Weekly at a glance
- Mon 7 Sep — Alaknanda's 219 hanging glaciers flag rising GLOF risk; RBI holds repo at 5.25% with FY27 growth at 6.7%; ISRO's GSLV-F17 lofts EOS-05.
- Tue 8 Sep — Uttarakhand launches Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana for 11,000 students; IMD flags flash-flood risk in 10 hill districts; DAC clears defence buys worth ₹1.10 lakh crore.
- Wed 9 Sep — Uttarakhand launches free-coaching Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana; ₹147-crore pension DBT to 9.9 lakh; India to host 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- Thu 10 Sep — Uttarakhand's ₹1.11 lakh crore youth-focused Budget, a record 37-lakh Char Dham rush and a fresh UCC test in the Nainital High Court lead today; nationally, a proposed Article 371(K) for Ladakh and ₹20,804 crore of rail multitracking stand out.
- Fri 11 Sep — Dhami Cabinet clears 10 proposals and raises interns' stipend; Char Dham Yatra crosses 50 lakh pilgrims; DAC approves ₹1.10 lakh crore defence buys
- Sat 12 Sep — 18th BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi under India's chair; Char Dham Yatra crosses 50 lakh pilgrims with second phase from Sep 15; Uttarakhand to draw up disaster-management plans for every school.
All topics — key facts for revision
7 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →ENVIRONMENT 219 Hanging Glaciers Mapped in Alaknanda Basin — Rising GLOF & Avalanche Risk
- Total glacier area 71.7 sq km; ice volume 2.39 cubic km; one-third of unstable ice in the Badrinath–Mana sector.
- Buildings at risk projected to rise 120% by 2030 (vs 2000); population in vulnerable zones up 17%.
- Recalls the February 2021 Chamoli disaster (Rishiganga valley) that killed 200+ with no prior monitoring.
- NH-7 (Badrinath highway) and pilgrim sites Badrinath, Kedarnath, Joshimath lie in the risk zone.
- Glacier types flagged: Ramp-Slab, Terrace-Slab, Terrace-Wedge.
UTTARAKHAND Uttarakhand on High Alert as Monsoon Fury Triggers Landslides; SDRF Steps Up
- IMD red alerts issued for multiple hill districts; schools shut and pilgrim movement regulated.
- SDRF, NDRF and district authorities mobilised; SACHET alerts and control rooms activated.
- Landslides recurrently block the Rishikesh–Badrinath (NH-7) and Sonprayag–Kedarnath stretches.
- State pushing a 'disaster-resilient' Char Dham Yatra model after heavy-rain casualties in 2026.
ENVIRONMENT Gross Environment Product (GEP): Uttarakhand's Green-Accounting Model in Focus
- GEP values four natural assets: air, water, forest and soil.
- Uttarakhand is the first Indian state to launch a GEP framework, complementing GSDP with an ecological measure.
- Underpins the state's demand for a 'Green Bonus' / payments for ecosystem services from the Centre.
- Aligns with the concept of Green GDP and natural-capital accounting.
POLITY Uniform Civil Code: Uttarakhand's Rollout and 2026 Amendment in the Spotlight
- UCC covers marriage, divorce, succession and live-in registration; tribal communities are exempted.
- Backed by Article 44 of the Constitution (Directive Principles of State Policy).
- A dedicated online portal handles registrations and grievances.
- The 2026 amendment eased procedural and registration provisions.
POLITY Supreme Court Nudges States to Raise District Judges' Retirement Age to 62
- Bench led by CJI Surya Kant; states to decide in two weeks, amend rules in two months.
- Seven states have already agreed; Uttarakhand is among those yet to commit.
- Court called the financial-burden objection 'negligible' (citing a 1992 precedent).
- Suitability assessment to follow the Madras High Court model.
ECONOMY GDP Base Year Shifts to 2022-23; WPI Replaced by Producer Price Index
- New base year: 2022-23 (from 2011-12).
- PPI replaces WPI; a new Banking Services Price Index (BkSPI) — India's first — is introduced.
- IIP item coverage widened; 60 statements including revised estimates released.
- Aligns India's statistics with international standards.
ECONOMY RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25%, Raises FY27 Growth View to 6.7%
- Repo 5.25%, SDF 5.00%, MSF/Bank Rate 5.50%; decision unanimous.
- FY27 GDP raised to 6.7%; CPI cut to 5.0%.
- Quarterly GDP: Q1 7.0%, Q2 6.4%, Q3 6.5%, Q4 6.8%.
- Cited global uncertainty from Middle-East geopolitical tensions.
