UKPSC Monthly Current Affairs: November 2023 | Monthly Current Affairs UKPSC - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

Vandana Kataria Becomes the First Indian Player to Play 300th International Match

According to media reports on October 31, 2023, Vandana Kataria, a forward player for the Indian women’s hockey team from Roshnabad, Uttarakhand, achieved a significant milestone by playing her 300th international match. This historic event took place during the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy-2023 at the Jaipal Singh Munda Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Marang Gomke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, making her the first player to earn such an international cap.

Key Points:

• Vandana Kataria reached this remarkable milestone during India’s match against Japan in the ongoing Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023. With this achievement, she became the first Indian female player to participate in 300 international matches.
• India has remained unbeaten in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023 so far, with victories over Thailand (7–1), Malaysia (5–0), and a thrilling win against China (2–1).
• Vandana Kataria first gained prominence as the top scorer for the Indian team in the Junior Women’s World Cup held in Mönchengladbach, Germany, where she played a crucial role in securing a bronze medal for the team.
• She also played a vital role in India’s fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and made history as the first Indian female hockey player to score a hat-trick in the Olympic Games.
• In recognition of her achievements, Vandana was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2022. She was part of the Indian team that won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2016 and the Women’s Asia Cup in 2017.

910-Meter Tunnel Linking Badrinath and Gaurikund Highways

On October 30, 2023, a 910-meter-long tunnel was completed in the Rudraprayag District, connecting the Rishikesh-Badrinath and Rudraprayag-Gaurikund National Highways. This tunnel is part of the 'All Weather Road Project' by the Government of India.

Project Details

• The tunnel construction began with a ceremonial Bhoomi Pujan in December 2022.
• Bharat Construction Company started the digging in March 2023 from two locations: Belani and Jagtoli.

Timeline and Achievements

• The company was initially given a deadline of December 2023 to complete the tunnel.
• However, the team of 150 laborers and machines finished it in just seven months, covering the 910 meters from Belani to Jagtoli.

Additional Infrastructure

• Along with the tunnel, a 200-meter motor bridge is also planned over the Alaknanda River.
• The excavation for the bridge's abutment is currently underway.

Project Timeline

• National Highway officials expect the entire project to be completed by June 2025.

Background

• The idea for the tunnel was proposed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2008-09.
• The Government of India approved the construction in 2019, including it in the second phase of the All Weather Road Project with an initial budget of Rs 200 crore for the tunnel and bridge.

Investment Proposals in Uttarakhand

During a roadshow in Ahmedabad on October 30, 2023, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for investment proposals worth Rs 20,000 crore were signed with over 50 industry groups.

Notable Companies Involved

• Sheetal Group Company
• Rankers Hospital
• Jiwaya Wellness Private Limited
• Astral Pipes
• Warmora Tiles
• Gujarat Ambuja
• MKC Infrastructure Limited
• Amul

Other Agreements
Investment proposals were also signed with various other companies, including:

• Commodity Trading
• AD Mehta Logistics
• Friends & Friends Group of Companies
• Parekh Ventures LLP
• V Milak Enterprises
• Arya Ocean Logistics Park
• Hindustan Oil Industries
• Supac Industries
• Shreeji Group
• NB Group
• Shantakaram Nigam
• Apollo Group of Institutes
• Panchakarma Hotels and Resorts (Trident)
• Sabarmati University
• Leela Hotels and Resorts
• Hops Healthcare
• Prime Fresh
• Dutt Motors
• Nexus Infratech Pvt. Ltd.

Previous Roadshows

This roadshow in Ahmedabad is part of a series of six roadshows that have collectively signed MoUs for investment proposals worth Rs 89,300 crore for the Global Investors Conference.

Justice Ritu Bahri of Punjab-Haryana High Court Recommended as Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court

On November 2, 2023, the Supreme Court collegium, led by the Chief Justice, recommended Justice Ritu Bahri of the Punjab-Haryana High Court to become the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. Justice Bahri is set to succeed former Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi, who retired on October 26, 2023.

