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  • 12 Aug 2021
  • 48 min read
Social Justice

Quality of Life for Elderly Index

Why in News

Recently, the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) released the Quality of Life for Elderly Index.

  • The share of elders, as a percentage of the total population in the country, is expected to increase from around 7.5% in 2001 to almost 12.5% by 2026, and surpass 19.5% by 2050.
  • EAC-PM is a non-constitutional, non-statutory, independent body constituted to give advice on economic and related issues to the Government of India, specifically to the Prime Minister.

Key Points

  • About:
    • The Index has been created by the Institute for Competitiveness at the request of EAC-PM and it sheds light on an issue often not mentioned- problems faced by the elderly.
      • Institute for Competitiveness, India is an international initiative centered in India, dedicated to enlarging and purposeful disseminating of the body of research and knowledge on competition and strategy.
    • It identifies the regional patterns of ageing across Indian States and assesses the overall ageing situation in India. 
      • Ageing is a continuous, irreversible, universal process, which starts from conception till the death of an individual.
      • However, the age at which one’s productive contribution declines and one tends to be economically dependent can probably be treated as the onset of the aged stage of life.
      • National Elderly Policy defines people in the 60+ age group as elderly.
    • It will  promote healthy competition among States through fair rankings and highlights the pillars and indicators they can improve.
  • Pillars & Sub-Pillars of the Index: 
    • Four Pillars: 
      • Financial Well-being, Social Well-being, Health System and Income Security
    • Eight Sub-Pillars: 
      • Economic Empowerment, Educational Attainment & Employment, Social Status, Physical Security, Basic Health, Psychological Well being, Social Security and Enabling Environment.
  • Major Findings:
    • State-wise Rankings:
      • Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are top-scoring regions in Aged and Relatively Aged States, respectively. 
        • The Aged States refer to States with an elderly population of more than 5 million, whereas Relatively Aged States refer to States with an Elderly population of less than 5 million.
      • Chandigarh and Mizoram are top-scoring regions in Union Territory and North-East States category. 
    • Pillar-wise Performance:
      • The Health System pillar observes the highest national average, 66.97 at an all-India level, followed by 62.34 in Social Well-being.
      • Financial Well-being observes a score of 44.7, which is lowered by the low performance of 21 States across the Education Attainment & Employment pillar, which showcases scope for improvement.
      • States have performed particularly worse in the Income Security pillar because over half of the States have a score below the national average in Income Security, which is the lowest across all pillars.
  • Challenges:
    • Feminization of Ageing:
      • One of the emerging issues of population ageing is the “Feminization of Ageing”, that is many more women than men reaching older ages. 
    • Income security:
    • Integration of elderly in Economy:
      • There is a need to cater to the present older person's unique needs, motivations, and preferences, and to give them a chance to contribute to society until they promote active ageing.
    • Health care and services:
      • Good health lies at the core of society to ensure healthy ageing. As the life expectancy of older people increases in India, we need to ensure that people, while living longer, live healthier lives, which will translate into more significant opportunities and lower costs to older persons, their families and society.
  • Related Initiatives:
    • SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine): It is a “one-stop access” of elderly care products and services by credible start-ups.
    • Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP): To improve the quality of life of older persons by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities, etc.
    • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Aids and assistive living devices are provided to senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category who suffer from age-related disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disabilities. 
    • Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Financial assistance is provided to persons of 60 years and above and belonging to families living BPL as per the criteria prescribed by Government of India. Central assistance of Rs 200 per month is provided to persons in the age group of 60-79 years and Rs 500 per month to persons of 80 years and above.
    • The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana: It is a pension scheme for senior citizens that comes with guaranteed returns on monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or on an annual basis for a period of 10 years. It is exclusively available to those who are 60 years of age and above.
    • Vayoshreshtha Samman: Conferred as a National award, and given to eminent senior citizens & institutions under various categories for their contributions on International day of older persons on 1st october.
    • Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act, 2007: To ensure need-based maintenance for Parents and Senior Citizens and their welfare.
  • Global Initiatives:
    • Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030): The Decade of Healthy Ageing was endorsed by the 73rd World Health Assembly (decision making body of the World Health Organisation) in 2020.
    • The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for leaving no one behind and for ensuring that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are met for all segments of society, at all ages, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable—including older persons.

