• 04 Nov 2024

President Murmu's Visit to Chhattisgarh

Why in News?

Recently, President of India Droupadi Murmu undertook a two-day official visit to Chhattisgarh, focusing on educational and cultural engagements.

Key Points

• Events in Raipur:
  • President Murmu attended the 10^th convocation ceremony of AIIMS Raipur, where she addressed students and staff.
• Cultural Honors:
  • In her itinerary, she paid respects at Mahamaya Temple and participated in events highlighting the state’s rich tribal heritage.
• Focus on Health & Education:
  • Her discussions emphasized the advancement of healthcare education and infrastructure in Chhattisgarh.

President of India

• The Constitution of India, 1950 (COI) provides a detailed framework for the election, powers, and functions of the President, ensuring a balance between ceremonial duties and substantial powers in times of necessity.
• The President of India is the executive head of State and the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
• All the executive business of the country are carried out in the name of the president.
• Article 52 of the COI states that there shall be a president.

Elephant Deaths in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

Recently, four elephants were found dead and five others critically ill in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, prompting a thorough investigation by wildlife officials and conservation teams.

Key Points

• Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:
  • Located in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve spans an area rich in biodiversity and serves as one of India's premier tiger habitats.
  • Elephant Population:
    • Originally devoid of elephants, the reserve saw its first elephant herd migration from Chhattisgarh in 2018, marking the start of a permanent elephant population within the reserve.
    • The initial herd numbered around 15-20 elephants and has since been observed in both core and buffer areas of the reserve.
• The elephants were located in Reserved Forest (RF) 384 and Protected Forest (PF) 183 A, in the Salakhaniya Beat of Khitauli and Pataur core ranges.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR)

• It is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh and is spread over the Vindhya hills.
• In 1968, it was notified as a national park and in 1993 was declared a tiger reserve- under the Project Tiger Network at the neighbouring Panpatha Sanctuary.
• It is known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India as well as in the world.
  • These streams then merge into the Son river (an important southern tributary to the river Ganga).
• The important prey species consists of chital, sambhar, barking deer, nilgai, chinkara, wild pig, chowsingha, langur and rhesus macaque.
  • Dependent upon them are the major predators like tiger, leopard, wild dog, wolf and jackal.

Uttar Pradesh Expands Sanskrit Scholarship Scheme

Why in News?

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government launched a new scholarship scheme to support Sanskrit education, enhancing eligibility and funding for students.

Key Points

• Expansion:
  • The scheme now supports 69,195 students with a budget of Rs. 586 lakh, a significant increase from the previous 300 beneficiaries.
  • Unlike the prior scheme, which had strict age limits, the new scholarship is open to all qualified Sanskrit students across Uttar Pradesh.
  • CM emphasized Sanskrit's relevance to scientific fields such as computer science, encouraging students to view it as a language with broad applications.
• Support for Traditional Gurukul Education:
  • Plans to revive gurukul-style schools were announced, with improved support for residential facilities and hiring of qualified teachers.
  • Establishment of a Vedic science center will facilitate research, integrating traditional Sanskrit knowledge with modern scientific inquiry.

Gurukul

• The ‘Gurukul’ was a type of education system in ancient India with shishya (students) living with the guru in the same house.
• Nalanda has the oldest university system of education in the world.
• Students from across the world were attracted to Indian knowledge systems.

Preparations for Kumbh Mela 2025

Why in News?

Recently, UP CM announced measures to make the Kumbh Mela 2025 a safer, culturally rich event.

Key Points

• Enhanced Safety Measures:
  • Advanced security and surveillance systems, including drones, will be deployed for crowd control and emergency response.
• Cultural Showcases:
  • Traditional performances and exhibitions will feature throughout the Mela, emphasizing India’s diverse heritage.
• Infrastructural Developments:
  • Road expansion, improved sanitation, and upgraded facilities are prioritized to handle millions of pilgrims.
• Environment-Friendly Initiatives:
  • Steps to minimize waste and maintain the cleanliness of the Ganga River and surrounding areas.

Kumbh Mela

• Kumbh Mela is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river.
• Kumbh Mela comes under the UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• The festival is held at Prayagraj (at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati), Haridwar (on the Ganges), Ujjain (on the Shipra) and Nasik (on the Godavari) every four years by rotation and is attended by millions of people irrespective of caste, creed or gender.
• As it is held in four different cities in India, it involves different social and cultural activities, making this a culturally diverse festival.
• The event encapsulates the science of astronomy, astrology, spirituality, ritualistic traditions, and social and cultural customs and practices, making it extremely rich in knowledge.
• Knowledge and skills related to the tradition are transmitted through ancient religious manuscripts, oral traditions, historical travelogues and texts produced by eminent historians.
• The teacher-student relationship of the sadhus in the ashrams and akhadas remains the most important method of imparting and safeguarding knowledge and skills relating to Kumbh Mela.

Refuge in Uttarakhand to Escape Diwali Pollution

Why in News?

• Recently, worsening air quality in the NCR (National Capital Region) region has driven residents to Uttarakhand for cleaner air and a healthier Diwali celebration.

Key Points

• Surge in Tourist Bookings:
  • NCR residents are increasingly booking hotels and homestays in Uttarakhand, especially in areas like Dehradun, Nainital, and Mussoorie, to escape pollution.
  • Uttarakhand's relatively low pollution levels during Diwali make it an appealing refuge amid NCR’s smoggy skies.
  • Families, especially with elderly and children, prioritize escaping the health risks associated with high pollution levels in urban areas.
  • The influx benefits Uttarakhand’s tourism economy, with higher demands for accommodations and local services.

Uttarakhand's Diwali Gift

Why in News?

Recently, Uttarakhand announced a festive increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees as a Diwali benefit.

Key Points

• DA Hike:
  • Uttarakhand raised the DA for government employees by a set percentage, aiming to mitigate inflation's impact on household expenses.
  • The DA has been increased from 50% to 53% per month.
  • The dearness allowance hike applies to all regular and full-time state employees and UGC-affiliated officials, retroactive from 1^st July, 2024, with arrears from July to September 2024 payable in cash.
  • The increased DA is effective immediately, covering employees and pensioners under the state government.
• Economic Impact:
  • This increase supports employees’ purchasing power, particularly significant during the festive season when expenses are typically higher.
  • Similar DA adjustments are seen across states as they aim to provide financial relief amidst rising living costs.

Dearness Allowance (DA)

• It is the cost-of-living adjustment to offset inflation, provided to government employees and pensioners. It is calculated as a percentage of the basic salary.