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

Road Connectivity to Dumak Village

Background: Dumak village, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, has been waiting for a road connection for 17 years. This road is crucial as it links Dumak and other villages in the region. The project has faced numerous delays, causing frustration among the local residents.

Recent Developments: The Uttarakhand Rural Roads Development Agency (URRDA) has assured that the pending work on the road will be completed within the next eight months. This announcement comes as a relief to the villagers who have been expressing their dissatisfaction, with some even considering boycotting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections due to the prolonged delays.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: The road construction is being carried out under this scheme, which aims to improve rural road connectivity in India. The URRDA is responsible for implementing the project following the guidelines set by the National Rural Road Development Agency.

Indo-China Border: The road is significant not only for local connectivity but also because it lies along the Indo-China border. This border is not clearly demarcated in all areas, and there is no mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC) in certain stretches. The LAC was established after the 1962 Indo-China war. The India-China border is divided into three sectors:

• Western Sector: Ladakh
• Middle Sector: Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
• Eastern Sector: Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim

Snowfall in Gangotri Dham

Recently, Gangotri Dham in Uttarakhand, home to the highest temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga, experienced fresh rain and snowfall. The Gangotri Temple, where Goddess Ganga is worshipped, stands at a height of 20 feet and features exquisite carvings on its white granite structure. 

• This temple marks the origin of the River Ganges and is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage of Uttarakhand. The other shrines in this pilgrimage are Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Yamunotri. 
• At its source, the river is called Bhagirathi and is known as Ganga (the Ganges) from Devprayag onwards, where it meets the Alaknanda River. The holy river originates at Gomukh, located in the Gangotri Glacier, which is a 19 km trek from Gangotri.

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• The IMD, established in 1875, is the National Meteorological Service of India and the principal government agency for meteorology and related subjects.
• It operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and is headquartered in New Delhi.
• IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.
• IMD had previously issued an alert for the districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and parts of Lahaul-Spiti.

Gangotri Dham

• Gangotri Dham recently experienced fresh rain and snowfall.
• The Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, stands at 20 feet tall and features intricate carvings on white granite.
• Gangotri is the origin of the River Ganges and is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, along with Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Yamunotri.
• The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and becomes the Ganges at Devprayag, where it meets the Alaknanda River.
• The holy river originates at Gomukh, in the Gangotri Glacier, a 19 km trek from Gangotri.

Luminous Invests in Solar Module Facility in Uttarakhand

• Luminous Power Technologies has recently inaugurated a 250 MW manufacturing facility in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, marking a significant expansion in its production capabilities.
• The plant, built on a 10-acre site with an initial investment of Rs 1.2 billion, is fully automated and has the potential to be expanded up to 1 GW capacity.
• This launch signifies a strategic shift for Luminous, as the company moves from being primarily a manufacturer of solar inverters and batteries to producing solar modules.
• The facility will produce a range of solar panels, including polycrystalline, monocrystalline, N-type, and TOPCon solar panels, with various configurations suitable for residential, commercial, and agricultural needs.
• Luminous claims to be the only Indian company capable of designing and building complete solar power generation systems, showcasing its commitment to integrated energy solutions.
• The launch of this facility aligns with the Indian government's 'Make in India' initiative and the 'PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana' solar program, which aims to promote solar energy adoption across the country.
• The 'PM Surya Ghar' scheme was initially intended to fully subsidize the installation of 1-3 Kilowatt (KW) solar systems in 1 crore households but has now been adjusted to offer up to 60% coverage of costs, with households responsible for the remainder through accessible loans.
• This scheme is expected to generate up to 300 units of free electricity per month for participating households, translating to annual benefits of ₹15,000-18,000.
• According to the "State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India 2024" report by Mercom India Research, India added 20.8 GW of solar modules and 3.2 GW of solar cell capacity in 2023, reflecting the growing demand and capacity for solar energy production in the country.

Recycling Facility for Li-ion Batteries and E-Waste in Uttarakhand

Recently, the Technology Development Board (TDB) entered into an agreement with M/s Remine India Private Limited to establish a commercial plant in Sitarganj, Uttarakhand for recycling Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) and e-waste using indigenous technology.

