PLACES IN NEWS 11th MARCH 2025

Kursk Region
 

Why in news?

 

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

 

About Kursk region:

 

1. Location:
    

1. Kursk is a city and the administrative centre of Kursk Oblast, situated in southwestern Russia, near the border with Ukraine.
2. It is positioned approximately 450 km (280 miles) south of Moscow, along the upper Seym River.
3. Kursk is part of the Black Earth region, known for its fertile soil that supports agriculture.
4. The region experiences a moderately continental climate, with distinct seasonal variations.
    

2. Historical Significance:
    

1. Kursk is one of Russia’s oldest cities, first mentioned in historical records in 1032.
2. It was destroyed by the Tatars in 1240 and remained in ruins until 1586, when it was rebuilt as a military outpost.
3. Kursk played a pivotal role in World War II, witnessing the Battle of Kursk (July–August 1943), the largest tank battle in history, which resulted in a major German defeat.
    

3. Economy & Industries:
    

1. Kursk has a diverse industrial base, including machine building, food processing, electronics production, and synthetic fibres.
2. The region’s fertile soil also makes agriculture an important economic activity.
    

4. Recent Developments:
    

1. In summer 2024, Kursk faced an unexpected Ukrainian offensive, leading to the temporary capture of parts of the region.
2. The situation has since deteriorated for Ukraine, with Russia launching a large-scale offensive to reclaim territory.
3. The Russian advance threatens Kyiv’s sole territorial bargaining counter in the ongoing war.

 

Vanuatu

 

Why in news?

 

1. Lalit Modi, the fugitive ex-IPL chief, applied to surrender his passport at the Indian High Commission in London after obtaining citizenship of Vanuatu, a small island nation in the South Pacific.

 

About Vanuatu:   
 

 

1. Location and Geography:
    

1. Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and north of New Zealand, positioned between Australia and Fiji.
2. The archipelago consists of 83 islands, of which 65 are inhabited, stretching 650 km in a Y-shaped formation from north to south.
3. The islands feature diverse terrain, including rugged mountains, high plateaus, rolling hills, coastal terraces, and coral reefs.
4. Vanuatu is home to active volcanoes, including Mount Yasur, which is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world.
    

2. Demography:
    

1. The population is 94% indigenous Melanesian, with small communities of Europeans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders.
2. Bislama (a Creole language) is the national language, while English and French are also official languages.
3. The country follows a parliamentary democracy, having gained independence on July 30, 1980.
    

3. Economy:
    

1. Agriculture, tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services form the backbone of Vanuatu’s economy, with kava exports playing a significant role.
2. The country does not impose income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax, making it an attractive offshore financial hub.
3. Value-Added Tax (VAT), tourism, and agricultural exports contribute significantly to national revenue.
4. Vanuatu offers a citizenship-by-investment program, allowing foreigners to obtain citizenship by investing around $150,000 USD.
5. Vanuatu passports enable visa-free travel to 56 countries, making it a sought-after investment option.
   
    

Jalanatheswarar Temple

 

Why in news?

 

1. The Jalanatheswarar Temple in Thakkolam, Ranipet district, a significant site of Tamil history, is deteriorating and in urgent need of preservation.
    

About Jalanatheswarar Temple:

 

 

1. Location:
    

1. Jalantheeswarar Temple, also known as Thiruvooral, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in Thakkolam village, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu.
2. The temple’s origins date back to the Pallava period, with later expansions undertaken by the Cholas.
3. The current masonry structure, reflecting the architectural influence of the Nayaks, was developed in the 16th century.
4. Over time, the temple has stood as a testament to Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
    

2. Architectural Features:
    

1. Spanning approximately 1.5 acres, the temple follows the Dravidian architectural style, characterised by a three-tiered gopuram (gateway tower) and robust granite structures.
2. The sanctum houses Lord Shiva in the form of a sand lingam, referred to as Theenda Thirumeni.
    

