PM IAS DEC 2 UPSC CURRENT EVENTS

Ajmer Sharif Dargah: A Spiritual and Cultural Landmark of Rajasthan

Syllabus context: GS-I Historical figures and their contributions

Context:

Recently, an Ajmer court admitted a petition seeking a survey of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The petition claims that the dargah was constructed on the site of demolished Hindu and Jain temples.

Historical Background of Ajmer

Origin of the City

• Originally called Ajaymeru, Ajmer was the capital of the Chauhan Rajputs, who ruled parts of present-day Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh between the 7th and 12th centuries CE.
• The city was established by Ajaydeva in the mid-12th century.

The Ghurid Invasion and Decline

• In 1192, Muhammad of Ghor sacked Ajmer after defeating Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain.
• The Ghurid army reportedly destroyed temples and looted the city, as recorded in Har Bilas Sarda’s Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive (1911). While Sarda documents the destruction of temples, he does not assert that the dargah was built over a temple site.
• The city remained in decline for almost 400 years until its revival during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar (1556–1605).

Establishment of Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Initial Burial and Early Neglect

• Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a revered Sufi saint, passed away in 1236 and was buried in the cell where he lived in Ajmer.
• For over two centuries, no mausoleum was constructed, and his memory faded in the region.

Construction and Development

1. Khalji Contributions (1460s):
   
   • The first pucca mausoleum and the grand Buland Darwaza were constructed by Sultan Mahmud Khan Khalji of Malwa and his son Ghiyasuddin.
   • The gateway reportedly used materials repurposed from a demolished Jain temple.
2. Mughal Patronage:
   
   • Humayun (1532): Built the current white marble dome.
   • Akbar (1570s): Revitalized the shrine and constructed the Akbari Masjid. Akbar’s devotion to Chishti saints played a key role in the shrine’s development.
   • Jahangir (1616): Added a gold railing around the saint’s tomb.
   • Shah Jahan: Contributed to further architectural enhancements, including the prayer room for women built by his daughter Chimni Begum.

Architectural Splendor of Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Indo-Islamic Architecture

• The complex features stunning white marble structures adorned with intricate silver and gold decorations.
• The Nizam Gate, donated by the Nizam of Hyderabad in the 19th century, exemplifies the saint’s universal reverence.
• Contributions from Mughal emperors like Humayun, Akbar, and Shah Jahan reflect the shrine’s rich architectural legacy.

Key Features of the Complex

• The saint’s grave is encased within a silver railing and surrounded by a marble screen.
• A serene prayer room, exclusively for women, was added during the Mughal period.

Spiritual Significance of Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Symbol of Religious Syncretism

• Ajmer Sharif is one of India’s holiest Muslim shrines, attracting people of all faiths and serving as a beacon of religious tolerance.
• The shrine’s universal appeal has drawn visitors ranging from devotees and spiritual seekers to Bollywood celebrities, all seeking blessings and solace.

The Urs Festival

• The six-day Urs festival, commemorating Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s death anniversary, is the shrine’s most important event.
• The festival features qawwali performances, special prayers, and offerings of chaddars at the saint’s tomb. It attracts thousands of devotees from across the world, celebrating spirituality and devotion.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and the Chishti Order in India

Early Life

• Born in 1141 in Sistan (Persia), Moinuddin lost his parents at a young age and embarked on a spiritual journey after meeting mystic Ibrahim Qandozi.
• He studied theology, philosophy, and ethics in Bukhara and Samarkand, two renowned centers of learning.

Spiritual Journey and Mentorship

• He met his mentor, Khwaja Usman Harooni, in Herat (Afghanistan) and was initiated into the Chishti order.
• His travels included visits to Multan, where he learned Sanskrit and interacted with Hindu scholars, Lahore, Delhi, and eventually Ajmer.

Life in Ajmer

• After settling in Ajmer in 1191, he established a modest home that served as a sanctuary for the poor and needy.
• His generosity and inclusivity earned him the title Gharib Nawaz (Friend of the Poor).

The Chishti Order in India

Integration of Local Practices

• The Chishti order, introduced by Moinuddin Chishti and carried forward by saints like Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki and Nizamuddin Auliya, integrated local practices into Sufi traditions. This inclusivity made Sufism widely popular in India.