SCI-TECH ISRO's GSLV-F17 Successfully Launches EOS-05 Earth-Observation Satellite
- EOS-05 mass 2,367 kg; 9-year design life; geosynchronous orbit (~36,000 km).
- 19th GSLV flight; 107th launch from Sriharikota (SDSC-SHAR).
- Three-stage vehicle (51.7 m, ~420 t) with an indigenous cryogenic upper stage.
- Uses: agriculture, disaster management, environment and border monitoring.
REPORT UN Warns 1.5°C Target Will Be Breached; Pins Hope on Carbon Removal
- Current warming ~1.4°C; on present policies, 2.6°C by 2100.
- Fallback: cap overshoot near 1.8°C, then remove carbon to bring temperatures down.
- CDR methods: afforestation, BECCS, direct air capture (DAC), enhanced weathering.
- Warns of AMOC weakening and near-total coral bleaching at 1.5°C.
IR India–China Hold First Corps Commander Talks in Arunachal's Eastern Sector
- Talks aimed at easing border tensions in the eastern (Arunachal) sector.
- Part of continued military-diplomatic engagement on the LAC.
- Complements ongoing disengagement discussions across sectors.
- China claims Arunachal as 'South Tibet'; India firmly rejects this.
8 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →UTTARAKHAND Dhami launches ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana’
- 11,000 students to get free online coaching in the first phase.
- Targets government, government-aided colleges and state universities.
- Aimed especially at youth from mountain and remote regions.
- Over 2.5 lakh students were consulted while designing the scheme.
- A separate Youth Commission will be set up for employment & aspirations.
ENVIRONMENT IMD flags flash-flood risk across 10 Uttarakhand hill districts
- 10 districts flagged: Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi.
- Widespread to very widespread rainfall forecast during the period.
- Thunderstorms, lightning and wind gusts up to 60 kmph possible.
- State disaster teams (USDMA, SDRF) kept on high alert.
- Follows the Dharali (Uttarkashi) flash-flood disaster of Aug 2025.
UTTARAKHAND Haridwar Ardh Kumbh 2027: October 2026 deadline for major works
- Infrastructure projects worth about ₹235 crore launched for the mela.
- Centre allocated 8,029 MT additional foodgrain (wheat & rice) quota.
- Major works deadline set for October 2026, ahead of the 2027 mela.
- Focus on crowd management, sanitation, ghats and connectivity.
POLITY Uttarakhand deepens Uniform Civil Code (UCC) implementation
- Uttarakhand UCC came into force on 27 January 2025.
- Covers marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships.
- Mandatory registration of marriages and live-in relationships.
- Excludes Scheduled Tribes from its ambit (Art. 342 protection).
- Rests on Article 44 (Directive Principle) of the Constitution.
ENVIRONMENT Gross Environment Product (GEP): Uttarakhand's ‘green GDP’ model
- GEP values four ecosystem services: air, water, soil and forest.
- Concept championed by environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi.
- Complements GDP by pricing ecological health, not just output.
- Supports payment-for-ecosystem-services and green-bonus demands.
ECONOMY PM to dedicate Western Dedicated Freight Corridor sections
- Three WDFC sections worth over ₹35,000 crore dedicated.
- DFCs separate freight from passenger rail traffic for efficiency.
- Cuts logistics cost & transit time; boosts Make in India exports.
- India has Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridors.
DEFENCE Defence Acquisition Council clears buys worth ₹1.10 lakh crore
- Clearances worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore across all three services.
- Includes CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, radars, advanced light helicopters.
- Also marine gas turbines, bridge systems and mechanical mine layers.
- CBRN = Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear.
IR India to host 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September
- Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi; dates 12–13 September 2026.
- Theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
- BRICS was founded in 2009 (BRIC); South Africa joined in 2010.
- Recent expansion added new members, boosting Global South voice.
ECONOMY RBI holds repo at 5.25%; Q1 FY27 GDP grows 7.8%
- Repo rate 5.25%; SDF 5.00%; MSF 5.50% — stance neutral.
- Q1 FY27 GDP growth at 7.8%; FY26 growth projected 7.4%.
- RBI ran a ₹6 lakh crore VRRR auction to absorb surplus liquidity.
- MPC is a 6-member body chaired by the RBI Governor.
IR Rajnath Singh visits Sri Lanka to deepen maritime security ties
- Visit dates: 8–10 September 2026.
- Focus on defence cooperation and maritime security.
- Reflects Neighbourhood First and SAGAR vision in the IOR.
- Sri Lanka is a key partner astride vital Indian Ocean sea lanes.
