• 25 Oct 2024

Haryana Increases DA for Government Employees

Why in News?

Recently, the Haryana government approved a 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for state government employees and pensioners to address inflation impacts.

Key Points

• New DA Rate:
  • The Dearness Allowance has been increased by 3%, benefiting both current employees and pensioners.
  • The change takes effect from a specified date, impacting monthly salary calculations and pension distributions.
  • This hike is aimed at cushioning inflation effects, providing additional monthly financial support.
• Impact on Economy:
  • Increased Consumer Spending: The hike boosts disposable income, especially around festive periods, spurring consumer demand.
  • Inflation Control: DA helps employees manage inflation, but an increase in demand could potentially raise inflation if supply doesn’t keep pace.
  • Fiscal Pressure: For the government, DA hikes increase expenditure, which may strain the fiscal budget but stimulate economic growth through consumption.

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.

Writers' Village in Dehradun

Why in News?

Recently, a unique cultural initiative called the "Writers' Village" has been announced in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, which aims to foster international literary and cultural exchange.

Key Points

• The Writers' Village will be inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister in Thano, near Dehradun, on 27^th October, 2024.
• The inauguration coincides with an International Art, Literature, and Culture Festival running from 23^rd October to 27th October, 2024.
• Over 300 writers, artists, and litterateurs from 65 countries will participate in the five-day festival.
  • This global engagement aims to promote international collaboration and cultural exchange, with a particular focus on Hindi and Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage
• Significance:
  • The festival will be a platform to discuss literature, language, and art through various sessions hosted by organizations like the Sahitya Akademi, National Book Trust, and Uttarakhand Culture Department.
  • It is expected to promote the Hindi language on a global stage and also highlight Uttarakhand's rich cultural heritage

National Book Trust (NBT)

• NBT, India is an apex body established by the Government of India (Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education) in the year 1957.
• The objectives of the NBT are
  • to produce and encourage the production of good literature in English, Hindi and other Indian languages.
  • to make such literature available at moderate prices to the public.
  • to bring out book catalogues, arrange book fairs/exhibitions and seminars and take all necessary steps to make the people book minded.

Cyclone Dana's Impact on Jharkhand

Why in News?

Recently, Cyclone Dana is anticipated to cause significant disruptions across eastern India, particularly in Jharkhand, with multiple emergency measures being implemented.

Key Points

• Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risks: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rains in Jharkhand, raising concerns for flooding, especially in vulnerable low-lying areas, from 24^th to 25^th October, 2024.
• Disruption to Transportation: Rail services across parts of eastern India, including Jharkhand, are heavily impacted, with over 150 trains cancelled as a precautionary measure to ensure commuter safety during the expected adverse weather conditions 
• NDRF and SDRF Preparedness: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are on high alert and prepared for rapid deployment in case of emergencies.
• Advisory for Fishermen and Coastal Activities: The IMD has issued a strict warning for fishermen and advised against venturing into the Bay of Bengal. High wind speeds, expected to reach 100-110 km/h, are likely to impact coastal and adjacent regions, affecting local economies reliant on fishing and maritime activities .
• Evacuations and Public Safety Warnings: Authorities are making preparations for potential evacuations, particularly in regions where the cyclone's impact may be severe. Public advisories are issued to ensure residents are aware of safety protocols during the cyclone’s passage.

Cyclone Dana

• Emergence: It is the third cyclone to form in the North Indian Ocean region and the second to make landfall along the Indian coast in 2024 after Cyclone Remal.
  • It is the first cyclone in the post monsoon cyclone season.
• Naming of Dana: The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) states that Cyclone Dana was named by Qatar. In Arabic, "Dana" signifies 'generosity' and also refers to 'the most perfectly sized, valuable, and beautiful pearl.'

Revival of Jammu & Kashmir’s Darbar Move Practice

Why in News?

Recently, discussions have emerged regarding the potential reintroduction of Jammu & Kashmir’s historic “Darbar Move,” a biannual tradition involving the relocation of government offices between Jammu and Srinagar.

Key Points

• Historical Background:
  • The Darbar Move, a 149-year-old practice introduced by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1872, aimed to balance the needs of Jammu (winter capital) and Srinagar (summer capital) by rotating the administrative seat every six months.
  • This rotation fostered economic and social integration between the two cities.
• Abolition of the Practice:
  • In 2021, Jammu & Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor halted the Darbar Move, citing cost-cutting and the transition to digital governance.
  • The government estimated annual savings of approximately Rs. 200 crore, which would be reallocated to welfare projects.
  • Additionally, ending the practice facilitated a year-round digital operation of offices in both cities, leading to the cancellation of government housing for officials in the non-operational city.
• Economic and Cultural Impact:
  • The abolition of the Darbar Move has reportedly impacted Jammu’s economy, with the local business community experiencing reduced seasonal trade.
  • This issue has resurfaced in local elections, as stakeholders call for its revival to boost economic activity in both cities.
• Current Developments:
  • Political parties, particularly those aiming to strengthen local economies, have voiced their support for reinstating the Darbar Move.
  • They argue that its absence has led to uneven economic opportunities across regions. The upcoming elections might shape the decision on whether the tradition is restored, influenced by public sentiment and business needs.

Maharaja Ranbir Singh

• Ranbir Singh was Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir from 1856 to1885.
• He was the third son of Gulab Singh, the founder of the Jammu & Kashmir state.
• During his reign, Ranbir Singh:
  • Annexed Gilgit: Ranbir Singh annexed Gilgit after a rebellion against the state.
  • Established a judicial system: He established a modern judicial system and compiled civil and criminal laws into the Ranbir Penal Code.
  • Developed the silk industry: He made the silk industry a state monopoly by setting aside 30,000 pounds sterling for its development. He also built 127 rearing houses to raise silkworms.
  • Translated books: He was a scholar of Sanskrit and Persian and translated many books.
  • Helped the British: He sent his troops to help the British besiege Delhi during the mutiny.