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  • South India’s First and Largest Leopard Safari at Bannerghatta Biological Park

    Why in the News?

    South India’s first and the country’s largest leopard safari was inaugurated at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP).

    About Bannerghatta Biological Park 

    • BBP is located near Bangalore and was established in 2002.
    • It spans an area of approximately 731.88 hectares, situated within the larger Bannerghatta National Park, which covers around 25,000 acres.
    • The park was created to facilitate the conservation of wildlife, promote tourism, and educate the public about wildlife and conservation efforts.
    • River Suvarnamukhi stream, the main source of water for the animals of the park, runs through the centre of the park.

    Leopards in India

    • The Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent.
    • These are the smallest of the big cats.
    • They are known for their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats.
    • They are strong and agile predators that can climb trees and drag their prey up for safety.
    • Conservation Status:
    1. IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    2. CITES: Appendix I
    3. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

    Do you know?

    As per, Status of Leopards in India Report, 2022:

    • India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874 individuals.
    • Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country – 3907 (2018: 3421), followed by Maharashtra (2022: 1985; 2018: 1,690), Karnataka (2022: 1,879 ; 2018: 1,783) and Tamil Nadu (2022: 1,070; 2018: 868).

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] Consider the following:

    1. Black-necked crane
    2. Cheetah
    3. Flying squirrel
    4. Snow leopard

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • US Seeks Accountability and Institutional Reforms from India Amid Pannun Issue

    Why in the News?

    India is considering potential institutional reforms in light of the Pannun issue and alleged assassination attempts.

    • The US Deputy Secretary emphasized the US seeks accountability from the Indian government and consistently requests updates on the investigation.

    What is the Pannun Case?

    The Pannun case involves an alleged foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. Here are the key points:

    Background:

    • Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada, is wanted in India on terror charges.
    • In November last year, US federal prosecutors charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with working alongside an Indian government employee in the plot to kill Pannun in New York.
    • Following these allegations, India appointed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the inputs provided by the US regarding the plot.

    US Position:

    • The US has consistently pressed India for updates on the investigation.
    • US Deputy Secretary of State emphasized seeking accountability from the Indian government and raised the issue directly at senior levels during discussions with Indian counterparts.
    • The US seeks transparency and accountability in the case.

     

    What is the Khalistan Conspiracy?

    • The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement aiming to establish a sovereign state called Khalistan (Land of the Khalsa) in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.

    During the Khalistan movement, several significant events shaped its trajectory:

    1. Operation Blue Star (1984): The Indian government launched a military operation to flush out Sikh militants who had taken refuge in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. The operation resulted in heavy casualties and damage to the temple, leading to widespread anger among Sikhs.
    2. Assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (1984): In retaliation for Operation Blue Star, two Sikh bodyguards assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This event triggered anti-Sikh riots across India, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Sikhs.
    3. 1985 Punjab Accord: The Indian government and moderate Sikh leaders reached an agreement known as the Punjab Accord. It aimed to address Sikh grievances by granting greater autonomy to Punjab and recognizing the Sikh identity. However, hardline separatists rejected this accord.
    4. Continued Violence (1980s): The 1980s witnessed violent clashes between Sikh militants and security forces. Bombings, assassinations, and attacks on civilians became common. The insurgency intensified, leading to a cycle of violence.
    5. Air India Flight 182 Bombing (1985): A bomb planted by Khalistani militants exploded on Air India Flight 182, killing all 329 passengers and crew. This remains one of the deadliest aviation-related terrorist acts in history.
    6. Decline and Suppression (1990s): By the early 1990s, the Khalistan movement lost momentum due to crackdowns by security forces, factionalism, and disillusionment among Sikhs. Many militants surrendered or were killed.

