State PCS - Uttarakhand (UKPSC)

• 15 Jan 2026

Uttarakhand Tops NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index Among Small States

Why in News? 

Uttarakhand has secured the first position among small states, North-Eastern states & Union Territories category in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 released by NITI Aayog. 

Key Points 

• Strategic Initiatives: The Uttarakhand achieved this status by implementing new initiatives like Export and Logistics Policy and selecting two products per district to promote under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. 
• Top Small States/UTs: After Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland are among the top ranked regions, followed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, and Goa. 
• Top Large States: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat are the leading large states in export preparedness. 
• Significance: The EPI helps identify strengths and gaps in export ecosystems across states, enabling policymakers to formulate targeted strategies to boost exports, enhance global integration and accelerate economic growth. 
• EPI: The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) is a comprehensive assessment tool that benchmarks states/UTs on their export readiness across several pillars including export policies, business environment, export ecosystem, infrastructure and export outcomes. 

Read More: Export Preparedness Index (EPI), NITI Aayog 

Indian Lighthouse Festival Inaugurated in Visakhapatnam

Why in News? 

The 3rd Indian Lighthouse Festival was inaugurated in Visakhapatnam on January 9, 2026, by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Key Points: 

• Tourism Push: The festival aims to transform historical lighthouses into vibrant tourist hubs to boost local economies. 
• New Projects: Plans were unveiled for Andhra Pradesh's first Lighthouse Museum in Vizag and four new lighthouses in the riverine areas of Assam. 
• MGM Park: The event featured cultural showcases, highlighting the maritime heritage of the "City of Destiny". 
• Maritime India Vision 2030: The festival aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and the government’s strategy for tourism-led coastal development. 
• Sagarmala Programme: The transformation of lighthouses is a sub-component of port-led development and coastal community empowerment. 
• Significance: It reinforces the concept of lighthouse tourism as a unique niche, enhancing local livelihoods, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism around India’s extensive shoreline.

Read More: Sagarmala Programme, Maritime India Vision 2030, Lighthouse Museum 

Aquatic Biodiversity Initiatives Launched under Namami Gange

Why in News? 

On 14 January 2026, Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C. R. Paatil inaugurated a suite of aquatic biodiversity conservation projects under Namami Gange at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun.

Key Points:

• New Center: A dedicated national hub, Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and Other Rivers, established to support scientific monitoring, research, and policy guidance for freshwater biodiversity. 
  • New Facilities: The centre houses labs for ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology, spatial ecology, and microplastics analysis. 
• Dolphin Rescue Ambulance: A specially equipped Dolphin Rescue Ambulance (operated by TSAFI) was launched to provide rapid, scientific emergency response for distressed Ganga dolphins. 
• Indian Skimmer Conservation Project: Formally launched in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to provide a structured conservation plan for this rare bird species along the Ganga basin. 
• Species Protection: New conservation plans were launched for the Gangetic Dolphin and the Hilsa fish, focusing on habitat restoration. 
  • Biodiversity: The Ganga basin is home to over 2,500 species of flora and fauna. 
• Namami Gange Phase II: Shifts focus from just "Aviral" (continuous flow) and "Nirmal" (unpolluted flow) to include Gyan Ganga (research) and Arth Ganga (economic sustainability). 
• Significance: It will serve as a scientific hub for long-term monitoring of aquatic species, research on freshwater ecology and policy support and evidence-based decision-making. 

Read More: Namami Gange, Bombay Natural History Society,Gangetic Dolphin,Wildlife Institute of India (WII)