UKPSC Monthly Current Affairs: August 2024 | Monthly Current Affairs UKPSC - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

Disappearance of Snow on Om Parvat

• Om Parvat, located in Uttarakhand's Vyas Valley at an altitude of about 14,000 feet, is famous for its peak that naturally forms a pattern resembling the Hindu symbol “Om.” This unique feature has made it a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims.
• For the first time in recorded history, snow has disappeared from Om Parvat, raising significant concerns among environmentalists.

Reasons for Snow Disappearance

• Experts believe the disappearance of snow is mainly due to insufficient rainfall and irregular snowfall in the upper Himalayan region over the past five years.
• The decline in precipitation has directly impacted the snow cover on Om Parvat. Additionally, factors like increased vehicular pollution and the effects of global warming have worsened the situation.

Impact on Tourism and Environment

• The loss of snow on Om Parvat could have serious implications for the tourism industry in the region.
• This event is a clear sign of the broader effects of climate change, as the Himalayan region is particularly vulnerable to changes in temperature and precipitation.

Climate Change Indicators

• The disappearance of snow is indicative of glacier melt and reduced snowfall due to rising global temperatures.
• This not only affects the region's natural beauty but also its water resources.

Mitigation Efforts

• To address the impact of climate change in the region, it is crucial to implement measures such as reducing vehicular emissions, managing forest fires, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
• Evaluating the carrying capacity of ecologically sensitive areas and enforcing strict regulations on vehicular activity can help preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of the Himalayas.

Supplementary Budget Presented in Uttarakhand Assembly

Recently, the Uttarakhand government introduced a supplementary budget of Rs 5,013 crore in the state assembly.

Uttarakhand Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2024

• The bill aims to update the state’s prison laws following the repeal of several older acts by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. 
• It focuses on the management and rehabilitation of prisoners.

Amendment to the Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950

• The proposed amendments aim to address issues arising from the expansion of municipal areas and related land disputes.

Key Provisions in the Supplementary Budget

• Centrally Funded Schemes: Rs 1,532 crore
• Externally Aided Schemes: Rs 273 crore
• Major Construction Works: Rs 749 crore
• Tehri Lake Development: Rs 50 crore
• Gau Sadan Construction: Rs 32 crore
• Nursing Colleges: Rs 25 crore
• Degree College Construction: Rs 14 crore

Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950

• The Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act was one of the first important legislation in India that abolished the zamindari system.
• The main aim of this reform was to eliminate intermediaries like Zamindars, Jagirdars, and Inamdars who were exploiting tenant farmers.
• The reform also focused on strengthening landholders by transferring land ownership directly to cultivators, ensuring they had a stake in the land they worked on.

Capacity Building Program at NCGG Mussoorie

National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)

• The NCGG, established in 2014, is responsible for training civil servants from India and other countries in good governance practices. 
• Over the years, the center has successfully trained officers from various countries, including Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, South Africa, Indonesia, Madagascar, Fiji, Mozambique, and Cambodia.

Recent Capacity Building Program for Sri Lankan Civil Servants

• The NCGG in Mussoorie recently commenced the 5th Capacity Building Program for mid-career civil servants from Sri Lanka.
• The two-week program, running from 19th August 2024 to 30th August 2024, aims to provide participants with a broader understanding of cultural nuances and shared governance practices.
• The program covers various topics such as the Changing Paradigm of Governance, Right to Service: Land Records Management under the Digital India initiative, Approach to Achieving SDGs by 2030, and other good governance models.

Agitators Quota in Government Jobs

Recently, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister met with statehood agitators and their dependents, expressing gratitude for the passage of a bill that provides 10% reservation in government jobs for these individuals. The Chief Minister emphasized the government's recognition of the struggles and sacrifices made by the agitators, prioritizing their welfare.

• In addition to increasing the pension for statehood agitators, the government has decided to extend pension benefits to their dependents after the agitators' death.
• The Uttarakhand movement was a significant campaign that led to the creation of Uttarakhand as a separate state, carved out from the larger state of Uttar Pradesh.
• The initial demand for making Uttarakhand a separate state was put forth during a special session of the Indian National Congress in 1938. Over the years, this demand gained momentum, and by 1994, it transformed into a widespread mass movement, ultimately resulting in the formation of India’s 27th state on November 9, 2000.

