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  • Jallikattu Debate

    Bengaluru hosts Kambala Races

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Kambala

    Central Idea

    • Kambala races were held on this weekend in Bengaluru and many parts of Karnataka.
    • This event has faced legal scrutiny in the past, with the Supreme Court temporarily outlawing Kambala, along with Jallikattu and bullock-cart racing, in 2014.

    What is Kambala?

    • Kambala is a folk sport predominantly practised in the coastal districts of Karnataka, especially where Tulu-speaking communities are prevalent.
    • Traditionally, races were organized in slushy paddy fields post-harvest.
    • The Kambala Samithi now hosts weekly events from late November to mid-April at various venues across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
    • For many, especially the Bunt community, Kambala is a prestigious event.
    • Buffalo pairs are meticulously groomed throughout the year in the hopes of winning major races.

    Different Kambala Categories

    1. Negilu (Plough): Entry-level buffalo pairs participate in their first Kambala race using lighter ploughs.
    2. Hagga (Rope): Jockeys race buffaloes with just a rope tied to both.
    3. Adda Halage: Participants stand on a horizontal plank dragged by buffaloes, unlike Hagga and Negilu where jockeys run behind.
    4. Kane Halage: A wooden plank tied to buffaloes, with water gushing out through holes as it’s dragged. The height of splashing water determines the winner.

    Kambala’s Popularity across Karnataka

    • While Kambala’s popularity is concentrated in coastal Karnataka, movies like ‘Kantara’ in 2022 have widened its appeal across the state.
    • The film’s success is credited with generating interest in the sport, making it more popular even beyond its traditional strongholds.
    • Historically, the Koraga community faced discrimination during Kambala events. They were considered “untouchable” and ill-treated.
    • Critics argue that the sport is still dominated by higher caste groups, while lower caste individuals often perform menial tasks during the event.

    Why was Kambala banned by the Supreme Court?

    • Several organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), alleged animal abuse during traditional sporting events.
    • Concerns included the tying of buffalo noses with ropes and continuous whipping during races, seen as cruelty.
    • The Supreme Court, hearing these petitions, banned Kambala, Jallikattu, and bullock-cart racing in 2014.

    How was the ban lifted?

    • In January 2016, the Environment Ministry issued a notification allowing the continuation of bull training for such traditional events, recognizing their cultural significance.
    • Specific conditions were set to minimize bull suffering.
    • State governments also amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, providing exemptions for these events.
    • A five-judge constitutional bench upheld these amendments made by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra governments in May.

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Antarctica’s Ozone Hole expands mid-spring since 2001

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    ozone

    Central Idea

    • Recent research published in the journal Nature Communications has revealed a concerning trend in the Antarctic ozone layer during mid-spring (October).
    • Contrary to previously reported recovery trends in total ozone, the core of the Antarctic ozone in mid-spring has experienced a significant 26% reduction since 2004.

    Ozone Layer and Ozone Hole

    Location Stratosphere, approximately 10-30 km above Earth’s surface.
    Composition Composed of ozone (O3) molecules.

    Unit of measurement: Dobsob Unit (DU)
    Function Acts as a protective shield, absorbing and blocking a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
    Importance Essential for protecting life on Earth by preventing excessive UV radiation, which can harm living organisms and the environment.
    Ozone-depleting Substances Threatened by ODS like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other synthetic compounds commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants.
    Montreal Protocol An international treaty adopted in 1987 to phase out the production and consumption of ODS, resulting in significant recovery of the ozone layer.
    Current Status The ozone layer is in the process of recovery due to the success of the Montreal Protocol.
    Environmental Impact Protects ecosystems, prevents skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues in humans.
    Additional Facts • The size of the ozone hole over Antarctica varies annually, opening in August and closing in November or December.

    • Special winds caused by the Earth’s rotation create a unique climate over Antarctica, preventing mixing with surrounding air.

    • When these winds subside, the hole closes.

    Shift in Ozone Trends

    • Mid-Spring Ozone Depletion: The study’s findings reveal a notable decline in mid-spring (October) ozone levels within the middle stratospheric layer, contrary to previous expectations of recovery.
    • Early Spring Recovery: Surprisingly, early spring (September) still shows slight ozone increases or a modest recovery of the ozone hole.

