Himachal’s Birth Rate Decline: A Looming Demographic Crisis
Why in News? Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a sharp decline in its birth rate, raising concerns about a potential demographic crisis. Over the past two decades, the birth rate has dropped from 20.5 to below 12. Despite the state’s population increasing from 65 lakh in 2005 to around 80 lakh in 2024, the number of annual births has fallen from 1.34 lakh to approximately 88,000. This marks a significant reduction of nearly 45,000 births per year,
Buddhist Monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti & Kinnaur: History, Culture & Spiritual Significance
The regions of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh are home to some of the most ancient and architecturally significant Buddhist monasteries in India. Nestled in the high-altitude Himalayas, these monasteries not only serve as spiritual centers but also stand as living museums of Tibetan Buddhist heritage, preserving ancient murals, scriptures, and artistic traditions. Lamaistic Buddhism and Architectural Distinctiveness The Himalayan region that borders Tibet, which includes Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur, bears a distinct
Samudrayaan Mission & Matsya-6000: India’s Deep-Sea Exploration Breakthrough
Introduction India is making remarkable strides in deep-sea exploration with its Samudrayaan Mission, a pioneering initiative under the Deep Ocean Mission. This project aims to explore underwater resources and advance marine technology. A major component of this mission is Matsya-6000, a deep-sea submersible designed for manned exploration at extreme depths. Recent Developments In February 2024, India successfully conducted wet tests of the Matsya-6000 submersible, verifying its operational capability for deep-sea mineral exploration. China recently revealed a deep-sea cable-cutting device,
Nawala Festival of Gaddi Tribe: A Celebration of Thanks to Lord Shiva
The Nawala Festival is an important yearly event that holds a special significance in the hearts of the Gaddis residing in Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, and Kullu. This lively celebration is a sincere expression of gratitude towards Lord Shiva, a deity that is highly respected by these tribal communities. In order to fully comprehend the essence of this festival, it is necessary to explore its rich history and cultural significance. About Gaddi Tribe The Gaddi tribe, an indigenous
Himachal Pradesh’s New Anti-Crime Law: Everything You Need to Know
In a major legislative move, the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced the Himachal Pradesh Organised Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, aimed at tackling organised crime, ensuring public safety, and safeguarding economic stability. The Bill, presented in the Assembly by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, significantly expands the definition of organised crime to include environmental violations such as illegal mining, deforestation, wildlife trafficking, and hazardous waste dumping. A New Legal Framework for Organised Crime The proposed Bill
Thoda: A Martial Art of Himachal Pradesh
The festival's goal is to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. Thoda, an enthralling traditional game, is the center of attention, showcasing the essence of Himachali culture. What is Thoda? Thoda is a martial art style originating from Himachal Pradesh. It is a fusion of archery, dance, and music. The dance form performed by the young artists is inspired by the dance and sports style of the Mahabharata era, known as "Thoda." This dance form might