Uttarakhand Lifts Restrictions on Char Dham Tourists

The Uttarakhand government has decided to lift restrictions on the number of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham, despite recent landslides blocking the route. The Char Dham Yatra, which takes place annually from May to September, will now have no limit on the number of pilgrims. 

• However, the state government has set a daily limit of 12,000 pilgrims for the dhams, while a Supreme Court-appointed committee in 2018 recommended a limit of 5,000 pilgrims per day for Kedarnath.
• At a recent investor summit in 2023, the Uttarakhand government highlighted that the tourism sector contributes 15% to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The government also outlined plans to attract investments totaling Rs 20,000 crore and initiate 200 projects through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by 2030.

Char Dham Yatra

Yamunotri Dham:

• Location: Uttarkashi district.
• Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna, the second-most sacred river in India after the Ganga.

Gangotri Dham:

• Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga, considered the most sacred river in India.

Kedarnath Dham:

• Location: Rudraprayag district.
• Dedicated to: Lord Shiva, situated on the bank of the Mandakini River.
• Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are divine representations of Lord Shiva in India.

Badrinath Dham:

• Location: Chamoli district.
• Home to: Badrinarayan Temple.
• Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu, one of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites.

Gross Environment Product Index in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has made history by becoming the first state in India to introduce a Gross Environment Product Index. This initiative aims to assess the state of the environment and the impact of human activities on natural resources. 

• The index was developed by the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation and is based on four key pillars: air, soil, water, and forest (or tree) health.
• The formula for calculating the Gross Environment Product (GEP) index is as follows: GEP index = Air-GEP index + Water-GEP index + Soil-GEP index + Forest-GEP index.

Significance of the GEP Index:

• The GEP index is crucial for understanding the impact of human activities on the ecosystem and natural resources.
• It provides a comprehensive and integrated method for evaluating a state’s ecological progress, reflecting various aspects of environmental health resulting from human actions.

Recommendations

• Activities should be prohibited, regulated, and promoted based on their environmental impact.
• Regulated activities should only be allowed within the limits of carrying capacity.

About the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation

• This non-governmental organization, established in 1979, focuses on the ecological and economic development of Himalayan communities.
• Its goals include building and empowering community organizations for socio-economic independence and promoting resource-based development.

Uttarakhand CM Launches Rs. 30 Cr Schemes

Uttarakhand Chief Minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated 26 projects worth more than Rs 30 crore ahead of .

Key Points

• Focus on Women’s Empowerment: The schemes are part of the government’s efforts to empower women, especially in areas such as economic upliftment and safety.
• Infrastructure and Welfare Projects: The launched projects include a mix of infrastructure development and welfare programs aimed at improving the state’s overall development.
• Flood Protection Measures: As part of the schemes, CM announced efforts to protect areas affected by flooding, focusing on disaster preparedness and recovery.
• Recognizing Local Women: The Chief Minister also honored the women doing better work in the district and appreciated the handmade rakhis and other manufactured products made from Pirul, Aipan, Yarn and other local products by the women of the self-help group of the district.
• New Names for Public Infrastructure: The announcement includes the naming of the under-construction stadium in Champawat after the late Kailash Gahtori.
• Additionally, the Kharkodi road of Gram Panchayat Dudhauli will be named in honor of martyred commando Naveen Singh Bisht of the Indian Army.

