25th Anniversary of Jahan-e-Khusrau Sufi Music Festival
Syllabus: GS1/History
Context
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025.
About
- Jahan-e-Khusrau Festival:
- International festival dedicated to Sufi music, poetry, and dance.
- Celebrates the legacy of Amir Khusrau.
- Brings together artists from across the world.
- Organized by the Rumi Foundation.
- Founded by filmmaker and artist Muzaffar Ali in 2001.
- During the festival, the Prime Minister also visited TEH Bazaar (TEH: The Exploration of the Handmade), which showcased One District-One Product crafts and exquisite artifacts from across India.
| Amir Khusrau – He was the most beloved disciple of the Chishti Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya. – He started out in the service of princes and nobles, before becoming a permanent fixture in the court of the Delhi Sultan. 1. In mediaeval Islamic culture, praise poetry was one of the principal means for a ruler to establish and propagate his cultural and political legitimacy. 2. Khusrau served at least five Sultans — Muizuddin Qaiqabad, Jalaluddin Khalji, Alauddin Khalji, Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. – He wrote in Persian, the language of the court, as well as Hindavi. – Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji bestowed upon Khusrau the title of ‘Amir’. 1. He also bestowed him with the sobriquet of Tuti-yi-Hind, the ‘Parrot of India’, title. – Legacy: Khusrau made lasting contributions to Indian classical music and qawwali, and is also credited for developing Hindavi, a precursor to modern Hindi and Urdu. 1. He is also credited with crafting dozens of ragas and creating ornate khayal music. |
About Sufism and Its Origin
- Sufism is a mystic dimension of Islam which formally originated in the Middle East between the ninth and tenth centuries.
- Mysticism is a religious practice in which people search for truth, knowledge and closeness to God through meditation and prayer.
- It focuses on inner purity, love, and devotion for salvation.
- Historically, Sufism flourished in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Turkey, and Arabia.
- Origin in India: Sufism came to India in the 11th and 12th centuries, after the arrival of Islam via the Arab trading community in South India.
- The tradition draws from Persian, Turkish, Urdu, Sindhi, Pashto, and Punjabi literature.
Sufism’s Influence in India
- Sufis contributed to spirituality, poetry, and music in India.
- Key figures like Moinuddin Chisti, Nizamuddin Auliya, Amir Khusrau, and Kabir shaped the Bhakti movement, merging Hindu and Sufi practices.
- Saints like Namdev, Tukaram, and Guru Nanak Dev integrated Sufi and Hindu devotion.
Key Sufi Orders in India
- Chisti Order: Introduced by Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti in Ajmer, India.
- Influential figures: Nizamuddin Auliya, Nasiruddin Chiragh, Sheikh Burhanduddin Gharib, Mohd Banda Nawaz.
- Suhrawardi Order: Emphasized property, knowledge, and mystical enlightenment.
- Prominent in Punjab and Multan; did not advocate for extreme austerity.
- Naqshbandi Order: Introduced by Khawaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi, focused on silent meditation.
- They viewed the human-God relationship as that of a slave and master, observed Shariah law, and opposed Emperor Akbar’s liberal policies.
- Qadri Order: Established during Mughal rule, popular in Punjab.
- Believed in the unity of God and creation (Wahdat-al-Wajood).
- Key figures: Mughal princess Jahanara and Dara, prominent Qadri disciples.
Sufism Through Music
- Music in Sufism plays a key role in spiritual connection and transformation.
- It helps induce states of ecstasy and deep devotion, facilitating a closer communion with God.
- Key aspects include:
- Sama: Spiritual music and dance that lead to mystical union.
- Whirling Dervishes: Dance accompanied by music to symbolize the soul’s journey toward God.
- The act of spinning reflects the mystical experience of Fana (annihilation of the self) and Baqa (remaining in God).
- Poetry and Song: Sufi poetry is often sung, expressing love and devotion to the Divine.
- Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafiz, and Bulleh Shah wrote poetry that is often sung or recited during Sufi gatherings.
- Healing Power: Music is believed to bring emotional balance and peace.
- Dhikr: Music enhances the Dhikr (remembrance of God), helping to focus the mind and open the heart.
Significance of Sufism in India
- Sufi saints attracted followers from both Hindu and Muslim communities.
- It facilitated the co-existence of Hindu shrines and Muslim asthans, with mutual respect and reverence.
- Indigenous Sufis fused practices with local traditions, promoting religious tolerance and respect.
- Their teachings inspire seekers of truth and embody the philosophy of ‘Vasudev Kutumba” (universal family) and “Let all beings be at peace.”
| Terms Related to Sufism – Tariqa: Spiritual path or order followed by Sufi practitioners. – Pir: A saint. – Sheikh (Murshid): Spiritual guide or teacher in Sufism. – Murid: A disciple or follower of a Sufi order. – Khanqah: A Sufi lodge or retreat for spiritual practices. – Qalb: The heart, spiritual center of understanding. – Wali: A saint or friend of God. – Muraqaba: Meditation or contemplation on God’s presence. |
Cabinet Nod To Revised Waqf Bill (2024)
Syllabus: GS2/Governance
Context
- Recently, the Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister of India, has approved the revised Waqf Bill with key changes recommended by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
Background
- The Waqf Act, 1995, governs the administration of Waqf properties, which are charitable endowments made by Muslims for religious, educational, or charitable purposes.
- The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced to address challenges in regulating and managing these properties and to enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards.
Key Amendments in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Regulation of Waqf Properties: Strengthens the legal framework to better manage and regulate waqf properties.
- Aims to curb illegal encroachments and misuse of waqf lands.
- Administrative Changes: Bill provides the functions of the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or any other officer not below the rank of Deputy Collector duly nominated by the Collector for the survey of waqf properties.
- Government Oversight: Strengthens the role of the central and state governments in monitoring waqf boards.
- May introduce provisions to address administrative inefficiencies.
- Transparency and Accountability: Enhances the role of waqf boards to ensure better record-keeping.
- Could mandate digital records for waqf properties to prevent corruption and mismanagement.
Key Changes Proposed by JPC
- Inclusion of Women and OBC Members: The bill mandates the inclusion of two Muslim women as members in both the State Waqf Boards (Section 14) and the Central Waqf Council (Section 9) to ensure women’s empowerment and participation in Waqf management.
- Additionally, one member from the Muslim OBC community will be included in the State Waqf Boards.
- Separate Waqf Boards for Specific Communities: The state government may establish separate Waqf Boards for the Aghakhani and Bohra communities to address their specific needs and concerns.
- Protection of Women’s Inheritance Rights: In family Waqfs (Waqf Alal Aulad), women’s inheritance rights will be safeguarded.
- A waqif (donor) can dedicate property only after ensuring that female heirs receive their rightful share.
- Dispute Resolution: The bill authorizes district collectors to settle disputes on whether a property is Waqf or belongs to the government. It aims to streamline the dispute resolution process and reduce delays.
- Use of Technology: The bill emphasizes the use of technology in managing Waqf records. All Waqf property details must be uploaded onto a central portal within six months to ensure transparency and accountability.
| Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) – It is set up by the Parliament for a special purpose, like for the detailed scrutiny of a subject or Bill. – It has members from both the Houses and from both the ruling parties and the opposition. – It is dissolved after its term ends or its task has been completed. |
Potential Concerns Related to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- State vs. Central Authority Over Waqf Properties: Concerns may arise about centralization and reduced autonomy of state waqf boards.
- Legal and Constitutional Challenges: If the amendment contradicts existing property laws or religious rights, it could face judicial review and legal battles.
- There may be concerns about fair compensation for landowners affected by waqf claims.
- Concerns from Minority Communities: The waqf system is an essential part of Muslim endowments in India.
