• 03 Jan 2025

PM offering to Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Why in News? 

Recently, the Prime Minister presented a 'chadar' to Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to offer at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti on the occasion of ‘Urs’. 

• The Urs festival is an annual festival held at Ajmer in Rajasthan which commemorates the death anniversary of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. 

 

Key Points 

• Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti: 
  • Moinuddin Hasan Chishti was born in Sijistan (modern-day Sistan) in Iran in 1141-42 CE. 
  • After Muizuddin Muhammad bin Sam of Ghor had already defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192) and established his rule in Delhi, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti started living and preaching in Ajmer. 
  • His instructive discourses, full of spiritual insights, soon drew the local populace as well as kings and nobles and peasants and the poor from far and wide. 
  • His shrine in Ajmer has been visited by rulers like Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Sher Shah Suri, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Dara Shukoh and Aurangzeb. 
• Chishti Order (Chishtiya): 
  • Chishtiya Order was founded in India by Khwaja Moin-Uddin Chishti. 
  • It emphasised the doctrine of the unity of being with God (waḥdat al-wujūd) and members of the order were also pacifists. 
  • They rejected all material goods as distractions from the contemplation of God. 
  • They abstained from connection with the secular state. 
  • Recitation of the names of God, both aloud and silently (dhikr jahrī, dhikr khafī), formed the cornerstone of Chishtī practice. 
  • The Chishty teachings were carried forward and popularized by disciples of Khwaja Moin-Uddin Chishti like Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Fareeduddin Ganj-e-Shakar, Nizam uddin Auliya and Naseeruddin Charagh. 

Sufism 

• Sufism is a mystical form of Islam, a school of practice that focuses on the spiritual search for God and shuns materialism. 
• It is a form of Islamic mysticism which stresses on asceticism. There is a lot of emphasis on devotion towards God. 
• In Sufism, self discipline is considered an essential condition to gain knowledge of God by sense of perception. 
• Unlike orthodox Muslims which emphasise on external conduct, the Sufis lay stress on inner purity. 
• Sufis believe service to humanity is tantamount to service to God. 

Task Force for Gomti River Rejuvenation

Why in News? 

Recently, the Territorial Army established a new task force dedicated to the rejuvenation and protection of the Gomti River, named Ganga Task Force (GTF). 

 Key Points 

• About GTF: 
  • Objective and Focus: 
    • The GTF aims to enhance environmental preservation and sustainable development. 
    • Key responsibilities include pollution monitoring, riverbank and ghat patrolling, public awareness campaigns, and riverbank stabilization. 
  • Composition: 
    • The GTF primarily comprises ex-servicemen, reflecting the Territorial Army’s tradition of utilizing experienced personnel for national missions. 
  • Inauguration: 
    • The formal raising ceremony occurred on 1^st January 2025 at Lucknow Cantonment. 
  • National Mission Alignment: 
    • The GTF was established under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), an initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti. 
    • Orders for its creation were issued by the Ministry of Defence in September 2024. 
  • Significance: 
    • This initiative reinforces the Indian Army’s role in nation-building and environmental sustainability. 
    • The GTF aims to contribute significantly to the revitalization of the Gomti River and the broader Clean Ganga Mission. 

 Gomti River 

 

• The Gomati River is a tributary of the Ganga River in central Uttar Pradesh. 
• It originates east of Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh. 
• The Sai River, a right-bank tributary, joins the Gomati near Jaunpur. 
• The Gomati River merges with the Ganges near Saidpur, Uttar Pradesh. 

42nd Governor of Bihar

Why in News? 

Recently, Arif Mohammad Khan was sworn in as the 42^nd Governor of Bihar. 

 Key Points 

• Oath Administration: 
  • Patna High Court Chief Justice administered the oath at the Raj Bhawan. 
  • The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his deputies, and Leader of Opposition. 
• Governor: 
  • The Governor’s appointment, his powers and everything related to the office of Governor have been discussed under Article 153 to Article 162 of the Indian Constitution. 
  • The role of the Governor is quite similar to that of the President of India. He stands as executive head of a State and under the Constitution of India, the governing machinery is the same as that of the Central Government. 
  • It is stated that the Governor has a dual role. 
    • He is the constitutional head of the state, bound by the advice of his council of ministers. 
    • He functions as a vital link between the Union Government and the State Government. 

10-minute Ambulance Service in Gurugram

Why in News? 

Blinkit is launching a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram and plans to expand it to other Indian cities within the next two years. 

 Key Points 

• Medical Equipment and Staff: 
  • Each ambulance is equipped with essential medical tools, including oxygen cylinders, Automated External Defibrillators (AED), stretchers, monitors, suction machines, emergency medicines, and injections. 
    • The service does not provide neonatal or ventilator care. 
  • The ambulance team consists of a paramedic, an assistant, and a trained driver. 
• Service Launch and Accessibility: 
  • Initially, five ambulances will operate in Gurugram. 
  • Users can book a Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance through the Blinkit app. 
• Affordability and Vision: 
  • Blinkit aims to offer the service at an affordable fee of Rs 2,000. 
  • The initiative focuses on solving a critical problem rather than profit-making. 

Winter Carnival in Jammu and Kashmir

Why in News? 

Recently, the Chief Minister inaugurated the 'Winter Carnival' at Pahalgam, celebrating Jammu & Kashmir's rich cultural heritage. 

• It will continue through the winter season, offering ongoing entertainment and cultural experiences. 

 Key Points 

• Celebration of Culture and Beauty: 
  • The event highlighted the region's picturesque beauty and vibrant cultural landscape, providing a magical experience for both tourists and locals. 
  • The Winter Carnival serves as a platform for showcasing the talent of local artists and performers. 
• Focus on Cultural Heritage: 
  • The 2025 edition emphasizes traditional music, dance, handicrafts, and culinary delights unique to the region. 
  • The carnival aims to promote J&K’s cultural fabric to a broader audience, boosting the visibility of local artisans and fostering economic growth. 
• Tourism and Economic Impact: 
  • The Winter Carnival plays a key role in boosting J&K's tourism industry, positioning Pahalgam as a major tourist destination. 
  • The event is expected to boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, benefiting the local economy.