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

Workers Protest Against Anti-Encroachment Campaigns

A significant public rally was held at Gandhi Park to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Tilari agitation. This event saw the participation of daily wage earners and members of various social organizations who were voicing their opposition to the anti-encroachment measures being implemented by local civic authorities.

Key Details

National Green Tribunal's Involvement

• The ongoing anti-encroachment drives are in response to the directives issued by the National Green Tribunal.
• These directives mandate the removal of illegal structures located on the flood plains of the Rispana river.

Dispute Over Proof of Residence

• There has been a disagreement between the municipal commissioner and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) regarding the acceptance of proof of residence documents.
• While the municipal commissioner stated that any valid ID could be used as proof, the MDDA rejected certain documents.
• Protesters have raised concerns about the insufficient time provided to contest these rejections, which puts their families at risk of eviction.

Historical Context: The Tilari Agitation

• The Tilari agitation, which occurred on May 30, 1930, was a significant protest against the forestry policies imposed by the Tehri Garhwal state.
• These policies were similar to those enforced by the British in other parts of Uttarakhand.
• During the absence of the Maharaja of Tehri, who was in Europe, his Prime Minister, Chakradhar Juyal, responded to the Tilari protest with extreme violence.
• The repression of the protest drew parallels to the infamous Jallianwala Bagh incident, where troops opened fire on unarmed protesters.
• Many individuals, including children, were killed during the crackdown, and others drowned in the Yamuna River while trying to escape.

Astro Tourist in Uttarakhand

Recently, the government of Uttarakhand organized a three-day event called ‘Nakshatra Sabha’ to promote astro tourism in the region. This initiative aims to make Uttarakhand a top destination for people who love observing celestial phenomena and want unique experiences under the night sky. 

• The event took place at George Everest Peak in Mussoorie, famous for its stunning views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks and the Doon Valley.
• During the event, participants enjoyed stargazing using specialized instruments, listened to expert talks, took part in an astrophotography competition, and engaged in special solar observations.
• Apart from astro tourism, Uttarakhand is also focusing on green tourism, adventure tourism, and wellness tourism as part of its initiative to promote multidimensional tourism in the state.
• This innovative approach aims to attract tourists interested in various aspects of tourism, making Uttarakhand a diverse and appealing destination.

Muradi Demands Village Status Back

Muradi, a village that was merged into Naugaon Nagar Panchayat in 2018 along with Mungra, Naugaon, and Dhari Gram Panchayats, is seeking to regain its village status. Since the merger, residents of Muradi have reported experiencing more losses than gains. Agriculture, which is the primary income source for the village, has been negatively impacted because the Nagar Panchayat lacks necessary farming facilities.

• The irrigation canals, known locally as kools, which were previously maintained by the former Gram Panchayat, are now neglected. This neglect has led to increased intrusions by wild animals such as monkeys, pigs, and stray cattle, posing a threat to crops. 
• Additionally, a major canal that was damaged during highway expansion has remained unrepaired for five years, and smaller canals are also suffering from damage, further impacting irrigation.
• Local youth attempted to raise Rs 35,000 for temporary canal repairs, but these efforts proved ineffective without government support. The transition from Gram Panchayat to Nagar Panchayat has also resulted in the loss of benefits for residents. They now face higher house taxes, water, and electricity tariffs without any improvements in services. 
• A major concern for the residents of Muradi is the increased migration. Historically, the community has been non-migratory, but residents fear that urban incorporation will disrupt this tradition.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)

About MGNREGS:

• Launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural Development, MGNREGS is one of the largest work guarantee programs in the world.
• It provides a legal guarantee for 100 days of employment in a financial year to adult members of any rural household willing to do unskilled manual work at the statutory minimum wage.

Implementation Agency:

• The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) monitors the implementation of MGNREGS in association with state governments.

Objective:

• The act aims to improve the purchasing power of rural people by providing semi or unskilled work to those living below the poverty line in rural India.

