Daily Mains Answer Writing Practice – HP GK Questions GS-1 (UNIT-1)
HP GK Q-1 What were the positions of Hill States during the Anglo-Sikh Wars and why? The Anglo-Sikh wars were a series of conflicts between the Sikh Empire and the British East India Company during the mid-19th century. These wars were influenced by several factors that led to tensions and ultimately armed confrontations between the two powers. Position of Hill States: During the First Anglo-Sikh War: Hill States Supported Britishers – During the First Anglo-Sikh War, the Hill States
Quad Critical Minerals Initiative: A Strategic Move Towards Secure and Sustainable Supply Chains
The recently launched Quad Critical Minerals Initiative during the second Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Washington, DC marks a decisive step in ensuring economic security, supply chain resilience, and global technological advancement. As the world races towards a clean energy future, the demand for critical minerals—the building blocks of renewable technologies—is rising exponentially. Recognising this urgency, the Quad alliance (India, USA, Japan, and Australia) has jointly committed to securing and diversifying critical minerals supply chains. Why
Digital India Turns 10: The India Energy Stack is the Next Big Leap
Why in the News? On July 1, 2025, the Government of India celebrated 10 years of the ‘Digital India’ initiative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while marking this milestone, emphasized that Digital India has grown beyond being a mere governance programme to become a “people’s movement”, impacting every corner of Indian society. What is Digital India? Launched on July 1, 2015, Digital India is a flagship programme of the Government of India with a vision to transform India into
Understanding Cloudbursts and Flash Floods in Himachal Pradesh: A Must-Know Topic for HAS Aspirants
Why in the News? On June 26, 2025, multiple districts in Himachal Pradesh were battered by cloudbursts, triggering devastating flash floods. As per official reports, three bodies were recovered in Kangra, taking the death toll to five. The Kullu district was particularly affected, with cloudburst incidents recorded in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj. In response, the Himachal Pradesh Police Headquarters issued an advisory due to the heightened risks of floods, landslides, and more cloudbursts following the
Global Liveability Index 2025 and Urbanisation: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction As urbanisation accelerates across the globe, the quest for cities that offer better living conditions, opportunities, and infrastructure becomes ever more important. Urban migration is now a defining feature of socio-economic development, influencing policy priorities worldwide. Against this backdrop, the Global Liveability Index 2025, released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), offers a timely and insightful evaluation of the world’s most and least liveable cities. What Is the Global Liveability Index? The Global Liveability Index is a
Green India Mission: A Vital Step in India’s Fight Against Land Degradation
Why in the News? On June 17, coinciding with World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the Union Government unveiled a revised roadmap for the National Mission for a Green India (GIM). This renewed strategy not only emphasizes expanding forest and green cover but also prioritizes ecological restoration in some of India’s most vulnerable ecosystems—the Aravalli ranges, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangrove forests. The updated mission document, covering the period 2021–2030, was released by Union Environment Minister