STATE PCS CA CONSOLIDATION

UTTARAKHAND

MAY
2025

C-171/2, 641, Mukherjee Nagar, 21, Tashkent Marg, Tonk Road, Burlington Arcade Mall, 12, Main AB Road,
Block-A, Opp. Signature Pusa Road, Civil Lines, Vasundhra Colony, Burlington Chauraha, Bhawar Kuan,
Sector-15, View Apartment, Karol Bagh Prayagraj, Jaipur, Vidhan Sabha Marg, Indore,
Noida New Delhi New Delhi Uttar Pradesh Rajasthan Lucknow Madhya Pradesh

E-mail : [email protected] Phone: +91-87501-87501

 Content
📍 Uttarakhand’s Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan........................................................................................................... 3

📍 Ropeway From Tapovan to Kunjapuri Temple........................................................................................................ 3

📍 Uttarakhand Mega Industrial & Investment Policy 2025........................................................................................ 4

📍 Uttarakhand Boosts Cultural Heritage and Development ...................................................................................... 5

📍 Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiya Bagad Hydroelectric Project................................................................................................ 6

📍 Indian Army Launches First FM Radio Station in Uttarakhand................................................................................ 7

📍 Hemkund Sahib....................................................................................................................................................... 8

📍 Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK).................................................................................................................................. 9

📍 Rudranath Temple................................................................................................................................................. 10

📍 Pushkar Kumbh 2025 . .......................................................................................................................................... 10

📍 Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021 ................................................................................... 11

📍 Rajaji National Park............................................................................................................................................... 13

📍 Security Measures Activated in Uttarakhand........................................................................................................ 14

📍 World Asthma Day 2025........................................................................................................................................ 15

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
3 State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 www.drishtiias.com

Uttarakhand’s Viksit 💡 Special Agricultural Initiatives in Uttarakhand:

Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 📌 Organic and Aroma Farming:
📎 The state is converting tea gardens in
Why in News? Dhauladevi, Munsiyari, and Betalghat
into organic tea-producing areas.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
launched the “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” in Guniyal 📎 Six aroma valleys are currently being
village, Dehradun, on 29th May 2025. developed to promote high-value
aromatic crops.
Key Points 📌 Budgetary and Project Allocations:
💡 About the Campaign: The campaign will run from 📎 In the 2025 budget, ₹200 crore has been
29th May to 12th June 2025. allocated specifically for the construction
📌 It will cover 95 development blocks, 670 of polyhouses.
Nyaya Panchayats, and 11,440 villages in 📎 A ₹1,000 crore project named the
Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand Climate Responsive Rain-
📌 The state has deployed three teams per Fed Farming Project has been approved
district, each conducting programs at three to promote farming in hilly and rain-fed
locations daily to engage over 600 farmers per regions.
program. 📌 New Crop Policies:
💡 Objectives: 📎 The state has launched several new
📌 To empower farmers through scientific initiatives, including the Apple Policy,
knowledge, modern agricultural practices, and Kiwi Policy, State Millet Mission, and
awareness about government schemes. Dragon Fruit Policy.
📌 To help farmers adopt advanced agricultural 📎 These policies are supported by a total
techniques tailored to their soil, land, and investment of ₹1,200 crore to diversify
climate conditions. and strengthen the horticulture sector.
📌 To train farmers in selecting profitable crops 💡 Central Government Initiatives:
based on soil testing and scientific guidance. 📌 Central schemes like the PM-Kisan Samman
📌 To document farmers’ traditional knowledge Nidhi Yojana, Crop Insurance Scheme, Kisan
and innovations, making future agricultural Maandhan Yojana, and Soil Health Card
research more practical and locally relevant. initiative are also implemented in the state.

