Search Previous Year Questions

The correct answer is Saksham Gudia Board, H.P.

Key Points

Saksham Gudia Board, H.P.:

• Objectives:
• The Board was constituted in the state with the broad objectives to make recommendations for the police for the empowerment of girl child/adolescent girl.
• The Board will also make recommendations on acts, rules, policies and programme related to the safety and security of girl child/adolescent girl and protection of crime against the girl child.
• Social Justice and Empowerment and the Directorate of Women and Child Development are the nodal departments.
• Social justice and Empowerment, the Home and Finance departments are the stakeholders in Saksham Gudiya Board.

Additional Information

Other women empowerment schemes of state government are:

• Mukhya Mantri Kanyadan Yojna:
• Under this scheme, girls who are orphans or whose father is incapable can get rupees 25,000 grant for their marriage if their parent's annual income is not more than rupees 35,000 per annum.
• Mahila Vikas Nigam:
• The objective is to provide self-employment to women by providing loan on subsidised interest rates.
• State Home For women:
• It is meant for housing for a widow and the women who are in mortal danger.
• These inmates get free of cost food and lodging.
• For their rehabilitation, they get various skill training in the state home so that after leaving the state home they can earn and be settled.
• After leaving the state home department provides a grant of Rupees 20,000 per inmates for her rehabilitation.
• Mata Shabari Mahilla Sashktikarn Yojna:
• Under this scheme, LPG Gas connection is provided to the women who belong to BPL and SC family or whose income does not exceed rupees 35,000 per annum.

The correct answer is Sharda and Tankri.

Key Points

Stone inscriptions:

• Stone inscriptions found in Himachal Pradesh can be divided into four categories- Rock inscription, fountain inscription, slab inscription, sati stone inscriptions.
• The earliest inscriptions have been found in Pathyar, Kanihara (Kangra), Salanu (Mandi) etc.
• Those inscriptions have been written in various scripts such as Sharda, Kharoshti, Tankri, Kutila, Nagri, Sankha, Bhotia and Sidhamatrika.
• The highest number of inscriptions (36) have been found in the Chamba region which have been written in Sharda and Tankri.

Additional Information

• Other Sources of information:
• The earliest 87 punch-marked coins include
• 12 kept in State Shimla were found from Arki,
• 21 coins from Appollodotus, founded in Tappa Mewa village in Hamirpur district,
• 31 coins were found from Jwalamukhi in Kangra district.
• Some Indo-Greek coins have also been found in the Lachori and Sarol villages of the Chamba district.
• These coins show the influence of Greco-Bacterian penetration
• Most of the coins found are punch marked earliest coins found in Kullu were issued by a Virayash King of 1^st century A.D.
• Literary sources:
• Persian Sources: Tarikh-i-Yamini: Habib-us-Siyar of Khawand Mir's, Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi: Barani, Tarikh-e-Farishta etc.
• Sanskrit Sources: Puranas, Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Asthadhayayi, Rajtaragini etc.
• Sikh Sources: Guru Granth Sahib' (The Adi Granth), the ‘Bachitra Natak' of Guru Govind Singh, the Janam Sakhis' (biographies) of Sikh Gurus etc.
• The Nirmand copper plate of 7^th century AD issued by Mahasamanta Maharaja Samudrasena.

The correct answer is Lt. Col. Paris Bradshaw.

Key Points

 Treaty of Sugauli (March 4, 1816):

