Supreme Court height-based definition sparks Aravalli mining fears

Exam-focused facts from the 24 December 2025 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The Supreme Court accepted a criterion that a landform with a rise of 100 metres from the surrounding ground qualifies as a hill or mountain.
The Aravalli range acts as a natural barrier against desertification, slows the eastward march of the Thar Desert, recharges groundwater, and moderates air pollution in the National Capital Region.
The Union government claims mining activity would be allowed in just 0.19 per cent of the Aravalli area and that nearly 90 per cent of the region remains fully protected.