Relief to Uttarakhand from Wildfires

Forest Fires

Recently, rainfall has brought relief to areas like Pauri and Nainital in Uttarakhand, which have been continuously affected by forest fires.

• Although current temperatures are lower by two to three degrees, residents are still advised to clear dried shrubs around their homes to prevent the spread of fires.
• This season's unusually high temperatures have contributed to the rapid spread of forest fires.
• Over the past six months, Uttarakhand has experienced more than 1,100 fire incidents, resulting in the destruction of over 1,500 hectares of forest land.

Government Initiatives on Forest Fire

• National Action Plan for Forest Fires (NAPFF): Launched in 2018, NAPFF aims to reduce forest fires by informing, enabling, and empowering communities living near forests. It encourages these communities to collaborate with state forest departments.
• Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM): This is the only government-sponsored program dedicated to assisting states in managing and preventing forest fires.

3rd Indian Analytical Congress (IAC) in Dehradun

The 3rd Indian Analytical Congress (IAC) was recently inaugurated at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. This event is a three-day international conference and exhibition, IAC-2024, jointly organized by CSIR-IIP and the Indian Society of Analytical Scientists (ISAS-Delhi Chapter).

• The theme for this year's conference is "Role of Science and Technology in Green Transitions." The event aims to provide a platform for industries, academia, scientists, and technologists in the field of Analytical Sciences to showcase existing and emerging solutions.
• The conference will feature five technical sessions, including invited talks from esteemed speakers, presentations by researchers, and special and plenary sessions.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

• About: CSIR is India's largest research and development (R&D) organization, with a presence across the country. It comprises 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centers, 3 Innovation Complexes, and 5 units. CSIR is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and operates as an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Research Areas: CSIR covers a wide range of fields, including radio and space physics, oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering, and information technology.
• Technological Interventions: CSIR provides significant technological support in areas such as the environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, and agriculture.
• Established: September 1942
• Headquarters: New Delhi

World Environment Day

World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5th each year to promote awareness and protection of the environment.

Rajaji Raghati Biosphere

• Recently, two environmentalists, Jai Dhar Gupta and Vijay Dhasmana, initiated India’s first private biosphere called the Rajaji Raghati Biosphere (RRB) in Uttarakhand.
• Purpose: The RRB aims to combat deforestation by identifying and reviving rare and endangered native tree species while protecting the area from poachers and mining activities.
• Area: The biosphere covers 35 acres of previously barren and degraded land.
• Future Plans: The duo is also planning to establish a second biosphere in the buffer zone of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve near Pune, Maharashtra, above the Koyna River.

World Environment Day (WED)

• History: WED was established in 1972 during the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm.
• Celebration: WED is celebrated annually with a specific theme and slogan addressing major environmental issues.
• WED 2024: The theme for 2024 focuses on Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
• Previous WED: In 2018, India hosted the 45th WED celebration with the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.

UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030)

• Launch: The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration was launched during the WED celebration in 2021.
• Goal: The initiative aims to revive billions of hectares of ecosystems, including forests, farmlands, mountains, and seas.

United Nations Assembly

• Stockholm Conference: The first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972.
• Establishment of WED: World Environment Day was established on the first day of the Stockholm Conference to raise awareness about environmental issues.

WED Themes:

• WED themes and slogans focus on major environmental issues relevant at the time of celebration.
• For example, the theme for WED 2024 is Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.

Previous WED Celebrations:

• India hosted the 45th WED celebration in 2018 under the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.

UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration:

• The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, launched during the WED celebration in 2021, aims to revive billions of hectares of ecosystems.

Sahastra Tal Trek

Nine trekkers from Karnataka tragically lost their lives near Sahastra Tal in Uttarakhand due to adverse weather conditions.

• The group, consisting of 22 members, got lost while returning from Sahastra Tal.

