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

Uttarakhand: Home to the 2nd Largest Population of Snow Leopards

According to the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI), Uttarakhand has a recorded population of 124 snow leopards, making it second only to Ladakh, which has 477 snow leopards.

Key Points

• The report titled "Status of Snow Leopard in India" is the first scientific effort to estimate the snow leopard population in the Indian Himalayan region, with a total of 718 snow leopards identified across six states.
• Gangotri National Park in Uttarakhand has been highlighted as a crucial area for snow leopard conservation by a team from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
• Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Uttarakhand has also been identified as a promising habitat for snow leopards.
• The survey covered six snow leopard range states, with Himachal Pradesh leading the count with 51 snow leopards, followed by Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9).

Gangotri National Park

• Established in 1989 and located in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, Gangotri National Park is situated in the upper catchment area of the Bhagirathi River.
• The park is home to Gaumukh, the origin of the Ganga River, located at the Gangotri Glacier.
• Gangotri National Park serves as a vital ecological link between Govind National Park and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Flora: The park is covered by dense temperate coniferous forests, with common species including chir pine, deodar, fir, spruce, oak, and rhododendron.
• Fauna: The park is home to various rare and endangered species, including the bharal (blue sheep), black bear, brown bear, Himalayan monal, Himalayan snowcock, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and snow leopard.

The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

• UNESCO World Heritage site
• Established in 1988, the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species like the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan musk deer, and blue sheep.
• The reserve is also rich in cultural heritage, inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Bhotiyas and the Joharis, who have lived in harmony with the natural environment for centuries.

Uttarakhand First Woman Chief Secretary

Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

Senior officer Radha Raturi was appointed as the first woman chief secretary of Uttarakhand.

Raturi, an IAS officer of the 1988 batch, replaced Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. She is the first woman to hold the top administrative post in Uttarakhand.

She has worked as a bureaucrat both in undivided Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which came into existence in November 2000.

Uttarakhand Set to Exempt Tribals from UCC

The proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to be introduced in the Uttarakhand state assembly is set to exempt the state’s tribal population from its provisions.

• Tribals constitute about 2.9% of Uttarakhand’s population, with prominent groups including the Jaunsari, Bhotiyas, Tharu, Raji, and Buksa.
• Polyandry and polygamy are also prevalent customs among a few tribes in the hill state.
• The Uttarakhand UCC committee had held discussions with these tribal communities regarding the uniform code.
• The younger tribal population has provided feedback indicating that while polyandry, polygamy, and other practices were common in earlier generations, they are rarely practiced now, making the reform welcome.
• However, tribal and ethnic communities across various states, especially in the northeast, have expressed opposition to the imposition of any civil code that could impact their customs and traditional ways of life.
• The new code will make Halala, Iddat, and Khula options for divorce and remarriage among Muslims illegal, requiring legal proceedings in courts for divorce and remarriage.
• The state’s code will mandate compulsory registration of live-in relationships and ensure full succession rights for children born out of such unions.

Tribes of Uttarakhand

• The tribes of Uttarakhand mainly comprise five major groups namely Jaunsari tribe, Tharu tribe, Raji tribe, Buksa tribe, and Bhutia tribe.
• The main concentration of the tribal population is in rural areas. About 94.50% of the total tribal population resides in rural areas and the remaining percentage of the tribal population lives in urban centres.
• In terms of population, the Tharu tribe is the largest tribal group in the state. Every district of Uttarakhand has a moderate percentage of the tribal population.
• These tribes of Uttarakhand have been scheduled in the Constitution of India.

Uttarakhand Experiences Initial Snowfall of the Season

Recently, Uttarakhand, along with Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, witnessed its first snowfall of the season.

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier forecasted heavy rain and snowfall in the mountainous regions of these states due to a western disturbance.

About the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• The IMD, established in 1875, is the National Meteorological Service of India and the primary government agency for meteorology and related subjects.
• It operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, and is headquartered in New Delhi.
• The IMD is also one of six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.

