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 his enduring legacy of unity, courage, and nation-building. The grand celebrations at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirm Patel’s timeless vision — “One Nation, One Spirit.” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – The
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 observed and recorded over 35 bird species, showcasing the sanctuary’s rich avian diversity and underlining its global ecological importance. This initiative also highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s growing focus on eco-tourism, community-based conservation, and biodiversity awareness. Location and
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 nations. Understanding Sir Creek and Its Geography Sir Creek, historically known as Ban Ganga, lies between the Kutch region of Gujarat in India and Sindh province in Pakistan. The area is an intricate network of marshlands and
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 Foundation (NCF), the number of snow leopards in the state has risen from 51 in 2021 to 83 in 2025, excluding cubs. The announcement came on the first day of Wildlife Week, symbolizing Himachal’s growing
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 among the driest and harshest environments on Earth, yet home to unique flora, fauna, and resilient human communities. Constitutional Provisions for Biodiversity Protection in India India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation is backed by strong constitutional safeguards: Article 48A
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 faith, sustainability, and resilience. These eco-friendly slippers, deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Himachal Pradesh, embody the spirit of simplicity and the wisdom of living in harmony with nature. What Are Pulla? Pulla are handcrafted slippers