In December 2024, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Manipur governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' program in Lucknow, UP.

- The program aims to enhance interaction and promote mutual understanding between the people of different states/Union Territories (UTs) through the concept of state/UT pairing.

Main Point :-

(i) The Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism and Culture organized the signing ceremony in Lucknow, where Manipur artists performed Thougal Jagoi, a traditional Meitei folk dance, and Thang Ta, a traditional martial art.

(ii) The MoU between the two states is effective for three years from the signing date and can be extended for another three years if both states agree.