Odisha GK

• Bhitarkanika National Park:  Known for Saltwater Crocodiles and Mangrove forests.

• Simlipal National Park:  A Tiger Reserve and biosphere reserve.

• Chilika Lake:  Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar site. Famous for Irrawaddy dolphins and migratory birds (especially at Nalabana Bird Sanctuary).

7. Tribes of Odisha

Odisha has the most diverse tribes in India. Some of the major tribes are:

• Santal

• Kondh  (Dongria Kondh are particularly famous)

• Saura  (known for their distinctive Saura paintings)

• Bonda  (one of the most primitive tribes)

• Ho

• Gond

8. Important Current Affairs & Recent Developments

• Odisha's New State Emblem:  The state government adopted a new emblem based on the circular seal of the Kalinga-era  Mudra of Kalinga Jina  found at the Udayagiri caves.

• Hockey:  Odisha is the official sponsor of both the men's and women's Indian national hockey teams. The  FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2023  was held in Odisha.

• Disaster Management:  Odisha is globally acclaimed for its highly effective cyclone disaster management and evacuation system.

Quick Facts for Quizzes

• State Animal:  Sambar Deer

• State Bird:  Indian Roller

• State Flower:  Ashoka Flower

• State Tree:  Sacred Fig (Ashwatha)

• First Linguistically Formed State:  Odisha (April 1, 1936)

• Largest Lake:  Chilika Lake

• Highest Peak:  Deomali

• Major Port:  Paradip Port

• Famous Personalities:  Sudarshan Pattnaik (Sand Artist), Dilip Tirkey (Hockey), Nandita Das (Actress), Biju Patnaik (Former CM and Legendary Figure).