Western Disturbances

• Western disturbances are storms that bring non-monsoonal rainfall to northwest India.
• Origin: These storms originate in the Caspian Sea or Mediterranean Sea.
• Nature: They are extra-tropical storms, which means they originate outside the tropical region.
• Mechanism: The disturbance travels from west to east on high-altitude westerly jet streams, which are fast winds moving from west to east.
• Impact: These disturbances cause sudden showers, snow, and fog in northwest India.
• Definition: The term "disturbance" refers to an area of reduced air pressure, which disrupts the equilibrium of air pressure in the region.
• Extra-Tropical: The term "extra-tropical" indicates that the storm originates outside the tropics, hence the name.

Uttarakhand Cabinet Greenlights UCC Draft Report

On February 4, 2024, Uttarakhand moved closer to becoming the first state post-independence to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This followed the state cabinet's approval of the UCC panel's draft report.

• Assembly Presentation: The report is scheduled to be presented in the assembly on February 6, 2024. With the ruling party holding 47 seats in the 70-member assembly, the UCC bill is expected to pass smoothly.
• UCC Explained: The Uniform Civil Code aims to replace customary laws across different faiths and communities, governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance.
• Constitutional Basis: The UCC is part of the directive principles of state policy in the Indian Constitution. Article 44 of the Constitution encourages the state to secure a UCC for all citizens.
• Secular Objective: The UCC aims to strengthen the secular and democratic fabric of the country, as outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
• Demographics: According to the 2011 national census, Uttarakhand has a 13.9% Muslim population, with a significant number residing in the Terai region.

Uttarakhand's New Film Policy: Increased Subsidies for Local Films

The Uttarakhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, has approved a new film policy aimed at boosting subsidies for local filmmakers in the state.

Increased Support for Regional Films

• The subsidy for films made in Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari languages has been increased eightfold.
• This move is part of the government's effort to promote and support local culture and languages through cinema.

Eighth Schedule Support

• The subsidy for films shot in 22 languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution has been doubled.
• This includes languages such as Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, and others.

What is the Eighth Schedule?

• The Eighth Schedule lists the official languages of India, as per Part XVII of the Constitution.
• Articles 343 to 351 of the Constitution deal with official languages.
• Article 344(1) provides for the constitution of a Commission to review the language policy, and Article 351 aims to promote Hindi as a medium of expression for India's diverse culture.

Official Languages in the Eighth Schedule

• The Eighth Schedule currently includes 22 languages:
• Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili, and Dogri.

Understanding Film Subsidies

• Film subsidies are financial supports provided by the government to filmmakers, production companies, and studios.
• These can include transferable tax credits and sales and use tax exemptions.

Aim of the New Policy

• The new film policy aims to encourage more filmmakers to choose Uttarakhand as their shooting location, thereby promoting local culture, generating employment, and boosting the state’s economy through film production.

Conclusion

• With these increased subsidies, Uttarakhand is positioning itself as a favorable destination for filmmakers, especially those focusing on regional languages and cultures.

Justice Ritu Bahri Appointed as First Woman Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court

On February 4th, Justice Ritu Bahri made history by being sworn in as the first woman Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court.

Oath of Office

• Justice Bahri was administered the oath of office by Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh.

Previous Experience

• Before her appointment as Chief Justice, Justice Bahri served as a judge in the Punjab and Haryana High Court starting from 2010.
• She has expertise in various legal areas including civil, constitutional, taxation, labor, and service matters.

Legal Career

• Justice Bahri has over 24 years of experience in legal practice.
• During her career, she held positions such as Assistant Advocate General, Deputy Advocate General, and Senior Deputy Advocate General for the State of Haryana.

Advocate General in India

• The office of the Advocate General for the States is provided under Article 165 of the Constitution of India.
• The Advocate General is appointed by the Governor of the State and must be qualified to be a High Court judge.
• The Advocate General has the right to appear in any court within the State and to participate in the proceedings of both Houses of the State legislature.

Uttarakhand Weather: Temperature Drops, Hills Congested

Various areas in Uttarakhand experienced a new wave of snow and rain, providing relief from the ongoing dry spell and causing a drop in temperatures throughout the region. The cloudy weather attracted more tourists to Mussoorie and its surrounding areas.

• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the higher elevations of the Garhwal Himalayas, including Kedarnath and Harsil, received significant snowfall. In the foothill regions, scattered rainfall was observed, leading to a marked decrease in daytime temperatures.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD), founded in 1875, is the country’s National Meteorological Service and the main government agency for meteorology and related subjects.

Yamunotri

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

Gangotri

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

Kedarnath

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

Badrinath

• Location: Chamoli district.
• Significance: Home to the Badrinarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and a key shrine for Vaishnavites.

Key Features of Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code Bill

Introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill

• Recently, the Uttarakhand state legislature passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill after a state-appointed panel submitted its final report.
• Uttarakhand is the first state in India to implement such legislation after Independence.
• Following Uttarakhand, states like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have also initiated the formulation of a UCC.

Purpose and Scope of the Bill

• The Bill aims to establish a uniform law governing marriage, divorce, inheritance of property, and cohabitation for all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliation.
• However, the Bill excludes the tribal community from its scope.

Constitutional Basis

• The UCC Bill is rooted in Article 44 of the Constitution, which mandates the state to strive for a uniform civil code across India.
• Article 44 is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV of the Constitution), which, although not enforceable, plays a crucial role in governance.

Regulation of Live-in Relationships

• The Bill seeks to regulate live-in relationships by making it mandatory to register such relationships.
• Couples failing to register their live-in relationship will receive a notice, and criminal prosecution may be initiated against them.

Prohibition of Bigamy and Polygamy

• Section 4 of the Bill prohibits bigamy and polygamy by stating that neither party can have a living spouse at the time of marriage.

Equal Rights in Divorce

• The Bill ensures that men and women have similar rights concerning divorce.
• Section 28 prohibits the initiation of divorce proceedings within the first year of marriage, with exceptions for cases of exceptional hardship or depravity.

Criminalization of Certain Practices

• The Bill criminalizes existing Muslim personal law practices such as nikah halala, iddat, and triple talaq without explicitly naming them.

Equal Property Rights

• The Bill extends equal property rights to sons and daughters across all classes, ensuring gender equality in inheritance.

Violence in Haldwani, Uttarakhand

Recently, there was violence in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following the demolition of an illegal madrasa.

• The municipal corporation carried out the demolition based on a court order that deemed the madrasa an encroachment on government land.
• This led to protests and clashes between two communities, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including police personnel.
• In response to the escalating violence, the state government imposed a curfew and issued a shoot-at-sight order in Haldwani and other sensitive areas.

Shoot-at-Sight Order

• A shoot-at-sight order authorizes police or security forces to shoot individuals violating the order without warning, used in extreme situations.
• Legal provisions for such orders include:
• Section 46 (2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, allowing force during arrests.
• Section 144 of the CrPC, addressing urgent cases of danger or nuisance.
• Section 81 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, permitting actions likely to cause harm in good faith.
• Section 76 of the IPC, exempting acts done under the belief of legal obligation.

Anti-Encroachment Drive Turns Violent in Uttarakhand

• A violent clash erupted between police and locals in Haldwani’s Banbhoolpura area of Uttarakhand, when a team of district administration officials attempted to demolish an ‘illegal madrasa’ in the area.
• Shoot-at-sight orders were issued and curfew was imposed in the town.
• According to the officials, following court’s orders, a team from the district administration had gone to conduct an anti-encroachment drive in the area.
• This is when some miscreants entered into a brawl with the police which left several policemen and officials injured.
• Banbhoolpura is the same locality where hundreds of Muslim families are living in a 2 km stretch along the railway track, facing an uncertain future after the Railways served eviction notices to them, citing that their homes were built on its land.
• The residents, after weeks of protest against eviction ordered by the Uttarakhand High Court, later moved the Supreme Court and the matter is sub-judice.

Sub Judice

• Sub judice is a legal term meaning a case is under consideration by a court and not open for public discussion.
• The sub judice rule aims to ensure fair trials by preventing outside influence on ongoing cases.

