Himachal Pradesh Fully Literate: Meaning, ULLAS & HAS Relevance
Understanding the 95% benchmark, ULLAS, FLNAT and Himachal Pradesh's literacy achievement Source: The Indian Express | Additional inputs: Ministry of Education, PIB & PLFS Himachal Pradesh has emerged as one of India’s leading states in literacy, recording a 99.55% literacy rate under the ULLAS programme. The State was recently honoured at the national level on International Literacy Day, September 8, 2026, and now stands second after Goa, which has reported 99.7% literacy. Himachal Pradesh had formally been
Striped Hyena: Ecological Role, Conservation Status and Threats
Why in News? The Striped Hyena has recently been in the news due to growing focus on its ecological role as a scavenger, new studies on its presence in human-dominated landscapes, rare sightings, and concerns over its conservation. Experts have stressed the need for better population data, habitat protection and public awareness, as negative beliefs and superstitions continue to affect the species. Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) About: The striped hyena belongs to the family Hyaenidae. It is one of
Himalayan Glacier Collapse: Nepal Flood Lessons for India
The suspected Himalayan glacier collapse behind Nepal’s devastating flash flood has highlighted the growing vulnerability of the Himalayan region. The incident is especially important for India, where similar glacier-related disasters have occurred in recent years. Exam Relevance: UPSC Prelims GS-I | UPSC Mains GS-I & GS-III | HPAS Prelims GS-I | HPAS Mains GS-I — Geography, Environment & Disaster Management. For India, the event carries particular significance because the Himalayan states have experienced similar disasters in Kedarnath
India’s First Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs)
Recently, India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) of India at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The Guide is an important initiative to recognise the ecological, socio-economic and cultural importance of India’s grasslands and other naturally open landscapes, which have often been neglected or wrongly classified as wastelands. What are Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs)? Open Natural Ecosystems are
India’s Shakti Ki Saptadhara
Context During the Independence Day address on 15 August 2026, the Prime Minister outlined “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”—seven strategic streams for advancing Aatmanirbhar Bharat and achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. What is Shakti Ki Saptadhara? The term Saptadhara literally means “seven streams”. It draws inspiration from India’s civilisational idea of the Sapta Sindhu, while presenting a contemporary roadmap for national development. Saptadhara is not a separate government scheme or programme. Rather, it is a broad strategic framework identifying seven areas
Glaw Lake Becomes India’s 101st Ramsar Site
Glaw Lake, also known as Glow Lake, in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated as India’s 101st Ramsar Site and the state’s first wetland of international importance. Located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, this high-altitude freshwater lake supports rich floral and faunal diversity. Its recognition strengthens wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, water security, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods while highlighting the ecological importance of the Eastern Himalayan landscape for UPSC and HAS examinations preparation.