    Implications of Ozone Variability

    • Antarctic Stratospheric Ozone: Antarctic stratospheric ozone plays a critical role in influencing climate patterns across the Southern Hemisphere.
    • Understanding Ozone Variability: Ongoing research aims to understand the reasons behind the observed ozone variability, particularly in the context of the Southern Hemisphere’s atmospheric changes.

    Key Findings

    • Recovery Trends Re-evaluated: When considering satellite data from 2022, previously reported recovery trends in Antarctic spring total ozone, observed since 2001, no longer hold.
    • Middle Stratosphere Impact: The middle stratosphere has witnessed continued, significant ozone reduction since 2004, culminating in a 26% loss within the core of the ozone hole.
    • Potential Causes: The study suggests that changes in the mesosphere, the atmospheric layer above the stratosphere and the ozone layer, may be driving this reduction.
    • Major triggers: Scientists speculate that the extensive ozone hole this year may be linked to volcanic eruptions in Hunga Tonga, Tonga, between December 2022 and January 2023.

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Does the Indian Judiciary have a ‘Patriarchy Problem’?

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Central Idea

    • India’s judiciary has long grappled with gender disparity, and the recent passing of Justice Fathima Beevi, the country’s first female Supreme Court judge, has brought attention to this issue.
    • Despite incremental progress, women continue to be underrepresented in both the Supreme Court and High Courts, highlighting the need for comprehensive reform.

    About Justice Fathima Beevi

    • Justice Fathima Beevi, India’s first woman Supreme Court judge, passed away at the age of 96 in Kollam, Kerala.
    • She made history as the first Muslim woman judge of the Supreme Court, as well as the first woman Supreme Court Justice in Asia.

    Gender Disparity in Indian Judiciary

    [A] Supreme Court

    • Current Scenario: Of the 34 incumbent Supreme Court justices, only three are women: Justices Hima Kohli, Bela Trivedi, and BV Nagarathna.
    • Historical Perspective: India has had a total of 11 women judges in the Supreme Court’s history, since Justice Beevi’s appointment in 1989.
    • Low Representation: This translates to approximately 4% representation of women judges out of a total of 268 judges in the apex court’s history.
    • Recent Appointments: The current collegium, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has made 14 appointments but is yet to appoint a woman judge to the Supreme Court.

    [B] High Court

    • High Court Scenario: As of March 2022, India has 25 high courts with 1,114 sanctioned judge positions.
    • Working Judges: However, only 785 judges are currently working, with 329 positions remaining vacant.
    • Female Judges: Out of the working judges, only 107 are women, constituting 13% of the total.
    • Women Chief Justices: Only one of the country’s 25 high courts currently has a woman chief justice.

    Efforts to Address Gender Disparity

    • Legal Perspective: The Union Law Minister stated that the Constitution’s Articles 124, 217, and 224 do not provide for caste or class-based reservations in higher judiciary appointments.
    • Recommendation for Diversity: Nevertheless, the Centre encouraged high court chief justices to consider suitable candidates who are women, minorities, scheduled castes, or tribes to ensure social diversity in the appointment process.

    Challenges in Lower Judiciary and District Courts

    • Higher Representation: Women constitute approximately 27% of judges in the lower judiciary, but gender disparities persist in higher appointments such as district judges and high courts.
    • Regional Disparities: A study revealed that only a few smaller states like Goa, Meghalaya, and Sikkim had over 60% women judges, while others remained below 40%.
    • Reservation: Some states have introduced quotas for women in the lower judiciary, providing between 30% and 35% reservation for direct appointments.

    Way forward

    • In April 2021, Chief Justice SA Bobde emphasized that capable candidates were required for greater women representation, rather than an attitudinal change.
    • His statement sparked controversy as female advocates challenged the assumption that women refused judgeships solely due to domestic responsibilities.
    • Advocates argued that men also decline judgeships for various reasons without hindering their appointment.

    Conclusion

    • The gender disparity in India’s judiciary remains a persistent challenge, with slow progress towards equal representation.
    • It is imperative to address this issue comprehensively, from the highest courts to the lower judiciary, by promoting diversity and equal opportunities, ultimately strengthening the justice system and upholding gender equality.

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Casgevy: Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Casgevy

    Central Idea

    • The recent approval of Casgevy, a groundbreaking gene therapy utilizing Crispr-Cas9 technology, by the UK health authorities represents a monumental achievement in medicine.
    • This therapy holds the potential to provide a lifelong cure for individuals grappling with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, offering newfound hope and possibilities in the field of genetic medicine.