• It is an agreement between the Gurkha chiefs of Nepal and the British Indian government that ended the Anglo-Nepalese (Gurkha) War (1814–16).
• The British East India Company prepared the draft of the treaty with the signature of Lieutenant Colonel Paris Bradshaw on December 2, 1815.
• It was sent to Nepal with a 15- day ultimatum for counter-signature and asked to return it to them.
• Hence, Option 3 is correct.
• The treaty reduced the average east-west length to 885 kilometres and the total area of Nepal is confined to 147,181 km2 between the Mechi and the Mahakali Rivers.
• Nepal was forced to give up not only its western front but also the Mechi to Teesta area on the east.
• To console the Gorkha army, they provided two Lakhs of rupees annually as compensation.
• Chandrashekhar Upadhyaya, who had accompanied Pandit Gajaraj Mishra to the British camp at Sugauli, put his signature on March 4, 1816, and gave it to Britishers.
• Article 7: The Raja of Nepal hereby engages never to take or retain in his service any British subject, nor the subject of any European and American State, without the consent of the British Government
• Article 9: The treaty shall be approved by the King of Nepal, but there is no record of the treaty being approved by King Girwana Yuddha Bikram Shah.

Additional Information

• Nepal got back the Terai area from Rapti to Kali after 44 years of the Sugauli Treaty.
• Had the Sugauli Treaty was done on a permanent basis, Nepal would not have received back those lands at different times.
• This proves that Sugauli Treaty was not done to last forever.
• The main reason behind the land dispute between India and Nepal:
• The treaty failed to mention clearly in so many sections of land where the borderline would actually pass through between India and Nepal.

The correct answer is Olive.

Key Points

• As per the report published by a joint study of Space Applications Centre, (ISRO), Ahmedabad and Himachal Pradesh Remote Sensing Cell, State Council for Science, Technology & Environment, Shimla:
• The Chamba district has suitable pockets for the production of hazelnut, olive, chilgoza, apricot, walnut, peach, apple, pear, plum and mango.
• There are three Olive development centres in the Chamba district at Lanji, Saro and Rajnagar. Hence, Option 3 is correct.
• Walnut is grown all over the district.
• Chilgoza is mostly found in the Pangi area and certain pockets of Bharmaur tehsil.
• The apple orchards are located mainly in Churah, Bharmaur, Chamba and Pangi tehsil and Salooni sub-tehsils.

Basics:

• The Chamba is situated in the bosom of the Himalayas mountains.
• The territory is wholly mountainous with altitudes varying from about 610 metres to about 6,400 m.
• The Ravi is pre-eminently the river of the Chamba District and with its tributaries.
• It drains the whole of the Chamba valley between the Dhaula Dhar and Pangi range.
• Chamba has three well defined snowy ranges ie. Dhaula Dhar,. Pangi and Zanskar.
• As the district is wholly mountainous, every variety of climate is found from semi-tropical to semi-arctic.
• The soil of the district is generally loamy in texture with a little more percentage of clay on the higher altitude as well as on the lower elevations.
• The soil is well supplied with organic matter.

The correct answer is 10519 MW.

Key Points

• Himachal Pradesh has significant potential for hydroelectricity generation due to the thawing of glaciers and frozen lakes.
• Fed from five mighty snow-fed rivers (Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej & Yamuna) emanating from the western Himalayas, the state is endowed with a vast hydropower potential of about 25% of the total hydropower potential assessed in India.

As per the State Economic Survey 2017-2018:

• The State of Himachal Pradesh has an estimated Hydro Potential of 27,436 MW out of which 24,000 MW has been assessed as harnessable.

• Out of the total harnessable potential of about 24,000 MW, the potential to the tune of 20,912 MW already stands allotted under various sectors.

• A potential of about 10,519 MW has already been harnessed so far under various sectors.

• Capacity addition of 149.50 MW has been achieved by commissioning three projects namely Sainj HEP (100 MW), Chaiju-I HEP (36 MW) and Upper Nanti HEP (13.5 MW).

The correct answer is Matri Shakti Bima Yojna.

