'Unurum' is a Mundari word that means 'identity'. Each community has its unique identity, which is reflected in its
folk art, folk culture, and folk literature.
● 'Unurum' highlights the preservation of a traditional way of life that is dwindling as a result of globalisation. The
event was dubbed 'Unurum' in order to acquaint visitors to the tribal people's lives and culture in a unique way.
● This year's Unurum festival will feature performances of Odissi, Sri Lankan classical dance, Jhumura, tribal dance,
Bengali dance, Mundari, Nepali, Bihu, Bangladeshi folk dance, Sambalpuri, and Chhau.
Toshali Crafts Mela

Context
● The 18th edition of Toshali National Crafts Mela is all set to kick off in Bhubaneswar
● It will be organized by the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts department of Odisha, in association with the Union
Ministry of Textiles
● The fair offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Odisha with its vast range of traditional
arts, crafts, music, dance and cuisine.
Think: Read about Toshali craft
Puri Most Booked Pilgrimage Destination

Context
● Odisha’s Puri has emerged as the most booked spiritual and pilgrimage destination, followed by Amritsar, Varanasi,
and Haridwar, as per OYO’s Travelopedia 2023.
● Puri is famous for its beautiful beaches as well as the grand Jagannath Temple
Joranda Mahima Pitha
Context
Odisha Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for transformation and beautification of Joranda Mahima Pitha in Dhenkanal
district.
Key points
● The sect was established by Mahima Gosain in the early 19th century
● The state government has sanctioned Rs 112 crore for the development of ‘Mahima Peeth’
● Apart from a meditation centre and a ‘Bati Mandap’ (lamp house), beautification activities will also be carried out
● The followers of the ‘Mahima’ sect are mostly spread across Odisha and in some parts of Assam, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.
● There are around 5 lakh ‘Mahima’ sect followers in the Dhenkanal Lok Sabha constituency
Economy & Infrastructure

2,392 MBBS Doctors, 81 Dental Surgeons Inducted Into State Medical Services
Context:
● In an orientation programme held at Kalinga Stadium, at least 2,473 medical officers have been inducted into
the State medical services.
● It includes 2,392 of them are MBBS doctors, and 81 are dental surgeons.
● This step by the government will further strengthen the healthcare delivery system of the State.
RITES - to develop three airports in Odisha

Context
● The state government has chosen Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) as a consultant for three airports.
Key points
● Rourkela, Jeypore, and Amarda Road airports will be upgraded with the help of RITES.
● Rourkela Airport faces challenges in regular flights due to issues like the lack of Instrument Landing System (ILS) on
over 30% of days in a month, affecting flights' ability to land.
● The Airport Authority of India is working on improving visibility rules.
100 pc growth in retained GST

Context:
● Odisha has seen a big increase in its GST revenue, recording a 100% growth in November this year compared to the
same month last year.
Key Points:
● In November, the state kept Rs 2,778 crore from GST, whereas it was Rs 1,390 crore in November 2022.
● It is due to the increase in IGST settlement.The IGST settlement this month was around Rs 1,900 crore.
Cabinet Approves Development Of Utility Corridor

Context
Odisha Cabinet approved an EPC tender for the construction of a Utility Corridor project between Gopalpur Port and
TATA Steel Industrial Park at Gopalpur in Ganjam district.
Key points
● The ambitious project is to be executed through IDCO to provide the logistics facilities required for existing and
upcoming industries in Gopalpur Industrial Park.
● This corridor shall provide seamless and effective operational linkages between TATA Steel Industrial Park and
Gopalpur Port.
Economic offenses trial pendency 98 percent in Odisha

Context
At a time when economic offences rise exponentially, the pendency of trial of such cases in the courts stands at 98.8 per
cent in Odisha.
Key points
● As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report-2022, Lakshadweep topped with a 100 pc pendency rate,
while Manipur stood second with 99.2 pc and Uttarakhand and Bihar at 99 pc each, followed by Odisha.
● The higher rate of pendency is attributed to the process of documentation by the police.
Transforming Keonjhar District into an Open-Air Elephant Safari Experience.

About:
● The Keonjhar district has transformed into an unofficial open-air elephant safari due to the loss of natural
habitat and a scarcity of food, leading elephants to venture into human settlements.
● Herds of 150 elephants are scattered across different areas of the district, having departed from their natural
habitats in the jungles.
Development projects at Ekamra-Bhubaneswar Assembly constituency

Context
Chief Minister laid foundation stones for four developmental projects worth Rs 159.29 crore in Ekamra-Bhubaneswar
Assembly constituency in Bhubaneswar
Key points
● The Chief Minister laid foundation stones for an in-stream storage structure at Dhauli, a two-lane road project, a
mega drinking water project at Basuaghai and a 33/11 KV sub-station at Itipur under Ekamra-Bhubaneswar
Assembly segment.
● The state government will execute the in-stream storage structure with an expenditure of Rs 77.74 crore while it has
allocated Rs 22 crore for the road project
OYO Founder To Set Up 5 Healthcare Centres In Odisha

Context
● Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of travel-tech platform OYO, recently announced his plans to set up five healthcare
centres in his home state of Odisha for the underprivileged over the next year.
● These will be operated by the health-tech startup ‘Last Mile Care’, which already runs 11 health centres across India.
● The centres will use health-tech and options of hybrid care to provide high-quality and affordable healthcare in
small towns
Greywater management projects in Ganjam district

Context
● Odisha’s Ganjam district administration will implement the greywater management projects in all its urban local bodies
(ULBs)
● The district has 17 ULBs, excluding Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC).
Key points
● Greywater is wastewater from non-toilet plumbing systems such as hand basins, washing machines, showers and
baths. Waterbodies become polluted when greywater flows into them.
● Around 65 per cent of total household wastewater is greywater.
● The state has been a pioneer in managing blackwater (used water from household toilets) by establishing FSTP (faecal
sludge treatment plant).
Koraput district to be developed into a holistic tourist destination.

