Uttarakhand

• 17 Feb 2023

Two International Suspension Bridges Built on Kali River Started

Why In News?

On February 16, 2023, Reena Joshi, DM of Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and Dirghraj Upadhyay, CDO, Nepal, Dharchula., jointly inaugurated two international suspension bridges built on the Kali River in the international border between India and Nepal, bordering Tehsil Dharchula.

Key points

• These bridges will benefit the population of more than 10 thousands of the two countries. Business activities between the two countries will also increase and bread-daughter relations will be strengthened.
• The length of suspension bridge built at Gasku on Kali River is about 140 meters and the length of Malghatya suspension bridge built at Jaikot is about 135 meters. The load capacity of both the bridges is 42 tonnes.
• The construction of bridges at both the places will benefit the population of more than 10,000 villages of India including Jaikot, Pangla, Gasku and Mal, Rapla, Dumling, Susarpani and many other villages of Nepal.
• Due to lack of bridges at these places, people of both the countries had to travel long distances on marriages and other auspicious occasions. During the rains, the people of Nepal used to cross the Kali River through strings, drums and tubes. The risk will be reduced by building a bridge.
• Significantly, with the construction of both the bridges, the number of bridges between India and Nepal on Kali River in Pithoragarh district has increased to 11. At present Jhulaghat, Daura, Dwalisera, Jauljibi, Baluwakot, Dharchula, Tigdam Rongti Nala, Badu-Jumma, Malghatya Jaikot, Gasku-Mal, Sita Pul is included.

Joint Military Exercise of Indo-Uzbek Armies will be held in Pithoragarh

Why In News?

According to the information received from the army on February 16, 2023, the joint military exercise (DUSTLIK) of the armies of India and Uzbekistan in the Pithoragarh military area of Uttarakhand will start from February 20, which will continue till March 5. In this, 45-45 soldiers of both the countries will participate.

Key points

• According to the information, during this joint military exercise, the soldiers of both countries will share their skills and experience. Military troops of both countries will practice counter-terrorism operations in mountainous, rural or urban areas.
• This joint exercise will strengthen the military relations between the two countries. 90 soldiers from both countries will participate in this joint exercise.
• Earlier, in the year 2019, a joint military exercise of Soldiers of India and Kazakhstan was held in Pithoragarh, while in the year 2021, the soldiers of India and Nepal were held.

State Government Approved Startup Revised Policy

Why In News?

According to information received from media sources on February 16, 2023, the Uttarakhand government has approved the startup revised policy. In this policy, the government has set a target of creating one thousand startups within the next five years, besides increasing the incentives and financial assistance given to startups.

Key points

• According to the information, the state government will create a venture fund of Rs 200 crore to promote startups. With this, young entrepreneurs will be able to get funds at the government level to start business on innovative ideas. So far, only venture investors used to provide financial support to startups.
• The prize money given to the innovation idea winning in the Grand Challenge Award has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh. Apart from this, if a startup company is registered in the purchase preference policy, then government departments can purchase up to Rs 10 lakh directly from the startup. The accredited startups will also be given the facility of free incubation for one year.
• per trademark to get the track mark of the startup company The government will provide an assistance of Rs 10,000 's product. Apart from this, financial assistance ranging Rs 1 from to 5 lakhs will be given for patenting two products. An assistance of Rs 10,000 has been provided in the policy for designing the products.
• In the policy, the government has provided for one-time seed funding up to Rs 10 lakh for recognized startups. Innovation startups from women, Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes, Disabled, rural areas will get an amount of Rs 12.5 lakh.
• In the new policy, innovation entrepreneurship will be promoted at the district level along with schools and colleges. With this, the government will encourage new innovative ideas.

Cabinet Approves 'Uttarakhand Millet Mission' Scheme

Why In News?

According to information received from media sources on February 16, 2023, the Uttarakhand cabinet has approved the 'Uttarakhand Millet Mission' scheme to promote the state's traditional grain Manduwa, Jhangora.

Key points

• According to the information, the government has given the green signal to the 'Uttarakhand Millet Mission' for the first time to promote coarse grains. Under the Antyodaya Yojana, one kg of Manduwa will be available for one rupee on every ration card. Apart from this, Jhangora will also be given in the mid-day meal.
• This scheme will be started in Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar and Nainital districts.
• Manduwa (Koda) crore has been made to promote the production and marketing of A provision of Rs 73 in the scheme. Out of this amount, 53 crores will be given to the Agriculture Department and 20 crores to the cooperative societies.
• Under the scheme, mandua will be purchased from farmers through cooperative societies at Rs 35.78 per kg.
• Significantly, the Central Government has announced Shri Anna Yojana in the budget. This will promote coarse grains.