Articles Covered:

1. Rohingya Refugees are Impacted by Limited Access to Healthcare
2. Major Recommendations of the Idate Commission
3. Insat-3DS
4. Sri Sri Auniati Satra Vaishnavite Monastery
5. Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme:
6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
7. Rajon ki Baoli: Brainchild of a ‘disgruntled nobleman’, a tribute to masons
8. Malnutrition

Rohingya Refugees Are Impacted By Limited Access To Healthcare:

According to UNHCR data, less than one in three refugees and asylum seekers from Myanmar in India were Rohingya, which is much lower than the number of Rohingya in other countries bordering Myanmar.

A recent report titled ‘A Shadow of Refuge: ROHINGYA REFUGEES in India’ sheds light on the challenges faced by Rohingya refugees in India.

• The report was jointly prepared by The Azadi Project, a women’s rights non-profit and Refugees International,an international NGO that advocates for the rights of stateless people

Rohingya Crisis:

• The Rohingya people have suffered decades of violence, discrimination and persecution in MYANMAR
• Rohingya are not recognized as an official ethnic group and have been denied citizenship since 1982. They are one of the largest stateless populations in the world.

Since the early 1990’s, the Rohingya have fled successive waves of violence in Myanmar.

• Their largest and fastest exodus began in August 2017 when violence broke out in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, driving more than 742,000 people to seek refuge in neighbouring countries —the majority of whom were women and children.

Current Legislative Framework in India to Handle Refugees:

India treats all foreigners whether illegal immigrants, refugees/asylum seekers or those overstaying visa permits under

1. FOREIGNERS ACT-1946: -Under Section 3, the central government is empowered to detect, detain and deport illegal foreign nationals.
2. Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920:Under Section 5, authorities can remove an illegal foreigner by force under Article 258(1) of the Constitution of India.
3. Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939:Under this, there is a mandatory requirement under which all foreign nationals (excluding overseas citizens of India) visiting India on a long-term visa (more than 180 days) are required to register themselves with a Registration Officer within 14 days of arriving in India.

CITIZENSHIP ACT-1955: It provided provisions for renunciation, termination, and deprivation of citizenship.

• Further, CAA-2019 seeks to provide citizenship to Hindu, Christian, Jain, Parsi, Sikh, and Buddhist immigrants persecuted in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
• India issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)to be followed by all concerned agencies while dealing with foreign nationals who claim to be refugees.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR):  The UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. Headquartered in Geneva (Switzerland), UNHCR assists in the voluntary repatriation of refugees, their local integration or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR was created in 1950 to address the refugee crisis that resulted from World War II. The 1951 Refugee Convention established the scope and legal framework of the agency’s work, which initially focused on Europeans uprooted by the war.

Major Recommendations of the Idate Commission:

1. It wasestablished in 2014 under the leadership of Bhiku Ramji Idate, to compile a statewide catalogue of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs).
2. Another mandate was to recognize those excluded from SC, ST and OBCs categories and recommend welfare measures for their well-being.

Recommendations:

1. Assign individuals not identified in the SCs/STs/OBCs list to the OBC category.
2. Enhancelegal and constitutional safeguards by incorporating a third schedule into the SC, ST (PREVENTION OF ATTROCITIES) ACT-1989to prevent atrocities and restore the feeling of security amongst the members of the community.
3. Create apermanent commission with legal standing for the DNTs, SNTs, and NTs.
4. Form adistinct department to address the welfare of these communities in states with significant populations.
5. Undertake athorough survey of DNT families to determine their estimated numbers and distribution.

DE notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes:

1. They are also known as ‘Vimukt Jatis.These communities are among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
2. De-notified communities, once labelled as ‘born criminals’during British rule under laws like the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871.
3. They were officially de-notified by the Indian Government in 1952.

A few of these communities which were listed as de-notified were also nomadic.

Nomadic and semi-nomadic communities are defined as those who move from one place to another rather than living in one place all the time.

1. Historically, Nomadic Tribes and De-notified Tribes neverhad access to private land or home ownership.
2. While most DNTs are spread across the SC, ST, BOBCs categories, some DNTs are not covered in any of the SC, ST or OBC categories.