    Casgevy: A Gene-Editing Marvel

    • World’s First Licensed Gene Therapy: Casgevy stands as the world’s inaugural licensed gene therapy employing Crispr-Cas9 technology, an innovation that garnered the Nobel Prize in 2020.
    • Targeting Faulty Genes: This revolutionary therapy specifically targets the flawed genes responsible for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, offering the tantalizing prospect of a lifelong cure.
    • A Paradigm Shift: In the past, the only permanent treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, contingent on discovering a closely matched donor.

    Mechanism of Action

    • Genetic Errors: Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia both stem from genetic abnormalities within the haemoglobin gene, impairing the structure and functionality of red blood cells.
    • Precision Gene Editing: Casgevy harnesses the patient’s blood stem cells, meticulously edited using Crispr-Cas9, with a specific focus on the BCL11A gene.
    • Boosting Foetal Haemoglobin: By stimulating the production of foetal haemoglobin, which lacks the irregularities found in adult haemoglobin, the therapy mitigates the symptoms of these debilitating conditions.

    Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia

     

    Sickle Cell Disease: Characterized by crescent-shaped red blood cells, this condition disrupts smooth blood flow, resulting in excruciating pain, infections, anaemia, and even strokes. India bears witness to an annual influx of 30,000-40,000 children born with sickle cell disease.

    Thalassaemia: This disorder leads to diminished haemoglobin levels, causing fatigue, breathlessness, and irregular heartbeats, necessitating lifelong blood transfusions and chelation therapy. India is home to the world’s largest population of children with thalassaemia major, numbering approximately 1-1.5 lakh.

     Clinical Trial Results

    • Clinical trials of Casgevy showcased remarkable results, with participants afflicted by sickle cell disease reporting a substantial reduction in severe pain crises.
    • Those with thalassaemia witnessed a remarkable 70% reduction in the need for blood transfusions.

    Administration and Challenges

    • One-Time Treatment: Casgevy involves a one-time treatment process, encompassing the collection of bone marrow blood stem cells through apheresis, followed by editing and testing over a span of approximately six months.
    • Conditioning Medicine: Prior to the transplant with edited cells, conditioning medicine is administered to clear the bone marrow of existing cells.
    • Challenges: Challenges include the expected high cost of the therapy, potentially around $2 million per patient, and the absence of local manufacturing facilities, necessitating the international transport of blood stem cells.

    Future Prospects

    • Price Reduction: Despite pricing challenges, experts hold the belief that ongoing research will lead to price reductions, making the therapy more accessible. Local manufacturing facilities are also anticipated to emerge.
    • Indian Research: Researchers in India are actively pursuing gene therapies for sickle cell disease, with clinical trials on the horizon in the coming years.

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  • Judicial Appointments Conundrum Post-NJAC Verdict

    President bats for All India Judicial Service (AIJS)  

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Central Idea

    • On Constitution Day, President emphasized the need for an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) to reflect India’s diverse fabric in the judiciary.
    • Designed to streamline the recruitment process for judges, particularly at the levels of additional district judges and district judges across all states, the AIJS concept has been the subject of longstanding debate and contention within legal circles.

    All India Judicial Service (AIJS): Overview

    • Objective: To select and nurture talented individuals nationwide, ensuring representation from underrepresented social groups.
    • Current Recruitment: Under Articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution, states manage district judge appointments. State Public Service Commissions conduct recruitment, supervised by High Courts.
    • Rationale: AIJS aims to enhance judicial efficiency, standardize compensation, expedite recruitment, and ensure uniform training.

    Historical Context

    • 1958: The Law Commission first proposed a centralized judicial service.
    • 1978: The Law Commission revisited the idea amid concerns about delays and case backlogs.
    • 2006: A Parliamentary Committee supported a pan-Indian judicial service, drafting a bill.

    Judiciary’s Stance

    • 1992: The Supreme Court directed the Centre to establish AIJS (All India Judges’ Assam vs. Union of India case).
    • 1993: The Court permitted the Centre to initiate AIJS independently.
    • 2017: The Supreme Court suggested a “Central Selection Mechanism” for district judge appointments.