Government Support Schemes

📌 Additionally, programs such as the
Horticulture Development Mission,
💡 State Government Schemes: Agricultural Machinery Subsidy, Drip
📌 The Uttarakhand government is providing Irrigation Scheme, and Digital Agriculture
interest-free loans up to ₹3 lakh to farmers. Mission are promoted to support farmers.
📌 A subsidy of up to 80 percent is being
offered for the purchase of agricultural
machinery through the Farm Machinery Ropeway From Tapovan
Bank Scheme. to Kunjapuri Temple
📌 Farmers are receiving a bonus of ₹20 per
quintal on wheat procurement. Why in News?
📌 The rate of sugarcane has been increased by The Uttarakhand government has signed a
₹20 per quintal. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Swiss
📌 Canal irrigation has been made completely ropeway manufacturer for the development of a ropeway
free for farmers in the state. project from Tapovan to Kunjapuri Devi Temple.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
www.drishtiias.com State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 4

Key Points 💡 Key Projects Approved in Uttarakhand:

💡 About the Project: 📌 Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ropeway.
📌 The ropeway will link Tapovan in Rishikesh 📌 Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway.
with the Kunjapuri Temple in Narendranagar, 📌 NOTE: Both projects follow a Public-Private
a key spiritual site. Partnership (PPP) model under Design-
📌 The objective is to reduce travel time, enhance Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT).
visitor safety, and minimize environmental 💡 Advantages of Ropeways:
degradation caused by vehicular traffic. 📌 Efficient and safe alternative to difficult
Kunjapuri Temple mountain roads.
💡 Location: It is located near Rishikesh in the Tehri 📌 Faster travel by bypassing terrain obstacles.
Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, situated at an 📌 Environmentally friendly with minimal land
altitude of 1,676 meters above sea level on a use and emissions.
hilltop. 📌 Economical with lower maintenance and
💡 Significance: labor costs.
📌 The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga 📌 Supports last-mile connectivity and mass
and is one of the 13 Shakti Peethas in the passenger transit.
Shivalik range.
📌 It is also one of the three major Shakti Uttarakhand Mega Industrial
Peethas in Tehri district, along with
& Investment Policy 2025
Surkanda Devi and Chandrabadni, forming
a sacred triangle established by Jagadguru Why in News?
Adi Shankaracharya.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has
📌 It is renowned not only for its spiritual approved the Mega Industrial and Investment Policy-2025.
significance but also for its panoramic views
of the Garhwal Himalayas, including peaks Key Points
such as Swargarohini, Gangotri, 💡 About the Policy: It is introduced to establish
Banderpunch, and Chaukhamba. Uttarakhand as a competitive destination for
📌 From the summit, visitors can also see the capital investment at national and international
Bhagirathi valley and cities like Rishikesh, levels.
Haridwar, and the Doon Valley. 📌 It aims to develop the state’s economic growth
Parvatmala and create additional employment
💡 National Ropeways Development Programme opportunities by promoting large-scale
(Parvatmala): It was launched to improve manufacturing enterprises.
transport connectivity in mountainous regions 💡 Policy Duration and Eligibility:
such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu 📌 The policy will be effective immediately and
& Kashmir, and the North-East. will remain in force for five years.
📌 The Parvatmala scheme aims to build 📌 Enterprises applying for benefits must submit
modern, eco-friendly ropeway systems a Common Application Form (CAF) via the
strengthening remote and border villages. Single Window Portal.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
5 State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 www.drishtiias.com