     

    Recent rise of events

    • Diaspora Influence: The Sikh diaspora, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, plays a significant role. These communities maintain strong ties to Punjab and actively advocate for Khalistan, using social media platforms to amplify their message.
    • Social Media: The widespread use of social media allows pro-Khalistan activists to connect, organize, and spread their ideology globally. Online platforms provide a powerful tool for mobilization and recruitment.
    • Leadership: Figures like Amritpal Singh have emerged as charismatic leaders, galvanizing support among disaffected Sikhs. Their influence extends beyond geographical boundaries, inspiring followers both in India and abroad.

    PYQ:

    [2016] Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity?

  • India-Kenya Partnership to Boost Africa’s Space Capabilities

    Why in the News?

    • India has shown interest in partnering with Kenya to develop and expand Africa’s space capabilities for predicting and monitoring extreme weather events.
      • Kenya aims to be an active player in the global space economy, projected to grow significantly by 2035.

    Conference Highlights and Recommendations

    • Conference Conclusion: Calls for more resources for sustainable space activities, including accurate weather and climate event monitoring.
    • Awareness and Innovations: The expo, themed ‘Space technology for societal benefits,’ aimed to raise awareness about space opportunities for societal benefits like climate change mitigation and socio-economic development.
    • Support for Private Sector: Experts recommended that African governments support private sector innovations for data commercialization and explore funding models to de-risk the space sector.
    • STEM Education: Emphasis on boosting national capabilities in space science, breaking entry barriers for women, and promoting STEM education.

    India-Kenya Space Collaboration

    The India-Kenya Space Collaboration particularly aims for:

    • Addressing Food Security: Space technology will be crucial for food security, providing accurate early warning systems for farmers and real-time monitoring for climate change mitigation.
    • Sustainable Development: Space technology integration offers enhanced data for informed decision-making, essential for Kenya’s sustainable development.
    • Regional Collaboration: Kenya is pursuing collaboration on peaceful uses of outer space with African countries such as South Africa, Angola, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, and Ghana.
    • Capacity Development: Focus on developing indigenous capacity in space systems engineering and utilising space services for socio-economic development through joint projects.

    Kenyan endeavours so far  

    • Earth Observation Centre: Plans to establish a Centre for Earth Observation at the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre.
    • International Training Centre: Partnership with the Italian Space Agency to establish a Training Centre for Space Education, enhancing national and regional capabilities.

    Back2Basics: India-Kenya Relations

    Historical Ties:

    • Early Connections: Trade between India and the Swahili Coast dates back to ancient times, as documented in the ‘Periplus of the Erythraean Sea’ (60 CE).
    • Colonial Era: Both nations share a legacy of struggle against colonialism, with Indian communities actively supporting Kenya’s freedom struggle.

    Diplomatic Relations:

    • Establishment of Diplomatic Presence: India set up the office of Commissioner for British East Africa residents in Nairobi in 1948, and a High Commission was established following Kenya’s independence in 1963. An Assistant High Commission is also located in Mombasa.
    • High-Level Visits: Numerous high-level visits by Indian leaders, including Presidents and Prime Ministers, have strengthened bilateral ties.

    Bilateral Trade:

    • Trade Agreement: The India-Kenya Trade Agreement signed in 1981 granted both nations Most Favoured Nation status.
    • Indian Exports to Kenya: Petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, steel products, machinery, yarn, vehicles, and power transmission equipment.
    • Kenyan Exports to India: Soda ash, vegetables, tea, leather, and metal scrap.
    • Investment: India is the second-largest investor in Kenya, with over 60 major Indian companies operating in sectors like manufacturing, real estate, pharmaceuticals, telecom, IT & ITES, banking, and agro-based industries.

    Development Cooperation:

    • Development Assistance: India provides loans, credit, and developmental support to Kenya, including capacity-building initiatives such as scholarships for Kenyan students.
    • Agricultural Support: India aids in agrarian development by supplying machinery and facilitating technology transfer.
    • Healthcare Contributions: India is a key supplier of pharmaceuticals to Kenya and has supported healthcare initiatives, including donating 1.12 million doses of the Covishield vaccine in 2021.
    • Environmental Conservation: Cheetahs under the reintroduction project are also being brought from Kenya.