Way Forward

  • India is often portrayed as a young society, with a consequent demographic dividend. But, as with every country that goes through a fast process of demographic transition, India also has a greying cum aging problem. 
  • For the welfare and care for the older persons, we must focus on the protection of already existing social support systems/traditional social institutions such as family and kinship, neighborhood bonding, community bonding and community participation must be revived and kins should show sensitivity towards elderly citizens.

Indian Economy

Annual Public Enterprises Survey

Why in News

Recently, the 60th Public Enterprises (PE) Survey 2019-20 was released by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance.

  • It is the single largest source of information on Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and acts as a basis for informed policy making.
  • The government has reallocated the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) to the finance ministry from the ministry of heavy industries.

Key Points

  • About Public Enterprises (PE) Survey:
    • PE Survey is a 100% enumeration of the CPSE universe. It captures essential statistical data for all CPSEs on various financial and physical parameters.
    • PE Survey divides CPSEs into five sectors namely:
      • Agriculture,
      • Mining & Exploration,
      • Manufacturing, Processing & Generation,
      • Services,
      • Enterprises Under Construction.
    • The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) started bringing out the Public Enterprises Survey from the financial year 1960-61 on the recommendations of the Estimates Committee of the 2nd Lok Sabha, 73rd report (1959-60).
  • About DPE And CPSEs:
    • DPE is the nodal department for all the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and formulates policy pertaining to CPSEs.
    • According to DPE, CPSEs mean those Government companies, besides Statutory Corporations, wherein more than 50% of the share in equity is held by the Central Government.
      • The subsidiaries of these companies, if registered in India, are also categorized as CPSEs.
      • It does not cover departmentally run public enterprises, banking institutions and insurance companies.
    • CPSEs are classified into 3 categories namely Maharatna, Navratna and Miniratna.
      • Presently, there are 10 Maharatna, 14 Navratna and 74 Miniratna CPSEs.

  • Role of Central Public Sector Enterprises:
    • CPSEs in India have a twin objective of commercial efficiency and social responsibility.
    • The idea of CPSEs was conceived to eradicate the accumulated problems of:
      • Unemployment,
      • Rural-urban disparity,
      • Inter-regional and inter-class disparities,
      • Technological backwardness.
    • CPSEs envisage to develop the public sector as an instrument for self-reliant economic growth.
    • Before India got independence, it had only a few CPSEs.
      • These included the Railways, Post and Telegraph, Port trusts, Ordnance factories, etc.
      • Most CPSEs were set up after independence when the private sector had limited capacity for large capital intensive enterprises.
    • Challenge: The challenge for these enterprises arises out of the need for them to ensure a reasonable return on investment, while discharging their constitutional and social obligations.
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan - Contribution by CPSEs:
    • The CPSEs have taken a range of initiatives as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan towards meeting the Government of India’s ‘self-reliant India’ agenda.
    • The initiatives include policy reforms, strategic partnerships, administrative actions, operational realignment and capacity building.
    • The initiatives by the CPSEs can be divided under five broad categories as shown below:
      • Enhancing local capacity to support Government’s larger strategic objectives.
      • Promotion of cooperation between CPSEs to explore synergies.
      • Providing a platform for greater participation of domestic firms/MSMEs.
      • Rationalising import dependency to ensure long term sustainability.
      • Development of indigenous technology and promoting technology transfer to CPSEs.

Source: PIB

International Relations

Indian Base in Mauritius’ Agalega Islands

Why in News

Recently, Mauritius has denied a report that it has allowed India to build a military base on the remote island of Agalega.