- Any changes that are perceived as weakening community control over waqf assets may lead to opposition from religious groups and political debates.
- Transparency and Accountability: Reforms may be aimed at curbing corruption and mismanagement in waqf boards.
- However, increased bureaucratic control might slow down decision-making and create administrative bottlenecks.
| Waqf – As per Islam, it is the property only available for religious or charitable purposes, and any other use or sale of the property is prohibited. – As per Sharia law, once Waqf is established, and the property is dedicated to Waqf, it remains as Waqf property forever. Central Waqf Council – It is a statutory and advisory body set up in 1964 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Minority Affairs as per the provision given in the Waqf Act, 1954. 1. It has been empowered to advise the Central Government, State Governments and State Waqf Boards. – It consists of the Chairperson, who is the Union Minister in charge of Waqf and such other members, not exceeding 20 in number, as may be appointed by the Government of India. – Its role was expanded under the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013. – As per Section 40 of the Waqf Act 1995 (as amended in 2013) the State Waqf Board is empowered to decide any question which arises as to whether a particular property is a Waqf property or not or whether a Waqf is a Sunni Waqf or a Shia Waqf. |
India Needs Tariff Cuts, Reforms to Boost Investments: WB
Syllabus: GS3/Economy
Context
- As per the World Bank’s report (India Country Economic Memorandum), India will need to accelerate reforms to achieve an average annual growth rate of 7.8% for becoming a high-income economy by 2047.
About
- From 2000 in real terms, the economy has grown nearly four-fold, and GDP per capita has almost tripled.
- India grew faster than the rest of the world, its share in the global economy has doubled from 1.6% in 2000 to 3.4% in 2023.
- India has become the world’s fifth largest economy.
Key Points from the India Country Economic Memorandum:
- Target of High-Income Status by 2047: Achievable with ambitious reforms, building on India’s past growth (6.3% from 2000-2024).
- Global Examples: Countries like Chile, Korea, and Poland succeeded in transitioning to high-income by integrating deeper into the global economy.
Key Growth Scenarios for 2047:
- Achieve faster, inclusive growth across states.
- Increase total investment from 33.5% to 40% of GDP by 2035.
- Raise labor force participation from 56.4% to above 65%.
- Overall labour force participation rates have remained low in India compared to countries like Vietnam (73%) and Philippines (60%).
- Accelerate productivity growth.
- India’s GNI (gross national income) per capita must increase nearly 8 times, requiring accelerated growth.
- Demographic Dividend: Invest in human capital, create better jobs, and raise female labor force participation from 35.6% to 50% by 2047.
Critical Areas for Policy Action:
- Increase Investment: Strengthen financial sector regulations, ease MSME credit access, and simplify FDI policies.
- Create More Jobs: Target job-rich sectors (e.g., agro-processing, hospitality), invest in skills, and foster an innovation-driven economy.
- Promote Structural Transformation: Shift labor and resources to higher productivity sectors like manufacturing and services, improve infrastructure, and streamline labor market regulations.
- Enable Faster State Growth: Tailor policies for less developed states (focus on fundamentals) and more developed states (focus on advanced reforms and GVC participation).
- Federal Support: Incentivize low-income states with federal programs like the Urban Challenge Fund to improve public expenditure, efficiency and accelerate growth.
| Classification of Countries by World Bank – The World Bank creates a yearly classification of countries by income, for all countries with populations over 30,000. 1. This classification stays the same throughout the fiscal year (from July 1 to June 30) even if the income data for a country changes. – Low-income countries are those with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of $1,145 or less in 2023. – Lower-middle-income countries are those with a GNI per capita between $1,146 and $4,515 in 2023. – Upper-middle-income countries are those with a GNI per capita between $4,516 and $14,005 in 2023. – High-income countries are those with a GNI per capita of more than $14,005 in 2023 |
10,000 FPOs Achieved Under Government’s Flagship Scheme
Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture
Context
- The union government achieved the target of establishing 10,000 farmer producer organisations (FPOs) under a flagship central scheme.
