Sri Sri Auniati Satra Vaishnavite Monastery

Source: TH

Why in News?

Sri Sri Auniati Satra is a more than 350-year-old Vaishnavite monastery in Assam’s Majuli district.

What are the Key Facts about Sri Sri Auniati Satra Vaishnavite Monastery?

• Establishment:
  • The Sri Sri Auniati Satra was established in the year 1653 in Majuli, Assam. It has a history of over 350 years, making it one of the oldest Satras in the region.
    • A Satra is an institutional centre for Assamese Vaishnavism, a bhakti movement that emerged in the 15^th century.
  • The Satra is located in Majuli, which is the largest inhabited river island in the world. Majuli is situated in the Brahmaputra River in the northeastern state of Assam, India.
• Religious Significance:
  • The Satra is a center of Assamese Vaishnavism, a bhakti movement that revolves around the worship of Lord Krishna.
  • The original idol of Lord Krishna in the form of Govinda is said to have been brought from the Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri.
• Cultural Heritage:
  • Vaishnavite monasteries like Auniati Satra are not only places of worship but also centers for the preservation of traditional art forms, literature, and cultural practices. These Satras play a crucial role in promoting and sustaining the cultural heritage of the region.
  • Vaishnavite Satras traditionally serve as centres for learning and spiritual activities. Monks and disciples engage in religious studies, meditation, and community service.
• Bhaona and Traditional Art Forms:
  • Bhaona, a traditional art form, is practiced at the Satra. It is a combination of acting, music, and musical instruments.
  • Bhaona is a significant performing art form that aims to convey religious messages to villagers through entertainment.
  • The main drama is usually preceded by a musical performance called the Gayan-Bayan.

What is Vaishnavism?

• About:
  • Vaishnavism is a prominent bhakti (devotional) movement within Hinduism, and it emphasises deep devotion and love towards the god Vishnu and his various incarnations.
• Key Features:
  • Devotion to Vishnu: The central focus of Vaishnavism is devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu, who is considered the Supreme Being and the sustainer of the universe. Vaishnavas believe in a personal relationship with Vishnu, expressing love, reverence, and devotion toward the deity.
    • Vishnu is believed to have incarnated on Earth in various forms known as avatars to restore cosmic order and righteousness. The ten primary avatars are collectively known as the Dashavatara, with popular incarnations including Rama and Krishna.
  • Dashavatara: The ten avatars of Vishnu are Matsya (fish), Kurma (turtle), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (half-man, half-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama (the warrior with an axe), Rama (the prince of Ayodhya), Krishna (the divine cowherd), Buddha (the enlightened one), and Kalki (the future warrior on a white horse).
  • Bhakti and Liberation: Vaishnavism places a strong emphasis on the path of bhakti, which involves intense devotion and love toward Vishnu. The ultimate goal for many Vaishnavas is liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and union with Vishnu.
  • Variety of Sects: Vaishnavism encompasses a variety of sects and groups with different interpretations of the relationship between the individual soul (jiva) and God. Some sects emphasise qualified nondualism (vishishtadvaita), while others subscribe to dualism (dvaita) or pure nondualism (shuddhadvaita).
    • Srivaishnava Sect: Emphasises qualified nondualism based on the teachings of Ramanuja.
    • Madhva Sect: Professes dualism, asserting the separate existence of God and the soul, following the philosophy of Madhva.
    • Pushtimarg Sect: Maintains pure nondualism according to Vallabhacharya's teachings.
    • Gaudiya Sect: Founded by Chaitanya, teaches inconceivable duality and nonduality.

Demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Source: IE

Why in News?

As autonomous driving gains momentum globally, India emerges as a surprising yet significant market, with a surge in demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

What is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)?

• About:
  • Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can be defined as in vehicle digital technologies that help drivers in routine navigation and parking without fully automating the entire process but instead leveraging computer networks to enable more data-driven and safer driving experiences.
    • ADAS systems use sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor the environment around a vehicle.
    • They can provide active safety information, driving interventions, and assistance with parking.
  • The goal of ADAS is to reduce the incidence and severity of automotive accidents that cannot be avoided so that deaths and injuries can be prevented.
    • These devices can give important data about traffic, road closures and blockages, congestion levels, advised routes to avoid traffic, etc.
• Popular ADAS Features:
  • The ADAS suite includes features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.