Sahastra Tal Trek Details:

• Location: Sahastra Tal is situated at an altitude of 15,000 feet in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand.
• Surrounding Valleys: The trek is bordered by the Bhagirathi Valley to the west and the Bhilangana Valley to the east.
• Kush Kalyan Plateau: North of the lake lies the Kush Kalyan Plateau, dotted with small lakes.
• Local Ritual: Locals believe it is auspicious to carry their god around the lake, a ritual performed annually.

Dehradun Litchis

The severe heatwave in Uttarakhand, with temperatures soaring above 42 °C, has adversely affected the litchi crop, leading to issues like drying and cracking.

• The escalating number of heatwaves has disrupted the growth and maturation of litchis significantly.
• Litchi trees absorb water from the soil, which is crucial for the development of seeds and the fleshy part of the fruit known as the aril.
• The tubercell, which is the outer part of the fruit, has been damaged by the heat, causing its red skin to crack. This has resulted in a decrease in cell elasticity, negatively impacting the fruit’s juiciness, size, and overall quality.

Geographical Indication (GI)

• Ramnagar litchi, which has received GI certification, is in high demand in neighboring states such as Chandigarh, Delhi, and Haryana.

Harvesting Caution

• Pomologists warn against early harvesting of litchis to avoid producing tart and undersized fruits.
• Bihar litchis enter the market before those from Uttarakhand, so timing is crucial.

Recommended Practices

• To improve the flexibility of young litchi fruits still on the trees, it is advisable to water them in the morning and evening.
• Additionally, using boron and gibberellic acid can enhance their development.
• Litchi ( Litchi chinensis Sonn) is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. The tree is native to the southern provinces of China, such as Guangdong and Fujian. Presently, litchi is cultivated in several Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as in South Africa and Australia. The fruit is known for its sweet and juicy pulp, which is covered with a thin, leathery skin.
• In India, litchi is primarily grown in the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh. The fruit is usually harvested from mid-May to June, and it has a short shelf life of around 2-3 days. Litchi is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and polyphenols, which offer various health benefits.

Climatic and Soil Requirements for Litchi Cultivation

• Climatic Conditions: Litchi thrives in sub-tropical climates with moist conditions. It is sensitive to extreme temperatures, as it cannot tolerate summer temperatures above 40.5°C or freezing temperatures in winter.
• Soil Type: The ideal soil for litchi cultivation is deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter. The tree grows best at low elevations, up to an altitude of around 800 meters.
• Rainfall: Litchi requires adequate rainfall, but prolonged rain during the flowering period can disrupt pollination and negatively impact the crop.

Bharat Gaurav Express

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, has initiated online ticket reservations for the Bharat Gaurav Express train. This train journey starts from Tamil Nadu and takes passengers to six spiritual destinations in Uttarakhand.

List of Six Spiritual Destinations

• Rishikesh: Known as the "Yoga Capital of the World," Rishikesh is situated in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. It is a pilgrimage town located on the right bank of the Ganges River. The town has a rich history of ancient sages and saints meditating there in search of higher knowledge. Rishikesh is also famous for its yoga and wellness centers.
• Rudraprayag: Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayag, where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers converge. It is named after Rudra, an aspect of Lord Shiva. According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared here as 'Rudra' to bless Narad Muni. The town holds religious significance and is a popular stop for pilgrims.
• Guptkashi: Located in the Rudraprayag district, Guptkashi is known for its ancient Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is similar to the one in Varanasi and attracts many devotees. Guptkashi serves as a base for pilgrims heading to Kedarnath and other nearby destinations.
• Kedarnath: Kedarnath Dham is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on the bank of the Mandakini River in the Rudraprayag district. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, which are sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at a high altitude and is accessible by a trek or helicopter.
• Joshimath: Joshimath is a hilly town located on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-7) in Chamoli district. It serves as an overnight stop for tourists and pilgrims visiting Badrinath, Auli, and other important religious and tourist locations in Uttarakhand. Joshimath is also a starting point for treks to various Himalayan peaks.
• Badrinath: Badrinath Dham, located in Chamoli district, is home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is situated along the banks of the Alaknanda River and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Badrinath is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Journey Details

