UKPSC Monthly Current Affairs: May 2025 | Monthly Current Affairs UKPSC - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

Uttarakhand Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan

Why in News?

“Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the initiative in Guniyal village, Dehradun, on 29th May 2025.

Key Points

About the Campaign:

• The campaign will run from 29th May to 12th June 2025.

Panchayats

• It will cover 95 development blocks, 670 Nyaya, and 11,440 villages in Uttarakhand.
• The state has deployed three teams per district, each conducting programmes at three different locations daily, aiming to engage over 600 farmers per programme.

Objectives:

• To empower farmers through scientific knowledge, modern agricultural practices, and awareness about government schemes.
• To help farmers adopt advanced agricultural techniques suited to their soil, land, and climate conditions.
• To train farmers in selecting profitable crops based on soil testing and scientific guidance.
• To document farmers’ traditional knowledge and innovations, making future agricultural research more practical and locally relevant.

Government Support Schemes

State Government Schemes:

• The Uttarakhand government is providing interest-free loans up to 3 lakhs to farmers.
• Farm Machinery Bank Scheme:. subsidy of up to 80 percent is offered for the purchase of agricultural machinery.
• Farmers are receiving a bonus of 20 per quintal on wheat procurement.
• The rate of sugarcane has been increased by 20 per quintal.
• Canal irrigation has been made completely free for farmers in the state.

Special Agricultural Initiatives in Uttarakhand:

• Organic and Aroma Farming: The state is converting tea gardens in Dhauladevi, Munsiyari, and Betalghat into organic tea-producing areas.
• Six aroma valleys are currently being developed to promote high-value aromatic crops.

Budgetary and Project Allocations:

• In the 2025 budget, 200 crore has been allocated specifically for the construction of polyhouses.
• A 1,000 crore project named the Uttarakhand Climate Responsive Rain-Fed Farming Project has been approved to promote farming in hilly and rain-fed regions.

New Crop Policies:

• Apple Policy: The state has launched several new initiatives, including the Kiwi Policy, State Millet Mission, and Dragon Fruit Policy.
• These policies are supported by a total investment of 1,200 crore aimed at diversifying and strengthening the horticulture sector.

Central Government Initiatives:

• PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
• Crop Insurance Scheme
• Maandhan Yojana
• Soil Health Card
• Central schemes like the Horticulture Development Mission, Agricultural Machinery Subsidy, Drip Irrigation Scheme, and Digital Agriculture initiative are also implemented in the state.
• Additionally, programmes such as the Horticulture Development Mission, Agricultural Machinery Subsidy, Drip Irrigation Scheme, and Digital Agriculture are promoted to support farmers.

Ropeway Project from Tapovan to Kunjapuri Temple

The Uttarakhand government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Swiss manufacturer to develop a ropeway project connecting Tapovan to Kunjapuri Devi Temple.

About the Project: The planned ropeway aims to link Tapovan in Rishikesh with the Kunjapuri Temple in Narendranagar, a site of significant spiritual importance. The project aims to:

• Decrease travel time
• Improve visitor safety
• Reduce environmental impact from traffic

Location

Near Rishikesh in the Tehri Garhwal district

Altitude: 1,676 meters above sea level, situated on a hilltop

Significance of Kunjapuri Temple

• The Kunjapuri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is one of the 13 Shakti Peethas located in the Shivalik range.
• It is one of the three major Shakti Peethas in the Tehri district, along with Surkanda Devi and Chandrabadni, creating a sacred triangle.
• The temple is famous for its spiritual significance and stunning panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas, including notable peaks such as Swargarohini, Banderpunch, and Chaukhamba.
• From the temple summit, visitors can also enjoy views of the Bhagirathi valley and the cities of Rishikesh, Haridwar, and the Doon Valley.

National Ropeways Development Programme (Parvatmala)

• The National Ropeways Development Programme, also known as Parvatmala, has been initiated to improve transport connectivity in hilly regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and the North-Eastern states.
• The scheme aims to develop modern and environmentally friendly ropeway systems to bolster the infrastructure of remote and border villages.

Key Ropeway Projects Approved in Uttarakhand

• Ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib
• Ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath

Note: Both projects are being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model following the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) framework.