    Cultural and Diaspora Links:

    • Indian Community: Indians have a long-standing presence in Kenya, contributing significantly to its society and economy.
    • Official recognition: In 2017, the Kenyan government recognized the Indian descent as the 44th tribe of the country.

    International Cooperation:

    • Common Interests: Both nations share interests in various international forums, including the Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
    • Regional Engagement: Kenya is an active member of the African Union, with which India has long-standing connections.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine.

  • Mass Coral Bleaching in Lakshadweep: An Overview

    Why in the News?

    Lakshadweep has been severely affected by the fourth global coral bleaching event (GCBE4), the most severe on record according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

    Global Coral Bleaching Events (GCBE)

    A GCBE means significant coral bleaching has been confirmed in all the ocean regions where warm-water corals live: the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

    • Previous Events: Mass coral bleaching recorded in 1998, 2010, and 2014-2017.
    • Current Event (GCBE4): Began early 2023, with over 70.7% of the world’s coral reefs impacted by bleaching-level heat stress as of May 23, 2024.

    Lakshadweep Specifics

    • Kavaratti atoll survey indicated an 84.6% bleaching extent, with mass bleaching observed. Previous bleaching events in Lakshadweep were 81% (1998), 65% (2010), and 41.9% (2020).
    • Species Impacted:
      • Most impacted: Porites cylindrical, Porites lobata, Porites lutea, Acropora muricata, Montipora foliosa.
      • Resilient species also showing signs: Acropora digitifera, Pocillopora grandis, Isopora palifera, Pavona venosa, Hydnophora microconos.
    • Contributing Factors: Increased temperatures attributed to global warming; from April 1 to May 2, 2024, temperatures ranged between 29.6°C to 32.8°C.

    Importance of Coral Reefs

    • Marine Biodiversity: Support diverse marine life including fish, invertebrates, and algae.
    • Coastal Protection: Act as natural barriers against erosion and storm surges.
    • Local Economy: Provide sustenance and livelihood for local communities and attract tourists.

    GCBE-4 and Indian Context

    • Gujarat Coast: Monitoring coral bleaching mid-summer, with 30-40% bleaching observed annually; most corals recover.
    • Tamil Nadu: Lesser impact in the Gulf of Mannar due to late bleaching onset and early monsoon reducing seawater temperatures.
    • Temperature Reduction: The onset of monsoon has slightly reduced water temperatures in Lakshadweep.
    • Recovery Uncertain: The long-term health of corals depends on sustained cooler conditions and the absence of further stressors.

    Back2Basics: Corals

    • Corals are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
    • These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues in a mutualistic relationship.
    • The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis.
    • In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for the synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.
    • Corals are marine invertebrates or animals which do not possess a spine.
    • They are the largest living structures on the planet.
    • Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grows when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
    • Coral reefs are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.

    Types of Coral

    Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals:

    1. Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals are in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely-accepted metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
    2. Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years. These growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs.

    Conditions Needed for Corals to Flourish

    • Extensive submarine platforms for the formation of colonies by the coral polyps (not more than 90m below sea level).
    • High mean annual temperature ranging 20-21 degrees Celsius.
    • Clean sediment-free water because muddy water or turbid water clogs the mouths of coral polyps resulting into their death.
    • Oceanic salinity ranging between 27-30 ppt.
    • Ocean currents and waves, as they bring food supply for the polyps.

     

    PYQ:

    2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?

    1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    2. Gulf of Kachchh
    3. Gulf of Mannar
    4. Sunderbans

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Chang’e 6 Lunar Probe

    Why in the News?

    • On June 25, Chang’e-6 became the world’s first spacecraft to bring back samples from the far side of the Moon.
      • Chang’e-6 successfully returned with samples from the lunar far side, making China the first country to achieve this feat.

