CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• In a significant conservation effort aimed at preserving the Indian Bison, the indigenous Koya tribes of the Papikonda hill range in Andhra Pradesh have taken a commendable step by discontinuing the use of bison horns in crafting their traditional flute known as Permakore.
• The Koya community is distinguished as one of India's few multi-racial and multi-lingual tribal groups. They reside in the forests, plains, and valleys alongside the Godavari River, spanning across the central Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, with populations also found in Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. Their cultural beliefs are deeply rooted, often centering around deities like the revered "mother earth," whose spirit is believed to dwell in a cave in the Bastar region.
• Traditionally, the Koya people practiced pastoralism and shifting cultivation, but in recent times, they have transitioned to settled agriculture along with animal husbandry and seasonal forest produce collection. Their cultural heritage is richly diverse, celebrated through vibrant dance forms like the Kommu Koya dance, where Bison horns traditionally adorned dancers' heads as part of their attire.

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• Recently, rare photographs of the Mashco Piro, an isolated Indigenous group inhabiting the remote Peruvian Amazon, have been released.
• Here are some details about the Mashco Piro tribe:
  • The Mashco Piro are believed to be the largest uncontacted tribe globally, numbering over 750 individuals.
  • They are nomadic hunter-gatherers who reside in the Amazon rainforests of the Madre de Dios Region, near Peru’s borders with Brazil and Bolivia.
  • Historically, they retreated deep into the jungle during the Amazon Rubber Boom of the late 1800s to avoid exploitation and violence.
  • Their settlements are along the Las Piedras River in the Alto Purús National Park, where they live in huts made from palm leaves, moving to rainforest shelters during the wet season.
  • The tribe speaks a dialect of the Piro language.
  • Members typically wear minimal clothing, often just a yellowish-brown cloth around the waist, and sometimes arm and leg bands of the same color.
  • They are of medium stature with an athletic build and have straight black hair that is shoulder-length or longer.
  • The Mashco Piro primarily use traditional weapons like bows, arrows, and spears for hunting.

Peru's government strictly prohibits contact with the Mashco Piro to prevent potential disease transmission that could threaten their health due to lack of immunity

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• Recently, a significant gathering of people from the Bhil tribe took place at a rally held in Rajasthan’s Mangarh Dham, where they renewed their longstanding demand for an independent ‘Bhil state’.
• Key details about the Bhil tribe include:
  • Historical Significance: Bhils are among the oldest tribes in India, recognized for their rich cultural heritage.
  • Etymology: The name 'Bhil' is derived from the Dravidian word 'villu' or 'billu', meaning 'bow'.
  • Ethnicity: They are classified under the Dravidian racial tribes of Western India and belong to the Australoid group.
  • Geographical Distribution: Bhils are predominantly divided into two groups: central Bhils and eastern or Rajput Bhils. They inhabit mountainous regions across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and also northeastern Tripura.
  • Language: The Bhil community predominantly speaks Bhili, an Indo-Aryan language.
  • Religious Practices: Religious practices vary among Bhil communities. Many worship local deities such as Khandoba, Kanhoba, Bahiroba, Sitalmata, and the Tiger God 'vaghdev'. They often seek guidance from hereditary sorcerers known as 'Badvas'.
  • Festivals: The Baneshwar Fair is a significant festival among Bhils, celebrated during Shivratri in honor of Baneshwar Mahadev, also known as Lord Shiva.

• The Prime Minister recently honored the bravery and sacrifices of the Santhal tribal community.
• Santhals constitute the third largest scheduled tribe in India, following the Gonds and Bhils. They are predominantly found in the eastern states of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
• Language:
  • The Santhals speak Santhali, a dialect of the Munda (Austroasiatic) language Kherwari. Santhali is written in the OI-Chiki script and is recognized as a scheduled language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
• History and Settlement:
  • Originally nomadic, the Santhals settled in the Chotanagpur plateau and later concentrated in the Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand (formerly Bihar). Over time, they migrated to Odisha and West Bengal.