Core Philosophy

• Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam that emerged between the 7th and 10th centuries, emphasized spiritual devotion, tolerance, and detachment from materialism.
• Chishti saints promoted the idea that love and devotion were paths to spiritual perfection, fostering interfaith harmony in India.

Significance

• Art and Culture: Showcases the amalgamation of Indo-Islamic architecture and syncretic traditions.
• History: Highlights the role of Sufi orders in spreading Islam and fostering communal harmony.
• Religious Tolerance: Ajmer Sharif symbolizes the cultural pluralism and inclusivity of medieval India.
• Contemporary Relevance: The ongoing court petition reflects the intersection of history, archaeology, and communal narratives.

Solar Storm

Syllabus context: GS II Geography & Science

Overview:

Scientists have recently uncovered evidence of a significant solar storm that struck Earth around 664–663 BCE. This discovery underscores the potential impacts of solar activity on Earth, both historically and in contemporary times. Solar storms, although not frequent, hold the capacity to influence modern technology and communication systems, making them a critical subject of study in space weather research.

Understanding Solar Storms:

A solar storm is a sudden and intense release of energy, particles, magnetic fields, and material from the Sun into the solar system. These storms occur due to the Sun’s highly active and dynamic magnetic environment. The solar storm is an umbrella term that encompasses various phenomena, including solar flares, radiation storms, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), all of which can have significant effects on Earth.

What Causes a Solar Storm?

The Sun’s magnetic field is constantly changing due to its differential rotation — the equator of the Sun rotates faster than its poles. This differential rotation causes the magnetic fields to twist and tangle. As the magnetic field lines become increasingly complex, they eventually snap and reconnect in a process known as magnetic reconnection, releasing vast amounts of energy. This release can trigger solar flares, radiation storms, and coronal mass ejections, which are the primary components of a solar storm.

1. Solar Flares:
   These are sudden bursts of energy and light emitted by the Sun. Solar flares can be seen as bright flashes of light and are among the most visible signs of solar storm activity.
   
2. Radiation Storms:
   These storms consist of solar particles, such as electrons and protons, accelerated to high speeds and ejected into space. The solar wind associated with these storms can pose risks to satellites and astronauts in space.
   
3. Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs):
   CMEs are enormous clouds of solar material, including charged particles, that are expelled from the Sun’s corona into space. When these ejections are directed toward Earth, they can significantly disturb the Earth’s magnetic field.
   

Effects of Solar Storms on Earth:

When solar storms, particularly CMEs, are directed at Earth, they can have profound impacts on our planet’s magnetosphere. These effects are called geomagnetic storms, which can disrupt communication systems, satellite operations, and power grids. Some of the key impacts include:

• Radio Blackouts:
  High-energy solar particles can interfere with radio signals, especially in the high-frequency bands, leading to communication disruptions, particularly for aviation and maritime industries.
  
• Power Outages:
  Geomagnetic storms can induce electric currents in power lines, damaging transformers and other electrical infrastructure. This can lead to widespread power outages, as seen in the famous 1989 solar storm that caused a blackout in Quebec, Canada.
  
• Auroras (Northern and Southern Lights):
  Solar storms can also create stunning natural light displays, such as the aurora borealis (northern lights) and aurora australis (southern lights). These occur when solar particles interact with the Earth’s atmosphere, causing the emission of light.
  

While solar storms do not directly harm human life on Earth, the disruptions they cause to technology and infrastructure have become a growing concern, particularly in the modern world, where we depend heavily on satellite communication, GPS systems, and power grids.

The Sun’s Corona:

The corona is the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, extending millions of kilometers into space. This area is characterized by very high temperatures, much higher than the Sun’s surface (photosphere), and it is made up of ionized gas or plasma. The corona is difficult to observe directly due to the Sun’s bright surface, but during a total solar eclipse, the corona can be seen as a faint, shimmering halo around the Sun.

Understanding the corona is crucial to understanding solar storms because this region is where the Sun’s magnetic field lines are most dynamic, leading to phenomena such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Research on the corona has gained momentum with space missions such as NASA’s Parker Solar Probe and Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), which aim to unravel the mysteries of solar activity and its influence on space weather.

Understanding solar storms and their impacts is vital for UPSC aspirants, not just for exams but also for comprehending broader topics in environmental science, technology, and disaster management.