Stray Dogs Vaccination Drive Near Corbett Tiger Reserve

• Vaccination Initiative: Stray dogs in villages within a 2-kilometer radius of the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand will be vaccinated against the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) to prevent the disease from spreading to tigers and elephants in the reserve.
• Canine Distemper Virus: CDV is a highly contagious and serious illness that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs and wild carnivores.
• Purpose of Vaccination: The vaccination drive aims to protect the health of wildlife in the reserve as part of a pilot project funded by the central government.
• National Mission for Himalayan Studies: This initiative by the Government of India focuses on improving the health of the country’s wildlife, including the prevention of diseases like CDV.
• Joint Effort: The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) and the Veterinary Department of the Uttarakhand government will work together to examine and vaccinate stray dogs in the region.
• Impact on Wildlife: CDV poses a significant threat to dogs and wild carnivores such as wolves, foxes, and big cats like tigers and lions. The virus’s impact on wildlife in India is not well studied, making this vaccination drive crucial.
• Transmission Risk: The risk of transmission is high as scavengers like dogs can infect carcasses with CDV, which can then be transmitted to larger predators like lions and tigers.
• Lions vs. Tigers: CDV is more dangerous for lions because they live in larger groups and are more susceptible to the virus, while tigers are more isolated and territorial.

World Elephant Day Celebrated in Uttarakhand

• Awareness Campaign: Recently, an awareness campaign was conducted in Uttarakhand to celebrate World Elephant Day.
• Project Tiger: The campaign was part of Project Tiger, which was launched in 1973 in Corbett National Park, the first national park in India and a part of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• History of Corbett National Park: The national park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and was later renamed after Jim Corbett, who played a key role in its establishment.
• Reserve Area: The core area of the reserve forms Corbett National Park, while the buffer zone includes reserve forests and Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Geography: The entire area of the reserve is mountainous, located in the Shivalik and Outer Himalaya geological provinces. Major rivers flowing through the reserve include Ramganga, Sonanadi, Mandal, Palain, and Kosi.
• Tiger Population: Spanning over 500 square kilometers, Corbett Tiger Reserve is home to 230 tigers, boasting the highest tiger density in the world at 14 tigers per hundred square kilometers.
• Flora: Corbett is known for its dense moist deciduous forests, home to 600 species of plants, including trees, shrubs, ferns, grass, climbers, herbs, and bamboo. Sal, Khair, and Sissoo are the most common trees found in the reserve.
• Fauna: In addition to tigers, Corbett is home to leopards and other mammals such as jungle cats, barking deer, spotted deer, sambar deer, and sloth bears.
• Other Protected Areas in Uttarakhand: Nanda Devi National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, Rajaji National Park, Gangotri National Park, and Govind National Park.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elephant Corridors in India

• India is home to approximately 60% of the world's Asian elephant population, with an estimated 27,312 individuals according to the 2017 census. There are also 138 identified elephant corridors in the country.
• Elephants have the longest gestation period of any land animal, lasting about 22 months.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified Asian elephants, including those in India, as Endangered due to threats such as habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching.

Women Swept Away in Uttarakhand Rivers

Recently, three women were swept away by strong currents in the Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers in Uttarakhand. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has launched a search operation in the area.

Bhagirathi River :

• The Bhagirathi River is a turbulent Himalayan river in Uttarakhand and one of the two headstreams of the Ganges.
• It rises at the foot of the Gangotri Glacier, specifically at Gaumukh, at an elevation of 3,892 meters.
• The river flows into the Bay of Bengal after fanning out into the 350 km wide Ganga delta.
• The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers join at Devprayag in Garhwal and are thereafter known as the Ganges.

Land Subsidence in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is currently experiencing the impact of continuous rainfall since the onset of the monsoon, leading to extensive damage to roads and residential buildings. The persistent weather challenges have resulted in multiple landslides, particularly on the Kund-Ukhimath-Chopta-Gopeshwar highway.

Mandakini River:

• The iron bridge over the Mandakini River in Kund, which connects the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund National Highway to Kedarghati and Kedarnath, is under threat due to strong river currents.
• The National Highway Construction Division inspected the bridge site and imposed a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles on the bridge.
• The Uttarakhand government has issued a high alert in the affected areas, with emergency services on standby to respond to any further emergencies. Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution as the situation is being closely monitored.

Honorarium for Adopting Destitute Bovine Animals in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand government is planning to offer a fixed honorarium to residents who adopt destitute bovine animals. 

• The proposed amount is Rs 80 per animal, which may increase to Rs 100 in special cases where the animal is extremely sick and requires extra care.
• According to the Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board (UAWB) , there are currently 60 registered bovine shelters in the state, housing a total of 14,000 bovines. 
• A bovine animal refers to a domesticated, cloven-hoofed ruminant of the genus Bos, such as a goat, cow, buffalo, bison, deer, or sheep.

