UKPSC

The Harela and Bhitauli festivals in Uttarakhand are deeply intertwined with the region’s cultural and agricultural heritage. Harela, which takes place in July, signifies the arrival of the monsoon season and the beginning of planting seeds. During this time, people engage in planting saplings and rejoicing in the vibrant greenery that symbolizes growth and abundance. On the other hand, Bhitauli, celebrated in March, is a spring festival that emphasizes the special connection between siblings. Sisters express their love by sending gifts to their married counterparts, strengthening family bonds. Both of these festivals are vital to the local agrarian traditions, encouraging environmental consciousness and community unity while honoring the rich customs of Uttarakhand.

A carbon footprint represents the overall greenhouse gas emissions generated by a person, company, or item. This includes emissions produced directly, like those from burning fossil fuels, as well as indirect emissions, such as the energy consumed during production. In our everyday lives, grasping the concept of one’s carbon footprint and actively working to lessen it is essential for combating climate change. This awareness enables individuals to make more eco-friendly decisions, such as opting for public transportation, minimizing energy use, and endorsing renewable energy options. These actions collectively play a significant role in fostering a healthier environment.

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): The aim of this plan is to provide an unsecured loan of up to ₹10 lakh to a small business. The programme aims to develop such businesses and create new jobs. Some of its key goals are to foster entrepreneurship, enhance financial access, and support inclusive growth. Borrowers may need the money for business expenses, for example, for the purchase of equipment, or to pay their day-to-day expenses. Among the main fringe benefits of this program are a streamlined loan application process, reduced interest rates, and assistance with skills development and marketing strategies. Cumulatively, such a program has been of immense value by classifying and enabling micro and small businesses to drive economic development and generate employment.

The Uttarakhand State Focus Document for 2023-24 tackles essential challenges including sustainable growth, infrastructure improvement, and economic advancement. The main sectors identified for development are tourism, farming, and renewable energy sources. This document stresses the importance of adopting environmentally friendly practices in tourism, updating agricultural methods, and increasing the production of hydroelectric energy. Additionally, it points out the necessity of enhancing road networks, healthcare services, and educational establishments to foster comprehensive development and draw in investments. The emphasis is on achieving a harmony between economic development and ecological preservation to secure a sustainable future for the state.

The “Nine-dash Line” serves as a boundary established by China to outline its maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, an area abundant in resources and crucial shipping lanes. The line comprises nine dashed segments that enclose a large region, which conflicts with the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of neighboring nations such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. This overlap is the main cause of disagreements, as these countries assert their own claims over parts of the same territory, resulting in diplomatic strains and disputes related to sovereignty and rights to resources. The unclear nature and historical context of the line further exacerbate the situation, rendering it a prominent source of international conflict.