• Current Situation : Following Chief Justice Sanghi's retirement, Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari has been serving as the acting Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. Justice Ritu Bahri, who is currently the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab-Haryana High Court and the second senior-most judge there, is poised to take on this new role.
• Justice Ritu Bahri’s Career : Justice Ritu Bahri made history as the first woman to serve as the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab-Haryana High Court, a position she assumed on October 14, 2023. She has a long-standing legal career, having started her practice in the Punjab-Haryana High Court in 1986. Justice Bahri also worked in the Haryana Advocate General’s Office before her appointment as a judge of the Punjab-Haryana High Court on August 16, 2010.
• Family Background : Justice Ritu Bahri comes from a family with a judicial background; her father, Justice Amrit Lal Bahri, was also a judge in the Punjab-Haryana High Court.
• Role in Plastic Waste Management : Justice Bahri's recommendation comes at a time when the Kedarnath Dham, under the jurisdiction of the Uttarakhand High Court, has been recognized for its innovative plastic waste management practices. The digital deposit refund system for plastic waste collection implemented in Kedarnath Dham was ranked first in the country, showcasing the effective governance and environmental management in the region.

Approval for Five Solar Energy Projects in Uttarakhand

On November 3, 2023, it was reported that a state-level committee in Uttarakhand, chaired by Energy Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, approved proposals for five solar power projects, each with a capacity of 5.26 MW. The companies involved in these projects include Evincia Renewal Private Limited, Sahara Sai Private Limited, Technox Engineering and Service, and Kashi Vishwanath Steel Textiles Mill Limited, with a total investment of Rs 24 crore.

Background

• In July 2023, the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency invited applications for solar power projects, receiving proposals for seven projects with a combined capacity of 20 MW.
• The state government is actively promoting green energy initiatives to align with the Prime Minister's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and addressing global warming.

Initiatives and Policies

• The new solar energy policy in Uttarakhand was implemented on April 13, 2023.
• The Mukhyamantri Solar Swarojgar Yojana was launched to encourage solar energy production.
• Additional subsidies are being offered for domestic consumers to install rooftop solar power plants.

Agreement on Investment Proposal of Rs 30,200 crore in Mumbai Road Show

During a roadshow in Mumbai for the upcoming Global Investors Conference in Uttarakhand, investment agreements totaling Rs 30,200 crore were signed.

Further Discussions

• Investment discussions were also held with companies such as JSW Sports, Godrej Chemicals, Astar Bhojan, and V Arjun Logistics Park.

Roadshows and MoUs

• The Uttarakhand state government has conducted five international and five national roadshows to attract investors, including events in London, Birmingham, Abu Dhabi, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.
• MoUs have been signed for investment proposals during these roadshows.

Investment Target

• The state government aims for an investment target of Rs 2.50 lakh crore for the investors' conference.
• MoUs worth over Rs 1,24,200 crore have been signed so far for the conference scheduled on December 8 and 9, 2023, at FRI, Dehradun.

Comparison with Previous Conference

• In the 2018 investor conference, over 600 proposals worth Rs 1.24 lakh crore were signed, but only about Rs 30,000 crore has been realized so far.
• This time, agreements worth Rs 1,24,200 crore have already been signed.

National Games 2023: Uttarakhand's Medal Count Reaches 17

Athletes from Uttarakhand have made notable achievements at the 37th National Games taking place in Goa, securing two silver and one bronze medal across different sports on November 6, 2023. This brings the total medal tally for Uttarakhand to 17.

Medal Winners from Uttarakhand

• Judo : Sneha Chauhan won a silver medal in the 57 kg category, and Sneha Tadiyal claimed a bronze in the 78 kg category.
• Archery : Karthik Rana from Doiwala, Dehradun, earned a silver medal.

Uttarakhand's Position in the Medal Table

• Uttarakhand is currently ranked 23rd in the medal standings, with a total of 17 medals, comprising three gold, three silver, and 11 bronze medals.
• In comparison, neighboring Himachal Pradesh has secured six medals, including two gold, one silver, and three bronze medals, placing them 27th in the medal table.

