Vande Bharat Routes With the Best Views: 9 Scenic Train Journeys in India

Vande Bharat Express is rapidly gaining popularity in India as one of the country’s fastest and most luxurious trains that provide comfort and reduce travel time. However, for tourists, some routes of Vande Bharat make their trip not only fast but also special.

Several Vande Bharat trains have to traverse some of the most picturesque terrains in India including the snow-clad mountains and valleys of Kashmir, foggy Western Ghats, greenery of Kerala and even the foothills of the Himalayas.

For all the nature lovers who like enjoying the landscape from train windows, these 9 scenic routes of Vande Bharat are perfect for travelling.

Top-9 Scenic Routes of Vande Bharat

1. Katra-Srinagar: Breathtaking Kashmir Views

Among the most stunning routes offered by the Vande Bharat service there is Katra-Srinagar route through the picturesque Kashmir valley. There will be many impressive sights to admire during the ride including snow-capped mountains, green valleys, rivers and slopes of mountains.

Moreover, the scenery of the journey will differ depending on the time of the year when passengers take the train since in winter there are snow covered landscapes and in summer green surroundings.

2. Mumbai-Madgaon: Through the Western Ghats and Konkan Region

Among the routes which are suitable for lovers of greenery there is the Mumbai-Madgaon Vande Bharat service. The passengers will travel through Konkan region and Western Ghats which will allow them to appreciate forests, hills, rivers and villages around the train route.

If there will be a monsoon, waterfalls will appear in the landscape and misty hills covered with dense greenery will complete the scenery of the journey.

3. Mangaluru-Madgaon: Coastal Karnataka and Western Ghats at Their Greenest

The Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat service allows combining the view of the beautiful coastal Karnataka and greenery of the Western Ghats in one journey.

Passengers will have an opportunity to observe green hills, dense vegetation, waterways, some villages and countryside landscapes during the train ride. The greenery will be especially dense during and after the monsoon season.

4. Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod: A Scenic Ride across Kerala State

The Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod Vande Bharat route covers the largest part of Kerala state and allows observing its unique landscape.

Passengers will see coconut grooves, paddy fields, waterways, villages and green countryside. In contrast with the other routes there is no impressive landmark to see but there is always something new to discover.

5. Ahmedabad-Mumbai: From Gujarat to Maharashtra

The Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat is an example of a completely different type of scenic train travel experience. It takes passengers from the lands of Gujarat to greener landscapes closer to Mumbai in Maharashtra.

It is a good option if you want to experience the fast train journey and at the same time admire the change in the landscapes of western India.

6. Chennai-Mysuru: Changing Landscapes of South India

The Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat is a train journey with changing landscapes instead of a specific scenic spot.

Passengers will find themselves surrounded by plains in Tamil Nadu near Chennai before traveling through greenery of Karnataka. The variety of cities, countryside and vegetation makes the journey attractive for people who like seeing changing landscapes of Indian states during the rail journey.

7. New Delhi-Varanasi: Fields and Ganga Plains

A mountain range, forest and coastal areas are not the only types of landscapes that can provide a scenic experience in the train journey.

The New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat travels across the vast plains of northern India and thus gives passengers an opportunity to see agricultural lands, villages and other small settlements.

8. Patna-Howrah: Fields, Rivers and Rural Eastern India

The Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat travels through the agricultural land of Bihar and West Bengal. This journey includes the fields, villages, waterways and rural settlements.

If you like taking a look on rural India during the train ride, then the Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat is your train of choice.

9. Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri: Towards the Himalayan Foothills

The Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat gives passengers another scenic experience in northeastern part of India. The changing landscapes appear as the train approaches the Himalayan foothills.

The train ride is surrounded by the green countryside, but the visibility and weather can bring passengers views of the Himalayan Foothills as well. Travellers who are planning to go to North Bengal and Northeastern part of India get an added advantage of scenic landscapes during the journey.

Which Vande Bharat Route is the Best to See the Scenery?

There isn’t an only option as each route provides something different from a landscape point of view. In this regard, Katra-Srinagar is famous for its scenic beauty of the mountains whereas Mumbai-Madgaon and Mangaluru-Madgaon routes offer picturesque views especially during the monsoon season due to the Western Ghats landscape.

Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod route is perfect for people who wish to see the green landscape of Kerala. On the other hand, Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri route offers scenic views of the Northeast landscapes and the foothills of the Himalayas.

If a person doesn’t like to see mountains but prefers rural landscape, then he should choose New Delhi-Varanasi and Patna-Howrah routes.

UP Approves 180-Day Maternity Leave Twice for Women

UP Cabinet clears 180 days maternity leave twice in career rule for female state government employees. The decision of Uttar Pradesh Cabinet allows female state government employees to enjoy 180 days of maternity leave twice in their service period without the earlier requirement of keeping two years’ gap between two maternity leaves. The decision is meant to help working mothers and give them adequate time for pregnancy, childbirth, recovery and childcare. The decision was taken by the Cabinet on August 22, 2026, according to news of the amended provisions.

What Are the New UP Maternity Leave Rules?

Under the new provision, eligible women state government employees will be able to take 180 days or six months of maternity leave twice in their service period.

The most important change made to the provisions is that of removing the requirement of the two years gap between two maternity leaves.

It means that eligible female state government employees can now take maternity leave twice without waiting for the two years gap after one maternity leave.

The amendment concerns Rule 153(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Financial Handbook.

Which Employees Will Be Eligible For This Benefit?

This revised rule is applicable to female workers of the state government of Uttar Pradesh. Under the new scheme, women workers can take maternity leave twice in their service period.

It has also been reported that this rule revision includes an extension of this 180 day benefit for adoptive mothers, thereby extending the benefit of maternity leave for female workers.

There were some limitations placed on the previous regulations on the waiting period for taking two consecutive maternity leaves.

Now this condition of a two-year waiting period has been removed.

Which Are the Important Benefits?

Some important benefits of this scheme include,

Six months of leave: Employees can now enjoy around six months of leave for maternity under this plan.
Two times in service life: They can avail themselves of the leave twice in their service life.
No mandatory two-year waiting period: This was a previous condition for taking two maternity leaves which has been now removed.
Childcare facility: Mothers will have more time after leaving their jobs for early recovery and childcare.
Leave in case of adoption: This rule applies to the case of adoptive mothers also.

Why Is There No Two-Years Gaps Left Now?

This is because of some new developments in law about maternity benefits.

Some cases have been going on in the Allahabad High Court about the case of women in government service taking another maternity leave of 180 days within two years.

The Cabinet has amended this state law so that it is now in accordance with the latest development in Uttar Pradesh.

Lando Norris Wins Dramatic Dutch Grand Prix 2026

Lando Norris won his second successive win in the 2026 Formula 1 season after holding on to victory in a thrilling and exciting Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The McLaren driver beat Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes by 11.536 seconds, with George Russell finishing third. Max Verstappen went off the road early in the race, crashing out after completing only one lap. Strategical games, Virtual Safety Cars, and Ferrari pressure made the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort a thrilling race.

Norris Wins Race In Late Battle With Antonelli

The race commenced with Lando Norris on pole position and maintaining the lead position at the start. However, the race was interrupted due to Verstappen crashing off the road in his Red Bull car.

The Mercedes driver made a good start from fifth position to take the lead after the red-flag restart. However, the Mercedes driver kept building up his lead.

Antonelli held on to the lead until the end game when Norris decided to make his move. In the late phase of the race, Norris passed Antonelli before moving ahead of Lewis Hamilton for the lead.

Lando Norris managed to hold on to his lead to win by 11.536 seconds.

Verstappen Retires in Own Backyard

The early shock moment was when Verstappen spun into the rear end of his car on the main straight following the rear wheels crossing the white line. The car smashed into the barrier sending wreckage all over the track, requiring race stewards to call out the red flag.

While Verstappen later said that he was fine, the race was over for him. This was especially disappointing for the local fans, as it was supposed to be the last F1 weekend at Zandvoort.

Antonelli and Russell on Mercedes Podium

Kimi Antonelli secured second place after a fine drive for Mercedes, with George Russell coming third in the other Mercedes.

A late Virtual Safety Car, due to Esteban Ocon’s Haas halting in the middle of the track, added a strategic element towards the latter stages. Antonelli pit for new tyres, while Norris and Russell stayed out on old tyres.

However, Mercedes told Russell to let Antonelli past to enable the Italian to finish in second. Russell had to fight Hamilton and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari in the battle for third place.