    Necessity of AIJS

    • Challenges: The lower judiciary faces about 5400 vacancies and a backlog of 2.78 crore cases.
    • Quality Concerns: The declining quality of judicial officers necessitates high-caliber recruitment.
    • Financial Incentives: State services often fail to attract top talent due to lower salaries.
    • Training and Subjectivity: State-run institutions lack adequate training resources; current appointments are marred by subjectivity and nepotism.

    Criticism and Concerns

    • Federalism: AIJS is seen as infringing on states’ powers.
    • Language and Representation: Centralized recruitment might impact the use of regional languages.
    • Equality and Education: A national exam could disadvantage less privileged candidates; law education standards are inconsistent.
    • Structural Issues: AIJS may not address systemic problems like low pay and inadequate infrastructure.
    • Bureaucratization: Centralizing recruitment doesn’t inherently guarantee efficiency.

    Government’s Motivation

    • Business Environment: Reforming the lower judiciary is aligned with improving India’s Ease of Doing Business ranking.
    • Dispute Resolution: Efficient dispute resolution is crucial for business rankings.
    • IAS Inspiration: The government views the IAS system as a model for enhancing judicial services.

    Way Forward

    Niti Aayog’s ‘Strategy for New India @75’ report recommends:

    • Examination: An all-India judicial services exam to maintain high standards.
    • Technology: Implementing video-conferencing to expedite justice and reduce logistical issues.
    • Independence: AIJS cadre should report to the Chief Justice in each High Court to preserve judicial independence.

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  • VT Rajshekar: Journalist, anti-caste legend who spoke his mind

    op-ed snap | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Post-Independence

    V T Rajshekar - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia

    Central idea

    Vontibettu Thimmappa Rajshekar Shetty (VTR) authored 30 books centering on caste, nation and religion

    Key Highlights:

    • Vontibettu Thimmappa Rajshekar Shetty (VTR) is a renowned figure in the Ambedkarite, anti-caste movement, known for his fearless journalism.
    • Born in 1932, VTR played a significant role in shaping the intellectual discourse of the anti-caste sphere since the 1970s.
    • Founder of the world-famous periodical Dalit Voice in 1981, VTR advocated for Dalit rights and challenged the Brahminical state order.

    Challenges:

    • Faced opposition and legal challenges, including being booked under India’s Terrorism and Anti-Disruptive Activities Act.
    • Dalit Voice was forced to shut down due to assault by the BJP, rechristened as Brahmana Jaati Party.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Triumph of Ambedkarism”: VTR envisioned the 21st century as a period of triumph for Ambedkarism.
    • “Caste as a nation within the nation”: VTR viewed caste as a separate entity rather than a subsidiary of the nation-state.

    Critical Analysis:

    • VTR’s journalism focused on exposing Brahminical hypocrisies and advocating for the rights of the oppressed.
    • Fearless critiques of the caste system and Brahminical state order marked his intellectual contributions.
    • VTR’s alignment with international radical movements showcased a commitment to broader social justice issues.
    • Alliances with African-American movements and international solidarity reflected a global perspective on caste-based discrimination.
    • Booking under India’s Terrorism and Anti-Disruptive Activities Act highlighted the resistance faced by VTR for his outspoken journalism.
    • Dalit Voice’s closure due to opposition from the BJP underscores the challenges anti-caste voices encounter in political landscapes.
    • Despite significant contributions, VTR and many anti-caste legends are often inadequately honored and celebrated.
    • The proposed establishment of a national award for fearless journalists in V T Rajshekar’s name aims to recognize and honor his impactful work.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Founded Dalit Voice in 1981 and authored 30 books, including “Dalit: The Black Untouchables of India.”
    • Inspired solidarity between Dalits and contemporary African-American activists.

    Key Data:

    • Born on July 17, 1932.
    • Founded Dalit Voice in 1981.

    Key Facts:

    • VTR faced legal challenges, including being booked under India’s Terrorism and Anti-Disruptive Activities Act.
    • Dalit Voice shut down due to opposition from the BJP.

    Key Terms:

    • Ambedkarism,
    • Brahminical state order,
    • Dalit Voice,
    • Caste-based violence,
    • Internationalism,
    • Brahmana Jaati Party.

    Way Forward:

    • Recognition and celebration of VTR’s contributions to anti-caste journalism and social justice.
    • Proposed establishment of a national award for fearless journalists in the name of V T Rajshekar to honor his legacy.