Exercise CINBAX

Syllabus context: GS-III:Security: Counter-Terrorism strategies Defense Technology

Overview

The 1st edition of Joint Table Top Exercise (CINBAX) commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune. This exercise is a significant milestone in defense cooperation between India and Cambodia, focusing on enhancing interoperability and mutual trust between the armed forces of both nations.

About Exercise CINBAX

Exercise CINBAX is a bilateral planning exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army, with participation from an Infantry Brigade contingent from both sides. The exercise aims to strengthen defense ties, share expertise, and develop joint strategies for Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

Key Features:

1. Objective:
   
   • To plan and wargame the conduct of joint Counter-Terrorism operations during United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions.
   • To foster understanding and enhance interoperability between the two armies.
2. Focus Areas:
   
   • Formation of a Joint Training Task Force for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
   • Planning and execution of operations in Counter-Terrorism environments.
   • Discussions on:
     • Information Operations
     • Cyber Warfare
     • Hybrid Warfare
     • Logistics and Casualty Management
     • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations
3. Indigenous Capabilities:
   
   • The exercise showcases indigenous weapons and equipment of Indian origin, promoting the government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defense production.

Structure of the Exercise:

The exercise is conducted in three phases:

• Phase I: Preparation and Orientation
  
  • Familiarization of participants with the framework of Counter-Terrorism operations during UN peacekeeping missions.
• Phase II: Table Top Exercises
  
  • Detailed discussions and practical wargaming of joint operations.
• Phase III: Finalization and Review
  
  • Culmination of the exercise through planning, review, and practical assessment of procedures.
  • This phase emphasizes situation-based discussions and tactical exercises to strengthen operational preparedness.

Significance of Exercise CINBAX:

• Strengthens India-Cambodia defense cooperation by promoting trust, camaraderie, and understanding of mutual operational capabilities.
• Enhances interoperability for effective UN peacekeeping missions and global Counter-Terrorism operations.
• Highlights India’s growing role in regional security architecture and its commitment to capacity building of friendly foreign nations.

About UN Peacekeeping Operations

UN Peacekeeping is a crucial mechanism for maintaining international peace and security under the provisions of Chapter VII of the UN Charter. It is conducted by multinational forces with the following objectives:

1. Conflict Prevention and Resolution:
   
   • Deploying peacekeepers to conflict zones to prevent escalation and support diplomatic efforts.
2. Support for National Governments:
   
   • Assisting host nations in rebuilding infrastructure, ensuring security, and facilitating governance post-conflict.
3. Counter-Terrorism and HADR Operations:
   
   • Conducting operations to address threats like terrorism and providing humanitarian assistance during disasters.

India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping:

India has been a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping forces, providing personnel, training, and expertise for various missions worldwide. Exercises like CINBAX align with India’s commitment to global peace and security.

Anthrax

Syllabus context: GS-I: Biodiversity and Environment

Overview

Recently, a female elephant died due to suspected anthrax infection at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, raising concerns about the spread of the disease among wildlife and livestock in the region. The incident highlights the need for proactive monitoring and control measures to prevent outbreaks in ecologically sensitive areas.

About Anthrax

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming organism that occurs naturally in soil. It primarily affects livestock and wild animals but can also infect humans under certain conditions. Anthrax spores are highly durable and can remain viable in the soil for decades, posing a persistent threat to both animals and humans in affected regions.

Key Characteristics:

• Causative Agent: Bacillus anthracis, a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium.
• Occurrence: Commonly found in agricultural regions where animals graze on contaminated soil.
• Resilience: The bacterium’s spores are resistant to environmental degradation, allowing them to survive for extended periods in harsh conditions.

Transmission

• In Animals:
  Animals become infected by inhaling, ingesting, or drinking contaminated soil, water, or plants.
  
• In Humans:
  Humans can contract anthrax through:
  
  1. Inhalation: Breathing in spores from contaminated materials.
  2. Cutaneous Exposure: Spores entering the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin.
  3. Gastrointestinal Exposure: Consuming undercooked meat or contaminated water.
• Non-Contagious:
  Anthrax is not transmissible from person to person, unlike viral infections such as influenza or chickenpox.
  