• Duration: The journey lasts for 13 days, allowing ample time for exploration and spiritual activities at each destination.
• Helicopter Transfer: A helicopter transfer is included in the itinerary, taking passengers from Guptkashi to Kedarnath. This service is especially beneficial for those who may find the trek challenging, as Kedarnath is located at a high altitude and is accessible by a steep trek or helicopter.
• The Bharat Gaurav Express offers a unique opportunity for travelers to explore these sacred sites, experience the natural beauty of Uttarakhand, and engage in spiritual practices.

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB)

The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) is a government body responsible for promoting and developing tourism in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Established in 1976 and headquartered in Dehradun, the board works to enhance tourism infrastructure, attract investments, and market Uttarakhand as a desirable tourist destination.
Recently, the UTDB has partnered with Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), a company known for its AI capabilities and media services, to promote tourism in the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat regions. This initiative, called "Home of the Himalayas," aims to refresh Uttarakhand's tourism brand identity and create high-quality content to showcase the state's diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and unique tourism experiences.

Adi Kailash and Om Parvat

• Adi Kailash: Also known as Shiva Kailash, Chota Kailash, or Jonglingkong Peak, Adi Kailash is a mountain located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, part of the Himalayan mountain range. This peak holds significant religious importance for devotees of Lord Shiva and is known for its stunning natural beauty.
• Om Parvat: Om Parvat is another revered peak located near Adi Kailash. It is part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage that includes visiting Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Om Parvat, like Adi Kailash, is considered sacred by devotees of Lord Shiva.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India.

• It was established in 1988 to protect and conserve the diverse biodiversity of the area.
• The sanctuary is characterized by its varying topography and altitude, which contribute to a rich variety of plant life. The dominant vegetation includes dense forests of oak and pine trees.
• Binsar is home to a wide range of wildlife, including more than 200 species of birds. Notable bird species found here include the Eurasian jay, koklass pheasant, monal pheasant, and Himalayan woodpecker.

Increase in Forest Fires in Uttarakhand

• There has been a significant increase in forest fire incidents in Uttarakhand, with 1,213 cases reported from November 1, 2023, to June 14, 2024. This is a sharp rise compared to 663 incidents during the same period in 2023.
• Forest fires have damaged a total of 1,653 hectares of forest land this year. The damage is distributed across different regions, with 687 hectares in Garhwal, 833 hectares in Kumaon, and 132 hectares in wildlife administrative regions.
• The recent forest fire in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary resulted in the tragic death of four Uttarakhand forest department staff members, with four others injured while battling the blaze.

Renaming of Joshimath and Kosiyakutoli

The Centre has approved the Uttarakhand government’s proposal to rename the tehsil in Chamoli district from Joshimath to Jyotirmath and the Kosiyakutoli tehsil in Nainital district to Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham tehsil.

• This renaming aims to enhance the religious and cultural significance of these areas, which are already popular destinations for religious tourism.
• Jyotirmath, also known as Jyotir Peeth, is one of the four cardinal mathas established by the 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya to promote the Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
• The renaming reflects a demand from some residents to honor the town’s historical and religious importance, as Jyotirmath was the hill town’s ancient name before it became known as Joshimath.
• The change for Kosiyakutoli to Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham aligns the identity of the tehsil with Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Dham Ashram, a major site attracting devotees from around the world.

The word “kutoli” comes from the local language and means a village or settlement. In the Kumaoni language, it is common to name a place after a significant geographical feature, like a river. These names often reflect the meaning related to the landscape, local history, or cultural aspects of the area.

Action Plan to Make Champawat Model District

Recently, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the action plan and ongoing efforts to transform Champawat district into an ideal model at the Secretariat. Champawat district is being considered as a model for making Uttarakhand an ideal state.

