Below are given the Himachal Current Affairs for August Week 3 (15th August 2019 – 22nd August 2019). Download HP Current Affairs PDF which are useful for Himachal Pradesh State Exams like HPPSC HPAS, HPSSSB, Allied Services, Naib tehsildar, Drug Inspector, HP TET, Tehsil Welfare Officer, Himachal Patwari, HP Govt Teacher, KCC Bank, Himachal Cooperative bank and other exams
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HP Govt proposes to built Helipads in all Assembly Segments
The Chief Minister of Himachal Sh. Jai Ram Thakur announced that the government is planning to make new helipads.
The government is looking for land in all 68 Assembly segments to build helipads. The government hasstressed upon the importance the helipads have especially in cases of natural calamities and other emergencies.
Helipads in Himachal Pradesh:
At present, HP has helipads only in 11 Assembly segments. Although there are 64 helipads in the State but the capital still does not have its own helipad and manages with the Annandale helipad of the Indian Army.
137 Himalayan Peaks opened to boost Tourism
The central government has announced that it will open 137 Himalayan peaks for foreigners including Kanchenjunga located at the height of 8,589 metre for trekking.
The decision will give a major boost to the tourism industry in Himalayan states. Thereby form now onwards the foreigners will directly apply to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for permits instead of the Ministry of Defence. Out of the 137 peaks, 51 are in Uttarakhand, 24 in Sikkim, 15 in Jammu and Kashmir, and 47 in Himachal Pradesh.
However, prior permissions from the department of telecommunication are required for carrying satellite phones. all information gathered has to be shared with locals formations.
HP brings Strict Policy for Doctors
The State government has come out with a strict policy pertaining to postgraduate and super speciality medical courses.
From now on doctors who wish to do their post graduate and superspeciality courses will have to sign a bond with the State. The bond will mandate a doctor to serve the State for four years including fisrt year field post. Besides this, the doctor will have to submit his/her MBBS degree which will be returned only after the completion of the bond period or payment of the full bond.
Also, a separate undertaking would be given by the doctor that in case he/she fails to complete the course, they shall be liable for Rs 10 lakh to the government for wastage of seat. In case a doctor undermines the bond the State government can recover the total salary paid to the doctor during the course and also the recover the bond amount. Also, their bachelor degree will not be returned and their registration with Medical Council will also be terminated.
The policy has been notified in the backdrop of a scenario where around more than two dozen specialists have without even serving for their mandatory service period have left the government job. The government is agitated because it spends a lot on each candidate and also pays them full salary and other allowances.
Conference on Natural Resources held in Mandi
Mandi hosted the two day International Conference on Management of Natural Resources for Socio- Economic Development of Western Ghats. Govind Singh Thakur (Forest Minister) was the Chief Guest at the conference held in Vallabh Government College, Mandi . The Minister while addressing the media focused on the importance of management of natural resources for socio-economic development besides stating that the state aims at increasing the land under forest area upto 37 per cent.
ABOUT FORESTS in HP:
As per the National Forest Policy,1988 at least two-thirds of the geographical area should be under forest in hilly states. Himachal has a forest cover of 27 per cent currently. Keeping that in mind the HP government aims to bring 50 per cent of the geographical area of the state under the forest cover. The forests in the state are under great stress due to the impact of modern civilization, economic development and growth in human and cattle population.
The HPFD is totally committed to make Himachal Pradesh a GREEN STATE. To achieve these programmes like Sanjha Van Sanjivani Van, Apna VanApna Dhan, Peepal -Bargad were launched and various communities are being motivated to plant more.
Maiden Kidney Transplant in Himachal Pradesh
A joint team of doctors from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMCH) Shimla led by Dr. Virender Bansal, chief transplant surgeon from AIIMS, Delhi carried out a successful first ever Kidney Transplant operation at the IGMCH, Shimla.
The IGMCH although have their own team of doctors to conduct the operations but the team from AIIMS was called for the purpose of guidance during the maiden transplant. The AIIMS would continue to assist IGMC for a year.
There were two surgeries where a 55 year old mother donated her kidney to her 31 year old son and also a 64 year old father donated his kidney to his 38 year old daughter. Earlier the patients had to go out for transplant preferably to a PGI or AIIMS. Now this facility will save the money and time of the patients.
ABOUT IGMCH – KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
To establish the facility at IGMCH the state government had finalized a budget of Rs 4 crore for the purchase of the machinery and establishment of other facilities. Subsequently Rs 2.91 Crore were spent on procurement of the machinery and around Rs 1 crore on the other facilities besides the 3.48 lakh rupees spent on training doctors.
Chhaila-Solan Road Opens
Major congestion on the DHALLI- THEOG road has led to the opening of the CHHAILA -SOLAN road.
The decision announced by the Education Minister Suresh Bharadwaj has come as a big relief for the apple growers and truck operators. The decision was taken in the backdrop of the reports that suggested that only 30 percent of the apple had reached the markets until now.
The Chhaila – Solan road which was temporarily closed for heavy vehicles could now be used by apple laden trucks and other heavy vehicles from Rohroo, Chopal , Kotkhai and nearby areas.
