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Weekly compilation · Uttarakhand PCS (UKPSC)

UKPSC Weekly Current Affairs 21 Sep – 27 Sep 2026

5 daily editions · 56 topics · 10 MCQs · Uttarakhand + National · updates daily till Sunday

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2 Nov – 8 Nov 202626 Oct – 1 Nov 202619 Oct – 25 Oct 202612 Oct – 18 Oct 20265 Oct – 11 Oct 202628 Sep – 4 Oct 202621 Sep – 27 Sep 202614 Sep – 20 Sep 20267 Sep – 13 Sep 202631 Aug – 6 Sep 2026

Weekly at a glance

All topics — key facts for revision

21 September 2026

Full notes with diagrams →
UTTARAKHAND Char Dham Yatra 2026: phase-1 sets record, second phase underway
  • Phase-1 footfall: 50.56 lakh pilgrims (as of 14 Sept); total registrations: 66.08 lakh.
  • Shrine-wise: Badrinath 17.37 L, Kedarnath 14.99 L, Gangotri 7.90 L, Yamunotri 7.08 L, Hemkund Sahib 3.23 L.
  • The four dhams: Yamunotri (Yamuna, Uttarkashi), Gangotri (Bhagirathi, Uttarkashi), Kedarnath (Mandakini, Rudraprayag), Badrinath (Alaknanda, Chamoli).
  • Second phase began 15 September 2026; mandatory online registration continues for crowd control.
POLITY Uttarakhand HC clears path to shift from Nainital to Haldwani
  • Bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Pankaj Purohit dismissed the challenge (early Sept 2026).
  • Nainital cited for 'acute lack of space and inadequate infrastructure', high living costs and poor connectivity for litigants.
  • Full court (19 June) approved shifting to ~73 hectares of forest land in the Tarai-Central Forest Division near Rudrapur.
  • Site is ~10 km from the elephant corridor; forest de-reservation and statutory clearances still pending.
UTTARAKHAND Homestay policy powers 'reverse palayan' in the hills
  • 537 beneficiaries received ₹79.28 crore subsidy over four years.
  • Over 5,000 homestays now operate statewide; ~6,500 migrants returned, ~22% taking up homestays.
  • Subsidy: 50% (max ₹15 lakh) in hills, 25% (max ₹7.5 lakh) in plains; only Uttarakhand natives eligible.
  • A Trekking Traction Centre Homestay sub-scheme aided 258 applicants under 'My Plan, My Government'.
POLITY Uttarakhand UCC: first-mover reform completes rollout
  • UCC came into force 27 January 2026; Uttarakhand is the first state to implement one post-Independence.
  • Common rules on marriage, divorce, succession and inheritance; polygamy and halala barred; equal inheritance for daughters.
  • Live-in relationships require mandatory registration; a dedicated UCC portal handles filings.
  • Scheduled Tribes are exempted; rooted in Article 44 (DPSP) directive for a uniform civil code.
