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NDTV
12 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Why A Cluster Of Hindu Temples Is At Heart Of Thailand-Cambodia Conflict
New Delhi: The 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is perched on a 525 metre cliff in Cambodia's Dangrek mountains. Built under the Khmer Empire, it is a religious site for not just Cambodians, but also their Thai neighbours. Roughly 95 km to the west lies the Ta Muen Thom temple, a 12th-century Shiva shrine. Although largely overshadowed by the popularity of Angkor Wat, this cluster of temples has been at the centre of a conflict between the two nations for more than half a century. Clashes erupted again on Thursday between Thailand and Cambodia along their border, marking the most violent escalation in over a decade. The clashes left 12 dead, dozens wounded, and forced mass evacuations. The latest round of fighting began in the early hours of Thursday near the Ta Muen Thom temple in Thailand's Surin Province. The Thai version of the events claims that the confrontation began when Cambodian troops deployed drones for aerial reconnaissance near Thai military positions. Attempts by Thai soldiers to de-escalate failed, and by 08:20 local time, heavy exchanges of fire had commenced. Thailand claims its forces acted in self-defence after provocations by Cambodian units equipped with RPGs. Cambodia, on the other hand, alleges Thailand violated its sovereignty. Thailand escalated threat levels to "Level 4," triggering a full closure of all border checkpoints along the shared frontier. Around 40,000 Thai civilians from 86 villages have been evacuated. Ancient Temples And Claims The border dispute revolves around the controversy surrounding the demarcation between Cambodia and Thailand, much of which stems from colonial-era borders. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favour of Cambodia and ordered Thailand to withdraw troops and return any artefacts removed after 1954. The ruling rested on a 1907 French-drawn map that placed the temple within the French protectorate of Cambodia. Thailand, then Siam, had accepted this map at the time but later argued it had done so under the mistaken belief that the border followed a natural watershed line. The ICJ disagreed, concluding that Thailand had accepted the map and was bound by it. In 2013, after renewed clashes between troops at the site in 2011, the ICJ clarified its original judgment, granting Cambodia sovereignty not only over the temple but also the surrounding area, and instructed Thailand to remove its forces. Ta Muen Thom The current hostilities have focused on the Ta Muen Thom temple. Situated along the rugged forested border in the Dangrek Mountains, this lesser-known Khmer Hindu complex includes three main temples - Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen, and Ta Muen Tot. Ta Muen Thom's architecture features a sanctuary faced southward, an anomaly among Khmer temples, which traditionally face east. A naturally formed Shivling remains enshrined in its sanctum. Its location has made it a recurring flashpoint. In February, Cambodian soldiers reportedly sang their national anthem at the temple, provoking a confrontation with Thai troops. A video of the exchange went viral on social media. Politics And Colonial Borders Following the establishment of French protection over Cambodia in 1863, several treaties between France and Siam were signed from 1904 to 1907 to define territorial boundaries. French surveyors created maps based on watershed lines but made exceptions near culturally important sites such as Preah Vihear. Southeast Asian historians have long noted that boundaries, particularly those drawn by Western powers, were alien to regional politics. The French-made maps based on European cartography gave Cambodia a distinct "geo-body," with Preah Vihear located just inside its borders. Thailand has consistently disputed these lines, especially as more modern geographic technologies exposed inconsistencies. In 2008, Cambodia succeeded in having Preah Vihear listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a move that again triggered Thai opposition. Thailand's then Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, who had supported the bid, was forced to resign following domestic backlash. That same year, clashes broke out near the temple, killing soldiers on both sides.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
AK-47 to LWRC M6: Houthi's peddling US, Russian weapons on X, WhatsApp; chilling details exposed
Yemen's online arms trade has exploded, with over 130 X accounts many linked to Houthis openly selling US and Russian weapons. A Tech Transparency Project probe found RPGs, AK-47s, and even US military M4s for sale via X and WhatsApp. Some guns bore Houthi slogans or 'property of US govt' marks. Shockingly, 61% of these accounts emerged after Musk's Twitter takeover, exposing how global platforms are fueling illegal arms markets. Show more Show less
Shafaq News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Gaza: Six Israeli soldiers killed by Al-Qassam Brigades
Shafaq News - Gaza Six Israeli soldiers, including a senior officer, were killed and a total of 16 were wounded during an operation launched by the al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas's armed wing), in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza, on Monday, according to Israeli media outlets. Posting on Telegram, the al-Qassam Brigades addressed the Israeli army, 'We will crush the prestige of your army,' warning that 'as long as the aggression continues, funerals and bodies of enemy soldiers will be a recurring event.' Israeli media reported that the incident unfolded amid intense fighting in a complex military operation near the Gaza border, in a zone heavily fortified with explosives and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Israeli Air Force helicopters struck the area to provide cover and evacuate troops, while helicopter landing zones were established at multiple hospitals to receive casualties. The Israeli army's Southern Command has opened an investigation into the incident in northern Gaza. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the event while visiting the White House, according to Israeli news outlets. Earlier, al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for attacks that targeted Israeli forces and settlements, firing mortar shells at Israeli troop positions in al-Satar and al-Qarara, north of Khan Younis, and launched 114mm Rajoum missiles toward the settlements of Nirim and Ein HaShlosha (the Third Eye).