Action Plan for Champawat District

• Champawat district has a variety of geographical conditions, including plains, Terai, Bhabhar, and mountainous areas.
• The Chief Minister urged officials to quickly implement the action plan for Adarsh Janpad Champawat, highlighting the need to advance both development and heritage.
• Officials were instructed to coordinate development work with ecological and environmental concerns, integrating the preservation of natural heritage into development efforts.
• Champawat district offers many opportunities for religious, spiritual, and adventure tourism.
• There is a need to create three to four-day travel circuits to cater to the needs of devotees and tourists visiting the district.
• The Purnagiri temple attracts a large number of devotees, so it is essential to make necessary arrangements for their convenience.
• An action plan is being developed to promote agriculture, horticulture, healthcare, education, milk, and related products in Champawat district, with a vision to make it an ideal state by 2030.
• Efforts are underway to ensure that every eligible person in Champawat district benefits from public welfare schemes of the Central and State Government.
• Special attention is being given to exploring possibilities in solar energy and addressing the increasing migration from rural to urban areas through improved town planning.

Purnagiri Temple

• Location: Near the Sharda River, Tanakpur, Champawat district, Uttarakhand.
• Altitude: Approximately 3000 meters above sea level on Annapurna Chhoti.
• Significance: The temple is a revered Shaktipeeth and one of the 108 Siddhapeeths. It is believed to be the site where the navel of Sati Mata fell.
• Miracles: The temple is known for its miraculous occurrences and is a popular pilgrimage site.

Crowd Eye Device for Managing Pilgrim Footfall

• Developed by: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee.
• Purpose: To manage the increasing footfall of pilgrims at the Char Dham shrines by sending alerts before the crowd density increases.
• Experimental Installation: Preparations are underway to install the first Crowd Eye device in Yamunotri Dham for real-time monitoring of crowd levels.
• Funding and Production: A funding request has been submitted to the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) for the installation of the device, with an estimated production cost of 60 to 70 thousand rupees.
• Future Updates: Plans to differentiate between male and female crowd data in future updates of the technology.
• Traffic Congestion Surveys: Surveys are being conducted at Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Pantdweep parking areas in Haridwar to address traffic congestion during the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage season.

Overview of Char Dham Yatra:

• Yamunotri Dham: Located in Uttarkashi district, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the second-most sacred river in India.
• Gangotri Dham: Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers.
• Kedarnath Dham: Located in Rudraprayag district, dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the bank of the Mandakini River.

Badrinath Dham

• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India.
• Location: Chamoli district.
• Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites.

Mines Surveillance System

Recently, the Uttarakhand government approved a Rs 93-crore proposal for the installation of the Mining Digital Transformation and Surveillance System (MDTSS) across the state to curb illegal mining.
The systems will be installed at 40 check gates across Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar.

• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) radars
• Light Emitting Diodes (LED) floodlights
• Bullet cameras
• A Mining State Control Centre (MSCC) will be set up in Dehradun, along with mini command centres at district headquarters in Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar.
• Illegal mining refers to the extraction of minerals, ores, or other valuable resources from land or water bodies without the necessary permits, licenses, or regulatory approvals from government authorities. It can also involve the violation of environmental, labor, and safety standards.

Issues:

• Environmental Degradation: Illegal mining can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, resulting in the destruction of habitats for wildlife, which can have serious ecological consequences.
• Hazards: Illegal mining often involves the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which can pose serious health risks to miners and nearby communities.
• Loss of Revenue: Illegal mining can lead to a loss of revenue for governments as miners may not pay appropriate taxes and royalties, impacting economies where natural resources are a major source of revenue.
• Human Rights Violations: Illegal mining can result in human rights violations, including forced labor, child labor, and exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) radars

• RFID is a type of passive wireless technology that allows for tracking or matching of an item or individual.
• The system has two basic parts: Tags and Readers.
• The reader gives off radio waves and gets signals back from the RFID tag, while the tag uses radio waves to communicate its identity and other information.
• A tag can be read from up to several feet away and does not need to be within the direct line-of-sight of the reader to be tracked.
• The technology has been approved since before the 1970s but has become much more prevalent in recent years due to its usages in things like global supply chain management and pet microchipping.
• The unique train approved by the Central government, called Kedar Badri Kartik (Murugan) Koil Yathirai, will commence its inaugural journey with 165 travelers from Madurai in Tamil Nadu to Rishikesh.   
• All 165 passengers boarding the train have been given special tour packages for 12 days and nights.   