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• A segment of the Thadou tribes, represented by the Thadou Students' Association (TSA) based in Manipur, has established a global platform to address critical community issues, particularly those affecting Manipur.
• About Thadou People:
  • The Thadou are indigenous inhabitants residing in the hilly regions adjacent to the Imphal Valley in Manipur, a northeastern state of India. As per the Manipur Census of 2011, they constitute the second-largest population group in Manipur, following the Meitei community. Beyond Manipur, Thadou communities are also found in Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram within India, as well as in the Chin State and Sagaing Division of Myanmar (Burma).
  • The Thadou language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Their traditional livelihoods include animal husbandry, agriculture (notably jhum or slash-and-burn farming), hunting, and fishing. Thadou settlements are typically situated in forested areas, often atop or below ridges, without formal urban planning or demarcated village boundaries.
  • Nearly all Thadou people identify as adherents of Christianity, reflecting a strong religious affiliation within the community.

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• The Bagata tribal community, known for their historical role as dedicated warriors (Bhaktas) of ancient rulers, are currently facing challenges in accessing electricity, despite their contributions to the construction of the Lower Sileru Hydro-Electric Project.
• About Bagata Tribe:
  • The Bagatas, also known as Bagatha, Bagat, Bagodi, Bogad, or Bhakta, reside primarily in the states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
• Cultural Aspects:
  • Origin and Name: They trace their name to their past as loyal warriors (Bhaktas) of erstwhile rulers.
  • Location: They are found in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Festivals: Dhimsa is a significant dance form enjoyed by Bagata tribes of all ages, known for its energetic participation. Their traditional dances are known as Sankidi Kelbar.
  • Family Life: Bagata society predominantly features nuclear families, with a preference for cross-cousin marriages and marriage arranged through negotiations.
  • Language: They communicate primarily in Odia and Telugu, with their own local dialect known as Adivasi Oriya.
  • Livelihood: Agriculture is the mainstay occupation among the Bagata tribes, supporting their daily livelihood needs.
  • Religion: They practice a blend of Hinduism, worshiping both Hindu deities and their ancestral and tribal gods.
• Despite their rich cultural heritage and contributions to agriculture, the Bagata community continues to face challenges such as inadequate access to electricity, highlighting ongoing socio-economic issues that impact their daily lives.

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• In the verdant expanse of the Godavari Valley, the Koya tribe finds itself embroiled in a cultural conundrum as the time-honored tradition of Mahua liquor consumption faces threats from raids by the Special Enforcement Bureau.

Insight into the Koya Tribe:

• Multifaceted Identity:
  • The Koya tribe stands as a testament to India's diverse cultural tapestry, embracing multiple racial and linguistic facets within its community.
• Geographical Dispersion:
  • Nestled amidst the lush forests, sprawling plains, and winding valleys along the Godavari River, the Koya tribe finds its ancestral home spanning across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• Migration Legacy:
  • Believed to have traversed from their original abode in Bastar, northern India, the Koya people have traversed a journey of migration to central India, establishing roots in the heart of the subcontinent.
• Linguistic Richness:
  • The Koya language, known as Koyi, epitomizes the Dravidian linguistic heritage, sharing close kinship with Gondi while bearing distinct influences from Telugu, showcasing the tribe's linguistic diversity.
• Livelihood and Traditions:
  • From their pastoralist and shifting cultivation origins, the Koya tribe has transitioned to settled agricultural practices complemented by animal husbandry and seasonal foraging activities, cultivating a diverse array of millets like Jowar, Ragi, and Bajra.
• Societal Fabric:
  • Rooted in a patrilineal and patrilocal familial structure, the Koya society organizes itself into distinct sub-divisions known as gotrams, with monogamy prevailing and familial bonds forming the cornerstone of community cohesion.
• Cultural Resilience:
  • Embracing a syncretic blend of indigenous beliefs and Hindu reverence, the Koya people maintain a rich tapestry of rituals, festivals, and communal practices, perpetuating traditions through vibrant dances like the Permakok and venerating ancestral deities amidst the rustle of the Godavari breeze.
  • As the Koya tribe navigates the currents of modernity while safeguarding its cultural moorings, the challenge of preserving age-old customs amidst contemporary pressures underscores the resilience and adaptability of this ancient community.