• The TDB is providing financial assistance of ₹ 7.5 crores for the project, which has a total cost of ₹ 15 crores, marking a significant step towards environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
• Efficient recycling of LIBs is crucial as it provides secondary raw materials for cell manufacturing in India.
• The increasing use of LIBs in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems has led to a rise in e-waste imports, as these batteries are disposed of through landfilling and incineration, which pose environmental and safety risks.
• There is potential for value creation by retrieving metals from spent LIBs, which has spurred interest in recycling e-waste generated by these batteries.
• The lithium-ion battery recycling market is projected to grow significantly, with a CAGR of 21.6%, reaching USD 14.89 billion by 2030, up from USD 3.79 billion in 2021.
• However, currently, a vast majority of LIBs (95%) end up in landfills, with only 5% being recycled and reused.
• The informal sector dominates the e-waste recycling scene, leading to negative environmental and economic impacts.
• To address the growing issue of battery waste, mitigate risks associated with critical elements, and reduce carbon footprints, efficient and environmentally friendly recycling methods are essential.
• India ranks third in the world for e-waste generation, highlighting the need for significant efforts to tackle this issue.

Uttarakhand High Court Requests Government Response on Horizontal Reservation for Women in Job Plea

• The Uttarakhand High Court has asked the state government to respond to a petition challenging the 30% horizontal reservation for domiciled women in government jobs.
• The petition disputes Section 3(1) of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (Horizontal Reservation for Women) Act, 2022, arguing that the reservation exceeds the provisions of Article 16 of the Indian Constitution.
• Article 16 of the Constitution allows for positive discrimination or reservation in government jobs, particularly for backward classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and economically weaker sections.
• The petitioner contends that the horizontal reservation based solely on domicile is unconstitutional and should not be implemented.

Advaita Ashrama Celebrates 125 Years

Advaita Ashrama in Mayavati, Uttarakhand, is commemorating its 125th anniversary in 2024. Recently, a two-day event was held in Mayavati to celebrate this significant milestone.

• The ashram was established by Swami Vivekananda in 1899, with the aim of studying, practicing, and preaching the Advaita philosophy without ritualistic constraints and training others to spread this philosophy.
• Advaita Ashrama quickly became a hub for brilliant minds from the East and West, playing a crucial role in disseminating the core Advaita doctrine. The Kolkata branch of Advaita Ashrama was founded 21 years later to cater to the increasing demand for its publications and the journal  Prabuddha Bharata  .
• Advaita Vedanta, the foundation of Hindu Dharma, teaches the oneness of existence and the solidarity of the human race. For 125 years, Advaita Ashrama has been promoting the principles of Advaita ideology through literature published from its Kolkata branch.
• This philosophy, rooted in ancient Upanishadic texts, advocates radical non-dualism. Advaita Vedantins believe that the Upanishads reveal the fundamental principle of non-duality called ‘brahman,’ which represents the reality of all things.
• Brahman is understood as transcending individuality and empirical diversity, with the core of one’s self ( atman ) being brahman. The central idea of Advaita Vedanta is that the atman is pure non-intentional consciousness, identical to brahman, which is non-dual, infinite existence.
• Swami Vivekananda, born Narendra Nath Datta on January 12, 1863, was a monk and the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa. He played a pivotal role in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness and bringing Hinduism to global prominence in the late 19th century.
• In 1897, he established the Ramakrishna Mission, named after his guru, which undertook extensive educational and philanthropic work in India. He also represented India at the first Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.

Uttarakhand Licensing Authority Reprimanded by Supreme Court for Inaction on Patanjali Ads

Recently, the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority (SLA) faced criticism from the Supreme Court for its failure to address complaints regarding misleading advertisements by Patanjali, which had been ongoing for over two years. The Court rejected the SLA’s justifications for its inaction.

• The Ayush ministry submitted an affidavit to the court, revealing that the SLA had not taken significant action on a complaint filed in February 2022, except for issuing a warning and requesting the company to cease advertisements. Despite this, Patanjali continued its advertising activities for two years.
• The petition against Patanjali was based on section 3 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act (DMRA), which prohibits the advertisement of drugs for 54 specific diseases and conditions. The DMRA makes it an offense to advertise drugs and remedies with alleged magical properties.
• The Act defines “magic remedy” to include items such as talismans, mantras, kavachas (amulets), and similar items claiming supernatural or magical healing properties.
• Meaning of ‘Ayush’
• ‘Ayush’ refers to traditional and non-conventional systems of healthcare and healing in India, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy.
• These systems are characterized by their diversity, flexibility, and accessibility, making them affordable for a broad section of the population.
• Compared to conventional healthcare, these systems generally incur lower costs and are gaining economic value, indicating their potential to serve as vital healthcare providers for a significant portion of the populace.

