Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Chamba – A Symbol of Faith, Art, and Heritage
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, is the oldest and most revered shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Built by Raja Sahil Varman in the 10th century CE, this temple exemplifies the Shikhara style of North Indian architecture and stands as a testament to Chamba’s artistic and cultural legacy. Declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it continues to attract scholars, pilgrims, and heritage enthusiasts alike.
Cloud Seeding and Delhi’s Battle Against Air Pollution: Science, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
Delhi’s cloud seeding experiment to induce artificial rain failed to bring relief from pollution, but it reignited a key environmental debate. This article explains what cloud seeding is, how it works, its limitations in tackling air pollution, and why Delhi needs long-term solutions over temporary fixes. Ideal for UPSC aspirants, it covers GS Paper 3 Environment topics such as weather modification technology, air pollution causes, CAQM, and sustainable strategies for cleaner air.
The Iron Man of India: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and National Unity Day 2025
Introduction Every year on 31st October, India celebrates National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) to honour the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. In 2025, the nation marks his 150th birth anniversary, a historic milestone celebrating his enduring legacy of unity, courage, and nation-building. The grand celebrations at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirm Patel’s timeless vision — “One Nation, One Spirit.” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – The
International Bird-Watching Programme Held at Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
Introduction An international bird-watching programme was recently organised at the Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. The event brought together participants from 15 countries, including Austria, Switzerland, England, Germany, Italy, Norway, South Africa, Belgium, and France. During the programme, delegates observed and recorded over 35 bird species, showcasing the sanctuary’s rich avian diversity and underlining its global ecological importance. This initiative also highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s growing focus on eco-tourism, community-based conservation, and biodiversity awareness. Location and
The Importance of Sir Creek: Why India and Pakistan Have Failed to Solve the Border Dispute
The Sir Creek dispute remains one of the longest unresolved territorial issues between India and Pakistan. Despite being only a 96-kilometre-long tidal estuary, the region holds significant strategic and economic importance, making its resolution complex and politically sensitive for both nations. Understanding Sir Creek and Its Geography Sir Creek, historically known as Ban Ganga, lies between the Kutch region of Gujarat in India and Sindh province in Pakistan. The area is an intricate network of marshlands and
Himachal Pradesh Records Rise in Snow Leopard Population: From 51 to 83 in 2025, A Model for Community-Led Conservation
Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable increase in its snow leopard population, marking a major conservation success story. According to the latest comprehensive survey conducted by the Wildlife Wing of the state’s Forest Department in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), the number of snow leopards in the state has risen from 51 in 2021 to 83 in 2025, excluding cubs. The announcement came on the first day of Wildlife Week, symbolizing Himachal’s growing