📌 Financial incentives are provided based on the also inaugurated the ‘Pratham’ Gaja Ghantakarna
enterprise’s investment category. Mahotsav-2025, emphasizing the state’s rich cultural
📌 A time frame of 3 to 7 years is fixed for heritage while linking it with ongoing developmental
completing the investment from the date of initiatives.
CAF application.
💡 Classification of Enterprises: Key Points
📌 Large enterprises are divided into four 💡 Ahilya Smriti Marathon:
categories based on permanent capital 📌 The marathon was held in Dehradun as part of
investment (excluding land) and minimum a heritage-themed program.
employment criteria. 📌 The theme of the event, Ek Virasat – Ek
Investment Minimum Employment Sankalp (One Heritage, One Resolution), is
Category
Range (Rs.) Required aimed at creating public awareness about
₹50 crore to health, unity, and cultural pride in Uttarakhand.
Large 50
₹200 crore 📌 The initiative was designed to promote health
₹200 crore to awareness, social harmony, and cultural pride
Ultra Large 150 among participants.
₹500 crore
₹500 crore to 💡 Gaja Ghantakarna Mahotsav-2025:
Mega 300
₹1000 crore 📌 Location and Religious Significance:
Above ₹1000 📎 The festival was organized in Gaja, Tehri
Ultra Mega 500
crore district.
💡 Financial Incentives: 📎 It is centered around the Gaja Ghantakarna
📌 Stamp Duty Reimbursement: 50% Temple, which is considered a significant
reimbursement on stamp duty paid for land mythological site in Uttarakhand.
purchase/lease deeds, up to a maximum of 📎 The temple is traditionally visited as the
₹50 lakhs. second parikrama site after the pilgrimage
📌 Capital Subsidy: Payable in annual installments to Badrinath Dham.
after the start of commercial production, as 📎 The temple offers panoramic views from
per the investment category. Haridwar to the Himalayan ranges,
📎 Large: 10% after 8 years making it an ideal site for spiritual and
📎 Ultra Large: 12% after 10 years eco-tourism.
📎 Mega: 15% after 12 years 📌 Cultural Contribution:
📎 Ultra Mega: 20% after 15 years 📎 The Mahotsav was initiated to revive and
📌 Additional Subsidies for Hilly Areas: promote the region’s rich cultural and
📎 Category A districts: Extra 2% capital religious heritage.
subsidy 📎 It aimed to enhance cultural tourism and
📎 Category B districts: Extra 1% capital community participation through
subsidy traditional activities and celebrations.
📎 Events like this play a vital role in sustaining
Uttarakhand Boosts Cultural intangible heritage and fostering a sense
of identity in local communities.
Heritage and Development
💡 Aligning with the Vision of a Developed India:
Why in News? 📌 The efforts are linked to the broader vision of
Uttarakhand Chief Minister recently inaugurated the a developed Uttarakhand and India by 2047,
‘Ahilya Smriti Marathon – Ek Virasat, Ek Sankalp’ and aligning with PM’s Amritkaal vision.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
www.drishtiias.com State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 6

📌 The development of villages, panchayats, Key Points

districts, and the entire state is vital for
realizing India’s aspiration to become a global Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiya Bagad Hydroelectric Project
leader economically and culturally. 💡 Project Overview:
📎 The government is actively working on 📌 The project is located on the Gori Ganga River
infrastructure and social development
in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.
projects including the Polytechnic
Institute in Gaja, Henvalghati pumping 📌 It is planned to have an installed capacity of
drinking water scheme, etc. 120 megawatts (MW).
📎 Promotion of the local economy through 📌 The FAC has approved the diversion of 29.997
initiatives such as One District One hectares of forest land required for the
Product (ODOP) showcases the project’s implementation.
government’s focus on self-reliance and 💡 Infrastructure Design & Impact:
skill development among women through
self-help groups.
📌 The project includes approximately 1 km of
tunnel construction.
One District One Product (ODOP)
💡 The ODOP initiative aims to promote balanced
📌 The majority of the project infrastructure will
be built underground, which helps in reducing
regional development by identifying and
the environmental footprint.
promoting one unique product from each of the
761 districts in India. 📌 There will be no displacement of local
💡 A total of 1,102 products have been selected, populations due to the project.
focusing on leveraging local strengths, including 📌 The site does not fall within any national
Geographical Indication (GI) - tagged items and park, wildlife sanctuary, or eco-sensitive
those under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) zone, ensuring minimal ecological disruption.
initiative. 💡 Energy Potential of the Project:
📌 The GI tag products from Uttarakhand 📌 The project is expected to generate around
include Red Rice, Almora Lakhori Chilli, 529 million units of clean, renewable energy
Berinag Tea, Ramnagar (Nainital) Litchi,
annually.
Ramgarh Aadu, Basmati Rice, etc.
💡 The selection is made by States and Union
📌 This generation will help meet local energy
demands and contribute significantly to
Territories, and coordinated with the Department
for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Uttarakhand’s energy independence.
(DPIIT). 💡 Socio-Economic Impact:
📌 The project will create both temporary jobs
Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiya Bagad during the construction phase and
permanent employment opportunities once
Hydroelectric Project operational.
Why in News? 📌 It will also lead to the improvement of local
infrastructure, including roads and public
The Sirkari Bhyol Rupasiya Bagad Hydroelectric
Project in Uttarakhand has received in-principle approval facilities.
(preliminary or conditional agreement ) from the Forest 📌 These developments are expected to reduce
Advisory Committee (FAC) under the Ministry of migration from the region by enhancing
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). economic opportunities for local residents.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
7 State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 www.drishtiias.com

