Current Affairs 16th to 30th October
1. Drug Menace
The Growing Drug Menace in Himachal Pradesh: Causes, Impact, and Government Response
1. The Current Crisis :
• Widespread drug issue, with chitta (adulterated heroin) spreading to rural areas.
• Police seizures (Jan-Aug 2024): 6.39 kg heroin, 193 kg charas, 32.5 kg opium, 497 kg poppy husk, 24.9 kg ganja, with 1,070 cases under NDPS Act.
• Addiction primarily affecting youth, disrupting social stability.
2. Causes of the Drug Menace :
• Proximity to international drug corridors.
• Rise of illicit drug markets, making substances like chitta more accessible.
• Socio-economic challenges, peer pressure, and high youth unemployment.
3. Impact on Society :
• Devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities.
• Financial and emotional strain on families; rising crime and weakened community ties.
4. Government Response:
- Nasha Mukt Himachal Abhiyan
• focuses on prevention, identification, and rehabilitation.
• Collaborative approach with departments (Police, Health, Education, etc.) and community organizations (PRIs, ULBs, Yuvak Mandals, Mahila Mandals, NGOs).
• Targeted awareness in high-risk areas like industrial hubs and educational institutions.
B. 11th HP Police Half Marathon : organized by Himachal Pradesh Police, The primary goal was to raise awareness about drug abuse and support the campaign to eradicate illicit drug trade.
C. The “Sankalp Pahal” initiative : aims to curb drug abuse and rehabilitate individuals struggling with addiction in Himachal Pradesh. As part of Sankalp Pahal, the state government plans to establish a state-level de-addiction and rehabilitation center in Kotla-Barog in the Pachhad subdivision of Sirmaur district.
2. Kullu Dussehra
About the Festival :
• The Kullu Dasehra festival, celebrated annually in Kullu, began during the reign of King Jagat Singh (1637-1662). In 1650, he brought thumb-sized golden idols of Lord Raghunath and Sita from Ayodhya to Kullu. These idols were enshrined in a temple in Sultanpur, Kullu, in 1660, marking the formal start of Dasehra in the region.
Legend Behind the Festival :
• According to folklore, King Jagat Singh fell mysteriously ill after a tragic misunderstanding with a Brahmin, Durgadutt, and his family, leading to their self-immolation. Seeking a cure, the king consulted the sage Krishandas Payhari, who advised bringing the idols of Rama and Sita from Ayodhya. The task was given to Damodar Das, who successfully retrieved the idols through mystical powers. When the king ceremonially washed Lord Raghunath’s idol, he drank the water and was miraculously cured, leading to the annual celebration of Dasehra.
Why is Dasehra celebrated for 7 days
• Dussehra or Vijayadashami marks the day Lord Ram struck Ravana’s navel, achieving victory over his army, though Ravana’s death occurred seven days later. Hence, Kullu’s famous Dussehra is celebrated for seven days.
Why This Year’s Kullu Dussehra is Special
• This year, the International Kullu Dussehra festival is particularly significant as Shamsiri Mahadev is participating after 10 years. The deity, revered in the Ani Valley, traveled 104 kilometers on foot to join the celebrations. Shamsiri Mahadev’s rituals resemble those of Ujjain’s Mahakal, with daily ash Aarti performed at the temple in Ani. Additionally, for the past 374 years, deities from far and wide have come to enhance the festivities, with seven deities making a 200-kilometer journey on foot. Notably, four of these deities are siblings, highlighting the rich traditions of this revered festival.
Significance :
• Kullu Dasehra celebrates Lord Raghunath as the valley’s chief deity, with all local deities joining in reverence. While the festival has grown to include fairs and cultural events, it continues to honor its historical and spiritual origins, making it a cherished tradition in the region.
3. Festivals in HP loosing their traditional charms
The Kullu Dussehra festival, traditionally a vibrant showcase of local culture and craftsmanship, is gradually losing its traditional charm due to several factors.
The primary reasons for this shift include:
• Commercialization Pressures: The increasing commercialization of the event has shifted focus from heritage and traditional art forms to more mainstream, market-driven products.
• Rise of E-Commerce and Modern Goods: With the popularity of online shopping, consumers have shifted their preferences towards factory-made goods that are often cheaper and more convenient than handmade items. This change has led to a drop in demand for handcrafted agricultural tools, earthenware, and wooden products.
• Replacement of Traditional Activities: Spaces that were once used for trading cattle and displaying traditional crafts are now being repurposed for parking and other facilities, diminishing the festival’s cultural significance.
• Competition from Plastic and Factory-Made Items: Artisans’ work is overshadowed by mass-produced goods, often made of plastic, which are easier and cheaper to produce.
To revive the traditional essence of Kullu Dussehra, the following steps can be considered:
• Incentivize Artisan Participation: Provide subsidies or reduce stall fees for artisans, making it financially viable for them to participate.
• Promote Locally-Made Goods: Create awareness campaigns that highlight the cultural value of handmade products, encouraging visitors to choose them over factory-made alternatives.
• Limit Commercial Influence: Designate specific zones or days within the fair focused solely on traditional crafts, allowing artisans exclusive space to sell their products.