Key Points

Matri Shakti Bima Yojna:

• Launched on 25-09-2000.
• It covers all rural women living below the poverty line within the age group of 10-75 years.
• The policy provides relief to family members/ insured women in case of their death or disablement arising due to any kind of accident, surgical operations like sterilization, a mishap at time of childbirth/delivery drowning washing away in floods, landslide, insect bite & snakebite etc.
• The scheme also gives benefit to a married woman in case of accidental death of her husband.
• From 1^st April 2008, the compensation amount under the scheme has been doubled from Rs. 25,000/- to Rs, 50,000/- in case of death of her husband.
• Similarly, the compensation amount in case of disability arising out of extent has also been doubled from Rs. 12500/- to Rs. 25,000/-.
• From 1^st February 2009, the compensation amount under the scheme has been increased by the State Government.
• The enhanced benefit is as under:-
• Death: Rs. 1,00,000/-
• Permanent total disability: Rs. 1,00,000/-
• Loss of one limb and one eyes or both eyes or both limbs: Rs. 1,00,000/-
• Loss of one limb/one ear: Rs. 50,000/-
• In case of death of husband: Rs. 1,00,000/-

Additional Information

Janani Suraksha Yojna:

• It is a safe motherhood intervention under the National Health Mission (NHM).
• Launched on 12^th April 2005.
• It is being implemented in all states and UTs with a special focus on low performing states.
• It is a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme and it integrates cash assistance with delivery and post-delivery care.

Beti Bachao Yojna:

• This yojna is being implemented through a national campaign and focussed multi sectoral action in 100 selected districts low in Child Sex Ratio, covering all States and UTs.
• This is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Human Resource Development.

P. M. Matri Vandana Yojna:

• It is a maternity benefit programme.
• It offers cash incentives to all eligible Pregnant women and Lactating mothers.
• The Government offers ₹ 5,000 to Pregnant women and lactating mothers for the first living child family with an objective to fulfil specific conditions relating to maternal and child health.
• The cash incentive is given to all the eligible women who are above 19 years of age in three instalments - first, second and third- for ₹ 1,000, ₹ 2,000 and ₹ 2,000 respectively.

The correct answer is Soil Testing.

Key Points

• Department of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh issued a notification exercising the powers vested under Section 3 of the HP Public Services Guarantee Act 2011.
• It notified Soil Testing as public service by State Govt. under H.P. Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011.
• Description:
• Name of Service: Soil Testing.
• Application accepting authority: ADO/AEO of Soil Testing Lab of the area concerned.
• Designation of Designated officer: Soil Testing Officer.
• Time limit: 60 Days after receipt of the application.
• Designation Authority 1^st: Deputy Director of Agriculture.
• 2^nd: State Information Commission, Himachal Pradesh.

Soil Testing:

• Soil tests are used to determine the soil's nutrient level and pH content.
• With this information, farmers can define the quantity of fertiliser and the exact type that is needed for application to improve the soil on their farm.
• This is essential because fertile soils are necessary to grow healthy crops.
• Advantages:
• It informs the farmer of the current health of the farm’s soil and how to improve it.
• Soil test leads to minimisation of fertiliser expenditure.
• Soil testing results in limited over-fertilisation.
• Farmers can easily avoid soil degradation.

Additional Information

• Kisan Credit Card, Organic Farming, Seed Certification Programme was not declared as public service by State Govt. under H.P. Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

Gaiety Theatre:

• It was designed by the renowned architect Henry Irwin, who also designed the ‘Viceregal Lodge’ of Shimla.
• It became functional on 30^th May 1887.
• It designed ‘Gaiety Theatre Shimla’ in typical Gothic Style which represents a renaissance in Europe, with its arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses.
• This complex has come up as the vibrant centre of all types of creative and performing arts; as for example – painting, photography, dance, drama, theatrics, elocution, sculpture and classical and folk music.

Kalka Shimla Railway:

• The Guinness Book of Rail facts & feats records Kalka Shimla Railways as the greatest narrow gauge engineering in India
• Ambala Division is the custodian of “World Heritage Site-Kalka Shimla Railway.
• UNESCO World Heritage status: 7^th July 2008. (Also listed in Mountain railways of India).
• It was built to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the Indian rail system.
• The line measuring 95.68 Km from Kalka to Shimla was opened for traffic on Nov.9, 1903
• Barog Tunnel at 1144 meters is the longest tunnel on the route.
• The tunnel was completed by Chief Engineer H.S. Harrington with the help of local ascetic Bhalku.