Forest Advisory Committee (FAC)? Indian Army Launches

💡 It is a statutory body which was constituted by First FM Radio Station
the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980.
💡 The FAC evaluates industrial projects which in Uttarakhand
require forest land for their activities.
💡 The committee may or may not approve a Why in News?
project and can give approval for forest land to The Indian Army has launched its first FM radio
be diverted, after imposing certain conditions.
station, named ‘Panchshul Pulse,’ in the Pithoragarh
Gori Ganga River district of Uttarakhand.
💡 The Gori Ganga River, also known as Ghori
💡 It was inaugurated by Anindya Sengupta, the
Ganga or Gori Gad, flows through the Munsiyari
tehsil of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army’s
💡 It originates from the Milam Glacier, located Central Command.
northeast of Nanda Devi, and travels a course of
approximately 104 kilometers before merging Key Points
with the Kali River at Jauljibi. 💡 About the Radio Station:
💡 A significant tributary, the Gonga stream, joins
📌 The station has been named ‘Panchshul Pulse’
the Gori Ganga near the Milam village, just 1 km
below the glacier snout. to reflect its association with the local
💡 Geographical Significance: Panchshul Brigade of the Indian Army.
📌 The river valley acts as a drainage basin for 📌 It is operated as part of Operation Sadbhavana,
numerous glaciers and streams that descend a long-standing Army initiative to build
from the eastern slopes of the Nanda Devi constructive relationships with civilians in
Sanctuary, and from the Panchachuli, strategically important areas.
Rajramba, and Chaudhara mountain ranges.
📌 Other notable contributors include the Ralam 📎 Operation Sadbhavana is a humanitarian
Gad, Pyunsani Gadera, and the Kalabaland– initiative launched by the Indian Army in
Burfu Kalganga glacier system, which feed the 1990s to support communities
into the Gori Ganga from the east. affected by terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir
💡 Tourism Potential: and Ladakh.
📌 The Gori Ganga Valley is also known for its 📌 It aligns with the Vibrant Villages Programme,
scenic trekking routes leading to iconic
which emphasises development, connectivity,
Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi East,
Hardeol, Trishuli, Panchachuli, and Nanda Kot. and awareness in India’s border areas.
📌 The valley holds both ecological value and 📌 The station broadcasts on 88.4 FM and can be
adventure tourism potential, making it an received within a 12-kilometer radius.
area of multifaceted importance. 💡 Objectives of the Initiative:
📌 It aims to enhance civil-military cooperation
by serving as a platform for cultural, historical,
and social exchange.
📌 The station also seeks to raise awareness
about the contributions and sacrifices of
individuals from the border region.
💡 Highlights of the Radio Programming:
📌 The programming places special emphasis on
local history, culture, and societal practices.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
www.drishtiias.com State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 8

