The Devastation of Jammu and Kashmir Floods in 2014

Even with the most advanced technology serving us, natural disasters still leave us feeling totally helpless. They come and shake up our lives, leaving devastation and casualties in its wake. One such calamity was faced by what we call ‘Paradise on Earth,’ the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In September 2014, the beautiful valley faced the worst flooding in almost 60 years. Incessant rains during the first week of the month resulted in massive floods. In many parts of the state, the water level was about 12 feet deep and submerged entire villages. In Srinagar, homes as high as two storeys were submerged in water.

According to data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, nearly 12,565 structures were destroyed, 2,600 villages were washed away, and approximately 770 people lost their lives due to nature's onslaught. While some people had life insurance of India, others left behind families in complete financial crisis. Damaged homes that needed immediate repairs, huge medical bills and the loss of belongings left people distraught. No one thinks of life insurance plans at such times, but these can help rebuild the lives of your loved ones. No wonder they are considered as guardian angels.

Since mother nature does not recognize political boundaries, the violent outburst stretched beyond India, causing devastation in several parts of Pakistan such as Lahore, Rawalpindi and Sailkot.

PM Modi's Intervention

As soon as the heart-wrenching news reached the PMO, Mr. Narendra Modi instantly left for Jammu and Kashmir to take stock of the entire situation by conducting an aerial view of the flood affected areas. After attending a high-level meeting with the then Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah, PM Modi announced a compensation of Rs.1000 crores for the state. While this is indeed a huge amount of aid, the magnitude of the destruction was such that people were still running helter-skelter trying to device a way to rebuild their homes, and their lives.

Rescue Operations

A total of 83 aircrafts and helicopters, 350 boats, 10 battalions of the Border Security Force (BSF) and 330 columns of the Indian Army were deployed to rescue the civilians trapped in the floods. There were three aircrafts that carried a total of nearly 50 tonnes of essential supplies including food, medicine, drinking water and clothes for the people left with practically no resources. According to Lt. General Subrata Saha of the Indian Army, over 200,000 people were rescued from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. He further added that the rescue operations would not have been successful without the assistance and determination of the local youth.

Sometimes it’s difficult to predict a natural calamity and contain the damage through timely action. 

Some strategies are being devised to protect cities from floods, including the construction of flood channels, conducting dredging at regular intervals, monitoring land use and land cover, among others.

Proper disaster management needs to be implemented. As responsible citizens, we could assist in the implementation of such techniques. Besides this, opting for life insurance plans in India is very important to safeguard the financial future of loved ones.

3 Things You Should Know About Whiskey

In the first six months of 2016, the export of Scotch whiskey in India rose by 3.1%, reflecting the booming demand for the product in the Indian market. Going by the numbers, the demand in India grew by 41% by volume and 28% by value, bringing the total sales at 533 million bottles.

For years, it has been a symbol of class, especially for men. Honestly, who doesn't love to keep a bottle of Jack Daniels or well-aged Glenlivet in their cabinet before inviting their friends for a dinner! Having said that, it clearly isn't every man's drink and there are certain things about whiskey that you probably don't know.

There are Different Kind of Whiskies

This fine beverage is distinguished based on its nationality.

• American whiskey is usually sweeter and is distilled in America before being aged in barrels for at least 2 years. Bourbon is distilled from 51% corn; rye is distilled from 51% rye and Tennessee whiskey is distilled in the state of the same name and is filtered through charcoal.

• Scotch whiskey is whiskey is distilled in Scotland and has a smoky and earthy flavour to it. It is aged for at least three years. 

• Irish whiskey is distilled in Ireland and is a light-bodied beverage.

All of Them contain Different Alcohol Levels

All the bottles come with different alcohol levels, which are either measured in percentage or proof. The amount is usually measured on the bottle itself.

You Should Buy Life Insurance Online Before Getting a Bottle Home

Whiskey kills. In fact, any alcohol does. There is a reason why there is a high demand for banning of alcohol in India. According to the Spend analysis for 2013 by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 15 people die everyday due to the effects of alcohol, which comes down to one life every 96 minutes.

These are concerning numbers as the per capita consumption of alcohol in the country grew by 38 percent from 1.6 litres in 2003-05 to 2.2 litres in 2010-12, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

More than 11 percent of the Indians fall in the category of binge drinkers and contribute to domestic violence as well. This was the reason why 52 percent people in Tamil Nadu and 47 percent people in Bihar supported the government's decision to impose a ban on liquor stores.

Even after this, if class matters to you more than your health, buy life insurance online so that at least your family's financial future remains safe.