Major Committees/Commissions for NTs, SNTs, and DNTs Communities: The Criminal Tribes Inquiry Committee, 1947 constituted in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). Ananthasayanam Ayyangar Committee, 1949. Criminal Tribes Act, 1871 was repealed based on the recommendation of this committee. Kaka kalelkar (also called first OBC Commission), 1953. The B.P. MANDAL  1980: The commission also made some recommendations related to the issue of NTs, SNTs, and DNTs Communities. The NCRWC 2002 held that DNTs have been wrongly stigmatised as crime prone and subjected to high handed treatment as well as exploitation by the representatives of law and order and general society.

Distribution:

1. In India, roughly10% of the population is composed of NTs, SNTs, and DNTs Communities.
2. While the number of Denotified Tribes is about 150, the population of Nomadic Tribes consists of about 500 different communities.
3. It has been estimated that South Asiahas the world’s largest nomadic population.

Insat-3DS:

Indian Space Research Organisation has completed all key tests on Insat-3DS satellite before the final review which will be followed by its shipping to the spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Insat-3DS:

1. It is a collaborative effort between ISRO and the India Meteorological Organisation (IMD).
2. It is part of a series of climate observatory satellites aimed at enhancing climate services. Comprising three dedicated Earth observation satellites, including INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR already in orbit.
3. It will launch by using the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14).

GSLV-F14:

• It is a more advanced rocket utilising liquid propellant.
• The rocket, distinguished by its higher capacity and the use of cryogenic liquid propellants in all three stages, presents a more complex engineering challenge but allows for a substantially higher lift-off weight capacity.

Key facts -INSAT-3DR:

• It is an advanced meteorological satellite of India configured with an imaging System and an Atmospheric Sounder.
• The significant improvements incorporated in INSAT-3DR are:

1. Imaging in Middle Infrared band to provide night time pictures of low clouds and fog
2. Imaging in two Thermal Infrared bands for estimation of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) with better accuracy
3. Higher Spatial Resolution in the Visible and Thermal Infrared bands

Payloads: INSAT-3DR carries a multi spectral Imager, 19 channel Sounder, Data Relay Transponder and Search and Rescue Transponder.

Cryogenic liquids:

• They have boiling points below minus 130o F (minus 90o C) and are used in research to provide extremely low temperatures for frozen storage and experimentation. Common cryogenic liquids of concern include nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, argon, methane, and carbon monoxide

Sri Sri Auniati Satra Vaishnavite Monastery:

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

Key Facts about Sri Sri Auniati Satra Vaishnavite Monastery:

Establishment:

1. 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 Satrasin the region.
2. A Satra is aninstitutional centre for Assamese Vaishnavism, a bhakti movement that emerged in the 15^th
3. 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:

1. The Satra is acenter of Assamese Vaishnavism, a bhakti movement that revolves around the worship of Lord Krishna.
2. The original idol ofLord Krishna in the form of Govinda is said to have been brought from the Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri.

Cultural Heritage:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Bhaona, a traditional art form, is practiced at the Satra.It is a combination of acting, music, and musical instruments.
2. Bhaona is a significant performing art form that aims to convey religious messages to villagers through entertainment.
3. The main drama is usually preceded by a musical performance called the Gayan-Bayan.

Majuli Island:

1. Majuli is a river island located in the Brahmaputra River in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is recognized as the largest river island in the world.
2. The island is a result of the dynamics of the Brahmaputra River system, characterized by the shifting courses and channels of the river.
3. The island is surrounded by the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, creating a unique fluvial landform. Wetlands known as Beels and Chaporis (islets)contribute to the ecological diversity of the region.

Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme:

• Export Promotion Catalyst: MAI Scheme designed as an export promotion initiative aimed at consistently boosting India’s exports.
• Focus on Specific Products and Markets: Adopts a focus product-focus country approach, strategically targeting specific markets and products identified through market studies and surveys.
• Target Beneficiaries: Export Promotion Organizations, Trade Promotion Organizations, National Level Institutions, Research Institutions, Universities, Laboratories, and Exporters eligible for assistance.
• Scope of Assistance: Assistance extended for activities like Marketing Projects Abroad, Capacity Building, Support for Statutory Compliances, Studies, Project Development, Developing Foreign Trade Facilitation Web Portal, and supporting Cottage and Handicrafts units.
• Eligible Agencies: Departments of Central Government, Central/State Government Organizations, Indian Missions abroad, Export Promotion Councils, Trade Promotion Organizations, Commodity Boards, Recognized Apex Trade Bodies, Industrial & Artisan Clusters, and Individual Exporters for specific purposes.