Uttarakhand to Trade Harsil Apples with Assam

On November 5, 2023, Uttarakhand's Agriculture and Horticulture Minister, Ganesh Joshi, announced plans to trade apples from Harsil, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, in the markets of Assam.

During a meeting with officials from the Mandi Marketing Board in Guwahati, Minister Joshi discussed the potential for expanding the reach of Uttarakhand's apples to Assam. He highlighted that Harsil apples currently reach Kolkata and suggested that they could be transported to Assam's markets.

Minister Joshi also expressed willingness to cooperate if Assam were to trade bananas with Uttarakhand. Officials from Assam informed the minister about the Assam Agricultural Marketing Board, which has 700 employees and 42 board members. They mentioned that the Dronggiri area in the Goalpara district of Assam is a significant producer of bananas, which are distributed to various states across the country.

International Acro Festival at Tehri Lake

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the International Acro Festival will take place at Tehri Lake from November 24 to 28, 2023. Organized by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council, the festival will feature pilots from India and around the world showcasing aerial stunts.

• Tehri Lake is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination in Uttarakhand, and this will be the inaugural International Acro Festival at this location.
• Participation: The festival will host 35 international and 100 Indian pilots competing in various acrobatic flying events.
• Events: Competitions will include acro flying, synchro flying, wingsuit flying, and de-bagging.
• Entertainment: Evening performances by popular bands such as Euphoria and Pandavas will also be part of the event.

Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that the International Acro Festival aims to give global recognition to Uttarakhand as a premier adventure tourism destination and to establish new benchmarks in this sector.

Film Shooting Grants in Uttarakhand

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand announced a new grant of Rs 3 crore for shooting Hindi films and web series in the state.

• The grant for regional films has also been increased to Rs 2 crore.
• Previously, the grants were Rs 1.50 crore for Hindi films, Rs 25 lakh for regional language films, and Rs 15 lakh for regional language films of other states.
• New Incentives: Grants of Rs 50 lakh for opening a studio, Rs 25 lakh for a theater, and Rs 25 lakh for a post-production studio in Uttarakhand were also announced.
• Additional Benefits: A 50% discount on hotel stays for production teams and full security arrangements during shoots will be provided.
• Promotion: The Chief Minister invited film industry professionals to consider Uttarakhand as a shooting location and highlighted the state's efforts to promote the film industry.

AYUSH Department Signs MoUs for ₹4,000 Crore Investments

Background: On November 7, 2023, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, the Secretary of the AYUSH Department in Uttarakhand, announced that the department had signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for investment proposals totaling ₹4,000 crores in preparation for the Global Investors Conference.

• Job Creation: The new investments in the AYUSH and wellness sector are expected to create employment opportunities for around 6,000 people in the near future.
• Investment Target: The government has set a target of attracting ₹5,000 crores in investments for the AYUSH and wellness sector. The AYUSH Department has already secured MoUs for ₹4,000 crores towards this goal.
• Patanjali Agreement: An agreement has been reached with Patanjali for a ₹1,000 crore investment. Patanjali plans to invest in promoting wellness, yoga, and the production of medicinal plants in Uttarakhand.
• Kumar Group Agreement: An MoU has also been signed with the Kumar Group for a ₹1,700 crore investment in wellness and yoga initiatives.
• Upcoming Implementation: An investment of ₹800 crore is expected to be implemented before the Global Investors Conference.
• Incentives: The AYUSH policy offers a 5% additional incentive for investments in the wellness and AYUSH sector.

SJVN to Supply Affordable Electricity to UPCL

SJVN (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam) will provide 200 MW of power from its solar plant to Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL). A letter of intent has been received from UPCL for this agreement.