9 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →UTTARAKHAND Uttarakhand launches Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana for free exam coaching
- Covers UPSC, State PSCs, CDS, banking, railways, SSC and higher tests (CAT, GATE, NET, CSIR-NET).
- Beneficiaries: university and government/aided college students, especially in remote and hilly areas.
- Aim: end the need to travel to big cities for coaching — bridges the rural-urban access gap.
- Budget 2026-27 earmarked ₹10 crore for the scheme.
UTTARAKHAND Dhami government transfers ₹147 crore social-security pension to 9.9 lakh beneficiaries
- Schemes: old-age, widow, disability, farmer, deserted-women pensions, plus Teelu Rauteli & dwarf pensions.
- ₹140.11 crore from state funds + ₹6.94 crore central share; 2,14,711 covered under NSAP.
- 5,605 new pensioners sanctioned in August (3,945 old-age, 1,000 widow).
POLITY Uttarakhand High Court clears path to shift seat from Nainital to Haldwani
- New complex planned at Gaulapar, Haldwani citing space limits and ecological load on Nainital.
- Shifting a High Court seat involves a Presidential process under the Arts. 214-231 framework.
- Uttarakhand HC was established in 2000 on the state's creation.
POLITY Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code enforcement continues under 2026 amendment
- Mandatory registration of marriage, divorce and live-in relationships; equal inheritance rights.
- The state's Scheduled Tribes are kept outside the UCC's ambit.
- Rooted in Article 44 directing the State towards a uniform civil code.
UTTARAKHAND Char Dham Yatra 2026 crosses 11 lakh pilgrims; crowd management under strain
- Kedarnath most-visited — 4.5 lakh darshan in 20 days; Sonprayag saw major jams.
- Four shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath.
- Biometric registration and weather alerts used for crowd regulation.
ENVIRONMENT Gross Environment Product (GEP): Uttarakhand's green-GDP measure in focus
- GEP measures ecosystem services — a 'green GDP' complementing economic output.
- Four components assessed: air, water, soil and forest.
- Strengthens the state's claim for a larger green bonus / ecological compensation.
ENVIRONMENT Himalayan disaster management in focus as GLOF risk window is flagged
- State agency USDMA coordinates warning; SDRF leads hill rescue.
- Uttarakhand lies largely in high seismic zones IV-V.
- Glacial-lake mapping and Doppler radar are strengthening early warning.
IR New Delhi to host the 18th BRICS Summit on 12-13 September 2026
- 11-member BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa + Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia.
- India's 4th chairship (2012, 2016, 2021, 2026); the grouping marks its 20th anniversary.
- 350+ meetings across 25+ cities held during the chairship year.
POLITY Supreme Court: no teacher appointment without prescribed qualifications
- The issue arose in a PIL on provincialisation of schools.
- The bench invoked Articles 14, 16, 21A and 254.
- Reinforces quality norms underpinning the Right to Education.
ECONOMY RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%, raises FY27 growth forecast to 6.7%
- The MPC voted unanimously to pause, citing global and geopolitical uncertainty.
- Quarterly GDP path: Q1 7.0%, Q2 6.4%, Q3 6.5%, Q4 6.8%.
- Inflation target band: 4% (+/-2%) under flexible inflation targeting.
DEFENCE Rajnath Singh's Sri Lanka visit boosts maritime-security ties in the IOR
- Advances 'Neighbourhood First' and the SAGAR vision in the Indian Ocean Region.
- The same week saw the first commander-level India-China flag meeting (6-7 Sept) on the eastern LAC.
SOCIETY Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 launched to strengthen Anganwadi nutrition
- Month-long drive to strengthen Anganwadi centres and community nutrition.
- Anchored in Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission).
- Targets malnutrition, anaemia and early-childhood care.
10 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →UTTARAKHAND Uttarakhand launches Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana — free exam coaching for youth
- Free online coaching from home for UPSC/PSC, SSC, banking, railways, CDS defence and CAT/GATE/NET aspirants.
- Phase 1 covers 11,000 students in state universities and govt/aided colleges.
- Targets remote, hilly and financially weaker students to bridge the coaching-access gap.
- Fits the Budget's Yuva (youth) focus under the GYAN model.
ENVIRONMENT Heavy-rain alert for five hill districts; disaster machinery on watch
- Districts on alert: Dehradun, Tehri, Nainital, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh.
- Thunderstorm and strong-wind warning for all districts through Sep 14.
- Monsoon hazards: landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts and road blockages on hill routes.
- The Char Dham Yatra can be halted or re-routed during severe spells.
