22 April 2025 Current Affairs

  Flash Floods and Landslides in Ramban, J&K  

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed severe weather over the weekend, leading to devastating flash floods and landslides, especially in Ramban district. Several lives were lost, infrastructure was damaged, and rescue operations were launched across affected regions. The situation has prompted both state and central authorities to act swiftly.

Key Highlights

1. Casualties and Losses:

• Five people feared dead due to weather-related incidents.
• Two deaths from lightning in Jamedi village, Reasi.
• Three people, including two children, died in a house collapse in Bagna, Ramban.
• Around 40 cattle perished in lightning strikes.

2. Infrastructure Damage:

• Srinagar-Jammu National Highway blocked at five locations due to landslides.
• Scores of vehicles were damaged or buried under debris.
• Houses and shops suffered structural damage.

3. Rescue Operations:

• Over 100 people rescued in Ramban by local authorities.
• Quick response credited to local administration's timely action.

4. Government Response:

• J&K CM Omar Abdullah expressed grief and assured rescue and relief efforts.
• Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised district administration; offered financial aid.
• Citizens advised to follow travel advisories and avoid risky zones.

5. Weather Forecast:

• IMD warned of further thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds till April 22.
• Citizens advised to avoid water bodies and higher altitudes.
• Farmers told to take precautions to protect crops and livestock.

6. Preventive Measures:

• All schools, colleges, and technical institutions in Ramban district closed on April 21.

Background: Floods in India

1. Nature and Frequency:

• Floods are one of the most common and destructive natural disasters in India.
• Major causes include intense rainfall, poor drainage, cloudbursts, glacial lake outbursts, and dam breaches.
• States like Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Jammu & Kashmir are frequently affected.

2. Recent Examples:

• Assam and Bihar face recurring monsoon floods.
• Kedarnath floods (2013) and Kerala floods (2018) were major calamities.
• J&K also witnessed deadly floods in 2014.

3. Impact:

• Loss of life and property.
• Damage to crops, homes, roads, and communication networks.
• Displacement of communities and spread of water-borne diseases.

Disaster Management Act, 2005

1. Objective:

• To provide an institutional framework for disaster risk reduction and effective disaster response.

2. Key Provisions:

• NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) headed by the Prime Minister.
• SDMAs (State Disaster Management Authorities) led by respective Chief Ministers.
• Lays down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.
• Emphasizes community-based disaster preparedness, capacity building, and timely response.

3. Powers under the Act:

• Declaration of disaster-affected areas.
• Regulation of movement, closure of institutions, and emergency procurement.
• Coordination between central and state authorities during calamities.

Here is a systematic brief of the article on safety concerns regarding Vande Bharat Express operations at 160 kmph, along with relevant background on the Vande Bharat project and train safety measures in India.

  Vande Bharat Express: Safety Concerns  

Indian Railways has been directed to strengthen safety infrastructure for semi-high-speed operations, especially focusing on trespassing and cattle run-overs, which pose serious threats to Vande Bharat trains operating at higher speeds.

Key Highlights

1. Safety Recommendations:

• Sturdy fencing to prevent human and cattle trespassing.
• Elimination of level crossings on 160 kmph routes, except in rare cases with adequate safety measures.
• Joint inspections by RPF and other departments to check and prevent intrusions.
• Sensitisation of locals living near railway tracks on the dangers of crossing.

2. Cattle Hit Risk:

• The leading coach of Vande Bharat is lighter than a traditional locomotive, increasing vulnerability to cattle hits.
• Multiple instances of cow hits have damaged the nose of the train.
• Although the nose cone is designed to crumple and absorb impact, repeated incidents raise safety concerns.

3. Infrastructure Changes Needed:

(a) Reduce permanent speed restrictions caused by sharp curves by:

• Easing curves
• Extending transition lengths
• Redesigning yard layouts
• Loco Pilots are under stress due to frequent speed changes caused by these restrictions.

(b) Production and Expansion:

Vande Bharat trains are manufactured at:

• Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai
• Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala
• Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli

As of December 26, 2024:

• 136 Vande Bharat services are operational.
• 62 services were introduced in 2024 alone.
• New sleeper class versions for long-distance travel are being developed.

Expert Comments:

• Shubhranshu (Former Principal CME, ICF) reassures that trainsets like Vande Bharat are globally designed with no front locomotive.
• The cattle guard and distributed propulsion ensure standard safety, even if leading coaches are lighter.

Background: Vande Bharat Express

1. Launched:

• First rake in February 2019, flagged off by PM Modi.

2. Design Name:

• Originally called Train 18.

3. Key Features:

• Semi-high-speed (max 160 kmph)
• Modern passenger amenities
• Manufactured under the ‘Make in India’ initiative

4. Objective:

• Boost domestic manufacturing, enhance rail travel comfort and speed.

  Project Cheetah: New Translocations Planned  

India will receive eight cheetahs from Botswana in two phases by May 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the cheetah population under Project Cheetah. The initiative is being monitored by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with state governments and international partners.

Key Highlights

1. Upcoming Translocation:

• Eight cheetahs will be brought from Botswana in two phases.
• Four are expected by May 2025, and four more thereafter.
• Discussions are also ongoing with Kenya to bring more cheetahs.

2. Current Status in India:

26 cheetahs are currently in Kuno National Park (KNP):

• 16 in open forests, 10 in enclosures.
• Includes 14 India-born cubs from cheetahs like Jwala, Asha, Gamini, and Veera.

3. Expansion to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary:

• Cheetahs will also be relocated to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
• An inter-state agreement is in place between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for joint conservation efforts.

4. Monitoring and Training:

• All cheetahs are monitored 24/7 using satellite collars.
• Special training is being provided to "cheetah mitras" in Kuno and Gandhi Sagar to build local conservation capacity.

5. Project Milestones and Funding:

• Over ₹112 crore spent on the project; 67% used in MP for rehabilitation.
• India first received 8 cheetahs from Namibia in Sept 2022, followed by 12 from South Africa in Feb 2023.
• MP government has petitioned the Supreme Court for permission to start a cheetah safari in Kuno.

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