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

Uttarakhand Makes Garbage Bags in Vehicles Mandatory

The Uttarakhand Government has introduced a new rule requiring all vehicles entering the state to carry garbage bags or dustbins. This initiative aims to encourage responsible tourism and protect the beautiful environment of Uttarakhand.

Key Details

• Inspections: The transport department will check vehicles at entry points to ensure they have the necessary garbage disposal facilities.
• Trip Cards: Vehicles will receive trip cards only if they comply with the garbage disposal requirement.
• Documentation: Vehicle owners must show valid documents such as registration certificates, fitness certificates, insurance papers, and pollution certificates to get a trip card.
• Broader Strategy: This move is part of a larger effort to safeguard Uttarakhand’s natural beauty, especially along popular tourist routes.
• Cooperation: The transport department is seeking help from neighboring states to implement this rule effectively.
• Collective Responsibility: The regulation highlights the shared duty of both residents and tourists in keeping the state clean.

Survey of Flood-Affected Areas in Uttarakhand

• Background: In response to recent heavy rains and landslides, Uttarakhand Chief Minister has directed officials to identify vulnerable villages and relocate affected residents to safer areas.
• Impact of Cloudbursts: Cloudbursts in Pauri Garhwal and Tehri Garhwal districts have caused significant damage, leading to the need for immediate action in affected areas.
• Relief Measures: Efforts are underway to restore electricity and drinking water in disaster-hit regions. Financial assistance of Rs 57,500 has been provided to livestock owners for animal losses.

Understanding Cloudbursts

• Cloudbursts are intense rainfall events that occur over a small geographical area within a short period, often exceeding 100 mm/h.
• Mechanism: In the Indian Subcontinent, cloudbursts typically happen when monsoon clouds move northward from the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea, bringing heavy rainfall, sometimes up to 75 mm/h.
• Conditions for Occurrence: Cloudbursts occur under conditions of high relative humidity, maximum cloud cover, low temperatures, and slow winds, leading to rapid condensation of moisture in the atmosphere.
• Impact: As temperatures rise, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, which is eventually released as intense rainfall. This sudden downpour can result in flash floods in mountainous regions and urban flooding in cities.

Study on House Sparrows in the Indian Himalayas

A study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) highlights the close relationship between house sparrows and villagers in the high-altitude regions of the Indian Himalayas.

• Migration Patterns: The study observed that house sparrow populations in Uttarakhand migrate alongside local people, leaving summer villages when villagers move to their winter homes and returning when the villagers come back in summer.
• Adaptations to High Altitudes: House sparrows in Uttarakhand are found at altitudes as high as 3,500 meters. Those in high-altitude villages are larger in body size compared to sparrows at lower elevations, an adaptation to the cold climatic conditions.
• Conservation Awareness: To raise awareness about sparrow conservation, nest boxes have been distributed in various places, including Purola, Rudrapur, and Haridwar. The study is increasing awareness among local people about the importance of house sparrow conservation, with many actively monitoring nest boxes and contributing to data collection.
• House Sparrows Overview: Scientific Name: Passer domesticus Conservation Status: Least Concern on the IUCN Red List Habitat and Distribution: House sparrows are found worldwide, except in Antarctica, China, and Japan. They are native to Eurasia and North Africa and are commonly found near human habitations, making them one of the most prevalent bird species in urban areas.
• Decline in Population: Various factors have contributed to the decline in house sparrow populations, although specific causes are not detailed in the provided information.

Factors Contributing to Environmental Degradation

• Unfriendly Architecture: Many homes are built in ways that are not environmentally friendly, contributing to degradation.
• Chemical Fertilizers: The use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture is harmful to the environment.
• Noise Pollution: Increasing noise pollution is another factor damaging the environment.
• Vehicle Exhaust Fumes: Exhaust fumes from vehicles add to air pollution and environmental harm.

