A sub-adult female tiger from Kamakhya Reserve Forest in Assam strayed near Kaziranga National Park and was attacked by locals.
All facts about Kaziranga National Park:
Details
About
• Located in the Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon districts of Assam, India.
• Spans 430 sq. km. (166 square miles).
• Established as a reserve forest in 1905, declared as a National park in 1974, and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site in 1985.
• Declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006.
Geographical Features
• The park is crisscrossed by the Brahmaputra River along with numerous small bodies of water.
• Dominated by tall elephant grass, marshland, and tropical moist broadleaf forests.
• Terrain includes sandbars, beels (flood-formed lakes), and chapories (elevated areas).
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Includes 4 main vegetation types: alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests.
Fauna: Home to 35 mammalian species(15 threatened), it also includes the world’s largest populations of Indian rhinoceros (2,613), wild water buffalo (1,666), swamp deer (468), elephants (1,940), gaur (1,300), and sambar (58).
• Important bird area with 57 species of birds, including migratory species.
• Rich biodiversity, including significant populations of chital, Indian muntjac, wild boar, and hog deer.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following pairs:
National Park River flowing through the Park
1. Corbett National Park : Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas
3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
India is set to host the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)Global Cooperative Conference in Delhi this month.
It will mark the first time in the 130-year history of ICA that the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference are being hosted in India.
About theInternational Cooperative Alliance (ICA):
Details
About
• Established in 1895 to unite, represent, and serve cooperatives globally.
• Represents 315 cooperative federations and organizations from 107 countries.
• Estimated to represent about 1 billion individuals worldwide across various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and more.
• It has held consultative status with the UN Economic andSocial Council (ECOSOC) since 1946, making it the first NGO to receive this status.
• Custodian of the internationally recognized definition, values, and principles of cooperatives.
Structure of ICA
• Governing Board: A 20-member board responsible for overseeing activities.
• General Assembly: Highest governing authority, with representatives from member organizations, convened at least annually.
• ICA is divided into four regional organizations:
ICA Asia-Pacific (New Delhi, India),
ICA Africa (Nairobi, Kenya),
Cooperatives Europe (Brussels, Belgium), and
ICA Americas (San José, Costa Rica).
• 8 sectoral organizations representing cooperatives in various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, and more.
• 5 thematic committees focused on cooperative development, economic sustainability, social responsibility, and advocacy.
Powers and Functions of ICA
• Represents cooperatives in international forums, particularly within the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.
• Influences international policies related to social and economic development and sustainable cooperative businesses.
• Promote and define cooperative identity globally, ensuring cooperatives adhere to internationally recognized principles.
• Collects and publishes data about the cooperative sector via reports like the World Cooperative Monitor and ICA Global 300 index.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrantforIsraeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
About theInternational Criminal Court (ICC)
Details
What is it?
• First international permanent court to prosecute individuals for serious international crimes.
• Established under the Rome Statute (1998, w.e.f 2002).
• 124 countries are States Parties to the Rome Statute.• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
Structural Mandate
• Official languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
• Members: 124 States Parties to the Rome Statute; Palestine (2015) and Malaysia (2019) became the latest members.
• Notable non-members: India, Israel, the US, Russia, Ukraine, and China.
• Funding: By contributions from member states and voluntary contributions.
• Enforcement: Relies on state cooperation for enforcement, as it does not have its own police force.
Composition
• Judges: Consists of 18 judges elected by the Assembly of States Parties for a term of 9 years.
• Prosecutor: Leads the Office of the Prosecutor and investigates crimes.
• Additional Components: Includes the Trust Fund for Victims (2004), Detention Centre, and the Assembly of States Parties.
Jurisdiction
Prosecutes 4 main crimes:
War Crimes: Violations of the laws of war.
Crimes against Humanity: Acts like murder, enslavement, and torture.
Genocide: Intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
Crimes of Aggression: Unjustified military action against another state.
• ICC can only prosecute crimes committed after the Rome Statute’sentry into force (July 1, 2002).
PYQ:
[2018] “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following?
Several dead fishare floating on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala due to illegal use of‘thotta’ (explosives) and ‘nanchu’ (poisons) for fishing.
About Ashtamudi Lake:
Details
About
• Brackish-water estuarine lake, located in Kerala, covering 5,700 hectares.
• Designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.
Geographical Features
• Encompasses 8 channels (arms) connecting to the lake, giving it the name “Ashtamudi.” (gateway to the backwaters of Kerala)
• Second largest lake in Kerala (first being the Vembanad Lake), drains into the sea via Neendakara estuary.