Eight National Highway Projects Launched in Uttarakhand

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has initiated the foundation stones for eight National Highway projects in Tanakpur, Uttarakhand, with a total investment of Rs 2217 crore.

Key Projects and Their Impact

• Kathgodam to Nainital Road: The road widening to a 2-lane paved shoulder will enhance connectivity to the Nainital-Manaskhand temples, making it easier for tourists and locals to access this popular destination.
• Kashipur to Ramnagar Road: The 4-lane widening of this road will facilitate easier access for tourists to the Jim Corbett National Park and the Manaskhand temples, promoting tourism in the region.
• Kanda Marg Rehabilitation: The 2-lane widening and rehabilitation of Kanda Marg from Udiyari Band on National Highway 309A will improve access to the Bagnath and Baijnath temples in Bageshwar, enhancing pilgrimage routes.
• National Highway 87 Extension: Walls are being constructed along this extension for public safety.
• Bridge Repairs: Repair work on two bridges over the Saryu and Gomdi rivers in the Bageshwar district is underway, further improving local infrastructure.

Benefits of the Projects

• Tourists: The projects will significantly benefit tourists by providing better access to various attractions, including national parks and temples.
• Local Residents: Commuting for local residents will become easier, improving their daily travel and access to services.
• Local Economy: The local economy is expected to strengthen as improved infrastructure facilitates better connectivity and access to services.
• Environmental Considerations: The projects are designed to avoid harming the environment, ensuring sustainable development.

First Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in Uttarakhand

India is set to launch its first Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) from the All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. This service, named Project ‘Sanjeevani,’ will cover a radius of 150 kilometers, ensuring timely transportation of accident victims and patients from hilly terrains to AIIMS.

Importance of HEMS

• HEMS will be crucial for saving patients during the critical ‘golden hour’ after an accident when immediate expert medical care is essential.
• The service will be particularly beneficial for Uttarakhand, a state that attracts numerous tourists, pilgrims, and adventure enthusiasts, while also facing challenges from natural disasters.

Additional Initiatives

• Alongside the HEMS, the commencement of another project was announced to improve air connectivity from Hindon Air Base to Pithoragarh, responding to the state government’s request.
• This initiative aims to enhance overall connectivity and accessibility in the region.

30 National Highway Projects Launched in Haridwar

Recently, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, inaugurated and laid the foundation for 30 National Highway projects worth Rs 4,755 crore in Haridwar.

Details of the Projects

• Widening of 2-lane paved shoulder: From Lameri to Karnaprayag in Rudraprayag and Chamoli.
• Dudhdhari elevated flyover: Located in Haridwar.

Benefits of the Projects

• Improved Transportation: These projects will enhance transportation and connectivity from Rishikesh to other areas.
• Traffic Relief: The Dudhdhari elevated flyover will alleviate traffic congestion in Haridwar, making it easier to access other religious sites.
• Faster Development: Uttarakhand will experience accelerated development with the construction of these projects.
• Enhanced Connectivity: The projects will increase connectivity between Uttarakhand and other states, promoting economic and social development.
• Facilitation of Pilgrimages: The journey for devotees using these routes will be made easier.

Overall Impact

• The inauguration of these National Highway projects is expected to significantly improve infrastructure in Uttarakhand, leading to better connectivity, reduced travel time, and enhanced economic prospects for the region.

Uttarakhand to Impose Green Cess on Vehicles Entering the State

The Uttarakhand government is set to implement a Green Cess on vehicles entering the state from other states. This cess is aimed at environmental conservation and will be collected at toll plazas through FASTag.

Details of the Green Cess

• Exemptions: Electric vehicles, cars fueled by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), two-wheelers, government vehicles, fire tenders, ambulances, Army vehicles, and farming vehicles will be exempt from the cess.
• Cess Rates: Three-wheelers and four-wheelers (Light Motor Vehicles) will be charged Rs 20 and Rs 40 respectively. Medium and heavy motor vehicles will incur charges of Rs 60 and Rs 80 respectively.
• One-Time Entry Options: Vehicles from other states can opt for a one-time entry by paying the prescribed rate for a day, or they can choose to pay 20 times the standard rate for a three-month period or 60 times the green cess rate for the entire year.