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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    Moulding the Himalayas needs caution

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Himalayan roads | The new danger zones - India Today

    Central idea

    The Uttarkashi tunnel collapse has thrown light on the major flaws in the infrastructure development in the Indian Himalayan Region

    Key Highlights:

    • The Char Dham Project in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has raised concerns about the sustainability of the current development model.
    • The focus is on the carrying capacity of the IHR, questioning the extensive road widening, hydropower projects, and tourism promotion.
    • The geological sensitivity of the Himalayas, marked by earthquakes and frictional shear rocks, makes such infrastructure projects dangerous.

    Challenges:

    • Lack of adherence to mountain construction codes and basic safety protocols in the rush for construction projects.
    • The fragmentation of the Char Dham Project into smaller sections for Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) raises questions about its comprehensive evaluation.
    • The need to address the broader issue of carrying capacity in the IHR, encompassing hydropower projects, tourism, and road development.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Construction in this zone is dangerous” due to the sensitive geological nature of the Himalayas.
    • The Supreme Court should address the issue of carrying capacity in the Himalayas, considering the impact of infrastructure on the ecosystem.
    • The transformative phase in the IHR requires a reevaluation of the integration approach with new geographies.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article criticizes the lack of seriousness in implementing safety measures, citing the Silkyara tunnel incident in Uttarakhand.
    • Emphasis on learning from failures, international protocols, and the inclusion of local communities in monitoring structures are suggested for safer infrastructure development.

    Key Examples and References:

    • The Atal tunnel in Himachal Pradesh is cited as an exception with a rigorous safety protocol, contrasting it with the safety lapses in the Char Dham Project.
    • The flash floods of 2013 in Uttarakhand are mentioned as the basis for initiating the Char Dham Yatra and subsequent infrastructure projects.

    Key Data:

    • The Char Dham Project is approximately 900 km long, broken into 53 sections for separate EIAs.
    • Geological and geotechnical studies highlight the dangerous nature of construction in the Himalayas.

    Key Facts:

    • The carrying capacity discussion extends beyond the number of people to include infrastructure aspects like hydropower projects and roads.
    • The importance of a legislative architecture that involves local communities and adheres to international protocols for safer infrastructure development.

    Key Terms for value addition in your answer:

    • Carrying capacity
    • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
    • Geological sensitivity
    • Transformative phase
    • Safety protocols

    Way Forward:

    • Urgent dialogue on carrying capacity in the Himalayas, considering the total impact of infrastructure development.
    • Adoption of international protocols and legislative architecture for safer construction, involving local communities and civil society.
    • Reevaluation of the integration approach in the transformative phase of the IHR, ensuring stability and safety standards in infrastructure projects.

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  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    Fleet electrification to tackle urban pollution

    op-ed snap | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Adani to deploy 400 BYD Electric Trucks at 4 Indian ports - India Shipping News

    Central idea

    The central idea revolves around the urgent need to address worsening air quality in Indian cities, focusing on the critical role of transitioning to electric trucks to mitigate PM2.5 pollution. Despite challenges like upfront costs, the article emphasizes the imperative of swift action, proposes green freight corridors as a demonstration, and calls for a concerted effort involving public and private sectors to accelerate the transition and ensure a healthier urban environment.

    Key Highlights:

    • Air Quality Crisis: Rising air pollution in Indian cities necessitates prioritizing mitigation strategies, focusing on PM2.5 and PM10 pollution from the transport and construction sector.
    • Truck Fleet Expansion: The significant increase in the truck fleet poses a threat to air quality, and the transition to electric trucks is crucial for sustainability and energy security.

    Challenges:

    • Air Pollution Impact: The annual addition of 9 lakh new trucks to Indian roads contributes to air pollution, consuming a substantial portion of oil imports and contributing to over 90% of road transport CO2 emissions.
    • Obstacles to Electric Adoption: Upfront costs and charging infrastructure constraints pose challenges to the adoption of electric trucks, despite the success in electrifying rail freight and buses.

    Key Phrases:

    • Urgent Deployment: Urgent deployment of solutions is paramount in addressing the air quality crisis.
    • Targeted Mitigation: Diesel trucks and dust mitigation are identified as significant PM sources requiring immediate attention.
    • Corridor Demonstration: Green freight corridors are proposed as a demonstration effect to accelerate the transition to electric trucks.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Swift Action Call: The need for swift action is emphasized, with a call to accelerate the pace of transition to electric trucks.
    • Financial Implications: Public funding alone is insufficient, and the importance of attracting private and institutional capital is highlighted.
    • Decarbonization Priority: Despite the success in electrifying three-wheelers, truck electrification is recognized as a pivotal step in transport sector decarbonization.

    Key Examples and References:

    • E-truck Demand: The demand for 7,750 e-trucks in India by 2030 is cited as a potential measure to save over 800 billion liters of diesel till 2050.
    • Cost Disparity: The upfront cost disparity between mid-range electric trucks and diesel trucks is identified as a major hurdle.

    Key Data:

    • Electric Penetration Rate: India’s electric vehicle penetration rate has crossed 6%, but electric trucks remain a challenge.
    • Fleet Projection: The Indian truck fleet is projected to reach 1.7 crore in 2050, emphasizing the urgency of transitioning to electric trucks.

    Key Facts:

    • Corridor Proposal: Electrifying expressways and national highways as green freight corridors is proposed for demonstration and impact.
    • Financial Innovation: Innovative financial instruments and a conducive regulatory environment are deemed essential for the breakthrough in truck electrification.

    Way Forward:

    • Concerted Efforts: Urges the need for concerted efforts, including feasibility studies, demand aggregation, and a conducive regulatory environment, to create green freight corridors.
    • Recognition of Urgency: Stresses the importance of recognizing the urgency in addressing air quality issues and transitioning to electric trucks for a healthier urban environment.

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  • AYUSH – Indian Medicine System

    [pib] Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative (AGNI)

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Central Idea

    • The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has introduced the “Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative” (AGNI) to promote research and innovation among Ayurveda practitioners.

    Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative

    • AGNI aims to document and validate Ayurvedic medical practices, enhance evidence-based practice culture, and facilitate scientific research in the field.
    • It provides a platform for Ayurveda practitioners to share their innovative practices, fostering an evidence-based culture.
    • It also supports research to validate pragmatic Ayurvedic practices through scientific methods.

    Key functions

    • CCRAS will document and publish reported medical practices and therapeutic regimens for educational and academic purposes in consultation with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
    • AGNI provides a platform for Ayurveda practitioners to report their innovative practices and experiences across various disease conditions.
    • The initiative encourages the culture of evidence-based practice among Ayurveda practitioners, ensuring that their methods are grounded in scientific research.
    • AGNI seeks to identify interested Ayurveda practitioners willing to collaborate in creating a comprehensive database through applications.
    • Capacity building through research methods and good clinical practice training will also be offered.
    • AGNI will undertake research to mainstream pragmatic Ayurvedic practices through scientific validation and evidence-based appraisal.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    DSOC

    Central Idea

    • NASA’s DSOC experiment onboarded to Psyche spacecraft, recently demonstrated successful transmission of data over near-infrared laser signals to Earth.
    • This technology addresses the challenge of transmitting vast amounts of data over long distances from spacecraft, moving at high speeds in deep space.

    Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)

    • NASA’s DSOC experiment introduces near-infrared laser signals for spacecraft communication.
    • DSOC promises data rates at least 10 times faster than conventional radio communication systems, leading to enhanced data transfer rates, higher-resolution images, increased scientific data volume, and even real-time video streaming.
    • DSOC’s laser communication technology is comparable to how fiber optics revolutionized Earth-based telecommunications.

    Psyche Spacecraft and DSOC

    • The Psyche spacecraft is the first to carry a DSOC transceiver, which will test high-bandwidth optical communication with Earth during its initial two years of travel to the asteroid belt.
    • DSOC’s successful “first light” milestone was reached when the transceiver locked onto a powerful laser beacon transmitted from NASA’s Table Mountain Facility in California.
    • Achieving high data rates relies on extremely precise pointing, which is akin to hitting a small target from a great distance while both are in motion.
    • This precision is necessary for the laser transceiver to track its target despite vibrations on the spacecraft.

    Key Components for Success

    • The spacecraft must isolate the transceiver from vibrations to maintain precision.
    • As Earth and the spacecraft change positions during data transmission, DSOC systems adjust to ensure accurate pointing.
    • New signal-processing techniques are essential to extract information from weak laser signals transmitted across vast distances in space.

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