Why in news?

US President Donald Trump has urged NATO allies to support the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran, particularly in securing the Strait of Hormuz, warning of consequences if they refuse.

However, several NATO members, including Germany, have rejected this call, stating the conflict is not a NATO matter. The war, now in its third week, has escalated tensions across West Asia, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for nearly 20% of global oil shipments.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• NATO: Structure and Core Principle of Collective Defence
• Why NATO Is Not Fighting as an Alliance?
• Current NATO Position in the Iran Conflict
• Trump’s Grievances Against NATO

NATO: Structure and Core Principle of Collective Defence

• NATO, established in 1949 after World War II, is an intergovernmental military alliance comprising 32 member countries, mainly from Europe, along with the US and Canada.
• Its defining feature is collective defence under Article 5, which states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, ensuring mutual security against external threats.

Why NATO Is Not Fighting as an Alliance?

• Violation of NATO’s Peace Principles - Article 1 requires members to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid force inconsistent with UN principles. The current conflict does not align with these norms, limiting NATO’s collective involvement.
• Article 5 Applies Only to Defensive Situations - Article 5 mandates action only in case of an armed attack on a member state. Even after 9/11, allies were not obligated to join US military action, choosing voluntary participation instead.
• Flexibility in Support - NATO members can choose non-military support, such as financial or humanitarian aid, instead of direct military involvement.
• Geographical Limitations - Article 6 restricts NATO’s defence obligations to Europe, North America, Turkey, and parts of the North Atlantic. The Iran-related conflict lies outside NATO’s operational zone.
• High Threshold for Collective Action - NATO maintains a strict threshold for invoking collective defence. Attacks on member assets do not automatically trigger Article 5 unless conditions are clearly met.

Current NATO Position in the Iran Conflict

• Limited Role: “Enabling Support” - NATO has confined itself to logistics and missile defence support, avoiding direct military involvement. The alliance has not invoked Article 5, maintaining a cautious stance.
• Official Stand: No Collective Military Action - NATO leadership has clarified there are no plans for formal involvement. Any participation is through individual member actions, not as a unified alliance.
• European Resistance to US Call - Several European nations, including Germany, have rejected calls for escalation. Preference is for diplomatic solutions, with leaders stressing “this is not our war.”
• Individual Allies Acting Independently
  • Some members are supporting operations at their own discretion:
    • UK: Allowing use of bases in Cyprus and deploying forces
    • Greece: Sending frigates and F-16s
    • France: Deploying naval assets
  • NATO forces have also intercepted Iranian drones and missiles in key locations.
  • The alliance’s eastern flank is handling conflict spillovers, especially near Turkey.
  • Despite rising tensions, NATO continues to avoid formal entry into the war.

Trump’s Grievances Against NATO

• Burden-Sharing Concerns - Donald Trump has long argued that NATO allies underfund defence, placing a disproportionate burden on the US. Members are expected to spend at least 2% of GDP on defence.
• Misleading Claims and Reality - Trump claimed many countries were “not paying anything,” which is inaccurate. Rising defence spending among allies has been driven largely by security concerns like the Russia-Ukraine war.
• NATO’s Support to the US - Article 5 has been invoked only once, after the 9/11 attacks, in support of the US. NATO allies actively participated in Afghanistan and Iraq wars, contributing troops and resources.
• Diverging Perspectives on US Wars - Some European leaders view interventions like the 2003 Iraq War as costly and misguided. This has shaped reluctance toward future US-led military engagements.
• Overall Position
  • While Trump highlights funding imbalances, data shows growing contributions by allies, alongside a history of shared military commitments and sacrifices.
  • US defence spending accounted for 63% of NATO’s total in 2024 (down from 72% in 2016).
  • However, the US ranks sixth in defence spending as a percentage of GDP.
  • Non-US allies increased spending significantly from $292 billion (2016) to $482 billion (2024).
  • 18 of 31 members met the 2% target in 2024, up from just 4 in 2016.

Why in news?

The government has expanded its domestic sourcing mandate for solar equipment to include wafers and ingots, effective from June 2028. This requirement will apply mainly to government-backed, utility-scale, and commercial projects, including schemes like PM Surya Ghar.

Currently, the mandate covers mainly solar PV modules, while other components can still be imported.

