Kursk Region Latest News

Russian troops have launched a large-scale offensive to retake swaths of the western Kursk region from Ukrainian forces.

About Kursk Region

• Kursk is a city and the administrative centre of Kursk Oblast, positioned along Russia’s southwestern border. 
• It lies in the heart of the European part of Russia, approximately 450 km (280 miles) south of Moscow, along the upper Seym River. 
• The region is part of the Black Earth territory, known for its highly fertile soil. Kursk experiences a moderately continental climate, characterized by distinct seasonal variations.
• History: 
  • One of Russia’s oldest cities, Kursk was first mentioned in historical documents in 1032, highlighting its long-standing role in the region's development.
  • The city was completely destroyed by the Tatars in 1240 and remained in ruins until 1586, when it was rebuilt as a military outpost to defend Russian settlers.
  • World War II & Battle of Kursk: The city witnessed intense fighting during World War II, particularly in the Battle of Kursk (July–August 1943), the largest tank battle of the war, which resulted in a German defeat.
  • Modern Economy & Industries: Kursk has a diverse industrial base, including machine building, food processing, and the production of electronic equipment and synthetic fibres, contributing to the region’s economic growth. 
• Recent Developments: 
  • It was captured by Ukrainian troops in the summer of 2024 in an unexpected lightning attack.
  • Ukraine’s presence in Russia’s Kursk region has deteriorated sharply, with the Russian advance threatening Kyiv’s sole territorial bargaining counter at a crucial time in the war.

Kursk Region FAQs

Q1. Is Kursk region in Russia or Ukraine?

Ans. Kursk region is located in Russia, but recently parts of it were temporarily occupied by Ukrainian forces during the ongoing conflict.

Q2. Why is Kursk famous?

Ans. Kursk is famous for the Battle of Kursk (1943), the largest tank battle in history, marking a turning point in WWII.

Q3. What does Kursk mean in Russian?

Ans. The name "Kursk" derives from the Kur River, meaning "settlement by the Kur river," reflecting its geographical location.

Q4. Where is Kursk in the world?

Ans. Kursk is situated in western Russia, approximately 450 km south of Moscow, near Russia's southwestern border with Ukraine34.

Source: News18

Koch-Rajbongshis Latest News

Ahead of the Home Minister's three-day visit to Assam, the Koch-Rajbongshis have renewed their demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

About Koch-Rajbongshis

• Koch Rajbongshi is an ancient tribe originally from the ancient Koch kingdom. 
• The Rajbongshi tribe is referred to as Koch Rajbongshi, or Rajbanshi, or Rajvanshi.
• The word "Rajbongshi" literally means "royal community".
• Considered as indigenous people of South Asia, at present they live in lower Nepal, Northern Bengal, North Bihar, Northern Bangladesh, the whole of Assam, parts of Meghalaya, and Bhutan. 
• These modern geographical areas were once part of the Kamata kingdom ruled by the Koches for many centuries. 
• The community is variously designated as OBC (Assam), SC (Bengal), and ST (Meghalaya).
• Language: 
  • The Rajbongshi/Rajbanshi language is spoken by one crore people, according to a 2001 census.
  • It has a complete grammar.
• Religion and Beliefs:
  • They are largely Hindus with lots of their own deities and rituals. 
  • A large section of Koch Rajbanshi became followers of Islam, and the present Muslims of North Bengal, West Assam and Northern Bangladesh are of Koch Rajbanshi origin. 
  • There are also Christian and Buddhist Koch Rajbanshis.
• The primary livelihood of the tribe is agriculture and farming. They live very close to nature because of the fact that primitively they were ‘Animist’ and the same significance is still prevailing among the tribe.

Koch-Rajbongshis FAQs

Q1. What is the primary livelihood of Koch Rajbongshi ?

Ans. The primary livelihood of the tribe is agriculture and farming. 

Q2. What is the Koch kingdom?

Ans. It was a powerful medieval kingdom in northeastern India, primarily covering Assam, West Bengal, and parts of Bihar and Meghalaya.