Benefits of Ropeways

• Ropeways provide an efficient and safe alternative to difficult mountain roads, making travel easier in challenging terrains.
• They facilitate faster travel by circumventing obstacles posed by the terrain, significantly reducing journey times.
• Environmentally, ropeways are friendly as they require minimal land use and produce lower emissions compared to traditional transport methods.
• From a cost perspective, ropeways are advantageous due to lower maintenance and labor costs, making them a financially viable option.
• Additionally, they play a crucial role in last-mile connectivity and can be used for mass passenger transit, enhancing overall transportation infrastructure.

Uttarakhand Mega Industrial & Investment Policy 2025

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has given his approval to the Mega Industrial and Investment Policy for the year 2025.

Key Highlights of the Policy

• The primary goal of the policy is to position Uttarakhand as a competitive destination for both national and international capital investment.
• It aims to stimulate the state's economic growth and generate increased job opportunities by promoting large-scale manufacturing activities.

Policy Duration and Eligibility

• The policy is effective immediately and will remain in force for a period of five years.
• Businesses seeking to benefit from the policy must submit a Common Application Form (CAF) through the Single Window Portal.
• Financial incentives will be determined based on the category of investment made by the business.
• A timeline ranging from 3 to 7 years is established for completing the investment following the submission of the CAF application.

Classification of Enterprises

• Large enterprises are classified based on their permanent capital investment, excluding land costs, and the minimum employment requirements set for each category.

Financial Incentives

• Stamp Duty Reimbursement: Businesses can receive a 50% reimbursement on stamp duty paid for land purchase or lease deeds, with a maximum limit of 50 lakhs.
• Capital Subsidy:This subsidy is payable in annual instalments after the commencement of commercial production, based on the investment category. The specific percentages and timelines are as follows:
  • Large: 10% after 8 years
  • Ultra Large: 12% after 10 years
  • Mega: 15% after 12 years
  • Ultra Mega: 20% after 15 years

Additional Subsidies for Hilly Areas

• Category A districts: Businesses in these districts are eligible for an additional 2% capital subsidy.
• Category B districts: Businesses in these districts can receive an extra 1% capital subsidy.

Uttarakhand Promotes Cultural Heritage and Development

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand recently launched the ‘Ahilya Smriti Marathon – Ek Virasat: Ek Sankalp’ and the ‘Pratham’ Gaja Ghantakarna Mahotsav-2025. These events aim to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage while emphasizing ongoing development efforts.

Ahilya Smriti Marathon

• The Ahilya Smriti Marathon was held in Dehradun as part of a heritage-themed initiative.
• The theme, Ek Virasat – Ek Sankalp (One Heritage, One Resolution), aims to raise awareness about health, unity, and cultural pride in Uttarakhand.
• The initiative seeks to promote:
  • Health awareness
  • Social harmony
  • Cultural pride among participants

Gaja Ghantakarna Mahotsav-2025

Location and Religious Significance

• The Gaja Ghantakarna Mahotsav-2025 was celebrated in Gaja, Tehri district, focusing on the Gaja Ghantakarna Temple.
• This temple holds mythological significance and is traditionally visited as the second parikrama site after the Badrinath pilgrimage.
• The location offers breathtaking views from Haridwar to the Himalayan ranges, making it a hub for spiritual and eco-tourism.

Cultural Contribution

• The Mahotsav aims to revive and promote the region’s cultural and religious heritage.
• It focuses on enhancing cultural and community participation through traditional activities and celebrations.
• The event plays a crucial role in sustaining intangible heritage and fostering a sense of identity in local communities.

Aligning with the Vision of a Developed India by 2047

Development Initiatives

• The efforts in promoting cultural heritage align with the broader vision of a developed Uttarakhand, contributing to the Prime Minister’s Amritkaal vision.
• The government is focusing on infrastructure and social development projects, including the establishment of a Polytechnic Institute in Gaja and the Henvalghati pumping drinking water scheme.

One District One Product (ODOP) Initiative

• The ODOP initiative promotes balanced regional development by identifying and promoting one unique product from each of the 761 districts in India.
• A total of 1,102 products are selected, leveraging local strengths, including items under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative.
• GI-tagged productsfrom Uttarakhand include:
  • Red Rice
  • Almora Lakhori Chilli
  • Berinag Tea
  • Ramnagar (Nainital) Litchi
  • Ramgarh Aadu
• The selection process is managed by states and union territories in coordination with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiya Bagad Hydroelectric Project

Advisory Committee (FAC)

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

The Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiya Bagad Hydroelectric Project in Uttarakhand has received in-principle approval (a preliminary or conditional agreement) from the government.