• Reasons for Surge in Demand in India:
  • Progressive Democratisation:
    • India is witnessing a progressive democratisation of autonomous driving tools. Car manufacturers are increasingly offering ADAS as standard features on mid-segment vehicles, contributing to the heightened demand for advanced driver assistance technology.
  • Road Safety Concerns:
    • Despite India's infamous road conditions and traffic patterns, there is a growing emphasis on road safety. Car manufacturers are integrating ADAS features to enhance safety and provide consumers with advanced driver assistance tools.
• Challenges in India for ADAS Systems:
  • Road Infrastructure Challenges:
    • India is considered one of the most challenging driving environments globally.
      • The country has the world’s deadliest roads, with crashes killing and maiming over 800,000 people annually, according to the World Bank.
    • India's diverse road conditions, from well-maintained highways to poorly constructed rural roads, pose challenges for ADAS systems for consistent road markings and infrastructure.
  • Diverse Road Users:
    • Indian roads host a mix of pedestrians, cyclists, and non-motorized vehicles alongside motor vehicles, creating complexity for ADAS adaptation.
      • A study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India revealed that nearly 50% of urban trips in India are made on foot, bicycle, or cycle-rickshaw, emphasizing the importance of considering non-motorized road users in ADAS design.
  • Connectivity and Data:
    • ADAS systems require real-time data updates and reliable connectivity, which might be an issue in remote or poorly networked areas of India.
  • Vulnerable to Hacking:
    • One major concern consumers and experts have about ADAS Systems is their vulnerability to cyberattacks.
      • Hacked vehicles are extremely dangerous and might lead to accidents.
  • Driver Behaviour:
    • ADAS systems' success relies on responsible driving behaviour. A survey by the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) in India found that only 44% of drivers were aware of ADAS technology, highlighting the need for widespread education on its benefits and usage.

India's Geographical Indication Landscape

Source: DTE

Why in News?

India's Geographical Indication (GI) tags journey of over two decades faces challenges, with limited outcomes indicating the need for reforms in the registration processes.

What is the Geographical Indication (GI)?

• About:
  • A geographical indication (GI) is a designation applied to products originating from a specific geographical area, indicating that the qualities or reputation of the products are inherently linked to that particular origin.
  • Article 22 (1) of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) defines GIs as “indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin”.
    • In many EU nations, GI is classified in two basic categories Protected GI (PGI) and Protected Destination of Origin (PDO). India only has the PGI category.
  • This certification is also extended to non-agricultural products, such as handicrafts based on human skills, materials and resources available in certain areas that make the product unique.
  • GI is a powerful tool for protecting traditional knowledge, culture and can boost socio-economic development.
• Legal Framework and Governance:
  • GI is governed under the Agreement on TRIPS at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
  • The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
  • Paris Convention emphasises protecting industrial property and geographical indications in Articles 1(2) and 10.
• Status of GI Tags Registration:
  • Compared to other nations, India lags in GI registration. Till December 2023, Intellectual Property India received just 1,167 applications, of which only 547 products have been registered, as per the GI Registry.
  • Germany leads in GI registrations, with 15,566 registered products, followed by China (7,247), as per 2020 data with the World Intellectual Property Organization.
  • Globally, wines and spirits comprise 51.8% of registered GIs, followed by agricultural products and foodstuffs at 29.9%.
    • In India, handicraft (about 45%) and agriculture (about 30%) comprise the majority of the GI products.
• Concerns Regarding the GI Tags in India:
  • Concerns with GI Act and Registration Process:
    • The GI Act, 1999 framed over two decades ago, requires timely amendments to address current challenges.
    • Registration forms and application processing times need simplification for easier compliance.
      • The current application acceptance ratio is only about 46% in India.
    • Lack of suitable institutional development hampers effective implementation of GI protection mechanisms.
    • Producers often struggle post-GI registration due to a lack of guidance and support.
  • Ambiguity in Producers' Definition:
    • The lack of clarity in defining "producers" in the GI Act of 1999 leads to the involvement of intermediaries.
      • Intermediaries benefit from GIs, diluting the intended advantages for genuine producers.
  • Disputes at the International Level:
    • Disputes, especially regarding products like Darjeeling tea and Basmati rice, indicate that GIs receive less attention compared to patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
  • Academic Attention:
    • Limited academic focus on GIs is evident, with only seven publications from India.
      • A recent surge in publications indicates growing academic interest, with 35 articles published in 2021.
    • European nations, such as Italy, Spain, and France, lead in GI-related academic publications.

