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Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple Syllabus:History   The Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site located on Pavagadh Hill in the Panchmahal District of Gujarat. Situated at an elevation of 762 meters, it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India.   History and Architecture: Believed to be over 1,000 years old, with its origins dating back to the 10th-11th centuries. The idol of Mahakali was installed in the 12th century. The temple received patronage from the Solanki Rajput dynasty. It is now part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The structure is built of stone, reflecting medieval Hindu temple architecture with intricate carvings and domes. The sanctum houses a black stone idol of Mahakali, with only the upper part visible to devotees.   Latest News: A recent incident resulted in the death of six people after a cable wire of a ropeway snapped, causing a cable car to crash. The ropeway was meant for material transport. With reference to the Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple, consider the following statements: It is one of the Shakti Peethas, where it is believed the right toe of Goddess Sati fell. The temple received patronage during the rule of the Solanki Rajputs, contemporaneous with the Chalukyan architectural tradition of Gujarat. It forms part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized primarily for its Islamic monuments and not for Hindu temples. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only Explanation: Correct – Pavagadh Kalika Mata Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas; it is believed the right toe of Goddess Sati fell here. Correct – The temple received patronage under the Solanki Rajputs (10th–12th centuries), who represent the Chalukyan school of Gujarat temple architecture. Incorrect – UNESCO’s inscription explicitly mentions both Hindu and Islamic monuments. The statement tries to mislead by saying only Islamic monuments were recognized. Nilgiri Tea Syllabus:Ecology Nilgiris tea growers are currently facing a significant cost-price crisis. This is primarily due to low prices for green tea leaves, overproduction, and ineffective auction systems, which are threatening the livelihoods of small-scale growers. Nilgiri tea, a variety of Camellia sinensis, is grown in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. It is a Geographical Indication (GI) product recognized since 2008.   Key characteristics of Nilgiri tea: Region: Primarily cultivated in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, with smaller areas in Kerala and Karnataka. Altitude & Climate: Grown at altitudes of 1,000 to 2,500 meters in the Western Ghats. The region experiences two monsoons, with alternating periods of fog, rain, and sunshine, and has rich, well-drained lateritic loam soil. Production: Produces both orthodox rolled teas and CTC (crush, tear, curl) teas. Flavor Profile: Known for a brisk, fragrant, and full-bodied taste with citrus and floral notes. It is particularly valued for retaining its clarity when cooled, making it ideal for iced tea. Uses: It is a popular choice for blending in iced teas, masala chai, and is used by major global commercial brands like Nestea. With reference to Nilgiris tea, consider the following statements: It is grown exclusively in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu and not in any other state. It was accorded Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2008. Unlike Darjeeling tea, Nilgiri tea is harvested throughout the year due to bi-monsoonal rainfall. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 : Nilgiri tea is grown primarily in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu but also in parts of Kerala and Karnataka (Western Ghats). Statement 2 : It got GI tag in 2008. Statement 3 : Unlike Darjeeling (with flush seasons), Nilgiri tea is plucked year-round due to two monsoons (southwest + northeast). Israel Launches Ofek-19 Military Satellite Syllabus:Space   Israel has successfully launched its newest spy satellite, Ofek 19, from an undisclosed location.  The satellite was built by the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Ofek 19 is a highly advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) observation satellite. This sophisticated technology allows it to capture high-resolution images of the ground in all weather conditions, both day and night, by penetrating cloud cover. These enhanced capabilities are crucial for Israel’s defense and intelligence operations. The launch of Ofek 19 continues a long-standing program that began in 1988. Israel has deployed a series of Ofek observation satellites for consistent monitoring and intelligence gathering to support its military and national security interests. With reference to Israel’s Ofek 19 satellite, consider the following statements: It uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, which enables high-resolution imaging regardless of weather conditions or time of day. Israel’s Ofek program began in the late 1980s and has primarily served civilian disaster management and agricultural monitoring purposes. Ofek 19 was developed indigenously by Israel Aerospace Industries, a state-run company. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a)1 and 2 only(b) 1 and 3 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only Explanation: Correct → SAR allows all-weather, day-night surveillance. Incorrect → Ofek satellites are military intelligence-focused, not primarily civilian. Correct → Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Mission Mausam Syllabus:Geography   The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to install four new radars in Jammu & Kashmir as part of Mission Mausam. This initiative aims to provide more accurate, district-specific weather forecasts for the region.   About Mission Mausam Launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Mission Mausam is a comprehensive program designed to enhance weather and climate services across India. It is a collaborative effort led by the IMD, the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The mission’s core objective is to deliver timely and precise weather observation, modeling, and forecasting information. This