However, a separate rule mandating domestic solar cells will come into effect from June this year, indicating a gradual push toward full supply chain localisation.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Reducing Import Dependence in Solar Manufacturing
• Domestic Wafer Rollout Norms in Solar Sector
• Upstream Challenges in India’s Solar Manufacturing

Reducing Import Dependence in Solar Manufacturing

• The extension of domestic sourcing norms to wafers and ingots aims to cut import dependence and strengthen local manufacturing in India’s solar sector.
• While India has built strong capacity in solar modules (172 GW) and cells (27.2 GW), upstream segments like polysilicon, ingots, and wafers remain underdeveloped, with wafer and ingot capacity at only about 2 GW.
• Wafers are an important step in making solar panels. First, raw material (polysilicon) is turned into ingots, then cut into thin wafers.
• These wafers are used to make solar cells, which are finally assembled into solar panels. That’s why producing wafers in India is important for reducing dependence on imports.

Domestic Wafer Rollout Norms in Solar Sector

• According to a memorandum by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), a list of domestic wafer manufacturers will be announced only when:
  • At least three independent units exist (no common ownership)
  • Combined capacity reaches 15 GW.
• A new Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) i.e. ALMM List-III will be created specifically for wafers.
• Manufacturers must also have matching ingot production capacity to qualify.
• The framework ensures end-to-end domestic sourcing, strengthening India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem and reducing reliance on imports.
• ALMM Framework for Solar Supply Chain
  • MNRE’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) ensures domestic sourcing:
    • List-I: Solar modules
    • List-II: Solar cells
    • List-III (new): Solar wafers
  • Cascading Requirement
    • Modules must come from List-I manufacturers
    • Cells must come from List-II manufacturers
    • Wafers used in cells must come from List-III manufacturers
• Transitional Exemptions
• Projects are exempt from domestic wafer sourcing if:
  • Bid submission is on or before the cut-off date
  • Cut-off = 7 days after first wafer ALMM list is issued
• Projects with bids or PPAs before the cut-off remain exempt, even if later procurement occurs.
• Mandatory Compliance After Cut-Off
  • Projects with bids after the cut-off date must ensure:
  • Modules, cells, and wafers are sourced strictly from ALMM List-I, II, and III
  • Tender documents must explicitly include these requirements.

Upstream Challenges in India’s Solar Manufacturing

• Despite growth in solar module manufacturing, upstream segments like polysilicon, ingots, and wafers face challenges.
• Key issues include high capital requirements and price competition from cheaper Chinese imports.
• Performance of the PLI Scheme
  • The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme covers both:
    • Upstream: Polysilicon, ingots, wafers
    • Downstream: Cells and modules
  • Launched in 2021 to build 65 GW annual capacity, with total outlay of ₹24,000 crore.
  • However, progress has been uneven, with upstream segments lagging behind.
• Implementation Gaps and Capacity Achievement
  • Overall operational capacity reached only 29% of awarded capacity (as of June 2025).
  • Performance across segments:
    • Modules: 59% (strong progress)
    • Cells: 22%
    • Wafers/Ingot: 10%
    • Polysilicon: 14%
  • Indicates significant execution gaps, especially in upstream manufacturing.
• Continued Import Dependence
  • India still relies heavily on imports:
    • Solar cells: $1,641 million
    • Wafers: $156 million
    • Polysilicon: $0.03 million (FY25)
  • Highlights vulnerability in critical supply chain components.
• Policy Response and Way Forward
  • Government is exploring new capital subsidy schemes for wafers and ingots.
  • Aim is to boost domestic capacity and reduce reliance on imports in upstream segments.
  • While downstream manufacturing is advancing, upstream bottlenecks remain a key hurdle, requiring targeted policy support and investment for full solar supply chain self-reliance.

Context:

• Global trade is increasingly shaped by geopolitics rather than pure economics, with tariffs and economic dependencies used as strategic tools.
• In this context, the WTO’s Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé (March 2026) is crucial, as it will test whether the WTO can adapt quickly enough to remain relevant in a shifting, power-driven global trade order.
• This article highlights how the WTO’s Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon comes at a critical juncture, where rising geopolitical tensions, institutional weaknesses, and changing global production patterns are challenging the relevance of a rules-based global trade system.