• Kallada River is the main water source for the lake.
• Historical significance as a major port city of Quilon, as recorded by Ibn Battuta.
Flora and Fauna
• Mangrove species: Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia caseolaris.
• Endangered species: Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.
• 57 species of avifauna, including 6 migratory species and 51 resident species.
• In 2014, the Clam Governing Council became the first Marine Stewardship Council certified fishery in India for their sustainable clam fishing.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
PYQ Relevance: Q) “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has recently focused on Environmental Issues (2020) and regional Environmental Challenges (2023).
According to the Emissions Gap Report 2024 from the United Nations Environment Programme, India has seen over 6% more greenhouse gas emissions than the previous year.
Today at the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. These two examples show that India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
Today’s editorial talks about the challenges around the current environmental health governance in India. This content can be used for ‘Environmental regulations and challenges’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
At the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. At the same time, India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
What are the current gaps in India’s environmental health regulations?
Fragmented Regulatory Framework: Current environmental governance is divided among multiple ministries, such as the Ministryof Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
This fragmentation results in a disconnect between environmental monitoring and health impact assessments, leading to ineffective responses to pollution-related health issues.
Outdated Legislation: Many existing laws, such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, have not been updated to reflect current environmental challenges.
They do not adequately address modern pollution sources or incorporate contemporary scientific understanding of environmental health risks.
Insufficient Data Collection and Research: There is a lack of reliable, comprehensive data on the health impacts of environmental pollutants.
While organizations like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conduct important research, there is no centralized body to synthesize this data into actionable policies. This gap hampers effective regulation and public health interventions.
Inadequate Enforcement Mechanisms: Although laws exist to regulate pollution, enforcement remains weak due to bureaucratic inertia, lack of resources, and sometimes political influence.
Compliance with pollution control measures is often not monitored effectively, allowing violations to persist without consequences.
Exemptions in New Regulations: Recent proposals, such as the Remediation of Contaminated Sites Rules, 2024, have notable exemptions that exclude certain types of contaminated sites from regulation (e.g., radioactive sites, abandoned mines).
This can leave significant areas unaddressed in terms of cleanup and remediation efforts
How would a dedicated environmental health regulatory agency improve public health outcomes?
Integrated Approach: The agency would combine environmental and public health oversight, ensuring that regulations address the interconnectedness of environmental factors and health outcomes.
Enhanced Regulation and Enforcement: It would enforce stricter regulations on pollutants and ensure compliance from industries, reducing harmful exposures to air and water quality issues.
Data Collection and Research: The agency would prioritize systematic data collection on environmental health impacts, leading to better-informed policies and timely interventions for pollution-related health issues.
Public Awareness and Education: By educating the public about environmental health risks, the agency would empower communities to advocate for cleaner environments and healthier living conditions.
What international best practices can India adopt for an effective framework?
Implementation of EHS Guidelines: India can utilize the World Bank Group’s EHS Guidelines, which provide comprehensive standards for managing environmental health risks across various industries.
Framework for Environmental Public Health Functions: India can implement the EEPHF framework developed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which outlines responsibilities for health actors and governance structures necessary for effective environmental health management.
Comprehensive Risk Management: Implementing a structured risk management framework similar to that outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would allow India to evaluate multiple contaminants and exposure pathways comprehensively.
Environmental Health Incident Management: India can adopt a coordinated incident management framework like the Australia’s system, which provides mechanisms for responding to environmental health incidents effectively. This includes preparedness measures, effective communication strategies, and collaboration across government sectors to minimize impacts on public health.
Way Forward: To improve environmental health in India, there is a need for an integrated regulatory approach that updates laws, enhances enforcement, engages communities, and ensures comprehensive monitoring of pollutants.
The bilateral investment treaty (BIT) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signed earlier this year, has recently been made public. This new treaty will replace the 2014 India-UAE investment agreement and holds significant importance.
What is the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) for investors?
The Model BIT is a framework established by India to guide negotiations for bilateral investment treaties, aiming to protect foreign investments while balancing the state’s regulatory rights.
It emphasizes clear definitions, local remedies, and limits on investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) claims.
Background of 2024 BIT:
The 2014 India-UAE investment treaty, formally known as the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA), was established to enhance economic cooperation and protect investments between India and the United Arab Emirates.
This treaty aimed to create a stable and predictable investment climate for investors from both countries, facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) flows.
