Himachal Pradesh Weekly Current Affairs – 2

1. Recently, Governor Acharya Devvrat honoured Smt. Jaswir Kaur with a memento for her pathbreaking contribution in ensuring smooth water supply in Shimla. Where does she belong to?

1. Doaba, Punjab
2. Sangrur, Punjab
3. Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
4. Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Answer: Sangrur, Haryana

Related information: She is a water tanker driver working for Sai Engineering Foundation. Foundation has provided approximately 27 water tanks to lift water from Satluj to Gumma water storage tank free of cost.

2. What is the share of Center and State respectively in Old Age Pension Scheme (above age 70)?

1. Rs. 500 and Rs. 800
2. Rs. 600 and Rs. 700
3. Rs. 800 and Rs. 500
4. Rs. 700 and Rs. 600

Answer: Rs. 500 (Center) and Rs. 800 (State)

Related information: Government of Himachal Pradesh has reduced the age limit of social security pension for old age persons from 80 years to 70 years that too without any income criteria.

This decision has benefitted around 1.30 lakh elderly people.

In total, 4.47 lakh people are getting social security pension (Old-Age Pension, National Old Age Pension, National Widow Pension, National Disability Pension, Disability Relief Allowances etc.) in Himachal Pradesh.

The Old-Age Pension of Rs. 750 [Rs. 200 (Center) & Rs. 550 (State)] is being provided for those above 60 years old and annual income does not exceed Rs. 35000 and for those above 70 years or more will be given a monthly pension of Rs. 1300 [Rs. 500 (Center) and Rs. 800 (State)] barring income criteria.

The State Government has allocated a budgetary provision of Rs. 443 crore for this scheme in this financial year.

3. What is the budget allocation for a newly launched Scheme “Nai Rahen, Nai Manzilen” by Government of Himachal Pradesh?

1. Rs. 30 crore
2. Rs. 40 crore
3. Rs. 50 crore
4. Rs. 25 crore

Answer: Rs. 50 crore

Related information: This scheme has been launched by Government of Himachal Pradesh with a budget allocation of Rs. 50 crore for identification of unexplored and untapped tourist places in the countryside for diversification of tourism, especially in rural areas.

4. What is the SC and ST population percentage of Himachal Pradesh respectively?

1. 24.7 % and 6.79 %
2. 25.02 and 7.50 %
3. 25.19 % and 8.88 %
4. 25.90 % and 7.88 %

Answer: 25.19 % and 8.88 %

Related information or why in news?  The Parliamentary Committee on the welfare of SC and ST is on the tour of Himachal Pradesh, met with Chief Minister Shri Jairam Thakur. 

Chairman of the committee said that fast track courts should be established for speedy disposal of cases related to atrocities against SC and ST.

The state of HP is spending 25.19 percent of the state budget on scheduled caste sub-plan while Rs. 65 crore had been earmarked under scheduled tribe sub-plan for the year 2017-18.

The free telemedicine facility had been provided in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Pangi.

5. What is the prize money for Environment Leadership Award given by HP Govt.?

1. Rs. 50,000
2. Rs. 100,000
3. Rs. 200,000
4. Rs. 500,000

Answer: Rs. 50,000

Related information and why in news? Department of Environment Science and Technology (HP) has invited nominations from various categories of individuals, institutions of Himachal Pradesh for Environment Leadership Award 2018.

The award is open to various categories including urban local bodies, panchayats, hospitals, hotel/ resorts, restaurants, industries, schools, academic institutions other than schools, office premises, residence/resident welfare society, bus stand, railway stations etc.

First prize of the award is Rs. 50,000 besides a trophy and certificate and second prize is Rs. 25,000 besides a trophy and certificate.