Forms of Anthrax and Symptoms

Anthrax manifests in three primary forms, depending on the route of exposure:

1. Cutaneous Anthrax (Skin):
   
   • Most common form.
   • Symptoms include itchy blisters, black-centered ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.
2. Inhalational Anthrax (Lungs):
   
   • Most severe form.
   • Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, fever, and profuse sweating.
3. Gastrointestinal Anthrax:
   
   • Caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
   • Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

Impact on Wildlife and Livestock

• Wildlife Impact:
  
  • Animals like elephants, deer, and antelope grazing on contaminated soil are highly susceptible.
  • Infected animals can become carriers, further contaminating the environment.
• Livestock Impact:
  
  • Cattle, sheep, and goats are commonly affected, resulting in significant economic losses in the agricultural sector.

Treatment and Prevention

1. Treatment:
   
   • Early-stage anthrax is effectively treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and penicillin.
   • Advanced cases require prolonged treatment and supportive care.
2. Vaccination:
   
   • Vaccines are available but are primarily recommended for high-risk populations, such as:
     • People working in anthrax-endemic areas.
     • Veterinarians and laboratory personnel handling anthrax spores.
3. Preventive Measures:
   
   • Regular vaccination of livestock in endemic areas.
   • Proper disposal of infected carcasses to prevent environmental contamination.
   • Public awareness campaigns about the risks of handling infected animals.

By addressing such issues through a multi-pronged approach, India can mitigate the impact of diseases like anthrax on public health, wildlife conservation, and rural livelihoods.

RS-28 Sarmat: A Key Player in Strategic Weaponry

Syllabus context:GS-III: Security and International Relations

Overview:
Russia is set to deploy the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), also known in the West as ‘Satan 2,’ replacing its aging Soviet-era ICBMs such as the R-36M Voevoda. The deployment underscores advancements in strategic defense and deterrence capabilities amidst growing geopolitical tensions.

RS-28 Sarmat

The RS-28 Sarmat is a state-of-the-art, liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by Russia. It represents a new generation of strategic weaponry designed to ensure Russia’s deterrence capability against evolving global missile defense systems.

Etymology

The missile is named after the Sarmatian people of the 4th and 5th centuries BCE, known for their fierce warrior culture. Its NATO designation, “Satan 2,” reflects its formidable capabilities.

Features and Specifications

1. Design and Build:
   
   • Type: Three-stage, liquid-fueled ICBM.
   • Length: 35.3 meters.
   • Diameter: 3 meters.
   • Launch Weight: 208.1 metric tons.
2. Range and Payload:
   
   • Range: Up to 18,000 km, capable of striking targets across continents.
   • Payload Capacity: 10 tons, allowing flexibility in warhead configurations:
     • Up to 10 heavy nuclear warheads or 16 smaller ones.
     • Hypersonic glide vehicles and countermeasures to evade missile defenses.
3. Technological Advancements:
   
   • Short Boost Phase: Reduces the time for enemy detection and interception.
   • Anti-Defense Evasion: Equipped to bypass advanced anti-missile defense systems through rapid trajectory changes and decoys.
   • Countermeasures: Integrates decoys and advanced penetration aids to ensure target delivery.

Significance of RS-28 Sarmat in Modern Warfare

1. Strategic Deterrence:
   
   • Enhances Russia’s second-strike capability, a crucial element of nuclear deterrence.
   • Acts as a countermeasure against advancements in U.S. and NATO missile defense systems.
2. Geopolitical Impact:
   
   • Reinforces Russia’s position in global strategic stability discussions.
   • Fuels the ongoing arms race and highlights the need for renewed arms control agreements like the New START Treaty.
3. Technological Showcase:
   
   • Demonstrates advancements in hypersonic technology and payload versatility, shaping future ICBM development globally.

What Are Ballistic Missiles?

A ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled, self-guided strategic weapon system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver its payload.

Key Characteristics:

• Trajectory: After the powered launch phase, it follows an unpowered, arching path to its target.
• Range Variants: Includes short-range (SRBM), medium-range (MRBM), intermediate-range (IRBM), and intercontinental (ICBM).
• Payload Options: Can carry conventional explosives, nuclear warheads, or even chemical and biological munitions.

Components:

1. Boost Phase: Powered ascent to exit the atmosphere.
2. Midcourse Phase: Unpowered ballistic trajectory in space.
3. Reentry Phase: Descent back into the atmosphere to strike the target.

By incorporating the RS-28 Sarmat into its arsenal, Russia has not only modernized its strategic deterrence capabilities but has also set a benchmark in missile technology, influencing global military dynamics and necessitating advancements in missile defense systems worldwide.