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Uttarakhand

Remote villages in Uttarakhand's Nainital and Pauri districts are grappling with escalating human-wildlife conflicts and inadequate connectivity in rural areas, resulting in a fluctuating health situation.

• Over the past ten years, a total of 264 individuals lost their lives due to large felines in Uttarakhand, with leopards responsible for 203 deaths and tigers for 61 deaths.

Wildlife

• These incidents have caused significant disruptions in the affected areas, leading to the closure of schools and triggering protests in villages such as Sawaldeh, Patrani, Dhela, and Pauri.
• In response, the state government established the country’s first human-wildlife conflict-mitigating cell, allocated special funds to compensate affected families, and introduced a helpline number. However, the situation remains unstable.
• Wildlife attacks have also influenced electoral events in the region. For instance, in Tehri in 2022, locals refused to participate in assembly elections, similar to actions taken during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in Pauri.

Char Dham Yatra

'Char Dham Yatra'

As per the Uttarakhand tourism department, online registration for the 'Char Dham Yatra' has commenced on their official portal.

• The Char-Dham Yatra involves visiting four sacred temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
• This pilgrimage holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism and usually takes place from April/May to October/November.

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 of all Indian rivers.

Kedarnath Dham:

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

Badrinath Dham:

• Location: Chamoli district.
• Home to: the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites.

Authorities to Suspend Cross-Border Transit

Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province

• Authorities in Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province plan to temporarily close the border with Uttarakhand State in India starting from the evening of April 19th. This closure is a routine precaution ahead of India’s general elections.
• The closure will not affect cross-border emergency services.
• There will be an increased security presence across India, with heightened vigilance on both sides of the border.
• Disruptions to cross-border freight and passenger traffic may extend for several days after the closure is lifted as transport companies and customs officials work to clear backlogs.

India-Nepal Border

• Nepal shares its border with five Indian states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Bihar. This border is crucial for cultural and economic exchange between the two countries.
• Nepal is strategically important for India’s national security as it acts as a buffer state against potential aggression from China.
• Rivers originating in Nepal are vital for India’s ecology and hydropower potential.
• Nepal is home to many Hindu and Buddhist religious sites, making it an important pilgrimage destination for a large number of Indians.

Rebuilding a Hydropower Project in Uttarakhand

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has initiated the process of granting environmental clearance for the reconstruction of a hydropower project in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. This project was nearly entirely destroyed during the devastating 2013 flash floods that resulted in the loss of over 6,000 lives.

 Phata Byung Hydroelectric Project 

• The expert appraisal committee of the ministry, responsible for reviewing river valley and hydroelectric projects, has approved the terms of reference (ToR) for the 76 MW Phata Byung project.
• The Phata Byung project contributed to the damage caused by the 2013 flash floods by restricting the flow of the Mandakini river.

 The Mandakini River 

• The Mandakini River is a tributary of the Alaknanda River located in Uttarakhand.
• It stretches for approximately 81 kilometers, flowing between the Rudraprayag and Sonprayag areas, and originates from the Chorabari Glacier.
• The river merges with the Songanga river at Sonprayag and flows past the Madhyamaheshwar temple in Ukhimath.
• Eventually, it drains into the Alaknanda River, which in turn flows into the Ganges.

Preparations for Lok Sabha Elections in Uttarakhand

Lok Sabha Polls

• Date: The elections for all five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand are set to take place on April 19, 2024.
• Safety Measures: Two helicopters have been arranged for emergency services to ensure a casualty-free voting process.
• Voter Outreach: Over 11,000 polling booths are being established across the state to increase voter turnout.
• Vote Counting: The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4, 2024.

One Nation-One Election (ONOE)

• Concept: ONOE proposes that all State elections be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections every five years. This aims to streamline the electoral process and reduce the frequency of elections, saving time and resources.
• Background: The idea was first suggested by the Election Commission in 1983. However, simultaneous elections were the norm in India until 1967.
• Historical Context: The first General Elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies were held together in 1951-52. This practice continued in three more General Elections until 1967.
• Disruption: The cycle was disrupted due to the premature dissolution of some Legislative Assemblies in 1968 and 1969, and the premature dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 1970.
• Lok Sabha Terms: Until 1970, only the First, Second, and Third Lok Sabha enjoyed full five-year terms.