   Kartik Swami Temple   

• The tour package includes complete lodging and boarding facilities for the tourists.   
• The Uttarakhand Tourism aims at attracting more pilgrims from the south, especially Chennai, to associate them with Kartik Swami Temple, a newly developed important tourist destination in Rudraprayag district.   
• According to the belief lord Kartikeya, son of Shiva, came here with his parents and handed out his bones to the father and flesh to the mother. 
• It’s said these bones are present in the temple. In north India, this is the lone temple of lord Kartikeya, known as the in South India.  

Uttarakhand High Court Issues Contempt Notice for Non-Compliance with Pay Scale Orders

The Uttarakhand High Court has taken a strong stance by issuing a contempt notice to the Director of School Education. This action comes in response to the failure to implement the court's previous orders regarding pay scales for lecturers and assistant teachers with a decade of service.

• Previously, the High Court had mandated that these educators should receive additional increments along with selection and promotion pay scales. However, the government is still in the process of deliberating on this matter and has not reached a conclusive decision.
• Lecturers appointed in 2011 have argued that they are entitled to an extra increment and selection pay scale, as per the Uttarakhand Government Servant Pay Rules, 2016, after completing ten years of service. While the government did grant the selection pay scale after ten years, the additional increment has not been provided as anticipated.

Understanding Contempt of Court

• Contempt of court is a legal mechanism aimed at protecting judicial institutions from unwarranted criticism and attacks, as well as punishing those who undermine its authority.
• Statutory Basis: Contempt of court is grounded in Article 19 (2) of the Constitution of India, which restricts freedom of speech and expression.
• Article 129 of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court the power to punish contempt of itself, while Article 215 confers a similar power on High Courts.
• The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 provides statutory backing to this concept.

Types of Contempt of Court:

• Civil Contempt: This involves willful disobedience to any court judgment, decree, direction, order, or undertaking given to a court.
• Criminal Contempt: This includes actions that scandalize or lower the authority of a court, interfere with judicial proceedings, or obstruct the administration of justice in any manner.

Contempt of Court Act, 1971

• The Contempt of Court Act, enacted in 1971, addresses actions that show disrespect or defy the authority of the court. It includes both civil and criminal contempt.
• Punishment: Offenders can face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of Rs 2,000, or both.
• Amendment in 2006: The amendment introduced "truth and good faith" as a valid defense in contempt cases.
• Conditions for Punishment: The court can impose penalties only if the act significantly disrupts or threatens the proper administration of justice.

Recent Amendments in Uttarakhand Tourism Policy

The Uttarakhand cabinet has recently approved amendments to the state’s 2018 tourism policy, focusing on the period of State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) compensation for various industries.

• A, B, and B+ Category Industries: These industries will receive 100% SGST compensation for the first five years. Following this period, the compensation will be adjusted to 90%, 75%, and 75% respectively for the next five years.
• Large, Mega, and Ultra-Mega Projects: SGST compensation for these projects will be set at 30% and 50% respectively for a duration of 10 years.
• 2018 Tourism Policy: The original policy aimed to create a single-window clearance system to facilitate investors in the tourism sector, although it did not specify the SGST compensation periods.

Other Decisions by the State Cabinet:

• Extension of Service Period for Specialist Doctors: The service period for specialist doctors will be extended until they reach the age of 65 years.
• Introduction of Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority Bill, 2024: A bill will be introduced in the state Assembly to oversee the development, operation, and maintenance of the urban transport system.
• Amendment of Cooperative Committee Rules: The rules will be amended to reserve 33% of posts in management committees for women.
• Relocation of Families Around Mahasu Devta Temple: Families living in the vicinity of Mahasu Devta temple will be relocated.

