Exercise Khanjar-XII (2025)

Context: The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar-XII is being conducted in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan.

About the Exercise Khanjar-XII

• Khanjar is a bilateral military exercise between the Special Forces of India and Kyrgyzstan.
• Origin: The exercise has been held annually since 2011, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan
  • The last edition took place in India in January 2024.
• Aim : The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation and interoperability.
• Objective of 2025 edition:
  • Focuses on counter-terrorism and special forces operations in urban and mountainous high-altitude terrain.
  • Enhance expertise in precision sniping, complex building intervention, and mountain craft.
  • Operate within the framework of a United Nations mandate.
• Participants: 
• • Indian contingent: Represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
  • Kyrgyzstan contingent: Represented by the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.

Significance of the Exercise

• Strengthens defence cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.
• Addresses common concerns related to international terrorism and extremism.
• Reinforces commitment to peace, stability, and security in the region.
• Includes cultural exchanges, such as the celebration of the Kyrgyz festival Nowruz, fostering deeper ties between the two nations.

Kursk Region

Context: Russian troops are attempting to cross the border into Ukraine’s Sumy province as part of their counteroffensive. Their goal is to eliminate Ukraine’s remaining positions in Russia’s Kursk region.

About Kursk Region

• Kursk is a city in Russia and serves as the administrative center of Kursk Oblast. 
• It is located at the confluence of the Kur, Tuskar, and Seym rivers.
• Kursk is part of the Central Black Earth region, known for its fertile soil, making it an important agricultural area.

History

• Kursk is one of Russia’s oldest cities, first mentioned in 1032 as part of Kievan Rus’.
• Tatar Invasion (1240): The city was completely destroyed by the Tatars in 1240 and remained in ruins for centuries.
• Historical significance: Kursk is historically significant as it was a major battleground during World War II and has been an administrative center since 1779.
• The Battle of Kursk in 1943 was one of the largest tank battles in history and marked a turning point in the war.
• Economy and Industries
  • The region’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, due to its fertile soil.
  • Other industries include machine building, food processing, and the production of electronic equipment and synthetic fibers.
  • Kursk is also home to a large nuclear power station.

Alawite Community

Context: Civilian members of the minority Alawite community are reportedly being targeted in Syria by its new government as a part of “Revenge Attacks”

• The violence has largely unfolded in the coastal cities of Latakia, Jableh, and Banias
• The deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad is also an Alawite.

About Alawites

• Offshoot Shi’ite Islam: The word Alawite means “follower of Ali,” the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammad.
  • The sect has its roots in Shia Islam. 
• Origin: The origin of the community can be traced back to the 9th and 10th centuries, in the teachings of Mohammad ibn Nusayr in Iraq.
• Population: Alawites make up about 12% of the Syrian population and are the second-largest religious group in Syria after Sunni Muslims, primarily live in the coastal region
• Faith: Alawites are believed to incorporate aspects of Christianity and ancient Iranian practices in their faith. 
  • Rites and Ritual: Alawites use wine in some of their rituals, believe in the concept of reincarnation, and Alawite women generally do not wear the headscarf.
• There is a lack of written sources concerning the beliefs of this group.

The Jalanatheswarar Temple

Context: The Jalanatheswarar temple is in dire need of restoration activities with its outer wall on the northern side of the temple collapsing.

• The outer wall on the northern side of the temple has collapsed due to rain.
• The temple tank is in a state of derelict with the area around it having  vegetation overgrowth and is filled with debris. 
• Kumbabishekam (consecration) has not been held for more than 15 years now.

About The Jalanatheswarar Temple

• Location: The temple is situated in the Thakkolam Town in Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu.
• Ancient name: The town assumed the name, “Thakkolamana Thiruvuralpuram” during the reign of Chalukya king Vimaladitya, who married Kundavai, the daughter of Rajaraja.
  • Thakkolam was originally named Aparajita -chaturvedimangalam
• River: The Temple is situated on the banks of Kosasthalai river
• Construction: The Temple was constructed by the Pallavas in the 6th century AD.
  • The temple was later expanded by Cholas, while the present masonry structure was built during the Nayak during the 16th century
• Deity: Thiruvuralkattrali Mahadeva is the deity of the temple.
  • Shiva is worshipped as Jalanatheeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Giriraja Kannikambal.
• Inscriptions: A total of 51 inscriptions including that of Pallava king Aparajita are found in the temple talking mostly about grants, land, gold and goats, given to the temple.
  • Significance: The inscriptions in the temple are vital in establishing the chronology of the Chola dynasty.
• Architecture: The temple has a three-tiered gateway tower and all the shrines of the temple are enclosed in concentric rectangular granite walls.
• Maintenance and Administration: The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

DOWNLOAD PDF