FASTag

• Definition: FASTag is a device that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to make toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion.
• NHAI Initiatives: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched two mobile apps, MyFASTag and FASTag Partner, to facilitate the availability of FASTags.
• Validity and Variants: The FASTag is valid for five years from the date of issuance and is available in seven different color codes.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

• NHAI was established by an Act of Parliament in 1988 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Its purpose is to develop, maintain, and manage the National Highways entrusted to it by the Government of India.
• However, the authority became operational only in February 1995.
• The NHAI consists of a full-time Chairman, along with no more than five full-time Members and four part-time Members, all appointed by the Central Government.

Nazool Land

Recently, in Haldwani city of Nainital District, Uttarakhand, violence erupted during a demolition drive conducted by the city administration. The drive aimed to remove structures at the site of a mosque and madrasa, allegedly located on Nazool Land.

• According to the administration, the property where these structures are situated is registered as Nazool land owned by the Municipal Council. Nazool land is government-owned but is typically not directly administered as state property.
• The state usually leases such land to entities for a fixed period, ranging from 15 to 99 years. When the lease term is approaching expiration, the lessee can request a renewal by submitting a written application to the Revenue Department of the local development authority.
• The government has the discretion to either renew the lease or cancel it, reclaiming the Nazool land. This type of land is often used by the government for public purposes such as building schools, hospitals, and Gram Panchayat buildings.
• Encroachment refers to the unauthorized use or occupation of someone else’s property.
• This can happen on abandoned or unused spaces if the legal owner is not actively involved in its maintenance.
• Property owners should be aware of their legal rights and the steps to take in such cases.
• Encroachment can involve illegal construction, squatting, or any other form of occupation without proper permission or legal rights.
• According to Section 441 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, land encroachment is the act of unlawfully entering someone else’s property without permission to commit an offence, threaten possession of the property, or stay on the land uninvited.

Chevening Scholarship

The Uttarakhand government has announced its plan to support ten exceptional students from the state in pursuing a one-year Master’s program in the United Kingdom (UK) through the esteemed Chevening scholarship. Under this initiative, the state will cover 50% of the expenses, while Chevening India will fund the remaining costs.

The Chevening scholarship provides comprehensive support, covering various expenses such as academic fees, travel, accommodation, and visa charges, ensuring a holistic support system for the beneficiaries. Graduates with two years of work experience will be eligible for the scholarship, enabling them to pursue higher education or research at any British university.

Initially, the program will select five women and five men for the scholarship. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the Uttarakhand government and Chevening India, marking a significant partnership and the first of its kind for the state.

The Chevening Scholarship

• The Chevening Scholarship is an international programme funded by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
• It aims to enable foreign students with leadership potential to study at universities in the UK.
• The scholarship's objective is to create a network of future leaders in their home countries who are also friends of the UK.

Transit Hostels for Home Guards in Uttarakhand

The Home Guard department in Uttarakhand is planning to build residential facilities for Home Guards, particularly in Udham Singh Nagar and other important districts.

The government has approved a budget of Rs 13.50 crore for the construction of hotels in eight districts, spanning both the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. Haridwar has been allocated the largest plot of land, around 50 bighas.

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been prepared for hostels in various cities, including the headquarters of Udham Singh Nagar, Rudrapur, Nainital, and Haridwar. The next step involves creating DPRs for the remaining five districts to ensure the expansion of this initiative throughout the state.

Home Guard

• The first Home Guards Unit was established on December 6, 1946, in the then Bombay Presidency, India.

• It was formed as a civilian voluntary force to assist the administration during times of civil unrest and communal riots, serving as an auxiliary to the police. This was under the leadership of Morarji Desai, who later became the Prime Minister of India.

• After the Sino-Indian War, the Home Guards were reorganized in India in 1966.

Upgradation of 108 Roads in Uttarakhand

The Central government has sanctioned the upgradation of 108 roads in Uttarakhand under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase III.