ENVIRONMENT Gross Environment Product: Uttarakhand values its nature
  • Uttarakhand launched India's first GEP to value ecological wealth alongside economic output.
  • GEP measures four services: air, water, soil and forest.
  • Aligns with the state's push on eco-sensitive zones, green bonuses and Himalayan resilience.
  • Complements Green GDP accounting and the demand for a Green Bonus for Himalayan states.
ECONOMY Retail inflation climbs to 4.82%, repo held at 5.25%
  • CPI August 2026: 4.82%, up from 4.45% in July; food inflation 5.95%.
  • Repo rate: 5.25% (neutral stance); positive real policy rate.
  • Credit growth 19.1% vs deposit growth 17.8%; credit-deposit ratio 80.3%.
  • GDP growth 7.8%; inflation stays within the RBI 4% (+/-2%) band.
IR US law authorises 100% tariff on buyers of Russian oil
  • Law authorises 100% tariffs on importers of Russian oil, atop existing duties.
  • US takes ~20% of India's goods exports; Russia supplied 51%+ of India's oil imports (July 2026).
  • Requires a written waiver justification to the US Congress.
  • Sharpens India's energy-security vs market-access trade-off.
SCI-TECH Semiconductor Mission Phase 2: ₹1.27 lakh crore push
  • Government commitment: ₹1.27 lakh crore under Phase 2; ~₹1 lakh crore investor interest received.
  • Widens scope to design, fabrication, equipment and materials (from assembly/testing).
  • Five-year goal: chips for automobiles, power systems and appliances.
  • Advances Atmanirbhar Bharat and cuts import dependence in electronics.
REPORT NITI Aayog Electric Mobility Index 2025: Delhi tops
  • Delhi 1st (score 84, up from 77); Maharashtra 2nd (78), Karnataka 3rd (73).
  • Covers 36 states/UTs across 16 indicators.
  • Signals accelerating EV adoption and charging-infra rollout.
  • Feeds India's net-zero-by-2070 and clean-mobility goals.
SOCIETY EPFO wage ceiling raised to ₹25,000 a month
  • Wage ceiling raised from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000/month, effective 17 September 2026.
  • EPS pension contribution capped correspondingly (~₹2,080).
  • Expands retirement-savings coverage for more formal workers.
  • Administered by EPFO under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
ECONOMY GIFT City jumps to 37th in Global Financial Centres Index
  • GIFT City rose to 37th (from 46th) in GFCI 40.
  • New York topped, followed by London and Hong Kong.
  • GIFT City hosts India's first IFSC, regulated by IFSCA.
  • Boosts India's ambition as a global fintech and bullion gateway.