What Can be Done to Realise the Potential of GI-based Products?

• Government initiatives should incentivize producers at the grassroots level to boost GI numbers.
  • Laws should exclude "non-producers" from benefiting, ensuring direct benefits to genuine producers.
• Technology, skill-building, and digital literacy among GI stakeholders are crucial for modernization.
• Government agencies should collaborate with trade associations to organize exhibitions and promote GI-based products through various media.
• Indian embassies should actively promote GI-based products to encourage growth in the foreign market.
  • Favourable international tariff regimes and special attention to GI products at WTO can boost global presence.
• Integrating GIs with the One District One Product scheme can enhance promotion and market reach.
  • Developing market outlet schemes, especially rural markets (gramin haats), can boost GI product visibility.
• Establishing testing laboratories at marketplaces is essential to ensure consumer faith in the quality of GI products.
• Aligning startups with GIs and linking their performance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can contribute to social development.

Growing Concern of Childhood Cancers in India

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Childhood cancers are emerging as a significant public health concern in India, with a notable percentage of cancer patients falling under the age of 15.

• A recently published study in the India Pediatric Journal sheds light on the prevalence, types, and challenges associated with pediatric cancers in the country.

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

• Study Details and Dataset:
  • The study is based on the largest dataset on childhood cancers in India; from National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP).
    • The NCRP was established by the Indian Council of Medical Research in 1981.
• Cancer Cases in India (2012-2019):
  • India reported 1,332,207 cancer cases between 2012 and 2019.
    • Approximately 3.2% and 4.6% of these cases were in the age groups 0-14 years and 0-19 years, respectively.
    • Over 3% of all cancer patients in India are under 15; 4.6% under 20.
  • Leukaemias constitute a substantial burden, comprising nearly half of all cancers in the 0-4 and 5-9 age groups (42.1% and 42.5%, respectively).
• Distribution of Cancers in Different Age Groups:
  • Childhood cancers are divided into two age groups of 0-14 and 0-19 years based on the International Classification of Childhood Cancer’s third edition.
    • For the 0-19 year age group, the leading cancers are leukaemia (36%), lymphoma (12%), bone (11%), and central nervous system tumour (10%).
    • The four leading groups of cancers among the 0-14 year age group were leukaemia (40%), lymphoma (12%), central nervous system (CNS) tumours (11%) and bone cancer (8%).
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas and Gender Differences:
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphomas show an increase with age, particularly in males, associated with hormonal and biological changes.
  • Malignant bone tumours affect more girls due to earlier skeletal maturity, as highlighted by the study.
• Gender Disparities and Social Determinants:
  • A higher proportion of male children are diagnosed with cancer, attributed to male birth preferences and gender discrimination.
    • The sex disparity in the cancer registry mirrors data reported in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and was attributed to low female literacy rates.
      • LMICs report 90% of the global cancer cases burden, but are awarded less than 0.1% funding for paediatric cancer research.
• Challenges in CNS Tumor Registration in India:
  • CNS tumors in India may be treated in neurosurgical centers in multispecialty (general) hospitals rather than dedicated cancer centers.
  • The NCRP currently only registers 'malignant' (defined as World Health Organization Grade 3 and 4) CNS tumors.
• Global Disparities in Cancer Types:
  • The proportion of leukaemias and bone cancers appears higher globally compared to India, as revealed by a study in The Lancet Oncology (2017).
  • The international distribution of CNS tumors (17-26%) is also greater than what's observed in India.

What are India's Initiatives Related to Cancer Treatment?

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke
• National Cancer Grid
• National Cancer Awareness Day
• HPV Vaccine
• Indian Pediatric Oncology Group (InPOG):
  • InPOG was established in 2015 to develop multicentre childhood cancer clinical trials. InPOG is pursuing 31 clinical studies on paediatric cancer.
    • Paediatric cancer patients can access the latest therapies and protocols by participating in clinical trials.
  • In 2021, InPOG evolved into Indian Pediatric Hematology Oncology Group (INPHOG) Research Foundation.

VAIBHAV Fellowship

Source:TH

Why in News?

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled the first cohort of fellows under the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) scheme, a strategic initiative aimed at fostering short-term collaborations with Indian-origin scientists based abroad.

• Vaibhav scheme finds similarities with the Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty (Vajra) scheme initiated in 2018.

What is VAIBHAV Scheme?

• About:
  • The Government has launched VAIBHAV fellowships programme in 2023 to connect the Indian STEMM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) diaspora with Indian academic and R&D institutions for collaborative research work leading to sharing of knowledge, wisdom, and best practices in the frontier areas of science & technology.
  • The VAIBHAV Fellow would identify an Indian Institution for collaboration and may spend up to two months there in a year for a maximum of 3 years.
    • The VAIBHAV fellows are expected to collaborate with their Indian counterparts and help initiate research activities in the host institution in the cutting-edge areas of Science and Technology.
• Incentives Offered:
  • Fellowship would include fellowship grant (INR 4,00,000 per month), international and domestic travel, accommodation and contingencies.
  • Host institutions receive research grants to support the collaboration.
• Significance of Vaibhav Scheme:
  • Strengthens global collaboration in scientific research.
  • Fosters knowledge exchange and expertise infusion in Indian academic and research institutions.
• Implementation:
  • The VAIBHAV fellowships programme to be implemented by the DST, Ministry of Science and Technology, would be awarded to outstanding scientist/technologists of Indian origin [Non-resident Indians (NRI) / Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) / Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)] who are engaged in research activities in their respective countries.

What is the Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme?

• About:
  • VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty Scheme is a dedicated program exclusively for overseas scientists and academicians with emphasis on NRI and PIO/OCI to work as adjunct / visiting faculty for a specific period of time in Indian Public funded academic and research institutions.
    • The Scheme recognizes the value of collaborative research as a crucial element for information sharing among researchers for updating and acquiring knowledge and skills, and also to draw different perspectives to solve a shared problem.
  • The area of research undertaken by the Faculty should be of interest to India including translation of science to practice.
    • Faculty can also teach/mentor during the period of stay.
    • The Faculty will work for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 3 months a year in an institution in India.
      • The Indian host institution may engage him/her for a longer duration even after the completion of the assignment.
      • The part-time position for faculty will be initially offered for 1 year and can be renewed every year.
• Incentives Offered:
  • The VAJRA Faculty will be provided an amount of USD 15000 in the first month of engagement in a year and USD 10000 per month in the other two months to cover their travel and honorarium.
    • While no separate support is provided for e.g. accommodation, medical/personal insurance etc., the host institute may consider providing additional support.
    • The payment to the faculty will be made in Indian Rupees.
• Implementation:
  • VAJRA Faculty Scheme is implemented by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
    • The SERB is a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology. It was established in 2008 through an Act of Parliament (Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008).
    • The SERB's objectives include promoting basic research in science and engineering, and providing financial assistance to researchers, academic institutions, and other agencies.

Wandering Albatross

The Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans) is in the spotlight due to a recent study highlighting its vulnerability.

• Wandering Albatross is the largest flying bird with a wingspan of 3.5 metres. It spends most of its 60-year lifespan at sea.
  • Primarily found in the Southern Ocean and surrounding islands, with Marion and Prince Edward Islands supporting half of the world's breeding population.
  • It breeds approximately every two years on land after reaching sexual maturity.
• It is vulnerable as per IUCN Red list, facing threats like bycatch from longline fishing trawlers, pollution and climate change.
  • Albatrosses prefer low, coastal sites for warmth and suitable habitats. Climate change may disrupt these preferences by altering temperature, rainfall, and wind patterns.
  • Wind speed, an understudied factor, is critical for nest site selection and alteration in speed could impact nest construction and chick rearing.

14th National Voters' Day

The President of India recently addressed the 14^th National Voters’ Day Celebrations in New Delhi and presented the Best Electoral Practices Awards for the year 2023 to the State and District level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections during 2023.

• Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on 25th January every year to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India.
  • ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure’ is the theme of National Voters’ Day 2024.
• ECI initiatives for General Elections 2024 was also unveiled as a part of the event.
  • Till now, 17 general elections and more than 400 assembly elections have been conducted by the Election Commission.

Read more: Increasing Voter Turnouts

Arambai Tenggol

The Arambai Tenggol (AT), a Meitei radical group, has garnered support from Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Manipur's Imphal Valley, extracting a commitment to convey the concerns of the people to the Centre.

• Arambai Tenggol started in 2020 as a cultural outfit but soon transformed into a radical organisation.
  • It is one of the two hardline Meitei organisations suspected to be involved in many Meitei-Kuki clashes, which broke out in May 2023.
• It is also a revivalist organisation that aims to reestablish the pre-Hindu, native Sanamahi religion among Meiteis.

Read more: Violence in Manipur