Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Why in News: Chhota Bheem, a well-known tiger from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, passed away while receiving treatment for multiple fractures at Van Vihar in Bhopal recently.

Location and Name

• Located in the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh.
• Named after the Bandhavgarh Fort, which sits atop a hill in the park.
• The name “Bandhavgarh” is derived from the legend that the fort was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana, meaning “Brother’s Fort”.

Area and Zones

• Spans over 1536 sq. km, consisting of:
  • 716 sq. km. core zone
  • 820 sq. km. buffer zone

Tiger Density

• Bandhavgarh is known for having one of the highest densities of tigers in the world.

Geography and Landmark

• The terrain includes valleys, hills, and plains, with the Bandhavgarh Fort standing as a major landmark.

Flora

• The region features Sal forests, mixed forests, and grasslands.

Fauna

• In addition to tigers, the reserve hosts other notable species such as:
  • Leopards
  • Sloth bears
  • Indian bison (gaur)
  • Asiatic elephants
  • Various species of deer, including sambar and chital.

DOMESTIC WORKERS

Why in News: Domestic workers and those advocating for their welfare have gained hope following the Supreme Court’s recent directive to the Union government to consider enacting a law to regulate the sector.

Poor Conditions of Domestic Workers

• The Supreme Court pointed out that the poor conditions of domestic workers are mainly due to the lack of appropriate regulations.
• Domestic workers are excluded from several labor laws, including the Minimum Wages Act and the Equal Remuneration Act.

Need for National-Level Legislation

• The court acknowledged state-specific regulations but emphasized the need for national-level legislation that is binding across all states.

Nature of Domestic Work

• Domestic work is a feminized occupation, with migrants from marginalized communities forming a significant portion of the workforce.
• Key challenges in the sector include low wages, unfair working conditions, additional unpaid tasks, and job insecurity.
• There is a complete lack of social security, forcing workers to accept vulnerable working conditions.

Need for Separate Legislation for Domestic Workers

Complexities of Domestic Work

• While the Code on Wages (2019) covers domestic workers, the complexities of the occupation, including gender, caste, and class intersections, make it distinct from other sectors.

Variety of Employment Systems

• The sector includes various employment types such as part-time/full-time and live-in/live-out, adding to the complexity.

Employer-Employee Dynamics

• The asymmetric relationship between employer and employee, with the workplace being the employer’s private space, makes the sector qualitatively different from other industries.

Social Devaluation of Domestic Work

• The nature of work, such as cleaning, cooking, and care work, is socially devalued, further marginalizing domestic workers.

Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton

Why in News: The Gender Budget allocation for the Union Budget 2025-26 has been raised to ₹4.49 lakh crore, reflecting a 37.25% increase from ₹3.27 lakh crore in 2024-25.

Definition of ELS Cotton

• A cotton variety with fibres longer than 30 mm, known for exceptional softness, strength, and durability.
• Derived from the Gossypium barbadense species, also called Egyptian or Pima cotton.

Key Characteristics

• Extended Fibre Length: Exceeds 30 mm, making it ideal for premium textiles.
• Superior Quality: Produces finer, stronger, and smoother yarns, widely used in luxury fabrics.
• High Durability: Resistant to wear and tear, suitable for high-end clothing and home textiles.

Areas of Cultivation

• International Production: Egypt, China, Australia, and Peru are major producers.
• Indian Cultivation Zones: Found in Atpadi taluka (Maharashtra), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.

Comparison with Other Cotton Types