Current Affairs 1st to 15th October

Current Affairs 1st to 15th October

1.   Himachal Pradesh CM Adopts Monal Bird, Announces Major Wildlife Conservation Initiatives

News: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during the closing ceremony of the 73rd Wildlife Week in Shimla, announced the adoption of the Monal bird, urging citizens to adopt wildlife species housed in the state’s zoos. He emphasized the role of the public in wildlife conservation and launched various initiatives to protect Himachal Pradesh’s unique fauna and ecosystems.

Highlights:

1. Monal Bird Adoption: The Chief Minister adopted the Monal bird and encouraged others to follow, promoting wildlife conservation.
2. Pheasant Conservation Study: Formation of an expert committee to develop a strategy for pheasant species conservation.
3. Unified Ticketing Platform: A unified ticketing system for all zoos in Himachal Pradesh will be introduced to boost tourism and fund wildlife welfare.
4. Sarchu Valley: Declared as a Conservation Reserve to protect its ecosystem and wildlife corridors.
5. New Zoo Development: An international-standard zoo is being developed in Dehra, with a budget of Rs. 680 crore; Phase 1 completion by June 2025.
6. Publications & Websites Launched: New websites for Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park and Spiti Wildlife Division, along with wildlife conservation publications, were unveiled.
7. Conservation Efforts: Acknowledged contributions of individuals and officers to wildlife conservation, with awards presented during the event.

2.   Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla Pays Tribute to Freedom Fighter Wazir Ram Singh Pathania

News: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla unveiled the statue of freedom fighter Wazir Ram Singh Pathania in Nurpur, Kangra district, and paid tribute to his heroic legacy. The governor emphasized that Pathania’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle remains etched in history and continues to inspire future generations.

About Wazir Ram Singh Pathania:

• Led the first organized armed revolt against British rule in 1848, before the 1857 Revolt.
• Rebelled in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, notably at the battle of Shahpur.
• Demonstrated exceptional military prowess and deep commitment to freedom.
• Despite limited resources, he posed a significant challenge to British authority.
• Arrested by the British, sentenced to life imprisonment, and sent to Kalapani.
• Later transferred to Rangoon, where he faced severe atrocities.
• Attained martyrdom on November 11, 1849, at the age of 24.
• Remains a symbol of courage and patriotism in India’s freedom struggle.

3.   Solan District Declares 48 Gram Panchayats TB-Free, Aiming for TB Eradication by 2024

News:
In a significant move toward tuberculosis (TB) eradication, Solan district has declared 48 gram panchayats TB-free. The announcement was made by Additional Deputy Commissioner Ajay Yadav during the TB Free Panchayat award ceremony, organized by the Health and Family Welfare Department. Yadav stressed the importance of making the TB eradication campaign a mass movement and encouraged panchayat leaders to spread awareness about the disease and its cure.

Highlights:

1. TB-Free Panchayats: A total of 48 gram panchayats have been declared TB-free in Solan, based on specific health criteria.
2. Government Support: Free TB treatment medicines and a monthly nutrition allowance of Rs 500 for six months are provided to TB patients.
3. Eradication Target: Himachal Pradesh aims to eradicate TB by 2024, a year ahead of India’s national goal of 2025.
4. Local Involvement: Panchayat leaders are urged to actively participate in the eradication campaign.

Areas Covered:

• Health Block Arki: 16 panchayats
• Health Block Nalagarh: 16 panchayats
• Health Block Sayri: 11 panchayats
• Health Block Chandi: 3 panchayats
• Health Block Dharampur: 2 panchayats

Panchayats such as Bhumati, Chaniyadhar Daseran, Dumahar, Jaghoon, Kyarar, Kotlu, and Maan were among those recognized for their efforts in the fight against TB. This initiative brings Solan closer to the state’s goal of eradicating TB by 2024.

4.   Dharamsala’s Chokkas Bhaardwaj Awarded ‘Kala Gaurav Award-2024’

About the News:

Chokkas Bhaardwaj, a renowned art director and production designer from Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Kala Gaurav Award-2024.’ This accolade was presented by the Marathi Chitrapat Association, Mumbai, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the Indian film and television industry.

Award Recipient:

Chokkas Bhaardwaj, who hails from Dharamsala, has been honored for his outstanding work in art direction and production design over the past 35 years.

Reason for the Award:

Bhaardwaj was awarded for his dedication and creativity in the world of cinema and TV, having managed challenging projects with limited budgets and resources. The award also acknowledges his efforts to promote and preserve tribal culture through short films, especially focusing on the Gaddi community of Himachal Pradesh.

Contribution to Cinema:

Chokkas Bhaardwaj began his career in Mumbai in 1989 and has worked on films like Kareeb and 1942: A Love Story as an assistant art director. He became an independent production designer with Hazaar Chaurasi ki Maa and worked on nearly 100 projects in Indian TV and films. He started with TV shows such as Amanat and has since moved on to producing TV shows and regional films. Despite his success, he remains concerned about the lack of recognition for creativity in his home state and continues to advocate for preserving the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.

5.   Himachal Pradesh to Introduce Horticulture as a Subject in Schools from 2025

News:
Himachal Pradesh will introduce horticulture as an optional subject in government senior secondary schools starting from the academic session 2025-26. The decision, led by Education Minister Rohit Thakur, aims to connect students with the state’s rich horticultural heritage and will be offered to classes 11 and 12, especially in districts where horticulture significantly contributes to the economy.

Aim & Objective of the Initiative:

The main goal is to inspire youth to take an interest in horticulture, a sector critical to the state’s economy, particularly in apple-growing regions like Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti. By including horticulture in the curriculum, the state hopes to reverse the trend of declining youth participation in family orchards and boost their engagement with horticulture as a viable profession.