Project Overview:

• The project is located on the Gori Ganga River in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.
• It is planned to have an installed capacity of 120 megawatts (MW).
• The FAC has approved the diversion of 29.997 hectares of forest land required for the project’s implementation.

Infrastructure Design & Impact:

• The project includes approximately 1 km of tunnel construction.
• The majority of the project infrastructure will be built underground, which helps in reducing the environmental impact.
• While the project states there will be no displacement of local populations, it is important to consider potential indirect impacts on these communities due to land acquisition.

Why in News? The site does not fall within any wildlife sanctuary, eco-sensitive zone, or other protected areas, ensuring minimal ecological disruption.

Energy Potential of the Project:

• The project is expected to generate around 529 million units of clean renewable energy annually.
• This generation will help meet local energy demands and contribute significantly to Uttarakhand’s energy strategy, enhancing its energy independence.

Socio-Economic Impact:

• The project will create both temporary jobs during the construction phase and permanent employment opportunities once operational.
• It will also lead to the improvement of local infrastructure, including roads and public facilities.
• These developments are expected to reduce migration from the region by enhancing economic opportunities for local residents.

Forest Advisory Committee (FAC):

• Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 is a statutory body constituted by the government.
• The FAC evaluates industrial projects that require forest land for their activities.
• The committee may or may not approve a project and can give approval for forest land to be diverted after imposing certain conditions.

The Gori Ganga River, also known as Ghori Ganga or Gori Gad, flows through the Munsiyari tehsil of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand.

It originates from the Milam Glacier, located northeast of Nanda Devi, and travels a course of approximately 104 kilometres before merging with the Kali River at Jauljibi.

A significant tributary, the Gonga stream, joins the Gori Ganga near the Milam village, just 1 km below the glacier snout.

Geographical Significance:

• The river valley acts as a drainage basin for numerous glaciers and streams that descend from the eastern slopes of the Panchachuli, Rajramba, and Chaudhara mountain ranges.
• Other notable contributors include the Ralam Gad, Pyunsani Gadera, and the Kalabaland–Burfu Kalganga glacier system, which feed into the Gori Ganga from the east.

Tourism Potential:

• The Gori Ganga Valley is known for its scenic trekking routes leading to iconic Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi East, Hardeol, Trishuli, Panchachuli, and Nanda Kot.
• The valley holds both ecological value and adventure potential, making it an area of multifaceted importance.

Indian Army Launches First FM Radio Station in Uttarakhand

The Indian Army has inaugurated its first FM radio station, named 'Panchshul Pulse,' in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

Why in News? The station was inaugurated by Anindya Sengupta, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army’s Central Command.

About the Radio Station:

• The station, 'Panchshul Pulse,' is named to reflect its association with the local Panchshul Brigade of the Indian Army.
• It operates under Operation Sadbhavana,. long-term Army initiative aimed at fostering positive relationships with local civilians in crucial areas.
• Operation Sadbhavana is a humanitarian effort initiated by the Indian Army in the 1990s to assist communities in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Vibrant Villages Programme

• The radio station aligns with the Vibrant Villages Programme, which focuses on development, connectivity, and awareness in India’s border regions.
• It broadcasts on 88.4 FM and is accessible within a 12-kilometre radius.

Objectives of the Initiative:

• The initiative aims to enhance civil-military cooperation by providing a platform for cultural, historical, and social exchange.
• It also seeks to raise awareness about the contributions and sacrifices of individuals from the border region.

Highlights of the Radio Programming:

• The programming emphasizes local history, culture, and community practices.
• It includes content related to agriculture and martyrs, significant aspects of the area.
• The station shares stories celebrating the achievements of brave soldiers from the region.
• It also highlights the successes of local sportspersons and individuals in social and cultural fields.

Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)

• The VVP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at promoting holistic development in villages along India’s northern border.
• Approved on 15th February 2023, it covers 19 districts across 46 blocks, including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh (UT).

Focus Areas:

• The programme promotes livelihood generation through tourism, cultural initiatives, skill development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, horticulture, and medicinal plant cultivation.
• It aims to improve infrastructure, including road connectivity, housing, and security, along with basic amenities like healthcare, education, sanitation, and community centres.

