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- Why in News?
- A new study on the indigenous rotavirus vaccine Rotavac has confirmed that its effectiveness in real-world conditions closely matches the efficacy observed in clinical trials, reaffirming its role in preventing childhood diarrhoeal diseases.
- About Rotavac:
- Rotavac is an oral, live attenuated, monovalent liquid vaccine designed to protect against rotavirus infection, a major cause of severe diarrhoea among infants and young children. Developed through a successful public–private partnership involving the Department of Biotechnology, Bharat Biotech, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health, it represents a major milestone in India’s vaccine innovation.
- About Rotavirus:
- Rotavirus is a highly contagious viral infection that leads to dehydration and severe diarrhoea in children. There is no specific antiviral treatment available; hence, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. The study reinforces Rotavac’s significance in improving child health outcomes, especially in low-resource settings.
- Why in News?
- The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025 report, jointly released by the UNDP and Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI), provides a comprehensive overview of poverty across 109 countries. The report finds that 1.1 billion people, or 18.3% of the global population, live in acute multidimensional poverty, with 43.6% experiencing severe deprivation in at least half of the MPI indicators.
- Regional Insights:
- Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia account for over 80% of the world’s poor, with 565 million and 390 million people respectively. India has shown remarkable progress, reducing multidimensional poverty from 55.1% in 2005–06 to 16.4% in 2019–21, lifting about 414 million people out of poverty.
- Key Concerns:
- Common deprivations include lack of clean cooking fuel, poor housing, and sanitation. Over 80% of the poor live in climate-vulnerable regions, particularly South Asia and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where rising sea levels pose mounting risks.
- Why in News?
- The Bathou religion, practiced by the Bodo community of Assam, has been granted a distinct code in the upcoming national census — a move recognizing its unique cultural and spiritual identity.
- About Bathou Religion (Bathouism):
- Bathouism is the traditional faith of the Bodo people, primarily residing in Assam and parts of North Bengal. The term Bathou signifies “five principles,” representing the belief that the universe is composed of five fundamental elements — Ha (Earth), Dwi (Water), Or (Fire), Bar (Air), and Okhrang (Sky) — similar to the concept of Panchabhuta.
- Deeply rooted in nature worship, Bathouism emphasizes harmony with the environment and the preservation of natural balance. The supreme deity, Bathou Bwrai (also known as Sibwrai, Siu Bwrai, Jiu Bwrai, or Nuathari), is revered as the creator and protector of life. The Sijou plant symbolizes Bathou Bwrai and is considered sacred in every Bodo household.