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- Why in News?
- The Ministry of Education has released the 'Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0' for the years 2022–23 and 2023–24, offering a comprehensive evaluation of school education across States and Union Territories. The assessment is based on data from key platforms including UDISE+, NAS, PM-POSHAN, PRABAND, and Vidyanjali.
- Key Provisions:-
- Introduced in 2017 and revamped as PGI 2.0 in 2021, the index scores a total of 1000 points spread across 73 indicators. These indicators fall under two major categories—Outcomes and Governance & Management—further divided into six domains: Learning Outcomes, Access, Infrastructure & Facilities, Equity, Governance Processes, and Teacher Education & Training.
- States are graded across ten levels. For this cycle, no state or UT reached the top four grades (Daksh to Uttam). Chandigarh was the highest performer, securing Prachesta-1, while Meghalaya ranked lowest in Akanshi-3. While 24 states/UTs improved, 12—including Bihar and Karnataka—witnessed a decline in scores.
- Why in News?
- Recent research has found that the Bajau people have spleens approximately 50% larger than those of the average population—a remarkable natural adaptation that supports their ability to free-dive to great depths and remain underwater for extended periods.
- About the Bajau Tribe
- Known as the Sea Nomads or Sea Gypsies, the Bajau originate from the Sulu Islands in the southern Philippines and have gradually expanded into coastal regions of Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
- Renowned for their exceptional diving abilities, Bajau divers can reach depths of 20–30 metres and hold their breath for five to thirteen minutes, all without the aid of modern diving equipment. This unique capability is linked to a genetic adaptation in the PDE10A gene, which contributes to their enlarged spleens, enhancing oxygen storage during deep dives.
- The Bajau live in stilt houses and traditional houseboats (Lepa-Lepa), relying entirely on the sea for sustenance. Fishing is not just survival—it is deeply woven into their culture and community life.
- Why in News?
- Mount Lewotobi Lakilaki in Indonesia recently erupted, drawing attention to one of the region’s active volcanic systems.
- About Mount Lewotobi Lakilaki
- Situated on Flores Island, Mount Lewotobi is a twin-peaked stratovolcano complex consisting of two distinct cones: Lewotobi Lakilaki (meaning “male”) and Lewotobi Perempuan (“female”). These twin volcanoes are geologically significant and part of Indonesia's volatile volcanic landscape.
- The volcano lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active belt that encircles the Pacific Ocean. This area is notorious for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, caused by the movement of tectonic plates. Stratovolcanoes like Lewotobi are known for their steep profiles and explosive eruptions due to viscous magma.
- Indonesia, with the highest number of active volcanoes in the world, regularly monitors such activity. The recent eruption of Lewotobi Lakilaki underscores the ongoing geological dynamism of the region and the need for continued vigilance in nearby communities.