State PCS - Uttarakhand (UKPSC)

• 18 Apr 2025

Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Link Project

Why in News? 

On 16 April 2025, the Union Railway Minister and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand witnessed the breakthrough program of India’s longest rail tunnel at Janasu, Uttarakhand.  

 Key Points 

• Part of Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Project: 
  • The 14.57-km-long Tunnel 8 lies between Devprayag and Janasu and forms a key part of the 125-km Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Line. 
  • This project aims to enhance connectivity across five Himalayan districts—Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, and Karnaprayag. 
  • The project uses Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology for the first time in mountainous regions of India. 
• Technical and Logistical Challenges Overcome: 
  • TBM components weighing 165 MT were transported from Mundra Port across narrow Himalayan roads and old bridges. 
  • The tunnel passes through Seismic Zone IV, demanding advanced design and geological probing due to tectonic activity. 
• Impact and Broader Significance: 
  • Over 83% of the 125-km alignment runs through tunnels, involving a total of 213 km of tunnelling across main and escape routes. 
  • Once completed, the project will reduce travel time, ensure all-weather access, and boost tourism and regional economy in Uttarakhand. 
  • It also represents a major leap toward realising the Char Dham Rail Connectivity Initiative under the government's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. 

 Vision India@2047 

• The Project: 
  • Vision India@2047 is a project initiated by the NITI Aayog, the apex policy think tank of India, to create a blueprint for India’s development in the next 25 years. 
  • The project aims to make India a global leader in innovation and technology, a model of human development and social welfare, and a champion of environmental sustainability. 
• Objectives: 
  • Achieving a USD 30 trillion economy with a per-capita income of USD 18,000-20,000 and strong public finances and a robust financial sector. 
  • Building world-class infrastructure and facilities in both rural and urban areas. 
  • Eliminating unnecessary interference by the government in the lives of citizens and promoting digital economy and governance. 
  • Developing 3-4 global champions in every sector by merger or restructuring and boosting indigenous industry and innovation. 
  • Becoming self-reliant in defence and space sectors and enhancing India’s role in the world. 
  • Fostering green growth and climate action by increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing carbon emissions. 
  • Empowering the youth with skills and education and creating more employment opportunities. 
  • Partnering with foreign R&D organizations to build top 10 labs in the country and bringing at least 10 Indian institutions among the top 100 globally.

Drive Against Illegal Residents in Uttarakhand

Why in News? 

On 17 April 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister directed the police to launch a drive to identify and take action against people living illegally in the state using fake identification papers. 

 Key Points 

• About the Drive: 
  • The CM also directed to intensify action against the drug mafia and all individuals disrupting law and order. 
  • Taking note of delays in registering First Information Report (FIR) related to cybercrime, the CM demanded a status report on actions taken in these cases. 
  • He urged the police to strengthen response mechanisms for cybercrime complaints. 
  • He also called for improving work culture across all levels of the police department to enhance public trust and efficiency. 

 First Information Report (FIR) 

• It is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence. 
• It is a report of information that reaches the police first at that point of time and that is why it is called the First Information Report. 
• It is generally a complaint lodged with the police by the victim of a cognizable offence or by someone on his/her behalf. Anyone can report the commission of a cognizable offence either orally or in writing. 
• There are three important elements of an FIR: 
  • The information must relate to the commission of a cognizable offence, 
  • It should be given in writing or orally to the head of the police station, 
  • It must be written down and signed by the informant, and its key points should be recorded in a daily diary.