The 2014 BIPPA was replaced by a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed in February 2024, which came into effect in August 2024.
This new BIT introduces several changes aimed at improving investment protection and reducing arbitral discretion while maintaining India’s regulatory sovereignty.
What are the implications of India’s revised Model BIT for foreign investors?
Enhanced Investor Protection: The new BIT aims to provide greater protection for foreign investments while balancing the state’s right to regulate. This is expected to boost investor confidence by assuring minimum standards of treatment and non-discrimination.
Quicker Access to ISDS: The reduction of the local remedies exhaustion period from five years to three years allows investors to access international arbitration more quickly if disputes arise, potentially making India a more attractive destination for foreign investments.
Clearer Definitions and Reduced Discretion: By refining the definition of what constitutes an investment and removing subjective criteria related to the significance of investments for host state development, the BIT reduces arbitral discretion, which can lead to more predictable outcomes in dispute resolution.
How does the India-UAE BIT depart from the Model BIT?
Exhaustion of Local Remedies: As noted, the India-UAE BIT lowers the exhaustion period from five years to three years, reflecting India’s responsiveness to concerns about lengthy legal processes in its judicial system.
Removal of Development Significance Criterion: The BIT omits the requirement that investments must significantly contribute to the host state’s development—a criterion present in the Model BIT. This change simplifies the definition of what constitutes an investment eligible for protection, reducing subjective interpretations by ISDS tribunals.
No Reference to Customary International Law: Unlike the Model BIT, which links treaty violations to customary international law (CIL), Article 4 of the India-UAE BIT does not reference CIL, thereby limiting arbitral discretion and providing clearer grounds for evaluating state actions against investments.
Prohibition on Third-Party Funding: The new treaty explicitly disallows third-party funding in ISDS proceedings, which may impact investors’ ability to finance their claims against states without personal financial risk.
What are the positives and future opportunities for India-UAE BIT relations?
Strengthened Economic Cooperation: The BIT is expected to enhance bilateral economic ties by providing a stable legal framework that encourages investment flows between India and the UAE, both of which have significant stakes in each other’s economies.
Increased FDI Inflows: With UAE being a key source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, estimated at around $19 billion, the new treaty is anticipated to stimulate further investments, benefiting various sectors in both countries.
Alignment with Broader Economic Agreements: The BIT complements other agreements such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), reinforcing a comprehensive framework for economic collaboration beyond just investment protection.
Potential Influence on Future Treaties: India’s approach in negotiating this BIT may serve as a model for future treaties with other countries, reflecting a more flexible stance that could attract additional foreign investments while still safeguarding national interests.
Conclusion: The India-UAE BIT offers stronger investment protection, quicker dispute resolution, and clearer definitions, fostering bilateral economic ties. This new agreement balances investor rights and state regulation, encourages increased FDI, strengthens economic cooperation, and could influence future treaties for enhanced global investment.
Mains PYQ:
Q How will the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC IAS/2022)
A 2019 tender by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is now central to a US district court indictment alleging that Gautam Adani and others offered ₹2,029 crore ($265 million) in bribes to Indian officials.
What specific allegations have been made regarding the SECI solar bid?
The US Department of Justice alleges that Gautam Adani and his associates offered approximately ₹2,029 crore (US $265 million) in bribes to Indian government officials.
This was to facilitate the signing of power supply agreements (PSAs) between SECI and state electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), which were initially reluctant to engage due to high energy prices following the tender bidding process.
Failure to Secure Agreements: After SECI awarded the tender, which included 12,000 MW of generation capacity and 3,000 MW of module manufacturing capacity, it struggled to finalize PSAs with DISCOMs.
This inability jeopardized the lucrative letters of award (LOAs) that Adani Green and Azure Power expected from the project.
How has SECI’s role in the solar bidding process been scrutinized?
SECI is a public sector entity under the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, tasked with promoting renewable energy sources in India.
Its role as a facilitator in power procurement has come under scrutiny due to its inability to secure buyers for the power generated under this tender.
Challenges Faced: SECI’s difficulties in finding buyers stemmed from DISCOMs’ reluctance to commit to PSAs at higher tariffs when they anticipated further reductions in solar power prices due to market conditions.
This situation created a fertile ground for alleged corrupt practices as companies sought alternative means to secure contracts.
Impact on Credibility: The allegations have raised questions about SECI’s operational integrity and its effectiveness in managing large-scale renewable energy projects, potentially undermining public trust in governmental processes related to renewable energy procurement.