• Tariff Rate: UPCL has agreed to purchase power from SJVN’s 1000 MW Bikaner Solar Project at a tariff rate of ₹2.57 per unit.
• Power Purchase Agreement: The allocation of solar energy from the Bikaner project will be formalized in a power purchase agreement between SJVN and UPCL in the near future.
• Project Timeline: The foundation stone for the Bikaner Solar Project was laid by President Draupadi Murmu on January 3, 2023, and the project is expected to be commissioned by June 2024.
• Project Details: The Bikaner solar project is being developed by SGEL (SJVN Green Energy Limited), a subsidiary of SJVN, in Rajasthan under the CPSU (Central Public Sector Undertaking) Scheme. Over 25 years, the project is expected to generate approximately 56,838 million units of electricity and reduce carbon emissions by 27,85,077 tonnes.

Chief Minister's Announcements on Uttarakhand Foundation Day

On November 9, 2023, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made several important announcements regarding new policies for the state during a program held at the Police Lines in Dehradun to celebrate State Foundation Day.

• Women’s Policy: The Chief Minister stated that the women’s policy is ready and will be implemented soon.
• Mukhyamantri Kanya Samajik Vivah Yojana: He announced this scheme to assist needy families with social marriage events, which will be organized at the district level by the state government.
• Child Labor Eradication Plan: The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a specific action plan to eradicate child labor, coordinating efforts from all departments to secure the future of children in Devbhoomi.
• Drug-Free Uttarakhand by 2025: To achieve this goal, the government will introduce a Drug-Free Village and Drug-Free City Scheme, offering special incentives to identified areas.

Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman: President Draupadi Murmu honored four individuals from the state for their exceptional service in various fields during the event.

Uttarakhand’s First Yoga Policy Proposal

Announcement of Yoga Policy: On November 9, 2023, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, the AYUSH Secretary of Uttarakhand, announced the preparation of the state’s first yoga policy. This policy is expected to be approved by the government soon.

• Financial Incentives: The proposed policy includes financial incentives for establishing yoga, spiritual, and naturopathy centers across the state.
• Subsidies for Investment: Under the tourism policy, a 50 percent subsidy on investment in yoga and spiritual facilities will be offered in selected hilly areas categorized as B & C. Additionally, a five percent extra subsidy will be provided under the AYUSH policy.
• Implementation and Approval: The Ayurveda and Unani department will oversee the implementation of this policy, and investment proposals will be approved through a single window system.
• International Yoga Hub: The state government aims to establish Uttarakhand as an international yoga hub, with initiatives like the annual International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh organized by the Tourism Department.
• Lack of Previous Policy: It is noteworthy that there was no existing policy for developing basic yoga facilities in the state until now.

For the first time in Uttarakhand, six players will be honored with the Himalaya Putra Award.

• On November 12, 2023, officials from the Sports Department of Uttarakhand announced that, for the first time ever in the state, six players will receive the prestigious Himalaya Putra Award.
• This award will recognize athletes in various categories, including one disabled athlete, two team sports, and three individual sports events. The selection process for these awards has already begun.

Key Points

• Annual Awards: Each year, outstanding athletes in Uttarakhand are honored with the Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Khel Ratna Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Sports coaches are recognized with the Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Dronacharya Award.
• New Award: This year marks the inaugural presentation of the Himalaya Putra Award to players who have excelled in sports.
• Selection Process: The Sports Directorate received applications for various awards until October 16. After reviewing these applications, a committee will meet to discuss the nominations.
• Government Approval: The names of the selected players and coaches will be submitted to the government for approval. The final decision will be made by the High Power Committee and the Sports Minister.
• Other Awards: In addition to the Himalaya Putra Award, a player will receive the Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Khel Ratna Award, another will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and a sports coach will receive the Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Dronacharya Award.

Devbhoomi Entrepreneurship Centers

Overview: Devbhoomi Entrepreneurship Centers are set to be established in all 119 government colleges across Uttarakhand. This initiative aims to foster an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship in line with the National Education Policy-2020.

Objectives: The primary goal is to create a robust ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurial skills and opportunities among students in government institutions.

Training and Development: Initially, 90 professors will receive training in entrepreneurship to equip them with the necessary skills to nurture entrepreneurial qualities in students.

