In a recent visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura. This site holds profound significance as it houses the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to be the oldest living cultivated tree globally. Modi emphasized the tree as a "living symbol of peace, enlightenment and spiritual continuity," referencing its deep-rooted connection to Buddhism and its history.

Key Points from the Visit and Historical Context:

• Historical Significance of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree:

  • It is considered to have grown from a branch of the tree in Bodhgaya, India, where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
  • The branch was transported to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitta, the daughter of Mauryan king Ashoka and a renowned Buddhist nun.

• Cultural Importance:

  • The arrival of Sanghamitta and the tree is celebrated during the Uduvapa Poya festival, an annual event held on a full moon night in December.
  • Anuradhapura, home to this sacred tree, is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and religious relevance.

• Anuradhapura’s History:

  • Once a flourishing Ceylonese political and religious capital for 1,300 years, Anuradhapura was abandoned post an invasion by the Chola empire in 993 CE.
  • The city, obscured in dense jungle for centuries, boasts splendid remnants of its past, including palaces, monasteries, and monuments, which are now being rediscovered.

• Missionary Efforts:

  • Sanghamitta’s journey to Sri Lanka coincided with a period of missionary activity initiated by her father Ashoka, who sent out emissaries to spread Buddhism.
  • Sanghamitta was summoned to Sri Lanka to help establish a Buddhist monastic order after her brother Mahinda converted the local king, Devanampiya Tissa, to Buddhism.

• Resilience of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree:

  • The tree's long endurance is attributed to dedicated care and the Pipal tree’s ability to regrow from its roots and seeds.
  • Despite facing destructive actions, including an attempted vandalism in 1929 and violence during a 1985 attack by LTTE militants, the tree has survived.

• Comparison with the Mahabodhi Tree in Gaya:

  • The original tree under which Buddha meditated has since been destroyed; however, the existing Pipal tree at Bodhgaya is thought to have originated from the original tree’s genetic material.

In summary, PM Modi's visit to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree highlights its spiritual significance and the deep historical ties between India and Sri Lanka through Buddhism. It also underlines the cultural heritage of Anuradhapura as a key pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

The new Pamban sea bridge, a lifting-span structure situated in Tamil Nadu, is being hailed as an engineering marvel designed to enhance train operations between Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram island. This bridge replaces the old Pamban Rail Bridge, which was rendered unsafe due to corrosion over time. Here are the key aspects and developments surrounding the construction and significance of the new bridge:

Overview

• New Structure: The new bridge features a vertical lift span that connects two spans, addressing the limitations of the old bridge which required trains to slow down when passing.
• Engineering Background: Southern Railway initiated the project to incorporate advanced designs after studying over 2,000 functional bridges in the U.S.
• Design Choice: Engineers opted for a vertical lift span for its stability and cost-effectiveness given the unique environmental challenges at Pamban.

Construction Challenges

• Corrosion Concerns: Located in a highly corrosive environment, extensive measures were taken to combat corrosion risks.
• Delayed Progress: The COVID-19 pandemic and unforeseen design modifications led to a delay; project costs more than doubled from ₹279 crore to ₹531 crore.

Technological Innovations & Features

• Materials and Construction:
  • Utilized advanced materials, including a specially designed painting scheme aimed at enduring the corrosive sea environment.
  • Involved the use of 5,772 metric tonnes of stainless steel and 4,500 tonnes of structural steel, with most materials sourced domestically.
• Electromechanical System: The lifting mechanism is automated using an electromechanical system, significantly reducing lift times compared to manual operations of the old bridge.

Operational Specifications

• Design and Lifespan: The new bridge is built to cater to a maximum axle load of 25 tonnes and is expected to surpass the 108-year lifespan of the previous bridge.
• Safety Measures: Wind speed sensors and a backup power supply are implemented to ensure the safe operation of the lifting span.

Key Features

• Lifting Mechanism: The new vertical lift span weighs 654 metric tonnes and can be raised to allow ship transit, contrasting with the old horizontal lift method.
• Height Clearance: The bridge's design allows for a clearance of 22 metres when raised, equal to that of nearby road infrastructure.

Future Implications

• Training and Maintenance: Engineers have been trained to operate and maintain the vertical lift mechanism, ensuring the bridge's continued functionality.
• Long-term Sustainability: The new painting and construction methodologies are expected to extend the bridge's maintenance intervals significantly compared to the old bridge.

In summary, the new Pamban sea bridge is a significant advancement in railway infrastructure for India, showcasing innovative engineering, improved safety features, and long-term operational benefits while addressing the challenges presented by its unique environmental context.

Key Points

• New Pamban bridge improves connectivity between Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram island.
• Designed to cope with corrosive environment, utilizing advanced materials and coatings.
• Significant cost increases occurred due to project delays and construction challenges.
• Incorporates a modern electromechanical lifting system for ship passage, enhancing efficiency drastically.
• Built to exceed the previous bridge's lifespan, ensuring long-term railway service continuity and safety.

In March, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, with its epicenter in the Sagaing region. In the wake of this disaster, the ruling military junta conducted airstrikes, resulting in seven fatalities in Naungcho, Shan State, despite international calls for restraint. Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar, condemned the junta's response, highlighting their tendency to perpetuate violence during humanitarian crises. The junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, continues to receive military support from countries like Russia, which complicates pressure efforts from international organizations.

The current military regime emerged from the February 2021 coup that ousted the elected government, leading to widespread protests across the country. The junta responded with lethal force, targeting peaceful demonstrators and instigating a climate of fear, effectively stifling early dissent. The international community, led by the International Criminal Court, has held Gen. Min Aung Hlaing accountable for previous crimes, including those against the Rohingya people.

In light of military aggression, a new resistance movement has surfaced, spearheaded by the opposition's National Unity Government (NUG) and supported by the People's Defense Forces (PDFs). Working alongside ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), this alliance is fostering guerilla warfare against the junta. Groups such as the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and Arakan Army (AA) have coordinated attacks on military positions, successfully seizing territory and disrupting the junta's control.

Despite these setbacks, the junta has managed to maintain power through overwhelming military force supported by allies. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has implemented conscription to bolster troop numbers amidst military challenges, prompting youth to flee the country.

China maintains a complex relationship with the junta, sometimes supporting its military while also negotiating ceasefires with rebel groups, indicating its strategic interest in regional stability. This duality allows the junta to remain resilient, particularly amid disunity among the EAOs and self-interest preventing a unified opposition under the NUG.

Key points:

• A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, leading to military airstrikes that killed seven in the Sagaing region.
• UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews criticized the junta's violent actions during a natural disaster.
• General Min Aung Hlaing's regime, which came to power after the 2021 coup, continues to face internal resistance and international scrutiny.
• The National Unity Government and People's Defense Forces are leading guerilla operations against the junta, with support from ethnic armed organizations.
• Coordinated attacks have resulted in significant territorial gains against the junta, particularly in northern Shan State.
• The junta maintains military strength due to support from nations like Russia and strategic actions from China to preserve its influence.
• Internal disunity among armed groups limits effective resistance to the junta, allowing Gen. Min Aung Hlaing to sustain power despite growing opposition.
• Military conscription has been enforced as the junta faces troop shortages, leading to further youth emigration.

Overall, Myanmar remains embroiled in conflict, with the military facing challenges from a growing resistance movement, yet retaining power through foreign military support and internal divisions among opposition forces.