By admin: Jan. 4, 2025

Chhattisgarh became the first state in India to link its forest ecosystem to the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).

Tags: State News

Why in the news?

•  Recently Chhattisgarh became the first state in India to link its forest ecosystem to the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).  

Key points:

• The plan ensures economic progress while preserving the environment for future generations. 

• Key benefits like climate regulation, soil enrichment, water purification, and carbon absorption will now be integrated into the state’s economic planning. 

• The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a "Developed India 2047."

• The plan emphasizes both the economic and environmental benefits of forests in budget planning and policy-making. 

• This approach highlights the economic and environmental value of forests, focusing biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. 

Importance of Forest Resources in Chhattisgarh: 

• With 44% of its land covered by forests,Chhattisgarh’s natural resources are vital to millions. 

• Forest products such as tendu leaves, lac, honey, and medicinal plants significantly boost the rural economy. 

• Forests absorb carbon dioxide, playing a crucial role in combating climate change. 

India’s first coastal and wader bird census

Tags: Environment

Why in the news?

• In a first, the Gujarat government and Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG) will conduct the census of coastal and wader birds at the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in Jamnagar from January 3 to 5.

Important points:

• BCSG is a voluntary organisation, active for over 25 years, dedicated to bird conservation, census activities, observation, and raising public awareness about avian science.

• The three-day programme will feature expert talks by specialists in forestry and wildlife on the first day, bird counting activities on the second day, and knowledge-sharing sessions followed by a closing ceremony on the final day.

About the Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary:

• India’s first Marine Sanctuary was set up in 1980and in 1982 the first Marine National Park was set up in the Gulf of Kutch,Jamnagar.

• It is an archipelago of 42 tropical islands situated along the northern coast of Jamnagar district and the southern coast of Kutch.

• The sanctuary lies in the intertidal zone. Intertidal zone refers to the area where the sea meets the land during high and low tides.

• The total area of the Marine National Park is 163 sq km and Marine Sanctuary is 458 sq.km.

•  The land area is submerged during the high tides and exposed during the low tide.

NIEPVD Dehradun celebrates World Braille Day

Tags: Important Days

Why in the news?

• National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun, celebrated World Braille Day, on the occasion of his 216th birth anniversary. 

Key points:

• The event aimed to highlight the significance of Braille script and raise awareness about empowering the visually impaired Divyangjans.

• A significant highlight of the event was the release of the book ‘Standard Bharati Braille Codes’, virtually by the Chief Guest, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). 

• The book ‘Standard Bharati Braille Codes’ symbolizes a significant step towards promoting accessibility and empowerment for persons with visual disabilities.

About World Braille Day:

• World Braille Day is celebrated on January 4th every year.

•  It was established by the United Nations (UN) in 2018 to raise awareness of the importance of braille. 

• The day also marks the birthday of Louis Braille, who invented the braille systemwhen he was 15 years old.

NAVIKA SAGAR PARIKRAMA

Tags: Defence

Why in the news?

• The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini left Lyttelton Port, New Zealand, this morning (04 Jan 25) at about 0930 h local time (0200 h IST) for its onward passage (third leg) to Port Stanley (Falkland Islands). 

Important points:

• This is the longest leg of the expedition with a distance of approximately 5600 nm (approx 10,400 km).

•  This will also be the southernmost transit of Tarini at about 56 degrees South.

• INSV Tarini, had arrived at Lyttelton on 22 Dec 24 completing the second leg of the historic double-handed circumnavigation, being undertaken by two Indian Navy women officers viz. Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A - symbolising India’s growing prowess of maritime exploration.

•  INSV Tarini was open to visitors at Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC) on 02 Jan 24. Visitors, from all walks, visited the vessel and interacted with the crew including Mrs. Victoria Henstock, 

 About Navika Sagar Parikrama - II:

• Navika Sagar Parikrama - II, is an Indian Navy expedition attempting a double-handed circumnavigation of the earth via the three Great Capes. 

• The boat was flagged off from Goa on 02 Oct 24 by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff and is  being undertaken by two Indian Navy women officers viz. Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A - symbolising India’s growing prowess of maritime exploration.

SBI launches Har Ghar Lakhpati scheme and SBI Patrons FD deposit scheme

Tags: Government Schemes

Why in the news?

• The State Bank of India (SBI), has announced the launch oftwo new deposit schemes Har Ghar Lakhpati and SBI Patrons, for customers.

Key points:

• Har Ghar Lakhpati’ is a pre-calculated recurring deposit scheme designed to help customers to accumulate Rs 1 lakh or multiples thereof. 

• The new scheme simplifies the process of achieving financial goals, allowing customers to plan and save effectively. 

• This product is also available to minors, encouraging early financial planning and savings habits.

• SBI has also introduced ‘SBI Patrons,’ for select senior citizens.

•  This is a specialized fixed deposit scheme tailored for senior citizens aged 80 years and above. 

• The new SBI scheme offers enhanced interest rates, recognizing the long-standing relationship many senior customers have with the bank. ‘SBI Patrons’ is available to both existing and new FD investors.

Sashakt Beti and e-Drishti projects

Tags: Government Schemes

 Why in the news?

•  Sashakt Beti and e-Drishti projects were launched by the Education Minister,while inaugurating the dedication ceremony at Delhi University.

Important points:

• Project Sashakt Beti empowers orphaned and single-parent female students with family incomes under Rs.4 lakh by providing laptops.

• Project e-Drishti supports visually impaired studentsby providing tablets to improve their learning and research capabilities.

• He also launched the Delhi University Ambulance.

• The Commemorative Volume of Donor's Chronicle, 2024, was released by the education minister during the event.