Top 5 Finishers

Lando Norris – McLaren
Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
George Russell – Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari

Oscar Piastri finished in the sixth position, whereas Liam Lawson placed seventh and was the sole Red Bull team member to finish the race after being penalized for 10 seconds.

India’s Rocket Launch Costs: When Small Rockets Carry a Bigger Price Tag

india-rocket-launch-cost-per-kg-global-comparison

“A small vessel may sail far, but every journey has its cost.” This saying aptly reflects India’s position in the global space-launch industry, where smaller rockets have helped keep overall launch expenses manageable but have pushed the cost per kilogram of payload significantly higher than that of other major space powers.

According to a study published in Economics Letters, titled “Geopolitics and space access: cost asymmetries and strategic dependence,” India currently has the highest average cost of sending a kilogram of payload into orbit among major space powers.

The researchers analysed more than 6,740 rocket launches between 1960 and 2025 to compare launch costs, payload capacity and the changing global space landscape.

India’s Costliest Launches Per Kilogram

The study estimates that in 2025, the average cost of putting one kilogram of payload into orbit was:

Country/Region	Cost per kg
India	$13,302
Europe	$9,897
Russia	$6,682
China	$5,809
Japan	$5,287
USA	$3,225
Global Average	$3,868

Thus, India’s estimated cost per kilogram was more than four times that of the US.

Why Is India’s Cost So High?

“When the load is small, the burden of the journey becomes heavy.”

The researchers attribute India’s high per-kilogram cost largely to the smaller size of rockets used.

A launch involves substantial fixed expenses. When a smaller rocket carries a limited payload, these costs are distributed across fewer kilograms. As a result, the cost per kilogram increases, even if the overall launch price remains relatively low.

US and Europe Have Improved Faster

The study found that only the US and Europe recorded statistically significant improvements in launch costs between 2010 and 2025, with the US showing a much faster improvement.

The growing use of reusable rockets, particularly SpaceX’s Falcon 9, has played a major role in reducing US launch costs.

India’s relatively limited launch activity may also mean that it has not yet achieved the same economies of scale and learning effects seen in countries with much higher launch frequencies.

SpaceX Changes the Global Launch Equation

“He who lowers the cost, opens the road.”

The US has dramatically increased its share of global payload in recent years.

Its share dropped from nearly 50% in 1995 to below 20% in 2012, but subsequently surged to more than 82% in 2024.

The rise was driven largely by increased US launch activity after 2016, supported by SpaceX’s reusable rockets and the Starlink satellite constellation.

The study estimates that SpaceX alone accounted for around 75% of global payload sent into orbit in 2025.

China Rapidly Expands Its Space Programme

China has also emerged as a major competitor in the global space sector.

It overtook Europe in cumulative payload sent into space in 2023. China’s share of global payload reached around 27% in 2021, declined afterward and recovered again in 2025.

Meanwhile, Europe and Russia have seen their shares decline to only a few percentage points.

Europe’s Growing Cost Gap with the US

“When technology moves forward, standing still becomes expensive.”

The US and Europe had broadly similar average launch costs during 2012–13. However, the gap has widened considerably.

Today, launching one kilogram of payload using European rockets is estimated to cost more than three times as much as using US rockets.

One major reason was Europe’s continued reliance on the Ariane 5 through much of the 2010s, while the US increasingly shifted toward reusable launch systems.

Europe introduced Ariane 6 in 2024, which could help narrow the gap. However, Ariane 6 remains a single-use rocket, and its expected launch rate is comparatively limited.

Russia Faces Its Own Challenges

Russia has phased out the lower-cost-per-kilogram Proton rocket, but its intended successor, Angara, has not successfully replaced it at scale.

As a result, Russia continues to depend on the more expensive Soyuz launch system.

The US and Russia had broadly similar cumulative payload levels until 2003. However, the Columbia disaster, followed by a two-year pause and the eventual scaling down of the US Space Shuttle programme, significantly changed the US launch trajectory.

The Shuttle programme was finally retired in 2011, without an immediate heavy-lift replacement.

High Launch Costs Can Create Strategic Dependence

“A nation that cannot control its road to space may have to depend on someone else’s road.”

More than 100 countries have at least one satellite in space, but many of them rely on foreign launch providers to put those satellites into orbit.