 

Financial Assistance Structure:

• Fixed level of assistance for each eligible activity under the scheme.
• Funding on a cost-sharing basis, with a sharing pattern ranging from 65% to 50% at the minimum.

Activities Covered:

1. Marketing Projects Abroad to enhance market presence.
2. Capacity Building initiatives for stakeholders.
3. Support for Statutory Compliances.
4. Conducting Studies for informed decision-making.
5. Project Development for export-oriented projects.
6. Developing Foreign Trade Facilitation Web Portal for streamlined processes.
7. Support for Cottage and Handicrafts units to boost their exports.

Administrative Authority: Administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

Chronic inflammatory lung disease causing obstructed airflow from the lungs.

Two Main Forms:

1. Chronic bronchitis: Involves persistent cough with mucus.
2. Emphysema: Involves gradual lung damage.

Most COPD cases involve a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Causes of COPD:

• Primarily caused by prolonged exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter.
• Mainly linked to tobacco smoke; over 70% of cases in high-income countries result from smoking.

Global Variation in Causes: In low- and middle-income countries, 30–40% of COPD cases are due to tobacco smoking, and household air pollution is a significant risk factor.

Signs and Symptoms:

1. Primary symptoms include difficulty breathing, chronic cough (often with phlegm), and fatigue.
2. Flare-ups, exacerbating symptoms, can occur and may necessitate additional medications.

Associated Risks:

• Individuals with COPD face an elevated risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and various other health conditions.

Treatment Approach:

1. COPD is incurable, but lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and avoiding air pollution can improve the condition.
2. Treatment involves medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Rajon ki Baoli: Brainchild of a ‘disgruntled nobleman’, a tribute to masons:

Situated 400 metre south of Adham Khan’s Tomb, the water reservoir, meant to serve the needs of masons, was built in the Ibrahim Lodi era, by a “disgruntled nobleman” Daulat Khan who played a key role in turning the history of the subcontinent in the 16th century.

Spread over an area of around 200 acres, Mehrauli Archaeological Park is a treasure trove of monuments, each narrating a part of Delhi’s history of the last thousand years. One of them is the Rajon ki Baoli – a complex of stepwell that also comprises a mosque with a chhatri (dome-shaped pavilion).

Built in 1516, the baoli was one among several monuments revamped and inaugurated by DELHI Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena at the park in October last year.

“The name Rajon comes from the masons who were living at the baoli and using its water. They were called Raj Mistri, hence the baoli is called ‘Rajon Ki Baoli’. In the 20th century, when people from different parts of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana started shifting to Mehrauli, it was ghettoised and a lot of people started living on the baoli premises.”

“Daulat Khan was the governor of Punjab during the era of Ibrahim Lodhi, he built this baoli in Mehrauli… this man was also the person who invited Babur to invade India. Babur promised him that if he wins, Khan will be given Punjab to rule. However, Babur had other plans … Daulat Khan was later sent to exile where he passed away

Baoli in Delhi: There are around 14 baolis in Delhi namely Tughlaqabad Fort Baoli, Rajon Ki Baoli, Gandhak Ki Baoli, Qutub Sahib Ki Baoli, Anangtal Baoli, Wazirpur Monument Complex Baoli, Hazrat Nizamuddin Ki Baoli, Arab Ki Sarai Baoli, Purana Quila Baoli, Agrasen Ki Baoli, Feroz Shah Kotla Fort Baoli, Red Fort Baoli, Hindu Rao Hospital Baoli and Dwarka Baoli.

Malnutrition:

• Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalancesin a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients.
• The term malnutrition covers 2 broad groups of conditions –

1. Undernutrition:It includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals).
2. Overweight: obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer).

In India, malnourishment in children (stunting, wasting and underweight) under 5 years has reduced as per NHFS-5 (2019-21) from 38.4% to 35.5%, 21.0% to 19.3% and 35.8% to 32.1% respectively as compared to NHFS-4 (2015-16).

Malnutrition among women aged 15-49 years has also reduced from 22.9% to 18.7%.

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM):

1. It is defined by a very low weight for height, by visible severe wasting, or by the presence of nutritional oedema.
2. In children aged 6–59 months, an arm circumference less than 110 mm is also indicative of severe acute malnutrition. At present, there are ~7.7% SAM childrenin India.