WTO in Turmoil: Crisis and Changing Global Trade Dynamics

• Institutional Crisis and Weak Enforcement
  • The WTO faces its deepest crisis since 1995, with its dispute settlement system weakened.
  • The Appellate Body remains paralysed, undermining enforcement and trust in global trade rules.
• Inability to Keep Pace with Modern Trade
  • WTO negotiations lag behind rapid changes like digital commerce.
  • Existing rules have not evolved to address new forms of global economic activity.
• Decision-Making Gridlock
  • With 166 diverse member countries, reaching consensus has become slow and difficult.
  • Many negotiations yield limited results, leaving key issues unresolved.
• Rise of Geopolitics in Trade
  • Increasing use of tariffs and economic pressure as political tools has distorted markets.
  • Trade is shifting from cooperation to strategic competition.
• Continued Relevance of WTO
  • Despite challenges, most global trade still follows WTO rules.
  • Weakening multilateral rules would make trade unpredictable and harm smaller economies.
• Shift Toward Power-Based Trade Order
  • Global trade is moving toward “wrecking-ball politics”—short-term, disruptive strategies.
  • Rise of unilateral actions, coercion, and bilateral deals threatens rule-based systems.
  • If current trends continue, rule-based trade may give way to power-driven arrangements, undermining stability and fairness in global commerce.

WTO Reform in a Changing Global Production Landscape

• Changing Nature of Global Trade
  • MC14 presents an opportunity to rebalance predictability and fairness in global trade.
  • The WTO’s original framework no longer reflects current realities:
    • Emerging economies now export high-tech and advanced products
    • Climate-related trade measures are increasing
    • Digital networks are reshaping global production
  • Rules built for the 20th century are inadequate for 21st-century trade dynamics.
• Restoring Credibility Through Enforcement
  • A key priority is reviving the dispute settlement system.
  • Without enforcement, rules lose meaning and trust declines.
  • A strong, binding system helps reduce political interference and maintain confidence in multilateral trade.
• Balancing Predictability with Fairness
  • Persistent issues include:
    • Agricultural subsidies
    • Market distortions
    • Unequal market access
  • Developing countries argue WTO ensures legality but not always fair outcomes.
  • Reforms should:
    • Improve transparency on subsidies
    • Address distortive practices
    • Update special and differential treatment to reflect current realities
• Need for Institutional Adaptability
• WTO structures struggle due to large and diverse membership.
• Smaller group initiatives (e-commerce, investment, services) can help progress.
• However, they must remain:
  • Transparent and inclusive
  • Linked to the broader WTO framework
• Flexibility should advance reform, not fragment the system.
• Broader Concern: Power vs Rules
  • WTO reform is not just technical but also normative.
  • A shift toward transactional, power-based trade could:
    • Benefit stronger nations
    • Leave weaker countries vulnerable
  • Preserving a rules-based system is essential for stability and equity in global trade.

The Choice Before WTO: Reform or Fragmentation

• The WTO’s core role is to ensure that global trade is governed by rules rather than coercion, protecting countries—especially weaker ones—from economic domination in an era of strategic competition.
• At MC14, members face a clear choice:
  • Pursue meaningful reforms to update rules, strengthen procedures, and restore balance, or
  • Allow the system to fragment further into power-driven arrangements
• Successful reform will require political will and collective responsibility.
• Strengthening the WTO is essential to maintain a stable, cooperative framework for global trade in an increasingly interdependent world.

Why in the News?

• A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended expanding the PM POSHAN Scheme to include breakfast and extending coverage up to Class 12.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About PM POSHAN Scheme (Objectives, Coverage, Components, Budget, Achievements, etc.)
• News Summary (Key Recommendations of the Committee)