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• The District Level Committee of Keonjhar in Odisha has recently approved habitat rights for the Juanga, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG), under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), clearing a significant obstacle for their claims.
• About the Juanga Tribe:
  • Location: The Juanga, also spelled Juang, are an indigenous community primarily found in the Keonjhar district of Odisha, India.
  • Status: They are one of the 13 particularly vulnerable tribal groups among the 62 tribes in Odisha.
  • Historical Attire: Traditionally known as Patuas due to their use of leaf skirts, the Juanga now prefer wearing clothing purchased from local markets.
  • Language: They speak Juang (Mundari), which belongs to the Austroasiatic language family.
• Occupation and Lifestyle:
  • Agriculture: Initially engaged in shifting cultivation, many Juanga are transitioning to settled agriculture.
  • Craftsmanship: Besides occasional hunting, the Juanga of Pallahara are renowned for their basket weaving skills. They also create decorative combs and tobacco cases.
  • Livestock: They have begun domesticating fowl, pigs, goats, and cows to supplement their income.
• Political Structure:
  • Traditional Governance: The Juanga maintain a traditional political council. The Pradhan, the head of this council, is not a hereditary position but is chosen from among the senior and capable individuals in the community.
  • Role of Pradhan: The Pradhan has the authority to make final decisions on all secular matters.
• Population:
  • Census Data: According to the Census 2011, the Juanga population in Odisha is 47,095.

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• The Minister for Minority Affairs has recently unveiled the new Jiyo Parsi Scheme portal.
• Overview of the Jiyo Parsi Scheme:
  • The Jiyo Parsi Scheme is a distinctive Central Sector initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs aimed at curbing the decline in the Parsi community's population in India. Launched in the 2013-14 period, the scheme is designed to counteract the decreasing numbers of Parsis by employing scientific methods and structured measures to stabilize their population in the country.
• Key Components of the Scheme:
  • Medical Assistance: Provides financial support to Parsi couples for medical treatments in accordance with established medical standards.
  • Health of Community: Offers financial aid to Parsi families for child care and the support of elderly individuals.
  • Advocacy: Conducts outreach and advocacy programs to raise awareness within the Parsi community.

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• Totoko and Priya, the esteemed leaders of the Onge tribe in the Andaman Islands, celebrated the birth of their newborn son, expanding the tribe's population to a total of 136.
• The Onge Tribe:
  • Hailing from the Negrito racial lineage, the Onges are among India's most ancient tribes. They call Little Andaman Island their home, nestled in the southern reaches of the Andaman archipelago. Living a semi-nomadic lifestyle, they draw sustenance from the bounties of the ocean and the forest.
  • Unlike adherents of mainstream religions, the Onges don't adhere to rigid worship rituals or sacrificial rites. Instead, they hold unique beliefs, such as regarding pearly white teeth as harbingers of death, staining them red by chewing bark.
  • Their bodies and faces bear adornments of white and ochre clay, with special occasions calling for elaborate body ornamentation. Once the sole inhabitants of Goubalambabey (Little Andaman), their numbers dwindled drastically following encounters with British colonizers and Indian settlers, plummeting from 670 in 1900 to a mere 96 by the early 2000s.
  • In 1976, the Onge were resettled to ensure access to basic amenities and protection from the elements. Presently, they reside in Dugong Creek, a reserve on Little Andaman, though it pales in comparison to their original territory.
  • Sadly, the Onge tribe grapples with infertility issues, affecting over 40% of married couples, making them one of the world's least fertile communities.

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• Members of the Hakki Pikki tribal community have achieved notable success as entrepreneurs in the hair oil industry.
• About the Hakki Pikki Tribe:
  • The Hakki Pikkis, whose name translates to ‘bird catchers’ in Kannada (with 'Hakki' meaning 'bird' and 'Pikki' meaning 'catchers'), are a semi-nomadic tribe traditionally engaged in bird catching and hunting. They represent a significant tribal community in Karnataka and also inhabit the Western and Southern states of India, primarily in forested areas.
  • Originally from Northern India, particularly Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Hakki Pikkis are now predominantly settled in the Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Mysuru districts of Karnataka. They are officially recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India.
• Language:
  • Despite residing in the southern part of India where Dravidian languages are prevalent, the Hakki Pikkis speak an Indo-Aryan language known as ‘Vaagri.’ This language is used at home, while Kannada is spoken in their daily interactions and business. UNESCO has classified Vaagri as an endangered language.
• Occupation:
  • With stricter wildlife regulations affecting their traditional practices, the Hakki Pikkis transitioned from hunting to trading spices, flowers, Ayurveda formulations, and herbal oils. They now travel internationally, particularly to Africa, where there is a growing demand for cost-effective alternatives to Western medicine.
• Rituals and Customs:
  • The Hakki Pikkis adhere to Hindu traditions and celebrate Hindu festivals. They practice cross-cousin marriages, and their society is matriarchal, with grooms providing a dowry to the bride’s family. The eldest son in a family typically keeps his hair long as a distinguishing feature. The community is non-vegetarian.