Anil Sharma, Ex-Power Minister, expelled from BJP
BJP MLA Anil Sharma who had to quit the State Cabinet after he refused to campaign against his son in the 2019 Lok Sabha election has been expelled from the party. The decision was on the cards for quite some time as a section of local BJP leaders in the state demanded action against Anil Sharma for anti-party activities. Anil Sharma also campaigned for his son Aashray Sharma who was fielded from Mandi constituency by the Congress party in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and since then used every occasion to criticize the BJP government.
About Anil Sharma
Anil sharma a sitting MLA from Mandi in the 13th Legislative Assembly is the son of Sh. Sukh Ram ( Ex Union and State Minister ). He has also been a Rajya Sabha Mp (1998-2004). He has held the portfolio of Minister of State for Youth Services, Sports and Forest and also Power Minister.
Education Board Signs MOU to develop 2 Schools
The HP State Education Board has signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KCS Education Society, Kangra and Him Academy, Hamirpur at the Global Investors Meet in the presence of Suresh Bharadwaj (Education Minister). KCS Education Society Kangra will open a school at Ladraur in Kangra District and Him Academy, Hamirpur would open a school at Rakkar with the cost of Rs 15 and 50 crores respectively. The Minister informed the media that 8 MoUs have signed which will bring a total investment of Rs 800 crore in the education sector of the State.
ABOUT EDUCATION IN HIMACHAL
- Himachal Pradesh has 5 Universities and 2 Deemed universities in the state.
- It also has institutions of national importance like IIT Mandi, CRI Kasauli, NIFT Kangra and IIM Sirmaur.
- Literacy rate of Himachal Pradesh is 82% which was at 8% at the time of independence.
- Suresh Bharadwaj is the present Minister of Education of the State.
HP Govt announces 4% DA hike
Himachal Govt has hiked Dearness Allowance of HP state employees and pensioners by 4%. The announcement was made by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sh. Jai Ram Thakur who was presiding over the 73rd Independence Day function at the historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla on 15th August 2019,
The increase in DA would be paid retrospectively from January this year, providing an annual additional financial benefit of Rs 260 crore to the state employees.
The Chief Minister made several other announcements after hoisting the national flag and taking salute from the march-past by various contingents, including school children.
Highlights of Speech made by Himachal CM on the 73rd Independence Day:
- The Dearness Allowance of HP state employees and pensioners has been increased by 4%.
- The girl candidates of the state would not have to deposit examination fee for appearing in the entrance tests conducted by the state public service commission and subordinate services selection board.
- Free textbooks to government school students of Class 9 and 10, which would benefit over 65,000 children.
- Remembering freedom fighters and slain soldiers, Jai Ram Thakur paid rich tributes to the first chief minister, Yashwant Singh Parmar, for laying a strong foundation for the future development of the state.
- The State government has framed a vision document, ‘Drishtipatra Himachal Pradesh-2030’, to achieve developmental goals in a time-bound manner.
- The chief minister said a target of attracting investment worth Rs 85,000 crore had been set from the ‘Rising Himachal Investors Meet’, to be held in Dharamshala on November 7 and 8. The memorandums of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 38,000 crore were already signed with various prospective investors.
- Chanshal valley of Shimla, Janjehli valley of Mandi and Bir Billing of Kangra districts were being developed as tourist spots under the ‘Nai Raahein Nai Manzilein’ scheme.
- Programmes like the Jan Manch, Him Pragati portal, e-Samadhan were started to ensure good governance.
- ‘Mukhya Mantri Helpline’ would be launched soon to facilitate the public further.
Awards by HP Govt on Independence Day 2019:
- The chief minister presented the Himachal Gaurav Award to Nishad Kumar and Lieutenant Commander Pratibha Jamwal.
- He gave away the Prerna Strot Award to Subedar Rinjin Dorje, Alikya and Himkara Organisation.
- Thakur presented the Civil Services Award to the state disaster management authority.
- The district-level disaster management authority awards were presented to Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti districts.
NGT orders State PCB to take action in 3 months
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board as well as the state pollution control board to prohibit polluting activities in the industrial clusters of Kala Amb, Baddi and Parwanoo within three months and furnish a compliance report.
The National Green Tribunal has taken note of the adverse comprehensive environmental pollution index (CEPI), which encompasses the water and air pollution norms, in the industrial clusters of Kala Amb, Baddi and Parwanoo.
The NGT’s Bench headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel announced these orders on August 10 for 100 industrial clusters across the nation after taking into consideration their CEPI. The tribunal had directed the pollution boards to finalise a time-bound action plan to mitigate pollution in these areas.
The NGT had sought the CEPI scores of these areas which were analysed by the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change. The NGT had observed that the continuing pollution activities were criminal offences under the law and the rule of law required prohibiting such activities to safeguard the environment.
Pollution Levels in Baddi, Kala Amb and Parwanoo:
- Air index in Baddi was found to be 63 while the water was 63.75 and the CEPI was rated at 68.26 and this industrial cluster was placed at the 44th position nationally.