The study highlights an important strategic dilemma: countries may choose expensive domestic launch systems to maintain strategic autonomy, while cheaper foreign launch services can provide greater economic efficiency.

For non-US space powers, this creates a difficult choice between independence and affordability.

What India Needs to Focus On

The study highlights the importance of developing low-cost, domestically controlled reusable launch technology.

For India, reducing the cost per kilogram will require greater launch frequency, larger payload capacity, technological innovation and eventually wider adoption of reusable launch systems.

ISRO Chief V Narayanan Announces India’s Space Station Goal

India is planning to establish its space station by 2035. The target has been revealed at the third National Space Day celebrations in Ahmedabad on August 23, 2026 by ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. The chairman added that the first module of the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) has already been approved. The move will mark an important milestone in India’s space programme which focuses not only on satellite applications and exploring the moon but also includes Gaganyaan as well as human activities in space.

Bharatiya Antariksha Station: What Did ISRO Say?

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan stated that India is planning to establish the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035. According to him, the first module of the station has been approved.

The establishment of the station will be a great step forward for India’s human spaceflight programme, as the station will use the facilities developed under the programme named Gaganyaan.

Narayanan recalled the history of the Indian space programme, noting that over 64 years, its space-based applications have expanded to serve citizens in more than 50 fields.

These fields range from earth observation and remote sensing to telecommunications, TV broadcasting and education, disaster warning and mitigation, navigation, monitoring and tracking.

Gaganyaan and India’s Upcoming Space Programs

As it stands now, Gaganyaan is still considered to be one of the significant space projects that are yet to take place in India. The project aims at gaining the ability to launch humans into space and will offer essential experience for future human projects.

This space station program is an extension of that aim. While the Gaganyaan program focuses on human spaceflight capabilities, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station would signify India’s step toward long-term human activities in space.

Both programs together can significantly enhance India’s involvement in the human spaceflight industry.

Why Does India Need its Space Station?

Having a domestic space station would provide India with an opportunity to conduct research, test new technologies, and gain experience in long-term human space missions.

Additionally, such a station would fit into India’s space exploration plans.

The space program of India has gone through many stages, from launch vehicles and satellites to Earth observation and human spaceflights.

India’s Private Sector Contributing to India’s Space Sector

Addressing at National Space Day event, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat pointed out the importance of private contributions towards India’s space sector.

According to him, due to the increasing involvement of private sectors, new opportunities have emerged, while the efforts of ISRO are being complemented.

Various activities like satellite production, payload development, applications, and launching are being conducted more efficiently.

This expansion in the private sector would help India realize its aspirations in the space sector.

Weekly Current Affairs One Liners (17th to 23rd August, 2026)

Weekly Current Affairs One-Liners

Current Affairs 2026 plays a very important role in competitive examinations and hence, aspirants have to give their undivided attention to it while preparing for the government examinations. The banking, SSC, Railways or insurance examinations comprise a section of “General Awareness” to evaluate how much the aspirant is aware of the daily happenings taking place around the world. To complement your preparation, we are providing you with a compilation of the current affairs of the last week.

The Weekly One-Liners provides all-important news from 17th to 23rd August, 2026. Here is the list of some of the most important news of the last week:

Gallantry Awards 2026
National Teachers Awards
Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme

The inclusion of current affairs in these examinations highlights the importance of being well-informed about both national and international events. It tests the aspirants’ understanding of their environment and their ability to interpret and analyze global trends. These topics often cover a wide range of subjects, from political developments and economic changes to scientific advancements and cultural shifts.

Our weekly compilation aims to provide a concise yet thorough overview of significant events, enabling aspirants to efficiently grasp key details necessary for their exam preparation. By integrating current affairs into their study regimen, candidates can significantly enhance their General Awareness, a critical factor in achieving success in competitive exams. This approach not only prepares them for the specific requirements of the exam but also broadens their overall perspective, an essential attribute in today’s interconnected world.

To revise the current affairs of 17th to 23rd August, 2026 click on the link below to download the PDF.

Download The Weekly One Liners 17th to 23rd August, 2026

National Space Day 2026: Theme, History and Chandrayaan-3 Legacy

National Space Day 2026 celebrated on 23rd August, 2026 in in honor of one of the most notable events in India’s scientific history the landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the southern pole of the moon. This day has been chosen to mark the historical moon landing that was carried out by the ISRO on 23 August 2023. National Space Day honors the increasing progress of India in space science and aims to motivate students, researchers, inventors, and young entrepreneurs to join India’s space odyssey.