Road to China Border Damaged

The national highway connecting Joshimath to the border villages of Malari and Niti along the Indo-China frontier was severely damaged at Miram. This damage has halted vehicle movement entirely, affecting Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) convoys heading towards the border. Currently, over 100 roads, including several national highways, are blocked in the state due to ongoing heavy rainfall and frequent landslides, particularly in the hilly regions.

About the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

• Formation: The ITBP is a specialized mountain force in India, established on October 24, 1962, in the aftermath of the India-China war, initially for deployment along the India-China border.
• Legislative Change: Originally raised under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Act of 1949, the ITBP became an independent force through the ITBP Act passed by Parliament in 1992, with operational rules framed in 1994.
• Expanded Role: Over time, the ITBP's role has expanded to include various internal security duties, such as anti-Naxal operations. The force is renowned for its expertise in high-altitude rescue and mountaineering operations.

Central Assistance for Pilgrim Management

The Uttarakhand government is seeking assistance from the Centre through Niti Aayog to manage the increasing number of tourists. Spiritual tourism in Uttarakhand is facing challenges with the annual floating population rising eight-fold.

• The Uttarakhand government has requested the Centre to include compensation for damages caused by forest fires and high-voltage transmission line losses in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms in the Union Budget.
• Despite being one of the 147 districts in India most prone to landslides, Uttarakhand has not received any allocation for a green bonus or floating population.
• Districts such as Rudraprayag and Tehri had hoped for relief measures, including the establishment of glacier or landslide research centers, but these concerns were not addressed in the budget.

About the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)

• Constitution: The SDRF was constituted under Section 48 (1) (a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, based on the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission.
• Purpose: It serves as the primary fund for State governments to respond to notified disasters, covering immediate relief expenditures.
• Audit: The fund is audited annually by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

Doon Silk

Doon Silk is a brand under the Uttarakhand Cooperative Resham Federation (UCRF) dedicated to preserving Uttarakhand's ancient silk-weaving traditions.

• The brand focuses on producing items from natural fibers like silk, wool, cotton, bichhua (nettle), and hemp, chosen for their low environmental impact.
• Doon Silk showcases the skill and craftsmanship of local farmers, reelers, weavers, and dyers, with a commitment to quality and artistry.
• By emphasizing handloom production, Doon Silk not only sustains traditional methods but also provides sustainable employment to over 6,000 individuals in Uttarakhand.
• The brand's guarantee of 100% natural fibers reflects its commitment to purity and environmental responsibility.

About Uttarakhand Cooperative Resham Federation (UCRF)

• UCRF was established in 2002 in Dehradun to oversee post-cocoon activities in sericulture.
• With two decades of experience, UCRF has revitalized traditional silk weaving in Uttarakhand, focusing on wool and silk blended fabrics.
• The federation prioritizes handloom production using natural fibers to reduce environmental impact.

Agnipath Scheme

• Agniveer refers to a new military rank under the Agnipath Scheme, which recruits army personnel below officer ranks for a period of 4 years.
• After 4 years, up to 25% of these recruits can join the services on a permanent commission, subject to merit and organizational requirements.
• Currently, all sailors, airmen, and soldiers, except for the technical cadre of the medical branch, are recruited under this scheme.

Guru Purnima

• Guru Purnima is a Hindu festival that falls on a full-moon day in the month of Ashadh and is dedicated to Maharshi Veda Vyasa, who is believed to have edited the Vedas and created the Mahabharata, the 18 Puranas, and the Srimad Bhagavatam.
• For Buddhists, this day marks the first sermon of Lord Buddha, believed to have been delivered at Sarnath.
• The festival is also associated with the onset of monsoons.

Strict Regulations on the Use of Char Dham Names

The Uttarakhand Cabinet has recently decided to enforce strict regulations against organizations or trusts that use the names of Char Dham temples in the state. Officials believe that such usage creates confusion among the public and disrespects local traditions and religious sentiments.
The priest association of the Char Dham temples has also protested against the construction of a replica Kedarnath temple in Delhi.