Objective:

• The objective is to encourage residents to stay in border villages by enhancing infrastructure and job opportunities, while also improving border security and sustainable local development.

Border Area Development Programme (BADP)

• The BADP complements the VVP by addressing infrastructure needs in border villages located within 0–10 km of the international boundary in 16 states and 2 UTs.

Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II):

• VVP-II has been launched for FY 2024–25 to 2028–29 with a budget of ₹6,839 crore to develop villages along international land borders, excluding the northern border.

Hemkund Sahib Opens for Pilgrimage

Hemkund Sahib, a significant Sikh shrine in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, has been opened for devotees, marking the start of the annual pilgrimage season.

Hemkund Sahib is located at an altitude of approximately 4,329 metres (14,200 feet) above sea level, on the banks of the serene Hemkund Lake, encircled by snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Natural Beauty:

• The region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring glacial waters and alpine meadows that contribute to its serene and spiritual ambiance.
• Trekking routes, including the path leading to the Valley of Flowers, enhance its popularity among visitors.
• A small stream, Himganga, originating from Hemkund Lake, adds to the ecological diversity of the area.

Spiritual Significance:

• Hemkund Sahib is one of the most venerated Sikh shrines globally.
• According to the holy Granth Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, is believed to have meditated at Hemkund Lake in a past life.
• For devotees, the site symbolizes divine reflection, resilience, and purity.

Early Life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji:

• Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born as Gobind Rai Sodhi on 22 December 1666 in Patna, Bihar.
• He was the tenth and final Guru of the Sikh faith and the son of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru.

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Recent Highlights: Turning Point and Ascension:

• At the age of nine, following the martyrdom of his father in 1675, he was officially recognised as Guru.
• He combined spiritual leadership with martial discipline and literary expression.

Founding of the Khalsa:

• On Baisakhi in 1699, he established the Khalsa, a community of disciplined warriors committed to protecting faith and justice.
• He initiated the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), introduced Khande Di Pahul (Amrit initiation), and mandated the Five Ks.
  • Kangha (comb)
  • Kesh (uncut hair)
  • Kara (steel bracelet)
  • Kirpan (sword)
  • Kachhera (shorts)
• He changed his name from Gobind Rai to Gobind Singh.

Military Struggles and Sacrifices:

• He fought many battles against Mughal forces and hill rajas, including at Bhangani (1688), Nadaun (1691), and Muktsar (1705).
• He lost all four sons and his mother, Mata Gujari, due to Mughal oppression but remained steadfast in spirit.

Final Days and Legacy:

• He was fatally wounded in 1708 at Nanded by assassins sent by Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind.
• Before his death on 7 October 1708, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, marking the end of the line of personal Gurus.

Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK)

Recently, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared that private schools would be included in a new educational initiative aimed at enhancing educational outcomes through data-driven governance.

Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) is a digital platform that focuses on monitoring and analyzing crucial data related to:

• Student Enrolment
• Attendance
• Academic Performance
• Teacher Training

This system aids administrators in tracking the progress and effectiveness of school education.

The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes substantial changes in the education sector through data-driven decision-making, aligning with the goals of NEP 2020 and various educational schemes.

Uttarakhand has become the pioneering state in India to implement the Gujarat model of VSK, emphasizing data-driven governance in the field of education.

Infrastructure Development in Schools

• Construction of 141 Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Residential Schools is currently underway.
• Virtual classrooms are being established in schools across 13 districts to foster technology-driven learning.

Educational Enhancements

• All government schools are now using NCERT textbooks to ensure a high standard of education.
• Scholarships are awarded to talented students from Class 6 to 12 in both government and private schools.
• The Medhavi Chhatra Protsahan Scholarship Scheme offers educational tours across India for exceptional students in Class 10 and 12.

Promotion of Sports and Employment Opportunities

• To encourage sports, the state government is offering government jobs to athletes who win national-level medals.

The PM SHRI School initiative aims to develop over 14,500 schools across India, managed by various government bodies and local organizations. This centrally funded scheme, running from 2022-23 to 2026-27, seeks to create a safe, inclusive, and resource-rich learning environment, aligning with the NEP 2020 to foster active and responsible citizenship among students.