What is the Theme of National Space Day 2026?

The theme for National Space Day 2026 is,

“Towards Viksit Bharat – Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring Global Space Leadership.”

The theme embodies India’s aspiration for increasing its presence in the global space sector by way of innovations, technological independence, scientific studies and collaborations.

Moreover, it seeks to motivate young innovators, institutions of higher learning, scientists, startups and private firms for addressing future challenges in space exploration.

The theme is linked to the overall concept of Viksit Bharat in relation to the significance of advanced science and technology for the future national development of India.

History and Origin of National Space Day

National Space Day was established based on the historical Chandrayaan-3 mission when the Vikram lander had a soft landing on the Moon on 23 August 2023.
The event was important for India as it became the fourth nation ever to make a soft landing on the Moon.
India was also the first nation to conduct a successful landing on the Moon’s south pole which is considered scientifically valuable.
The soft landing proved India’s technological capacities in the context of space exploration and served as a turning point for the Indian space programme.
The Government of India has declared 23 August National Space Day as the day to commemorate the event and enhance people’s interests in space science.
The landing site received the name of Shiv Shakti Point.

Chandrayaan-3: The Success That Made National Space Day Possible

Chandrayaan-3 was one of the most significant moon expeditions undertaken by India. Chandrayaan-3 involved the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover that were developed to explore the moon and conduct some experiments there.
A successful soft landing at the south pole of the moon was a great technical accomplishment because landing on the moon is a task that requires good navigation, controlled landing, and communication systems.
The expedition also showed the results of Chandrayaan-2 and India’s ability to solve difficult technical problems.
Chandrayaan-3 made 23 August a remarkable day in India’s scientific history and set the basis for the yearly celebration of National Space Day.

Importance of National Space Day

National Space Day is more than just a recognition of the success of the lunar mission.
This is also an occasion to appreciate the work of India’s scientists, engineers, researchers and other space professionals who are making valuable contributions to the nation’s space programme.
This is also an occasion that helps in raising greater interest in STEM among the students. The schools, colleges and various scientific institutions conduct exhibitions, workshops, quizzes, model-making and many other programs related to space on this day.
National Space Day is an occasion that helps highlight the growing importance of India’s private space sector. Various reforms and institutions such as IN-SPACe have opened up greater avenues for private firms and startups to take part in the country’s growing space industry.

Growth of India’s Space Industry

The Indian Space Programme has grown much beyond its satellite development and launch services to now include lunar exploration, observations of sun and preparations for human spaceflights.
The achievements of ISRO include successful Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission), Chandrayaan missions and Aditya L1 solar mission. These missions have enhanced the reputation of India as a major player in space exploration activities.
India has been developing great capabilities in launching satellites through vehicles like Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The commercial space activities of India have enabled it to launch satellites for foreign countries.
Growing participation of startups and private firms will make the space industry of India more significant in the areas of scientific research, communication, navigation, earth observations and commercial space activities.

Interesting Facts About the Space Programme of India

The landing of Chandrayaan-3 has received much worldwide attention and become one of the most important scientific events related to India’s space programme.
The historical place of the landing of Chandrayaan-3 has been called Shiv Shakti Point. The location of impact connected with Chandrayaan-2 has been named Tiranga Point.
Other interesting fact about India’s space programme is that it has been very cost-effective. The Mars Orbiter Mission or Mangalyaan has achieved much popularity thanks to its relatively cheap launch to Mars.
India has started cooperating internationally in the field of space research. Projects like NISAR have been created in cooperation between ISRO and NASA.

National Space Day and Future Plans of ISRO

In addition, National Space Day 2026 can be a good occasion to think about the future of India’s space programme. One of the most interesting projects of the country is Gaganyaan dedicated to demonstrating human spaceflight capabilities of India.
The future of India’s Moon missions including Chandrayaan-4 can be expected to continue the experience gained during the previous Moon missions of the country.
The future plans of the country in the field of space go beyond separate missions. They include development of new launch technologies, creation of the domestic space industry, support of startups and increase of Indian contribution to scientific research in the world.
For students and young inventors, the National Space Day can remind them that India’s future space scientists and entrepreneurs will play a very important role in realization of these plans.

Indian Navy Receives Mangrol, Third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft

Mangrol, the third ASW-SWC, which has more than 80% indigenous content, was handed over to the Indian Navy on August 21, 2026, by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) of Kochi. This vessel can be used for the purpose of underwater surveillance and ASW operations in coastal waters along with other operations like low intensity maritime operations and mine warfare, with its state-of-the-art equipment including sensors, torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, radars, and sonars. This is yet another step towards strengthening indigenous ship-building capabilities of India through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Mangrol Delivered to the Indian Navy

Mangrol was delivered to the Indian Navy on August 21, 2026.

It is the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft developed by the Cochin Shipyard Limited. The vessel has been developed giving due consideration to the indigenous manufacturing process, with more than 80% indigenous content.

The delivery enhances the operational capability of the Navy in the coastal and shallow waters of India.

Capabilities of Mangrol

Mangrol has been designed to conduct various naval operations including those involving underwater attacks.

Some of its main capabilities are,

Underwater surveillance
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Operations in coastal waters
Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
Mine warfare

Since it operates with the help of waterjets, it is suitable for high manoeuvrability in shallow and coastal waters.

Weapons and Sensors

Mangrol has been equipped with various technologies that have been developed to counter underwater attacks.

These include,

Torpedoes
Anti-submarine rockets
Radar systems
Sonar systems

With the use of sonar and radar systems, the ship can conduct various surveillance and detection operations. Its underwater weapons can be used for attacking the submarine enemy.

Mangrol is So Named Because of Gujarat’s Mangrol

Mangrol has a direct relationship with Gujarat.

This ship is named Mangrol since the town of Mangrol is situated in Junagadh district of Gujarat. It is a coastal town and a minor port. The town has a harbor and is known for its marine fishing.

This name also helps to remember an important chapter from Indian navy’s history.

Connection to Old INS Mangrol

Another connection to the old INS Mangrol lies in the fact that Mangrol continues the legacy of the erstwhile INS Mangrol, which was a naval minesweeper of the Indian Navy and was decommissioned in 2004.

The naming convention of this new INS Mangrol reflects the Indian Navy’s longstanding practice of retaining the names of former ships and continuing their legacy by naming newer vessels after them.

Significance to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’

The launch of INS Mangrol reflects the growing capability of India to indigenously design and construct such advanced naval platforms.

With more than 80% of the indigenous content, the vessel reflects the increasing contribution of Indian shipyards and defense industries to fulfill the needs of the military forces.

The project is in line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

NBSS&LUP Develops India’s First Soil Texture Map: Features, Uses and Significance

India has come up with its first-ever Soil Texture Map by the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP). This map gives digitized information on soil texture on a hectare-wise basis and provides a lot of physical insight into the soil texture in the country. The map has been launched on 16th July 2026 and will be helpful in crop planning, irrigation planning, soil classification and land-use planning. The map is prepared with the help of field study, remote sensing and artificial intelligence techniques.

What is Soil Texture Map?

The Soil Texture Map is a comprehensive digital data base that shows the pattern of soil texture distribution and characteristics in various regions of India. This map has been created by NBSS&LUP, which is an institution functioning under the umbrella of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Nagpur, Maharashtra.

The map contains soil data at very high resolution, namely one hectare. High resolution makes it possible to identify variations in soil characteristics, even in smaller geographical areas.

What is Soil Texture?

Soil texture means the presence and proportion of the following mineral particles in soil – sand, silt and clay.

Proportion of these minerals affects many physical features of soil including water holding capacity, drainage, aeration and the crops that can be grown on particular type of soil.

Thus, soils having higher amount of sand drain water fast, whereas soils containing greater proportions of clay can hold more water. So understanding the features of soil texture is important while choosing the type of crop and irrigation schedule.

How did NBSS&LUP Create Soil Texture Map?

NBSS&LUP made use of conventional methods of soil mapping along with advanced digital technologies to create the map.

The process involved observations of soil, remote sensing, satellite images and artificial intelligence-based analyses. The ground data about soil texture has been combined with geospatial databases to classify the soil texture.

Potential Uses of India’s First Soil Texture Map

There are a number of potential uses of India’s first soil texture map. One of them is the possibility to assist in selecting better adapted crops to particular soil conditions. The hectare level information makes it possible to make decisions about crop suitability mapping that will allow to make agricultural decisions more location-oriented in contrast with regional soil classification.

The soil texture map is also useful for irrigation planning purposes, because soil texture affects the speed of the water movement and amount of moisture that can be retained by the soil. In other words, it helps to plan better water management strategies.

Moreover, governmental agencies are able to use this map for making village-level agricultural planning and allocating resources to the agricultural land.

Why Is Soil Texture Map Important for India?

India has a wide variety of soils and agricultural landscapes. However, farms in India are quite small, which means that soil type can differ a lot even within the same farm.

It is obvious that hectare-level soil texture map gives more accurate information than broader maps. It is particularly useful for precision agriculture when farm-level decisions depend on precise information about soil, water and crops.

National Teachers Awards 2026: Check List of 48 Awardees, Date, Selection Process and Key Details

President Droupadi Murmu will present the National Teachers’ Awards 2026 on 5 September 2026 (Teachers’ Day) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. For the current year, 48 teachers of schools all over India have been chosen for their outstanding contributions to the field of education, innovation in teaching, and impact on the lives of the students. These National Teachers’ Awards are presented every year by the Ministry of Education to recognize teachers who have greatly enhanced the quality of school education in India.

What Is the National Teachers Award?

The National Teachers Award is an award that belongs to India and is a major national-level recognition for school teachers. This award is bestowed upon those teachers who display excellent dedication, leadership, innovation, and effectiveness in improving students’ educational experience.

The award was instituted in 1958 and is presented annually on 5th September, which marks the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President and philosopher of India, and Teachers’ Day in India.

Awards are managed by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.

How is the Winner of the National Teachers Awards 2026 Chosen?

The procedure for choosing winners of the National Teachers Awards 2026 is quite comprehensive and ensures that teachers with measurable qualities are selected rather than nominations.

1. On-Line Self-Nomination

In the initial step, eligible teachers apply online through the National Teachers’ Awards website.

2. District/Regional Level

The first level of evaluation is carried out by the District or Regional Selection Committee where the eligibility of the candidate is established.

3. State/Organisation Level

From here, the short-listed teachers move to the next level of evaluation by the State Selection Committee or Organisation Selection Committee.

4. Independent National Jury

This is the final level of evaluation where independent jury evaluates the short-listed nominations. This can be done through virtual conference sessions.