UTTARAKHAND Char Dham Yatra 2026 sees record rush — 37 lakh+ pilgrims in 61 days
- Char Dham = Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath; Kedarnath tops preference.
- 37 lakh+ pilgrims in 61 days signals strong post-pandemic religious-tourism demand.
- Online registration is mandatory for crowd and safety management.
- Tourism is a mainstay of the hill economy and employment.
POLITY UCC faces a fresh legal challenge in the Nainital High Court
- Uttarakhand is the first state to implement a UCC (in force from 27 Jan 2025; an Amendment Ordinance 2026 added rules).
- PILs argue the law violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 and privacy.
- UCC covers marriage, divorce, succession and live-in registration; Scheduled Tribes are excluded.
- Article 44 (DPSP) urges a Uniform Civil Code for citizens.
ENVIRONMENT Green accounting: Uttarakhand's Gross Environment Product back in focus
- Uttarakhand is the first Indian state to launch a GEP (Green GDP) index.
- GEP values four ecological services: air, water, soil and forest.
- It aims to quantify nature's contribution alongside GSDP growth.
- It complements protected areas: Corbett, Rajaji, Nanda Devi, Valley of Flowers, Gangotri.
POLITY Centre proposes special 'Article 371(K)' safeguards for Ladakh
- A proposed 'Article 371(K)' would offer special protections and a possible legislative body for Ladakh.
- Ladakh became a UT without legislature after Article 370 was read down in 2019.
- Demands include Sixth Schedule status, statehood and job/land safeguards.
- Article 371 already gives special provisions to states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Sikkim.
ECONOMY Cabinet clears 8 railway multitracking projects worth ₹20,804 crore
- Total outlay ₹20,804 crore, spread over nine states.
- Multitracking adds parallel lines to decongest busy routes.
- Supports PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy.
- Aims to raise rail's freight share and lower emissions.
DEFENCE India's defence push: DRDO's SHIELD directed-energy programme and joint drills
- SHIELD = programme to test high-power microwave & directed-energy (anti-drone) tech.
- 22nd India–US 'Yudh Abhyas' exercise runs Sep 9–28.
- India–Japan 'Veer Guardian 2026' air exercise at Jodhpur (Tejas, Su-30, Rafale vs F-2A).
- The Army's AASHVAST Lab will detect Chinese components in drones.
ENVIRONMENT PM-KUSUM 2.0 with an agrivoltaics component on the anvil
- PM-KUSUM (2019) promotes solar pumps and grid-connected solar for farmers.
- Phase 2 to add agrivoltaics — crops + solar panels together.
- Boosts farmer income, energy security and clean-energy targets.
- Supports India's 500 GW non-fossil capacity goal by 2030.
11 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →UTTARAKHAND Dhami Cabinet clears 10 proposals; medical interns' stipend raised to ₹25,000
- Medical interns' stipend raised from ₹17,000 to ₹25,000 across 5 government medical colleges.
- 245 jobs for national/international sports medalists + 33 Assistant Physical Education posts.
- 15 acres near Salepur allotted for an ESI Hospital.
- Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to run 17 Sep–17 Oct 2026 (plantation & cleanliness).
- Govt advocates' fees revised; Prison Service & Legal Metrology rules amended.
UTTARAKHAND Char Dham Yatra 2026 crosses 50 lakh pilgrims; second phase opens 15 September
- Four dhams: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath (portals opened Apr 2026).
- 50 lakh+ pilgrims by 10 Sep vs 51 lakh in the whole of the previous year.
- Officials project a record ~60 lakh by the season's end in November.
- Landslide-prone stretches flagged on Rishikesh–Badrinath and Kedarnath routes.
ENVIRONMENT Monsoon disaster management back in focus as Himalayan hazards mount
- Recurring hazards: cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, GLOF, earthquakes, forest fires.
- State response led by the USDMA with SDRF; central support via NDRF/NDMA.
- Uttarakhand falls largely in seismic Zone IV and V — India's highest risk band.
- GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) risk rises as Himalayan glaciers retreat.
UTTARAKHAND 'Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana' pitched as youth-empowerment engine
- Targets skilling, self-employment and jobs for the state's youth.
- Aligns with the fight against palayan (out-migration) from hill districts.
- Complements sports-quota jobs and the state's start-up/homestay push.
POLITY Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code stays in national spotlight
- UCC unifies rules on marriage, divorce, succession and mandates live-in registration.
- Enacted under the Uttarakhand UCC Act, 2024; rules notified in 2025.
- Rooted in Article 44 (Directive Principles) urging a common civil code.