Q3. What is the religion of Koch Rajbongshis?

Ans. They are largely Hindus with lots of their own deities and rituals.

Source: TH

Preventive Detention Latest News

The Supreme Court recently quashed a preventive detention order by Nagaland's home department, emphasizing that detaining authorities must independently apply their minds.

About Preventive Detention

• Preventive detention refers to the detention of an individual without a trial or conviction by a court. 
• The primary objective of preventive detention is not to punish an individual for a past offence but to prevent them from committing an offence in the future.
• Preventive detention laws are enacted by governments to ensure public safety and maintain social order.

Constitutional Provisions and Safeguards

• Article 22 of the Indian Constitution grants protection to individuals who are arrested or detained.
• It has two parts—the first part deals with cases of ordinary law, which includes situations where an individual is detained as part of a criminal investigation.
• The second part deals with cases of preventive detention law, which pertains to the detention of individuals without a trial or conviction.
• Article 22(4) states that no law providing for preventive detention shall authorise the detention of a person for a longer period than three months unless an Advisory Board reports sufficient cause for extended detention.
• The detainee is entitled to know the grounds of his detention. The state, however, may refuse to divulge the grounds of detention if it is in the public interest to do so. 
• The detaining authorities must give the detainee earliest opportunities for making representation against the detention.

Who can Make Laws under Preventive Detention?

• Parliament has the exclusive power to enact a law for preventive detention for reasons connected with defence, foreign affairs, or security of India.
• Both Parliament and State Legislature have powers to enact a law for preventive detention for reasons related to the maintenance of public order or the maintenance of supplies or services essential to the community.

Laws that Provide for Preventive Detention

• In India, various laws provide for preventive detention, including the National Security Act (NSA) of 1980, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967, and state-specific laws like the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and the Public Safety Acts (PSA) in certain states.
• Under these laws, authorities can detain an individual for a specific period, typically up to 12 months, without presenting formal charges or conducting a trial.
• The detention order is issued by a designated authority or government official and is subject to periodic review by an advisory board.

Preventive Detention FAQs

Q1. What is the concept of preventive detention?

Ans. Preventive detention refers to the detention of an individual without a trial or conviction by a court. 

Q2. What is the objective of preventive detention?

Ans. The primary objective of preventive detention is not to punish an individual for a past offence but to prevent them from committing an offence in the future.

Q3. What is the maximum period of preventive detention?

Ans. The detention of a person cannot exceed three months unless an advisory board reports sufficient cause for extended detention.

Source: TOI

Vanuatu Latest News

Fugitive former IPL chief Lalit Modi recently applied to surrender his passport to the Indian High Commission in London, and acquired the citizenship of Vanuatu, a tiny island nation in the South Pacific.

About Vanuatu

• It is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. 
• It is an archipelago made up of 83 islands, of which only 65 are inhabited.
• The islands extend north-south for some 400 miles (650 km) in an irregular Y shape.
• It lies east of Australia and north of New Zealand, or midway between Australia and Fiji. 
• Geography: 
  • A diverse relief—ranging from rugged mountains and high plateaus to rolling hills and low plateaus, with coastal terraces and offshore coral reefs—characterizes the islands.
  • The country is home to several active volcanoes, including Mount Yasur, which is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. 
• Capital: Its capital and largest city is Port Vila, located on Efate Island.
• Currency: The vatu is the currency of Vanuatu.
• The population of Vanuatu is 94% indigenous Melanesian.
• Language: 
  • The national language of the Republic of Vanuatu is Bislama (a Creole language). 
  • The official languages are Bislama, English, and French.
• Government: 
  • Type: Parliamentary democracy.
  • Independence: July 30, 1980.
• Economy: 
  • The economy is based on agriculture, tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services, with kava exports playing a significant role.
  • Vanuatu does not have income tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or exchange control. 
  • VAT, tourism, and agricultural exports contribute to the national income.
• Vanuatu offers a citizenship-by-investment programme, allowing foreigners to obtain citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution, typically for around $1,50,000 USD.
  • Passports provide a major source of government revenues.
  • Vanuatu passport holders can travel without a visa to 56 countries, making its citizenship-by-investment programme a highly attractive scheme.

Vanuatu FAQs

Q1. Where is Vanuatu located?

Ans. is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. 

Q2. What is the capital of Vanuatu?

Ans. Its capital and largest city is Port Vila, located on Efate Island.

Q3. What is the national language of Vanuatu?

Ans. The national language of the Republic of Vanuatu is Bislama (a Creole language). 

Source: IE

Madhav National Park Latest News

The union government recently declared the Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh as the country’s 58th tiger reserve.

About Madhav National Park

• Location: The Madhav National Park is situated in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh and, on the northern fringe of the Central Highlands of India forming a part of the Upper Vindhyan Hills intermixed with plateaus and valley sections.
• History: The Park was the hunting ground of Mughal emperors and Maharaja of Gwalior. It got the status of a National Park in 1958. The park was established as Madhya Bharat National Park in 1955 and received its present name in 1959. 
• Area: Originally, the park had an area of 64 square miles (165 square km), but a later extension to the east increased the protected area to 137 square miles (355 square km).
• Vegetation: The forests of the park fall within the category of Northern tropical dry deciduous mixed forests as well as Dry Thorn Forests typical of North – Western Madhya Pradesh.
• Fauna: It is home to antelopes like Nilgai, Chinkara and Chowsinga and Deer including Chital, Sambar and Barking Deer. Animals like the Leopard, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Wild Dog, Wild Pig, Porcupine, Python etc are also sighted in the park.
• Aquatic Life: The Park is unique in having both lake, meadow and forest ecosystems. Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar are the two lakes in the southern part of the park, providing the aquatic biodiversity and lifeline for the terrestrial species.
• Recent developments: With the recent declaration it has become the 58th tiger reserve of India and the 9th tiger reserve of Madhya Pradesh, with home to five tigers including two cubs born recently.

Madhav National Park FAQs

Q1. What is Madhav National Park famous for?

Ans. Famous for diverse wildlife, historical hunting grounds of Mughal emperors and Maharajas, scenic lakes, birdwatching, and rich biodiversity.

Q2. Which river passes through Madhav National Park?

Ans. Manier and Sindh rivers flow through Madhav National Park, forming lakes like Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar.

Q3. Which type of forest is found in Madhav National Park?

Ans. Northern tropical dry deciduous mixed forests and dry thorn forests, featuring species like Kardhai, Salai, Dhaora, and Khair.

Q4. Is Madhav National Park a tiger reserve?

Ans. Yes, Madhav National Park is a tiger reserve.

Q5. Which NH passes through Madhav National Park?

Ans. NH-25 (Old Jhansi road) and NH-3 (Agra-Mumbai road) pass through the Madhav National Park.

Source: TOI

Jalantheeswarar Temple Latest News

The Jalanatheswarar temple at Thakkolam in Ranipet district, a treasure trove of Tamil history, particularly the reign of Cholas, is in bad shape.

About Jalantheeswarar Temple

• Location: Jalantheeswarar Temple (also known as Thiruvooral) is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in Thakkolam village of Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: The presiding deity is Lord Shiva worshipped as Jalantheeswarar, represented by a lingam made of sand (prithvi lingam), known as Theenda Thirumeni. 
• Construction: The original temple complex was constructed by Pallavas and later expanded by Cholas. The present masonry structure dates back to the Nayak period in the 16th century.
• Architectural Features: The temple complex spans approximately 1.5 acres, featuring a three-tiered gopuram (gateway tower) and concentric granite walls. The main sanctum houses the deity Jalantheeswarar in the form of a lingam made of sand.
• Religious Significance: It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams - Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanars Sambandar.

Sambandar

• Thirugnana Sambandar, also known as Sambandar, was a 7th-century CE Saiva poet-saint from Tamil Nadu and a contemporary of Appar. 
• As per Tamil Shaiva tradition, he composed 16,000 hymns in intricate meters, of which 383 (or 384) hymns with 4,181 stanzas have survived.

Jalantheeswarar Temple FAQs

Q1. Q1: What is the architectural style of Jalantheeswarar Temple?

Ans. The temple showcases Dravidian architecture, characterized by its three-tiered gopuram and intricate granite structures. 

Q2. Which dynasties contributed to the construction and expansion of the temple?

Ans. The Pallavas initiated its construction, with subsequent contributions from the Cholas and Nayaks. 

Q3. What is the main deity of Jalantheeswarar Temple?

Ans. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Jalantheeswarar.

Source: TH

Commission on the Status of Women Latest News

Union Minister for Women and Child Development will lead India’s delegation at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

About Commission on the Status of Women

• It is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights, and the empowerment of women.
• It is part of the United Nations, and works to promote women's political, economic, civil, social, and educational rights. 
• A functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), it was established by ECOSOC resolution of 21 June 1946.
• The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s and girls' rights, documenting the reality of their lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
• CSW can also highlight urgent problems, such as the situation of women and girls affected by conflict.
• In 1996, ECOSOC expanded the Commission’s mandate and decided that it should take a leading role inmonitoring and reviewing progress and problems in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and in mainstreaming a gender perspective in UN activities.
  • The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, adopted by 189 countries, is the most comprehensive and transformative global agenda for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Commission on the Status of Women Annual Sessions

• During the Commission’s annual two-week session, representatives of UN member states, civil society organizations, and UN entities gather at UN headquarters in New York. 
• They discuss progress and gaps in the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the 23rd special session of the General Assembly held in 2000 (Beijing+5), as well as emerging issues that affect gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. 
• Member States agree on further actions to accelerate progress and promote women’s and girls' enjoyment of their rights in political, economic, and social fields. 
• The outcomes and recommendations of each session are forwarded to ECOSOC for follow-up.

Commission on the Status of Women FAQs

Q1. What was the purpose of the Commission on the Status of Women?

Ans. It is dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights, and the empowerment of women.

Q2. What is the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action?

Ans. It is the most comprehensive and transformative global agenda for the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Q3. What is the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?

Ans. It is one of the six main organs of the United Nations (UN), established in 1945 under the UN Charter. 

Source: TH

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News

India ended a 12-year wait to clinch a record-extending third Champions Trophy title, beating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

About ICC Champions Trophy 

• The ICC Champions Trophy is a premier One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament featuring the world's top eight teams.
• The tournament was originally called the ICC Knockout when it began in 1998 in Dhaka (Bangladesh). It was renamed the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002. 
• It was held every two years until 2009. After that, the event transitioned to a four-year cycle.
• Tournament Format: 
  • The format of the competition has endured since 2006. The eight teams are divided into two groups of four teams each. 
  • Each team plays once against every other team in the group. 
  • And then, the top-two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, determining the two that feature in the summit clash.
• What made this year’s team selection different?
  • Previously the top-eight ranked ODI sides would feature in the Champions Trophy. But for the 2025 edition, the qualification used the results of the 2023 edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. 
  • The teams that occupied the top-eight spots in the 10-team points table, including the hosts Pakistan, sealed their place for the Champions Trophy.
• Teams in 2025: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand were in Group A while the remaining four teams — Australia, Afghanistan, England, South Africa — were in group B.

International Cricket Council (ICC)

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body for cricket. Representing 108 members, the ICC governs and administrates the game and works with our members to grow the sport. 
• The ICC is also responsible for the staging of all ICC Events. The ICC presides over the ICC Code of Conduct, playing conditions, the Decision Review System and other ICC regulations.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 FAQs

Q1 Who won ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

Ans. India won ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Q2. Where was ICC Champions Trophy 2025 held?

Ans. The tournament was hosted primarily by Pakistan with India's matches played at a neutral venue (Dubai) due to security concerns.

Q3. Who won most ICC Champions Trophy?

Ans. India has won the most ICC Champions Trophy.

Q4. How many times India won ICC Champions Trophy?

Ans. India has won ICC champions Trophy 3 times, in 2002 (co-winner- Sri Lanka), 2013 and 2025.

Source: IE