Educational Schemes in Uttarakhand

• Mukhyamantri Medhavi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana. For exceptional students of Class 10 and 12 to participate in educational tours across India.
• Chief Minister Higher Education Encouragement Scholarship Scheme. Scholarships for gifted students pursuing higher education in government colleges.
• Nanda Gaura Yojana. Financial support for girls from low-income families to aid their education.
• Child Benefit Scheme (UKBOCWWB). Financial assistance for children of registered building and construction workers, supporting their education from Class I to higher education or professional courses.

Introduction

Rudranath Temple, the fourth Kedar, has reopened to devotees after its winter closure. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Rudranath is one of the revered Panch Kedar temples.

In the Rudranath Temple, the aspect of Lord Shankar known as Ekanan represents the worship of the face. This differs from the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, where the entire body of Lord Shiva is revered.

Panch Kedar Temples

• Madhmaheshwar
• Rudranath
• Kalpnath

Char Dham Yatra

Uttarakhand, often referred to as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is home to numerous sacred temples that attract devotees year-round. Among these spiritual sites, the Char Dham Yatra stands out as one of the most significant pilgrimages in the region. This Yatra involves visiting four holy shrines nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, traditionally between May and November.

• Yamunotri Temple is situated in the Uttarkashi district, near the source of the sacred Yamuna River, and is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
• Gangotri Temple, also located in the Uttarkashi district, honors Goddess Ganga, revered as the most sacred river in India.
• Kedarnath Temple, found in the Rudraprayag district, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Badrinath Temple, known for the Badrinarayan Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Pushkar Kumbh 2025

Why in News

The Pushkar Kumbh has begun at Keshav Prayag in Mana village, Chamoli district, after a 12-year gap, attracting numerous pilgrims.

About Pushkar Kumbh:

• The Pushkar Kumbh is taking place at Keshav Prayag, where the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers converge in Mana village, the last settlement before the Indo-China border.
• This event is celebrated when Jupiter enters the zodiac sign Gemini and holds great significance in Hindu culture, particularly for Vaishnavite devotees, many of whom come from southern India.
• According to Hindu traditions, Maharishi Ved Vyas wrote the Mahabharata while meditating at this sacred spot, Keshav Prayag.
• It is also believed that renowned saints Ramanujacharya and Madhvacharya received profound spiritual insights from Goddess Saraswati at this location.
• While the Pushkar Kumbh in Mana is smaller in scale compared to the famous Kumbh Melas held in cities like Prayagraj and Haridwar, it plays a vital role in strengthening the spiritual and cultural connection between northern and southern India.
• The event underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage while fostering spiritual unity across the nation.

Statistical Report 2021 on Sample Registration System (SRS)

Birth Rate

As per the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021 released by the Registrar General of India, Uttarakhand was the only state that experienced an increase in birth rate from 2016 to 2021.

Urbanization

This trend reflects a demographic shift influenced by:

• Urbanization
• Improved healthcare
• Enhanced education for women

Registrar General of India

The Registrar General of India (RGI), established in 1949 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for overseeing the collection of population data, including the decennial Census of India and the Civil Registration System (CRS). The RGI ensures the implementation of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, managing the CRS for ongoing birth and death registration. Additionally, the RGI maintains the National Population Register (NPR) to capture demographic details of all usual residents. Led by a senior civil servant, usually at the Joint Secretary level, the RGI plays a crucial role in planning demographic policies and strategies.

Key Highlights of the Report

About SRS Report

The SRS is India’s largest demographic survey, aimed at providing yearly estimates of fertility and key indicators like birth and death rates. The 2021 SRS offers important insights into population trends that are usually obtained from the decadal Census of India, which has faced delays.

Crude Birth Rates

The crude birth rate indicates the number of live births per 1,000 people estimated at midyear.

• India’s crude birth rate was 19.3 in 2021, showing a decline of 1.12% annually from 2016 to 2021.
• Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Kerala saw faster declines at rates of 2.35%, 2.23%, and 2.05% per year, respectively.
• The slowest declines occurred in Rajasthan (0.48% ), Bihar (0.86% ), Chhattisgarh (0.98% ), Jharkhand (0.98% ), Assam (1.05% ), Madhya Pradesh (1.05% ), West Bengal (1.08% ), and Uttar Pradesh (1.09% ).
• Other southern states, including Andhra Pradesh (1.26% ), Telangana (1.67% ), and Karnataka (1.68% ), also recorded above-average declines.

The southern region shows a steady trend towards smaller family sizes and stable population growth.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) indicates the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years.