22 September 2026

Full notes with diagrams →
UTTARAKHAND Char Dham Yatra 2026: Record First Phase, Second Phase Under Way
  • First phase drew a record 51.06 lakh (50,56,160) pilgrims (till 14-15 Sep 2026).
  • Dham-wise: Badrinath 17.36 lakh, Kedarnath 14.99 lakh, Gangotri 7.90 lakh, Yamunotri 7.08 lakh, Hemkund Sahib 3.23 lakh.
  • Second phase on since 15 September 2026; total footfall expected to cross 55 lakh.
  • Focus on CCTV coverage, traffic & crowd management and transparency in counting of offerings.
POLITY UCC Uttarakhand: Amendment 2026 Streamlines Rules & Portal
  • Compulsory marriage registration and mandatory live-in relationship registration.
  • Uniform grounds for divorce and equal inheritance/succession rights across communities.
  • Bans polygamy, halala, iddat and sets a uniform marriage age.
  • Scheduled Tribes are exempted (protected under Article 342); services via the ucc.uk.gov.in portal.
POLITY High Court Pulls Up Officials Over Nainital Water Contamination
  • 2 deaths and 250+ people fell ill across villages such as Jeolikote, Ganja and Virbhatti.
  • Cause: sewage water mixing with a drinking-water source near an old garbage pit.
  • Court ordered a water-testing lab for the Kumaon region and sampling of 20-25 sources within 6 days.
  • Released ₹4 lakh for ELISA/medical tests; DM to personally oversee relief and tanker supply.
ENVIRONMENT Gross Environment Product (GEP): Uttarakhand's Green Accounting Model
  • GEP values the health of air, water, soil and forests as a growth indicator.
  • It complements GDP with green accounting / natural-capital accounting.
  • The concept was championed by environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi (HESCO).
  • Aligns with SDGs and the state's push for a low-carbon, green economy.
ECONOMY Uttarakhand Budget 2026-27: ₹1.11 Lakh Crore on the GYAN Model
  • Total size ₹1,11,703 crore (about 10% higher than the previous year).
  • Capital expenditure ₹46,713.77 crore; fiscal deficit ₹12,579.70 crore (below 3% of GSDP).
  • Gender budget ₹19,692 crore; ₹1,027 crore for Kumbh 2027 (Haridwar).
  • ₹1,050 crore for PMGSY rural roads; ₹2,502 crore for PWD roads & bridges.
ENVIRONMENT Himalayan Disaster Management & GLOF Risk in Focus
  • The state lies in seismic Zones IV and V — high earthquake risk.
  • Recurrent cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods during the monsoon.
  • GLOF danger from expanding glacial lakes — recall 2021 Chamoli and 2013 Kedarnath disasters.
  • Response via USDMA/SDMA and rapid SDRF deployment with early-warning systems.
DEFENCE SLINEX-26: India-Sri Lanka Naval Exercise off Visakhapatnam
  • Held 17-21 September 2026 off Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).
  • India fielded INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti; Sri Lanka sent SLNS Sindurala.
  • Comprised harbour and sea phases focused on interoperability.
  • Reinforces maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
SCI-TECH India-Russia Sign AI & Cybersecurity Technology Pacts
  • Four strategic agreements signed at the industrial expo (9-11 Sep 2026, New Delhi).
  • A joint Centre of Excellence in AI & cybersecurity.
  • Pacts on investment promotion and healthcare collaboration.
  • A joint venture in interactive technologies.
ENVIRONMENT First Soil-Carbon Payments to Farmers in Punjab & Haryana
  • 2,550 smallholder farmers received ₹2.9 crore in payments.
  • Programme covered about 30,000 acres and generated 50,000+ verified carbon credits.
  • Individual payouts ranged ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 per farmer.
  • Rewards regenerative practices that raise soil organic carbon.
IR EAM's Bhutan Visit: ₹4,000 Crore Line of Credit for Energy
  • Visit held 16-18 September 2026.
  • Five development projects launched during the trip.
  • A ₹4,000 crore concessional Line of Credit extended for the energy sector.
  • Reaffirms deep hydropower and development cooperation.
DEFENCE Indigenous KAL Long-Endurance Drone Tested at Pokhran
  • Range about 1,000 km with 7-8 hours endurance.
  • Payload capacity 50 kg; service ceiling around 5,000 m.
  • Developed by an Indian defence startup — boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Tested at the Pokhran Field-Firing Range (Rajasthan).

