The Central Himalayan region has long been home to a thriving hill farming community, whose livelihoods have been increasingly threatened by the growing prevalence of wild boar crop raids. This research paper aims to investigate the extent and impact of these raids and explore potential mitigation strategies to address this pressing issue. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature, field observations, and stakeholder interviews, this study provides a multifaceted analysis of the problem, focusing on the ecological, socioeconomic, and policy-related dimensions. The findings reveal the substantial financial and emotional toll these raids have taken on local farmers and the complex interplay between environmental degradation, humanwildlife conflict, and the unique challenges facing hill farming communities in the region. Building on the insights gathered, the paper proposes a holistic, community-based approach to mitigate the adverse effects of wild boar crop raids, encompassing improved agricultural practices, strengthened wildlife management strategies, and enhanced livelihood diversification opportunities.

Through exploring health, environmental sustainability, and community development, this study aims to design resilient homestay models in Uttarakhand. The analysis was conducted on 150 homestays drawn through stratified random sampling from the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. A mixed methods approach is used in the study, and a structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews are used to collect data on health standards, environmental practices, and community development efforts. Quantitative analysis shows that 78 % of homestays had adequate sanitation, 56 % had waste management systems, and 62 % had water conservation practices. Regarding health, only 22% of hosts got regular health checkups, and 35% gave hygiene training to those hosts. Qualitative insights demonstrate that those in Kumaon were more proactive in adopting eco-friendly practices than those in Garhwal, where local economic benefits and cultural preservation were significant. The study builds upon these findings to develop a complete framework which supports sustainable homestays for visitors while benefiting local communities and protecting environmental resources. This research supports the development of complete homestay solutions which address the key issues facing Uttarakhand's tourism industry.

Rice cultivation in Uttarakhand holds considerable importance in the region's agrarian economy, yet it faces numerous challenges due to the rugged terrain and climatic conditions. The present study reviews the indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) employed by local farmers to mitigate these challenges and enhance rice yield in the mountainous districts of Uttarakhand. A comprehensive survey was conducted across the hilly districts, focusing on traditional practices related to land preparation, pest control and post-harvest storage techniques. The results highlighted a diverse array of indigenous strategies that have been developed over generations to optimize rice cultivation. These include the use of pre-sprouted seed sowing to enhance germination, deep ploughing techniques for soil aeration and the application of salt for effective white grub management. Additionally, physical deterrents such as scarecrows are utilized to protect crops from wildlife intrusion, particularly wild animals. Post-harvest, farmers employ indigenous storage methods to preserve rice seeds, ensuring seed viability and protection from pests. These techniques include the use of Kunna containers, crafted from natural materials and dried bottle gourd vessels, both of which have demonstrated efficacy in seed preservation under local conditions. All the ITK practices enhance sustainability, pest management, reduce herbicide use, enhance soil health and wildlife management it support food security and reduce chemical use. These techniques along with modern system of agriculture make farming eco-friendly and cost effective. The findings of this study highlight the critical role of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing the agricultural constrains and offer valuable insights for promoting sustainable rice cultivation in Uttarakhand.

The Kedarnath region, a key pilgrimage and tourism destination in Uttarakhand, plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic fabric of the state. However, uncontrolled tourism, unplanned development, and ecological insensitivity have led to repeated environmental disasters, notably the catastrophic floods of 2013. Despite recurring warnings from nature, unregulated construction and excessive resource use persist. This paper explores how youth—empowered through education, social media, and civic engagement—can significantly contribute to mitigating environmental degradation in Kedarnath. By aligning youth activism with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), the paper argues that youth can be central agents of sustainable change in ecologically fragile zones like Kedarnath.

In this modern era, prioritizing innovations in the education system is essential to meet the needs and aspirations of students. Blended learning combines technology and traditional teaching methods. This study aims to investigate teachers' perceptions of blended learning's SWOC (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges) and provide guidelines for its formal implementation. This study used a qualitative research methodology, with data collected through semi-structured interviews using a prepared interview guide. A purposive sampling technique was employed, resulting in the selection of 30 teachers. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The key themes identified were teachers' perceptions of blended learning, teaching flexibility, available facilities, geographic conditions and factors influencing blended learning implementation. These perceptions suggest that independent learning, flexibility, accessibility and student engagement are hallmarks of blended learning. However, challenges such as distractions, difficulties in designing blended learning and online assessment persist. The study emphasizes the importance of blended learning in higher education for better academic achievement, personalized learning, diverse learning environments and easily accessible learning platforms.

Out-migration in Uttarakhand has emerged as a significant socio-economic issue, with a large section of the population, particularly the youth, leaving the hill areas searching for better employment opportunities, education, and healthcare. This study is based on primary and secondary data. For primary data collection, field surveys were conducted, while secondary data were gathered from journals, books, government reports, and reports from the Uttarakhand Rural Development and Migration Commission. This study is based on a household survey conducted across 18 villages in the Uttarkashi District. The data were analysed using SPSS, MS Excel, and MS Word software. In this paper, an association between types of migrants and specific demographic characteristics was identified and tested using the chi-square test. The key finding of this study is that as the level of education and income increases, migration also increases. Male migration is higher than female migration. This phenomenon has led to the depopulation of many villages, often called "ghost villages," resulting in adverse effects on local economies, agriculture, and traditional culture

Current research attempts to collect all economic and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs)-related research conducted between 2000-20. Utilizing VOS viewer software in a Systematic Literature review (SLR). For this reason, number of keywords, authors, journals, and countries have been taken into account. A database of 2508 articles from 2000-20 has been generated employing Scopus database. Trends in publications, country analysis, co-authorship analysis, and keyword occurrence networks are extensively discussed. For interested academics, current research provides convenient information source by compiling entire research on economy and MSMEs.

This review examines how healthcare infrastructure affects infant mortality rates (IMR) in urban and rural Uttarakhand, focusing on maternal care services. Despite maternal health progress, rural-urban disparities persist, driving higher rural IMR. Government initiatives like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) promote institutional deliveries and financial support, linking improved maternal care to lower IMR. Recommendations include strengthening rural healthcare, enhancing maternal services, and improving nutrition to reduce disparities and improve outcomes. Sustained government and community efforts are vital.

To find an electrical conductivity (EC) in the nutrient solution used for beet leaf cultivation that optimizes the crop physiology, growth and quality, we conducted an experiment with four EC treatments (from EC 1000- 2750 ppm) by using hydroponic nutrient film techniques (NFT) under naturally ventilated poly house. An experiment was conducted from November to December 2023 at DIBER DRDO, Haldwani, UK India. The treatments of the experiment comprised four EC level viz. 1000-1250 ppm, 1500-1750 ppm, 2000-2250 ppm and 2500-2750ppm concentration. The experimental design used was complete randomized block design with three replications. The results showed higher (57.30 cm) plant height, number of leaf (11.50), length of leaf (48.30) was found under EC concentration 2500- 2750 ppm as compared to others. Higher (12.60) width of leaf, length of root (34.70), fresh weight (15.60 g.) of root, total yield (114.30 g) of plant, dry wright of leaf (12.10g.), dry weight of root (1.60g) and chlorophyll content were high in medium EC concentration (2000- 2250 ppm) while as higher (93.40) fresh weight of leaf was found under EC concentration 1500- 1750 ppm. Based on growth and quality criteria, the optimal EC treatment would be EC 2500-2750 or EC 2000- 2250 ppm for beet leaf in the hydroponic system. Too high or too low EC would induce nutrient stress, leaf width and productivity of beet leaf crop.