Rajya Shakti Tilu Rauteli Award

Recently, the Uttarakhand government honored 13 exceptional women in Dehradun for their remarkable achievements in various fields.

Awardees:

• Preeti Goswami, a para-swimmer and athlete from Almora. Neha Devali, a taekwondo player from Bageshwar. 
• Sangeeta Rana, a powerlifter from Haridwar. Mandeep Kaur, a para-badminton player from Udham Singh Nagar.

Other Honorees:

• Madhuri Barthwal, recognized for her contributions to folk singing. Soniya Arya, from Champawat, for promoting Hindi literature. Vinita Devi, from Rudraprayag, for her bravery in saving her mother-in-law from a wild animal attack. 
• Narmada Rawat, from Chamoli, for advancing handicrafts and handloom. Sudha Pal, from Nainital, for her contributions to science.

Award Details:

• The Rajya Shakti Tilu Rauteli Award is presented annually by the Government of Uttarakhand in honor of Veerbala Tilu Rauteli, to women who have made significant contributions in various fields.
• The award includes a cash prize of 31 thousand rupees and a citation.
• The Tilu Rauteli Award has been recognizing women and adolescent girls for their outstanding work in women empowerment since 2006, on the birth anniversary of Uttarakhand’s heroine Tilu Rauteli.

NGT to Uttarakhand: Disclose Carrying Capacity Responsibility

National Green Tribunal has directed Uttarakhand’s environment department to disclose responsibility in case of an accident due to unregulated number of pilgrims.

Char Dham

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed Uttarakhand's environment department to clarify who would be held responsible in the event of an accident, as there is currently no carrying capacity limiting the number of pilgrims in the state.
• The NGT pointed out that there is no fixed carrying capacity, even on a temporary basis, for pilgrims on the tracks leading to Shri Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
• The state government's counsel stated that it would take one year to determine the carrying capacity for these four pilgrimage sites.
• The NGT expressed concern that an unregulated number of pilgrims could lead to a disaster and emphasized the need for someone to take responsibility for this situation.

Climate Change Impact in Uttarakhand

Experts believe that the recent heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand was not a isolated incident but rather indicative of the region's vulnerability to climate change. This event underscores the state's insufficient preparedness for such extreme weather conditions. The districts of Rudraprayag, Dehradun, Pauri, and Tehri Garhwal experienced significant damage to life and property due to the intense rainfall.

Cloudburst Definition and Observations

• According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a "cloudburst" is characterized by more than 100 mm of rainfall within one hour. 
• In the recent events, while Kedarnath did not experience a cloudburst, areas like Nainital and Dehradun recorded over 50 mm of rainfall in one hour, and Sonprayag received more than 30 mm in an hour.

Impact of Rainfall in High Mountain Areas

• The delicate geomorphological conditions of high mountain regions mean that even relatively small amounts of rainfall can cause severe damage. Landslides in these areas are influenced by factors such as steep slopes, landform characteristics, and soil composition, leading to significant destruction.
• The geologically young Himalayan range is not equipped to handle heavy rainfall, and climate change is exacerbating the intensity of both heat and precipitation in these mountains.

Understanding Landslides

• A landslide refers to the downward movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth along a slope.
• This phenomenon is a type of mass wasting, which involves the gravitational movement of soil and rock materials downward.
• The term "landslide" encompasses various modes of slope movement, including:
  • Falls: Sudden drop of material from a slope.
  • Topples: Forward rotation and fall of a mass.
  • Slides: Downward movement along a defined surface.
  • Spreads: Lateral movement of material.
  • Flows: Fluid-like movement of material down a slope.

Implementation of UCC in Uttarakhand

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand recently announced the state's plan to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before the state's Foundation Day on 9th November 2024.

UCC Bill Details

• The UCC Bill was introduced in the Uttarakhand legislative assembly on 6th February 2024.
• It was passed during a special session of the assembly on 7th February 2024.