  • Earlier it was reported by a news broadcaster that an airstrip and two jetties to house an Indian military base on Agalega island is under construction.

Key Points

  • Background:
    • In 2015, India signed an agreement with Mauritius for development of Agalega Islands.
      • It provided for setting up and upgradation of infrastructure for improving sea and air connectivity enhancing capabilities of the Mauritian Defence Forces in safeguarding their interests in the Outer Island.
    • However, since then, there have been growing reports over the Indian naval and coastguard’s interests in setting up transponder systems and surveillance infrastructure, which has led to some local protests.
  • Agelega Project:
    • Agelega project includes the construction of a jetty, rebuilding, and extension of the runway, and building an airport terminal on Agalega Island.
      • The USD 87 million projects are funded by India.
    • The project would add a new airport, port and logistics and communication facilities and potentially any other facilities related to the project.
    • The Agelega island is located in the southwestern Indian Ocean, 1,122 km north of Mauritius.
      • It has a total land area of 27 square miles (70 square km).
  • Significance:
    • Strengthen India's Presence:
      • It will strengthen India's presence in the south-west Indian Ocean and facilitate its power launch aspirations in the region.
      • India considers the new base necessary to facilitate both air and surface maritime patrols in the south-west Indian Ocean and as an intelligence post.
    • Geo-Economic:
    • Protect Foreign Trade:
      • 95% of India’s trade by volume and 68% of trade by value comes via the Indian Ocean.
      • Nearly 80% of India’s crude oil requirement is imported by sea via the Indian Ocean. So presence in the Indian Ocean is of significance for India.
    • Countering China:
    • Security And Growth for All in Region:
      • The project can be seen as a part of India’s efforts to contribute to its neighbor’s development stories under SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in Region).
      • The project can be seen as a way to increase cooperation between India and its neighbors.
    • Enhancing Security infrastructure of Mauritius:
      • The project will enhance the capabilities of Mauritius security forces through upgradation in its infrastructure.
  • Challenges:
    • Protests from Opposition:
      • Mauritius opposition has been raising concerns regarding transparency in the project.
      • The Mauritian government has exempted the project from any Environmental license process (EIA clearances).
    • Protests from local People:
      • In 1965, before Mauritian independence, the UK split the Chagos islands from Mauritius, forcibly relocating the inhabitants.. Many Agalégans fear they could suffer a similar fate.
      • All major military powers like France, China, US, and the UK have naval bases in the Indian Ocean this is leading to fears that their peaceful island region will also be militarised.
    • China Centric Policies:
      • China's rapidly growing presence in the northern part of the Indian Ocean along with the deployment of Chinese submarines and ships in the region is a challenge for India.
    • Obsessive Security Policy:
      • An obsessively security-driven policy of India towards its neighbours has not helped in the past.
      • Certain common challenges like climate change, sustainable development and the blue economy should be reconsidered in India’s approach to Mauritius.
  • Other Recent Developments:

Way Forward

  • Unlike the military bases run by other countries, the Indian bases are the soft base which means locals can move through any Indian-made project. So the local governments get more control over their domain, without diluting their sovereignty.
  • India needs to project itself as a credible and long-term partner in a more persuasive manner by allaying the fears of all parties affected.
  • Companies registered in Mauritius are the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India, making it crucial for India to upgrade its bilateral tax treaty, adopting the latest international practices that prevent multinational companies from artificially shifting profits to low tax countries.
  • As India takes an integrated view of its security cooperation in the south western Indian Ocean, Mauritius is the natural node for it. Therefore, it is important to take course-corrections in India’s Neighbourhood First policy.

Source: TH

Indian Economy

Vacancies in Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions

Why in News

Recently, the Supreme Court, has expressed displeasure over delay in filling up vacancies in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions.

  • It directed the centre and states to complete the process within eight weeks.

