• 28 Sep 2024

Impact of Landslides in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

The Badrinath National Highway (NH-7) in Chamoli district has been repeatedly blocked due to heavy rainfall, causing landslides and debris accumulation.

Key Points

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more isolated heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand which could potentially cause further disruptions.
• Landslide:
  • A landslide is a geological phenomenon involving the downward movement of a mass of rock, soil, and debris on a slope.
  • Landslides can occur on both natural and man-made slopes, and they are often triggered by a combination of factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, human activities (such as construction or mining), and changes in groundwater levels.
  • Landslides are classified into several types based on their movement characteristics:
    • Slides: These are movements of soil or rock along a rupture surface or a zone of weakness. They can be further divided into rotational slides, where the rupture surface is curved, and translational slides, where the rupture surface is planar.
    • Flows: These are movements of soil or rock that contain a large amount of water, which makes the mass flow like a fluid. They can be further divided into earth flows, debris flows, mudflows, and creep, depending on the material and the rate of movement.
    • Spreads: These are movements of soil or rock that involve lateral extension and cracking of the mass. They are usually caused by liquefaction or plastic deformation of the material.
    • Topples: These are movements of soil or rock that involve forward rotation and free-fall of the mass from a vertical or near-vertical cliff or slope.
    • Falls: These are movements of soil or rock that detach from a steep slope or cliff and descend by free-fall, bouncing, or rolling.

Jaipur Monuments and World Tourism Day 2024

Why in News?

In celebration of World Tourism Day (September 27, 2024), the Rajasthan government has announced free entry to several of Jaipur’s most iconic monuments, including Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.

Key Points

• This initiative aims to promote tourism and provide an opportunity for both locals and tourists to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region without any cost.
• Free Entry to Major Attractions:
  • Tourists can enjoy free access to Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Sisodia Rani Garden, Vidhyadhar Garden, and Albert Hall Museum.
• Theme for 2024:
  • The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day is “Tourism and Peace,” emphasizing the role of tourism in fostering peace and understanding among different cultures.
• Historical Significance:
  • Jantar Mantar: Known for its architectural and astronomical significance, Jantar Mantar houses the world’s largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Hawa Mahal: Also known as the “Palace of Winds,” this five-story structure is renowned for its unique architecture and historical importance.

Mukhyamantri Bal Ashirwad Yojana

Why in News?

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, thousands of children in Madhya Pradesh faced the devastating loss of their parents.

• The state government promised financial aid and free education for Madhya Pradesh's Covid orphans, but many of these commitments remain unfulfilled, leaving the children in distress.

Key Points

• In May 2021, the then-Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that children who lost their family’s sole earning member to Covid-19 would receive Rs.5,000 per month and free education.
• This initiative aimed to provide some relief to the affected families and ensure that the children could continue their education without financial burdens.
  • Despite these promises, many beneficiaries have not received financial assistance for over a year.
• The government had introduced two schemes for these children: the Sponsorship Scheme and the Mukhyamantri Bal Ashirwad Yojana. Under these schemes, each child was entitled to Rs. 5,000 per month.
  • However, the disbursement of funds has been inconsistent, with many children not receiving any money since January 2023.
• The children were also promised Ayushman Bharat cards to cover their healthcare costs.
  • However, many of these cards have not been activated, leaving the children without the promised medical support.