📌 It includes content on agriculture and Hemkund Sahib

horticulture, which are key occupations in the
region. Why in News?
📌 The station features stories that celebrate the Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine in the Chamoli
achievements of martyrs and brave soldiers district of Uttarakhand, has been opened to devotees,
from the area. marking the start of the annual pilgrimage season.
📌 It also highlights the accomplishments of local
sportspersons and individuals working in Key Points
social and cultural sectors.
Hemkund Sahib
Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)
💡 About: The programme was approved on 15th
💡 Hemkund Sahib is nestled at an elevation of
approximately 4,329 meters (14,200 feet) above
February 2023 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
sea level.
for the holistic development of villages along
India’s northern border in 19 districts across 46
💡 It is beautifully situated on the banks of the serene
Hemkund Lake, surrounded by snow-clad
blocks in states including Arunachal Pradesh,
Himalayan peaks.
Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and
Ladakh (UT). 📌 The beautiful landscape, with glacial waters
and alpine meadows, adds to the peaceful
💡 Focus Areas: Livelihood generation will be
and spiritual atmosphere.
promoted through tourism, cultural promotion,
skill development, entrepreneurship, as well as 📌 Trekking routes, including the path to the
agriculture, horticulture, and the cultivation of Valley of Flowers, make it a popular place to
medicinal plants and herbs. visit.
📌 The programme will focus on improving 💡 A small stream named Himganga flows out of
infrastructure through road connectivity, Hemkund Lake, adding to the ecological richness of
housing, renewable energy, etc. along with the area.
providing basic amenities such as healthcare, 💡 Spiritual Significance:
education, sanitation, and community 📌 Hemkund Sahib is among the most revered
centres. Sikh shrines globally.
💡 Objective: To encourage residents to remain in 📌 As per the holy Granth Sahib, Guru Gobind
border villages by providing better infrastructure Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, is believed to
and livelihood opportunities, enhancing border have meditated at Hemkund Lake in one of
security and sustainable local development. his earlier lifetimes.
📌 The programme complements the Border 📎 The site serves as a symbol of divine
Area Development Programme (BADP), reflection, resilience, and purity for
which fills infrastructure gaps in border devotees.
villages within 0–10 km of the international Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji
boundary in 16 states and 2 UTs. 💡 Early Life:
💡 Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II): 📌 Born as Gobind Rai Sodhi on 22 December
📌 The VVP-II has been launched for FY 2024– 1666 in Patna, Bihar, he was the tenth and
25 to 2028–29 with a budget of ₹6,839 crore final Guru of the Sikh faith.
to develop villages along international land 📎 Son of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the
borders (excluding the northern border). ninth Sikh Guru.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
9 State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 www.drishtiias.com

💡 Turning Point and Ascension: 💡 This initiative aligns with the state’s broader vision
to enhance educational outcomes through data-
📌 At the age of nine, after the martyrdom of
driven governance.
his father in 1675, he was formally installed
as Guru. Key Points
📌 He combined spiritual leadership with 💡 Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK):
martial discipline and literary expression. 📌 About:
💡 Founding of the Khalsa: 📎 It is a digital infrastructure ecosystem that
📌 On the day of Baisakhi in 1699, he established tracks and analyses data about student
the Khalsa, a martial and spiritual order of enrolment, attendance, academic
saint-soldiers. performance, and teacher training to help
📌 Initiated the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), administrators monitor school education
introduced Khande Di Pahul (Amrit progress.
initiation), and mandated the Five Ks: 📎 It enables transformative impact through
Kangha (comb), Kesh (uncut hair), Kara data-driven decision-making aligned with
(steel bracelet), Kirpan (sword), and the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and
Kachhera (shorts) various education schemes.
📌 He changed his name from Gobind Rai to
📌 VSK Implementation in Uttarakhand:
Gobind Singh. 📎 Uttarakhand is the first state in India to
implement the Gujarat model of VSK.
💡 Military Struggles and Sacrifices:
💡 Infrastructure Development:
📌 Fought numerous battles against Mughal
📌 Construction is underway for 141 Pradhan
forces and hill rajas, including at Bhangani
Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI
(1688), Nadaun (1691), and Muktsar (1705). schools) and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
📌 Lost all four sons and mother Mata Gujari Residential Schools.
to Mughal oppression but remained 📌 Virtual classrooms have been established in
unshaken in spirit. several schools across 13 districts to enable
💡 Final Days and Legacy: technology-driven learning.
📌 Fatally wounded in 1708 at Nanded by 💡 Focus on Educational Enhancements:
assassins sent by Nawab Wazir Khan of 📌 NCERT textbooks are implemented in all
Sirhind. government schools to ensure quality
📌 Before his death on 7 October 1708, he education.
declared the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the 📌 Scholarships awarded to meritorious students
eternal Guru of the Sikhs, ending the line of from Class 6 to 12 in both government and
personal Gurus. private schools.
📌 The new Medhavi Chhatra Protsahan
Scholarship Scheme sends meritorious Class
Vidya Samiksha 10 and 12 students on educational tours across
Kendra (VSK) India.
💡 Sports and Employment:
Why in News? 📌 The state government is emphasizing sports
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has promotion.
announced the inclusion of private schools under the 📌 Players winning national-level medals will be
ambit of the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK). offered government jobs as incentives.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
www.drishtiias.com State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 10

PM SHRI School 💡 It is one of the revered Panch Kedar temples.