Context
● The Centre has come up with a plan to develop the Koraput district into a holistic tourist destination.
● This is to attract more domestic tourists under its Swadesh Darshan scheme
Key points
● Odisha is a part of the 15 states shortlisted to be developed as sustainable and responsible destinations under the
Ministry of Tourism’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme
● The scheme will help develop tourism activities, site infrastructure, and sanitation at the identified tourism sites within
the district.
RBI Report on state finances

Context
A report on state finances was released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently.
Key points
● Odisha has excelled in fiscal performances as its outstanding liabilities were the lowest among all states
● The state’s non-tax revenue (SONTR) as a proportion of total revenue was the highest.
● The debt-GDP ratio has declined considerably in the state and its outstanding liabilities stood at 13.9 per cent of
gross state domestic product (GSDP).
● The proportion of SONTR of the total revenue was the highest 27.8 per cent.
Did you know?
SONTR consists of six components - general services, social services, economic services, fiscal services, interest receipts
and dividends and profits
3 Special Trains From Bhubaneswar & Puri

Context
● The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has decided to extend the services of two special trains
● This is done in view of demands from public and to clear additional rush in regular trains
● The three trains will be
1. Puri-Patna Weekly Special
2. Patna-Puri Weekly Special
3. Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad Daily Special
Hindalco To Set Up Battery Foil Manufacturing Facility

Context
● Hindalco Industries has planned to significantly expand its manufacturing capacity of fine quality aluminium foil.
● This will be used in rechargeable batteries to serve the rapidly growing market for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy
storage systems.
Key points
● The company is investing Rs.800 crore to build a new plant near Sambalpur in Odisha that will initially produce
25,000 tonnes of the resilient product which forms the backbone of Lithium-ion and Sodium-ion cells.
● The factory will be located alongside a 25 MW solar power plant, and can access additional solar energy from a 400
KV National Grid connection
Smart Braille classroom to be set up in school for blind at Burla

Context
● A state-of-the-art smart Braille classroom will be set up in Odisha government-run school for the blind at Burla in
Sambalpur district
● The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mahanadi
Coalfields Limited (MCL)
Key points
● Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) will provide the funds for developing the smart Braille classroom, while the corporation
will execute the project.
● The smart Braille classroom represents a cutting-edge, interactive learning approach equipped with an audio
system and a distinctive feature designed to capture and analyse children’s usage patterns.
● ‘Annie’, a comprehensive Braille self-learning device, that makes learning fun, engaging, and intuitive for blind
students will be used to teach the students in the smart classroom for the visually impaired.
New MEMU Train

Context
● A Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train will run from Goinathpur railway station in Nilagiri to Balasore in Odisha
soon.
● It will be taken up after modernisation work of the stations.
Aditya Birla Group To Set Up Alumina Refinery, Apparel Unit In Odisha’s Rayagada
Context
● Chief Minister presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for Aditya Alumina Refinery (HINDALCO) and apparel
unit to be setup by Utkal Alumina Social Welfare Foundation.
● While the alumina refinery is coming up at Kansariguda, the apparel complex will be set up in Phulujuba village, both in
Rayagada district.
Key points
● an investment of Rs 8,000 crore, will significantly contribute to Odisha’s economy by adding a substantial 2 million
tonnes per annum of refined alumina from bauxite ore.
● The project will generate employment opportunities for at least 4,000 people.
Odisha Startup Carnival 2023

Context
● More than 70 startups and 15 investors were added to the Odisha Startup Carnival
● It began in Bhubaneswar.
● It was organised by AIC-Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation (AID-NITF) in association with the Atal
Innovation Mission of the Central government, Venture Capital Fund Fluid Ventures, Utkal Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Limited (UCCIL) to strengthen the startup ecosystem of the state.
OSDMA sets up gender and inclusion cell

Context
● The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has set up a gender and inclusion cell
● This is done to implement gender transformative strategies aimed at fortifying disaster risk resilience.
Key points
● The strategic document, titled ‘Roadmap for Gender and Inclusion Cell: Strategising a Gender Transformative
Approach in Disaster Risk Resilience,’ delineates five primary focus areas - programme review and alignment,
capacity building, community resilience, knowledge and data management, and multi-stakeholder engagement and
coordination.
● The roadmap will be a guiding document for stakeholders across government departments, civil society organisations,
and individual contributors involved in disaster management.
Science & Technology

AIPH University to Study on Anaemia in Odisha
Context:
AIPH University plans a detailed study on different types of anaemia in different parts of Odisha, a region with high rates
of underweight, stunting, wasting, and anaemia in children under five.
Key Points:
● In Odisha, anaemia in children aged 6-59 months rose from 45% (2015-16) to 64% (2019-21).
● Scheduled tribes had the highest prevalence at 73%.
● Stunting slightly decreased overall but remained high among scheduled tribe children (42%).
Odia scientist discovers disease resistant wild okra

Context
A scientist from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in the state has discovered a new plant species of
‘wild okra’ that can be used for hybridisation to create a better variety having high disease resistance
Key points
● Till now 13 different species of wild okra have been discovered of which two are being harvested for consumption.
● The new species is the 14th variety of the plant species and has been named ‘Abelmoschus Odishae’ after the state
from where the type specimens were originally collected.
About the species
● The plant species is a perennial shrub up to 5 metre high with densely hispid prickly stem with retrorse hairs, large
deep yellow flowers with around 8 (7-9) lanceolate epicalyx, ovoid to oblong bristly capsules, sub-reniform seeds with
short, stout and non-spiral trichomes.
● The species also has a seeds viability of 95 per cent.
Odisha Registers 51% Growth In Maize Production

Context
The maize production in Odisha has increased by around 51% under the Mukhyamantri Maka Mission (MMM).
Key points
● The Mukhyamantri Maka Mission aims to promote maize cultivation, which is important to the state's food security.
● This program is set to diversify crops, improve maize production, and enhance the value chain for marketing.
● The program is allocated a budget of Rs 481.94 crore over a span of five years.
Study on Anaemia in Odisha

