Current Affairs 15th Dec to 15th Jan 2025
1. 135th birth anniversary of the third Chief Justice of India, Mehar Chand Mahajan,
About the News : MCM DAV Senior Secondary Public School, Baghni (Nurpur), celebrated the 135th birth anniversary of the third Chief Justice of India, Mehar Chand Mahajan, with great enthusiasm on the school premises. The event took place last evening, with Lieutenant General Paramjit Singh Sangha (retd.) presiding as the Chief Guest and Justice (retd.) CK Mahajan, chairman of the school management committee, as the Guest of Honour. The celebrations commenced with a havan, followed by the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest. A floral tribute was offered to the bust of Justice Mahajan.
Highlights of the Celebrations
· Cultural Performances: Students presented diverse cultural performances, showcasing folk dances from Haryana, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab.
· Student Speech: Trisha, a Class X student, delivered a speech on Justice Mahajan’s life and legacy, highlighting his contributions to the nation.
· Chief Guest’s Address: Lieutenant General Paramjit Singh Sangha (retd.) emphasized Justice Mahajan’s remarkable achievements and his role in India’s judiciary and governance.
About Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan : Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan was born in 1889 in Tika Nagrota village, Nurpur. He began his legal career in Dharamsala in 1913 and later practiced law in Lahore from 1918 to 1943.
Notable milestones in his career include:
· Serving as the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from October 15, 1947, to March 5, 1948, during which he played a crucial role in the state’s accession to India.
· Becoming the third Chief Justice of India, holding office from January 4, 1954, to December 22, 1954.
2. Challenges with Apple Economy in Himachal
About the News : Erratic weather and rising input costs are prompting apple growers in Himachal Pradesh to diversify into stone fruits such as almonds, plums, apricots, cherries, and persimmons. Climate change and reduced snowfall are making it challenging to meet the chilling hour requirements for traditional apple varieties. This shift has been further accelerated by increasing cultivation costs and crop failures.
Under the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project, the state government is actively promoting diversification by importing planting material for stone fruits. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts another spell of rain and snow in the region, providing a glimmer of hope for apple growers regarding improved yields this season.
Challenges with the Apple Economy
1. Erratic Weather Patterns:
o Traditional apple varieties need 800-1,200 chilling hours in winter. Warmer winters and reduced snowfall are hindering this requirement, especially in mid and low apple belts.
o Climate change has led to frequent crop failures and higher plant mortality.
2. High Input Costs:
o The cost of production has increased by 30-40% post-Covid due to rising expenses for sprays, fertilizers, and labor.
o Frequent fungal infections and pest attacks have raised the cost of crop maintenance, with apple growers needing 10-12 sprays annually.
3. Declining Profit Margins:
o Net profits from apple farming have fallen by over 50% in recent years due to high costs and reduced yields.
4. Decreasing Production:
o Himachal Pradesh produced 2.09 crore boxes of apples in 2024, a significant decline from the 5.50 crore boxes produced in 2010.
5. Shift Towards Other Fruits:
o Farmers are increasingly cultivating stone fruits like plums, almonds, apricots, and cherries, which require lower input costs and fewer chilling hours.
o Pears and persimmons are also gaining popularity as they are less prone to pest attacks and require minimal sprays.
3. Himachal Pradesh Government has renamed the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) at Mashobra.
About the News
As a mark of respect for the economic expertise and leadership of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Himachal Pradesh Government has renamed the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) at Mashobra after him. The renaming coincides with HIPA’s 51st foundation day celebrations. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted Dr. Singh’s pivotal role in steering India out of a severe economic crisis during his tenure as Finance Minister, laying the foundation for the nation’s economic prosperity.
New Name
The institute, now named Dr. Manmohan Singh Institute of Public Administration, honors the former Prime Minister’s contributions to India’s economic growth and global recognition as a fiscal expert. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s career includes serving as the RBI Governor and leading India on the path to economic stability during challenging times.
About HIPA
Located at Fairlawn, Mashobra, approximately 12 km from Shimla, HIPA was established on January 1, 1974. The institute provides training to IAS, Himachal Administrative Service (HAS), and officers from other organizations to develop policies for public welfare.
· Historical Background:
HIPA operates from a building originally constructed by R. Dixon of the British India Foreign Office. It was later owned by Nawab Muzaffar Ali Khan Quizzalbash of Malerkotla. Following the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966, the property was transferred to the Himachal Government. Surrounded by serene landscapes, HIPA continues to play a vital role in fostering administrative excellence.
4. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched an official e-commerce platform aims to provide SHG products with global reach
About the News
In a significant move to empower over 3.5 lakh rural women associated with 44,000 self-help groups (SHGs) in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched an official e-commerce platform, himira.co.in. Developed by the Rural Development Department under the Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (HPSRLM), the platform aims to provide SHG products with global reach, boosting the income of rural artisans and entrepreneurs. Additionally, the CM inaugurated food vans and released a booklet of inspiring success stories of women achieving financial independence under HPSRLM.
Name of the Website
The e-commerce platform launched is himira.co.in, symbolizing transformation and empowerment of rural women in Himachal Pradesh.
About Him-Ganga Scheme : The Him-Ganga Scheme aims to involve women and youth groups in forest plantation and preservation. Under this initiative:
· Participants will be compensated for their efforts.
· The scheme emphasizes environmental conservation while creating sustainable income opportunities.
· The government envisions this as a step toward integrating ecological welfare with economic empowerment.
The Himachal Pradesh government remains committed to enhancing livelihoods, providing free electricity, and supporting the marginalized while urging affluent families to relinquish subsidies voluntarily.
5. Shimla-based social enterprise Buraansh has been awarded the Himachal Handicraft and Handloom Excellence Award 2025
About the News
Shimla-based social enterprise Buraansh has been awarded the Himachal Handicraft and Handloom Excellence Award 2025 for its innovative use of digital tools in preserving and promoting the state’s cultural heritage. The award was presented by Horticulture, Revenue, and Tribal Affairs Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Additional Chief Secretary RD Nazeem during the Him Mahotsava at Dilli Haat, Delhi. Co-founders Siddharth Lakhanpal and Gautami received the honor for their significant contributions to integrating digital innovation into craft production, marketing, and storytelling.
About Buraansh
Founded in February 2020 by Siddharth Lakhanpal and Gautami, Buraansh aims to empower rural Himalayan communities by:
· Selling Products Digitally: Creating a platform for artisans to showcase their products globally.
· Training in Digital Marketing: Providing digital marketing training to farmer producer organizations, women’s collectives, and self-help groups.
· Empowering Rural Communities: Over two years, they have trained 250 farmers in digital tools like photography and online platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Amazon, with support from NABARD and other institutions.
· Heritage Preservation: Using storytelling and technology to promote Himachal’s traditional crafts and heritage.
Challenges in the Handicraft and Handloom Industry in Himachal
1. Lack of Market Access: Artisans struggle to reach wider audiences due to limited access to marketing platforms.
2. Decline in Traditional Skills: Younger generations show less interest in learning traditional crafts, leading to skill loss.
3. Insufficient Financial Support: Limited funding for craftspersons and self-help groups hampers growth.
4. Competition from Mass-Produced Goods: The influx of cheaper, machine-made products affects demand for handmade items.
5. Inadequate Branding and Promotion: Poor branding reduces the visibility of Himachali crafts on national and international levels.
Remedies
1. Digital Transformation: Promote e-commerce platforms like Himira.co.in and initiatives like Buraansh to reach global markets.
2. Skill Development: Conduct training programs in traditional and digital techniques to sustain crafts.
3. Financial Aid and Subsidies: Provide low-interest loans and subsidies for artisans to modernize equipment and raw materials.
4. Craft Hubs and Exhibitions: Establish craft hubs and participate in national and international fairs to boost visibility.
5. Government and Private Sector Collaboration: Partner with private companies for better branding, logistics, and sales opportunities.
6. Geographical Indication (GI) Tags: Obtain GI tags for more Himachali crafts to protect their uniqueness and increase value.
These efforts can help revive the handicraft and handloom sector, ensuring its sustainability and contribution to the state’s economy.
6. UDISE Plus 2023-24 report
About the News: Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a leading state in education with one of the lowest school dropout rates in the country, as per the UDISE Plus 2023-24 report released by the Ministry of Education. The state has achieved remarkable milestones in primary and secondary education, but challenges remain in digital infrastructure and enrolment rates.
Highlights:
1. Lowest Dropout Rate:
o Primary Section: Zero dropout rate.
o Upper Primary Section: 0.6% dropout rate.
o Secondary Section: 4.9% dropout rate.
o Much lower than neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana.
2. Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR):
o Himachal’s PTR stands at 14:1, better than most states.
o The New Education Policy recommends a PTR of 30:1.
3. Enrolment and Mergers:
o Average enrolment per school: 80 students (among the lowest in the country).
o Around 1,100 schools shut or merged in two years to improve enrolment averages.
o 3,473 schools have a single teacher, with staff reallocated after mergers.