Shafaq News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
+15 Israeli troops wounded in Gaza ambush
Shafaq News - Gaza 16 Israeli soldiers including a senior officer were wounded—four of them in a state of clinical death—during a major security incident in northern Gaza, Israeli media reported on Monday. The operation targeted the Nahal Brigade, which had assumed control of the northern Gaza area only days earlier. Additionally, three soldier were missing following the incident, and ongoing search and rescue efforts have been met with armed resistance from Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades. The event occurred during a complex military operation near the Gaza border, involving intense fighting in an area reportedly rigged with explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Israel's Air Force helicopters opened fire at the site to provide cover and extract forces from the area. The exact nature of the incident has not yet been confirmed by the Israeli military.
Mint
07-07-2025
- Mint
Level up your sound: 5 premium gaming headphones you can buy in India in 2025
If you're gaming on a solid rig in 2025, don't let subpar audio hold you back. You might be landing into Warzone, grinding Valorant, or immersed in RPGs, your headset makes or breaks the experience. India's gaming market is seeing a surge in demand for high-quality headphones that don't just look cool but deliver on comfort, clarity, and cross-platform performance. This list covers five of the most popular premium gaming headphones available in India right now, from budget beasts to wireless monsters. Sound quality: Positional accuracy, bass response, and spatial awareness are key. Mic clarity: Noise-cancelling, detachable, or flip-to-mute mics are great for in-game comms Comfort: Look for memory foam or velour ear cushions for marathon sessions. Connectivity: Wired or wireless? USB, 3.5 mm, Bluetooth, or multi-platform support. India-specific needs: Reliable after-sales support, warranty coverage, and availability on Flipkart, Amazon, or offline stores. Price range: ₹ 3,000 – ₹ 4,000 Highlights: Lightweight design, 50 mm drivers, passive noise isolation, cardioid mic. Why it works for Indian gamers: Affordable, solid build, available everywhere. Best for: Budget-conscious gamers who want performance without frills. Price range: Around ₹ 3,000 Highlights: Comfortable fit, adjustable steel sliders, decent soundstage. India-specific needs: A trusted name in budget gaming gear, holds up well over time. Best for: Casual and mid-level gamers needing reliability and comfort. Highlights: Dual-battery system, premium ANC, 360° spatial audio. India-specific needs: High-end appeal for streamers, great build, future-proof. Best for: Competitive/professional gamers and content creators. Price range: ₹ 12,000 – ₹ 15,000 Highlights: Detachable Blue VO!CE mic, hybrid mesh drivers, surround sound, dual connectivity. India-specific needs: Logitech's reputation meets esports-grade precision. Best for: Gamers who want audio precision with zero fluff. Price range: ₹ 10,000 – ₹ 13,000 Highlights: DTS Headphone:X 7.1, RGB lighting, USB + 3.5 mm support. India-specific needs: Feature-packed and flashy for those who like a visual punch with their audio. Best for: Gamers wanting immersive surround sound and aesthetic flex. A great headset doesn't just add flair, it gives you an edge. Whether you're sniping in Apex or vibing on a late-night co-op session, any of these five options will deliver in comfort, clarity, and performance. Pick based on your budget, play-style, and the platform you rep, your ears will thank you.
