CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh recently launched water sports activities at Gobind Sagar Lake, marking a significant step in promoting tourism and adventure sports in the region.
• About Gobind Sagar Lake:
  • Gobind Sagar Lake is an artificial reservoir situated in the Una and Bilaspur districts of Himachal Pradesh. It is named after Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, in his honour. The lake is fed by the waters of the Bhakra Dam, which spans the Sutlej River.
  • The Bhakra Dam, one of the tallest gravity dams in the world, stands at an impressive height of 225.5 meters above its lowest foundations. Gobind Sagar itself stretches over 90 kilometers in length and covers an area of approximately 170 square kilometers. With a maximum depth of 163.07 meters and an average depth of 55 meters, it ranks among the deepest man-made lakes globally.
  • The lake is set against the backdrop of lush green hills and the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, making it a picturesque and serene destination. It is the third-largest reservoir in India by water storage capacity.
  • Gobind Sagar plays a crucial role in irrigation, supplying water to the agricultural fields in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, greatly benefiting the farming community in these regions.
• Flora and Fauna:
  • Gobind Sagar Lake was declared a "waterfowl refuge" in 1962 and continues to be an important habitat for a wide variety of birds and animals. Species such as the Panther, Wolf, Chausingha, Sambar, Hyena, Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, and Wild Boar thrive in the area. The lake is also home to around fifty species and sub-species of fish, including the Mahasheer (Tor putitora), Gid (Labeo dero), Singhara (Mystus seenghala), and Mirror Carp.
  • This rich biodiversity, combined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, makes Gobind Sagar Lake a unique and cherished ecological and recreational resource.

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• A recent report by the Central Water Commission (CWC) indicates that glacial lakes and other water bodies across the Himalayan region have experienced a 10.81% increase in their surface area between 2011 and 2024, a change attributed to the impacts of climate change. This expansion signals an increased risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which could pose significant hazards to communities downstream.
• About the Central Water Commission (CWC):
  • The Central Water Commission (CWC) is a leading technical organization in India, specializing in water resources management. It functions as an attached office under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
• Key Functions: The CWC is responsible for initiating, coordinating, and promoting schemes related to the control, conservation, and utilization of water resources across India. These efforts are aimed at supporting critical areas such as flood control, irrigation, navigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower development. The Commission works closely with state governments to implement and oversee these schemes.
• In addition, the CWC is involved in investigating, constructing, and executing various water resource projects as necessary, ensuring sustainable management of India’s water systems.
• Organizational Structure: The CWC is led by a Chairman, who holds the status of Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India. The Commission is structured into three main wings, each headed by a full-time member with the status of Ex-Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India:
  • Designs and Research (D&R) Wing
  • River Management (RM) Wing
  • Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing
  • Each wing oversees specific tasks related to their areas of responsibility, ensuring effective management of the nation’s water resources.
• The National Water Academy, located in Pune, is another vital part of the CWC's operations. It is tasked with providing training to central and state government engineers, helping to build expertise in water resource management across the country. The academy operates directly under the guidance of the Chairman of the CWC.
• Through its various roles and functions, the CWC plays a crucial part in ensuring the sustainable and efficient use of water resources in India.

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• Three children from the Yanadi tribe, who had gone missing from their homes in Kalekhanpeta, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, have been successfully traced recently.
• About the Yanadi Tribe:
  • The Yanadi tribe is one of the major scheduled tribes in Andhra Pradesh and is recognized as one of the most vulnerable tribal communities in India. They face extreme poverty and social exclusion, with many living in marginalized conditions.
  • A large population of the Yanadi people resides in the plains of Nellore, located in the eastern coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. As per the 2001 Census, their population in the state stands at approximately 462,167.
  • The Yanadis primarily speak Telugu, their mother tongue, and have a long history of engagement with various traditional occupations such as hunting, gathering, and agriculture. Their deep knowledge of the land, its resources, and the surrounding environment plays a crucial role in their survival.
  • The Yanadis are also known for their rich traditional knowledge of health practices, including remedies for common ailments and more specialized treatments, such as cures for snakebites. They make extensive use of medicinal plants to treat a variety of health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, respiratory conditions, skin diseases, and reproductive health matters.
  • The tribe has numerous religious beliefs tied to the forest and its flora, with many of their festivals centered around nature and the seasons. One of the cultural highlights of the Yanadi community is the Dhimsa Dance, a vibrant and energetic dance performed during festivals and other significant occasions, symbolizing joy and community unity.
  • The Yanadi people, despite facing numerous challenges, continue to preserve their traditions, cultural practices, and knowledge, which play a vital role in their community life.