State PCS - J & K (KAS)

• 03 Apr 2025

Himalayan Ibex

Why in News? 

Authorities rescued a Himalayan Ibex with a gunshot injury and arrested four poachers in a remote area between Leh and Kargil districts in Ladakh.

Key Points 

• Himalayan Ibex: 
  • Scientific Classification & Habitat: 
    • The Himalayan Ibex is a subspecies of the Siberian Ibex, scientifically named Capra sibirica hemalayanus. 
    • It is native to the Himalayan region, including India, Pakistan, Tibet, and Nepal. 
    • These ibexes inhabit high-altitude regions, typically found between 3,000 and 5,800 meters in the Trans-Himalayan region. 
      • In India, they are primarily found in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. 
  • Physical Features: 
    • An adult ibex weighs around 90 kg and stands about 40 inches tall. 
    • Males are larger than females and possess massive curved horns with annual growth notches. 
    • Their coat ranges from light brown to reddish-brown, with a white belly and black-and-white leg markings. 
    • During winter, their thick woolly coat provides insulation, which they shed in early summer. 
    • They exhibit a darker dorsal stripe, with coat color varying from pale to dark brown. 
  • Behavior & Adaptations: 
    • Himalayan Ibexes are usually found in small herds, sometimes forming groups of up to 50 individuals. 
    • They are highly agile and can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h, enabling them to navigate rugged mountainous terrain. 
  • Conservation Status: 
    • According to the IUCN Red List, the Himalayan Ibex is classified as Near Threatened, facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.

LG Pays Obeisance at Vaishno Devi Shrine

Why in News? 

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi to offer prayers.

Key Points 

• Vaishno Devi Temple:  
  • The temple is located at 5,200 feet in the Trikuta mountains, sees over one crore visitors annually, with a 12 km trek from Katra.  
  • Key Landmarks: Darshani Deodhi, Banganga, Chara Paduka, Indraprastha, Adhkuari, Garbha Joon, Himkoti, Haathi Matha, Sanji Chhat Bhavan, Sher ka Panja and Bhairon Mandir. 
  • According to officials from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, around one lakh pilgrims have visited the shrine since the start of Chaitra Navratri. 
• Security Measures: 
  • Authorities have implemented tight security arrangements to manage the heavy influx of pilgrims. 
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled CCTV cameras and drones have been deployed at the base camp, the bhawan, and along the pilgrimage route. 

Free Bus Service for Women in J&K

Why in News? 

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister launched the Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative, enabling free bus travel for women across Jammu and Kashmir.  

• He flagged off the initiative at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), taking a significant step toward gender-inclusive mobility.

Key Points

• Significance of the Initiative: 
  • This initiative allows women to travel free of cost on Smart City e-buses and J&K Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) buses across the Union Territory. 
  • The CM also inaugurated zero-ticket travel for schoolgirls, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring safe and convenient transport for young students. 
  • The Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative is part of a broader set of pro-women and pro-poor initiatives aimed at social and economic empowerment. 
• Financial Sustainability of the Scheme: 
  • He also clarifies that transport operators would not suffer financial losses under this scheme. 
  • The government will compensate JKRTC and Smart City bus services from the state budget. 

PM-eBus Sewa 

• About: 
  • It aims to enhance urban transportation efficiency and promote Environmentally-Friendly Practices. 
• Segment A: Augmenting City Bus Services (169 cities): 
  • This segment is dedicated to strengthening urban transportation by 10,000 e-buses under the PPP model. 
  • The initiative recognizes that efficient operations require the development or upgrading of depot infrastructure, alongside the creation of essential behind-the-meter power infrastructure like substations to accommodate the electric buses. 
• Segment B: Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (181 cities):. 
  • This segment includes enhancing bus priority, improving infrastructure, establishing multimodal interchange facilities, implementing NCMC (National Common Mobility Card)-based Automated Fare Collection Systems, and building necessary charging infrastructure. 
  • By integrating these sustainable practices, the scheme aims to transform urban mobility landscapes.