Key Points

  • About:
    • The court was hearing a suo motu case on inaction in appointing president and members/staff of Districts and State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and inadequate infrastructure across India.
    • It highlighted that vacancies are hurting consumers by delaying redressal of disputes.
    • The Court also asked the Centre to submit a report on legislative impact study on Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in four weeks time.
    • It's the third time in two weeks that the Supreme Court has voiced its concern regarding vacancies across courts, tribunals and dispute resolution bodies in India.
  • About National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission:
    • The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) is a quasi-judicial commission in India which was set up in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.
    • Its head office is in New Delhi.
    • The commission is headed by a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court of India.
    • The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 provided for a three-tier consumer dispute redressal machinery at the National (National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission), State and District levels.
    • The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 establishes the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) whose primary objective will be to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers.
  • About Legislative Impact Study:
    • Legislative Impact Study or Assessment is the study of the impact of a law (being made and enforced) on the society over a period of time.
    • It is a method of estimating the likely impacts of legislative proposals and government policies, before and after they are adopted and enacted.
      • For example, what impact would it have on the litigation, what is the kind of manpower required, what is the infrastructure required.
    • It compares them with different policy designs to determine which policy produces the best result.
    • The responsibility of Parliament after a law is made is not over. It has to confirm whether the intended objectives and needs of the law are achieved or not.

Source: IE

Indian Economy

General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Amendment Bill, 2021

Why in News

Recently, the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Amendment Bill, 2021, was passed by both the houses of the parliament.

Key Points

  • Key Provisions of the Bill:
    • Government Shareholding Threshold:
      • It seeks to remove the mandatory requirement of the Central government holding not less than 51% of the equity capital in a specified insurer.
    • Defines General Insurance Business:
      • It defines general insurance business as fire, marine or miscellaneous insurance business.
      • It excludes capital redemption and annuity from certain businesses from the definition.
        • Capital redemption insurance involves payment of a sum of money on a specific date by the insurer after the beneficiary pays premiums periodically.
        • Under annuity certain insurance, the insurer pays the beneficiary over a period of time.
    • Transfer of Control from the Government:
      • It will not apply to the specified insurers from the date on which the central government relinquishes control of the insurer. Here control means:
        • Power to appoint a majority of directors of a specified insurer.
        • To have power over its management or policy decisions.
    • Empowers the Central Government:
      • It empowers the central government to notify the terms and conditions of service of employees of the specified insurers.
      • It provides that schemes formulated by the central government in this regard will be deemed to have been adopted by the insurer.
        • The board of directors of the insurer may change these schemes or frame new policies.
        • Further, powers of the central government under such schemes will be transferred to the board of directors of the insurer.
    • Liabilities of Directors:
      • It specifies that a director of a specified insurer, who is not a whole-time director, will be held liable only for certain acts which includes the acts which have been committed:
        • With his knowledge, attributable through board processes.
        • With his consent or connivance or where he had not acted diligently.
  • Significance:
    • Private Capital:
      • It will bring in more private capital in the general insurance business and improve its reach to make more products available to customers.
    • Improved Efficiency:
      • The move is part of the government’s strategy to open up more sectors to private participation and improve efficiency.
    • Enhance Insurance Penetration:
      • It will enhance insurance penetration and social protection to better secure the interests of policyholders and contribute to faster growth of the economy
  • Concerns:
    • Affect the Workers:
      • It will affect the insurance sector in the country and the workers engaged with the General Insurance Company.
    • Total Privatisation:
      • It may lead to total privatisation of general insurance companies. Privatising would lead to opening a Pandora’s Box, throwing into insecurity 30 crore policyholders.
    • Governments Loss:
      • The government will also lose money by way of dividend in the proportion of shares being offered.
    • Pensions Safety:
      • The pensioners in the four public sector general insurance companies were worried about the safety of their future pensions when the central government privatised one of them.
      • The pension fund is dependent on the contributions of the employees so that Pension Trust can pay the pensioners.