Char Dham Overview

Yamunotri Dham

• Location: Uttarkashi district
• Deity: Goddess Yamuna, whose river is the second most sacred in India after the Ganga

Gangotri Dham

• Deity: Goddess Ganga, revered as the most sacred river in India

Kedarnath Dham

• Location: Rudraprayag district
• Deity: Lord Shiva, situated on the banks of the Mandakini River
• Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, representing Lord Shiva

Badrinath Dham

• Location: Chamoli district
• Deity: Lord Vishnu, worshipped in the Badrinarayan Temple
• Significance: A major pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites

Hydroelectric Project in Joshimath

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has given the green light for the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to resume construction at the Tapovan-Vishnugad hydroelectric project site. This decision comes after the state government had previously halted work due to land subsidence issues in Joshimath.

• Following the order to stop construction on January 5, 2023, the NDMA assembled a group of experts from various organizations, including the Central Building Research Institute and IIT-Roorkee, to assess the situation. 
• Their findings indicated that the primary cause of land subsidence was the disruption of natural water flow from Auli to Joshimath, exacerbated by unregulated construction in the area.

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)

• NTPC is a central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Power, established in 1975 to promote power development in India.
• It is India’s largest energy conglomerate, aiming to provide reliable and environmentally friendly power solutions. NTPC became a Maharatna company in May 2010, signifying its financial strength and operational efficiency.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

• NDMA is the apex statutory body for disaster management in India, constituted on September 27, 2006, by the Disaster Management Act of 2005.
• The Prime Minister chairs NDMA, which has nine members, including a Vice-Chairperson. While the primary responsibility for disaster management lies with the concerned State Government, the NDMA facilitates an enabling environment for disaster management at the national, state, and district levels.

Harela Festival 2024

Harela is a Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Uttarakhand and some regions of Himachal Pradesh, especially in the Kumaun region.

• According to the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, Harela falls on the first day of Shravan-Maas, marking the beginning of the monsoon season and the planting of new crops. This period is crucial for the state's agriculture as it signifies the "Harela," derived from the Kumaoni word "Hariyala," meaning "Day of Green."
• The festival is believed to have originated in the Kumaon region and is associated with the ceremonial celebration of the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is considered an auspicious time for farmers, as it signifies the start of the planting season in their fields.
• In Himachal Pradesh, the festival is known as Hariyali or Rihyali and is celebrated in regions such as Kangra, Shimla, Sirmour, and Dakhrain in the Jubbal and Kinnaur regions. People in these areas pray for a good harvest and prosperity during this time.
• Overall, Harela is a significant festival that marks the beginning of the monsoon season and the planting of new crops, and is celebrated with great fervor in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Encroachment on Glacier

Recently, Baba Yogi Chaitanya Akash, a self-proclaimed godman, built an unauthorized shrine at an altitude of 5,000 meters on Uttarakhand's Sunderdhunga glacier.

• This has sparked anger among local villagers who view it as encroachment, prompting a joint investigation by the revenue, forest, and police departments.
• The godman claimed that a divine power instructed him to construct the temple in this ecologically sensitive area, which features a sacred kund frequented by pilgrims and locals.
• The kund holds particular significance during the Nanda Raj Yatra, a well-known cultural and religious event in Uttarakhand that occurs every twelve years, with the last Yatra taking place in 2014.
• The unauthorized temple raises concerns about the effectiveness of local authorities and the Uttarakhand government's efforts to prevent encroachment in sensitive zones.

Sunderdhunga Glacier

• The Sunderdhunga Glacier is located in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district, on the right side of the Pindar Valley, roughly 24 kilometers beyond the village of Khati.
• It is considered a more challenging trek compared to the Pindari and Kafni Glaciers, making it a less frequented destination for trekkers.