- Scheduled Tribes are kept outside the Code's ambit.
SCI-TECH IIT Roorkee to host 'Physical AI Lab' for industrial autonomy
- Lab to work on Physical AI — AI that senses and acts in the real world (robotics, autonomy).
- IIT Roorkee is among India's oldest technical institutions (est. 1847).
- Strengthens Uttarakhand's positioning as a research & innovation hub.
DEFENCE Defence Acquisition Council clears ₹1.10 lakh crore in acquisitions
- Approvals include CBRN vehicles, helicopters, radars and fighter-jet upgrades.
- DAC is the apex body headed by the Defence Minister.
- Advances the Atmanirbhar Bharat push for indigenous defence manufacturing.
HEALTH 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah observed through September under POSHAN 2.0
- Theme centres on “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari” and dietary diversity.
- Focus indicators: stunting, wasting, anaemia (tracked via NFHS).
- Marks 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).
- Delivered through the Anganwadi network under the ICDS umbrella.
ECONOMY Western Dedicated Freight Corridor sections dedicated; ₹20,804-crore rail push cleared
- WDFC sections worth about ₹20,700 crore dedicated; part financed with JICA support.
- Cabinet cleared 8 rail multitracking projects worth ₹20,804 crore across 9 states.
- DFCs are run by DFCCIL, a PSU under the Ministry of Railways.
- Lower logistics cost boosts PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy goals.
SCI-TECH ISRO eyes first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission in 2026
- Gaganyaan is India's maiden human-spaceflight programme.
- Recent success: GSLV-F17 launched the EOS-05 Earth-observation satellite.
- Manifest includes the NVS-03 navigation satellite and further FY2026 missions.
IR Four new Indian sites added to UNESCO Tentative List
- New entries include the Rangpur–Sivasagar ensemble (Assam) and Shekhawati haveli towns.
- India's inscribed tally stands at 73 sites (53 cultural, 3 mixed, 17 natural).
- Tentative-list entry is a mandatory first step before formal nomination.
12 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →UTTARAKHAND Char Dham Yatra crosses 50 lakh; second phase from Sep 15
- The four dhams are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
- Gates opened Apr 19 (Gangotri/Yamunotri), Apr 22 (Kedarnath), Apr 23 (Badrinath); yatra runs to November.
- Last year 51 lakh pilgrims completed the yatra — 2026 is on course for a record.
- Landslide-prone stretches persist near Kameda, Parthadeep, Maithana and Hathi Pahad.
UTTARAKHAND Uttarakhand to prepare disaster-management plans for all schools
- Plans cover earthquakes, landslides, floods, flash floods, cloudbursts, avalanches and fires.
- Each school gets risk assessment, evacuation routes, safe assembly points, first-aid and rescue kits.
- Student-led teams (warning, evacuation, first aid, fire, search-and-rescue) with adult supervision.
- A joint committee of the Education Dept and USDMA will oversee implementation.
POLITY 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' launched (Sep 17 - Oct 17)
- Four pillars: service, public participation, dialogue and innovation.
- Focus on saturation of welfare schemes and grievance redressal at the grassroots.
- Departments to run camps and outreach across districts through the month.
ENVIRONMENT Himalaya Diwas observed to protect the mountain ecology
- Himalaya Diwas is marked every year on September 9.
- The theme underlines conservation of glaciers, forests and springs.
- Uttarakhand ties it to its Gross Environment Product (GEP) green-accounting push.
POLITY UCC implementation deepens with 2026 amendment
- UCC applies uniform rules on marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships (tribal communities exempt).
- Registration is done through the official UCC portal for residents.
- The amendment eased and clarified registration procedures and timelines.
DEFENCE Yudh Abhyas 2026: India-US drill at Auli and Bikaner
- Yudh Abhyas is the annual India-United States army exercise.
- It is conducted under the 'Operation Pathways' framework.
- Auli (Chamoli district) offers ideal high-altitude, mountain-warfare terrain.
IR 18th BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi under India's chair
- BRICS has expanded to 11 member economies after recent enlargement.
- Original members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
- The first BRICS summit was held in 2009 at Yekaterinburg, Russia.
- India's priorities centre on the Global South and reform of multilateral institutions.
POLITY DILRMP 3.0 launched with 14-digit 'Bhu-Aadhaar'
- DILRMP = Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme.
- Budget of Rs 565.50 crore for the period 2026-2031.
- Creates GIS-based integrated digital land records across states.
- Bhu-Aadhaar = ULPIN, a unique land parcel identification number.
HEALTH Supreme Court pushes FSSAI on front-of-pack warning labels
- FoPL would put red 'hexagon' warnings on high salt, sugar and fat foods.
- FSSAI = Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
- Aim: help consumers make informed, healthier choices against lifestyle disease.
SCI-TECH ISRO clears CE20 cryogenic engine test at 220 kN
- The CE20 is a home-grown cryogenic upper-stage engine.
- It powers the LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk III) rocket.
- Test held at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri (Tamil Nadu).
ECONOMY NSO releases first-ever district-level ASUSE data
- ASUSE = Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises.
- Women made up at least one-third of the workforce in 237 districts.
- Top districts concentrate enterprises in Gujarat, Telangana, UP and West Bengal.
Prelims rapid-fire — 37 facts
| Winter Corbett-region tourism festivals promote off-season Kumaon tourism and 'Vocal for Local'. |
| The 16th National Meet of State Biodiversity Boards was held in Chandigarh. |
| The National Biodiversity Authority crossed ₹200-crore cumulative Access & Benefit-Sharing disbursement. |
| India's U-20 men's football team qualified for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup after 20 years. |
| The IAF Sarang helicopter display team performed at the El Alamein Airshow, Egypt. |
| Tamil Nadu began Phase-3 underwater archaeology at Poompuhar. |
| International Literacy Day is observed on 8 September (UNESCO). |
| ISRO launched earth-observation satellite EOS-05 via GSLV on 4 Sep 2026. |
| PM-KISAN extended to 2030–31 with a ₹3.15 lakh crore outlay (₹6,000/yr). |
| Semicon India Programme 2.0 notified with a ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay. |
| Uttarakhand Cabinet: job security for 7,000+ UPNL staff; FY 2026–27 budget ₹1.11 lakh crore. |
| A Japanese agency upgraded India's sovereign rating to A- (from BBB+) on 2 Sep 2026. |
| Uttarakhand Budget 2026-27 size? ₹1.11 lakh crore (GYAN model). |
| First state to enforce a UCC? Uttarakhand (27 Jan 2025). |
| GEP values which four domains? Air, water, soil and forest. |
| Venue of the 18th BRICS Summit? Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. |
| RBI repo rate (Aug 2026)? 5.25%, neutral stance. |
| Poshan Maah 2026 theme? 'Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari'. |
| Sheetal Devi won compound gold at the World Archery Para Series (Ahmedabad); India finished 2nd overall. |
| Uttarakhand's GYAN model targets Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata, Nari. |
| PM-SETU approved ₹735.7 cr for 3 new ITI clusters (Bhiwadi, Medchal, Meerut). |
| New lichen species Buellia maharajensis found in Mathikettan Shola NP, Kerala. |
| Char Dham = Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath (Uttarakhand). |
| Dr Vinaya Prakash Singh re-elected APPU Secretary-General (2027–30). |
| GalaxEye (India) won a US patent for OptoSAR — fusing optical + SAR for all-weather imaging. |
| SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) is Uttarakhand's dedicated rescue unit for Himalayan disasters. |
| The Char Dham comprises Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. |
| Uttarakhand pioneered accounting for Gross Environment Product (GEP) alongside GSDP. |
| DFCCIL operates India's Dedicated Freight Corridors under the Ministry of Railways. |
| PMMVY completed 10 years in 2026; POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched in 2018. |
| India's forex reserves are held largely as Foreign Currency Assets by the RBI. |
| Char Dham Yatra second phase begins Sep 15, 2026. |
| Himalaya Diwas is observed every year on September 9. |
| Bhu-Aadhaar is a 14-digit unique land parcel ID (ULPIN). |
| ISRO's CE20 cryogenic engine was tested at 220 kN thrust for LVM3. |
| The first BRICS Summit was held in 2009 at Yekaterinburg, Russia. |
| Uttarakhand was the first state to launch a Gross Environment Product (GEP) index (2024). |
Data points of the period
₹1.11 lakh crore
Uttarakhand State Budget, FY 2026-27
Roughly a 10% increase over the previous fiscal; 28 cabinet proposals were cleared alongside — including an Advanced Apple Nursery scheme, a Honey Production Policy 2026 and a treated-water reuse policy.
Roughly a 10% increase over the previous fiscal; 28 cabinet proposals were cleared alongside — including an Advanced Apple Nursery scheme, a Honey Production Policy 2026 and a treated-water reuse policy.
≈ 19.80 lakh in 34 days
Char Dham Yatra 2026 — cumulative pilgrim footfall
Kedarnath led with 7,82,136 pilgrims, followed by Badrinath 5,24,218; a single-day peak of 89,079 devotees underlines rising pilgrim-tourism pressure and the crowd-management challenge in Uttarakhand's fragile hills.
Kedarnath led with 7,82,136 pilgrims, followed by Badrinath 5,24,218; a single-day peak of 89,079 devotees underlines rising pilgrim-tourism pressure and the crowd-management challenge in Uttarakhand's fragile hills.
₹1.11 lakh crore
Uttarakhand Budget 2026-27 size
Presented on 10 March 2026 by CM Dhami on the 'GYAN' model (Garib-Yuva-Annadata-Nari). Key heads: Annapurti food security ₹1,300 crore, PM Matsya Sampada ₹160.13 crore, PM Awas (rural) ₹298.35 crore, Mission Apple ₹42 crore.
Presented on 10 March 2026 by CM Dhami on the 'GYAN' model (Garib-Yuva-Annadata-Nari). Key heads: Annapurti food security ₹1,300 crore, PM Matsya Sampada ₹160.13 crore, PM Awas (rural) ₹298.35 crore, Mission Apple ₹42 crore.
₹1,11,703 crore
Uttarakhand Budget 2026-27 outlay
Capex ₹46,714 cr • Gender budget ₹19,692 cr • ~10% YoY rise • themed on the GYAN model.
Capex ₹46,714 cr • Gender budget ₹19,692 cr • ~10% YoY rise • themed on the GYAN model.
≈ $682.2 billion
India's Foreign Exchange Reserves
As of late July 2026 — enough to cover about 11 months of imports and roughly 89% of external debt; the all-time high was about $704.89 billion (Sep 2024).
As of late July 2026 — enough to cover about 11 months of imports and roughly 89% of external debt; the all-time high was about $704.89 billion (Sep 2024).
₹1.11 lakh crore
Uttarakhand Budget FY 2026-27
The State Cabinet cleared a budget of about Rs 1.11 lakh crore for 2026-27, approving 28 proposals with a green-growth focus.
The State Cabinet cleared a budget of about Rs 1.11 lakh crore for 2026-27, approving 28 proposals with a green-growth focus.
12 practice MCQs — UKPSC Prelims pattern
Q1. Consider the following about Gross Environment Product (GEP): (1) Uttarakhand was the first Indian state to launch a GEP index. (2) GEP measures the value of air, water, forest and soil. (3) GEP replaces Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Which of the above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: A
GEP complements — it does not replace — GSDP; it is an ecological measure valuing ecosystem services across air, water, forest and soil. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
GEP complements — it does not replace — GSDP; it is an ecological measure valuing ecosystem services across air, water, forest and soil. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
Q2. With reference to the RBI's August 2026 monetary policy, which statement is correct?
- Repo rate was raised to 5.50%
- Repo rate was kept at 5.25% with a neutral stance
- FY27 GDP growth was cut to 6.0%
- The CPI inflation target was scrapped
Show answer
Answer: B
The MPC held the repo rate at 5.25% (neutral stance), raised FY27 GDP to 6.7% and trimmed CPI to 5.0%; the 4% (±2%) inflation target remains in force.
The MPC held the repo rate at 5.25% (neutral stance), raised FY27 GDP to 6.7% and trimmed CPI to 5.0%; the 4% (±2%) inflation target remains in force.
Q3. With reference to Gross Environment Product (GEP), consider the following statements: 1. Uttarakhand is the first Indian state to launch a GEP index. 2. GEP assesses the value of air, water, soil and forest. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: C
Uttarakhand is the first state to launch a GEP (green-GDP) index, valuing four ecosystem services — air, water, soil and forest. Both statements are correct.
Uttarakhand is the first state to launch a GEP (green-GDP) index, valuing four ecosystem services — air, water, soil and forest. Both statements are correct.
Q4. Which one of the following is NOT part of Uttarakhand's Char Dham?
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
- Dwarka
- Gangotri
Show answer
Answer: C
Uttarakhand's Char Dham comprises Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Dwarka (Gujarat) is part of the national char-dham, not Uttarakhand's.
Uttarakhand's Char Dham comprises Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Dwarka (Gujarat) is part of the national char-dham, not Uttarakhand's.
Q5. With reference to the Gross Environment Product (GEP), consider the following statements: (1) Uttarakhand is the first Indian state to launch a GEP index. (2) GEP assesses the health of air, water, soil and forest. Which of the statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: C
Uttarakhand launched India's first GEP, valuing air, water, soil and forest — a green-GDP measure. Both statements are correct.
Uttarakhand launched India's first GEP, valuing air, water, soil and forest — a green-GDP measure. Both statements are correct.
Q6. Consider the following about BRICS in 2026: (1) India holds the BRICS chair and hosts the 18th Summit. (2) BRICS currently has 11 member countries. Which is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: C
India chairs BRICS in 2026 and hosts the 18th Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi; BRICS has 11 members after the 2024 expansion. Both are correct.
India chairs BRICS in 2026 and hosts the 18th Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi; BRICS has 11 members after the 2024 expansion. Both are correct.
Q7. Consider the following about Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC): (1) Uttarakhand was the first state to implement a UCC. (2) It provides for registration of live-in relationships. (3) Scheduled Tribes are excluded from its ambit. Which of the above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: D
All three are correct. The UCC (in force 27 Jan 2025) is India's first state UCC; it mandates live-in registration and exempts Scheduled Tribes.
All three are correct. The UCC (in force 27 Jan 2025) is India's first state UCC; it mandates live-in registration and exempts Scheduled Tribes.
Q8. The Gross Environment Product (GEP) index, first launched by an Indian state, values which of the following ecological services?
- Air and water only
- Air, water, soil and forest
- Only forest cover
- Carbon credits alone
Show answer
Answer: B
Uttarakhand's GEP values four services — air, water, soil and forest — as a green-GDP style measure.
Uttarakhand's GEP values four services — air, water, soil and forest — as a green-GDP style measure.
Q9. With reference to Uttarakhand's Char Dham Yatra, consider the following: 1. Kedarnath and Badrinath lie in the Garhwal Himalaya. 2. The four shrines are all dedicated to Lord Shiva. 3. The Yatra typically runs from the summer months to November. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: a
Kedarnath (Shiva) and Badrinath (Vishnu) are in Garhwal, so statement 2 is wrong (Badrinath is a Vishnu shrine); the Yatra runs roughly April/May to November.
Kedarnath (Shiva) and Badrinath (Vishnu) are in Garhwal, so statement 2 is wrong (Badrinath is a Vishnu shrine); the Yatra runs roughly April/May to November.
Q10. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in the news, is: 1. Chaired by the Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister). 2. The apex body for capital procurement in the Ministry of Defence. 3. Empowered to grant 'Acceptance of Necessity' (AoN). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: d
The DAC is headed by the Defence Minister, is the apex procurement body and grants AoN — all three are correct.
The DAC is headed by the Defence Minister, is the apex procurement body and grants AoN — all three are correct.
Q11. Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to launch a Gross Environment Product (GEP) index. It primarily assesses the health of which of the following?
- Air, Water, Soil and Forest
- GDP, GNP, NNP and Per-capita income
- Roads, Rail, Power and Telecom
- Wheat, Rice, Pulses and Millets
Show answer
Answer: A
GEP is a green-accounting metric that measures the ecological value of four natural resources — air, water, soil and forest. Uttarakhand launched it in 2024.
GEP is a green-accounting metric that measures the ecological value of four natural resources — air, water, soil and forest. Uttarakhand launched it in 2024.
Q12. With reference to the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, consider the four dhams. Which one is NOT part of the Char Dham circuit?
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
- Hemkund Sahib
- Gangotri
Show answer
Answer: C
The Char Dham are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Hemkund Sahib is a revered Sikh shrine but is not one of the four dhams.
The Char Dham are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Hemkund Sahib is a revered Sikh shrine but is not one of the four dhams.
Mains practice questions
- The Himalayan state of Uttarakhand faces a rising frequency of GLOF and cloudburst-driven disasters. Discuss the structural and ecological factors behind this, and suggest a disaster-resilient development model for the state. (250 words)
- Uttarakhand's fragile Himalayan geography makes it acutely vulnerable to monsoon disasters. Examine the state's institutional disaster-management framework and suggest measures to reduce risk from cloudbursts, flash floods and GLOF events. (250 words)
- The 2026 Char Dham Yatra has again exposed the tension between pilgrimage tourism and Himalayan ecological fragility in Uttarakhand. Discuss the challenges of crowd and disaster management, and suggest a carrying-capacity based framework. (250 words)
- Rising pilgrim footfall on the Char Dham route highlights the tension between religious tourism and Himalayan ecological fragility. Discuss with reference to carrying capacity and disaster management. (250 words)
- Uttarakhand's fragile Himalayan geography makes disaster management a governance priority. In this light, examine the institutional mechanisms and preventive measures needed to make the Char Dham Yatra safe and sustainable. (150 words)
- Uttarakhand's Himalayan geography exposes it to recurring disasters such as cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides. Examine the state's disaster-management preparedness with reference to recent initiatives.
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