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

Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Geothermal Policy & Digital Forensics Lab

Why in News?
On July 9, 2025, the Uttarakhand Cabinet greenlit several forward-looking initiatives: adoption of the Uttarakhand Geothermal Policy 2025, establishment of a digital forensic laboratory, restructuring of administrative cadres, and revisions to mineral trust rules.

Key Points

• The new Geothermal Policy enables scientific exploration and development of geothermal energy for power, heating, and water purification, aiming to strengthen energy security and reduce carbon emissions. Implementation will involve UREDA and UJVNL.

• A state-of-the-art digital forensic laboratory will be established under the tax department to aid in law enforcement and improve evidence analysis.

• Administrative reforms include creation of a Project Management Unit to assess bridge load capacity, enhancement of vigilance department staffing, and licensing seven IT firms to provide digital services across departments.

• The Uttarakhand State Mineral Exploration Trust Rules, 2025 offer minor mineral exploration grants (up to 10% of annual collections) to the state, and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trust rules were also revised to improve transparency and efficiency.

Massive Ropeway Projects for Kedarnath & Hemkund under Parvatmala

Why in News?
Under the central government’s Parvatmala initiative, the Uttarakhand government and the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML) signed an MoU in July 2025 for two major ropeway projects totaling ₹7,000 crore.

Key Points

• The Sonprayag–Kedarnath ropeway spans 12.9 km and is estimated to cost ₹4,100 crore. It’s designed to carry up to 1,800 pilgrims per hour, with projected annual footfall of 3.6 million.

• The Govindghat–Hemkund Sahib ropeway covers 12.4 km with a cost of ₹2,700 crore; its hourly capacity is estimated at 1,100 pilgrims, with an annual estimate of 1.39 million.

• NHLML will hold 51% equity, Uttarakhand 49%; 90% of revenue will support the state’s tourism and transport sectors. Construction is expected to complete by FY 2031–32.

Flood Alerts & Disaster Preparedness During Monsoon

Why in News?
July 2025 saw heightened flood risks across Uttarakhand with multiple alerts issued due to monsoon activity.

Key Points

• A flood alert was issued for 11 districts including Dehradun, Chamoli, Tehri, Pauri Garhwal, and others, as parts of the state faced intense rainfall and potential flash flood conditions. The SEOC directed district administration to prepare emergency shelters, rescue teams, helplines, and infrastructure restoration plans.

• On July 15, orange alerts were raised in Dehradun and Bageshwar for heavy rain and lightning; local authorities cautioned citizens to minimize unnecessary travel.
  

• The Alaknanda River neared the sacred Dhari Devi Temple, evoking 2013 flood memories. Administrations in Srinagar and nearby areas activated relief measures and issued public advisories.

Expert Panel Warns Bageshwar of Joshimath-Like Disaster

Why in News?
An expert panel reported alarming geological risks in Bageshwar district, citing early signs indicative of a possible land subsidence similar to the catastrophic Joshimath collapse.

Key Points

• Submitted to the NGT on July 30, 2025, the report stressed that unregulated mining and construction activity could trigger disaster. The panel urged immediate corrective measures to prevent fate similar to that of Joshimath in 2023.

Badrinath-Kedarnath Committee to Manage Rudra Meditation Cave

Why in News?
Management of the Rudra Meditation Cave near Kedarnath Dham has been officially transferred from GMVN to the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).

Key Points

• The cave, which gained attention after Prime Minister Modi's meditation visit in 2019, is located about 1.5 km from Kedarnath Temple. GMVN granted a No Objection Certificate for the handover on August 29, 2025.

• Pre-booked visits for September–October will proceed as scheduled; management transfer is expected to conclude soon.

Panchayat Elections Held in July 2025

Why in News?
Uttarakhand conducted its trilevel Panchayat general elections on July 24 and 28, 2025.

Key Points

• The elections, initially deferred by the High Court, took place in two phases after court clearance. The schedule encompassed notifications, nominations, scrutiny, withdrawals, symbol allotment, and polling across both dates. Counting was completed on July 31.

• A total of 358 District Council members, 2,974 Block Council members, and 7,499 Village Council Presidents were elected across the state—a slight increase from previous counts.

Delhi–Dehradun Expressway Set to Open by July 2025

Why in News?
The Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, featuring Asia’s longest wildlife corridor, is slated for full opening by July 2025.

Key Points

• The 210 km access-controlled expressway reduces travel time between Delhi and Dehradun to approximately 2.5 hours and costs around ₹12,000 crore.

• A 12–14 km elevated stretch passes through Rajaji National Park, preserving wildlife movement. Sections have been operational since early 2025; final testing is underway.

Uttarakhand State Meet on Leveraging Space Technology

Why in News?
On July 9, 2025, Uttarakhand hosted a State Meet on Leveraging Space Technology for Viksit Bharat 2047, paving the way for policy inputs at the national level.
Key Points

• Organized by the Regional Remote Sensing Centre-North, NRSC, in collaboration with the state government, this was part of a series of consultations ahead of the National Meet in August 2025 in New Delhi.

• The session aimed to collate region-specific insights and operational needs—especially for disaster resilience, environmental monitoring, and development planning—to feed into a national space applications roadmap.

Infrastructure Projects & Investments (Cumulative Highlight)

Why in News?
At the Uttarakhand Investment Festival 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth ₹1,271 crore, while celebrating an impressive ₹1 lakh crore in total investments in the state.

Key Points

• Projects span tourism, infrastructure, industrial growth, and promotion of Ayurveda, Yoga, Organic Farming, and Natural Healing as growth pillars. Amit Shah emphasized Uttarakhand’s balanced development trajectory and its unique positioning as a hill-state model.