Context
● A recent study conducted by the state government has found the anemia level among various age groups of people at
around 46.7 per cent.
● It was 64.2 per cent as per the last national family health survey (NFHS-5) conducted in 2019-21.
Key points
● Earlier Odisha was one of the highest anaemia incidence state in the country
● Odisha have taken a huge leap in tackling the nutritional deficiency burden bringing down the overall rate by 17.5 per
cent in the last year.
● It could be done due to 'Anaemia Mukta Laqshya Abhiyan’ (Amlan) scheme
● The Amlan scheme was rolled out to monitor the nutrition intake and other health supplements along with testing
and treatment of anaemic persons besides mapping their improvement.
● The Health and Family Welfare department had screened 1.31 crore people under the six categories having high
anaemia rates.
Smart India Hackathon-2023
Context
CV Raman Global University in Odisha capital has been selected as a nodal centre for the Smart India Hackathon (SIH)
Software Edition of 2023.
Key points
● Smart India Hackathon (SIH) is a nationwide initiative by Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell to provide students
a platform to solve the pressing problems of the government, ministries, departments, industries and other
organisations.
● The SIH has been acclaimed as the world’s biggest open innovation model and it inculcates the culture of product
innovation and problem-solving among students.
● The hackathon is conducted annually in two formats–SIH Software and SIH Hardware Editions–for higher education
students.
Berhampur University to conduct research on marine ecology of Bay of Bengal

Context
● Odisha’s Berhampur University (BU) has signed an MoU with an international think tank for collaborative research
in the field of marine ecology and seeking to increase livelihood opportunities for the fisherfolk in the Bay of Bengal
region.
● The state has a 480-km long coastal line and thousands of people depend on the sea for their livelihood
Key points
● The university inked the agreement with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-
IGO) which serves as a think tank on transboundary and contemporary national issues of the member countries
concerning fisheries management.
● The current members of the organisation are Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka while Indonesia, Malaysia,
Myanmar and Thailand are cooperating non-contracting parties
Agriculture & Animal Husbandry

Dongria Kondhs
Context
● Dongria Kondhs, a tribal community in Odisha under the Niyamgiri hills, are gaining attention for their successful
strawberry cultivation.
● Known for preserving their culture and relying on Niyamgiri's resources, Dongria Kondhs have diversified into
horticulture.
Key points
● Farmers from Kurli village pioneered strawberry cultivation with support from Dongria Kondh Development Agency
(DKDA), Odisha PVTG Empowerment and Livelihoods Improvement Programme (OPELIP), and Chatikana Kondh
Development Agency.
● Previously, they achieved success in cultivating various fruits and spices like banana, pineapple, turmeric, ginger,
arrowroot, jackfruits, mango, flower broom, and orange.
Did you know?
● The Dongria Kondh tribe is one of the 13 PVTGs in Odisha, India.
5 new species sighted at Hirakud in Odisha

Context
With the onset of winter, migratory birds have started arriving at Hirakud Dam Reservoir with at least five new species
sighted this year.
Key points
● The Hirakud Dam Reservoir extends up to the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border covering 533 sq km area and 5.5 sq km
of the power channel.
● Five new species have been sighted in Hirakud lake.
● These are Cotton Pygmy Goose, Little Tern, Purple Swamp Hen, Marsh harrier and Large Egret.
Karuna Silk project

Context
● From 700 castor-based Eri silk farming in five districts, the state government has expanded its ‘Karuna Silk’ (vegan or
cruelty-free silk) project to 2,000 silk farmers this year.
● The project is now being taken up in 12 districts.
Key points
● Three varieties of silk are grown in Odisha: mulberry, tasar, and eri.
● Under the brand name “Karuna Silk,” these Eri silkworms are raised using a novel and humane technique.
● ‘Karuna Silk’ was introduced as a pilot plan involving approximately 700 sericulture farmers under the Odisha
government’s 5T (teamwork, technology, transparency, timely completion leading to transformation) initiative.
● The Eri silkworm is raised On castor plants
Black Tigers Only Found In Odisha’s Similipal

Context
● Melanistic or black tigers have been sighted only in Odisha’s Similipal
● As per the 2022 cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation, a total of 16 tigers were recorded in Similipal, out of which 10
were melanistic
About Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
● Location: STR is located within the Mayurbhanj District, in the Northernmost part of Odisha.
● It is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini
(1515m above mean sea level).
● It was declared a 'Tiger Reserve' in the year 1956 and included under the national conservation programme 'Project
Tiger' in 1973.
● The STR, along with a 'transitional area' of 2250 sq. km, was included as a part of the World Network of Biosphere
Reserves by UNESCO in the year 2009.
Turaco and wallaby in Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP)

Context
● The Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar city in Odisha added a pair of wallabies
and a pair of livingstone turacos in its cap.
● One pair of wallabies and one pair of livingstone turacos have been brought to the Nandankanan as part of the
animal acquisition schedule.
Key points
● Livingstone turaco is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae, which was named for Charles Livingstone, the
brother of David Livingstone.
● The bright green turaco with a white-tipped crest is found in the humid first areas of Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique,
South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
● a wallaby is a small to medium-sized mammal belonging to the kangaroo family, Macropodidae.
● The species is found chiefly in Australia. They resemble kangaroos but differ somewhat in dentition.
Environment
National and International News
Context
Odisha will host India’s one and only environmental film festival, All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT
EFF)
Key points
● The film festival will be organised at Gajapati district, and near Berhampur.
● Gram Vikas is partnering with ALT-EEF to bring in-person screening of documentaries and short films, featuring
Indian and international titles focused on environment, conservation and sustainability.
● Notably, actress Alia Bhatt’s production house Eternal Sunshine Productions has teamed up with ALT EFF 2023 to
use the power of cinema to address environmental topics.
Satabhaya, Pentha worst hit by coastal erosion

Context
Kendrapara’s Satabhaya and Pentha sea beaches have experienced the highest level of coastal erosion in Odisha
Key points
● National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has monitored shoreline
changes in the country and observed that 33.6 per cent of India’s coastline is vulnerable to erosion, while 26.9 per
cent is under accretion and 39.6 per cent is in stable condition.
● With a total erosion of 44,94,576.08 square metre, the Satabhaya beach has lost the most amount of land to sea, while
the Pentha beach has lost a total of 36,45,514.06 square metre.
● Similarly, Aryapalli beach in Ganjam has suffered erosion of 6,76,471.18 square metre and the Golden Beach in Puri
lost 3,78,979.57 square metre.
Tata Steel Raises Awareness On Protection & Conservation Of Birds In Odisha’s Sukinda
Context
● Tata Steel’s Ferro Alloys and Minerals Division (FAMD) organised a bird-watching session at its Sukinda Chromite
Mine campus in Odisha’s Jajpur district
● It was aimed at promoting environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation
● The company invited ornithologists and naturalists, who shared valuable insights into various bird species
inhabiting the region and emphasised on the importance of preserving these ecosystems.
Bus Service From All Districts To Puri Town