Uttarakhand Tops in SDG Index 2023-24

• Uttarakhand has been ranked first in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index for 2023-24, as per the report released by NITI Aayog.
• The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand emphasized the state government's dedication to achieving a 'Developed Uttarakhand' by harmonizing ecological and economic interests.
• The SDG India Index, created by NITI Aayog, assesses India's progress towards the SDGs established by the United Nations.
• This Index promotes the integration of SDGs into state development plans and helps policymakers identify priority areas for sustainable development by 2030.
• India's overall SDG score improved to 71 in 2023-24, up from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018, with all states showing better scores.
• The progress is mainly due to focused government efforts in reducing poverty, fostering economic growth, and addressing climate change.
• Kerala and Uttarakhand were the top-performing states, each scoring 79 points.
• Bihar was the lowest performer with a score of 57, followed by Jharkhand with 62 points.
• Thirty-two states and Union Territories (UTs) are classified as front-runners, with ten new additions including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh.

NITI Aayog: Overview

• NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015, adopting a 'Bottom-Up' approach and promoting cooperative federalism.
• The Prime Minister chairs NITI Aayog, with Chief Ministers of states and Lt. Governors of Union Territories in the Governing Council, along with experts nominated by the Prime Minister.
• The Chief Executive Officer, appointed by the Prime Minister for a specific term, holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
• NITI Aayog's objectives include fostering cooperative federalism, planning at the village level, integrating national security into economic strategy, focusing on marginalized groups, and creating a support system for knowledge and innovation.

Uttarakhand's New Hydropower Initiatives

• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand has requested the Central government's approval for 21 new hydropower projects, totaling 2123 MW capacity.
• Currently, only 40% of Uttarakhand's hydroelectric potential is being utilized.
• Expert committees have suggested developing projects on the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers and their tributaries.

Alaknanda River: Key Facts

• The Alaknanda River is a primary headstream of the Ganga, originating from the confluence of the Satopanth and Bhagirath glaciers in Uttarakhand.
• It flows through the Chamoli, Tehri, and Pauri districts before meeting the Bhagirathi River at Devprayag, where it becomes the Ganga.
• Major tributaries include the Mandakini, Nandakini, and Pindar rivers.
• Important sites along the river include the Badrinath pilgrimage center and the Tapt Kund natural spring.

Bhagirathi River: Overview

• The Bhagirathi River, a significant Himalayan river in Uttarakhand, is one of the two headstreams of the Ganges.
• It originates at Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, at an elevation of 3892 meters and flows into the Bay of Bengal after forming a wide delta.
• The Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers converge at Devprayag, where they are collectively known as the Ganges.

Uttarakhand’s First Bird Gallery

The Uttarakhand Forest Department has recently inaugurated the state’s first bird gallery at the Nature Education Centre in Dehradun. This gallery features high-resolution images of various bird species found in Uttarakhand, showcasing the remarkable avian diversity of the state.

• The initiative aims to raise awareness and appreciation for the unique bird species in Uttarakhand, which is home to over 710 bird species, constituting more than 50% of India’s total bird species. 
• By educating visitors about these birds and their ecological roles, the gallery seeks to promote conservation efforts and enhance public understanding of avian species.

Repopulation Measures for Border Villages in Uttarakhand

The Rural Development and Migration Prevention Commission of Uttarakhand recently presented a report to the Chief Minister, highlighting the depopulation of 11 villages near the Indo-China border. This report follows a survey conducted in 2023 covering 137 border villages.

The villages with no remaining residents include:

• Pithoragarh District: Gumkana, Lum, Khimling, Sagri Dhakdhauna, Sumatu, and Poting.
• Chamoli District: Rewal Chak Kurkuti, Fagti, and Lamtol.
• Uttarkashi District: Nelang and Jadung.

The commission’s report includes several recommendations for the government to rejuvenate these border areas:

• Border Tourism: Relaxing accessibility norms to promote tourism in these regions.
• Enhanced Employment: Providing 200 days of employment under the MGNREGA program, an increase from the usual 100 days, in the border villages.
• Development Initiatives: Focusing on the development of areas near the 51 border villages identified as ‘Vibrant Villages’ by the Central Government.