Satyakam:

• Samuel Evans Stokes a Philadelphia born American Missionary and Military academy graduate came to India with Dr Carlton on 9 Jan 1904.
• He was involved with the spreading of Christianity however he converted to Hinduism and took a Hindu name, Satyanand Stokes
• The writings of Maharishi Swami Dayanand, the founder of Arya Samaj had a lasting impression on Stokes.
• He became an Arya Samaji and built an Arya Samaj temple on his estate, known as the Paramjyotir Temple.
• He was bestowed with the title of The Economic Emancipator of The Hills.
• He learnt Sanskrit, studied eastern and western thought, and expounded his philosophy of life in a book entitled Satyakam.

Old Shimla Bank:

• Old Shimla Bank was established by the co-operation of Messrs Barrett & Co.
• Messrs Barrett & Co. was the first European merchant established around 1838 in Simla.
• In 1845, Mr Barrett additionally opened a resort in Shimla. It was known as Pavilion. Later, it grew to become Royal, after which Lowrie’s Hotel.​

The correct answer is Amrita Shergil.

Key Points

Amrita Sher-Gil (1913-1941):

• Born in Budapest on Jan. 30, 1913, to a Hungarian-Sikh couple.
• Her style and her emphasis on women-led her to be known as the "Indian Frida Kahlo.
• She used her paintbrush to depict the daily lives of Indian women in the 1930s, revealing a sense of their loneliness and even hopelessness.
• It was a rendering rarely seen in depictions of Indian women at the time when portrayals tended to cast them as happy and obedient.
• She got her first recognition at the age of 19, for her oil painting titled Young Girls (1932).
• In addition to paintings of relatives, lovers and friends, she created self-portraits that showed her “grappling with her own identity,”
• She often reflected an introverted and troubled woman caught between her Hungarian and Indian existences.
• She sympathized with the Indian National Congress, which had been fighting for the rights of average Indians who sought independence from Britain.
• Her south Indian trilogy of paintings comprised Bride's Toilet, Brahmacharis, and South Indian Villagers Going to Market.
• Some of the works of Amrita Shergil are:
• Self-portraits,
• Hungarian Gypsy Girl
• Group of Three Girls
• Village Scene etc.

The correct answer is Auckland House.

Key Points​

• Britishers did a disaster in Afghanistan which is popularly known as The First Anglo-Afghan war.
• It was fought between the British Empire and the Emirate of Afghanistan from 1839 to 1842.
• The apprehension of the Russian invasion of India and the attempt of the British to check it on the border of Afghanistan was the primary cause of the First Anglo-Afghan War.
• Lord Palmerston who became the foreign minister of Britain in 1830 was determined to stem Russian advance towards the East and favoured a forward policy to achieve that purpose.
• He appointed Lord Auckland particularly with a view to pursuing that policy in 1836.
• Lord Bentinck's successor Lord Auckland, choose a residence on the northern eastern spur of the Shimla range which was known as the Auckland House.
• Auckland was living in the Auckland House in Shimla in 1838.
• It was the venue where Shimla Manifesto declaring war against the Afghan was signed on October 1^st, 1838.

British disaster in Afghanistan:

• The first Anglo-Afghan war brought no advantage to the British.
• Their primary object was to place a friendly person on the throne of Afghanistan. They failed in this attempt.
• Shah Shuja was murdered by the Afghans and Dost Muhammad, freed by the English from imprisonment, went back to Afghanistan and again captured his throne.
• He ruled there till 1863.
• Thus, the same person ruled in Afghanistan after the war, who had ruled it before the war.
• Besides, there was no change in the relations of the English with the Amir after the war.
• Dost Muhammad kept himself free from British influence.
• Thus, it is clear that the British drew no advantage from the war in which they lost nearly twenty thousand soldiers and rupees one and a half crores.