Sadbhavna Sammelan in Uttarakhand

Recently, a two-day 'Sadbhavna Sammelan' was organized by the Uttarakhand tourism minister on the left bank of 'Har Ki Paudi' in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

Ganga River:

• The Ganga River, flowing over 2,600 km across northern and eastern India, is considered a goddess and holds immense religious significance for Hindus.
• It serves as a source of drinking water for more than 40% of India's population, spanning six states and a union territory from Uttarakhand to West Bengal.
• However, around three million litres of sewage are dumped into the river daily, with only half of it treated. In Varanasi alone, approximately 4,000 bodies are cremated on its banks each day.
• Dams in Uttarakhand obstruct the river's flow, reducing it to a stream in several areas during summer. Most hydropower projects in the state are run-of-the-river (ROR), except for the Tehri Dam Project, which stores water for hydropower and enhances non-monsoon river flows.
• According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), faecal coliform levels were above permissible limits at 70% of 59 monitoring stations along the river in January 2023. Faecal coliform bacteria, found in the intestines and faeces of warm-blooded animals, indicate the presence of human faecal matter.

Namami Gange Scheme:

• In 2024, a variety of interventions under the Namami Gange scheme aimed to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River by reducing its pollution load.
• Polluted stretches of the river were being revitalized through approved action plans to meet the outdoor bathing criteria set by the environment ministry.

Namami Gange Programme

• Launched in June 2014 as a flagship program by the Union Government.
• Aims to reduce pollution and conserve the National River Ganga.
• Managed by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).
• Phase 2 (2021-26) focuses on completing projects quickly and preparing detailed project reports for Ganga tributary towns.
• Emphasis on reviving small rivers and wetlands.
• Future plans include developing scientific health cards for wetlands and policies for reusing treated water.

Voter Turnout in Uttarakhand

• Uttarakhand saw a voter turnout of approximately 55.01% in the recent elections, which is a decline from 61.4% in the 2019 polls.
• All five constituencies in the state experienced a drop in voter participation compared to the previous elections.
• The Election Commission of India reported that Almora had the lowest voter turnout at 45.4%, while Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar recorded the highest at 59.9%. Other constituencies included Haridwar (59.7% ), Tehri (51.7% ), Pauri Garhwal (49.9% ), and Almora (45.4% ).
• Uttarakhand has a total of 83.2 lakh general electors and 93,357 service voters.

Voter Turnout App

• Launched on April 18, 2019, by the Election Commission of India.
• Aims to increase citizen participation in elections.
• Provides real-time information about voter turnout on polling day.
• Displays voter turnout details by gender in each Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency.
• Allows citizens to capture and share live voter turnout data.
• Shows estimated voter turnout for each state.
• Enables sharing of voting percentages on social media platforms.
• Updates voter turnout information at state, district, and assembly constituency levels on voting day.

Election Commission of India (ECI)

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections in the country.  

• It oversees elections for the Lok Sabha (LS), Rajya Sabha (RS), State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President. 
• The ECI was established on January 25, 1950, which is now celebrated as National Voters' Day. 
• Its functions and powers are governed by Part XV of the Constitution, specifically Articles 324 to 329.

Structure

• The Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, all appointed by the President of India. 
•  They serve a tenure of six years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
• Retiring Election Commissioners are eligible for reappointment by the government.
• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed through a resolution on proven misbehavior or incapacity, requiring a majority of 213 members present and voting, supported by more than 50% of the total strength of the house.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

• Determining Electoral Constituencies
• Preparing/Revising Electoral Rolls
• Notifying Election Schedules and Dates
• Registering Political Parties
• Issuing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
• Advising the President on Disqualification Matters

• Truncated Tenure of CEC
• Executive Influence in Appointments
• Dependence on Centre for Finance
• Lack of Independent Staff

Uttarakhand’s Manaskhand Corridor Yatra

The Uttarakhand tourism department, in collaboration with the Indian Railways, is launching the 'Manaskhand Corridor Yatra' to promote the ancient temples of the Kumaon region. A special train service will transport passengers from Pune to Tanakpur in the Pithoragarh district for this pilgrimage.

Overview of the Yatra

• The train will carry over 600 pilgrims in two batches to the famous temples of 'Manaskhand', an ancient term used in Hindu scriptures to refer to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
• Devotees will visit various temples and religious sites in Tanakpur, Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Almora, along with briefings on the mythological significance of these places.