4. Infrastructure:
o Basic facilities like functional toilets, drinking water, libraries, and electricity are nearly universal.
o Digital infrastructure lags behind, with only 47.5% schools having computers and 48.7% internet access.
Status of Schools in Himachal Pradesh:
· Number of Schools: 17,826 (government and private).
· Total Teachers: 1,01,131.
· Enrolment Statistics:
o Total Students: 14,26,412.
o Primary Classes: 60.8% enrolment.
o Upper Primary: 14%.
o Secondary: 10%.
o Higher Secondary: 15.2%.
7. About the News : Himachal Pradesh’s Forest Department has initiated the development of five ecotourism sites in Kullu under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. This decision comes in light of Himachal Pradesh not receiving any ecotourism projects from the Union Ministry of Tourism, which recently approved 40 projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore across 23 states.
The sites identified for development include Kaisdhar, Kasol, Bindravani, Solang Nala, and Suma Ropa. Private companies will be allotted one hectare of land for 10 years to develop and manage these sites while adhering to strict environmental norms. This initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism, conserve forest wealth, and create employment opportunities in the region.
Highlights
1. Development Model: Ecotourism sites to be developed under PPP mode.
2. Identified Sites: Kaisdhar, Kasol, Bindravani, Solang Nala, and Suma Ropa.
3. Rules and Norms: Private firms must comply with Forest Conservation Act (FCA) norms, avoiding damage to biodiversity.
4. Tourism Potential: Targeting lesser-known destinations to attract tourists while preserving nature.
5. Past Challenges: Closure of 11 ecotourism sites by the Ministry of Environment for non-compliance with FCA.
What This News Is About The news highlights Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to strengthen its tourism industry by leveraging ecotourism despite being overlooked for Central government funding. The initiative underlines the state’s focus on sustainable development and promoting untouched tourist destinations to balance economic growth and environmental conservation.
8. About the News : The Bhunda Mahayagya, a traditional ritual deeply rooted in Himachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage, was recently celebrated in Dalgaon village, Rohru Subdivision, Shimla district, after a gap of 40 years. Over one lakh people gathered to witness this vibrant and historic event, which commenced after three years of meticulous preparation. Authorities ensured smooth conduct through special traffic arrangements, health facilities, fire brigade deployment, and additional police forces.
About Bhunda : Bhunda Mahayagya, also referred to as “Narmegh Yagya” in ancient Sanskrit texts, is a significant ritual in Himachal Pradesh. Its origins are tied to the victory of the Khush community over the Nagas. Historically, it is believed to have been introduced by Lord Parshuram and has been celebrated for centuries in regions like Nirmand, Rohru, and Rampur. The ritual symbolizes cultural pride and reflects the rich traditions of the state.
How It Is Celebrated
1. Preparations: A 100-meter-long rope made of Munji grass is crafted by a selected family representing the remnants of the Nagas.
2. Main Ritual: Known as ‘Bera,’ a person chosen by the deity slides down the rope on a wooden slide stretched between two hills, representing a symbolic act of devotion.
3. Community Participation: Local deities are welcomed with songs, dances, and displays of swords and sticks. Rituals like ‘Shikha Poojan’ involve temple worship, enhancing the spiritual significance of the event.
Measures for the Safety of Beda Life
1. Rope Inspection and Quality:
o The Munji grass rope used is carefully prepared and inspected for strength and durability to withstand the sliding process.
o Expert rope makers and experienced individuals oversee the process to avoid any structural flaws.
2. Harness and Support System:
o Modern harnesses, if culturally acceptable, can be incorporated without disturbing the traditional essence.
o Balanced wooden slides and stabilizing sandbags tied to the performer help maintain equilibrium during the descent.
3. Medical Assistance:
o Medical teams with first aid and emergency care facilities are stationed near the ritual site.
o Ambulances are deployed for immediate response in case of an emergency.
4. Training and Preparation:
o The selected individual is trained for weeks to practice balance and understand the mechanics of the ritual.
o Mentors guide them to mentally and physically prepare for the descent.
5. Crowd Management and Safety Zones:
o A secure perimeter is set up to prevent onlookers from interfering with the rope or performance area.
o Adequate police and fire brigade personnel are deployed for crowd control.
6. Structural Integrity of Anchors:
o The trees or poles used as anchors for the rope are checked for stability and reinforced if needed to prevent snapping or displacement.
7. Weather Monitoring:
o The event is scheduled considering weather conditions, avoiding strong winds, rain, or other unfavorable conditions.