Purpose of UCC

• The UCC aims to establish uniform rules for personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights for all citizens, regardless of their religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Key Provisions of UCC

• The proposed law consists of 392 sections divided into four parts and seven chapters.
• It provides equal rights to women in areas such as marriage, divorce, alimony, and inheritance of property.
• It also bans polygamy, sets the marriageable age for men at 21 years and for women at 18 years, and makes marriage registration mandatory.

Exemption for Scheduled Tribes

• The UCC will not apply to the Scheduled Tribe population in Uttarakhand, which constitutes 2.89% of the state's population.

Uniform Civil Code

• Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to treat all sections of society equally, regardless of their religion, in matters such as maintenance, inheritance, marriage, adoption, divorce, and property succession. It is based on the idea that religion should not dictate personal law in a civilized society.
• UCC refers to a common set of laws governing civil rights of every citizen.
• Article 44 of Directive Principles sets duty of state for implementing UCC.

Timeline of UCC in India

• 1954: President Dr. Abdul Kalam supported UCC.
• 1956: Passage of Special Marriage Act allowing civil marriage above religious personal law.
• 1986: Rajiv Gandhi government’s law in Shah Bano case widening civil rights.
• 2003: Supreme Court asserted the need for UCC.
• 2016: Law Commission started dialogue for UCC.

Rare Orchid Species in Uttarakhand

Recently, two research associates from the Uttarakhand forest department discovered a rare orchid species, Calanthe davidii, in Gini Band, Munsyari tehsil, Pithoragarh district.

• India is home to 244 orchid species, with Uttarakhand hosting 120 of them, including some exceptionally rare varieties.
• Calanthe davidii is a terrestrial orchid that grows in clusters, reaching heights of 40 to 90 centimeters.
• This species was first identified in the Western Himalayas, including areas like Mussoorie and Mayabasti in Uttarakhand, Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• In Uttarakhand, it was initially found in Mussoorie in 1898 and later in Champawat in 2002.
• Calanthe davidii is threatened by seasonal goat herding activities.
• In response to this threat, the Uttarakhand forest research wing has begun efforts to cultivate this orchid species in a nursery located in Chamoli district as part of conservation efforts.

Red Alert for Uttarakhand

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for certain areas in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand due to an increased risk of extremely heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Heavy rainfall raises concerns for waterlogging, flooding, and disruptions to daily life and transportation. Authorities are urging residents in these areas to stay informed with the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health and property as the monsoon intensifies.

Colour-Coded Weather Warning

• The IMD issues colour-coded weather warnings to alert people ahead of severe or hazardous weather that could cause damage, disruption, or danger to life.
• Warnings are updated daily and are universal in nature, also being issued during floods based on water levels rising above land or in rivers due to heavy rainfall.

The four colour codes used by the IMD are:

• Green (All is well): No advisory is issued.
• Yellow (Be Aware): Indicates severely bad weather spanning several days, suggesting potential disruption to daily activities.
• Orange/Amber (Be prepared): Warns of extremely bad weather with potential disruption to commute, road and rail closures, and power supply interruptions.
• Red (Take Action): Indicates certain disruption to travel and power, with significant risk to life.

Kedarnath Cloudburst

Recently, a cloudburst in Kedarnath caused significant damage, leading to a sharp rise in the water level of the Mandakini River in Sonprayag.

• Emergency services have been put on high alert as authorities are concerned that between 150 to 200 pilgrims may be stranded in Kedarnath. The cloudburst triggered a landslide along the Kedarnath walking path, damaging about 30 meters of the route, leading to its temporary closure for safety reasons.
• Heavy rainfall in Haridwar has also caused widespread flooding, affecting areas such as Bhupatwala, Haridwar, Naya Haridwar, Kankhal, and Jwalapur. In response, the Regional Meteorological Center has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall across seven districts in Uttarakhand.

The Mandakini River

• The Mandakini River is a tributary of the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand.
• The river runs for approximately 81 kilometers between the Rudraprayag and Sonprayag areas and emerges from the Chorabari Glacier.
• The Mandakini merges with the river Songanga at Sonprayag and flows past the Madhyamaheshwar temple at Ukhimath.
• At the end of its course, it drains into the Alaknanda, which flows into the Ganges River.