Benefits of the Initiative:

• Encourages youth to take responsibility for family orchards, reducing reliance on migrant labor.
• Helps preserve Himachal Pradesh’s status as a leading horticulture state.
• Increases income opportunities and employment within the horticulture sector.
• Strengthens student connections to their roots while providing practical skills for future careers.
• Recruitment of specialized horticulture teachers ensures quality education in the subject.

News:
Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) marked 50 years of public service with several events, including the inauguration of a museum and the Wall of Honour at its main office in Shimla, as well as the illumination of bus stands and installation of posters on buses. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who holds the transport portfolio, inaugurated the museum. Despite providing a daily subsidy of Rs 50 lakh through concessional travel benefiting 27 categories of commuters, the HRTC earned an additional Rs 55 crore in revenue during the current financial year (April to September). The corporation operates across 3,700 routes, making it a vital lifeline for Himachal Pradesh.

HRTC’s Role:

• Vital Transportation System: Connects remote areas across Himachal Pradesh, where rail and air services are limited.
• Postal Services Support: Provides dedicated buses for mail delivery, especially from Nahan Depot, ensuring timely postal deliveries to regions like Sirmaur.
• Critical for Postal Network: Any disruption in HRTC’s postal bus services would impact the state’s entire postal system.
• Cashless Payment Pioneer: First in India to introduce cashless payments through UPI, debit/credit cards, and the Mobility Card for nationwide public transport.
• Lifeline for Remote Areas: Ensures public convenience and supports economic growth by maintaining essential services and transport links in the state.

6.   About the News:

The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is launching the ‘Nasha Mukt Himachal Abhiyan,’ a state-wide campaign to tackle the escalating problem of drug abuse. The campaign will be rolled out with a multi-dimensional strategy to curb drug use and its negative impacts on society.

Objective of the Abhiyan: The primary aim of the ‘Nasha Mukt Himachal Abhiyan’ is to combat drug abuse through:

1. Prevention: Raising awareness and curbing the demand for drugs.
2. Early Identification: Detecting drug users early to prevent addiction.
3. Rehabilitation: Assisting addicts in their recovery and reintegration into society.

Benefits of the Abhiyan:

• Health and Social Stability: By reducing drug dependency, the campaign seeks to improve public health and social stability.
• Increased Awareness: Government departments, local bodies, and NGOs will play key roles in educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse.
• Support for Addicts: The establishment of detoxification and counselling centres across the state will help addicts recover, offering necessary medical and psychological support.
• Focused Outreach: High-risk areas such as industrial zones, educational institutions, and municipal corporations will receive special attention.

How it Controls the Drug Menace:

• The government will work on strategies to control the supply and demand for drugs.
• Local Bodies like Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Yuvak Mandals, and Mahila Mandals will engage communities in awareness activities.
• The campaign will also include social media outreach to connect with younger audiences.
• Law enforcement will be strengthened with a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to handle drug trafficking and related illegal activities.
• Rehabilitation centres with 5-10 beds will be established in hospitals and community health centres to provide treatment and care for addicts.

7.   About the News:

On Thursday, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri announced that the Mata Shri Chintapurni Mahotsav will now have state-level status. This announcement was made during the first cultural evening of the Mahotsav, reflecting the state’s commitment to elevating the significance of this religious festival. The administration also emphasized financial prudence by ensuring that no funds from the temple treasury were used for organizing cultural events during the festival.

Benefits of State Festival Status:

• Cultural Promotion: With state-level status, the Mata Shri Chintapurni Mahotsav will gain more recognition, attracting tourists and devotees from across the country. This will boost local businesses and tourism in the region.
• Support for Local Artists: Deputy CM Agnihotri directed that 50% of the artist payments during the festival should be allocated to Himachali artists, ensuring local talent is promoted and supported.
• Increased Footfall: As a state-level festival, the Mahotsav is expected to attract larger crowds, which will positively impact the local economy through increased spending in hospitality, transport, and other services.

Renovation of the Temple: The Mata Shri Chintapurni Ji temple will undergo a significant renovation with an allocated budget of Rs 250 crore. The project will be completed in three phases:

1. Rs 70 crore in the first installment,
2. Rs 80 crore in the second, and
3. Rs 100 crore in the final phase.

This renovation will enhance the temple’s infrastructure, further solidifying its importance as a major religious and cultural landmark in Himachal Pradesh.

8.   News in One Line:

Dal Lake near Dharamshala has dried up again, sparking local outrage over ineffective restoration efforts and its cultural significance.

Highlights of the News:

• The drying of Dal Lake has raised environmental and cultural concerns among locals, especially after the relocation of 1,200 kg of fish due to oxygen depletion.
• The lake has gradually lost its storage capacity due to persistent silting and continuous seepage.
• Despite restoration attempts like the use of bentonite by the Jal Shakti Department, the problem persists.

Importance of Lakes: Lakes like Dal Lake are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, providing water sources, supporting biodiversity, and serving as cultural and religious landmarks. They also attract tourism, contributing to local economies.

Reason for Drying Up: The main causes include:

• Continuous seepage and inadequate sealing efforts.
• Silting from adjoining hills, reducing the lake’s depth from 10 feet to a fraction of its original size.
• Ineffective restoration efforts, with the lake’s water retention capacity diminishing after a 2011 Public Works Department (PWD) operation to increase its depth.

About Dal Lake: Located at 1,775 meters above sea level, Dal Lake is a natural water body nestled amidst lush deodar forests, 11 km from Dharamshala near the village of Tota Rani. Known for its scenic beauty, the lake is a tourist attraction and holds religious significance due to a 200-year-old Lord Shiva temple on its banks.