• Introduce Online Presence for Artisans: Partner with platforms that can help local artisans market their products online, allowing them to reach a broader audience without sacrificing their craftsmanship.
By emphasizing cultural appreciation and promoting local crafts, the festival can reconnect with its roots and offer a sustainable livelihood for artisans.
4. HPMC Plans Infrastructure Upgradation in Major Indian Cities
News: Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Limited (HPMC) is initiating plans to refurbish and upgrade its infrastructure in four metropolitan cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. This initiative aims to enhance income sources for the corporation while improving post-harvest facilities for local growers.
Establishment of HPMC
Established in 1974, HPMC was formed to provide post-harvest facilities to horticulture growers in Himachal Pradesh and assist them in marketing their fruits effectively. Over the years, HPMC has expanded its operations, including cold storage facilities in various locations to ensure the freshness and availability of horticultural products.
Locations of Existing Facilities
• Chennai: The facility is outdated, and plans are underway to refurbish it under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. This location is crucial for marketing HPMC products in South India, particularly apple juice concentrate.
• Kolkata: HPMC has three acres of land in the Salt Lake area, where it plans to develop IT infrastructure with the assistance of a consultant group to ensure sustainable income through PPP.
• Mumbai: A cold store is leased to a private entity, generating an income of ₹6 crore over three years. Additionally, there is vacant land around this facility for further development.
• New Delhi: HPMC operates a cold store and has three acres in Kundli, which the General Administration Department or HPMC will develop.
Current Developments and Significance :
• Under the World Bank-aided HP Horticulture Development Project, HPMC has recently refurbished its infrastructure within the state. Modern Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores have been established at locations including Gumma, Jarol (Tikkar), Oddi, Rohru, and Patlikhul. These developments not only aim to enhance the storage and processing capabilities of horticultural products but also significantly contribute to the income of local growers, thereby strengthening the horticulture sector in Himachal Pradesh.
5. Masot Village in Pragpur
Why in News :
The village of Masot, located near Pragpur in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, has been selected for development as the state’s first “Sanskrit Village.” This initiative aims to make Masot a center for Sanskrit learning and cultural preservation.
About the Program :
• Objective: Led by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, this project seeks to promote the Sanskrit language and cultural values in Masot village.
• Implementation: Residents will be taught Sanskrit through door-to-door lessons, while special camps and workshops will be held to make learning accessible and engaging.
Benefits :
• Cultural Preservation: The initiative aims to enrich Sanskrit language and cultural heritage in the region.
• Community Development: It will encourage linguistic skills, moral values, traditions, and cleanliness practices.
• Behavioral Guidance: Workshops will emphasize respectful communication and conduct.
• National Recognition: Residents hope that the program will place Masot on the national map, transforming it into a cultural landmark.
6. Mandi most unsafe district for women, Lahaul-Spiti is safest
News
Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh has reported the highest number of rape and molestation cases in 2023 and 2024, making it the most unsafe district for women in the state. In contrast, Lahaul and Spiti has emerged as the safest, with no reported rape cases and only one molestation case recorded.
Highlights :
• Crime Statistics : From January 1 to August 31, 2024, Mandi reported 36 rape and 50 molestation cases, the highest in the state. Lahaul and Spiti reported zero rape cases and only one molestation case, marking it as the safest district.
• Statewide Rape Cases: 210 rape cases registered from January to August 2024, a decrease from 242 cases in 2023. Mandi recorded the highest number of cases this year (36), followed by Sirmaur (30) and Kangra and Shimla (25 each).
• Reasons for High Crime Rates :
• According to police sources, various socio-economic factors and increased reporting contribute to Mandi’s high crime rates. Police emphasize ongoing efforts to curb these cases through targeted interventions, awareness programs, and community involvement.
• Scenario of 2024 :
• Despite Mandi’s high crime numbers, Himachal Pradesh has seen an overall decline in crimes against women this year compared to 2023. DIG Ranjana Chauhan credits this decrease to proactive measures by the Police Department, including regular weekly meetings focused on addressing women’s safety.
7. Mandi Celebrates 158 Years of Heritage with Tributes to King Bijai Sen
News :
The Mandi chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) held a special ceremony to mark the 158th anniversary of Mandi’s heritage buildings and institutions. The event honored the legacy of King Bijai Sen, whose birth anniversary coincided with the celebrations, recognizing his contributions to Mandi’s development.
Highlights of the News :
Event Celebration: The ceremony was presided over by Mandi Municipal Corporation Mayor Virender Bhatt, who paid tribute to King Bijai Sen’s welfare-driven vision.
Posthumous Honor: King Bijai Sen was awarded a posthumous trophy by INTACH, accepted by his fifth-generation descendant, Princess Siddheshwari.
Historical Contributions of King Bijai Sen : King Bijai Sen, born around October 12 or 13, 1851, was a visionary ruler who initiated various welfare projects soon after assuming power.
His key contributions include:
- Education: Establishment of Bijai High School in 1866.
- Infrastructure:
• Construction of the iconic Victoria Bridge over the Beas River in 1877.
• Founding of Mandi Civil Hospital and the local post office, which remain vital institutions in Mandi to this day.