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• The Dhangars are a community of shepherds spread across several states, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. In Maharashtra, they are classified under the Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) category. The Dhangar community leads a largely isolated lifestyle, predominantly inhabiting forests, hills, and mountainous regions.
• Households and Population:
• Dhangar households are typically small and close-knit, with a strong emphasis on family ties. The community has an estimated population of around 10 million, which constitutes about 9% of Maharashtra's total population.
• Clusters and Sub-Castes:
• Within the Dhangar community, there are approximately 20 sub-castes and clusters, each with its own unique customs and traditions.
• Occupation:
• The Dhangars primarily depend on sheep and goat herding for their livelihood. They practice a mix of nomadic pastoralism, semi-nomadism, and agrarian activities in rural areas.
• Seasonal Migration:
• After the bajra harvest concludes in October, the Dhangars embark on their annual migration in search of better grazing grounds for their livestock.
• Culture:
• During their migration, the Dhangars engage in various customs and rituals, including the worship of their ancestors. Singing, particularly during the night, is a central element of Dhangar culture, serving both social and ceremonial functions. This tradition of song, known as sumbaran, is a vital part of their oral heritage.

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• The Union Environment Minister recently assured that the development of a port and airport in the pristine Nicobar Islands “will not disturb or displace” any members of the Shompen tribe.
• About the Shompen Tribe:
• Isolation: The Shompen are among the most isolated tribes globally and are one of India's least studied Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Habitat: They live in the dense tropical rainforests of Great Nicobar Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Approximately 95% of the island is covered in rainforest. Their habitat is a significant biological hotspot, encompassing two National Parks—Campbell Bay National Park and Galathea National Park—and one Biosphere Reserve, the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
• Population: According to the 2011 Census, the Shompen population was estimated at 229, but their exact number remains uncertain.
• Lifestyle: The Shompen are semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers. Their livelihood primarily consists of hunting, gathering, fishing, and rudimentary horticulture. They live in small groups, with territories often marked by the rivers that traverse the rainforest. Typically, they establish temporary forest camps, living at each site for several weeks or months before relocating.
• Diet: They collect a variety of forest plants, with the pandanus fruit, known locally as larop, being a staple food.
• Language: The Shompen speak their own language, which includes various dialects. Communication between different bands can be challenging due to these dialectal differences.
• Physical Appearance: Shompen individuals are of short to medium stature with a round or broad head shape, narrow nose, and a broad facial profile. They display Mongoloid features such as light brown to yellow-brown skin and slanted eyes.
• Social Structure: Shompen families are nuclear, consisting of a husband, wife, and their unmarried children. The eldest male in a family typically oversees all activities involving women and children. While monogamy is the general practice, polygamy is also permitted.

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• In a recent communication to all States, the Ministry of Education has clarified the concept of ‘literacy’ and the criteria for achieving ‘full literacy’ within the framework of the renewed emphasis on adult education under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP).
• About the New India Literacy Programme (NILP):
  • Objective: The NILP aims to assist States and Union Territories in advancing literacy among individuals aged 15 and above who are currently non-literate.
  • Financial Scope: The programme is centrally funded with a budget allocation of Rs. 1037.90 crore for the fiscal years 2022-23 through 2026-27.
  • Target: It seeks to enroll one crore learners annually above the age of 15 across all States and Union Territories.
  • Components: The scheme comprises five key areas:
  • Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
  • Critical Life Skills: This includes financial literacy, digital literacy, legal literacy, healthcare and awareness, childcare and education, family welfare, etc.
  • Basic Education: Encompassing equivalency for preparatory (classes 3-5), middle (classes 6-8), and secondary stages (classes 9-12).
  • Vocational Skills: Skill development integrated into continuous learning to facilitate local employment opportunities.
  • Continuing Education: Includes adult education courses in arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports, recreation, and other topics of local interest.
  • Beneficiary Identification: Beneficiaries are identified through door-to-door surveys conducted by surveyors using a mobile app in States/UTs. Non-literates can also register directly through the mobile app from any location.
  • Volunteer Involvement: The programme emphasizes volunteerism for teaching and learning. Volunteers can register via a mobile app to participate.
  • Technological Integration: The scheme is largely technology-driven and operates predominantly online. Educational materials and resources are available on the DIKSHA platform of NCERT and can be accessed via mobile apps. Additionally, other media such as TV, Radio, and Samajik Chetna Kendra will be used to disseminate foundational literacy and numeracy.

