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
The Forgotten Tongues of Himachal: Endangered Pahari Languages and the Tankri Revival
Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its snow-clad peaks, rushing rivers, and scenic beauty, is also home to a rich tapestry of cultures, oral traditions, and indigenous languages that have flourished for generations. Yet today, this vibrant linguistic heritage is under grave threat. Many oral Pahari languages are teetering on the edge of extinction — and with their disappearance, Himachal risks losing a vital piece of its cultural soul. As the saying goes, "When a language dies, a
Axiom-4 Mission: A Landmark Step in India’s Space Journey
Why in the News? The Axiom-4 space mission, which was set to carry India’s astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla along with three other international crew members to the International Space Station (ISS), faced another postponement due to a technical issue with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. While the new launch date remains undecided, the mission’s significance for India and global space exploration continues to attract widespread attention. Understanding the Axiom-4 Mission The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission is a commercial spaceflight operated by
Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana: Himachal’s Eco-Social Mission
In a progressive step towards ecological restoration and inclusive development, the Himachal Pradesh government launched the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana on June 2, 2025, from Hamirpur. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the initiative, which is poised to enhance forest cover, empower local communities, and provide sustainable employment opportunities. A Dual-Focus Approach: Ecology and Employment The Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana is a visionary scheme designed to rehabilitate barren and degraded forest lands by planting fruit-bearing