- In Kala Amb, the figures stood at 17, 64 and the CEPI was rated at 65.70 with this cluster figuring at the 53rd position.
- In Parwanoo, they were in the range of 19, 61.88 and with 65.77 CEPI index, it fared at the 54th position nationally.
It is to be noted that while the non-polluting or white and green industries will not be affected by these orders, the state pollution board will have to ensure that the ministry has been directed to take steps to enforce an action plan for improving the index in these towns.
About National Green Tribunal:
- NGT is a specialised body set up under the National Green Tribunal Act (2010) for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources?
- India became the third country in the world to set up a specialised environmental tribunal, only after Australia and New Zealand, and isthe first developing country to do so.
- NGT is mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of the filing of the same.
- The NGT has five places of sittings, New Delhi is the Principal place of sitting and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are the other four.
- The Tribunal comprises of the Chairperson, the Judicial Members and Expert Members. They shall hold office for term of five years and are not eligible for reappointment.
Water Sanctuary Programme to revive Chamba Springs
The GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development Regional Centre at Mohal (Kullu) has launched the “Water Sanctuary Programme” in Chamba district.
The Water Sanctuary programme is an innovative programme to revive the springs in the Himalayan region through technology and people’s participation. It is to be noted that Chamba district has been identified as one of the aspirational districts by NITI Aayog,
About Himachal Regional Centre:
GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development Regional Centre has five functional regional centres in Indian Himalayan region. Himachal Regional Centre is one among them, functioning from 1st July 1992 focusing on Sustainable Development of Rural Systems, Land and Water Resource Management, Conservation of Biological Diversity and Ecological Economics & Environmental impact analysis.
Bajjreshwari Temple Trust to donate Rs 1 crore
Bajjreshwari Temple Trust has decided to donate Rs1 crore to the Chief Minister’s relief fund.
The decision was taken recently in a meeting of the trust which was chaired by the Kangra SDM Jatin Lal, who is also the Assistant Commissioner of the temple There also has been some opposition regarding this decision as there is a belief that the trust has failed to provide the basic facilities, which includes accommodation to the visiting pilgrims.
About Bajjreshwari Temple :
- The Shree Vajreshwari Mata Mandir is also known as Kangra Devi Mandir.
- It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vajreshvari, a form of Durga.
- This temple is located in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh and is one of the Shakti Peetha.
About CM Relief Fund:
C.M. Relief Fund is Fund at State Headquarters at the Disposal of Hon’ble C.M . Moreover, There is a District Relief Fund at each of the District Headquarters in the State at the Disposal of Deputy Commissioner. Expenditure from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund may be incurred at Chief Minister’s discretion for such purposes as may be approved by him.
Himachal recorded highest-ever rain
Himachal Pradesh received the highest-ever rainfall for a 24-hour period since records began almost 70 years ago.
The huge rainfall caused the death of 21 persons and injured 12 at various places. Thousands of tourists and locals were stranded at various places in Lahaul-Spiti and Leh due to 3 cm of snow at Baralacha and Keylong, something which happened in August after 22 years.
Met Department Director Dr Manmohan said that the state as a whole received 102.5 mm which was 1,065 per cent more than normal for this day. Earlier, the highest rainfall in a day was recorded on August 14, 2011, and that was 74 mm. The state capital saw 153 mm of rainfall.
Rs 490 cr loss caused to state:
As per the reports, Himachal has suffered a loss of about Rs 490 crore this monsoon.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sen wins Himachal Gaurav Award
Dr Ramesh Kumar Sen of Sundernagar in Mandi has been conferred with Himachal Gaurav Award 2019.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Sen has been working as senior director and head of the institute of orthopaedics surgery at Max Hospital, Mohali, He has been conferred the Himachal Gaurav Award by the HP Government for his outstanding services in the health sector.
About Himachal Gaurav Award:
- Himachal Gaurav Purskar was started in 1992. Persons of either ‘sex’ in all walks of life are eligible for Himachal Gaurav Puraskar.
- The Members of Armed Forces, Police Forces and the recognized Fire Services etc. are eligible for the puraskar provided the life-saving act/ gallant work is performed by them otherwise than in the course of their duty.
- There will be maximum of four awards in a year, Three for individuals and one for a group.
- The award can also be conferred posthumously.
- The Person,/ Group of persons, who is to be decorated with the Himachal Gaurav Purskar should either be Himachali or the commendable job should have been done in/ for Himachal Pradesh.
World Senior Citizen’s Day observed in HP
National Health Mission, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Himachal Pradesh is observing the World Senior Citizen’s Day on 21st August.
National Health Mission, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Himachal Pradesh will be collaborating with HelpAge India Himachal Chapter to establish three Day Care Centres for Senior Citizen. These daycare centres for Senior Citizen will be established at Shimla, Mandi and Dharamshala.
In these daycare centres, various activities like physiotherapy, library,(books, magazines and newspapers), recreation/pilgrimage tours, yoga, health checkup and awareness camps and other recreational services (TV, music, carom board, chess, ludo and cards etc) will be provided free of cost.
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