Focus Areas: The centers will concentrate on various aspects of entrepreneurship, including:

• Identifying and developing entrepreneurial qualities in students.
• Recognizing start-up opportunities.
• Developing a comprehensive curriculum on entrepreneurship.
• Understanding start-up funding and venture capital.
• Exploring emerging entrepreneurship opportunities in Uttarakhand and creating project profiles for these opportunities.
• Designing skill-development courses in accordance with NEP-2020.
• Enhancing library resources and IT support for entrepreneurship.

Recent Training: Recently, 22 faculty members from state higher educational institutions underwent training at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad. This training focused on equipping faculty with the skills to foster entrepreneurship among students.

Uttarakhand's First Cyber City Planned for Rudrapur

• The Uttarakhand government is actively planning to establish the state's first cyber city in Rudrapur, located in the Udham Singh Nagar district.
• Major companies like Tata and Infosys have shown interest in investing in this project.

Government's Initiative

• The state government is in discussions with several renowned IT companies to bring this proposal to life.
• Tata is considering a significant investment, potentially starting at Rs 5,000 crore, with the possibility of increasing this amount based on circumstances.
• Infosys is also expected to make a substantial investment in Uttarakhand.

Proposed Location

• The government plans to provide a dedicated space for all IT companies in close proximity, with land near Parag Farm in Rudrapur being a potential site for the cyber city.

Investment Goals

• The government aims to attract investments ranging from Rs 20,000 to 30,000 crore in the IT sector.
• Achieving this target would facilitate the establishment of the cyber city.

Support from IT Giants

• Tata and Infosys are expected to play a significant role in shaping the IT landscape of Uttarakhand through their investments.
• The government may also consider adjusting its IT and service sector policies based on the recommendations of these companies.

Summary

• The development of a cyber city in Rudrapur represents a significant step towards enhancing Uttarakhand's IT infrastructure and attracting major investments in the sector.

Millet Bakery Outlet Opens in State Secretariat

Promotion of Millet Products

• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Millet Bakery outlet in the State Secretariat on November 16, 2023.
• The initiative aims to promote millet-based products in Uttarakhand and improve the livelihoods of women self-help groups.

Local Grain Production

• Women self-help groups in rural Uttarakhand are producing local grains such as Mandua, Jhangora, Jowar, and Amaranth in large quantities.
• To add value to these grains, two millet product bakeries have been established in the Raipur block of Dehradun and the Pauri block of Pauri district.

Bakery Products

• The Millet Bakery is processing Mandua and Jhangora to produce biscuits, bread, pizza bases, and other bakery items.

Government Efforts

• The state government is making continuous efforts to promote local products under the International Millet Year 2023.
• Various programs are being organized to encourage the production and consumption of local millets.

Empowering Women

• The government has set a target to make 1.25 lakh women "Lakhpati Didis" (wealthy women) by 2025.
• So far, 40,270 women have achieved this status.
• Selected self-help groups are receiving training in bakery product preparation to meet market demand and produce high-quality, nutritious items.

Chardham Yatra Sees Over 56 Lakh Visitors

As of November 18, 2023, more than 56 lakh devotees from India and around the world participated in the Chardham Yatra, setting a new record. This year also saw a record number of visitors to Hemkund Sahib as part of the Yatra.

• Approximately 75 lakh pilgrims had registered for the Chardham Yatra, which took place from April 22 to November 18. Out of these, over 56.13 lakh people visited the sacred sites of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib.
• For the first time in the Yatra's history, the number of devotees exceeded 55 lakh. The breakdown of visitors is as follows:
  • Kedarnath Dham: 19.61 lakh visitors
  • Badrinath Dham: 18.34 lakh visitors
  • Gangotri: 9.05 lakh visitors
  • Yamunotri: 7.35 lakh visitors
  • Hemkund Sahib: 1.77 lakh visitors
• In comparison, 46.29 lakh devotees participated in the Chardham and Hemkund Sahib Yatra in 2022. The Yatra faced significant restrictions during the Covid pandemic in 2021 and 2020, with only 5.29 lakh and 3.30 lakh pilgrims respectively. In 2019, over 34.77 lakh devotees took part in the Yatra.