Itinerary Highlights

• Champawat: Baleswar, Maneswar, and Mayawati temples
• Pithoragarh: Hat Kalika and Patal Bhubaneswar temples
• Almora: Jageshwar, Golu Devta (Chitai), Nanda Devi, Kasar Devi, and Katarmal temples
• Udham Singh Nagar: Nanakmatta Sahib Gurudwara
• Nainital: Naina Devi temple

Kumaon Region Background

• The Kumaon region comprises six districts: Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar.
• Historically known as Manaskhand and later Kurmanchal, the region has been ruled by various Hindu dynasties.
• The Kumaon division was established in 1816 after the British reclaimed the area from the Gorkhas, who had annexed it in 1790.
• In 2000, the state of Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, including the Kumaon region.

President on Uttarakhand Visit

President Droupadi Murmu is set to embark on a two-day visit to Uttarakhand. During her stay, she will participate in various significant events, including:

• Attending the Ganga aarti and the fourth convocation of AIIMS in Rishikesh.
• Gracing the convocation ceremony for officer trainees of the Indian Forest Service (2022 batch) at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehradun.

All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

• AIIMS was established in 1956 as an institution of national importance through an Act of Parliament.
• The institute aims to develop high standards of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Medical Education and bring together top-notch educational facilities for training personnel in various health sectors.
• AIIMS strives for self-sufficiency in Post-graduate Medical Education and to set a benchmark in medical education across India.

Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy

• Located in Dehradun, this academy is a training institute for the forest service under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
• Originally established as the Indian Forest College in 1938, the institute focuses on training senior forest officers.
• The academy is situated in the New Forest campus of the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

Chipko Movement at 50 Years

The Chipko Movement, which started in Uttarakhand in early 1973, is now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

• This movement was a peaceful protest that began in the Chamoli district of Uttar Pradesh (now part of Uttarakhand) in 1973.
• The term "chipko" means "to embrace" in Hindi, and it reflects the actions of villagers who hugged and surrounded trees to stop them from being cut down.
• The Chipko Movement is particularly known for bringing together women to fight for the preservation of forests. This not only helped protect the environment but also changed how society viewed women's roles and rights.
• One of the movement's greatest achievements was raising awareness about people's rights to forest resources and demonstrating how grassroots activism can impact ecological policies and the management of shared natural resources.
• As a result of the Chipko Movement, a significant policy change occurred in 1981, banning the commercial cutting of trees on slopes steeper than 30 degrees and above 1,000 meters above sea level.

Major Environmental Movements in India

Forest Fire in Uttarakhand

• According to the Uttarakhand forest department, there have been 477 incidents of forest fires reported in the state so far in 2024, resulting in damage to over 379.4 hectares of forest land.
• Of the damaged area, 136.4 hectares were in the Garhwal region, 202.82 hectares in the Kumaon region, and 40.2 hectares in administrative wildlife regions.
• Forest officials indicate that forest fires have become a regular occurrence, starting in mid-February and continuing until mid-June. This period is marked by rising temperatures, which cause trees to shed dry leaves and the soil to lose moisture, creating conditions conducive to wildfires.
• Since the formation of Uttarakhand in 2000, over 54,800 hectares of forest land have been damaged by forest fires.
• A forest fire, also known as a bush fire, vegetation fire, or wildfire, refers to the uncontrolled and unplanned burning of plants in natural settings such as forests, grasslands, brushlands, or tundra. These fires consume natural fuels and spread based on environmental factors like wind and topography.
• Three essential elements are required to sustain a wildfire: fuel, oxygen, and a heat source.

Melting Glacier in Uttarakhand

Recently, a glacier in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, located along the crucial Munsiyari–Milam road, has collapsed, impacting vital connectivity to the India–China border and local villages.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

• The BRO has started efforts to clear the road, but faces significant challenges due to heavy snow cover. 
• Experts warn that the glacier's collapse highlights the increasing effects of climate change.

Himalayan region

• The Himalayan region, already vulnerable to global warming, is experiencing heightened risks, including faster glacier melt. 
• In March 2024, snowfall was recorded in the upper areas of Pithoragarh, but with rising temperatures, glaciers are now melting, causing avalanches and occasional break-offs.

Border Road Organisation

• The BRO was established in 1960 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to coordinate the rapid development of a road network in India's northern and northeastern border regions. 
• It operates under the Ministry of Defence and has expanded its work to include airfields, building projects, defence works, and tunneling, gaining the public's trust.