Vibrant Villages Programme

• The Vibrant Villages Programme is a Central government scheme aimed at improving the quality of life in villages along the northern border of India. Announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, the program will cover border areas in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Ladakh.
• A total of 2,963 villages will be included in the program, with 663 villages targeted in the first phase. The district administration, in collaboration with Gram Panchayats, will create Vibrant Village Action Plans to guide the development efforts.
• It is important to note that the Vibrant Villages Programme will not overlap with the existing Border Area Development Programme, ensuring a focused and coordinated approach to border village development.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Scheme

• MGNREGA was launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural Development in India. It is one of the largest work guarantee programs in the world, providing a legal guarantee for at least 100 days of unskilled manual work per year to every rural household.
• The program aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by offering employment opportunities for adult members of rural households. Participants engage in various public works projects and receive the statutory minimum wage for their labor.

Muslim Board to Contest Supreme Court Decision

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has decided to challenge the Supreme Court's recent decision that allows divorced Muslim women to seek maintenance after the 'Iddat' period.

• The board also plans to contest the newly implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) law in Uttarakhand.
• These actions were determined during a working committee meeting where eight resolutions were passed, including one regarding the Supreme Court's judgment, which the board believes goes against Sharia law.

Supreme Court Ruling

• The Supreme Court ruled that Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) applies to all married women, including Muslims.
• This section allows a Magistrate to order a person with sufficient means to provide a monthly allowance for the maintenance of their wife, children, or parents who are unable to maintain themselves.

Iddat Period

• The Iddat period is a time of usually three months that a divorced Muslim woman must observe before she can remarry.
• During this period, she is entitled to a fair provision and maintenance from her former husband.

Challenge to Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

• The board argues that the UCC undermines the constitutional protection of diversity and religious freedoms.
• The legal committee is working on challenging the UCC law in Uttarakhand.

Impact of Climate Change in Uttarakhand

• Uttarakhand has been experiencing extreme weather conditions, including record-breaking temperatures and heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and landslides.
• Global warming has increased atmospheric moisture, resulting in intense rain events, which are expected to become more frequent.
• The rising temperatures are also exacerbating forest fire incidents in the region.
• Climate change is affecting weather patterns and climatic extremes in higher elevation areas, with recent studies highlighting Elevation-Dependent Warming (EDW).
• EDW impacts the Himalayan rivers and glaciers, which are crucial for the water supply and livelihood of the hilly region.

Flash Floods

• Flash floods are sudden increases in water levels, typically during or after a heavy rainfall.
• These events are localized, short in duration, and have a high peak, usually occurring within six hours of the rainfall.
• The situation worsens when drainage lines are blocked or natural water pathways are obstructed.

Earthquake Strikes Chamoli Region

A recent earthquake shook the Chamoli area of Uttarakhand, with its epicenter located near the town of Joshimath. According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 3.5 on the Richter scale. This seismic event occurred amid heavy rainfall and landslides in the region.

Joshimath: A Brief Overview

• Joshimath is a hilly town situated along the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-7) in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
• The town serves as a crucial tourist stop for visitors heading to Badrinath, Auli, the Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib, among other significant religious and tourist destinations in the state.
• Additionally, Joshimath holds strategic importance for the Indian armed forces and is home to one of the Army’s key cantonments.
• The town is located in a high-risk seismic area (Zone-V) and is traversed by fast-flowing streams originating from Vishnuprayag, where the Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers converge.

Landslide in Dharchula

Recently, a severe landslide has completely blocked the road to Dharchula in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

• Due to heavy rain, six highways and 96 roads are closed in Uttarakhand. Landslides have obstructed 47 rural roads.
• Heavy rainfall triggers landslides and accidents, posing a significant challenge for Uttarakhand every monsoon season. In 2023, nearly 100 people lost their lives, and many went missing from June to September due to similar incidents.
• Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami has called for a safety audit of all transformers during the monsoon and emphasized the need for rapid development of industrial institutions in the state to enhance power generation.