182nd Anniversary of Nainital: The City of Lakes

On November 18, 2023, Nainital, renowned as the City of Lakes in Uttarakhand, celebrated its 182nd anniversary. This occasion marks the day when English businessman P. Barron first arrived in Nainital in 1841 and was captivated by its natural beauty, bringing it to the attention of the wider world.

• Nainital's formal settlement under European governance occurred in 1842, when George Thomas Lussington, the fourth Kumaon Commissioner, recognized its potential. The British subsequently designated Nainital as a small province and summer capital.
• Beyond its stunning landscapes, Nainital is a symbol of communal harmony. It is home to the Maa Nayana Devi Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, located on the northern bank of Naini Lake. Additionally, the city boasts Asia’s first Methodist Church, a Gurudwara, and Jama Masjid, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
• However, Nainital's natural beauty and environment are under threat due to rampant and unplanned development. There is an urgent need to curb the expanding concrete infrastructure, alleviate traffic congestion, raise awareness about landslide-prone areas, and protect the delicate ecosystem.

Central Cell and Core Committee Formed to Implement MBBS Hindi Curriculum

Formation of Central Cell and Core Committee

• The government has established a central cell and core committee on November 22, 2023, to implement the Hindi language curriculum in MBBS studies.
• The Vice Chancellor of HNB Medical Education University will chair the committee.

Committee Members and Roles

• The Director of Medical Education will serve as the co-chairman of the committee.
• Prof. Daulat Singh, Head of the Radiotherapy Department at Doon Medical College, will be the member secretary.

Formation of Sub-Committees

• To implement the Hindi language curriculum in MBBS, sub-committees will be formed at the medical college level.
• The principal or dean of each college will chair their respective sub-committees.
• The principal will nominate a faculty member as Secretary, and heads of three departments will be members.

Nodal Agency and Curriculum Report

• HNB Medical University has been designated as the nodal agency to implement the committee's recommendations regarding the Hindi language curriculum.
• The university had previously submitted a curriculum report to the government for teaching MBBS in Hindi.

Government's Preparations

• The state government is making preparations to implement the Hindi language curriculum in the MBBS course soon.

First Regional Investors Conference in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand

• The inaugural regional investor conference was held in Rudrapur as part of the Global Investor Summit, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in attendance on November 22, 2023.
• During the conference, Chief Minister Dhami announced that following agreements worth several crores both domestically and internationally, a proposal for an investment of Rs 12,000 crore has been received in Uttarakhand.
• The state has signed a total investment agreement amounting to Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
• Chief Minister Dhami highlighted that industrialists from various locations, including London, Dubai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad, have been approached for the development and expansion of industries as well as the establishment of new industries in Uttarakhand.
• He also mentioned discussions with industrialist Mukesh Ambani regarding potential investments in the state, with companies such as ITC, Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland planning to invest in Uttarakhand.
• To promote tourism and industries, the state is formulating 27 new policies, with a focus on adventure tourism.
• The Chief Minister emphasized that industrialists serve as brand ambassadors for Uttarakhand, and he envisions the third decade of the 21st century being defined by the contributions of the industrial community in the state.
• He also noted the availability of a 6000-acre land bank in Haridwar and US Nagar for industrial development.

Investment Proposals in Uttarakhand

In the financial year 2023-24, the Uttarakhand government has approved investment proposals worth approximately Rs 18,000 crore. These proposals are expected to create around 26,000 jobs.

Key Details

• The majority of the investments are planned for the districts of Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar.
• Investors in hilly areas have also received approvals.
• The state government has streamlined the approval process for industrial investment through a single window system, facilitating permissions from various departments.
• Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed for investment proposals totaling Rs 2 lakh crore in preparation for the Global Investors Conference scheduled in Dehradun on December 8 and 9, 2023.
• The state aims to attract Rs 2.50 lakh crore in investments during the conference.

