• 28 Dec 2024

Demise of O.P. Chautala

Why in News? 

• Recently, the Haryana government declared a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala who passed away in Gurugram. 

 

Key Points 

• State Mourning:  
  • During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings where it is regularly displayed. 
  • All state government functions and official entertainment activities have been cancelled. 
• Public Holiday and State Funeral: 
  • Saturday has been declared a public holiday in all state government offices as a mark of respect. 
  • A state funeral was held on 28th December 2024 at Teja Khera farm in Sirsa district, the Chautala family’s native village. 
• Passing of Former CM: 
  • Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) president and five-time Haryana Chief Minister Chautala passed away at the age of 89. 

Training for Mission YUVA

Why in News? 

Recently, the Ramban district administration organised a comprehensive training for enumerators, supervisors and other stakeholders for Mission YUVA Baseline Survey. 

 Key Points 

• Focus of the Programme: 
  • The programme, presided over by the District Statistics and Evaluation Officer (DSEO) and Assistant Director Employment, aimed to equip participants with skills and knowledge for conducting the baseline survey under Mission YUVA. 
  • Three master trainers conducted sessions, detailing the use of an online mobile application, survey methodology, and objectives, with a focus on its paperless execution. 
• Survey Details: 
  • The baseline survey will be conducted from 1st to 31st January 2025. 
  • Approximately 600 enumerators, supervisors, and staff will be involved across Ramban district. 
• Mission YUVA: 
  • This initiative is a crucial step toward achieving the objectives of Mission YUVA by providing accurate and actionable data for planning and development. 

HC Orders to Protect 17th century Agra Monument

Why in News? 

Recently, the Allahabad High Court provided interim protection to a 17th-century heritage site, the Hammam in Agra, and instructed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and state authorities to prevent any damage to the monument. 

 Key Points 

• Protection of Heritage Site: 
  • A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed seeking protection for the Hammam of Ali Vardi Khan in Agra, citing the imminent threat of demolition by "illegal and unauthorized persons." 
  • The Hammam, located in Chipitola, Agra, was confirmed by an ASI survey in October 2023 to have been built in 1620 AD. 
• Court Directions for Preservation: 
  • The High Court directed the Commissioner of Police, Agra, the ASI, and the Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department to ensure the monument is not damaged. 
  • The Commissioner of Police was instructed to deploy sufficient police forces to safeguard the structure. 
• Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the ASI and state authorities have a duty to protect the 400-year-old Hammam. 

 Shahi Hammam  

• It is a Mughal-era bathhouse located in Chipitola, Agra, constructed by Alivardi Khan in 1620.  
• Once part of a larger inn complex, the hammam served not only as a bathing facility but also as a cultural and social center.