State PCS - Uttarakhand (UKPSC)

• 26 May 2025

Indian Army Launches First FM Radio Station in Uttarakhand

Why in News? 

The Indian Army has launched its first FM radio station, named 'Panchshul Pulse,' in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.  

• It was inaugurated by Anindya Sengupta, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army’s Central Command. 

Key Points 

• About the Radio Station: 
  • The station has been named ‘Panchshul Pulse’ to reflect its association with the local Panchshul Brigade of the Indian Army. 
  • It is operated as part of Operation Sadbhavana, a long-standing Army initiative to build constructive relationships with civilians in strategically important areas. 
    • Operation Sadbhavana is a humanitarian initiative launched by the Indian Army in the 1990s to support communities affected by terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. 
  • It aligns with the Vibrant Villages Programme, which emphasises development, connectivity, and awareness in India’s border areas. 
  • The station broadcasts on 88.4 FM and can be received within a 12-kilometer radius. 
• Objectives of the Initiative: 
  • It aims to enhance civil-military cooperation by serving as a platform for cultural, historical, and social exchange. 
  • The station also seeks to raise awareness about the contributions and sacrifices of individuals from the border region. 
• Highlights of the Radio Programming: 
  • The programming places special emphasis on local history, culture, and societal practices. 
  • It includes content on agriculture and horticulture, which are key occupations in the region. 
  • The station features stories that celebrate the achievements of martyrs and brave soldiers from the area. 
  • It also highlights the accomplishments of local sportspersons and individuals working in social and cultural sectors.

Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) 

• About: The programme was approved on 15th February 2023 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic development of villages along India's northern border in 19 districts across 46 blocks in states including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh (UT). 
• Focus Areas: Livelihood generation will be promoted through tourism, cultural promotion, skill development, entrepreneurship, as well as agriculture, horticulture, and the cultivation of medicinal plants and herbs. 
  • The programme will focus on improving infrastructure through road connectivity, housing, renewable energy, etc. along with providing basic amenities such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and community centres. 
• Objective: To encourage residents to remain in border villages by providing better infrastructure and livelihood opportunities, enhancing border security and sustainable local development. 
  • The programme complements the Border Area Development Programme (BADP), which fills infrastructure gaps in border villages within 0–10 km of the international boundary in 16 states and 2 UTs. 
• Vibrant Villages Programme–II (VVP-II): 
  • The VVP-II has been launched for FY 2024–25 to 2028–29 with a budget of ₹6,839 crore to develop villages along international land borders (excluding the northern border). 

Hemkund Sahib

Why in News? 

Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh shrine in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, has been opened to devotees, marking the start of the annual pilgrimage season. 

Key Points 

Hemkund Sahib 

• Hemkund Sahib is nestled at an elevation of approximately 4,329 meters (14,200 feet) above sea level. 
• It is beautifully situated on the banks of the serene Hemkund Lake, surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan peaks. 
  • The beautiful landscape, with glacial waters and alpine meadows, adds to the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.  
  • Trekking routes, including the path to the Valley of Flowers, make it a popular place to visit. 
• A small stream named Himganga flows out of Hemkund Lake, adding to the ecological richness of the area. 
• Spiritual Significance: 
  • Hemkund Sahib is among the most revered Sikh shrines globally. 
  • As per the holy Granth Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, is believed to have meditated at Hemkund Lake in one of his earlier lifetimes. 
    • The site serves as a symbol of divine reflection, resilience, and purity for devotees. 

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji 

• Early Life: 
  • Born as Gobind Rai Sodhi on 22 December 1666 in Patna, Bihar, he was the tenth and final Guru of the Sikh faith. 
    • Son of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru. 
• Turning Point and Ascension: 
  • At the age of nine, after the martyrdom of his father in 1675, he was formally installed as Guru. 
  • He combined spiritual leadership with martial discipline and literary expression. 
• Founding of the Khalsa: 
  • On the day of Baisakhi in 1699, he established the Khalsa, a martial and spiritual order of saint-soldiers. 
  • Initiated the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), introduced Khande Di Pahul (Amrit initiation), and mandated the Five Ks: Kangha (comb), Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kirpan (sword), and Kachhera (shorts) 
  • He changed his name from Gobind Rai to Gobind Singh. 
• Military Struggles and Sacrifices: 
  • Fought numerous battles against Mughal forces and hill rajas, including at Bhangani (1688), Nadaun (1691), and Muktsar (1705). 
  • Lost all four sons and mother Mata Gujari to Mughal oppression but remained unshaken in spirit. 
• Final Days and Legacy: 
  • Fatally wounded in 1708 at Nanded by assassins sent by Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind. 
  • Before his death on 7 October 1708, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, ending the line of personal Gurus.