23 December 2024: Daily Current Affairs 2024

Denali Fault; GS-1 (Geography) ▪️ Why in the News: New research shows that three sites spread along an approximately 620-mile portion of today's Denali Fault were once a smaller united geologic feature indicative of the final joining of two land masses.

‣ Key Findings on the Denali Fault:

> Geological Significance:

The Denali Fault, located in southern Alaska, has been a significant factor in shaping Earth's geological history.

• A recent study reveals that three sites along the Denali Fault were once part of a single geological feature, symbolizing the final union of two landmasses millions of years ago.

‣ Tectonic Activity and Movement:

• Throughout millions of years, tectonic forces caused horizontal movement along the fault, resulting in a separation of this unified feature by over 483 kilometers.

These movements reflect the intense tectonic activity that has shaped the region's geological structure.

‣ Terminal Suture Zone:

• The three locations along the fault once formed a terminal suture zone, marking the last phase of tectonic plate integration into a larger landmass.

Sahitya Akademi Award ; GS-1 (Art and Culture) ▪️ Why in the news: The Sahitya Akademi recently announced the winners of its annual Sahitya Akademi Awards, which are recommended by jury members in 21 languages.

‣ About the Sahitya Akademi Awards:

• The Sahitya Akademi Award is presented for the most distinguished books of literary merit published in any of the major Indian languages recognized by the Akademi.

In addition to the 22 languages listed in the Constitution of India, the Akademi has also recognized English and Rajasthani as eligible languages for its award program.

• Awardees are given a plaque, a shawl, and a monetary award of 71 lakh.

‣ Key Facts about Sahitya Akademi:

The Akademi was officially inaugurated by the Government of India on 12

March 1954.

• It was registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, of 1860.

• The Sahitya Akademi serves as the central institution for literary dialogue, publication, and promotion in India. It is the only organization in the country that undertakes literary activities in 24 Indian languages, including English.

• Ministry: The Sahitya Akademi operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.

‣ Head Office: Located in New Delhi.

Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer ; GS-2 (International Relations) Why in the news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the Wisam Mubarak al-Kabeer, or the Order of Mubarak the Great, by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

‣ What is the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer?

• The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer is Kuwait's highest national award, conferred by the Kuwaiti government.

• It is awarded to heads of state, foreign sovereigns, and members of royal families as a gesture of friendship and goodwill:

‣ Past Recipients of the Award:

• Queen Elizabeth II of England.

• Former US Presidents George HW Bush and Bill Clinton.

. King Salman of Saudi Arabia.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, among others.

> Historical Background:

• Instituted in 1974 in memory of Mubarak Al Sabah, also known as Mubarak al-Kabeer or Mubarak the Great, who ruled Kuwait from 1896 to 1915.

. During his reign, Kuwait gained more autonomy from the Ottoman Empire.

. In 1899, Mubarak signed a treaty with Britain, making Kuwait a British protectorate to safeguard it from Turkey.

• Mubarak is credited with shaping Kuwait's future trajectory.

The design of the award was revised in 1992 after Kuwait's liberation from Iraq in 1991.

India State of Forest Report; GS-3 (Environment and Econlogy) ▪️ Why in the news: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav recently released the 'India State of Forest Report 2023' (ISFR 2023) at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

‣ Definition:

• The India State of Forest Report is published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) and has been in circulation since 1987.

o. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the nation's forest and tree resources using satellite-based remote sensing data and field-based National Forest Inventory (NFI).

• The 2023 edition marks the 18th report in this series.

• The report covers key aspects such as forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock, carbon stock, forest fire incidents, and agroforestry.

Highlights of the India State of Forest Report 2023:

• Forest and Tree Cover: The total Forest and Tree cover is 8,27,357sq km, which is 25.17 percent of the geographical area of the country. The Forest Cover has an area of about 7,15,343sq km (21.76%) whereas the Tree Cover has an area of 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%).

. A positive increase in forest and tree cover has been observed compared to the 2021 assessment.

• States with Maximum Gains in Cover:

‹ Forest and Tree Cover Gains: Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan have shown the highest increase.

‣ Forest Cover Gains: Mizoram, Gujarat, and Odisha top the list in terms of maximum increase.

•. Top States in Forest and Tree Cover Area-Wise:

Largest Forest and Tree Cover: Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Largest Forest Cover: Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.