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
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
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
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
Himachal Cold Desert Enters UNESCO Biosphere Reserve List
The inclusion of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (CDBR) in Himachal Pradesh into UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) marks a milestone in India’s biodiversity conservation journey. Spanning 7,770 sq km across Lahaul-Spiti district, this cold desert ecosystem is
Himachal Pradesh’s Golden Mahaseer Conservation Earns SKOCH Gold Award 2025
The Himachal Pradesh Fisheries Department has been conferred the prestigious SKOCH Gold Award 2025 for its groundbreaking efforts in conserving the critically endangered Golden Mahaseer through a pioneering captive breeding programme. The award was presented at a ceremony held at
C. P. Radhakrishnan Sworn in as India’s 15th Vice-President: Constitutional Role and Political Context
C. P. Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice-President of India in a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and
Parwanoo Ranks Second in India for Clean Air Efforts: A Model for Small Cities
Parwanoo, a small industrial town in Himachal Pradesh, has earned national recognition for its exemplary efforts in tackling air pollution. In the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2025, conducted under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Parwanoo secured the second rank in
Pong Dam at 50: Lessons for Water Management and Climate Resilience
Introduction The Pong Dam, commissioned in 1974 on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh, stands as one of India’s major multipurpose river valley projects. Conceived under the Beas Project, its primary objectives were irrigation supply to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, hydroelectric
SabhaSaar: AI Tool to Strengthen Gram Sabhas in India
On Independence Day 2024, the Government of India introduced ‘SabhaSaar’, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tool designed to bring uniformity, efficiency, and transparency to Gram Sabha proceedings. The tool was first rolled out in Tripura and later extended to other states.