Context
● The Odisha Government will provide bus service from all district headquarters to Puri town soon
● The buses will ply between the district headquarters and Puri via Bhubaneswar under the LAccMI scheme of the
government.
● This is to facilitate the transportation of the devotees across the state to Puri for darshan of the deities.
Think: LAccMI scheme
(Already discussed in previous Addapedia)
Conservationists urge Odisha govt to declare Mahendragiri as biosphere reserve

Context
Conservationists have urged the Odisha government to declare Mahendragiri in Gajapati district as a biosphere reserve
following the sighting of a Royal Bengal Tiger in the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, recently.
About Mahendragiri
● It is a mountain in Rayagada block of the district of Gajapati, Odisha, India.
● It is situated amongst the Eastern Ghats at an elevation of 1,501 metres (4,925 ft).
● This is the second highest mountain peak of Odisha after Deomali in Koraput district.
● Mahendragiri hill and its surrounding areas are recognized as a biodiversity hot spot due to numerous medicinal plants
and other species that are found here.
● It is home to over 600 flowering plants.
SWC Approves Sustainable Energy Projects

Context
● The Single Window Committee (SWC) of the state government’s Energy Department has approved investment
proposals of Rs 1079.62 crore.
● This is to boost to sustainable energy in Odisha.
Key points
● The proposals include a 30-MW ground-mounted solar project by GMR Kamalanga and 19.53-MW rooftop solar
initiative by JSL which will transform the region’s solar energy capacity.
● In hydroelectric power sector, the 63MW large hydro project by the state-run PSU Odisha Hydro Power Corporation
Ltd (OHPC) has been approved
● The fund is meant for setting up transformative green energy projects to achieve the NetZero target
Government Schemes
2 New Contraceptives measures Launched
Context
The Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) department has launched two more contraceptives to expand the basket of
choices for women as part of the family planning programme in Odisha.
Key points
● The H&FW department launched
○ subdermal contraceptive implant and
○ an injectable contraceptive MPA under the ‘Antara’ programme as part of its Family Planning Roadmap-2030.
● Subdermal contraceptive implant involves the delivery of a steroid progestin.
● The injectable contraceptive MPA contains synthetic female hormones.
Odisha Govt Plans Integrated Public Health Lab In All Districts

Context
● Odisha government plans to set up public health laboratory in each block and district
● The government’s plan aims at strengthening the laboratory network in the state for the convenience of the patients.
● Services like haematology, microbiology, cytology, and pathology would be made available to them under one roof
Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha’ scheme

About
● Funds allocated under the 'Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha' scheme by the state government have been granted to a
school that is no longer operational following its consolidation with a neighbouring school in the Pottangi block of
Koraput district.
● The project intends to implement steps to improve rural infrastructure in order to expedite village growth and
transformation.
● Rs 5 lakh was sanctioned under the plan to Sitampadu New Primary School in Sitampadu village, Ralegada
panchayat, Pottangi block, notwithstanding its closure following merger.
CM Extends State Food Security Scheme

Context
● The State Food Security Scheme got an extension of five years.
● For the implementation of the scheme for the next five years, the State Government will spend Rs 1,250 crore at the
rate of Rs 250 crore per year.
● Around 9.97 lakh persons from 3.14 lakh families in the state have been receiving 5 kg rice per month free of cost.
Large-scale fodder plantation to tackle man-animal conflict

Context
● The state government has identified 84 ranges where a large-scale fodder plantation programme will be taken up.
● This will be done to restrict elephant movement in forests and protect them from conflict.
● Around 25 different kinds of fodder plant species including bamboo and palm trees will be planted in these ranges
to restrict elephant movement within the forests.
Key Award winners to remember
● Panamani Hembram from Mayurbhanj was conferred with the best Gaja Sathi Award for 2023
● Dasarathi Srichandan honored with the best Hati Sathi Award 2023
‘Mandi Chalo’ Campaign

Context
● Kisan Congress, the farmers’ wing of the Congress party, will launch a month-long “Mandi Chalo Abhiyan” (march to
mandi campaign)
● The farmers across the state will participate in the campaign to press their 17-point charter of demands.
Key points
● The Kisan Congress demanded an increase in paddy procurement price to Rs 2930 per quintal and ensured
payment of minimum support price to them.
● payment of Rs 600 per quintal as bonus is their another demand
● Their other demands include procurement of paddy discolored due to untimely rain, installation of CCTV cameras in
every procurement center, preventing the rice millers from entering the mandis for any reasons other than procurement
of paddy, increasing farm input subsidy by one and a half times, payment of compensation of Rs 25,000 to the farmers
sustaining crop loss, waiver of crop loan and special incentives to the farmers.
'Advika: I am Unique’ Scheme
Context
The Advika programme has been converted into Advika: I am Unique’ Scheme
scheme after 3 years of its launch.
Key points
● The programme was primarily targeted towards girls,but the scheme ‘Advika: I am Unique’ will focus on empowering
adolescent boys too.
● It will attempt to bridge the gender disparity between girls and boys in the 10-19 years age group and will be
implemented through the Anganwadi centers across the state.
● The scheme aims to empower them with essential life skills (digital literacy, career guidance, employability, skill
development) to make informed decisions during their formative years and address issues like school dropouts, child
labour and child marriages.
Odisha to implement Mukta Soft application in 23 ULBs

Context
● Odisha government to implement ‘Mukta Soft’ application in as many as 23 Urban Local Bodies (ULB) in the state
● The 23 ULBs are Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Rourkela and Sambalpur Municipal Corporations, Puri, Baripada,
Kotpad, Jaipur, Keonjhar, Kesinga, Jharsuguda, Jajpur, Paradip, Chhatarpur, Hinjilikatu, Athagarh, Padmapur, Balangir,
Phulbani, Boudhgarh, Bhadrak and Balasore.
Key points
● Mukta Soft application is being implemented to make the implementation of Mukhyamantri Karma Tatpar Abhijana
(MUKTA) more transparent and punctual.
● The Odisha government is implementing the Mukta Yojana to provide work to the hands of urban people.
● Priority is being given to women self-help groups and slum development associations
Drinking Water Project At Dargah In Bhadrak