- PM Modi launched the 10,000th FPO in Bhagalpur, Bihar focusing on maize, banana, and paddy.
About
- The Central Sector Scheme for “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) was launched in 2020.
- The scheme was launched with a budget outlay of ₹6,865 Crore till 2027-28.
- Approximately 30 lakh farmers in the country are connected to FPOs, with around 40 percent of them being women.
- Objective of the scheme are as;
- To provide handholding and support to new FPOs up to five years from the year of its creation,
- To provide effective capacity building to FPOs to develop agriculture entrepreneurship skills.
What are FPOs?
- A Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is a group of farmers who work together to market and produce agricultural products.
- FPOs are legally registered entities under Part IXA of the Companies Act or the Cooperative Societies Act of respective states.
- The Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the Ministry of Agriculture, plays a crucial role in facilitating the formation of FPOs across the country.
Need for FPOs
- Indian agriculture is dominated by small, marginal, and landless farmers, who face several challenges such as:
- Limited access to technology, quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
- Financial constraints restricting modern farming techniques and mechanization.
- Inability to market their produce effectively due to weak negotiation strength.
- Lack of proper storage, transportation, and logistics support.
- FPOs help address these issues by collectivizing small farmers, enhancing their bargaining power, and enabling them to access better inputs, financial support, and market linkages.
Services provided by FPOs
- Supply quality production inputs like seed, fertilizer, pesticides and such other inputs at reasonably lower wholesale rates.
- Make available machinery and equipment like cultivator, tiller, sprinkler set, combine harvester and such other machinery and equipment on custom hiring basis for members to reduce the per 2 unit production cost.
- Make available value addition like cleaning, assaying, sorting, grading, packing and also farm level processing facilities at user charge basis on a reasonably cheaper rate.
- Facilitate logistics services such as storage, transportation, loading/un-loading etc. on a shared cost basis.
- Market the aggregated produce with better negotiation strength to the buyers and in the marketing channels offering better and remunerative prices.
Challenges to FPO
- Complex regulatory and compliance procedures.
- Weak infrastructure for storage, processing, and transportation.
- Low farmer participation and internal governance issues.
- Limited adoption of digital platforms and technology.
- Vulnerability to climate risks and market fluctuations.
Way Ahead
- The successful formation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) under the Central Sector Scheme marks a transformative milestone for the agriculture sector.
- By fostering collectivization, enhancing market access, and providing financial and institutional support, this initiative has empowered millions of small and marginal farmers, including women and economically weaker sections.
Aditya-L1 Captures Unprecedented Solar Flare Details
Syllabus :GS 3/Space
In News
- Aditya-L1 has made a significant discovery by capturing the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’ in the lower solar atmosphere (photosphere and chromosphere).
Aditya-L1
- It was launched in September 2023, by ISRO’s PSLV C-57 rocket.
- It was placed in a halo orbit around the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point (L1) in January 2024.
- It is India’s first dedicated space-based solar mission.
- It stays approximately 1.5 million km away from Earth, directed towards the Sun, which is about 1% of the Earth-Sun distance.
- It would study the outer atmosphere of the Sun.
- It will neither land on the Sun nor approach the Sun any closer.
| Do you know? – “Aditya” means the Sun in Sanskrit, and “L1” refers to Lagrange Point 1 in the Sun-Earth system. – L1 is a location in space where the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth are in equilibrium, allowing objects placed there to remain stable relative to both celestial bodies. – The L1 point allows the spacecraft to continuously observe solar activities without any eclipse or occultation. |
Scientific payloads
- The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT): It captures high-resolution images in 11 different NUV bands, enabling the study of multiple solar layers.
- Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), and High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) monitor solar X-ray emissions to detect flare activity.
