• 26 Apr 2024

Pakistani Hindus in Rajasthan Facing Uncertain Future

Why in News?

According to the sources, Pakistani Hindus in Rajasthan are facing an uncertain future amidst the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA)2019.

Key Points

• During the current general elections, amidst the widespread enthusiasm surrounding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019 which has provided relief for some, individuals who arrived in India after December 31, 2014, are facing numerous uncertainties.
• These individuals are now required to seek citizenship under the primary Citizenship Act of 1955, a process that historically has resulted in prolonged waiting periods for applicants.
• Pakistani Hindu families who migrated to Barmer, a region bordering Pakistan, years ago, express the sentiment that the CAA or citizenship legislation holds limited value until their living conditions are improved.
• Despite acquiring Indian citizenship, many of these families continue to reside in impoverished conditions and face social stigmatization.

Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019

• The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019 seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• The CAA provides citizenship on the basis of religion to six undocumented non-Muslim communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians) from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who entered India on or before 31^st December, 2014.
• It exempts the members of the six communities from any criminal case under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Passport Act, 1920.
• The two Acts specify punishment for entering the country illegally and staying here on expired visas and permits.

Naxalites Surrender in Chhattisgarh

Why in News?

According to the sources, 18 Naxalites, including a militia platoon section commander and three women, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada.

Key Points

• They were part of Bhairamgarh, and Malanger area committees of the Maoists in south Bastar.
• According to the sources, these cadres were tasked with digging roads, felling trees to block roads and putting up posters and banners during shutdowns called by Naxalites.
  • They will be provided facilities as per the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy.
  • With this, 738 Naxalites, including 177 of them carrying rewards on their heads, have so far joined the mainstream in Dantewada district.
• Security forces have implemented a stringent enforcement measure on Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-hit districts.

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

• It refers to political ideologies and groups that advocate for significant societal and political change through revolutionary means.
• LWE groups may target government institutions, law enforcement agencies, or private property to further their agenda.
• The LWE movement in India originated in a 1967 uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal.
• Status in India:
  • The Union Home Ministry has stated that violence related to LWE had come down by 76% in 2022 as compared to 2010.
  • Also, there has been a decrease in the geographical spread of violence as only 46 districts reported LWE-related violence in 2021, compared to 96 districts in 2010.

Uttarakhand Braces for Monsoon Rainfall

Why in News?

According to the Dehradun Meteorological Centre, the state government should start preparations for more than normal rainfall in 2024 monsoon in Uttarakhand.

Key Points

• A training camp was organised by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) for various departments regarding monsoon preparedness.
• According to the officials, the Meteorological Department continuously sends alerts regarding weather-related information and if they are followed, the effects of disasters can be reduced to a great extent and the loss of life and property can also be reduced.

India Meteorological Department

• IMD was established in 1875. It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
• It works as an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
• It is headquartered in New Delhi.
• IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.

Madhya Pradesh to Boost Cruise Tourism

Why in News?

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Government of Gujarat to elevate cruise tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

• Under this collaboration, two floating jetties, known as pontoons, have been dispatched from Kolkata to Kukshi in the state.
  • The proposed cruise route is set to embark from Ekatma Dham (Statue of Oneness) in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, and voyage to the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya, Gujarat.
• According to the terms outlined in the MoU, IWAI is committed to providing two floating jetties to both Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
• Additional infrastructure and amenities for cruise tourism will be developed by the state government, fostering economic growth in the region and extending benefits to the local populace.
• Cruise tourism promises not only to enrich the tourism landscape but also to offer tourists an immersive experience of the local culture, traditions, lifestyle, and cuisine amid the scenic vistas of the Narmada River.

Narmada River

• The Narmada River (also known as Rewa) serves as a traditional boundary between North and South India.
• It is 1,312 km west of its origin from the Amarkantak peak of Maikal mountain. It flows into the Gulf of Khambhat.
• It drains a large area in Madhya Pradesh besides some areas in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• It is a West flowing river of the peninsular region flowing through a rift valley between the Vindhya Range on the north and the Satpura Range on the south.
• Tributaries:
  • The predominant tributaries from the right are – Hiran, Tendori, Barna, Kolar, Man, Uri, Hatni, and Orsang.
  • The predominant left tributaries are – Burner, Banjar, Sher, Shakkar, Dudhi, Tawa, Ganjal, Chhota Tawa, Kundi, Goi, and Karjan.
• Dams:
  • The Major dams on the river include Omkareshwar and Maheshwar dams.

Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News?

The Supreme Court stayed construction of four proposed dams inside Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district.

Key Points

• A petition was filed challenging the construction of four dams Chikan, Kansli, Khillanwala and Ambawali within Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary as it will have a negative impact on the flora and the fauna in the area.
• The National Board for Wildlife has granted permission to construct dams inside the wildlife sanctuary without taking cognisance of the report of Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
• WII has categorically stated in its report namely 'Feasibility Study of Proposed Small Dams in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana' that the proposed dams are under protected area boundary of Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary and as such would significantly affect the terrestrial as well as aquatic biodiversity of the protected area.
• Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary notified on 13^th December 1996, is located on the Siwalik foothills. It is contiguous to Rajaji National Park (Uttarakhand) and Simbalbara National Park (Himachal Pradesh).
  • The whole area is full of biodiversity, having dense Sal forests, Khair forests and patches of grass lands, which support a variety of plants and animal species.
  • Royal tigers and mighty elephants visit this place from the Rajaji National Park. Other animals found there include Monitor Lizard,Grey-hooded Warbler, King Cobra, Crested Serpent Eagle, Python, Chital, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Sambar, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Barking Deer, Ghoral, Red-billed Blue Magpie and Leopard.

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

• It serves as an apex body for the review of all wildlife-related matters and for the approval of projects in and around national parks and sanctuaries.
• The NBWL is chaired by the Prime Minister and is responsible for promotion of conservation and development of wildlife and forests.
• The Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the Vice-Chairperson of the board.
• The board is ‘advisory’ in nature and can only advise the Government on policy making for conservation of wildlife.

Wildlife Institute of India

• It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• It was established in 1982.
• It is based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
• It offers training programs, academic courses, and advisory in wildlife research and management.