Digital India Turns 10: The India Energy Stack is the Next Big Leap
Why in the News? On July 1, 2025, the Government of India celebrated 10 years of the ‘Digital India’ initiative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while marking this milestone, emphasized that Digital India has grown beyond being a mere governance programme to become a “people’s movement”, impacting every corner of Indian society. What is Digital India? Launched on July 1, 2015, Digital India is a flagship programme of the Government of India with a vision to transform India into
Understanding Cloudbursts and Flash Floods in Himachal Pradesh: A Must-Know Topic for HAS Aspirants
Why in the News? On June 26, 2025, multiple districts in Himachal Pradesh were battered by cloudbursts, triggering devastating flash floods. As per official reports, three bodies were recovered in Kangra, taking the death toll to five. The Kullu district was particularly affected, with cloudburst incidents recorded in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj. In response, the Himachal Pradesh Police Headquarters issued an advisory due to the heightened risks of floods, landslides, and more cloudbursts following the
Global Liveability Index 2025 and Urbanisation: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction As urbanisation accelerates across the globe, the quest for cities that offer better living conditions, opportunities, and infrastructure becomes ever more important. Urban migration is now a defining feature of socio-economic development, influencing policy priorities worldwide. Against this backdrop, the Global Liveability Index 2025, released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), offers a timely and insightful evaluation of the world’s most and least liveable cities. What Is the Global Liveability Index? The Global Liveability Index is a
Green India Mission: A Vital Step in India’s Fight Against Land Degradation
Why in the News? On June 17, coinciding with World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the Union Government unveiled a revised roadmap for the National Mission for a Green India (GIM). This renewed strategy not only emphasizes expanding forest and green cover but also prioritizes ecological restoration in some of India’s most vulnerable ecosystems—the Aravalli ranges, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangrove forests. The updated mission document, covering the period 2021–2030, was released by Union Environment Minister
What is FASTag & How RFID, ANPR, and GNSS Are Revolutionizing Toll Collection
Introduction The Indian highway system has seen a technological leap in recent years with the nationwide implementation of FASTag, an electronic toll collection system aimed at reducing traffic congestion and ensuring seamless travel. At the heart of this system lies Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology — a wireless communication method that has revolutionized toll collection by eliminating the need for physical stops at toll booths. The recent announcement by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of a FASTag-based
Shongtong-Karcham Hydroelectric Project to Be Completed by November 2026
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently visited the Shongtong-Karcham Hydroelectric Project site in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, to assess the pace of ongoing developmental activities. In a decisive move, the Chief Minister directed that all construction and commissioning works be completed by November 2026, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to boosting clean energy generation and regional development. A Major Step Towards Energy Security The Shongtong-Karcham Hydroelectric Project is a run-of-the-river scheme being developed on the river