General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972:

  • The Act was enacted to nationalise all private companies undertaking general insurance business in India. It set up the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC).
    • GIC is an Indian nationalised reinsurance company.
  • The businesses of the companies nationalised under the Act were restructured in four subsidiary companies of GIC:
    • National Insurance.
    • New India Assurance.
    • Oriental Insurance.
    • United India Insurance.
  • The Act was subsequently amended in 2002 to transfer the control of these four subsidiary companies from GIC to the central government, thereby making them independent companies.
  • Since 2000, GIC exclusively undertakes reinsurance business.

Source: TH

Governance

Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

Why in News

Recently, the Ministry of Food Processing industries (MoFPI) has shared some information regarding Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY).

Key Points

  • About:
    • In the year 2016, MoFPI had introduced an umbrella Scheme Called “Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters” or SAMPADA, which was proposed to be implemented with an allocation of Rs 6,000 crore for the period of 2016-20.
    • In the year 2017, the government renamed the SAMPADA scheme as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
    • It is a Central Sector Umbrella Scheme.
  • Objective:
    • To supplement agriculture.
    • To create processing and preservation capacities.
    • To modernise and expand existing food processing units with a view to increasing the level of processing.
    • To add value leading to the reduction of wastage.
  • Components:
    • Mega Food Parks,
    • Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure,
    • Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters,
    • Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages,
    • Creation/Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities,
    • Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure, and
    • Human Resources Institutions.
    • Operation Greens.
  • Grants-in-aid:
    • MoFPI provides mostly credit linked financial assistance (capital subsidy) in the form of grants-in-aid to entrepreneurs for setting up of food processing / preservation industries.
    • Grants-in-aid ranging from 35% to 75% of the eligible project cost subject to a maximum specified limit is provided to investors under the various schemes for undertaking infrastructure, logistic projects and setting up of food processing units in the country.
  • Benefits:
    • The sanctioned projects across the country under component schemes of PMKSY are estimated to benefit about 34 lakh famers on completion.

Other Related Initiatives

  • 100% FDI:
    • 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through automatic route in the food processing sector and 100% FDI under Government approval route for retail trading, including through e-commerce, in respect of food products produced and/or manufactured in India has been permitted.
  • Food Processing Fund:
    • A special fund of Rs. 2000 crore has been created with the NABARD to provide affordable credit to food processing projects/units.
  • Classification under PSL:
    • Food & agro-based processing units and cold chain infrastructure has been classified as agriculture activity for Priority Sector Lending (PSL).
  • Fiscal Measures:
    • Fiscal measures like 100% exemption of Income Tax on profit for new food processing units, 100 % income tax exemption from profit derived by Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) having annual turnover of Rs.100 crore have been allowed for activities such as post-harvest value addition to agriculture.
  • Lower GST:
  • Operation Greens:
    • A new Central Sector Scheme “Operation Greens’’ for integrated development of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops value chain, with an outlay of Rs.500 Crore to promote FPOs, agri-logistics, processing facilities, has been launched.
  • PM FME:
    • All India Centrally Sponsored PM Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises Scheme (PM FME Scheme) for providing financial, technical and business support for upgradation of existing micro food processing enterprises.
  • PLI Scheme:
    • The Central Sector Scheme – “Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI)” to support creation of global food manufacturing champions commensurate with India’s natural resource endowment and support Indian brands of food products in the international markets with an outlay of Rs.10900 crore.

Source: PIB

Biodiversity & Environment

World Biofuel Day

Why in News

World Biofuel Day is observed on 10th August every year.