What are the potential repercussions for India’s renewable energy sector?
Investor Confidence: The indictment could deter foreign investment in India’s renewable energy sector, as potential investors may view the allegations as indicative of systemic corruption within the industry.
Regulatory Scrutiny: Increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies both domestically and internationally may lead to tighter regulations and oversight on bidding processes and contract awards in the renewable sector.
Market Dynamics: If proven true, these allegations could disrupt existing contracts and lead DISCOMs to reassess their engagement with solar projects, particularly if they fear further legal ramifications or reputational damage associated with such contracts.
Long-term Impact on Policy: The case could catalyze reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability within government procurement processes for renewable energy projects, potentially reshaping how future tenders are conducted.
Way forward:
Rebuild Investor Confidence: The government must actively engage with international stakeholders, assuring them of corrective actions and fostering a business-friendly environment through improved governance and adherence to global best practices in renewable energy projects.
Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: India should enhance transparency in renewable energy procurement by establishing robust anti-corruption mechanisms, independent oversight committees, and clear guidelines to prevent undue influence in tender processes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC IAS/2021)
The Ministry of Science & Technology has launched Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic to combat drug-resistant infections.
About Nafithromycin:
Details
About
• It was developed with the support of the Biotechnology IndustryResearch AssistanceCouncil (BIRAC), a unit under the Department of Biotechnology, to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• It aims to treatCommunity-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
( Awaiting final approval from CDSCO for manufacturing and public use.)
Features
• Developed over 14 years of clinical trials in the U.S., Europe, and India.
• 10 times more effective than azithromycin. (3 doses to combat Drug-Resistant Pneumonia)
• Minimal side effects, no significant drug interactions, and food-independent.
Significance
• It targets both typical and atypical pathogens.
• It addresses a global health issue, especially CABP, contributing to over 2 million deaths annually.
• Offers a more effective, faster, and safer treatment for drug-resistant pneumonia.
• Demonstrates successful public-private collaboration between the government and Wockhardt Pharmaceuticals.
• A cost-effective solution for treating resistant infections in low-resource settings.
PYQ:
[2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?
Genetic predisposition of some people
Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
Using antibiotics in livestock farming
Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
A 12-year study by researchers from the Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology has revealed that the king cobra, previously believed to be a single species, actually comprises four distinct species.
Important facts related to King Cobra:
Details
About
• Scientific Name: Ophiophagus hannah.
• It is the largest Venomous Snake; Reaches up to 18 feet (5.5 meters).
• Venom is Neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system.
Re-categorization
Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology identified the species as:
Species differ by 1-4% genetically, justifying their reclassification.
Habitat and Behavioural Features
• Found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions ( India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines)
• Solitary and territorial, with a diet of snakes, lizards, birds, and rodents.
• Mating occurs annually during monsoon, with females laying up to 40 eggs in nests.
• Raises and spreads its hood when threatened, appearing larger.
• Vital in controlling snake populations and maintaining ecological balance.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
CITES: Appendix II.
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule II.
PYQ:
[2010] King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?
(a) It is a snake-eater and the nest helps attract other snakes
(b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth to its offspring
(c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched
(d) It is a large, cold-blooded animal and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season
Over 1.76 crore school students participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0, sharing creative tributes to the bravery and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel.
About Project Veer Gatha:
Details
About
• Launched in 2021 to honor the acts of bravery and selfless sacrifice of Gallantry Awardees.
• 1.76 crore students from 36 states and UTs participated.
• Conducted annually since its inception, with increasing participation:
• First Edition (2021): 8 lakh students, Second Edition (2022): 19.5 lakh students, Third Edition (2023): 1.36 crore students.
Aims and Objectives
• Instill patriotism and national pride among students.
• Spread awareness about the heroic contributions of Gallantry Awardees.
• Foster creativity through various forms of artistic expression.
• Promote national unity and pride across India’s diverse school system.
• Enhance knowledge about unsung heroes and military heritage.
Features of the Program
• Creative content submissions, including poems, paintings, essays, and videos.
• 100 national-level winners annually, with a ₹10,000 cash prize and recognition by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defence.
• District and state awards for outstanding students.
• Educational outreach programs by the Ministry of Defence to engage students.
• Digital submission via the MyGov portal, making the process inclusive and easy for wide participation.
• Focus on both famous Gallantry Awardees and unsung heroes.
PYQ:
[2024] Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:
