Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment
Aravalli Range:
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- Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world.
- Extends from Gujarat → Rajasthan → Haryana → Delhi.
- Acts as a climatic barrier, checking the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.
- Source region of rivers like Luni (west-flowing) and Sahibi (seasonal, east-flowing).
- Ecologically important for groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and air quality (Delhi–NCR).
- Recent in News:
- Supreme Court & NGT have repeatedly intervened against illegal mining and deforestation in the Aravallis.
- Government launched the “Aravalli Green Wall Project” to restore degraded land, improve carbon sequestration, and combat desertification (aligned with India’s Land Degradation Neutrality goals).
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Defence & Security
MH-60R “Romeo” Helicopters:
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- MH-60R is the most advanced variant of the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk family.
- Operated by the Indian Navy for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), ISR and Search & Rescue.
- Procured from the United States via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route.
- Equipped with dipping sonar, sonobuoys, surface-search radar, torpedoes and Hellfire missiles.
- Enhances India’s maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) amid increased submarine activity.
- Operates from frontline warships such as destroyers, frigates and aircraft carriers.
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History, Art & Culture
Preah Vihear Temple:
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- Preah Vihear Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the Dângrêk Mountains.
- It lies on the Cambodia–Thailand border and has been a subject of territorial dispute between the two countries.
- Built mainly during the Khmer Empire (9th–12th century).
- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia; later clarifications reaffirmed this.
- Renewed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces have escalated along the border, with the vicinity of Preah Vihear becoming a flashpoint, including reported artillery, rocket and air strikes.
- UNESCO has expressed deep concern, urging urgent measures to protect the temple and other heritage sites, and reminded parties of their obligations under international law.
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