State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 29 Jul 2025

PM Modi Celebrates Bundelkhand's Kalinjar Fort

Why in News? 

In the 124th edition of his Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the historical importance of Bundelkhand’s Kalinjar Forts, calling them symbols of cultural pride and resilience.  

• The Prime Minister urged citizens to explore these forts to connect with India’s rich past and help boost tourism in the Bundelkhand region. 

Key Points 

• Kalinjar Fort: Bundelkhand's Kalinjar Fort is located in Tarahati, Banda district, Uttar Pradesh. The Fort is a historical monument perched atop a hill in the Vindhya Range.  
  • It holds great cultural and historical value, combining features of both giri durga (hill fort) and vana durga (jungle fort). 
• Architecture: 
  • The fort features seven gateways (e.g., Alamgiri Gate, Ganesh Gate) and significant structures like Neelkanth Temple and Qanati Mosque. 
  • It has Bundela architecture with palaces, temples, and water tanks. 
  • Famous structures include the Neelkanth Temple with its massive Kal Bhairav sculpture, Rani Mahal, Venkat Bihari Mahal, and Sher Shah's Tomb (his mortal remains were later brought to Sasaram, Bihar). 
• Defensive Strength: The fort’s 45-meter-high ramparts made it virtually impregnable, surviving artillery attacks such as cannonballs that bounced off its walls. 

Historical Legacy of Kalinjar Fort 

• The fort has been associated with various dynasties such as the Guptas, Gurjara-Pratiharas, Chandelas, and Mughals. 
  • Mahmud of Ghazni (A.D. 1023): Mahmud of Ghazni attempted to Siege Kalinjar but failed to breach its defenses. After an unsuccessful siege, the Chandela Raja Ganda Deva offered peace by presenting complimentary verses, and the fort was eventually surrendered without a complete conquest. 
  • Qutubuddin Aibek (Early 13th century): After the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, Qutubuddin Aibek, a general of Muhammad Ghori, captured Kalinjar Fort, marking a significant shift in its control to Muslim rulers. 
  • Sher Shah Suri (1545): Sher Shah Suri died in an accidental gunpowder explosion during the siege of Kalinjar fort on 13th May 1545. 
  • Mughals (1569): Kalinjar was captured by the Mughals under Akbar in 1569 after Sher Shah’s death. Raja Birbal (one of Akbar's Navratnas), was granted the fort as a jagir. 
  • British (1812-1817): The British took control of Kalinjar after it was surrendered by the local ruler Daryau Singh in 1812 following a siege by Colonel Martindell.  
    • In the 1857 Uprising, the fort’s strong defenses were instrumental in withstanding the revolt, but it was eventually dismantled in 1866. 

Japan to Set up Green Hydrogen Production Centre in UP

Why in News? 

In a significant step towards advancing Uttar Pradesh’s renewable energy initiatives, a delegation from the state government recently visited Japan to forge strategic partnerships aimed at boosting green hydrogen production and energy innovation.  

Key Points 

• Green Hydrogen Centre of Excellence: Japanese entrepreneurs have agreed to establish a Centre of Excellence for green hydrogen in Uttar Pradesh, marking a pivotal development in the state’s renewable energy landscape.  
  • This collaboration will serve as a catalyst for cutting-edge research, innovation, and the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. 
• Focus on Zero-Emission Transport: During the visit, the UP delegation explored several breakthrough technologies, including the next-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, Toyota Mirai.  
  • This vehicle runs on a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water as a byproduct, aligning with Uttar Pradesh’s vision for a zero-emission transport policy. 
• Learning from Japan’s Expertise: The UP delegation visited several advanced facilities in Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, including the NESRAD Green Hydrogen Plant and the Suntory Hakushu Distillery, which houses a power-to-gas technology plant and Hydrogen Research Centre.  
  • These visits offered valuable insights into international best practices in hydrogen production and clean energy technologies. 
• Implications for Uttar Pradesh: 
  • Renewable Energy Expansion: Uttar Pradesh’s collaboration with global leaders in green hydrogen will boost its renewable energy capacity, including solar, hydro, and biomass. 
  • Green Hydrogen Technological Advancements: The adoption of advanced Japanese hydrogen fuel cell technology will drive cleaner, sustainable transport, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to the state's clean energy goals by diversifying renewable power generation methods. 
  • Economic Growth & Innovation: The Centre of Excellence will position Uttar Pradesh as a renewable energy hub, attracting investments, fostering innovation, and creating new business opportunities and jobs. 