Context
● Chief Minister approved Rs 2 crore for drinking water project in a Dargarh in Odisha’s Bhadrak district.
● As part of the project, a water tank and supply facility will be constructed at the Huzoor Mujahid-e-Millat Dargah,
Khanwa in Dhamnagar for the benefit of the devotees.
● The Dargah of Hazrat Huzoor Mujahid Millat Maulana is visited by over 2 lakh devotees on the occasion of Urs
festival every year.
2nd highest e-Shram registrations

Context
Odisha has the second highest registrations of unorganised workers in the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s e-
Shram portal after Uttar Pradesh.
Key points
● The main objective of the e-Shram portal is to create a national database of unorganised workers and to facilitate
the delivery of social security and welfare schemes to such workers.
● It allows an unorganized worker to register himself or herself on the portal on a self-declaration basis, under 400
occupations in 30 broad occupation sectors.
One District One Product (ODOP)
One District One Product
Angul Fruit Based Products (Mango)
Balasore Fish Based Product
Bargarh Oil seed Based Products (Groundnut)
Bhadrak Fish Based Products
Bolangir (Milk Based Products)
Boudh Dal Processing
Cuttack Milk Based Products
Deogarh Tamarind Based Products
Dhenkanal Milk Based Products
Gajapati Fruit Based Products (Pineapple)
Ganjam Fish Based Products
Jagatsinghapur Milk Based Products
Jajpur Oil seed Based Products (Groundnut)
Jharsuguda Spices Based Product (Chilli)
Kalahandi Fish Based Product
Kandhamal Spices Based Products (Turmeric)
Kendrapara Milk Based Products
Keonjhar Urad Based Products
Khordha Fish Based Products
Koraput Spices Based Products (Ginger)
Malkangiri Millet Based Products
Mayurbhanj Honey Based Products
Nabarangapur Maize Based Products
Nayagarh Sugarcane Based products
Nuapada Millet Based Products
Puri Milk Based Products
Rayagada Tamarind Based Products
Sambalpur Spices Based product (Chilly)
Subarnapur Fruit Based Products (Mango)
Sundargarh Mushroom Processing
Data on households electrification in Odisha

Context
● Union Power, New and Renewable Energy Minister informed that As many as 24,52,444 households in Odisha have
been electrified under the Centre’s Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Pradhan Mantri Sahaj
Bijli Har Ghar Yojana – Saubhagya between 2017 and 2022
● In terms of the number of households electrified, Odisha stands third after Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which have
reported electrification of 91,80,571 and 32,59,041 households respectively.
‘Nua O’ Programme
Context
● Odisha government has extended the duration of the activities under its “Nua O” programme till January 15, 2024.
● Nutana unnata abhilasha (nua) Odisha is an attempt to take skill training to the grassroots with an aim to tap the
latent potential of every district, fostering a robust and diverse workforce.
● It will also help bridge the skill gap by utilising new-age technologies in traditional sectors like handicraft, handloom
and agriculture.
Odisha Govt Launches BSKY Nabin Card For Universal Health Coverage
Context:
● The Odisha government has launched the BSKY Nabin Card initiative, marking a significant step towards
achieving universal health coverage in the state.
● This scheme aims to bridge the gap in healthcare access for rural families who were previously not covered
under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY).
Key Features:
● Eligibility: All rural families in Odisha who are not regular government employees or income tax payees are
eligible for the BSKY Nabin Card.
● Cashless Healthcare: The card offers cashless healthcare services for critical ailments at empanelled private
hospitals across the state.
● Financial Coverage: Each family receives an annual coverage of Rs. 5 lakh with an additional Rs. 5 lakh
specifically for female members after the initial limit is exhausted.
● Expanding BSKY: This launch marks the third phase of BSKY, expanding its reach to previously uncovered
rural populations.
Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY)

Context
● The government has expanded the scope of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), the State’s universal health
coverage scheme, extending cashless care to all rural families in private hospitals.
● Now, the BSKY will cover the entire population except income tax payers and government employees.
● With this expansion, it is estimated that over 1.1 crore families, covering nearly 90% of the population of the State,
will be provided health insurance.
About BSKY
● Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) is a health insurance scheme that the Government of Odisha launched in India
in 2018.
● The scheme aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to the people of Odisha, especially to those who
are economically disadvantaged or belong to vulnerable sections of society.
Social & Welfare Issues

World AIDS Day
● World AIDS Day is observed on December 1st every year.
● It's a day to raise awareness about the AIDS pandemic and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related
illnesses.
● The theme for World AIDS Day 2023 is "Let Communities Lead".
● A red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV.
● Wearing a red ribbon is a way to show support on World AIDS Day. Red symbolizes:
● Blood
● The pain caused by the disease
● Anger about global inaction to fight the epidemic
● A warning to take the disease seriously
● Love and passion
National Pollution Control Day

Context
● The National Pollution Control Day or National Pollution Prevention Day is observed on December 2 every year in
India.
● The objective of the day is to raise awareness about the different measures to control pollution and the prevention of
industrial disasters.
Key points
● National Pollution Control Day is especially observed in the memory of people who died in the Bhopal gas tragedy of
1984.
● Theme for 2023 is "Sustainable Development for a Clean and Healthy Planet".
○ This theme highlights the connection between environmental protection and sustainable development.
Odisha Sees Decline In Cases Of Crime Against Women In 2022

Context
Odisha saw 24% decrease in cases of crime against women in 2022 compared to the previous year, according to the latest
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) annual crime report.
Key highlights
● Across India in 2022, the state stood fourth in rate of total crime against women at 103% after Haryana (118.7),
Telangana (117), Rajasthan (115.1).
● Crime against children cases spiralled to 8,240 in 2022 compared to 7,899 in 2021 and 6,330 in 2020.
● There has also been a rise in cases of kidnapping and abduction in Odisha with 5,854 in 2022 compared to 5,625 in
2021 and 4,179 in 2020.
● The state is third in rate of kidnapping and abduction at 12.7%, after Haryana (13) and Assam (12.8)
Odisha Tops In Cyber Crime Cases Against Women Under IT Act: NCRB
Context
Odisha witnessed modest improvement in its dismal record on crime against women in 2022, yet the state holds the top
spot in cases related to cyber offences against women registered under the Information Technology Act in the same year.
Key points
● As per the latest ‘Crime in India’ report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Odisha registered
23648 crime cases against women in 2022 as opposed to 31352 registered in 2021.
● Odisha was among the top five states registering maximum number of cases on the charges of assault on women
with the intention to outrage the modesty of a woman victim
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Context
Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) and Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for distribution of artificial limbs, aids and assistive devices amongst persons with
disabilities.
About:
● The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated on December 3.
● The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day in 1992.
● The day raises awareness about disability issues and promotes an inclusive and accessible society.
● The 2023 theme for IDPD is "United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities".
Child marriage cases come down in Odisha

Context
Even as the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has pointed out a spurt in the number of missing children in Odisha,
as per the Crime in India-2022 report, the number of child marriages has come down in the state.
Key points
● According to the report, the number of cases registered under The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 between
2021 and 2022 was 46.
● The number of child marriages continue to remain high if compared to the pre-pandemic period.
● In 2019, the number of cases registered under The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act was 22 and it was 24 in 2020.
Human Rights Day (HRD)

● Human Rights Day (HRD) is celebrated annually around the world on 10 December every year.
● The date was chosen to honor the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on 10 December
1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
● The regulated theme to celebrate Human Rights Day 2023 is 'Freedom, Equality and Justice for All.'
Good governance Day

● Good governance is observed annually on December 25.
● The day aims to let the citizens, the students, who are the future of the country know about the government’s
responsibilities and duties that it needs to fulfill.
● The day is also celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari
Vajpayee.
International Relations
Dubai-Based Odia Father-Daughter Duo Sends COP 28 Appeal From 70 Ft Below The Sea
Context
● Dubai-based Odia scuba divers Priyadarshee Panigrahi and his 13-year-old daughter Tisya Panigrahi have sent
out a unique appeal to the ongoing COP 28.
● The father-daughter duo dived around 70-feet-deep in Maldives in the pristine coral reefs near the Sun Siyam
Olhuveli resort in South Male Atoll.
● After reaching around 70-feet depth in crystal clear waters, surrounded by colorful corals and prolific marine life, they
gave out their appeal by holding placards which carried the logo of COP 28 UAE and the simple yet powerful message
of ‘PLEASE UNITE.ACT.DELIVER’.
Biswa Odia Bhasa Sammilani
Context
● A three-day long ‘Biswa Odia Bhasa Sammilani’ will be held in Bhubaneswar in February 2024.
● This is the first of its kind event to be organised With the aim of popularising Odia language across the world and
effectively preserving it,
● The Odia language conference will subsequently be held at the State, national, and international levels.
● Several eminent linguists and language experts of national and international repute will be invited to the theme-based
conference.
World record for Odia Artist

Context
● A giant Santa Claus made of sand and onions by internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a
new world record.
● Pattnaik created the 100-ft high Santa Claus at Puri sea beach for the auspicious Christmas with a beautiful message
‘Gift a Plant Green The Earth’.
● Around 2 tonnes of onions have been used in the world’s biggest Santa Claus installation.
Nandankanan To Get Cheetahs, White Lions From Abroad

Context
● Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) will soon get a pair of cheetahs and a few white lions from abroad.
● A pair of cheetahs and a few exotic white lions will be brought to Nandankanan from a zoo in Dubai under an animal
exchange programme
About NZP
(mentioned in this month addapedia)
Odisha zoo to get African lion, cheetah from Dubai Park

Context
● The Central Zoo Authority has allowed the Odisha government to carry out planned transfer of a cheetah, African lion
and chimpanzee from Dubai Safari Park (DSP) to Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP), Bhubaneswar.
● In exchange, the NZP will provide hippopotamus, blackbuck, hog deer, gaur, red junglefowl and gharial.
Defence & Security

Armed Forces Flag Day
● Armed Forces Flag Day on December 7 honors soldiers, sailors, and airmen for safeguarding borders and ensuring
peace at the cost of their lives.
● Armed Forces Flag Day, established on August 28, 1949, serves as a remembrance and fundraising initiative by the
Ministry of Defence.
● Citizens contribute by purchasing badges and stickers on this day, with funds aimed at improving armed forces
personnel's lives.
● Funds raised are crucial for providing better facilities and resources to selfless soldiers, sailors, and airmen.
Odisha CM Congratulates DRDO On Successful Training Launch Of Agni-1

Context
Odisha Chief Minister congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation on the successful training
launch of the Agni-1 Missile.
About Agni-1
● Agni- 1 ballistic missile is a medium-Range Ballistic Missile having range 700–900 km.
● It is a single-stage, solid-fuel missile.
● It is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead with an estimated payload of 1,000 kg.
The latest upgrade to the Agni-1 missile includes a new guidance system that makes it more accurate and a new warhead
that increases its destructive power.
Vijay Diwas
● Vijay Diwas is observed on 16th December every year to mark India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.
● The Government of India decided on 3rd December 1971, that India would go for war with Pakistan to save Bengali
Muslims and Hindus.
● This war was fought between India and Pakistan for 13 days.
● On 16th December 1971, the chief of the Pakistani forces with 93,000 soldiers had surrendered unconditionally to the
allied forces consisting of Indian Army and Mukti Bahini in Dhaka.
● Mukti Bahini refers to the armed organizations that fought against the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh Liberation
War. It was a guerrilla resistance movement.
● Bangladesh was born on this day. Hence, Bangladesh celebrates its independence day (Bijoy Dibos) on 16th
December every year.
Odisha To Raise Special Battalion For Puri Jagannath Temple Security

Context
● The Chief Minister has approved a proposal for creation of a dedicated Special Security Battalion for foolproof
security and proper crowd management at Puri Jagannath temple.
● The new battalion would have the primary responsibility of providing foolproof security to the temple and its
personnel will be specially trained for better crowd management and tourist/devotee facilitation for hassle-free darshan
● Around 50,000 devotees usually visit Puri Srimandir on a day.
● The number doubles or triples during weekends, holidays and festivals.
Sports
Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila secured the mixed doubles title at Odisha Masters 2023.
About:
● Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila secure the mixed doubles title at Odisha Masters 2023.
● Tanisha Crasto-Dhruv Kapila of India faced Singapore's Hee Yong Kai Terry and Tan Wei Han Jessica in the first Final
of the day.
More Info:
● In the Men’s Singles Final match, Satish Kumar Karunakaran defeated Ayush Shetty 21-18, 19-21, and 21-14 to
win the title.
Odisha Introduces ‘Her Sport Ki Champion’ Initiative