    About Chang’e-6 Mission 

    • The mission lasted 53 days, starting with a launch on May 3, 2024, and ending with the return capsule landing on June 25, 2024.
    • The lander descended into the South Pole-Aitken basin, one of the largest impact basins in the solar system, believed to contain material from the lunar mantle.
    • The lander used robotic scoops and drills to collect about 2 kilograms of lunar material, including both surface soil and subsurface samples.

    Components of Chang’e-6 

    1. Lander: Equipped with drills and scoops for sample collection.
    2. Ascender: Transported samples from the lunar surface to lunar orbit.
    3. Orbiter: Carried the samples from lunar orbit back to Earth.
    4. Returner: Brought the samples safely back to Earth.

    Collaboration and Payloads

    The mission carried instruments from international partners, including:

    • French DORN: Studied lunar dust and volatiles.
    • Italian INRRI: Measured distances using a retroreflector.
    • Swedish NILS: Detected negative ions on the lunar surface.
    • Pakistani ICUBE-Q CubeSat: Imaged the lunar surface and obtained magnetic field data.

    Scientific Goals  

    • Sample Analysis: Scientists aim to learn more about the Moon’s internal structure and the differences between its near and far sides.

    China’s Lunar Exploration Program

    • Chang’e-6 follows previous missions under China’s Lunar Exploration Program, marking the next step in incremental technological advancements.
    • Phases of Exploration: The program has four phases:
    1. First Phase: Reaching lunar orbit, completed by Chang’e 1 (2007) and Chang’e 2 (2010).
    2. Second Phase: Landing and roving, achieved by Chang’e 3 (2013) and Chang’e 4 (2019).
    3. Third Phase: Sample collection and return, accomplished by Chang’e 5 (2020) and Chang’e 6 (2024).
    4. Fourth Phase: Developing a robotic research station near the Moon’s South Pole, aiming for crewed lunar landings in the 2030s.

    Previous Lunar Sample Missions

    • Apollo 11 Mission (1969): The US mission brought 22 kg of lunar material, including 50 rocks.
    • Luna 16 Mission (1970): Soviet robotic mission brought lunar samples to Earth.
    • Chang’e-5 Mission (2020): Predecessor to Chang’e-6, returned 2 kg of lunar soil from the near side.

    Significance of Sample Return Missions

    • Laboratory Analysis: Allows the use of sophisticated instruments to study the chemical, isotopic, mineralogical, structural, and physical properties of samples.
    • Long-term Preservation: Samples can be preserved and re-examined by future generations with advanced technology.
    • Technological Feat: Recovering samples from the far side is a significant technological achievement.
    • Step Towards Human Exploration: Success of Chang’e-6 is seen as a step towards China’s goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2030.
    • Launch Pad for Deep Space: The Moon could serve as a base for future deep space missions and extraterrestrial exploration.

    Outcome: New Lunar Race

    • Global Participation: India, China, Japan, the US, and Russia launched lunar missions in 2023.
    • Future Missions: Over 100 Moon missions by governments and private companies are expected by 2030.
    • Long-term Goals: Unlike the 20th-century space race, today’s missions aim to establish a long-term presence and use lunar resources.

    India’s Chandrayaan-4 Mission

    • Chandrayaan-4, under development by ISRO, will also be a sample return mission to be launched tentatively by 2028.
    • Chandrayaan-3 landed near the Moon’s South Pole last year, about 600 km from the target area for Chandrayaan-4.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?

  • K-Shaped Economic Recovery fuels diverse Inflation Dynamics in India

    Why in the News?

    India is experiencing a K-shaped recovery, with uneven growth patterns. This recovery is causing divergent inflation trends, with food and rural prices rising faster than other goods and services, and urban inflation.

    What is K-Shaped Recovery?