Installed Capacity of Renewable Power of Uttar Pradesh

Type	MW (as on 30-06-2025)
Hydro (Large + Small)	551
Solar	3427

Hydrogen 

• Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, but on Earth, it makes up only 0.14% of the Earth's crust by mass, ranking as the 10th most abundant element.  
• The type of hydrogen depends on the process of its formation: 
  • Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water using renewable energy (like Solar, Wind) and has a lower carbon footprint. 
    • Electricity splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. 
    • By Products: Water, Water Vapor. 
  • Brown hydrogen is produced using coal, where the emissions are released to the air. 
  • Grey hydrogen is produced from natural gas, where the associated emissions are released to the air. 
  • Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas, where the emissions are captured using carbon capture and storage. 

Yogi Adityanath’s Longest Tenure as UP CM

Why in News? 

Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has set a new record for the longest continuous tenure in office.

Key Points 

• Tenure of Yogi Adityanath: He completed 8 years, 4 months, and 10 days in office, surpassing the previous record of 8 years and 127 days held by Govind Ballabh Pant, the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. 
  • Pant, who served from 1947 to 1954, was the first Chief Minister of the state and played a significant role in its early political landscape. 
• Yogi Adityanath's Political Journey: Yogi Adityanath first assumed office as CM in 2017, after securing a landslide victory in the state elections. 
  • He returned to power in 2022, making him the first person in 37 years to win consecutive terms in Uttar Pradesh, which allowed him to extend his tenure without interruption. 

Tenure of Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers 

• Yogi Adityanath: 8 years, 4 months, and 10 days (Current) 
• Govind Ballabh Pant: 8 years, 127 days (Premier of United Provinces (1946-1950) and UP Chief Minister (1950-1954) 
• Mayawati: 7 years, 16 days 
• Mulayam Singh Yadav: 6 years, 274 days (3 times served as CM) 
• Sampurnanand: 5 years, 345 days 
• Akhilesh Yadav: 5 years, 4 days 
• Narayan Dutt Tiwari: 3 years, 314 days (3 times served as CM) 

Key Facts About Yogi Adityanath 

• Birth and Early Life: Yogi Adityanath was born on 5th June 1972 in Uttarakhand. 
  • He pursued science in his early education before becoming disillusioned with social issues, leading him to renounce worldly life at the age of 22 to embrace sannyas. 
• Spiritual Journey: Under the mentorship of Mahant Avadyanath Ji Maharaj, Adityanath became the successor and head of the Gorakhnath Peeth in 1994, at the age of 22. 
  • His spiritual path, rooted in the Nath Panth tradition, focused on social reforms, Hindu renaissance, and spiritual growth. 
• Political Career: In 1998, Yogi Adityanath was elected as the youngest Member of Parliament (MP) at the age of 26 from Gorakhpur. 
  • He has won the Gorakhpur seat consistently in 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 with increasing votes, solidifying his influence. 

Course at UPSIFS to Boost Policing Skills

Why in News? 

The Director General of Police (DGP), Rajeev Krishna, inaugurated the 'Vertical Interaction Course' at the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS), marking a significant step towards integrating legal, technological, and forensic expertise into the policing system. 

Key Points 

• Objective: The course, supported by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), aims to equip police officers with essential interdisciplinary skills to tackle emerging forms of crime, particularly in the cyber realm. 
  • The DGP emphasized the importance of law, technology, and forensics in handling modern crimes, noting that this course integrates all three. 
• Advanced Digital Diagnostic Lab Inauguration: He also inaugurated the newly developed Advanced Digital Diagnostic Lab at UPSIFS, designed to provide hands-on forensic training. 
  • He stressed that the battlefield has moved to the digital realm, and for the police to keep up with rapidly adapting cybercriminals, training at all levels is crucial to mastering and applying these technologies. 
• Collaboration with BPRD: The institute’s founding director, GK Goswami, shared that two specialized courses have been launched in collaboration with BPRD. The first batch of IPS officers began their training on the same day. 
  • He highlighted the importance of integrating legal and scientific knowledge for comprehensive criminal investigations, stating, "Our focus is 'Law with Lab'." 
• Significance: This initiative marks a significant advancement in the integration of law, technology, and forensics in modern policing, with the potential to better equip law enforcement agencies to handle complex crimes in the digital age. 

Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) 

• Establishment and Objectives: The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) was officially established by the Government of India on 28th August 1970 under the Ministry of Home Affairs.  
  • The primary purpose of the Bureau was to modernize the police force in India. The key objectives of BPR&D included: 
    • Taking direct and active interest in police-related issues 
    • Promoting rapid and systematic research into police problems 
    • Applying science and technology to improve police methods and techniques 
• Expansion of Scope: Over the years, BPR&D’s scope expanded significantly. Key developments included: 
  • 1983: The Directorate of Forensic Sciences was established under BPR&D, reflecting the growing importance of forensic science in police investigations. 
  • 1995: The Government of India tasked BPR&D with addressing correctional administration, including prison reforms, to manage the evolving challenges in prison management. 
• Further Expansion: In 2008, the creation of the National Police Mission under the supervision of BPR&D aimed to modernize the police forces further, enhancing their ability to maintain internal security. 
  • In 2021, BPR&D's responsibilities expanded once again to encompass: 
    • Land and sea border management 
    • Capacity building for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) 
    • Addressing emerging criminal laws and evolving security challenges.