Mahasu Devta Temple

• Location: The temple is situated on the Tyuni-Mori road at Hanol, in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand.
• Historical Significance: Built in the 9th century, the Mahasu Devta temple is dedicated to the deity Mahasu Devta.
• Architectural Style: The temple is constructed in the Kath-Kuni or Koti-Banal style of architecture, which is characteristic of the region.
• Archaeological Recognition: The temple is included in the list of ancient temples in the Dehradun circle, Uttarakhand, by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Suspension of Yatras for Monsoon Season

• The Adi Kailash and Om Parvat yatras in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district are set to be temporarily suspended from June 25, 2024, due to the monsoon season. 
• The suspension is a precautionary measure to prevent disruptions to pilgrimages to these high-altitude sites. Bookings for the yatras are expected to resume in September 2024.

Overview of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat

• Adi Kailash : Also known as Shiva Kailash, Chota Kailash, or Baba Kailash, Adi Kailash is a revered mountain located in the Himalayan range in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. It holds spiritual significance and is part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which includes a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.
• Om Parvat : Om Parvat is another sacred mountain in the region, known for its unique natural features and spiritual importance. Both Adi Kailash and Om Parvat are situated along the Indo-China border in Pithoragarh district, making them significant not only for their religious value but also for their geographical location.

Khalanga Reserve Forest and the Sal Tree

Recent Developments in Khalanga Reserve Forest

• Local residents of Dehradun have come together to protect 2,000 Sal trees in the Khalanga Reserve Forest.
• Due to public protests against tree felling, the state government has decided to relocate the planned drinking water plant from the forest.
• Environmental activists expressed their discontent over the marking of these trees for the Song Dam drinking water project, prompting local residents to join the protests.
• A social media campaign was initiated to raise awareness, and some groups tied Raksha-Sutras (protection threads) to the trees as a symbolic gesture of protection.

  Details of the Song Dam Project  

• The Song Dam drinking water project in Dehradun is estimated to cost Rs. 524 crores, with a total projected cost of Rs. 3000 crores.
• The project involves the construction of a reservoir near the Song Dam and a 150 MLD (Megaliters Per Day) water treatment plant on 4.2 hectares of land.
• The aim is to supply drinking water to 60 wards of Dehradun, starting from Kanar village.

  Sal Tree (Shorea robusta)  

• The Sal tree, known scientifically as Shorea robusta, is a member of the Dipterocarpaceae family.
• This tree species is native to regions in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tibet, and across the Himalayan region.
• Growth Characteristics: The Sal tree can reach heights of up to 40 metres with a trunk diameter of 2 metres. Its leaves typically measure between 10–25 cm in length and 5–15 cm in width.
• In terms of its foliage, the Sal tree exhibits different patterns based on its habitat:
• In wetter regions, it is evergreen, meaning it retains its leaves year-round.
• In drier areas, it is dry-season deciduous, shedding most of its leaves from February to April and regrowing them in April and May.
• Regional Names: In northern India, including states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand, the Sal tree is commonly known as sakhua. It is also the state tree of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
• Cultural Significance: The Sal tree holds sacred status in Hindu tradition and is associated with Lord Vishnu. According to Jain beliefs, Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, attained enlightenment under a Sal tree. In some cultures in Bengal, the Sal tree is revered as Sarna Burhi, a goddess linked to these trees.
• Historical and Religious Accounts: Buddhist tradition narrates that Queen Māyā of Sakya gave birth to Gautama Buddha while holding onto the branch of a Sal tree or an Ashoka tree in a garden in Lumbini, Nepal. It is also said that the Buddha passed away between two Sal trees.
• In February 2021, certain floods were suspected to have been triggered by GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods).