Daily Current Affairs Notes for 30 March 2023

International Day of Zero Waste 2023

The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized the importance of zero-waste initiatives on December 14, 2022, and declared that March 30 would henceforth be observed as the International Day of Zero Waste every year, starting in 2023. The purpose of this global event is to promote sustainable consumption and production behaviors, as well as to raise awareness about how zero-waste endeavors can contribute to the realization of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

According to the data furnished by the UN, approximately 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste are generated each year, out of which only 55% is disposed of in managed facilities. Additionally, it is estimated that around 931 million tons of food are either lost or wasted every year, and up to 14 million tons of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems annually.

International Day of Zero Waste 2023: Significance

Celebrated on March 30 each year, the International Day of Zero Waste holds immense significance as it draws attention to the crucial need for waste reduction and sustainable consumption and production methods. The occasion inspires individuals to embrace behaviors that curtail waste generation, promote the reuse and recycling of materials, and minimize the overall waste footprint.

The International Day of Zero Waste offers a chance to increase public consciousness regarding the harmful consequences of waste on the environment, such as landfills, pollution, and resource depletion. Moreover, it endeavors to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by advancing the Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 12. These goals aim to foster sustainable cities and communities, as well as to encourage responsible consumption and production practices.

The International Day of Zero Waste utilizes a range of endeavors and programs, including clean-up drives, recycling initiatives, educational activities, and advocacy campaigns, to encourage and enable individuals, communities, and organizations to proactively contribute towards building a more sustainable and waste-free planet.

International Day of Zero Waste 2023: History

During its 77th session on December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution designating March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste, to be observed annually. The proposal, co-sponsored by Turkey and 105 other nations, forms part of a series of resolutions focused on waste, including "End plastic pollution: towards an internationally legally binding instrument," which was adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly on March 2, 2022.

The International Day of Zero Waste calls upon member states, United Nations agencies, civil society groups, private enterprises, academic institutions, youth, and other stakeholders to engage in activities that raise awareness about national, subnational, regional, and local zero-waste endeavors, and their role in advancing sustainable development. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) collaboratively oversee the observance of this significant occasion.

The International Day of Zero Waste propels the aims and aspirations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 12, by endorsing zero-waste strategies that tackle various forms of waste, such as food loss and waste, depletion of natural resources, and electronic waste.

Penguin Random House India (PRHI) has published a new book titled "Basu Chatterji: And Middle-of-the-Road Cinema," which documents the life and legacy of the renowned Indian filmmaker, Basu Chatterjee. The author, Aniruddha Bhattacharjee, a prize-winning writer, offers a glimpse behind the scenes of some of Chatterjee's most memorable films, including "Chitchor," "Sara Aakash," "Khatta Meetha," and "Baton Baton Mein," shedding light on the cultural and social background in which his films were created, as well as Chatterjee's unique filmmaking style.

The essence of the book:

Published by Penguin Random House India, the book is a must-read for fans of Basu Chatterjee and anyone interested in Indian cinema. It provides a comprehensive analysis of Chatterjee's filmmaking approach, including his influences and the impact he had on Indian cinema. The book also explores the socio-cultural environment in which middle-of-the-road cinema emerged in India during the 1970s, and its significance in shaping the country's cinematic landscape. Readers are taken on a behind-the-scenes journey of some of Chatterjee's most iconic films, such as "Chitchor," "Sara Aakash," "Khatta Meetha," and "Baton Baton Mein," with a detailed analysis that sheds light on his unique approach to filmmaking and the cultural and social context that influenced his movies.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has joined hands with the NGO That's Eco Foundation to donate ₹48 lakh towards planting 32,000 tree saplings at Garden City University in Bengaluru as part of its corporate social responsibility. This collaboration is intended to aid the environment by expanding the green cover and encouraging sustainable practices.

More About The SBI’s donation of ₹48 lakh for tree plantation:

SBI, Garden City University, and the Eco Foundation have signed an MOU for the plantation of 32,000 tree saplings at Garden City University in Bengaluru, using the Miyawaki Technique. The project aims to implement a sustainable initiative that contributes to the environment by promoting the growth of dense, native forests. Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, the Miyawaki Technique involves creating forests that grow 10 times faster and are 30 times denser than usual.

The Miyawaki Technique, used in the plantation project at Garden City University in Bengaluru, allows the plants to become self-sustaining in just 2-3 years. By creating dense, multi-layered forests, this technique also helps to lower temperatures, improve soil quality, support local wildlife, and sequester carbon.