Reang Tribe

The ethnic Reang community has demanded to Tripura government to declare a holiday on Hojagiri Day, which celebrates the traditional Hojagiri dance.

• Reang are the second largest tribal community of Tripura.
• They are recognized as one of the 75 primitive tribes in India.
• As per 2011 Census, there are 1,88,220 persons in this State.
• Reangs are said to have come first from Shan State of upper Burma (now Myanmar) in different waves to the Chittagang Hill Tracts and then to Southern part of Tripura.
• Similarly another group entered Tripura via Assam and Mizoram during 18th Century.
• Reangs belongs to Indo-Mongoloid racial stock.
• Ethnically Reangs are divided into 2 major clans such as Meska and Molsoi.
• Their language is known as “Kaubru” which have a tonal effect of Kuki language though broadly it is Kok-Borok dialect.
• Their languages has affinity of Austro-Asiatic groups under Tibeto-Burman family.
• Reangs are still a nomadic tribe and a large numbers among them maintain their livelihood involving Hilltop Jhum Cultivation.
• Reangs have faith on different deities like Buraha, Bonirao, Songragma, Jampira, Lampra and so on.
• There are also some female deities like Mwtaikotorma, Tuibuma, Mailoma, Ganga etc.
• Reangs believe in spirits and existence of soul.
• By religion they are Hindus and most of their deities are akin to gods and goddesses of Hindu faith.
• Among Reangs followers of Vaishnavism are found in good numbers.
• Reangs traditionally are endogamous and do not marry outside their community.
• The village council chief is known as “RAI” permits divorce and widow marriage.
• They cremate their dead bedside a river or chara after observing series of rites and rituals and funeral procession.
• Reangs’ folk life & culture have outstanding cultural components.
• Hozagiri dance with melodious tune of flute is most attractive throughout the country and abroad.

Permanent Account Number (PAN) 2.0 Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has recently approved the Income Tax Department’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) 2.0 Project.

• Permanent Account Number (PAN) 2.0 Project is an e-Governance project of Income Tax Department for re-engineering the business processes of taxpayer registration services.
• The Project aims to streamline and modernise the process of issuing and managing PAN and TAN, making it more user-friendly and efficient.
• With existing PAN database of 78 crore PANs and 73.28 lakh TANs, the project addresses the requirements of taxpayers, focusing on consolidation of multiple platforms/portals and efficient services to PAN/ TAN holders.
• Currently, PAN-related services are spread across 3 different platforms, that include:
  1. e-Filing Portal
  2. UTIITSL Portal
  3. Protean e-Gov Portal
• With the implementation of PAN 2.0, all these services will be integrated into a single, unified portal.
• This one-stop platform will handle comprehensively issues/matters related to PAN and TAN, including application, updates, corrections, Aadhaar-PAN linking, re-issuance requests.
• Key features of PAN 2.0:
  • A single portal for all PAN/TAN-related services to simplify access for users.
  • Eco-friendly paperless less processes to reduce paperwork.
  • PAN will be issued free of cost, with quicker processing times.
  • Personal and demographic data will be protected through enhanced security measures, including a PAN Data Vault.
  • A dedicated call centre and helpdesk to address user queries and issues.
• The existing PAN card holders are not required to apply for new PAN under the upgraded system (PAN 2.0).

Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) Technology

Recently, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has officially recognized SHKT technology under the Hydro Category.

• Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) Technology is aimed at driving innovation and supporting India's net zero emission targets.
• Unique Technological Characteristics:
• Unlike conventional hydroelectric systems, SHKT uses kinetic energy from flowing water.
• It operates with practically zero potential head (no need for dams or large civil structures).
• It eliminates the need for creating artificial water heads through dams, weirs or barrages.
• Advantages – It is cost-Effective with generation cost being 2-3 rupees per unit.
• Easy Installation and suitable for areas with poor grid accessibility.
• It provides base-load, round-the-clock renewable energy.
• Potential Applications – It utilizing existing water infrastructure like canals.
• Hydropower tailrace channels.
• Potential for large-scale (GW) renewable energy generation.
• Strategic Significance – It supports sustainable development in the power sector.
• Offers a win-win solution for both energy buyers and generators.
• Contributes to India's renewable energy expansion and net zero emission goals.
• This technology represents an innovative approach to hydroelectric power generation, making renewable energy more accessible and economically viable by leveraging existing water flow without extensive infrastructure requirements.

Riyadh Design Law Treaty/Design Law Treaty

Design Law Treaty was recently adopted by the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

• Design Law Treaty aims to harmonize industrial design registration procedures internationally.

• Key objectives – Harmonization of design registration procedures.
• To reduce administrative burdens and make design protection more accessible.
• To support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups.
• Key Provisions – Relaxed application time limits and option to reinstate lost rights.
• Ability to correct priority claims and simplified assignment and license procedures.
• Possibility to file multiple designs in one application and encouragement of electronic design systems.
• India – India has recently signed the final act of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty.
• Design registrations have tripled in the last decade.
• Domestic design filings increased by 120% in two years.
• 25% growth in design applications last year.
• Strategic Benefits – Supports innovation and reduces barriers for startups and independent designers.
• Enhances global competitiveness and aligns with initiatives like Startup India and Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) scheme.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina)

• Dunlin (Calidris alpina) is one of the most common and sociable birds of the sandpiper group.
• It is a member of the family Scolopacidae (order Charadriiformes).
• Dunlin (Calidris alpina) are migratory wading birds.
• Dunlin are a circumpolar breeder around the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions and during the winter months can be found throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and south-east Asia. 
• They predominantly breed in Scotland but are also found in parts of England and Wales.
• It is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
• It can be found in large flocks on mudflats and beaches.