PM POSHAN Scheme

• The PM POSHAN Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) is the restructured version of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, launched in 2021.
• It is one of the world’s largest school nutrition programmes aimed at improving the nutritional status of children and enhancing school participation.
• Objectives
  • Improving nutritional levels among school children
  • Increasing enrolment, retention, and attendance in schools
  • Reducing dropout rates, especially among disadvantaged groups
  • Promoting social equity by encouraging children from different backgrounds to eat together
• Coverage and Beneficiaries
  • The scheme currently provides one cooked meal per day to:
    • Students of government and government-aided schools
    • Students studying from Class 1 to Class 8
• Components of the Scheme
• Hot Cooked Meals: Nutritious meals prepared as per prescribed calorific and protein norms
• Nutritional Standards: Meals designed to meet daily energy and protein requirements
• Supplementary Nutrition: Inclusion of local and seasonal foods
• School Nutrition Gardens: Promotion of locally grown vegetables and fruits
• Monitoring Mechanisms: Use of technology for real-time monitoring and quality checks
• Budget and Funding Pattern
  • The scheme is centrally sponsored, with funding shared between the Centre and States.
  • The overall budget for PM POSHAN (2021-26) is over Rs. 1.3 lakh crore
  • The Centre bears a major share of the cost, while States contribute the remaining portion
• Key Achievements
  • ~11.80 crore children are covered under the scheme
  • Around 100+ crore meals served per month
  • Nutritional Standards Achieved
    • Primary (Classes 1-5): 450 calories, 12 grams of protein
    • Upper Primary (Classes 6-8): 700 calories, 20 grams of protein

News Summary

• The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has recommended significant reforms to strengthen the PM POSHAN Scheme.
• Proposal to Introduce Breakfast
  • The Committee has suggested that schools should provide at least a light breakfast along with the existing midday meal.
  • Morning nutrition is expected to improve concentration and cognitive performance

• Expansion of Coverage
• The Committee recommended expanding the scheme in a phased manner:
• Immediate extension up to Class 10
• Gradual expansion up to Class 12 within five years

• Focus on Adolescent Nutrition
  • The Committee highlighted that adolescence is a critical stage of growth.

• Stopping nutritional support after Class 8 leaves a gap during an important developmental phase
• Adequate nutrition during this stage can prevent long-term health issues
• It can also reduce dropout rates, particularly among girls
• Link Between Nutrition and Education
• The Committee emphasised that nutrition and education are closely linked.
• Students in Classes 10 and 12 face academic pressure due to board exams
• Proper nutrition can improve focus, memory, and overall academic performance
• Other Recommendations
• Extending the benefits of PM-SHRI schools to more government schools
• Ensuring the timely release of funds under Samagra Shiksha
• Addressing resource concentration in select institutions

Significance of the Proposed Changes

• The proposed reforms have wider implications for India’s education and health systems.
• Addressing Malnutrition: Expanding the scheme will help tackle malnutrition among adolescents, which remains a major public health issue in India.
• Improving Learning Outcomes: Better nutrition directly contributes to improved cognitive abilities and academic performance.
• Promoting Gender Equity: Nutritional support for older students, especially girls, can reduce dropout rates and encourage continued education.
• Strengthening Human Capital: Investing in nutrition and education simultaneously enhances human capital development, which is crucial for long-term economic growth.

Context:

• The debate over defining the extent of the Aravalli Range has resurfaced following directions from the Supreme Court of India to evolve a uniform definition.
• A new expert committee is being constituted after the Court stayed its (November 2025) judgment amid environmental concerns.
• The issue holds immense ecological significance, as the Aravallis act as a natural barrier against desertification, support biodiversity, and sustain groundwater systems in north-west India.

Background:

• Earlier mapping efforts - FSI’s scientific mapping (2011):
  • The Forest Survey of India (FSI), following a 2010 SC order, undertook independent mapping of the Aravalli hills across 15 districts of Rajasthan.
  • Using Survey of India topographic sheets (1:50,000 scale) and GIS-based analysis, FSI -
    • Digitised contours painstakingly.
    • Applied a 3-degree slope criterion to delineate hills.
  • The final map was submitted (in April 2011), forming a scientifically robust baseline.
• Recent developments:
  • Committee-based redefinition (2024–25):
    • A committee of secretaries proposed a 100-metre elevation criterion for defining the Aravallis.
    • The report (October 2025) significantly reduced the geographical spread of Aravalli hills from FSI’s 62 districts to only 37 districts.
  • Judicial intervention:
    • The SC’s (November 2025) judgment triggered protests by environmentalists.
    • The SC (in November 2025) accepted a new, restrictive definition of the Aravalli hills—defining them as only those with a height of/over 100 meters or clusters of such hills within 500 meters.
    • This move is criticized for potentially leaving smaller hills vulnerable to mining.
    • Later (December 2025), the SC stayed its own judgment, and ordered formation of a new expert committee

Core Issue - Elevation vs Slope-Based Definition:

• Problems with 100 m elevation criterion:
  • It is an arbitrary benchmark, which ignores geomorphological continuity.
  • It excludes low-lying hills, constituting many ecologically critical areas that fall below 100 m.
  • This endangers fragmentation of landscape, and breaks ecological connectivity.
• Strength of 3-degree slope criterion (used by FSI in 2011):
  • Captures actual terrain characteristics (terrain continuity and ecological integrity)
  • Ensures continuity of hill systems
  • Based on field-tested GIS analysis

Key Concerns Raised:

• Large-scale exclusion of districts: Important districts like Sawai Madhopur and Chittorgarh excluded despite inclusion in Aravalli Green Wall Project, and recognition under UNESCO’s Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
• Policy inconsistency across agencies: Multiple agencies recognize the broader Aravalli extent. For example, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Culture, Central Ground Water Board, Geological Survey of India.
• Ecological risks:
  • Rajasthan has only ~8% forest and tree cover (ISFR 2023), and majority of this lies within the Aravalli region.
  • Hence, misclassification may lead to mining expansion, deforestation, groundwater depletion, and desertification (Thar expansion).

Key Challenges:

• Scientific challenges: Lack of consensus on definitional criteria, risk of discarding legacy datasets (2011 mapping).
• Administrative challenges: Inter-agency inconsistency, pressure from development and mining interests.
• Legal challenges: Frequent judicial interventions leading to policy uncertainty.
• Environmental challenges: Fragile ecosystem with low forest cover. High vulnerability to climate change and land degradation.

Way Forward:

• Adopt scientific and tested criteria: Re-evaluate and possibly retain the 3-degree slope method, avoid arbitrary elevation-based definitions.
• Use existing high-quality data: Retain Survey of India-based datasets (2011), ensure continuity in methodology.
• Inter-agency harmonisation: Align definitions across the Environment Ministry, cultural and geological bodies.
• Precautionary principle: In case of doubt, adopt broader inclusion to protect ecology.
• Independent expert review: New committee should include GIS experts, ecologists, and geomorphologists.
• Strengthen legal safeguards: Clear, enforceable definition to regulate mining, land use change.

Conclusion:

• The debate on defining the Aravallis is not merely technical—it is a test of India’s commitment to evidence-based environmental governance.
• Discarding scientifically evolved methodologies in favour of arbitrary thresholds risks irreversible ecological damage.
• A balanced approach, grounded in scientific rigour, institutional memory, and ecological prudence, is essential to preserve this old mountain system for future generations.

Context

• India stands at a critical demographic juncture, as highlighted in the report Unravelling India’s Demographic Future: Population Projections for States and Union Territories, 2021–2051.
• The projections suggest a significant transformation in the country’s population dynamics, moving away from the long-feared population explosion towards a phase of slower growth, urbanisation, and ageing.
• While this transition reflects developmental progress, it also introduces complex socio-economic challenges that demand careful policy responses.

From Population Explosion to Stabilisation

• The report estimates that India’s population will rise from 1,355.8 million in 2021 to 1,590.1 million by 2051, growing at an average annual rate of just 0.5%.
• This marks a clear departure from earlier high-growth projections and indicates that India is entering a phase of demographic stabilisation.
• The country is gradually transitioning from a youthful, rapidly expanding population to a more balanced and mature demographic structure.
• This shift reflects declining fertility rates, improved healthcare, and increased awareness about family planning.
• However, it also signals the eventual end of a demographic advantage that has long powered India’s economic aspirations.

Implications for the Education Sector

• One of the most immediate consequences of declining fertility is the shrinking child population.
• The number of children aged 0–4 years is expected to fall dramatically, reducing demand for schooling infrastructure.
• While this could improve teacher-student ratios and educational quality, it also presents structural challenges.
• A notable concern is the emergence of uneconomic schools, particularly in the government sector, where declining enrolment makes institutions financially unsustainable.
• Evidence already shows a decline in the number of government schools, alongside a rise in private institutions.
• This shift reflects changing parental aspirations, as families increasingly prefer private schools due to perceived quality differences and social pressures.
• Thus, while the education system may benefit from improved resource allocation, it must also address inequalities between public and private schooling and manage workforce implications for teachers.