List of National Teachers Awards 2026

S. No.	Teacher Name	State/UT/Organisation	School Name
1	Shri J Prakash Rao	Andaman & Nicobar Islands	PM SHRI GMSSS Mayabunder, Pokadera
2	Shri Rajesh Kouluri	Andhra Pradesh	MPPS Chinamallupeta, Chinamallupeta
3	Ms. Yaku Tame	Arunachal Pradesh	Government Secondary School, G-Sector Naharlagun, Papum Pare District, Arunachal Pradesh, Ward No. 16 IMC
4	Shri Rajesh Bordoloi	Assam	Adarsha Tribal Higher Secondary School, Jorhat, Kalbari
5	Ms. Khushboo Kumari	Bihar	Urdu Primary School Bidaydih, Bidaydih
6	Ms. Pushpa Prasad	Bihar	Middle School Kuchaikote Kanya, Kuchaikote
7	Ms. Radha Rajesh	CISCE	New Horizon Public School, Indiranagar
8	Ms. Sangeeta Yadav	CBSE	St. Joseph’s Convent Sr. Sec. School, Ward No. 8, Idgah Hills
9	Shri Ravi Jaiswal	Chandigarh	Govt. Model High School Maloya Colony, Chandigarh, Maloya Colony
10	Ms. Sunita Yadav	Chhattisgarh	Govt. M.S. Khichari, Khichari
11	Ms. Patel Purnima Mohanlal	Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	GHS Dalwada, Dalwada
12	Ms. Suman Goel	Delhi	GSKV Pooth Kalan, Pooth Kalan
13	Md. Zafar Alam	Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Ministry of Tribal Affairs	EMRS Karanjia, Binuria (Tato)
14	Shri Mahadev Hanamant Shinde	Goa	Gujarati Samaj-Special School, Aquem
15	Shri Nitinkumar Mahendrakumar Pathak	Gujarat	Rangpur Primary School, Rangpur
16	Shri Anil Kaushik	Haryana	GMSSSS Sanghi, Rohtak, Sanghi
17	Ms. Manjari V Mahajan	Himachal Pradesh	Government Senior Secondary School, Bhaleth, Bhaleth
18	Mohd. Ayaz Raina	Jammu & Kashmir	HSS Dalhori, Dalhori
19	Ms. Munmun Bhattacharjee	Jharkhand	MS Barmasia, Barmasia
20	Ms. Rathnakumari S	Karnataka	Government Higher Primary School Samatagaru, Honnebailu
21	Ms. Amutha J	Kendriya Vidyalaya	Sangathan PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Madurai, Madurai
22	Dr. Manisha Khetrapal	Kendriya Vidyalaya	Sangathan PM SHRI KV NFR Rangiya, Rangia
23	Shri Sunil Kumar KP	Kerala	GHSS Irikkur, Irikkur
24	Shri Mohd Mustafa Kumal	Ladakh.	Govt Middle School Zgangjing, Sankoo, Kanoor
25	Dr. Archana Shukla	Madhya Pradesh	Govt. Mahatma Gandhi Sandipani Hr. Sec. School, BHEL Bhopal, BHEL Bhopal
26	Shri Shailendra Pratap Singh	Madhya Pradesh	Government Middle School Kanjwar, Village Kanjwar, Post Pondi Jodouri, Block Majhauli, District Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh
27	Dr. Kavita Narsingrao Gitte	Maharashtra	Sane Guruji Niwasi Vidyalaya Kaij, Sane Guruji Niwasi Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Kaij-Dharur Road, Kaij
28	Ms. Kunda Jayawant Bachhav	Maharashtra	NMC School No. 18, Anandwalli, Nashik, Maharashtra
29	Shri Wanglembam Gobin Singh	Manipur	Laikon Upper Primary School, Kongba Makha Nandeibam Leikai
30	Ms. Lalnunmawii	Mizoram	Government Electric Veng High School, Electric Veng
31	Shri R Ronald Meru	Nagaland	GHSS Sechu Zubza, Sechu
32	Shri Vaibhav Vasantrao Kulkarni	Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti	PM SHRI School Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Latur, 12 No. Pati, Near Manjara Sugar Factory, Barshi Road
33	Shri Padaraj Umakanta Nayak	Odisha	Government High School Alipingal, Alipingal
34	Shri Ganesan S Puducherry	Seenuvasan	Government High School, Mettupalayam
35	Shri Dinesh Kumar	Punjab	Govt. Victoria Girls Senior Secondary School, Patiala
36	Dr. Divyendu Sen	Rajasthan	Mahatma Gandhi Government School Pachpahar, Pachpahar
37	Dr. Vartika Gulati	Rajasthan	GGUPS Tumli Ka Bas, Chaksu, Jaipur, Post Jagat Shiromani Pura
38	Shri Shivprasad Arvind Tingare	Sainik Schools, Ministry of Defence	Sainik School Satara, Satara
39	Ms. Sushma Tamang	Sikkim	PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School Dikling, Dikling
40	Shri Thanga Raj	Tamil Nadu	Panchayat Union Primary School Puliyampatti, Puliyampatti
41	Ms. Bhavani Bompelly	Telangana	MPPS Girls Gandhari, Gandhari
42	Shri Ranjan Debnath	Tripura	PM SHRI Sabroom Girls HS School, Sabroom
43	Dr. Renu Tripathi	Uttar Pradesh	Govt. Balika Inter College Vijay Nagar, Ghaziabad, Ward No. 14 (Municipal Area)
44	Dr. Iftkhar Khan	Uttar Pradesh	Government Inter College Ballia, Jagdishpur, Ballia
45	Ms. Shalini Kushwaha	Uttar Pradesh	Composite School Rasoolabad, Koilaha
46	Shri Gabar Singh	Uttarakhand	Govt. UPS Musyakhand, Maira
47	Shri Palash Chowdhury	West Bengal	Sri Ramkrishna Sarada Vidyapith Primary School, Ward No. 30
48	Shri Santanu Patra	West Bengal	Govt. Model School, Nayagram Block, Baranigui