Understanding Landslides

• A landslide refers to the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. It is a type of mass wasting, which involves the downward movement of soil and rock under the influence of gravity. 
• The term landslide encompasses various modes of slope movement, including falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows.

Causes of Landslides

• Landslides occur when the forces acting downward, primarily due to gravity, exceed the strength of the earth materials constituting the slope.
• Geology : This refers to the characteristics of the material. Weak or fractured earth or rock, or variations in strength and stiffness among different layers, can contribute to landslides.
• Morphology : This pertains to the structure of the land. For instance, slopes that have lost vegetation due to fire or drought are more susceptible to landslides. Vegetation plays a crucial role in holding soil in place; without the root systems of trees, bushes, and other plants, the land is more prone to sliding.
• Human Activity : Activities such as agriculture and construction can increase the risk of landslides by destabilizing slopes.

Landslide-Prone Areas

• The entire Himalayan region
• Hills and mountains in the sub-Himalayan regions of North-east India
• Western Ghats
• The Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu
• Konkan areas

Uttarakhand’s Old Lipulekh Pass

The old Lipulekh Pass, situated at a height of 18,300 feet in the Vyas Valley of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, will be open to the public starting September 15, 2024. This pass offers devotees a unique opportunity to view the sacred Kailash Peak in Tibet from Indian territory.

• The Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh pass was halted in 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the route remains closed by Chinese authorities. This revered trek takes pilgrims to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, both located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
• Pilgrims will be able to drive from Dharchula to Lipulekh, and then walk approximately 800 meters to reach the viewpoint for Kailash peak. Additionally, they will also be able to see Om Parvat from Indian territory.

Kailash Mansarovar

• The highest peak of the Kailash range, standing at 6,675 meters, is located in the Chinese-occupied region of Tibet.
• The pilgrimage to Kailash and the sacred Lake Mansarovar, situated 30 km south of the peak, is exclusively managed by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN).
• KMVN operates in collaboration with the Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of China.

Avalanche Strikes Gandhi Sarovar

A significant avalanche recently struck Gandhi Sarovar, situated four kilometers above Kedarnath Dham, near the Chorabari glacier. Fortunately, there were no casualties or damage reported.

Key Details

• The avalanche occurred in the upper region of Gandhi Sarovar, within the Chorabari glacier, beneath the snow-covered Meru-Sumeru mountain range at the head of Kedarnath valley.
• In 2022, the area experienced three avalanches during September and October.
• Five avalanche incidents were recorded in the Chorabari glacier in May and June 2023.
• Following these events, scientists from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing and the Wadia Institute conducted terrestrial and aerial surveys of the region.
• The scientists described these occurrences as “normal” for the Himalayan region but stressed the need for enhanced security measures in the Kedarnath Dham area.

Chorabari Glacier

• Also known as Chorabari Bamak Glacier, it is located in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.
• The Mandakini River originates from the Chorabari Glacier.

Avalanche

• An avalanche is a rapid and sudden flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain slope.
• Various factors such as heavy snowfall, sudden temperature changes, or human activities can trigger avalanches.
• Regions prone to avalanches often have specialized teams monitoring and managing avalanche risks using methods like explosives, snow barriers, and other safety measures.

Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG)

• The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology is an autonomous research institution under the Department of Science & Technology.
• It was established in June 1968 as a small unit in the Botany Department of Delhi University and later shifted to Dehra Dun in April 1976.

Plan for Improving Facilities at Badrinath Temple

Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has announced a Rs 424 crore master plan to upgrade facilities at the Badrinath temple, a key site in the Char Dham pilgrimage.

• The Badrinath temple, located in the town of Badrinath along the banks of the Alaknanda River in Chamoli district, is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to the worship of Vishnu, known as Badrinath.
• This initiative aims to address the environmental challenges posed by the temple's location in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region while improving amenities for the numerous pilgrims who visit from across the country.
• During a recent meeting, Chief Minister Dhami also urged the Union Minister to expedite the expansion of Pantnagar Airport in Udham Singh Nagar district and to fast-track the upgrade of Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun to international status.