• The Asur community, recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), and predominantly residing in Jharkhand's Gumla, Lohardaga, Palamu, and Latehar districts, is set to benefit from provisions under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), according to recent announcements by the Gumla district administration.
• Here are key aspects about the Asur community:
  • The Asurs are a small Austro-Asiatic ethnic group with a population of approximately 23,000 as per the 2011 census. They primarily speak the Asur language, belonging to the Munda family of Austro-Asiatic languages.
  • Traditionally, the Asurs were known for their expertise in iron smelting. While historically engaged in hunting, gathering, and shifting agriculture, a significant portion of the community has transitioned to agriculture and mining.
  • The Forest Rights Act's impending implementation promises to secure land and resource rights for the Asur community, reaffirming their cultural heritage and socio-economic development in the region.

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• With the recent grant of habitat rights to the Saora tribals of Gajapati district over their ancestral lands, Odisha has emerged as the leading state in India for bestowing such rights to the highest number of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• About the Saora Tribe:
  • The Saora tribe is one of the ancient indigenous groups of Odisha, mentioned in both the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.
  • They are known by various names such as Savaras, Sabaras, Saura, and Sora.
  • While Odisha is their primary habitat, small populations are also found in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam.
• Language:
  • The Saoras speak Sora, a Munda language, and are among the few Indian tribes with their own script, known as Sorang Sompeng.
• Physical Characteristics:
  • The Saoras exhibit Proto-Australoid physical traits, which are common among the aboriginal populations of Central and Southern India.
• Religion:
  • The Saoras practice a complex and deeply ingrained religion, worshipping a pantheon of gods and spirits they believe govern their daily lives.
  • Their cultural practices include distinctive art forms, religious rituals, and a traditional tattooing art called ‘Tantangbo’.
• Economic Structure:
  • The Saoras can be categorized into two main economic groups:
  • Sudha Saora: Reside in the plains, relying on wet cultivation, wage labor, and selling firewood.
  • Lanjia Saora: Live in the hills, engaging in shifting and terraced cultivation on hill slopes.
• Settlement Patterns:
  • Saora villages lack a uniform settlement pattern, with houses scattered across the area.
  • Megaliths are erected near homes to honor deceased relatives.
  • Village guardian deities, such as Kitungsum, are placed at the village entrance.
  • Typical Saora homes are one-roomed, thatched structures with stone and mud walls, featuring a low roof, high plinth, and a front verandah. The walls are traditionally painted with red earth.

• Introduction to the Vienna International Plan of Action:
  • The Vienna International Plan of Action was a pioneering international initiative that initiated discussions on aging.
  • Adoption and Endorsement:
  • It was adopted by the World Assembly on Ageing in 1982 and subsequently endorsed by the UN General Assembly.
• Objectives and Framework:
  • The primary objective of the plan is to enhance the capacity of governments and civil society in addressing the challenges posed by population aging.
  • It serves as a comprehensive framework for the development of policies and programs related to aging, providing guidance to nations on how to effectively manage this demographic shift.

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• The Konyak Union, the principal organization representing the Konyak community, has requested intervention from the Nagaland government to correct the “incorrect” boundary line between Mon district in Nagaland and Charaideo district in Assam as depicted on Google Maps.
• About the Konyak Community:
  • Geographic Distribution: The Konyaks are primarily located in Mon district of Nagaland, as well as in the Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Name Origin: The term ‘Konyak’ is thought to be derived from the words ‘Whao,’ meaning ‘head,’ and ‘Nyak,’ meaning ‘black,’ which translates to ‘men with black hair.’
  • Sub-Groups: The Konyak community is divided into two main sub-groups: “Thendu,” which means “Tattooed Face,” and “Thentho,” meaning “White Face.”
  • Ethnic Origin and Religion: The Konyaks are of Mongoloid origin, with approximately 95% of the population now adhering to the Christian faith.
  • Language: The Konyak language falls under the Northern Naga sub-branch of the Sal subfamily within the Sino-Tibetan language family.
  • Festivals: Festivals are central to Konyak life, with the most significant ones being Aolingmonyu, Aonyimo, and Laoun-ongmo.
  • Craftsmanship: The Konyaks are renowned for their skill in making firearms, as well as traditional handicrafts such as basket weaving, cane and bamboo work, and brass craftsmanship.
  • Society: The Konyak society is patriarchal, with the eldest son typically inheriting the paternal property.

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• Recent reports reveal that at least 172 cases of malnourished children have been identified among the Sahariya tribes in Baran district, Rajasthan, over the past two weeks, according to officials.
• About the Sahariya Tribe:
  • The Sahariya tribe is recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) and is dispersed across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. They are also known by various names such as Seher, Sair, Sawar, Saor, and Sahara.
  • Historically, the Sahariya people trace their origins to the era of the Ramayana and even earlier. They rank among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in India. Typically, Sahariyas reside in segregated areas within villages, known as ‘Seharana,’ which are often clusters of houses.
  • Their dwellings are constructed with stone boulders and stone slabs, locally referred to as Patore. In some villages, mud structures are also used. The caste system remains a significant social structure in their communities, with individuals of the same caste living in close proximity.
  • Religion: The Sahariya tribe practices Hinduism.
  • Language: They communicate in a dialect influenced by Hindi and Brij Bhasha.
  • Culture: The Sahariya people are renowned for their traditional dance, the Saharia Swang, performed during Holi. This dance involves a male performer dressed in female attire dancing alongside other male dancers to the rhythms of the dhol, nagari, and matki.
  • Economy: The tribe largely depends on forest products, agriculture, and daily wage labor for their livelihood. They are particularly adept at producing catechu from khair trees.

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• A government official recently announced that under the Prime Minister JANMAN scheme, roads will be constructed to link 54 settlements of the Pahadi Korwa community in northern Chhattisgarh.
• About the Pahadi Korwa Tribe:
  • Status: The Pahadi Korwa are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Chhattisgarh.
  • Geographic Distribution: They are indigenous to the Chhota Nagpur plateau region in Central India, primarily residing in the Korba and Jashpur districts of Chhattisgarh. A smaller segment is also found in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
• Language:
  • The primary language spoken by the Korwa people is Korwa, also known as Ernga or Singli. They refer to their language as Bhashi, meaning "local language."
  • Korwa is part of the Munda branch of the Austroasiatic language family.
  • In addition to Korwa, the Korwa people also speak Sadri and Chhattisgarhi.
• Economy:
  • The Korwa primarily engage in subsistence farming, fishing, hunting, and gathering forest products.
  • They practice jhoonga kheti, a form of shifting cultivation involving clearing forest land to grow lentils and other crops.
  • The tribe typically follows a nuclear family structure.
  • Living in close proximity to forests, they build simple homes with minimal resources. When a family member dies in their house, the family abandons the house and relocates to construct a new one elsewhere.
• Governance:
  • The Korwa have their own panchayat, where justice is dispensed in group meetings based on traditional customs.
• Religion:
  • Their religious practices focus on ancestral worship and the veneration of a few deities.
  • Major deities include Sigri Dev, Gauria Dev, Lord Shiva (Mahadev), and Parvati, with Khudia Rani being the chief deity of the community.

• Launch of Bhavishya Online Portal by the Pension Department:
  • The Pension Department has introduced a new online platform named Bhavishya, aimed at facilitating the tracking of pension payments and sanctions for government retirees.
• Key Features of Bhavishya:
  • Bhavishya serves as an integrated portal, streamlining pension processing and payment services for retired government employees.
  • The platform offers retirees convenient access to information regarding their pension payments and sanctions in a user-friendly online interface.
• Integration with Leading Banks:
  • Bhavishya is seamlessly integrated with the pension processing and payment systems of five major banks, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for pensioners.

• A recent study conducted on the 'Paliyar Tribals in Kodaikanal and Theni areas' has underscored the urgency for the State government to implement immediate measures aimed at uplifting not only the Paliyar tribes but also other marginalized Adivasi communities.
• Insights into the Paliyar Tribes:
  • The term 'Paliyar' is derived from 'Palaniyan' in Tamil, signifying a person hailing from Palani.
  • Referred to by various names such as Paliyans, Pazhaiyarares, and Panaiyars, these tribes are deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu.

• The Nirbhaya Fund is a dedicated initiative aimed at bolstering women's safety and security through various projects and programs.
• Established as a non-lapsable corpus fund, the Nirbhaya Fund ensures that allocated resources remain available for utilization over time, without expiration.
• Administered by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Nirbhaya Fund is strategically managed to support initiatives addressing key challenges related to women's safety and security across the nation.