    •  A K-shaped recovery is an economic scenario in which different sectors, industries, or groups within an economy recover from a recession at markedly different rates.
    • This results in a divergent economic recovery pattern, with some parts of the economy experiencing robust growth and others continuing to struggle or even decline.

    Features of K-Shaped Recovery

    • Divergent Recovery Rates: Certain sectors, such as technology and finance, may recover quickly and strongly. Other sectors, like hospitality and retail, may continue to struggle or recover much more slowly.
    • Income Inequality: High-income individuals and businesses may see significant improvements in their financial situations. Low-income individuals and small businesses may face prolonged financial hardships.
    • Sectoral Disparities: Industries that can adapt to remote work or have online business models (e.g., tech, e-commerce) thrive.

    Indian Context: Consumption Patterns Post-Pandemic

    • High-End Goods Demand: Post-pandemic recovery is driven by increased demand for higher-end goods and services.
    • Mass Consumption Items: Lower-income households’ consumption of mass-market items remains relatively subdued.

     Contrast Inflation Rate:

    • Rural vs. Urban Inflation: Rural inflation is outpacing urban inflation.
    • Food Prices vs. Other Goods: Food price inflation is higher compared to inflation in other goods and services.
    • Goods vs. Services Inflation: Goods inflation is higher than services inflation.
    • Input vs. Output Prices: Input prices are rising faster than output prices.

    Policy Implications

    • Sensitive Policymaking: Government policies need to be sensitive to the impact on different groups affected by supply-side shocks.
    • Careful Planning: Reforms should be carefully explained and planned to mitigate adverse impacts.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer.

  • China-France launches SVOM Satellite for Gamma-Ray Burst Study

    Why in the News?

    The Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) satellite jointly developed by China and France was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

    About Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM)

    • The SVOM is designed to study gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) resulting from explosive cosmic events like black hole births and neutron star collisions.
    • It is the first astronomy satellite developed jointly by China and France, following their collaboration on an oceanographic satellite launched in 2018.

    Importance of Studying Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs)

    • GRBs are highly energetic bursts of gamma rays, lasting from less than a second to several minutes, occurring in distant parts of the universe.GRBs can erupt with a luminosity a quintillion times that of the Sun.
    • Types of GRBs:
    1. Short GRBs: Result from collisions of neutron stars or a neutron star with a black hole, lasting less than two seconds, often followed by kilonovas.
    2. Long GRBs: Result from the explosive deaths of massive stars, lasting two seconds or longer.

    Mission and Objectives of SVOM

    • Primary Objective: To search for and study GRBs across the universe.
    • Data Collection: Measure and analyze electromagnetic radiation properties of GRBs.
    • Scientific Goals: Unlock mysteries about the universe’s evolution and gravitational waves, which are often associated with neutron star collisions.
    • Real-time Detection: Transmit GRB data to ground control within about one minute, enabling coordinated observations with ground-based stations globally.

    Features and Capabilities of SVOM

    • Satellite Specifications: Weighs 930 kg and is equipped with four payloads, two developed by France and two by China.
    • French Contributions: ECLAIRs and MXT telescopes to detect and capture GRBs.
    • Chinese Contributions:
    1. Gamma Ray Burst Monitor (GRM): Measures the spectrum of GRBs.
    2. Visible Telescope (VT): Detects and observes visible emissions immediately after a GRB.
    • Orbit Details: Placed in a low Earth orbit at an altitude of 625 km, with an orbital period of 96 minutes.

    Significance of SVOM’s Findings

    • Early Universe Insights: Aim to detect the earliest GRBs, providing information on the universe’s early stages and evolution.
    • Kilonova Detection: Capability to search for kilonovas, enhancing understanding of stellar evolution and the origin of heavy elements like gold and silver in the universe.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

    (a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.

    (b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.

    (c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.

    (d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.

  • TN to allow regulated culling of Wild Boars  

    Why in the News?