Uttarakhand Prepares for Above-Normal Monsoon Rainfall in 2024

• The Dehradun Meteorological Centre has advised the Uttarakhand government to prepare for above-normal rainfall during the 2024 monsoon season. In response, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) organized a training camp for various departments to enhance preparedness for potential weather-related disasters.
• Officials emphasized the importance of following alerts and information from the Meteorological Department to mitigate the effects of disasters and reduce loss of life and property. The Meteorological Department operates as an agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

Nainital Forest Fire

A massive wildfire broke out in the forests near Nainital, Uttarakhand, prompting a swift response from the Indian Air Force. Mi-17 helicopters were deployed to assist in controlling the intense blaze, which has reportedly destroyed 108 hectares of forest.

• The helicopters are using a method known as the Bambi Bucket operation, where they gather water and use jet sprays to extinguish the fire. This operation involves filling a specialized container suspended beneath the helicopter and dropping water onto the fire from above.
• According to the Uttarakhand Forest Department, there were 26 incidents of forest fire in the Kumaon region within a short period, along with five incidents in the Garhwal region, affecting a total of 33.34 hectares of forest.
• A 2019 report from the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, under the Environment Ministry of India, indicated that 95% of forest fires in the country are caused by human activities. There are four main forest-fire clusters in India:
• North-Western Himalayas: Fires here are often linked to the prevalence of pine trees and the buildup of flammable litter, particularly pine needles that accumulate on the forest floor during summer.
• North-East India: Specific factors contributing to forest fires in this region are not detailed in the provided information.
• Central Ghats: The causes of forest fires in this area are not specified in the content.
• Western and Eastern Ghats: Similar to the Central Ghats, the specific causes of forest fires in these regions are not mentioned.

Bambi Bucket Operation

• The Bambi Bucket, also known as a helicopter bucket or helibucket, is a specialized container used in firefighting. It is suspended by a cable under a helicopter and can be filled with water by lowering it into a river or pond. 
• The helicopter then flies over the fire and discharges the water by opening a valve at the bottom of the bucket. This method is particularly useful for fighting wildfires that are difficult to access from the ground. Helicopters equipped with Bambi Buckets are commonly used worldwide to combat forest fires.

Types of Forest Fires

• Surface Fire: This type of fire primarily spreads along the ground, igniting the surface litter such as dead leaves, twigs, and dry grasses on the forest floor.
• Underground Fire/Zombie Fire: These fires burn low beneath the surface, consuming organic matter and surface litter. They spread slowly and can be hard to detect, burning for months and damaging the vegetative cover of the soil.
• Canopy or Crown Fires: These occur when fire spreads through the upper canopy of trees, often fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. They are intense and challenging to control.
• Controlled Deliberate Fires: Also known as prescribed burns, these fires are intentionally set by forest management agencies to reduce fuel loads, mitigate the risk of uncontrolled wildfires, and promote ecosystem health. They are carefully planned to minimize risks and maximize benefits to the forest ecosystem.

Suspension of Patanjali Products in Uttarakhand

The government of Uttarakhand has suspended the manufacturing licenses for 14 products made by Patanjali. This action comes in the wake of criticism from the Supreme Court of India regarding Ramdev's failure to comply with court directives in an ongoing lawsuit. The lawsuit aims to stop misleading advertisements for some of Patanjali's traditional Ayurvedic medicines.

• The suspended products include traditional medicines aimed at treating conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and diabetes. The Supreme Court's involvement is related to allegations made by the Indian Medical Association, which claims that Patanjali disparages conventional medicines and continues to publish misleading ads despite court orders to cease such practices.
• The violations pertain to the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, 1954 (DOMA), and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CPA). The Drugs and Magic Remedies Act regulates drug advertisements and prohibits promotions of certain magic remedies. It specifically bans ads that misrepresent a drug's nature or effectiveness and those promoting drugs for specific diseases listed in the Act. Additionally, it forbids advertising magic remedies claiming to treat the same diseases.
• Section 89 of the Consumer Protection Act imposes strict penalties for false or misleading advertisements. It stipulates that manufacturers or service providers responsible for such advertisements, which harm consumer interests, may face imprisonment of up to two years and fines of up to ten lakh rupees. For subsequent offenses, the imprisonment term may extend to five years, and fines may increase to fifty lakh rupees.