Context:
● The Sports & Youth Services department, in collaboration with 'Aspire for Her,' introduced the initiative 'Her Sport Ki
Champion' aimed at empowering and supporting women in sports post their athletic careers.
Key Points:
● 'Her Sport Ki Champion' focuses on the 3E track: Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship, providing financial
freedom and comprehensive support to women transitioning from sports to post-athletic careers.
● The key features of the program revolve around financial empowerment, career opportunities, mentorship programs,
and entrepreneurial opportunities.
● 'Aspire for Her' is a gender diversity movement aiming to enable over 1 million women to contribute to the economy
and add $5 billion to India's GDP by 2025 through increased female participation in the workforce.
India’s Largest Sports Science Centre

Context
● The Odisha Chief Minister inaugurated India’s largest state-of-the-art Sports Science Centre in Kalinga Stadium
of Bhubaneswar.
● This center has been established in partnership with India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra.
Key points
● This inclusive facility, designed to cater to athletes across various disciplines, is poised to become a hub for injury
management, rehabilitation, recovery, and performance enhancement, catering comprehensively to the needs of
sporting talent in the region while also being accessible to elite athletes of India.
● This Sports Science Centre features specialised labs to ensure that athletes receive care and support tailored to
their unique needs, cultivating their potential and propelling them toward excellence.
● Para-athletes will find a dedicated focus with custom-designed equipment addressing their unique needs.
Person in News & Awards

Orissa HCJudge Justice BR Sarangi Set to Become Chief Justice Of Jharkhand HC
Context:
● The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the name of Orissa High Court Judge Dr Justice BR Sarangi
for the post of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.
About:
● The Collegium system is a unique method of judicial appointments in India\
● The Collegium comprises the Chief Justice of India and four senior most judges of the Supreme Court for
appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
● Each High Court also has its own Collegium headed by the Chief Justice of that Court.
Manisha Padhi From Odisha Becomes Country’s First Woman ADC
Context:
● Manisha Padhi, an officer in the Indian Air Force from Odisha, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the
country's first woman Aide-De-Camp (ADC).
Key Points:
● Mizoram Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati appointed Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi, who joined the Indian Air
Force in 2015, as the first woman ADC from the Indian Armed Forces.
● The Governor acknowledged Padhi's appointment not only as a milestone but also as a testament to women
breaking gender norms and excelling in various fields.
● She hails from Berhampur and is an alumnus of C. V. Raman College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar, with her parents
residing in Bhubaneswar.
Lifetime Achievement Award For Odisha-Born Transplant Surgeon Mukut Minz

Context
Odisha-born surgeon Mukut Minz was conferred with Lifetime Achievement award by PGIMER Chandigarh during its
recent 3-day summit to commemorate five decades of achievements in organ transplantation.
Key points
● He has performed over 3500 successful kidney transplant
● He mentored the Odisha government’s plan to set up a kidney transplant unit at SCB Medical College and Hospital,
Cuttack.
● In 2014, he was awarded the Odisha Gourav Samman by the government of Odisha for his contribution in the field of
organ transplantation.
● He was also conferred with the Padma Shri for his contribution in medicine in 2017
Additional Chief Electoral Officer Of Odisha

Context
● The Odisha Government appointed IAS officer Dr. Noonsavath Thirumala Naik as the Additional Chief Electoral
Officer of the state.
● The 2009 batch officer had been serving as Labour Commissioner, Odisha with additional charge of State Mission
Director, Odisha Livelihoods Mission.
Prof. Pravat Mohapatra, Prof. Bidyut Das Conferred Odisha Bigyan Academy Award
Context
● Odisha Bigyan Academy, with the approval of the Science & Technology department, announced various awards for
scientists for the years 2021 and 2022.
● Professor Pravat Kumar Mohapatra from Sambalpur and Professor Bidyut Kumar Das from SCB Medical College
and Hospital in Cuttack will receive the ‘Biju Patnaik Award’ for Scientific Excellence for the years 2021 and 2022,
respectively.
Two awards for East Coast Railway

Context
● The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has been selected for two prestigious awards, which will be presented at the 68th
Railway Week central function
Key points
● As the first award, The zonal railway will receive efficiency shields for best performance in the field of commercial
and security segments.
● As the second award,ECoR will receive an individual award.:- Divisional operations manager of Khurda Road R Manoj
Babu has been nominated for ‘Ati Vishist Rail Seva Puraskar’ for his dedication to service in freight loading revenue
generation and attracting new stakeholders for the transportation of new commodities.
Odisha Writer gets ‘Timepass Booker Puraskar’

Context
● Writer Mahasweta Sahu has been selected for the 16th ‘Timepass Booker Puraskar’ for her short story manuscript
“Octopusra Atma”
● Also, Saral Kumar Das will be conferred “Timepass Bahibandhu Samman” for his dedication to promote Odia
literature and books.
● The prize will be presented during a literary festival and the winning manuscript will be published as a book.
Sahitya Akademi Award

Context
● Eminent poet Ashutos Parida of Odisha has been selected for prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards for 2023.
● Parida has been selected for the award for his Odia poetry collection ‘Aprastuta Mrutyu’.
● Parida had been awarded with Odisha Sahitya Akademi Award for his poetry collection ‘Ipsita Krodha’ in 1990.
Key points
● Sahitya Akademi announced the awards for excellent books in 24 languages in India
● The awardees will be presented with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a copper shield each by the Sahitya Akademi.
Ekalabya Puraskar
Context
● Promising tennis player Debasis Sahoo was presented the 31st Ekalabya Puraskar for his performances at the national
and international levels.
● Ekalabya Puraskar, instituted by IMPaCT and managed by India’s leading ferro alloys producer IMFA in 1993, is
given every year to encourage young talents of Odisha.
Odisha farmer invited to Bharatia Vigyan Sammelan

Context
● Winner of Krishi Karman Award Dillip Kumar Baral, a farmer from Puri district, participated in the Bharatiya Vigyan
Sammelan held at Science City of Gujarat
● Baral was invited to display his vegetable deseeding machine which he invented in 2019 for which he has been awarded
by the state government.
● The machine was specially designed by Baral to extract seeds from tomato and brinjal.
Satbir Singh Riar Becomes Manager Of Team India

