November 7, 2024

Himachal News


Kalka-Shimla Toy Train

Current Context : Himachal Pradesh urged the Union Ministry of Railways to consider running the historic Kalka-Shimla heritage rail line on green hydrogen. Objective: Aligns with the state's vision to become a "Green Energy State" by March 31, 2026, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and support India's climate commitments. Green Energy Initiatives: Six-Pronged Strategy: Himachal Pradesh is implementing a six-point plan to transition to certified green energy. Green Panchayat Scheme:500 KW solar plants are being installed at the panchayat level, with income directed toward sustainable development. Green Hydrogen Production: The first facility in partnership with Oil India Limited (OIL) is under....Read More

Current Context : The Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park, located in Bankhandi in Kangra district, is set to become a key development in India’s wildlife conservation. It will be the first zoo in India to receive certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). About Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park Location: Bankhandi, Dehra constituency, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Significance: India’s first zoo to get Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) certification, highlighting its eco-friendly design and sustainability focus. Features: Includes 34 enclosures for 73 species (e.g., Asiatic lions, hog deer, crocodiles). Plans include specialized attractions like a nocturnal house and aviary. Budget :....Read More

Paragliding World Cup

Recently, the 2024 Paragliding World Cup launched in Kangra district. Location: Bir-Billing, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh Dates: November 2–9, 2024 Participants: 94 paragliders from 26 countries, including 32 Indians and 7 women. Event Category: Classified as Category 2 by Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI). Significance: Second World Cup at Bir-Billing, previously hosted in 2015.Read More

Gobind Sagar Lake

Current Context : Recently, a FIR has been filed against NHAI officials and a construction firm for dumping debris into Gobind Sagar Lake. Allegations : Debris from hill cutting was improperly disposed of in the lake, impacting water quality and the local ecosystem. About Gobind Sagar Lake: Location: On the Sutlej River in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. The lake is named after Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru. Formation: The lake was created by the Bhakra Dam, which was built between 1955 and 1962. The dam is one of the world's highest gravity dams, rising 225.5 meters above its lowest....Read More

Current Context : Himachal Pradesh recently inaugurated its first 24×7 cybercrime reporting station, named 'CY-Station,' in Shimla. Aim : to improve the state's capacity to address cybercrime, particularly financial frauds. Features of the CY-Station include :  Real-Time Complaint Handling : The station allows citizens to report cybercrimes, especially financial frauds, through a toll-free number (1930), ensuring swift registration and response. Financial Fraud Response : Equipped with the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), it can block or mark the lien on defrauded amounts immediately. Advanced Technology : The facility includes modern software for call recording and trained....Read More

Current Context : Shimla and Kullu are the most affected districts in Himachal Pradesh in terms of drug abuse, with the highest cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.​ Out of 1,218 cases registered in the state this year, Shimla accounts for 187 cases, and Kullu follows with 186 cases. Other affected areas include Mandi (149 cases), Bilaspur (125 cases), and Kangra (99 cases). Government Initiatives to tackle Drug Abuse : Sankalp Initiative: Launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, this initiative focuses on curbing drug addiction, supporting rehabilitation, and taking strict action against drug traffickers.....Read More

Tuberculosis

Current Context : State Tuberculosis Cell, National Health Mission (NHM)-Himachal Pradesh identified nearly 13000 TB patients in Himachal. Total Active TB Cases: 12,835 patients are under treatment across Himachal Pradesh. District-wise Breakdown: Kangra: Highest with 2,322 active cases. Mandi: 2,055 cases. Solan: 1,416 cases. Shimla: 1,405 cases. Lahaul and Spiti: Lowest with 52 cases. TB-Free Gram Panchayats (GPs): Total GPs in State: 3,615. Declared TB-Free in 2023: 723 GPs. Kangra: 165 out of 814 GPs. Mandi: 81 out of 559 GPs. Lahaul and Spiti: 20 out of 45 GPs. Shimla: 133 out of 412 GPs. Una: 68 out of 245....Read More

Current Context : The Shanan Hydropower Project, located in Himachal Pradesh, has become a focal point of legal contention recently due to the expiration of its lease agreement with Punjab. ABOUT PROJECT Location: Jogindernagar, Mandi district . Capacity: 110 MW. Lease Expiration: March 2024. Historical Background: The project was initiated in 1925 through an agreement between Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi and Colonel B.C. Batty, representing the British government. The agreement facilitated the construction of the project using water from the Uhl River, a tributary of the Beas River. Aimed at generating power for undivided Punjab, including regions that are....Read More

Current Context : Himachal Pradesh government is working on consolidating various water-related laws under a single "Umbrella Act”. Aim : to streamline the state's water governance, addressing issues such as regulation of water usage, conservation, and disputes over water resources. Additionally, the state had introduced a water cess on hydropower projects to generate additional revenue, targeting up to Rs 1,000 crore annually. The Himachal Pradesh High Court recently struck down the water cess, deeming it ​ ABOUT UMBRELLA ACT: Objective: to combine all existing water-related laws under a single framework. This is intended to: Improve regulation and management of water....Read More

Kullu Dussehra festival

The seven-day Kullu Dussehra festival began on October 13, 2024, with the traditional Rath Yatra led by Maheshwar Singh, a descendant of the Kullu royal family. ABOUT It dates back to the 17th century, when King Jagat Singh installed the idol of Lord Raghunath as the ruling deity of Kullu after a personal act of penance. Uniqueness: Unlike other Dussehra celebrations, Kullu Dussehra does not involve burning effigies of Ravana. Instead, it focuses on worshipping Lord Raghunath, and around 300 local deities gather to pay homage. There is no enactment of Ramleela or the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran,....Read More

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