District-wise Investment Breakdown

Total Investment Approved: Rs 18,000 crore

Employment Opportunities Created: 26,000 jobs

Chief Minister's Inauguration of the 6th Disaster Management Global Conference

Event Details

• The 6th Disaster Management Global Conference was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on November 28, 2023, at Graphic Era University, Dehradun.
• The Chief Minister lit a lamp to mark the occasion and released a book titled 'Resilient India', authored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Conference Participation

• Delegates, experts, and scientists from over 50 countries are participating in the conference, which will run until December 1, 2023.
• More than 60 technical sessions are scheduled to take place during the conference.

Importance of the Conference

• Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the conference's significance in addressing global disaster management challenges.
• The conference aims to share studies, research, and experiences related to disaster management and climate change.

Upcoming Global Investors Summit

• The Global Investors Summit is set to take place in Dehradun on December 8 and 9, 2023.
• The Chief Minister highlighted that the disaster management conference preceding the summit would convey the message of 'Safe Investment-Strong Uttarakhand'.

Future Initiatives

• Chief Minister Dhami announced plans to include disaster management courses in state universities and educational institutions.
• Workshops on disaster management will also be organized.
• The Central Government plans to establish the National Institute of Disaster Management in Uttarakhand, with the state government providing the necessary land and support.

Silkyara Rescue Operation: A Historic Achievement

On November 28, 2023, a remarkable rescue operation at Silkyara in Uttarkashi district came to a successful conclusion after 17 days of relentless effort. 41 labourers who had been trapped in an under-construction tunnel since November 12 were finally brought to safety. This operation has now set a record as the longest rescue mission in India for workers trapped in a tunnel or mine.

• The ordeal began on Deepawali when a landslide trapped the workers inside the tunnel. Various agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, BRO, RVNL, SJVNL, ONGC, ITBP, NHAIDCL, THDC, the Uttarakhand State Government, District Administration, Army, Air Force, and local workers, played crucial roles in the rescue efforts.

Previous Notable Rescue Operations

• Raniganj Coal Mine Campaign: In 1989, 65 workers were trapped in the Mahabir Kolyari Raniganj coal mine in West Bengal. Mining engineer Jaswant Gill led the rescue team, and after two days, all workers were safely evacuated. Gill's efforts, including going inside the mine himself, earned him the Best Life Saving Medal in 1991.
• Haldheri Village Campaign: In 2006, a five-year-old boy fell into a borewell in Haldheri village, Kurukshetra, Haryana. After 50 hours of effort, rescue teams managed to pull the child out by connecting another borewell through a large iron pipe.

International Rescue Operations

• Thai Cave Expedition: In 2018, the Wild Boars football team was trapped in Tham Luang Cave, Thailand, due to flooding. The rescue involved 90 divers and lasted nearly two weeks, with former Thailand Navy SEAL Saman Kunan losing his life during the operation.
• Chile Mine Operation: In 2010, 33 workers were trapped in the San Jose mine, about 2000 feet underground. After 17 days, contact was established, and food, water, and medicine were sent to the workers. After 69 days, all workers were rescued one by one.
• Cucreek Mining Incident: In 2002, nine workers were trapped in the Cucreek Mining Inc. mine in Pennsylvania, USA. They were rescued after 77 hours using a 22-inch-wide iron ring.

Maternity Leave for Female Home Guards in Uttarakhand

On November 28, 2023, the Uttarakhand state government announced that female home guards will now be entitled to maternity leave, similar to other departments. Previously, home guards did not have access to maternity leave, but this changed following a recommendation from IG Kewal Khurana.

• The government took this recommendation seriously, and Additional Chief Secretary Radha Raturi approved the provision of maternity leave for women home guards. There are over six thousand male and female home guards in the state, and efforts are being made to provide them with advanced facilities similar to those offered to police personnel.
• During maternity leave, the salaries of women home guards will not be deducted; they will receive their full salary. Additionally, higher officials will be kept informed about the well-being of women home guards during their maternity leave.