Importance
- A significant revelation is the correlation between localized brightening in the lower atmosphere and an increase in plasma temperature in the solar corona, validating long-standing theories about solar flare physics.
| A solar flare – It is a sudden, intense burst of energy from the Sun’s atmosphere, caused by the dynamic nature of the Sun’s magnetic field. – When the magnetic field snaps, it releases a powerful burst of energy in the form of light, radiation, and high-energy charged particles. |
OTHERS:
Battle of Karnal
Syllabus :GS 1/History
Context
- The Battle of Karnal on February 24, 1739 marked a pivotal moment in Indian history, signaling the beginning of the end for the Mughal Empire.
| Do you know? – Nadir Shah was the founder of the Afsharid dynasty of Iran. – Nadir Shah was a military genius, who had already defeated multiple powers before turning his attention to India. – After conquering Kandahar, he crossed the Khyber Pass and swiftly took control of Mughal vassal states, heading towards Delhi. |
The Battle of Karnal
- Nadir Shah’s army defeated Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah ‘Rangila’ (within 3 hours).
- The Mughal army, 300,000 strong, was outclassed by Nadir Shah’s smaller but more disciplined force of 55,000.
- Nadir Shah’s modern tactics and weaponry, including mounted musketeers, decisively defeated the Mughal cavalry.
- Nadir Shah captured and plundered Delhi, taking the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-noor diamond.
Impact on the Mughal Empire
- Nadir Shah spared Muhammad Shah’s life and restored most of his territory.
- Despite this, the Mughal Empire was left severely weakened, and its power declined over the next century.
- Nadir Shah left Delhi with almost empty coffers, weakening the Mughal’s control over their empire.
- Over the next century, the Mughal Empire ceded more territory and power, eventually leading to British rule by 1857.
Reasons for Mughal Decline
- Structural issues, such as excessive taxation on peasants (leading to revolts) and corruption within the nobility, contributed to the decline.
- The oppressive religious policies of Aurangzeb also alienated Hindus and other religious minorities.
Source: IE
Avalanche
Syllabus: GS1/ Physical Geography, GS3/Disaster Management
Context
- An Avalanche has struck the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) project at Mana in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli.
Avalanche
- Definition: A rapid descent of snow, rock, ice, and other materials down a mountainside.
- Snow avalanches, the most common type, can travel faster than 320 km/h (200 mph).
- Causes: Avalanches occur when an unstable snowpack breaks apart, often due to weak bonds between layers, such as ice, fresh snow, or spring thaw. Added weight or vibration can trigger the slide.
- Types of Avalanches:
- Sluffs: Small, less dangerous avalanches of dry, powdery snow.
- Slabs: More dangerous, large snow masses where the weak layer is buried deeper.
- Factors Influencing Avalanches: Storms, temperature, wind, slope steepness, terrain, and snowpack conditions all influence the likelihood and type of avalanche.
- Most avalanches are triggered by vibrations from people or external forces, such as earthquakes.
Difference Between Avalanche and Landslide
| Aspect | Avalanche | Landslide |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a slope. | Mass of rock, soil, or debris sliding down a hillside. |
| Speed | Can reach speeds up to 320 km/h (200 mph). | Varies, typically slower than avalanches. |
| Causes | Weak snowpack layers, weather, or human activity. | Heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or human activity. |
| Location | Snow-covered mountains or slopes. | Steep slopes in various terrains (forests, urban areas, hills). |
Source: IE
Giloy
Syllabus: GS 2/Health
In News
- Research on Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) has seen a dramatic 376.5% increase over the past decade, driven by a surge in interest post-COVID as experts explore its immune-boosting, antiviral, and adaptogenic properties.
Giloy
- Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), a native tropical plant of India, is known for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda.
- It contains bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, steroids, and glycosides, found in its root, stem, and whole plant.
- Giloy is cultivated across plains, foothills, and semi-arid regions of India, especially in states like Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh.
Benefits
- It is referred to as Amrita in Sanskrit, meaning the ‘herb of immortality,’ due to its numerous health benefits.
- It is known for its various health benefits, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-stress, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects.