💡 PM SHRI School is a centrally sponsored scheme 📌 The Panch Kedar temples include Kedarnath,
to develop over 14,500 schools across India, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and
managed by Central, state/UT governments, Kalpnath.
local bodies, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan 💡 The temple is situated at an altitude of 2290 meters
(KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). above sea level.
💡 It is being implemented from 2022-23 to 2026-27. 💡 In the Rudranath temple, Lord Shankar’s Ekanan
💡 The scheme aims to provide a safe, inclusive, means that the face is worshiped, while the whole
and resource-rich learning environment where body is worshiped in the Pashupatinath of Nepal’s
every student feels welcomed and cared for. capital of Kathmandu.
💡 It aligns with the NEP 2020, nurturing students Char Dham Yatra
to become engaged, productive, and responsible 💡 Uttarakhand, often referred to as Devbhoomi or
citizens. the Land of Gods, is home to many sacred
💡 The scheme promotes quality school education temples and attracts devotees throughout the
and helps inform policy, practice, and year.
implementation. 💡 Among these spiritual sites, the Char Dham Yatra
Schemes Related to Education in Uttarakhand is considered one of the most prominent
💡 Mukhyamantri Medhavi Chhatra Protsahan pilgrimages in the region.
Yojana: For meritorious students of Class 10 and 💡 The Yatra comprises visiting four holy shrines:
12 to go on educational tours across India. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
💡 Chief Minister Higher Education Encouragement 📌 Yamunotri Temple, situated in Uttarkashi
Scholarship Scheme: Scholarships for meritorious district, lies near the source of the sacred
students pursuing graduation and post- Yamuna River and is dedicated to Goddess
graduation in government colleges. Yamuna.
💡 Nanda Gaura Yojana: Financial assistance for 📌 Gangotri Temple, also in Uttarkashi district,
girls from poor families. is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, regarded as
💡 Child Benefit Scheme (UKBOCWWB): Financial the most sacred river in India.
aid for children of registered building and 📌 Kedarnath Temple, located in Rudraprayag
construction workers. Supports students from district, honors Lord Shiva.
Class I to higher education or professional
courses.
📌 Badrinath Temple is famous for the
Badrinarayan Temple and is dedicated to
Lord Vishnu.
Rudranath Temple 💡 The shrines are located in the Garhwal Himalayas
and are traditionally visited between May and
Why in News?
November.
Rudranath Temple, known as the fourth Kedar, has
reopened to devotees after its winter closure.
Pushkar Kumbh 2025
Key Points
Why in News
Rudranath Temple The Pushkar Kumbh has commenced at Keshav
💡 It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Prayag in Mana village (Chamoli district) after 12 years,
the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. attracting large numbers of pilgrims.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
11 State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 www.drishtiias.com

Key Points Registrar General of India

💡 About Pushkar Kumbh: 💡 The RGI, established in 1949 under the Ministry
📌 Held at Keshav Prayag, the confluence of the of Home Affairs, is responsible for overseeing
Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers in Mana population data collection, including the
decennial Census of India and the Linguistic
village, Uttarakhand’s last village on the Indo-
Survey of India.
China border.
💡 The RGI ensures the implementation of the RBD
📌 The Pushkar Kumbh, observed when Jupiter
Act, 1969, and manages the CRS for continuous
enters Gemini, is a significant event in Hindu birth and death registration.
tradition, attracting Vaishnavite devotees, 📌 It also maintains the National Population
particularly from southern India. Register (NPR) to record demographic
📎 As per Hindu religious beliefs, Maharishi details of all usual residents.
Ved Vyas composed the epic Mahabharata 💡 RGI is headed by a senior civil servant, typically
while meditating at Keshav Prayag. of Joint Secretary rank, the RGI plays a crucial
📎 It is also believed that Ramanujacharya role in demographic planning and policy
and Madhvacharya received divine formulation.
wisdom from Goddess Saraswati at this
Key Points
sacred site.
💡 Significance: Key Highlights of the Report