• In 2021, India’s TFR was 2.0, with Bihar having the highest TFR at 3.0, followed by Uttar Pradesh (2.7 ), Madhya Pradesh (2.6 ), and Rajasthan (2.4 ).
• The Gross Reproduction Rate (GRR) for India was 1, meaning each woman is having one daughter who survives to reproductive age.
• Higher GRRs were noted in Bihar (1.4 ), Uttar Pradesh (1.3 ), Rajasthan (1.2 ), and Madhya Pradesh (1.2 ).

Civil Registration System (CRS)

The 2021 data indicates that states with the slowest decline in birth rates also saw an increase in registered births, including:

• Bihar
• Rajasthan
• Uttar Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• West Bengal
• Jammu and Kashmir

Conversely, southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala have seen a decline in registered births since at least 2012, though Andhra Pradesh experienced a slight increase in 2021. Telangana witnessed a sharp rise in registered births after 2019, followed by a significant drop post-2020.

Policy and Planning Implications

• States with high fertility rates need improved family planning, education, and healthcare.
• Regions with rapid fertility decline must prepare for an aging population and workforce challenges.
• A uniform enhancement of birth registration systems is crucial for accurate demographic monitoring.

Schemes Related to Women’s Welfare in Uttarakhand

• Mukhyamantri Mahalaxmi Kit Yojana. Launched by the Department of Women Empowerment and Child Development to provide support to new mothers and their daughters.
• Nanda Gaura Yojana. Offers financial assistance to girls from birth until marriage to support their education and empowerment, aiming to prevent female feticide, child marriage, and social inequality among eligible Uttarakhand residents.
• Maternity Benefit Scheme (UKBOCWWB). Provides financial support of 10,000 to registered female construction workers during their maternity period.

Malnutrition

Why in News? The Mukhyamantri Mahila Poshan Yojana aims to enhance maternal health by providing nutritious food supplements to pregnant and lactating women.

Rajaji National Park

Overview

• Rajaji National Park is situated in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India.
• The park encompasses parts of three districts: Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri Garhwal.
• It was established by merging three existing wildlife sanctuaries: Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla.
• The park is named after a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence, C. Rajagopalachari, affectionately known as “Rajaji.”

Area and Tiger Reserve Status

• When it was first established, Rajaji National Park covered an area of approximately 820.42 square kilometers.
• In 2015, an additional 255.63 square kilometers of adjacent reserve forest was designated as a buffer zone.
• The combined area of 1075 square kilometers was subsequently declared as the Rajaji Tiger Reserve under the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972.

Rivers in the Reserve

• The Rajaji Tiger Reserve is enriched by the presence of the Ganges River, which flows through the area, contributing to its ecological diversity.
• Additionally, the Song River, a tributary of the Ganga, also runs through the reserve, supporting a wide range of wildlife and plant species.

Elephant Corridor and Connectivity

• An important elephant corridor is located within the reserve, facilitating the safe movement of elephants between Rajaji and Corbett National Parks.
• This corridor is crucial for promoting genetic diversity among elephant populations and helps reduce conflicts between humans and elephants.

Security Measures Activated in Uttarakhand

Security across all border areas

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand held a high-level meeting with senior officials and directed them to ensure strong security for the state while keeping a close watch on any suspicious activity in the border regions.

Why in News? Sensitive Border Districts Identified:

• Uttarkashi and Chamoli share borders with China.
• Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar share borders with Nepal.
• Pithoragarh shares its border with both China and Nepal.

Enhanced Security During Char Dham Yatra

• The Chief Minister emphasised increased security along the route where many pilgrims are currently registered.
• He instructed that all security arrangements for the pilgrimage sites be activated without delay.

Protection of Strategic Infrastructure

• The meeting reviewed the security of key establishments, dams, and power plants.
• All departments and police forces were instructed to stay on high alert.

Emergency Preparedness Measures

• He directed that supplies of food grains and essential goods be ensured at district and tehsil levels.
• Hospitals must remain alert with proper arrangements for essential medicines.

Role of Civil Defence and Volunteers

• The Chief Minister called for training of civil defence groups and voluntary organisations in relief and rescue operations.

Curbing Rumours and Misinformation

• The Chief Minister emphasised the need to share accurate, verified information with the public.
• He instructed officials to monitor social media closely and take action against those spreading rumours.