The Demographic Dividend and Its Limits

• India’s demographic dividend, driven by a large working-age population, has been a cornerstone of its growth narrative.
• The working-age population is projected to peak around 2041, after which it will begin to decline. This indicates a limited window for harnessing economic benefits from a youthful workforce.
• Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea have successfully leveraged similar phases to accelerate economic development.
• For India, the urgency lies in creating employment opportunities, enhancing skills, and ensuring productivity gains before this window closes.
• Encouragingly, even by 2051, a substantial proportion of the population will remain within the working-age group.
• However, without adequate job creation and skill development, this potential could remain underutilised.

The Challenge of an Ageing Population

• Parallel to the decline in fertility is the rapid growth of the elderly population. By 2051, over one-fifth of India’s population is expected to be aged 60 and above.
• The median age is also projected to rise significantly, signalling a transition towards an ageing society.
• This demographic shift will place increasing pressure on healthcare systems, pension schemes, and social security frameworks.
• The need for geriatric care, long-term healthcare infrastructure, and financial support systems will become more pronounced.
• Without adequate preparation, this could strain public finances and widen social vulnerabilities.
• At the same time, an ageing population also opens up new economic possibilities.
• The emergence of a silver economy can drive demand for specialised services, healthcare innovations, and new market opportunities.

Policy Priorities for a Changing Demography

• India’s demographic transition calls for a comprehensive reorientation of public policy.
• In the education sector, declining enrolment should be leveraged to improve quality rather than simply reduce infrastructure.
• Investments in skill development and modern education systems are crucial to prepare the workforce for evolving economic demands.
• In healthcare, resources freed from reduced maternity demands can be redirected towards improving overall care quality and expanding geriatric services.
• Continued focus on family planning and reproductive health remains essential to sustain demographic gains.
• Moreover, increasing female participation in the workforce presents a significant opportunity.
• By tapping into this gender dividend, India can offset the decline in its working-age population and boost economic productivity.
• Finally, strengthening social security systems and designing sustainable pension and healthcare models will be critical to managing the ageing population effectively.

Conclusion

• India’s demographic future is marked by both promise and complexity; The shift from rapid population growth to stabilisation, coupled with ageing, represents a natural progression in development.
• However, the benefits of this transition are not automatic. They depend on timely and strategic policy interventions.
• If India successfully harnesses its remaining demographic dividend, invests in human capital, and prepares for an ageing society, it can transform these challenges into opportunities.

About Kalinjar Fort:

• It is located in the Banda district of Uttar Pradesh.
• It is situated on an isolated hilltop, surrounded by the Vindhya Mountains and the Ken River.
• It is one of the oldest and most impressive forts in the country.
• Many decisive battles were fought for the possession of this strategically located fort in ancient, medieval, and modern times.
• History:
  • Historical documents and inscriptions indicate that a strategic fort was established during the Gupta period (4th-6th century).
  • Later, Kalinjar came under the Chandela dynasty (9th-13th century) and became one of their capitals.
  • During the rule of the Chandela kings, the fort developed into a military fort on one side and a religious centre on the other.
  • Mahmud Ghaznavi, Qutubuddin Aibak, and Humayun attacked it and wanted to win it but could not succeed.
  • Finally, in 1569 AD, Akbar won this fort and gifted it to Birbal. After Birbal, this fort came under the Bundel king Chhatrasal.
  • After them, the fort was occupied by Hardev Shah of Panna.
  • In 1812, this fort became under the British.
• The fort also houses mosques, temples, palaces, and stepwells.
• One of the main attractions of Kalinjar is the Neelkanth Temple.
  • It was built by Chandela ruler Paramaditya Dev.
  • The Shiva lingam is of blue stone in addition to the giant 18-arm statue in the temple.

About Hindon River:

• It is a tributary of the Yamuna
• Course:
  • It originates in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, in the Siwalik Hills.
  • It flows across the industrial belt of Western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana before merging with the Yamuna River near Noida.
• The river is entirely fed by rain, with a significant increase in water flow during the monsoon season.
• Tributaries: The Kali (West) River and Krishni River are the main tributaries of River Hindon.
• It is on the banks of this river that archeologists found traces of the Harappan civilization with sites dating back to as long as 2500 BC.
• Due to urban, agricultural, and industrial waste which is being released without sufficient treatment into its waters, the Hindon is now one of the most polluted stretches in the Ganga basin.
• In 2015, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found the Hindon’s pollution levels were so severe that it was declared a ‘dead river’ and ‘unfit’ even for bathing in several sections of the river.