• 12 Dec 2025

MP CM Declares State Free of Naxalism

Why in News? 

With the surrender of two Naxalites in Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav claimed that the state was free of the Maoist menace. 

Key Points 

• Campaign: The surrender took place during the ‘Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation’ campaign, which aims to integrate former Naxals back into mainstream society. 
• Strategy: The success was driven by joint operations between the CRPF and local police, which maintained consistent pressure on the Naxal network in the area. 
• Leadership: The success is attributed to the determination of the Prime Minister and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to eliminate Naxalism by 2026. 
• Development: With the end of Naxalism, CM emphasized the region’s development, especially in areas like Mandla, Dindori, and Balaghat, while vowing to prevent Maoism's resurgence. 

Wildlife Protection on MP Highways

Why in News? 

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced a 5mm thick "table-top red marking" on a 2 km stretch of the Bhopal-Jabalpur National Highway to improve road safety and protect wildlife. 

Key Points 

• Purpose: This initiative, part of a larger project to expand the highway from two to four lanes, aims to reduce wildlife-related accidents, particularly in areas near the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. 
• Design: The "table-top" red marking is a first-of-its-kind technique in India, using a bright red texture that reduces vehicle speed as drivers enter wildlife-sensitive zones. 
• Additional Features: White shoulder lines were also painted to guide drivers and prevent them from veering off the paved road, enhancing safety for both vehicles and animals. 
• Underpasses: NHAI constructed around 25 underpasses along the 11.9 km highway stretch to allow safe animal crossings, minimizing disruptions to their habitats. 
• Cost and Coverage: The project, costing Rs 122.25 crore, covers an 11.9 km stretch of highway, with two kilometers specifically marked with the red tabletop technique. 
• Accidents and Fatalities: Animal-vehicle collisions have been a significant issue, with 237 such incidents in Madhya Pradesh over the past two years, leading to 94 deaths. 
• Global Precedent: The initiative follows international examples like Canada’s Banff National Park and the Netherlands' "ecoducts," which feature wildlife crossings and road safety measures. 
• Wildlife Concern: The Bhopal-Jabalpur stretch passes through wildlife-heavy areas like the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, with animals such as deer, jackals, and tigers frequently crossing roads. 
• Expected Outcome: The upgraded highway, along with the red markings and underpasses, is expected to reduce accidents, protect wildlife, and boost tourism and revenue by improving connectivity. 

Adopt a Tourism Site Initiative

Why in News? 

Rajasthan’s tourism department is introducing the "adopt a tourism site" initiative as part of the Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2025 to modernise the tourism ecosystem.

Key Points 

• Scheme Objective: The initiative aims to invite private players, local communities, and tourism stakeholders to restore, manage, and operate heritage and eco-tourism locations. 
• Sustainable Model: It is designed to create a sustainable, revenue-supported model for maintaining major tourist destinations, including temples and eco-tourism sites, reducing government burden. 
• Adoption Period: Partners can adopt sites or amenities for a minimum period of five years, assuming responsibility for development, upkeep, and management of visitor facilities. 
• Commercial Activities: The model allows the introduction of commercial and semi-commercial activities in adopted zones to generate funds for self-sustaining maintenance. 
• Local Integration: Partners will set up shopping arcades with local cuisine, handicrafts, arts, and traditional products, benefiting local artisans and enhancing the visitor experience. 
• Livelihood Creation: The scheme is expected to create new livelihood opportunities for local artisans by promoting Rajasthan's unique culture and products. 
• Tourism Enhancement: The policy encourages partners to improve the tourism value chain, with amenities like cafeterias, restaurants, and curated souvenir shops. 
• Night Tourism: The department is exploring flexible operational hours, including potential all-night access to select high-footfall sites to boost nighttime tourism and revenue. 
• Future Guidelines: Detailed operational guidelines, including a list of eligible sites and permissible amenities, will be released soon as part of the implementation of the Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2025.

Defence Minister to Unveil 1971 War Hero's Statue

Why in News? 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will unveil a statue of Thakur Balwant Singh in Bakhasar village, Barmer district, Rajasthan, on 13th December 2025. 

Key Points 

• War Hero: Thakur Balwant Singh played a crucial role in supporting the Indian Army during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, especially during the Chhachhro Raid. 
• Contribution: His local knowledge and bravery helped the Indian Army capture Chhachhro in Sindh and drive out the Pakistani forces. 
• Recognition: In honour of his contributions, criminal cases against Singh were withdrawn, and he was granted two all-India weapon licenses. 
• Legacy: Thakur Balwant Singh passed away in 1991, and his legacy is being commemorated with the unveiling of the statue.

Shimla Agreement, 1972 

• It was signed on 2nd July 1972 after the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.  
• It was negotiated by PM Indira Gandhi and Pakistan's President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to normalise relations and establish peace.  
• Objectives:  
  • Resolve the Kashmir issue bilaterally, preventing internationalisation.  
  • Improve Indo-Pak ties based on the new regional power balance.  
  • India refrained from making the ceasefire line a permanent boundary to prevent further resentment in Pakistan.  
• Key Provisions:  
  • Conflict Resolution: Issues to be resolved bilaterally and peacefully.  
  • Line of Control (LoC): Both sides agreed to respect the LoC in Kashmir, established after the 1971 war, and not alter its status unilaterally.  
  • Troop Withdrawal: Forces to withdraw to their respective sides of the international border.  
  • Future Diplomacy: Provisions for continued dialogue and repatriation of prisoners of war.