3. Cultural and Religious Significance:
    

1. Jalantheeswarar Temple holds a revered place in Tamil Saivism and is among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, sacred Shiva temples praised in the Tevaram hymns by Tamil Saivite saints.
2. One of the prominent Nayanars, Thirugnana Sambandar, glorified this temple in his devotional verses. Sambandar, a 7th-century poet-saint, composed thousands of hymns, of which a significant portion remains preserved.
    

4. Reasons for Deterioration:
    

1. Despite its historical and religious significance, the temple faces neglect and structural deterioration.
2. Factors contributing to its decline include insufficient maintenance, environmental factors, and lack of proper conservation efforts.
3. The ageing masonry, coupled with exposure to natural elements, has led to visible damage, threatening its architectural integrity. Restoration efforts are crucial to preserving this invaluable piece of Tamil history.
    

 

Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
 

 

Why in news?

 

1. The government plans to construct a road through Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary to improve connectivity between two Army border posts along the Line of Control (LoC), enhancing defence infrastructure in the region.

 

About Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary:

 

 

1. Location:
    

1. The Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gulmarg, Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas, the sanctuary lies 50 km southwest of Srinagar and 26 km from Baramulla.
3. It was initially declared a game reserve (a large area of land where wild animals are hunted in a controlled way for sport) in 1981 and upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary in 1987.
4. The area features steep terrains, alpine meadows, and dense forests, with altitudes ranging from 2,400 meters to 4,300 meters.
5. The sanctuary also surrounds major tourist attractions such as the Gulmarg Golf Course and the Gulmarg Gondola.
    

2. Flora and Fauna:
    

1. The sanctuary is home to subalpine forests dominated by fir, birch, and blue pine trees.
2. Dense patches of spruce, maple, and yew add to the region’s biodiversity. Alpine meadows, enriched with wildflowers like daffodils, irises, and primulas, bloom during the warmer months.
3. The sanctuary also harbours valuable medicinal plants like Jogi Badshah and Picrorhiza kurroa.
4. The sanctuary shelters diverse wildlife, including Himalayan brown bears, Asiatic black bears, leopards, musk deer, red foxes, and snow leopards.
5. The elusive markhor and Himalayan tahr also roam the high-altitude terrain.
6. Among avian species, the sanctuary hosts Himalayan snowcocks, monals, pheasants, bearded vultures, and the rare migratory bald eagle.
7. The region serves as a vital wildlife corridor, supporting seasonal animal movements between Poonch and Kashmir Valley forests.
    

 

Gandhamardan Hills

 

Why in news?

 

1. The Centre clarifies that there are no plans to grant a mining lease in Odisha's Gandhamardan Hills, addressing concerns over potential projects and environmental impact.

 

About Gandhamardan Hills:
 

 

1. Location
    

1. Gandhamardan Hills, also known as Gandhamardan Parbat, is situated between Balangir and Bargarh districts in Odisha, India.
2. The region is revered for its mythological significance and is home to the Nrusinghanath Temple on the northern slope and Harishankar Temple on the southern slope.
3. These hills hold a rich historical and cultural legacy, with references dating back to the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
    

2. Potential Resources and Mining Activities
    

1. Gandhamardan Hills are known for their rich deposits of bauxite, a crucial mineral for aluminium production.
2. The Odisha state government has proposed bauxite mining in the region through private ventures.
3. However, previous attempts at mining have met with strong local opposition due to concerns over environmental degradation and the destruction of biodiversity.
4. The region also houses a diverse range of medicinal plants, making it a significant ecological and economic resource for the local communities.
    

3. Challenges and Concerns over Mining:
    

1. Environmental Impact: Mining poses a severe threat to the rich biodiversity of the region, with over 500 medicinal plant species at risk, including rare varieties used in Ayurveda.
2. Livelihood Concerns: The hills support local communities and traditional healthcare practitioners, who depend on the collection and trade of medicinal plants. The destruction of forests could disrupt their socio-economic stability.
3. Water and Soil Degradation: Large-scale mining could lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination, affecting agriculture and water sources in surrounding villages.
4. Community Resistance: The people of Gandhamardan have historically resisted mining projects, fearing the loss of their land, forests, and resources to corporate interests. Their movement has inspired environmental struggles across Odisha.

 

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