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- Why in News?
- Prime Minister recently offered prayers at the iconic Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, a marvel of ancient Indian architecture and spiritual heritage.
- Key Provisions:-
- Also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, this temple stands as a prime example of the grandeur of Dravidian architecture from the Chola dynasty. Built around 1010 AD by the great Chola ruler Rajaraja Chola I, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, enshrined in the form of a massive ‘Lingam’.
- The structure is adorned with intricate inscriptions and frescoes, chronicling the city’s vibrant history—from its glorious rise to periods of decline. It holds immense cultural significance and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
- Brihadeeswara is one of the famed "Great Living Chola Temples," along with Gangaikondacholeeswaram and Airavatesvara temples, representing the zenith of Chola temple architecture and their enduring legacy in Tamil culture.
- Why in News?
- In a grassroots effort to fight erosion, residents of Majuli have begun planting Kanchan trees along the banks of the Brahmaputra River. This eco-friendly initiative aims to stabilize the soil and protect the island’s fragile ecosystem from the persistent threat of riverbank collapse.
- About Majuli Island:
- Majuli, situated on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, holds the title of the world’s largest river island. In 2016, it gained recognition as India’s first river island district. Bordered by the Brahmaputra to the south and Kherkutia Xuti and Subansiri rivers to the north, Majuli is dotted with wetlands known as “beels” and small islets called “Chaporis.”
- The island is also a significant cultural hub, home to centuries-old Sattras—Vaishnavite monasteries that preserve Assamese art, dance, and religious traditions. Founded by the saint-scholar Sankardeva, these institutions reflect the spiritual essence of Assam and feature in India’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Why in News?
- The 14th edition of the India–Singapore joint military exercise, Exercise Bold Kurukshetra 2025, commenced on July 27, 2025. This annual exercise reflects the strong defense cooperation and interoperability between the two nations' armed forces.
- About Exercise Bold Kurukshetra:
- This year’s exercise is being conducted as a Table Top Exercise (TTX) and Computer-Based Wargame, focusing on planning and coordination in mechanised warfare scenarios. The aim is to validate joint operational procedures and enhance tactical decision-making under simulated battlefield conditions.
- The exercise provides both armies with a platform to share best practices, sharpen strategic thinking, and deepen mutual understanding in modern combat operations. Over the years, Exercise Bold Kurukshetra has evolved into a significant element of defense engagement, underlining the commitment of India and Singapore to regional security and collaborative military preparedness.