📌 The Pushkar Kumbh in Mana, though smaller 💡 About SRS Report

than the traditional Kumbh Melas in cities like 📌 The SRS is India’s largest demographic survey,
Prayagraj and Haridwar, creates a meaningful designed to provide annual estimates of
fertility and mortality indicators such as birth
spiritual and cultural connection between
and death rates.
northern and southern India.
📌 The 2021 SRS offers vital population trend
📌 It highlights the importance of preserving insights typically derived from the decadal
cultural heritage while also deepening the Census, which has not been conducted yet for
nation’s spiritual unity. 2021.
💡 Crude Birth Rates: Crude birth rate indicates the
Sample Registration System number of live births occurring during the year, per
1,000 population estimated at midyear.
(SRS) Statistical Report 2021 📌 India’s crude birth rate was 19.3 in 2021,
declining at 1.12% annually from 2016 to
Why in News 2021.
According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) 📌 Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Kerala experienced
Statistical Report 2021, released by the Registrar faster declines at rates of 2.35%, 2.23%, and
2.05% per year respectively during the same
General of India, Uttarakhand was the only state to
period.
record an increase in birth rate during the period of
2016 to 2021.
📌 The slowest decline in birth rates occurred in
Rajasthan (0.48%), Bihar (0.86%), Chhattisgarh
💡 This trend indicates an advanced demographic (0.98%), Jharkhand (0.98%), Assam (1.05%),
transition driven by factors like urbanization, Madhya Pradesh (1.05%), West Bengal
improved healthcare, and female education. (1.08%), and Uttar Pradesh (1.09%).

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
www.drishtiias.com State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 12

📌 Other southern states including Andhra Pradesh (1.26%), Telangana (1.67%), and Karnataka (1.68%) also
recorded faster-than-average declines.
📌 The entire southern region reflects a steady move toward smaller family sizes and stabilized population growth.

💡 Total Fertility Rate (TFR): The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) represents 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 reporting a high TFR of 3.0, Uttar Pradesh at 2.7, Madhya Pradesh
at 2.6, and Rajasthan at 2.4.
💡 Gross Reproduction Rate (GRR): The GRR for India stood at 1, meaning that on average, each woman in India is
having one daughter who survives to reproductive age and has children of her own.
📌 In contrast, higher GRRs were recorded in Bihar (1.4), Uttar Pradesh (1.3), Rajasthan (1.2) and Madhya
Pradesh (1.2)
💡 Birth Registration Trends and Data Insights: The Civil Registration System (CRS) 2021 data shows that states
with the slowest decline in birth rates also reported an increase in registered births, including:
📌 Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, etc.
📌 Conversely, southern states such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala have experienced a
decline in registered births since at least 2012, with a slight increase seen in Andhra Pradesh in 2021.
📌 Telangana showed a sharp rise in registered births after 2019, followed by a dramatic drop post-2020.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
13 State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 www.drishtiias.com

💡 Policy and Planning Implications

📌 High fertility states require intensified family planning, education, and healthcare improvements.
📌 States with rapid fertility decline need to prepare for the challenges of an aging population and workforce
management.
📌 Uniform enhancement of birth registration systems is essential for accurate demographic monitoring.
Schemes Related to Women’s Welfare
in Uttarakhand
💡 Mukhyamantri Mahalaxmi Kit Yojana: It was launched by the Department of Women Empowerment and Child
Development to provide social security support to new mothers and their daughters.
💡 Nanda Gaura Yojana: Provides 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): It provides financial assistance of ₹10,000 to registered female
construction workers during their maternity period.
💡 Mukhyamantri Mahila Poshan Yojana: It provides nutritious food supplements to pregnant and lactating
women to combat malnutrition and promote maternal health.

Rajaji National Park

Why in News?
Abundant reservoirs and water holes built within Rajaji National Park have limited elephant movement into
human-populated areas.