    • The Tamil Nadu government has approved the controlled hunting of wild boars causing distress to farmers near forest areas.
      • Presently, Wild boars are NOT listed as Vermin under the Schedule V of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

    About the Farmers’ Conflict Resolution Committee

    • The Committee includes representatives from the Departments of Forest, Revenue, Agriculture, and Horticulture, along with scientific experts and wildlife enthusiasts.
    • Objective: The committee was formed to study the impact of raids by elephants and wild pigs on agricultural crops.
    • Implementation Protocol:
      • Approval Process: The culling will require approval from a local three-member checking body.
      • Composition of the Checking Body: The body will include a forester or forest guard, the Village Administrative Officer, and the ward member.
      • Supervision: Culling operations must be conducted in the presence of these three members.

    Zoning for Culling Operations

    • Areas adjacent to reserve forests will be divided into three zones:
    1. Zone A: Within one kilometre from forest limits.
    2. Zone B: One to five kilometres from forest limits.
    3. Zone C: Beyond five kilometres from forest limits.
    • Restrictions: Shooting of wild pigs is prohibited within five kilometres of the reserve forest (Zones A and B).
    • Scientific Approach to Culling:
      • Scientific Methodology: The shooting of wild boars must adhere to a scientific approach, considering the intensity and frequency of conflict incidents.
      • Expert Concerns: Experts highlight the ecological role of wild boars and caution against indiscriminate killing.

    About Indian Wild Boar

    Details
    Scientific Name Sus scrofa cristatus
    Habitat and Distribution High grass, bushes, forests, high crops, dense forests, grasslands, scrublands, agricultural areas; Indian subcontinent, various altitudes from sea level to mountains
    Behaviour and Social Structure
    • Matriarchal ‘sounders’ led by an elder female;
    • Solitary adult males or loose bachelor groups;
    • Active during evening and night;
    • Territorial fights with predators.
    Diet
    • Omnivorous: excreta, tubers, roots, leaves, fruit, vegetables, standing crops, carrion, small animals, baby deer;
    • Prefers marshy areas and roots in swampy places
    Reproduction
    • Breeding year-round, peak seasons vary by region;
    • Gestation: around four months; Litter size: multiple piglets
    Ecological Role
    • Seed dispersal aiding plant propagation;
    • Important prey species maintaining predator-prey balance in the ecosystem
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule III

    Proposed reclassification to Schedule V (vermin) due to agricultural damage.
    Present Culling Section 11-B (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 allows the Chief Wildlife Warden to issue special orders to kill dangerous wild animals.

     

    Back2Basics: Schedule III of WPA, 1972

    • Protection Level: Lesser degree of protection compared to Schedule I and II.
    • Prohibition: Hunting of these species is prohibited except under special circumstances defined by the Act.
    • Penalties: Violations related to these species attract penalties, though they are less stringent than those for higher schedules.

    Species Listed in Schedule III: As per the latest available data, the following are examples of species listed under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:

    1. Chinkara (Gazella bennettii): Also known as the Indian Gazelle, found in various parts of India.
    2. Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra): A species of antelope native to India.
    3. Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus): Also known as the Nilgai, the largest Asian antelope.
    4. Indian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa cristatus): A subspecies of the wild boar native to the Indian subcontinent.
    5. Sambar (Rusa unicolor): A large deer native to the Indian subcontinent.

    Legal Provisions:

    • Hunting Prohibition: Hunting any animal listed under Schedule III is prohibited except for purposes like scientific research, education, and when permitted by the authorities under specific conditions.
    • Penalties: The penalties for offenses involving Schedule III animals include imprisonment up to three years, or a fine up to Rs. 25,000, or both.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

    (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

    (b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.

    (c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.

    (d) Both B and C stated above are correct in this context.

  • Enemy Agents Ordinance: Strict Measures for Militant Assistance in J&K

    Why in the News?

    • J&K Director General of Police stated that individuals assisting militants in J&K should be tried under the Enemy Agents Ordinance, 2005.