23 September 2026

Full notes with diagrams →
UTTARAKHAND Char Dham Yatra 2026 Nears 5-Crore Darshan; State Reviews Safety
  • 6.607 crore (66.07 million) pilgrims registered by 14 September 2026; 5.056 crore darshan completed.
  • Shrine-wise darshan: Badrinath 1.74 cr, Kedarnath 1.50 cr, Gangotri 78.9 lakh, Yamunotri 70.8 lakh, Hemkund Sahib 32.2 lakh.
  • High-risk stretches flagged: Chirbasa, Bhairav Glacier, Syanachatti; movement of pilgrims, horses and mules regulated.
  • Second horse-parking at Yamunotri, route widening for Yamunotri & Gangotri, and better mobile coverage ordered.
SOCIETY CM Orders Time-Bound Justice in SC/ST Atrocity Cases
  • Cases pending since 2024 to be reviewed and disposed on priority with fixed timelines.
  • Police, administration and prosecution told to coordinate on serious and longstanding cases.
  • Adequate special public prosecutors and continuous monitoring of special courts ordered.
  • Focus on victims getting justice, security and dignity in a time-bound manner.
POLITY High Court Slams Nainital Over 'Epidemic-Like' Water Contamination
  • 2 deaths and 250+ people sickened across Jeolikote, Ganja, Virbhatti, Chhina, Beluakhan, Sariyatal (8 Sept 2026).
  • The bench called it 'epidemic-like', blaming unrepaired sewer and drinking-water pipelines.
  • DM to personally monitor relief and clean-water tankers; a sewer-leak helpline ordered.
  • Water-testing lab for Kumaon to be fast-tracked; 20-25 sources sampled in 6 days; ₹4 lakh released for medical testing.
ENVIRONMENT Gross Environment Product: Uttarakhand's Green-Accounting Push
  • GEP assigns monetary value to four resources: air, water, forest and soil.
  • It covers provisioning, regulating and cultural ecosystem services.
  • First-of-its-kind in India (launched 2024); the index used 2020-22 data showing a 0.9% rise in environmental output.
  • It distinguishes man-made assets (amrit sarovars) from natural processes such as rainfall.
POLITY Uniform Civil Code: Uttarakhand's Rollout Deepens
  • UCC enforced from 27 January 2025; Amendment Ordinance, 2026 notified to ease implementation.
  • Mandatory registration of marriage, divorce and live-in relationships; equal inheritance rights.
  • Polygamy, halala, iddat and child marriage prohibited; a uniform marriageable age set.
  • Backed by Article 44 (DPSP) — the goal of a Uniform Civil Code across India.
ENVIRONMENT Monsoon Aftermath Tests Uttarakhand's Disaster Machinery
  • At peak, 100+ roads were blocked; a 30-metre stretch of the Karnaprayag-Nainisain road washed away in Chamoli.
  • Alerts spanned Dehradun & Bageshwar (orange) and 8+ hill districts (yellow).
  • The state is prone to landslides, cloudbursts, flash floods, GLOF and earthquakes (Seismic Zones IV & V).
  • USDMA coordinates response; SDRF and early-warning systems are deployed.
IR India-New Zealand FTA to Take Effect from 20 October 2026
  • NZ offers 100% duty-free access to Indian exports from day one; India opens 70.03% of tariff lines (~95% of bilateral trade).
  • A US$20 billion New Zealand investment commitment over 15 years.
  • 5,000 temporary work visas and 1,000 working-holiday visas a year for Indians; 3-year post-study work for STEM graduates.
  • India's arbitration base: Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996; recent BITs signed with UAE & Uzbekistan.
ECONOMY RBI Drains ₹71,971 cr via VRRR to Manage Liquidity
  • ₹71,971 crore absorbed against a notified ₹75,000 crore.
  • VRRR mops up liquidity, while VRR injects it — both are LAF tools.
  • Aim: control inflation, steady overnight/call rates, and curb excess credit growth.
  • The policy repo rate stays the RBI's key signalling rate.
ECONOMY GDP Data Revamp: New Base Year 2022-23, 'Double Deflation'
  • The base year shifts to 2022-23 (from 2011-12).
  • Double deflation adopted for manufacturing — output and input prices adjusted separately.
  • Greater use of GST and administrative data for real-time coverage.
  • It aligns India's GVA/GDP estimates with global standards.
POLITY SC: No Penalty for Declining to Sing the National Song
  • The Court's view: individuals cannot be penalised for declining to recite the National Song.
  • It is rooted in Art. 25 (freedom of conscience) and Art. 26.
  • Key precedent: Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986) — the National Anthem case.
  • Art. 51A(a) — the fundamental duty to respect the Constitution, National Flag and Anthem.
DEFENCE India-Mongolia 'Nomadic Elephant' Military Drill Begins
  • This is the 18th edition, which began 21 September 2026.
  • Focus: counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations in semi-mountainous, rural terrain.
  • Other India drills: Khaan Quest (Mongolia, multinational), Mitra Shakti (Sri Lanka), Garuda Shakti (Indonesia).
  • It boosts interoperability and strategic ties in the region.
REPORT 55 Indian Cities Among the World's 100 Fastest-Growing
  • 55 of 100 fastest-growing cities (by GDP growth) are Indian.
  • Delhi ranked 268 overall on the broader global list.
  • The index weighs economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance.
  • It signals India's rising urban share of GDP and consumption.

24 September 2026

Full notes with diagrams →
UTTARAKHAND Badrinath Dham Sets All-Time Record: 17.79 Lakh Pilgrims in 2026 Season
  • Badrinath footfall: 17,79,805 pilgrims as of 22 September 2026, first time above 17 lakh.
  • Season opened 23 April 2026; figure reached over 153 days; ~1.5–2 months of yatra remain.
  • Second phase of the yatra resumed from 15 September 2026 after monsoon disruptions.
  • Char Dham = Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath — all in the Garhwal Himalayas.
  • Thrust on pilgrim facilities, health services and security; Badrinath being redeveloped as a planned shrine.
ENVIRONMENT Kedarnath Trek Reopens After Chirbasa Landslide; Monsoon Risk Persists
  • Landslide struck near Chirbasa on the Kedarnath foot route; trek later restored after clearance.
  • The 2026 monsoon repeatedly blocked Badrinath & Kedarnath highways; rivers ran in spate.
  • Uttarakhand lies in Seismic Zones IV & V and is highly landslide-prone.
  • Nodal body: Uttarakhand SDMA (USDMA); district response via DDMAs.
  • GLOF (glacial lake outburst flood) risk rising with warming; early-warning being expanded.
UTTARAKHAND Uttarakhand Revamps Homestay Policy to Push Rural, Resident-Led Tourism
  • ~6,000 homestays registered; Nainital leads, then Dehradun & Pithoragarh.
  • Homestays now restricted to permanent residents operating from their own homes.
  • Registration renewal every 5 years (earlier one-time).
  • Non-residents / caretaker-run units shifted to the Bed & Breakfast scheme.
  • Aims to curb palayan (out-migration) and spread tourism to villages.
DEFENCE India–Mongolia Drill 'Nomadic Elephant 2026' Begins in Pithoragarh
  • 18th edition; held 21 Sept – 3 Oct 2026 at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
  • 45 personnel each side; the Indian contingent is from the Arunachal Scouts.
  • Focus: counter-insurgency in mountainous terrain, drones & cyber security under a UN mandate.
  • Reflects Mongolia's 'Third Neighbour' policy toward India.
  • Pithoragarh borders Tibet (China) & Nepal — strategically sensitive.
POLITY Uttarakhand Strengthens Uniform Civil Code With 2026 Amendments
  • Uttarakhand became the first state to implement a UCC (rules notified 27 January 2025).
  • UCC Amendment / Ordinance 2026 refined marriage, divorce, succession & live-in registration rules.
  • Applies uniform rules across communities (Scheduled Tribes exempted).
  • Backed by Article 44 (Directive Principles) — non-justiciable.
  • Online portal ucc.uk.gov.in handles registrations.
ENVIRONMENT India: Non-Fossil Sources Cross 54% of Installed Power Capacity
  • Non-fossil > 54% of installed power capacity.
  • Per-capita emissions < 50% of the global average.
  • Wind capacity tripled in ~12 years; India 3rd in renewables globally.
  • Updated NDC (2022): 45% emissions-intensity cut by 2030; net zero by 2070.
  • Leads ISA, Global Biofuels Alliance, Big Cat Alliance & Mission LiFE.
POLITY SC: State May Prescribe National Song but Can't Force Anyone to Sing It
  • A three-judge Bench (CJI-led) ruled on the National Song question.
  • Reaffirmed Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986) — silent, respectful objection is protected.
  • Grounded in Articles 19(1)(a) & 25 (speech & conscience).
  • Heard a challenge to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026.
  • Distinguished State promotion from compelled speech.
SCI-TECH SEMICON India 2026: ~Rs 1 Lakh Crore Pledged; Market Eyeing $200 Billion by 2035
  • 5th edition; theme 'Silicon to Systems'; by MeitY with SEMI.
  • India's semiconductor market projected $64 bn (2026) → $200 bn (2035).
  • 56 MoUs across design, fabrication, packaging, AI & HPC.
  • ~Rs 1 lakh crore investment commitments under Semicon 2.0.
  • 'Odisha Silicon Valley' planned at Naraj, Cuttack.
REPORT Global Cities Index 2026: 55 of World's 100 Fastest-Growing Cities Are Indian
  • 55 of the top 100 fastest-growing cities are Indian.
  • Highest-ranked Indian city: Delhi, 268th (score 57.6/100).
  • Bengaluru 311th, Mumbai 330th, Chennai 381st.
  • Delhi: Human Capital 13th, but Environment 915th.
  • Gap = strong growth/talent vs weak liveability & air quality.
REPORT UN Gender Snapshot 2026: Funding for Equality at Lowest Since 2021
  • 1 in 4 gender-equality mechanisms saw budget cuts.
  • Global equality funding at its lowest since 2021.
  • Women in parliaments: 27.4% (up from 22.3% in 2015).
  • Six in seven countries are led by men.
  • Tied to the SDG-5 (Gender Equality) review.
SCI-TECH Canal-Top Solar: Land-Neutral Power With 131 GW National Potential
  • First 1 MW canal-top plant: Narmada canal, Mehsana, Gujarat (2012).
  • Saves ~9 million litres water/year per stretch; generates ~1.6 million units/year.
  • National potential ~131 GW across canal-top/bank sites.
  • Top states: UP, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab.
  • PM Surya Sarovar Yojana targets 5,000 MW floating solar.

25 September 2026

Full notes with diagrams →
UTTARAKHAND Exercise Nomadic Elephant begins at Pithoragarh
  • Venue: Pithoragarh, a strategic border district of Uttarakhand adjoining Nepal and Tibet (China).
  • About 45 personnel from each side; focus on counter-insurgency & counter-terrorism under a UN mandate.
  • Drills cover drone operations, cybersecurity and cordon-and-search.
  • Nomadic Elephant is an annual exercise; complements naval Exercise Varuna (with France) also in the news.
POLITY UCC (Amendment) 2026 tightens marriage & live-in rules
  • Uttarakhand is India's first state to implement a UCC (rules notified 2025).
  • Misrepresentation of identity made a ground for marriage annulment.
  • Registrar General empowered to cancel registrations of marriage, divorce, live-in & succession.
  • Aligned with Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
UTTARAKHAND Nanda Devi Raj Jat — the 'Himalayan Mahakumbh'
  • Held roughly once every 12 years; called the 'Himalayan Mahakumbh'.
  • Dedicated to goddess Nanda Devi, patron deity of the Garhwal–Kumaon hills.
  • A long trek culminating near Roopkund/Homkund in Chamoli district.
  • A four-horned ram (chau-singhya khadu) traditionally leads the procession.
UTTARAKHAND Char Dham Yatra autumn phase & tourism push
  • Char Dham = Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath.
  • Yatra runs in phases, pausing at monsoon peak and resuming in Sep–Nov before winter closure.
  • Homestay scheme revised to promote community-based tourism with capital subsidy.
  • Tourism is pitched as a tool against 'palayan' (out-migration) from hill villages.
ENVIRONMENT Gross Environment Product (GEP): the 'Green GDP'
  • GEP values ecosystem services — air, water, soil and forests — alongside economic output.
  • Often called a 'Green GDP' metric for measuring ecological health.
  • Uttarakhand's forest cover is among the highest in India (over 45% of geographical area).
  • Complements the idea of payment for ecosystem services for hill states.
ENVIRONMENT Disaster management & GLOF preparedness in the hills
  • Uttarakhand lies in seismic zones IV & V — highly earthquake-prone.
  • GLOF occurs when a glacial lake bursts, sending sudden downstream floods.
  • Response chain: NDMA – SDMA – DDMA, with SDRF/NDRF rescue.
  • Lessons from the 2013 Kedarnath and 2021 Chamoli disasters drive early-warning systems.
IR India–New Zealand FTA to take effect 20 Oct 2026
  • India secured 100% duty-free access for its exports to New Zealand.
  • Bilateral trade target: double to ₹35,000 crore within five years.
  • Follows the first Indian PM visit to New Zealand in 40 years.
  • Adds to India's FTA network (UAE, Australia, EFTA, UK).
ECONOMY Make in India completes 12 years
  • Original target: raise manufacturing to 25% of GDP.
  • Non-petroleum exports rose from $253.5 bn (2014-15) to $388.3 bn (2025-26).
  • Manufacturing GVA share (new series): 14.6% → 15.6%.
  • PLI investment reached about ₹2.4 lakh crore by March 2026.
ECONOMY RBI absorbs surplus liquidity via VRRR auction
  • VRRR absorbed ₹71,971 crore (notified ₹75,000 crore) at a 5.24% cut-off.
  • System surplus liquidity stood around ₹4.92 lakh crore.
  • Also planned OMO sales totalling about ₹1 lakh crore in September.
  • Aim: keep short-term rates aligned with the repo rate.
SCI-TECH Global human brain-cell atlas published
  • Focus: the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, key to reasoning and decision-making.
  • Analysed nuclei from over 6.3 million brain cells.
  • Insights into neurodevelopment, ageing and neuropsychiatric conditions.
  • Indian researchers were part of the global effort.
DEFENCE MoD signs ₹810.79 crore deal for SAT-SAAW
  • Deal for 160 SAT-SAAW (Satellite-guided Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons).
  • Contract value: ₹810.79 crore, signed 23 September 2026.
  • Strengthens the IAF's precision-strike capability.
  • Part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence push.

Prelims rapid-fire — 30 facts

GOBARdhan: Compressed Biogas (CBG) priced at ₹2,110/MMBTU (₹98/kg), with ₹10/kg support for 10 years.
Karnataka gave Tulu additional official-language status in Dakshina Kannada & Udupi; ₹82 lakh/yr for translation.
NPCI: UPI transactions above ₹2,000 to attract 0.4% MDR from 15 Oct 2026; below ₹2,000 stay free.
Arthur M. Bueche Award 2026 went to Indian-American Sethuraman Panchanathan - a first for an Indian-origin scientist.
Registration of Births & Deaths (Amendment) Act 2026 effective 1 Oct 2026; digital birth certificate as single document.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2026: 17 Sept-2 Oct, theme 'Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat'.
A new wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo, was described from Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest (17 Sep 2026) — the first new living feline in over a century.
The Marathi film 'Gondhal' is India's official entry for the Oscars 2027 (Best International Feature Film).
World Bamboo Day is observed on 18 September.
Uttarakhand set a record by receiving 18 GI tags in a single day — the most by any state.
India will host the 11th Asian Wushu Championships in 2028 (~500 athletes, 42 nations).
Uttarakhand's Valley of Flowers & Nanda Devi form a UNESCO site; the state also has Jim Corbett (India's oldest NP, 1936) and Rajaji tiger reserves.
NSWS (National Single Window System) uses PAN as a Single Business ID; run by DPIIT; launched 22 Sept 2021.
National Ayush Mission received ₹6,406.99 crore (2014-15 to 2025-26); it is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Punjab groundwater extraction is at 156.87%; 115 of 153 units over-exploited — scheme 'Paani Bachao, Paisa Kamao'.
Bab el-Mandeb Strait links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden; Perim Island lies within it.
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve lies in the Southern Western Ghats, spanning Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
Uttarakhand holds a record of 18 GI tags in a single day; e.g., Uttarakhand Pahari Toor Dal.
Badrinath Dham's 2026 footfall crossed 17.79 lakh — its highest ever.
Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 (India–Mongolia) is being held at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
India's semiconductor market is projected to reach $200 billion by 2035.
Non-fossil sources now exceed 54% of India's installed power capacity.
Uttarakhand was the first state to implement a Uniform Civil Code.
GST 2.0 (effective 22 Sept 2025) uses slabs of 0%, 5%, 18% & 40%.
Great Indian Bustard: fewer than 150 individuals left in the wild (critically endangered).
INS Trishul at Toulon, France for the 24th Exercise Varuna with the French Navy.
Asian Games 2026 (Aichi-Nagoya, Japan): India's women's cricket team won gold, beating Sri Lanka.
Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) completed 8 years (launched 23 Sept 2018).
Uttarakhand = India's first state to launch Gross Environment Product (GEP).
BIS (est. 1 April 1987) expanded its mandatory quality-mark list for electronics.

Data points of the period

50.56 lakh pilgrims
Char Dham Yatra 2026 - Phase 1
Highest-ever first-phase footfall; total registrations touched 66.08 lakh, with the yatra reopening for its second phase on 15 September 2026.
7.0%
India's FY27 GDP growth forecast (Moody's, Sep 2026)
Raised from 6.0%; Q1 FY27 growth 7.8%, H1 CY2026 8.2%, projected inflation about 4.8%.
~₹1.11 lakh crore
Uttarakhand State Budget, FY 2026-27
The state cabinet cleared a record budget of about ₹1.11 lakh crore for 2026-27, prioritising infrastructure, hill-area development and disaster resilience (official state release).
Rs 1.11 lakh crore
Uttarakhand Budget 2026-27
The FY 2026-27 state budget is about Rs 1,11,000 crore, with thrust on villages, women, education, justice (UCC & fast-track courts) and hill infrastructure.
₹1.11 lakh crore
Uttarakhand State Budget FY 2026–27
The state cabinet cleared a budget of about ₹1.11 lakh crore for FY 2026-27, alongside 28 proposals, with capital spending on roads, power and disaster resilience, and a hill focus on migration, tourism and horticulture.

10 practice MCQs — UKPSC Prelims pattern

Q1. With reference to the Char Dham Yatra, consider the following shrine-river pairs: 1. Kedarnath - Mandakini 2. Badrinath - Alaknanda 3. Yamunotri - Bhagirathi. Which of the pairs is/are correctly matched?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: A
Kedarnath lies on the Mandakini and Badrinath on the Alaknanda. Yamunotri is the source area of the Yamuna, not the Bhagirathi (which is linked to Gangotri). Hence 1 and 2 only.

Q2. The 'Gross Environment Product (GEP)', recently in news, was launched first by which Indian state, and it primarily values which of the following?

  1. Sikkim; only forest cover
  2. Uttarakhand; air, water, soil and forest services
  3. Himachal Pradesh; hydropower output
  4. Kerala; coastal ecosystems only
Show answer
Answer: B
Uttarakhand launched India's first GEP, valuing four ecosystem services - air, water, soil and forest - as a green counterpart to GDP.

Q3. With reference to the Char Dham of Uttarakhand, consider the following pairs (Dham : River): 1. Yamunotri – Yamuna; 2. Gangotri – Alaknanda; 3. Kedarnath – Mandakini; 4. Badrinath – Bhagirathi. How many pairs are correctly matched?

  1. Only one pair
  2. Only two pairs
  3. Only three pairs
  4. All four pairs
Show answer
Answer: B
Pairs 1 (Yamunotri–Yamuna) and 3 (Kedarnath–Mandakini) are correct. Gangotri is the source of the Bhagirathi (Ganga), not the Alaknanda; Badrinath lies on the Alaknanda, not the Bhagirathi. Hence only two pairs match.

Q4. Consider the following statements about Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC): 1. Uttarakhand is the first state in independent India to implement a UCC. 2. The UCC makes registration of live-in relationships mandatory. 3. Scheduled Tribes are exempted from its provisions. Which of the statements are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: D
All three are correct. Uttarakhand became the first state (post-independence) to enforce a UCC (from 27 Jan 2025); it mandates registration of live-in relationships and marriages; and Scheduled Tribes are exempted, consistent with constitutional protections under Article 342.

Q5. With reference to Uttarakhand's Gross Environment Product (GEP), consider: 1) It assigns a monetary value to air, water, forest and soil. 2) Uttarakhand was the first Indian state to launch it. 3) It is designed to replace GDP as the sole growth measure. Which are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: A
GEP values four resources and Uttarakhand launched it first (2024); it complements — not replaces — GDP. Hence 1 and 2 only.

Q6. The Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR), often in the news, is used by the RBI primarily to:

  1. Inject liquidity into the banking system
  2. Absorb surplus liquidity from the banking system
  3. Set the government's fiscal deficit target
  4. Regulate foreign exchange reserves
Show answer
Answer: B
VRRR is an LAF tool to absorb/mop up surplus liquidity; repo injects liquidity. The RBI notified ₹75,000 cr and absorbed ₹71,971 cr.

Q7. Consider the following about Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026: 1) It is a joint military exercise between India and Mongolia. 2) The 2026 edition is being held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. 3) The Indian contingent is drawn from the Arunachal Scouts. Which of the statements are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: D
All three are correct — it is the 18th India–Mongolia drill at Pithoragarh (21 Sept–3 Oct 2026), with the Indian side drawn from the Arunachal Scouts.

Q8. With reference to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), consider the following: 1) Article 44 is a part of the Fundamental Rights. 2) Uttarakhand was the first Indian state to implement a UCC. 3) The directive on UCC is non-justiciable. Which of the statements are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
Article 44 is a Directive Principle (Part IV), so statement 1 is wrong. Uttarakhand implemented the first state UCC (2025) and DPSPs are non-justiciable, so statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Q9. The India–Mongolia joint military exercise 'Nomadic Elephant', in the news recently, was held at which location in Uttarakhand?

  1. Auli, Chamoli
  2. Pithoragarh
  3. Ranikhet, Almora
  4. Chakrata, Dehradun
Show answer
Answer: B
The 18th edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant between India and Mongolia commenced at Pithoragarh, a strategic border district of Uttarakhand.

Q10. Consider the following about Uttarakhand: 1. It is India's first state to implement a Uniform Civil Code. 2. It is India's first state to launch a Gross Environment Product (GEP) index. Which of the statements is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: C
Uttarakhand is both the first Indian state to implement a UCC (rules notified 2025) and the first to launch a GEP (Green GDP) index. Hence both statements are correct.

Mains practice questions

  1. Uttarakhand's homestay policy is being projected as a tool against 'palayan' (out-migration). Examine how tourism-led livelihood models can address hill-region migration, and the risks they must guard against.
  2. Uttarakhand's fragile Himalayan ecology is increasingly stressed by mass pilgrimage tourism and climate-driven disasters. Critically examine these challenges and suggest a sustainable, carrying-capacity based model for religious tourism in the state. (250 words)
  3. Uttarakhand's fragile Himalayan geography makes disaster management central to its governance. Discuss the state's key hazards and suggest a road map for building disaster resilience. (250 words)
  4. Uttarakhand's Himalayan geography makes it both a spiritual magnet and a disaster hotspot. Discuss the challenges of managing high-volume pilgrimage such as the Char Dham Yatra in an ecologically fragile, disaster-prone state, and suggest a sustainable model. (250 words)
  5. Uttarakhand's Himalayan geography makes it highly vulnerable to disasters such as landslides, cloudbursts and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Examine the causes of this vulnerability and suggest measures to strengthen disaster preparedness in the state. (150 words)

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