Context:
● Odisha Cricket Association’s member Satbir Singh Riar has been appointed as the manager of the Indian Cricket
Team for Test series in South Africa.
● Riar will serve as the manager of the team in the first Test in Centurion and second Test in Cape Town.
Orissa High Court Judge Justice BR Sarangi Set To Become Chief Justice Of Jharkhand HC
Context
● The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the name of Orissa High Court Judge Dr Justice BR Sarangi for the
post of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.
● He was elevated as a Judge of the High Court of Orissa on 20 June 2013 after completing 27 years of regular practice
at the Bar before the High Court of Orissa and the Supreme Court
Miscellaneous/GK
Maniabandha Pata handloom
Context:
● Khandua, also known as Maniabandi or Kataki, represents a traditional ikat sari originating from Odisha .
● Women typically wear it during weddings , and there's a distinct variety worn by Jagannath.
● These garments often feature verses from the Gita Govinda.
● Specifically, the Kenduli Khandua, a unique type measuring 12 ft with 2 kani (each kani equivalent to the length of a
hand), is offered to Jagannath.
● This serves as a special form of khandua adorned with stanzas and illustrations from the Gita Govinda.
Blackbuck
● It is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal.
● While males have corkscrew-shaped horns and black-to-dark brown coats, the females are fawn-coloured.
● The animals are mainly seen in three broad clusters across India the northern, southern, and eastern regions.
● It is widespread in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout
peninsular India.
● IUCN Red List: Least concerned.
● Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I
● CITES: Appendix III
Odisha Tops List In Deaths Due To Accidental Fire

Context
The latest report of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on ‘Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India’ has revealed
that 1219 persons including 906 males and 313 females died in fire accidents in the state during 2022.
Key points
● Odisha continues to top the list of states registering the highest number of deaths due to accidental fire in the country.
● Odisha also recorded 1222 fire mishaps which were highest among states in 2022.
IIT-Indore Hosts Screening of National Award-Winning Odia Film 'Pratikshya'
Context:
● The movie 'Pratikshya', produced and directed by Anupam Patnaik, was screened at the Gargi Hall of IIT-Indore
in Madhya Pradesh on December 15.
● This is the first time that an Odia film has been screened at an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
About:
● Rosan Bisoi's short fiction 'Bapa' influenced Pratikshya.
● The film is about a middle-class family's hopes, despair, and aspirations.
● Notably, Pratikshya won the Best Odia Feature Film Award at this year's 69th National Film Awards event in New
Delhi.
Dropout rate in Odisha

Context
● The highest dropout rate in Class X in 2021-22 was recorded in Odisha, where 49.9% students discontinued their
studies
● Odisha was the worst performing state followed by Bihar at 42.1% and they were among the ten states where dropout
rate was more than the national average, which decreased from 28.4% in 2018-19 to 20.6% in 2021-22.
● Odisha has had a downward trend over the past four years with its dropout rate rising from 12.8% in 2018-2019 to
49.9% in 2021-22.
● The dropout rate in the state was 38.35% in 2019-20 and 39.4% in 2020-21.
Kalahandi University Renamed As Maa Manikeshwari University

Context:
● Kalahandi University in Bhawanipatna, Odisha, has been renamed as Maa Manikeshwari University following
approval from Odisha CM.
● This decision comes after a proposal was put forward by the Higher Education Department, citing the desire to
honor Maa Manikeshwari, a revered deity worshiped in the Kalahandi region.
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Konark dance, sand art festivals inaugurated by CM

Odisha’s Padampur Likely To Get District Status Soon

Odisha Govt To Set Up New Medical College In Talcher

Odisha govt to provide online coaching to NEET, JEE aspirants

Cabinet Nod For Amendment To Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules-1983

Odisha govt roadmap to boost sex ratio at birth

Cabinet okays logistics link from Gopalpur port

Ernst & Young Technology Hub In Bhubaneswar

Centre Approves ODOP For Products Of All Districts In Odisha

CM sanctions Rs 15.2 crore for renovation of temples

Foundation Stone For 2 Irrigation Projects

Odisha Govt Asks Banks To Expedite Loans To SHGs

Govt Restructures Ayurvedic, Homeopathic Service Cadres

Geography & Places in News

Blackbuck, Nilgai At Sambalpur Zoo

Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

Gahirmatha marine sanctuary

Kotpad Weave At Barbil Art Project

Ganjam tops list in road mishap deaths

Nandankanan Zoological Park

Bhitarkanika National Park

Similipal National Park

‘Unurum’ International Festival

Toshali Crafts Mela

Puri Most Booked Pilgrimage Destination

Economy & Infrastructure

RITES - to develop three airports in Odisha

100 pc growth in retained GST

Cabinet Approves Development Of Utility Corridor

Economic offenses trial pendency 98 percent in Odisha

Transforming Keonjhar District into an Open-Air Elephant Safari Experience.

Development projects at Ekamra-Bhubaneswar Assembly constituency

OYO Founder To Set Up 5 Healthcare Centres In Odisha

Greywater management projects in Ganjam district

Koraput district to be developed into a holistic tourist destination.

RBI Report on state finances

3 Special Trains From Bhubaneswar & Puri

Hindalco To Set Up Battery Foil Manufacturing Facility

Smart Braille classroom to be set up in school for blind at Burla

New MEMU Train

Odisha Startup Carnival 2023

OSDMA sets up gender and inclusion cell

Science & Technology

Odia scientist discovers disease resistant wild okra

Odisha Registers 51% Growth In Maize Production

Study on Anaemia in Odisha

Berhampur University to conduct research on marine ecology of Bay of Bengal

Agriculture & Animal Husbandry

5 new species sighted at Hirakud in Odisha

Karuna Silk project

Black Tigers Only Found In Odisha’s Similipal

Turaco and wallaby in Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP)

Satabhaya, Pentha worst hit by coastal erosion

Bus Service From All Districts To Puri Town

Conservationists urge Odisha govt to declare Mahendragiri as biosphere reserve

SWC Approves Sustainable Energy Projects

Odisha Govt Plans Integrated Public Health Lab In All Districts

Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha’ scheme

CM Extends State Food Security Scheme

Large-scale fodder plantation to tackle man-animal conflict

‘Mandi Chalo’ Campaign

Odisha to implement Mukta Soft application in 23 ULBs

Drinking Water Project At Dargah In Bhadrak