Vidyut Sakhi Programme

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government's 'Vidyut Sakhi' programme has achieved remarkable success in revenue generation and empowering rural women, with an 11-fold increase in revenue recovery, highlighting its scalability, efficiency, and the trust and reach of Vidyut Sakhis in their communities. 

Key Points 

• About:  The programme was launched by the state’s Rural Development Department as part of the UP State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), with the dual purpose of generating employment opportunities for rural women and filling a critical gap in the collection of electricity bills. 
  • It provides rural women (mainly from Self-Help Groups (SHGs)) with employment opportunities by engaging them in electricity bill collection duties. 
  • The initiative was particularly significant at a time when reverse migration and job losses were straining rural economies. 
• Scale: Around 15,000 Vidyut Sakhis have been actively involved in revenue collection to date, bringing in a total of Rs 2,000 crore for the government. 
  • 30,000 women are registered with the UPSRLM under the programme. 
  • Another batch of 14,000 women was trained for deployment as Vidyut Sakhis in 2024. 
• Benefits: Vidyut Sakhis earned about Rs 13.4 crore in commissions in the financial year 2024-25. They collected Rs 303 crore under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, with Rs 3.5 crore in commission. 
  • A total of 438 Vidyut Sakhis achieved the status of 'Lakhpati Didi' by empowering women in SHGs to earn an annual household income of Rs 1,00,000 or more. 
• Revenue Growth: In 2021-22, the Vidyut Sakhis generated Rs 87 crore in revenue, which surged to Rs 1,045 crore in 2024-25, marking an over 11-fold increase, and in the first quarter of 2025-26, the collection reached Rs 256 crore, with expectations to surpass the previous year's total. 

Lakhpati Didi Initiative 

• About: A "Lakhpati Didi" is a member of an SHG who has successfully achieved an annual household income of Rupees One Lakh or more. 
  • This income is sustained across at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles, ensuring that the average monthly income exceeds Rupees Ten Thousand (Rs. 10,000). 
  • It was initiated by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), wherein each SHG household is encouraged to take up multiple livelihood activities coupled with value chain interventions, resulting in a sustainable income of Rs. 1,00,000 or more per year. 
• Purpose: The initiative aims to empower women not only by improving their income but by transforming their lives through sustainable livelihood practices. 
  • These women serve as role models in their communities, demonstrating the power of effective resource management and entrepreneurship.

International Tiger Day and Increase of Tiger Population in UP

Why in News? 

Every year on 29th July, International Tiger Day (ITD) is observed as a crucial reminder to protect and conserve tigers.  

Key Point 

• History of ITD: It was established during the 2010 Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in Russia. 
  • The summit was convened after the shocking decline of wild tigers, with only roughly 3,000 tigers remaining in the wild at that time.  
  • The summit brought together 13 tiger-range nations, including Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Russia, aiming to address the declining tiger population.  
  • The Tx2 target, set at the summit, aimed to double the tiger population by 2022, and while challenges remain, it laid the groundwork for concerted international efforts. 
• Theme of ITD 2025: Securing the future of Tigers with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at the heart. 
• Role of Tigers in the Ecosystem: As keystone species, they control the populations of prey species. Tiger-supported forests contribute to water security and act as carbon sinks, helping combat climate change. 

Tiger Population in Uttar Pradesh 

• Rise in Tiger Population: Uttar Pradesh has seen a steady rise in its tiger population (from 173 in 2018 to 222 in 2022), with key reserves such as Dudhwa Tiger Reserve leading the way. The reserve now boasts 135 tigers, up from 68 in 2014 and 82 in 2018. 
  • Other important areas include Pilibhit (63 tigers), Amangarh (20 tigers), and Ranipur (4 tigers). 
  • The state's tiger conservation success is attributed to several factors, including better habitat management, modern patrolling systems, and greater community involvement through initiatives like Bagh Mitra. 
• Bagh Mitra Initiative: Launched in 2019, the Bagh Mitra initiative has played a crucial role in reducing human-wildlife conflicts.  
  • In 2023, the program expanded with the introduction of a mobile app, enabling real-time communication between forest staff and local communities.  
  • The initiative has also trained over 120 villagers in Pilibhit as Bagh Mitras, who are responsible for reporting animal sightings via WhatsApp and the official app. 
• M-Stripes System and Patrolling: Under the M-Stripes system, forest staff cover more than 1.5 lakh km monthly across the Dudhwa landscape. 
  • The system employs various modes of transport, including vehicles, boats, elephants, bicycles, and foot patrols.