Key Points
💡 Reduced Elephant Dependence on the Ganga:
📌 Large herds of elephants no longer rely heavily on the Ganga River, even during the summer months.
📌 The increased availability of water sources within forest areas has made elephants more self-sufficient.
💡 Role of Amrit Sarovar Yojana:
📌 The Amrit Sarovar Yojana has significantly improved the water situation in the forests.
📌 The scheme aims to develop or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovar ponds in each district across the country.
📌 It was launched in 2022, as part of India’s “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations for the 75th year of
independence.
💡 Impact on Human-Wildlife Conflict:
📌 The improved water availability within the forest has reduced elephant movement into human-populated areas.
📌 As a result, instances of human-elephant conflict have declined, enhancing safety for both wildlife and local
communities.
Rajaji National Park
💡 About:
📌 Rajaji National Park is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India.
📌 It spans across three districts Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal.
📌 The park was established by merging three wildlife sanctuaries- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla.
📌 It is named after C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent freedom fighter, fondly known as “Rajaji”.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
www.drishtiias.com State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 14

💡 Area and Tiger Reserve Status:

📌 Initially, Rajaji National Park covered an area of 820.42 sq km.
📌 In 2015, an additional 255.63 sq km of adjoining reserve forest was designated as a buffer zone.
📌 The combined area of 1075 sq km was then declared as the Rajaji Tiger Reserve under the Wild Life
(Protection) Act, 1972.
💡 Rivers in the Reserve:
📌 The Ganges River flows through the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, enhancing the region’s ecological richness.
📌 The Song River, a tributary of the Ganga, also traverses the reserve, supporting diverse wildlife and
vegetation.
💡 Elephant Corridor and Connectivity:
📌 The reserve contains an important elephant corridor, which ensures safe movement of elephants between
Rajaji and Corbett National Park, promoting genetic diversity and reducing human-elephant conflict.

Security Measures Activated in Uttarakhand

Why in News?
Uttarakhand Chief Minister held a high-level meeting with senior officials and directed them to ensure robust
security across all border areas of the state, while maintaining strict surveillance over any suspicious activity in the
frontier regions.

Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
15 State PCS CA Consolidation May 2025 www.drishtiias.com

Key Points 📌 The theme emphasizes the need to make

inhaled medications widely available for both
💡 Sensitive Border Districts Identified:
disease management and emergency care.
📌 Uttarkashi and Chamoli share borders with China. 💡 About Asthma:
📌 Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar share
borders with Nepal. 📌 Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease where
a person’s airways become inflamed,
📌 Pithoragarh shares its border with both China narrowed, and swollen, producing excess
and Nepal.
mucus, which makes breathing difficult.
💡 Enhanced Security During Char Dham Yatra:
📌 The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
📌 CM emphasised heightened security along (NHLBI), defines asthma as a condition that
the Char Dham Yatra route, where lakhs of
can cause recurring episodes of wheezing,
pilgrims are currently registered.
breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
📌 He instructed that all security arrangements 📌 Global Burden:
for the pilgrimage sites be activated without delay.
💡 Protection of Strategic Infrastructure: 📎 Over 250 million people around the world
live with asthma, according to the World
📌 The meeting reviewed the security of key Health Organization (WHO).
establishments, dams, power plants and
instructed all departments and police forces to 📎 In 2019, asthma caused approximately
stay on high alert. 455,000 deaths globally, highlighting the
💡 Emergency Preparedness Measures: urgent need for better disease control and
treatment access.
📌 He directed that supplies of food grains and 💡 History and Origin:
essential goods be ensured at district and
tehsil levels. 📌 The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)
📌 Hospitals must remain alert with proper launched the first World Asthma Day in 1998
arrangements for essential medicines. during the World Asthma Meeting in
💡 Role of Civil Defence and Volunteers: Barcelona, Spain, with participation from 35
countries.
📌 CM called for training of civil defence groups 📌 Since then, the event has grown globally and is
and voluntary organisations in relief and
rescue operations. now considered one of the most significant
asthma education and awareness days.
💡 Curbing Rumours and Misinformation:
📌 The CM emphasised the need to disseminate
accurate, verified information to the public.
📌 He instructed officials to monitor social media
strictly and take action against those spreading
rumours.

World Asthma Day 2025

Why in News?
World Asthma Day is observed on the second
Tuesday of May to raise awareness about the condition
and the risks it poses.

Key Points
💡 World Asthma Day 2025:
📌 In 2025, it falls on Tuesday, 6 May, with the theme
“Make inhaled treatments accessible for all.”


Prepare with DrishtiIAS

UPSC
Mains UPSC IAS Current Drishti
Test Series
2025
 Classroom
Courses  Affairs Module
Course
 Learning
App

SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME SCAN ME
Key Points Details

Summary
Key Points Details

Summary