Key Points

  • About:
    • It is observed to raise awareness of the importance of non-fossil fuels as a substitute for conventional fossil fuels.
    • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in association with UNIDO (United Nations Development Industrial Organisation) and GEF (Global Environment Facility - a financial mechanism) launched two schemes on this occasion which are:
      • Interest Subvention Scheme.
      • GIS based inventory tool of organic waste streams.
    • Biofuels programme is also in synergy with Government of India’s initiative of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • History:
    • This day is observed in honour of Sir Rudolf Diesel. He was the inventor of the diesel engine and was the first to predict the possibility of vegetable oil replacing fossil fuels.
  • Theme for 2021:
    • It is based on the promotion of biofuels for a better environment.
  • Celebrated by:
    • Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas since 2015.
  • Significance:
    • Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter (living or once living material) in a short period of time (days, weeks, or even months) is considered a biofuel.
      • Examples of Biofuel include ethanol, biodiesel, green diesel and biogas.
    • Biofuels help in reducing the dependence on crude oil and fostering a cleaner environment.
    • It also generates additional income and employment for rural areas.
    • This will not only help meet India’s rural energy needs but also fulfill the rising demands for transportation.
    • The use of carbon fuels will reduce carbon emissions and meet the energy requirements of the 21st century.
  • Interest Subvention Scheme:
    • It provides financial assistance to innovative waste to energy biomethanation projects and business models.
      • The industrial organic waste-to-energy bio-methanation projects are generally capital intensive and financially sensitive to both operating costs, including waste availability, and revenue, particularly biogas yield and its utilization scenario.
      • Innovations in such projects seek to improve overall energy output thereby minimizing the cost of energy generation but may lead to increase in the initial project cost at the establishment stage yet increase revenue and reduce operating costs over project’s lifetime.
    • The loan scheme provides financial assistance to beneficiaries to reduce the financial burden on account of interest on the loan component faced by such demonstration projects.
  • Inventory Tool Of Organic Waste Streams:
    • The tool provides district level estimates of available urban and industrial organic wastes and their energy generation potential across India.
    • The GIS (Geographic information system) tool will enable SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) and project developers to set up new waste to energy projects and may facilitate the rapid growth of biomethanation in the waste-to-energy sector in the country.

Biomethanation

  • Biomethanation is a process by which organic material is microbiologically converted under anaerobic conditions to biogas.
    • Three main physiological groups of microorganisms are involved: fermenting bacteria, organic acid oxidizing bacteria, and methanogenic archaea.
    • Microorganisms degrade organic matter via cascades of biochemical conversions to methane and carbon dioxide.

Govt Initiatives to Promote Biofuels

Way Forward

  • Promotion of the use of biofuels in transportation in countries like India will help in reducing the crude import bill.
  • India being a large agricultural economy, there is a large amount of agricultural residues available, therefore the scope of producing Biofuels is immense in the country. Biofuels can help in rural and agricultural development in the form of new cash crops.
  • Efforts for producing sustainable biofuels should be made by ensuring use of wastelands and municipal wastes that get generated in cities. A properly designed and implemented biofuel solution can provide both food and energy.
  • A community-based biodiesel distribution programme that benefits local economies, from the farmers growing the feedstock to local businesses producing and distributing the fuel to the end consumer, will be a welcome step.

Source: PIB

Important Facts For Prelims

Kaziranga National Park: Assam

Why in News

Kaziranga has become the first in the country to use satellite phones, which are generally used by the law-enforcing agencies.

  • The satellite phones will give an edge to the forest personnel over the poachers and also during emergencies like floods.
  • The public is barred from using satellite phones in India. Satellite phones can connect from anywhere as they are directly connected to satellites around the world and do not depend on terrestrial mobile networks, as cellphones do.

Key Points

  • Location:
    • It is located in the State of Assam and covers 42,996 Hectare (ha). It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
  • Legal Status:
    • It was declared as a National Park in 1974.
    • It has been declared a Tiger Reserve since 2007. It has a total tiger reserve area of 1,030 sq km with a core area of 430 sq. km.
  • International Status:
  • Biodiversity:
    • It is the home of the world's most one-horned rhinos.
      • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world and second highest number of Rhinos in Assam after Kaziranga National Park.
    • Much of the focus of conservation efforts in Kaziranga are focused on the 'big four' species— Rhino, Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger and Asiatic water buffalo.
      • The 2018 census had yielded 2,413 rhinos and approximately 1,100 elephants.
      • As per the figures of tiger census conducted in 2014, Kaziranga had an estimated 103 tigers, the third highest population in India after Jim Corbett National Park (215) in Uttarakhand and Bandipur National Park (120) in Karnataka.
    • Kaziranga is also home to 9 of the 14 species of primates found in the Indian subcontinent.
  • The park has more than 250 seasonal water bodies, besides the Diphlu River running through it.
  • Other National Parks in Assam are:

Source: TH

Important Facts For Prelims

International Baccalaureate

Why in News

Recently, the Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Baccalaureate (IB) to implement IB programmes in 30 government schools, including 20 of its new Schools of Specialised Excellence (SOSE) in 2021.

  • With the signing of this MoU, government school students will get access to international level of educational facilities.
  • Students of these schools will be issued joint certification by the IB and the Delhi board when they complete schooling.

Key Points

  • About:
    • It is a worldwide, nonprofit education program founded to give to students aged 3 to 19 the opportunity to receive an education fit for a globalizing world. Its Foundation Office is in Geneva (Switzerland).
    • It emphasizes personal student development as one of its main achievements.
    • There are four IB education programs, all of which are intended to develop students’ intellectual, emotional, personal and social skills.
    • It has around 5,000 schools globally. There are currently 193 IB schools in India, all of which are top-end elite private schools.
  • Objective of IB Programmes:
    • Fostering critical thinking and building problem-solving skills, while encouraging diversity, international mindedness, curiosity, and a healthy appetite for learning and excellence.
  • Benefits:
    • High quality programmes of education, which support development of knowledgeable and inquiring students.
    • Professional development that supports effective educators and collaborative professional learning communities.
    • Students will be able to engage with people in an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world.

Source: IE

Important Facts For Prelims

Rana Punja Bhil

Why in News

Recently, a dispute has erupted in Rajasthan over the hoisting of a flag on the statue of Rana Punja Bhil, a historical figure considered as a hero by the tribal Bhil community.

Key Points

  • About Rana Punja Bhil:
    • He was a contemporary of 16th century ruler of Mewar, Maharana Pratap.
    • He is considered to be a significant character who bolstered the strength of Pratap during his battles with Mughal emperor Akbar.
    • When Maharana Pratap was readying for the battle with Akbar, the tribal Bhil community voluntarily came to his assistance and at the time the Bhil army was commanded by Punja.
    • Owing to his status as a commander, he was bestowed the title of Rana.
  • Bhil community:
    • About:
      • The Bhil are one of the largest tribal groups, living in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
      • They are the biggest tribe in Rajasthan.
      • They are classified as scheduled tribes in Rajasthan.
      • The name is derived from the word ‘billu’, which means bow.
      • Bhil women wear traditional saris while men are dressed in long frocks and pyjamas. The woman put on heavy ornaments made of silver, brass along with rosaries of beads and silver coins and earrings.
    • Importance of the Community:
      • The Bhil are known to be excellent archers coupled with deep knowledge about their local geography.
      • Traditionally, experts in guerrilla warfare, most of them today are farmers and agricultural labourers. They are also skilled sculptors.
      • They have exercised significant influence in the Mewar region and throughout the past, the Rajput rulers of the region have forged alliances with the tribal group.

Other Tribes in Rajasthan

  • Sahariyas:
    • Sahariyas are one of the most backward Rajasthani tribes.
  • Minas:
    • Minas is the second biggest tribe in Rajasthan.
    • They are known to be the inhabitants of Indus Valley Civilization.
  • Gadiya Lohars:
    • Gadiya Lohars are known to be a small Rajput Rajasthan tribe.
  • Garasias:
    • Garasias are another small Rajput Rajasthan tribe.
  • Others:
    • There are other Rajasthan tribes also, which include Kathodi (found in Mewar region), Sansi and Kanjar.

Source: IE

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