• The project involves upgrading a total length of 1,197.207 km at an estimated cost of Rs 967.73 crore.
• The funding for this project will be shared between the Centre and the state government, with the Centre contributing Rs 803.85 crore and the state covering Rs 163.88 crore.
• This initiative recognizes the challenges faced by residents in hilly areas, which are affected by various hardships each year.

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

• Launched on December 25, 2000, PMGSY aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations.

PMGSY - Phase III

• Approved by the Cabinet in July 2019.
• Prioritizes facilities such as Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals.
• Aims to consolidate 1,25,000 km of road length across states.
• Duration: 2019-20 to 2024-25.

Uttarakhand to Present ₹90,000 Crore Budget

• Approval of Annual Budget : The Uttarakhand cabinet has recently approved a proposal to present an annual budget of ₹90,000 crore during the upcoming assembly session.
• Amendments to be Tabled : The cabinet plans to introduce several amendments in the state assembly, including issues related to child labour, fake currency, and human trafficking. These amendments will fall under the purview of the Gangster Act, 1986.
• Gangster Act, 1986 : The Gangster Act, 1986 is a legal framework aimed at curbing organized crime and gang-related activities. The inclusion of child labour, fake currency, and human trafficking under this Act signifies the government's commitment to tackling these serious issues with an iron fist.
• Jamrani Dam and Song Dam Project : The cabinet has given the green light for the Jamrani Dam and Song Dam projects. Additionally, boring in catchment areas of rivers supplying drinking water has been prohibited to ensure the preservation of these vital water sources.
• Mobile Lab Vans for Students : The cabinet approved the deployment of mobile lab vans for students across all 13 districts. This initiative aims to enhance the learning experience by providing hands-on practical education to students in remote areas.
• Hospital Equipment for Kedarnath and Badrinath : A proposal to purchase necessary equipment for hospitals in Kedarnath and Badrinath has been approved. This move aims to improve healthcare facilities in these crucial pilgrimage sites, ensuring better medical care for both residents and visitors.
• Amendments in Real Estate Regulation : Two amendments under the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016, have been approved. These amendments pertain to the housing department and the construction of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing projects, aimed at promoting affordable housing in the state.

Education Department Initiatives : The cabinet also approved several proposals under the education department, including:

• Allowing the Vice Chancellor (VC) of one university to temporarily take charge of another university’s VC position for six months in case of a vacancy.
• Making BEd mandatory for arts teachers in the education department.
• Extending the duration of the Sangeet Prabhakar degree for music teachers from five to six years.

Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill  

• Uttarakhand is planning to introduce a Bill aimed at recovering damages to public and government properties, similar to legislation enacted by Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
• This legislation will hold individuals accountable for damages incurred during protests and strikes.

Key Features of the Bill   

• Investigation by a Tribunal: A tribunal headed by a retired judge will investigate charges against individuals accused of causing damage. 
• Assessment and Recovery: The tribunal will assess damages and issue recovery orders after consulting affected parties. 

Background   

• The decision to introduce this Bill follows incidents of violence, such as the unrest in Haldwani, where public properties were damaged during protests. 
• The Haldwani incident involved the demolition of a mosque and madrasa on nazool (government) land during an anti-encroachment drive, leading to public unrest. 

Understanding Nazool Land   

• Nazool land refers to government-owned land that is not directly administered as state property. 
• This type of land is often subject to different regulations and oversight compared to directly managed state properties.

NGT Criticizes Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board for Inaction

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has criticized the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board for its lack of action in preventing the discharge of untreated sewage into the Ganga River. The NGT is addressing pollution issues in the Ganga River across several states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

Sewage Generation in Uttarakhand

• An estimated 700 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage is generated in all 13 districts of Uttarakhand.
• However, even 50% of this sewage is not properly treated.
• The ongoing issues with laying sewers and connecting households, coupled with the influx of tourists and pilgrims, exacerbates the sewage problem.

Direct Discharge into the Ganga

• In every district and local body, sewage is being discharged directly into the River Ganga or its tributaries, contributing to pollution.

Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)

• The establishment of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) is not being carried out with the necessary diligence and urgency.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), responsible for the rejuvenation of the Ganga, has not adequately addressed the complexities of sewage management in hilly areas.

NGT's Directives

• The NGT has directed the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board to take punitive action against government officials and department heads responsible for this inaction, including initiating criminal proceedings.

Uttarakhand Introduces Rs 89,000 Crore Budget for 2024-25

The Uttarakhand government recently presented its budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in the Assembly, amounting to Rs 89,000 crore.

• The budget focuses on several key areas, including poverty alleviation, disaster management, infrastructure development, and enhancing air connectivity.
• Uttarakhand’s economic growth rate for 2022-23 was 7.63%, exceeding the national average.
• The budget reflects the government’s commitment to the “four pillars” of a developed India: welfare of the poor, youth empowerment, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development.
• Specific allocations include:
• Rs 5,658 crore for the welfare of the poor, covering housing, food grain distribution, and free gas refill schemes.
• Rs 1,679 crore for youth welfare, technical and higher education, and organizing national games.
• Rs 2,415 crore for various farmer-centric schemes, including cooperative initiatives, apple cultivation, and farmer pensions.
• Approximately Rs 14,538 crore for gender-specific initiatives, focusing on maternal and child welfare and enhancing women’s economic participation.

Uttarakhand High Court Ruling on Employment for Pregnant Women

The Uttarakhand High Court has made a significant ruling regarding employment opportunities for pregnant women. The court determined that women cannot be denied job opportunities based on their pregnancy status, thereby overturning a regulation that excluded pregnant women from eligibility for government positions.

• This ruling was prompted by the case of Misha Upadhyay, who faced discrimination when she was denied a nursing officer position due to her pregnancy.
• The High Court found the state government’s regulation, which deemed women pregnant for 12 weeks or more as “temporarily unfit” for work, to be discriminatory.
• The court also emphasized the need for a medical examination by a registered practitioner six weeks after delivery and the requirement of a fitness certificate for returning to work.
• The court’s decision is grounded in Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which ensure equality before the law, prohibit discrimination in employment, and safeguard personal liberty, respectively.
• Article 14 ensures equality before the law and equal protection under the law, regardless of factors such as religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 16 prohibits discrimination in employment within government offices.
• Article 21 protects individuals from being deprived of their life or personal liberty except as per legal procedures.
• The ruling aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5, which advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of women.
• It highlights the importance of creating workplaces that respect and accommodate women’s reproductive choices, contributing to global efforts towards gender equality.

Early Blossom of Uttarakhand’s State Tree Signals Climate Concerns

Buransh, the state tree of Uttarakhand, has flowered earlier than usual, raising alarms among scientists and environmentalists. This tree, known scientifically as Rhododendron, is famous for its striking red flowers that blanket the hills of Uttarakhand as they emerge from the tree’s woody bushes.

• Scientists from the ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute suggest that this early blooming is a result of pseudo-flowering or forced flowering due to changes in the climate. Typically, these flowers bloom in March and April in the mid-altitude regions of Uttarakhand.
• The premature flowering raises concerns about a possible decrease in the medicinal properties of the flower. Buransh flowers are rich in potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamin C, and are commonly eaten as an appetizer to help with altitude sickness and seasonal illnesses. They are also known to help reduce excessive bleeding in women during menstruation and have health benefits for the heart, liver, skin allergies, and antiviral purposes.
• Meteorologists indicate that global warming is disrupting normal weather patterns, leading to unusual temperatures and reduced rainfall. The typical winter disturbances that bring cold weather to the region have become weaker, occurring less frequently and with less intensity. As a result, there was insufficient rain in December and January in the hilly areas, with both high and low temperatures being warmer than usual. Scientists are worried that as the planet continues to warm, such changes in flora and fauna will become more common.

The Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI)

• The Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI) is an autonomous research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), part of the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Established in 1969 and located in Karnal, Haryana, CSSRI focuses on advanced research in soil sciences, particularly soil salinity.
• The institute plays a crucial role in studying and finding solutions for soil-related issues, contributing to agricultural research and development in India.