    Enemy Agents Ordinance: An Overview

    • It was first issued in 1917 by the Dogra Maharaja of J&K, the ordinance remains in effect.
    • The ordinance mandates death or rigorous imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 10 years with a fine for aiding the enemy or engaging in actions detrimental to Indian military operations.
    • Its Evolution:
      • Post-Partition Incorporation: The ordinance was retained as a law in J&K post-1947 and amended over time.
      • Changes Post-2019: Following the repeal of Article 370, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act retained the Enemy Agents Ordinance and other security laws while replacing many state laws with Indian laws, such as the Indian Penal Code.

    Trial Procedures under the Ordinance

    • Special Judge Appointment: Trials are conducted by a special judge appointed by the government in consultation with the High Court.
    • Legal Representation: Accused individuals can only engage a lawyer if permitted by the court.
    • No Appeal Provision: Verdicts can only be reviewed by a High Court judge chosen by the government, with the decision being final.
    • Publication Bar: Unauthorized disclosure or publication of trial information is punishable by imprisonment up to two years, fine, or both.

    Notable Application of the Ordinance

    • Notable Cases: Many Kashmiris have been tried under the ordinance, including Maqbool Bhat, the founder of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, who was hanged in Tihar Jail in 1984.
    • Current Context: The Enemy Agents Ordinance continues to be a critical tool in addressing militant assistance in J&K, reflecting the stringent legal measures in place to maintain security.

    PYQ:

    [2019] The banning of ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs.

    [2019] Indian government has recently strengthen the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful activities (Prevention) Act, (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organisations.

  • Sucheta Kripalani (1908-1974): India’s first woman Chief Minister

    Why in the News?

    June 25 is the birth anniversary of “Sucheta Kripalani”, India’s first woman Chief Minister.

    Who was Sucheta Kripalani?

    • Sucheta Kripalani was born on June 25, 1908, in Ambala, Punjab. Daughter of S. N. Majumdar, a government surgeon. She studied at Indraprastha College for Women and St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi.
    • She married J. B. Kripalani, a former Congress president and Gandhian, in April 1936 against familial and Mahatma Gandhi’s wishes.

    Political Journey and Chief Ministership

    • Early Career: Joined BHU to teach Constitutional History in 1929, participated in Satyagraha, and was imprisoned in 1940.
    • Congress Role: Organized the foreign affairs wing of AICC and later founded the All India Mahila Congress.
      • She won by a margin of 99 votes over Kamalapati Tripathi and was sworn in as CM on October 2, 1963.

    Contributions and Achievements

    • Educational Reforms: Waived school fees for girls up to Class 10 from January 1965. Established Meerut University and Kanpur University.
    • Social Reforms: Increased reservation for SCs in government jobs to 24% in Group C and 45% in Group D until the 18% target was achieved.
    • Infrastructure Developments: Established a Sainik School in Ghorakhal, a new medical college in Meerut, and the UP Awas Vikas Parishad. She created the post of agriculture production commissioner.
    • Crime Control: Neutralized many dacoits in the Chambal Valley with the help of the Police Radio Unit.
    • Anti-Corruption Stance: Emphasized the need to tackle growing corruption in public services, supporting the Union government’s initiative to appoint a vigilance commission.
    • Multifaceted Contributions: Involved in relief activities for the 1934 Bihar earthquake, Noakhali riots, Tibetan refugee rehabilitation, and the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
      • Criticism and Response: Faced criticism for being influenced by English, despite being a staunch supporter of Hindi. Advocated for creating an atmosphere for Hindi in governance.

    Later Life and Legacy

    • Post-CM Career: Served as Lok Sabha MP until 1971.
    • Impact: Her tenure as CM and various social contributions left a lasting impact on Indian politics and society, especially in terms of women’s leadership and social reforms.

    PYQ:

    [2011] With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for:

    (a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of the Quit India Movement

    (b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference

    (c) Leading a contingent of the Indian National Army

    (d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru