Himachal’s First Island Tourism Initiative Takes Off in Bilaspur
Bilaspur to Become the State’s Island Tourism Pioneer In a groundbreaking move to enhance tourism in Himachal Pradesh, the district administration of Bilaspur has initiated the state’s first island tourism project by selecting four islands in the Gobind Sagar Lake for development into premium tourist destinations. This initiative is modeled on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands tourism model and marks a significant shift in the state’s tourism landscape. Islands Identified for Development The selected islands include Jyori Patan,
‘.bank.in’ Domain for Banks: A Safer Digital Future for Indian Banking
Why in the News? In a move to address the alarming rise in digital payment frauds, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially operationalised the ‘.bank.in’ domain, an exclusive and secure internet domain for Indian banks. This initiative is aimed at enhancing cybersecurity, ensuring user trust, and reducing vulnerabilities in the online financial ecosystem. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, during the February 2025 monetary policy announcement, stated: “Increased instances of fraud in digital payments are a significant concern.
Himachal Pradesh Bans PET Bottles in Government Meetings and Hotels from June 1
In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to ban the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in all indoor official meetings, conferences, and events organized by government bodies, as well as in government-run and private hotels. The ban on small PET bottles (up to 500 ml) will officially come into effect from June 1, 2025. Why the Ban on PET Bottles? The decision stems from growing concerns about the high potential
Pakistan Suspends the Simla Agreement: A Look Back at the 1972 Peace Accord
In a significant development, Pakistan has suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement as part of a series of retaliatory measures against India’s reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. The move has once again brought into focus the importance of the Simla Agreement — a cornerstone of post-war diplomacy between India and Pakistan. What Was the 1972 Simla Agreement? The Simla Agreement, signed on July 2, 1972, was a historic peace treaty between India and
Indus Waters Treaty Under Strain: Aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror Attack
In an unprecedented move, India has officially suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) — a cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations for over six decades. The decision, taken during a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, follows a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed at least 26 lives. The treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan ends its support for cross-border terrorism, marking a historic turning
Civil Services Day 2025: Celebrating India’s Administrative Backbone
On April 21, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation’s civil servants on the occasion of the 17th Civil Services Day, a day marked to honor the tireless dedication and commitment of India’s administrative machinery. During the event, the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration were conferred upon exemplary officers for their outstanding contributions to governance and public service. PM Modi emphasized the transformative power of governance, stating that the policies currently being