Current Context: NotOnMap, a community-driven sustainable tourism initiative founded in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, received international recognition at the Harvard-University of Tokyo Asia Conference (ACONF) 2025, held from 20–24 August 2025 in Tokyo. ABOUT NOTONMAP Founded In: Chamba, Himachal Pradesh Model: Connects travellers with rural and heritage communities Focus Areas: Preserving local culture Promoting cultural exchange Strengthening rural livelihoods ABOUT HPAIR (Harvard Project for Asian & International Relations) Established: 1991 Objective: Dialogue on major political, social, and economic issues in the Asia-Pacific Past Partners: World Bank, UNHCR, Schwarzman Scholars 2025 Partners: JR East (Japan Metro Operator), International Institute for Strategy &....Read More

Current Context : The first ever zero-waste tribal fair of Himachal Pradesh was celebrated at Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district. ABOUT THE ZERO-WASTE TRIBAL FAIR Location: Keylong, Lahaul & Spiti district Duration: 14–16 August 2025 (three days) Inauguration: By Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (virtually) Development Initiatives: Foundation laid for projects worth ₹36 crore to boost local agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and connectivity Zero-Waste Features Complete ban on single-use plastic Use of biodegradable utensils (leaf plates, eco-cups) Refillable water stations provided Waste segregation through support from NGOs like Healing Himalayas and SaahasRead More

Current Context : Chandrarekha Dhadwal, renowned litterateur and educationist from Dharamsala, has been honoured with the Himachal Gaurav Award by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. ABOUT THE AWARD Introduced By: Government of Himachal Pradesh Nature: One of the highest civilian honours of the state Purpose: To recognise individuals for their outstanding contributions in various fields such as literature, art, culture, social service, education, science, sports, and public life. Occasion of Presentation: Usually conferred during State-level Independence Day or Republic Day celebrations. ABOUT CHANDRAREKHA DHADWAL Profession: Litterateur and Educationist Residence: Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh Teaching Career: Over 30 years in the field....Read More

Current Context : Naib Subedar Satish Kumar of the 4 Dogra Regiment has been awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, for exceptional bravery during Operation Sindoor. About the Awardee Unit: 4 Dogra Regiment. Native Place: Samohali village, Buhala Bhadiyara Gram Panchayat, Jogindernagar subdivision, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. ABOUT THE VIR CHAKRA Type: Third-highest wartime gallantry award in India (after Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra). Established: 26 January 1950 (with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947). Eligibility: Officers and men of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force). May also be conferred on members of....Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT : Kangra’s folk dance Jhamakada was recently showcased at the Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025 in Gujarat, as part of the cultural exchange under the ‘Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. A 19-member troupe from Himachal Pradesh brought this vibrant tradition to life. ABOUT JHAMAKADA Origin & Region Traditional folk dance of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh Mainly performed by women during special occasions like weddings and thread ceremonies Performance Style Group Dance by Women: Performed and watched only by women in earlier times Playful Rules: Traditionally, if any man was caught watching, he was jokingly punished by the dancers Occasions and....Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT : The Kinner Kailash Yatra that began on 15 July 2025 has been suspended due to heavy rainfall and unsafe trail conditions in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh.  ABOUT KINNER KAILASH YATRA Religious Significance Considered the winter abode of Lord Shiva. Important pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists. Altitude: 6,050 metres; Route starts from Kalpa. Yatra Timeline Normally held between July and August every year. Resumption will depend on weather and trail safety.Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT : Himachal Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu approved reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in municipal elections. DETAILS OF THE DECISION Reservation Plan : OBCs will now get proportional representation in urban local bodies based on their population. A Backward Classes Commission will be set up to collect data and prepare the reservation roster. Health and Disaster Relief Measures 290 new ASHA workers approved to strengthen healthcare in remote areas. Monthly rent assistance (via Direct Benefit Transfer): ₹5,000/month for rural families. ₹10,000/month for urban families. Applicable for up to 6 months after monsoon disasters.Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT : On 1 August 2025, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan became the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. He replaced Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who is now the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, the most active operational command of the Indian Navy. ABOUT VICE ADMIRAL SANJAY VATSAYAN Personal Background Origin: Hiranagar, Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh). Comes from a military family (second generation in armed forces). Career Highlights Joined Indian Navy on 1 January 1988. Specialised in Gunnery and Missile Systems. Served on warships like INS Mysore. Commanded INS Vibhuti, INS Nashak, and INS Sahyadri. Was Eastern Fleet Commander....Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT: A traditional polyandrous marriage (‘Jajda’) was recently observed among the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh.  ABOUT HATTI TRIBE: Location: Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (near Giri and Tons rivers). Name Origin: From traditional occupation—selling produce at local markets (‘Haat’). Status: Recognized Scheduled Tribe (ST).  PRACTICE OF POLYANDRY: Type: A woman marries more than one man simultaneously. Local Recognition: Known as ‘Jodidara’ in revenue records. Purpose: Prevent division of ancestral land Preserve joint family unity and promote brotherhood Address demographic and resource constraintsRead More

CURRENT CONTEXT : The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has released the results of Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, India’s annual cleanliness survey under the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM–U). HIMACHAL PRADESH HIGHLIGHTS Theog, a small town near Shimla, has been declared the cleanest city in Himachal Pradesh. It secured 12th rank nationally in the “Promising Swachh Shehar” Naidun ranked second in the state, followed by Shimla at third. SHIMLA'S DECLINE IN RANKING Shimla, once the cleanest city in Himachal Pradesh, slipped from 188th to 347th place nationally. Major reasons cited include: Poor waste collection and segregation Inadequate cleaning....Read More