Prelims Current Affairs includes Jharkhand’s Saranda Forest, Strait of Hormuz, Colombo Security Conclave, Greenland, Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death, Raulane Festival.

GEOGRAPHY

1. JHARKHAND’S SARANDA FOREST

Current Context: The Supreme Court of India directed the Jharkhand government to declare 31,468.25 hectares of the Saranda forest area as a wildlife sanctuary.
The court reaffirmed that mining is prohibited inside national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as within a one-kilometre buffer from their boundaries.

ABOUT SARANDA FOREST

• It is the largest Sal forest in Asia, located near Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
• The name “Saranda” means “land of seven hundred hills”, spread over around 900 sq. km.
• Flora: Dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta), forming one of the most pristine and continuous Sal forests in the world. Other major species include Mahua and Kusum.
• Tribes: Inhabited by Ho, Munda, Uraon, and allied Adivasi communities

PLACES IN NEWS

2. STRAIT OF HORMUZ

Current Context: Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz and diverted it into Iranian territorial waters.
❖ This incident has raised concerns about maritime security in one of the world’s most strategic energy chokepoints.

ABOUT STRAIT OF HORMUZ

• Geography: A narrow strait (33 km wide) connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
• Iran lies to the north; Oman (Musandam Peninsula) to the south.
• Strategic Importance: A critical chokepoint in global oil transit, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum passing through it daily.

3. GREENLAND

Current Context: Greenland’s Parliament has adopted legislation limiting foreigners’ right to own property on the vast Arctic island.

ABOUT GREENLAND (Capital: Nuuk)

• World’s largest island, located in the North Atlantic Ocean.
• Remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, with home-rule government handling most domestic affairs.
• Located between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans; shares maritime borders with Canada, Iceland, and Norway.
• Greenland Ice Sheet: Covers ~80% of the island; largest ice mass in Northern Hemisphere after Antarctica.

INTERNATIONAL

4. COLOMBO SECURITY CONCLAVE

Current Context: The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) officially welcomed Bangladesh as its fifth member state during the 8th Deputy National Security Adviser (DNSA) level meeting.

ABOUT COLOMBO SECURITY CONCLAVE

Established in 2020 when India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives expanded their trilateral maritime cooperation.
Objective: Promote regional security by jointly addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern.
Members: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh
Observer: Seychelles

5. SHEIKH HASINA SENTENCED TO DEATH

Current Context: Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ousted after a massive student uprising, has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMES TRIBUNAL VERDICT

• Verdict announced after months of proceedings.
• Charges included:
  1. Killing of multiple individuals during the student uprising
  2. Crimes against humanity during the turbulence before her removal
  3. Alleged misuse of power during her tenure

HIMACHAL NEWS

6. RAULANE FESTIVAL

Current Context: The Raulane Festival in Himachal’s Kinnaur celebrates winter fairies with sacred dances, masked rituals, and ancient folklore at the Nagin Narayan temple.
The festival is an ancient 5,000-year-old tradition honoring mystical celestial fairies known as Saunis.

ABOUT RAULANE FESTIVAL

• Symbolic farewell to Sauni fairies who are believed to protect villagers during harsh winters.
• Celebrated with masked dances, ritual performances, and deep reverence at the Nagin Narayan Temple.
• Ceremonial Figures: Two symbolic figures, Raula and Raulane, representing a bride and groom—both played by men chosen through ancestral rituals.
• The figures wear traditional Kinnauri wool robes, heavy ornaments, and distinctive face masks.

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