Explained: Why Himachal Pradesh Wants 100% Import Duty on Foreign Apples
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Centre to impose a 100% import duty on foreign apples to protect local growers from cheaper imports. The demand follows India’s decision to cut duties on New Zealand apples under
Western Tragopan (Jujurana) — The State Bird of Himachal Pradesh: Status, Habitat, Threats & Protection
The Western Tragopan, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the world’s rarest pheasants. While captive breeding efforts offer temporary relief, the species continues to face severe threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human disturbance. Long-term survival depends
Raulane Festival Of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
Raulane Mela is one of Kinnaur’s most unique winter-to-spring transition festivals, celebrating the farewell of Sauni—protective mountain spirits believed to guard villages through harsh Himalayan winters. Marked by elaborate traditional attire, ritual processions, and deep-rooted folklore, the festival reflects the
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
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
Gift of Tradition: The Story of Himachali Pulla and Their Revival
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented traditional hemp slippers, known as pulla, to the priests of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, he did more than just offer a gift—he spotlighted an age-old Himalayan craft that carries within it a story of
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
The Battle of Bhangani 1686:Key Insights and Highlights
Introduction The Battle of Bhangani, a significant event in Sikh history, took place in the year 1686 A.D., near Paonta Sahib. It was a clash born out of complex political dynamics, personal rivalries, and shifting allegiances. This article delves into the
Gorkha Invasions and the Fall of Sansar Chand: How the Hill States Reshaped Power in the Himalayas
The early 19th century was a period of turbulence in the western Himalayas. The fall of the Mughal Empire and the shifting balance of power in Punjab and the hills created a vacuum that ambitious rulers sought to exploit. In