National Wildlife Health Policy Latest News

The Government of India is drafting a National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP) to strengthen wildlife disease surveillance, research, and diagnostics.

About National Wildlife Health Policy (NWHP)

• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) initiated this program to enhance wildlife health and manage zoonotic diseases.
• This initiative is a key component of the National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) and follows the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

Key Institutions & Initiatives Under NWHP

• National Referral Centre for Wildlife (NRC-W): It was recently inaugurated in Junagadh, Gujarat, and will serve as a key hub for wildlife health management.
  • Functions as India’s first wildlife disease diagnostic and research centre.
  • Investigate wildlife mortalities, outbreaks, and facilitates disease treatment.
• National Wildlife Health Information System: Proposed under NWHP to streamline disease reporting and surveillance across regions.
  • Will work alongside the National Animal Disease Referral Expert System and National Animal Disease Reporting System to forecast and prevent outbreaks.
• Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
  • Statutory body under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Established in 1992 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
  • It aims to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts and maintain animal health in zoological parks.

Alignment with India's Wildlife Conservation Framework

• National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31):
  • Outlines 103 conservation actions and 250 projects.
  • Includes standard protocols for disease surveillance in tiger reserves and protected areas.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Provides legal backing for wildlife disease monitoring and control.

National Wildlife Health Policy FAQs

Q1. What is the National Wildlife Health Policy?
Ans. The National Wildlife Health Policy is a framework aimed at monitoring, preventing, and managing wildlife diseases to protect biodiversity and ecological balance.

Q2. Why is wildlife health important?
Ans. Wildlife health is crucial to maintaining ecosystem stability, preventing zoonotic diseases (like COVID-19), and ensuring conservation efforts are effective.

Q3. How does this policy help in preventing zoonotic diseases?
Ans. It establishes monitoring systems to detect diseases in wildlife before they spread to humans, promoting a "One Health" approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

Source: IE

Tren de Aragua Latest News

The US President invoked the Alien Enemies Act (1798) for the first time since World War II to deport suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA).

What is the Tren de Aragua (TdA) Gang?

• Origin: Founded in 2014 inside Tocorón Prison, Aragua state, Venezuela.
• Expansion: Spread across Colombia, Peru, Chile, and the US, exploiting Venezuelan migrants.
• Criminal activities: Engaged in drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, murder, and kidnapping.
• Political links: Chile accused Venezuelan authorities of colluding with the gang in the murder of a former Venezuelan opposition officer in 2023.

What is the Alien Enemies Act?

• Enacted in 1798 to combat spying and sabotage during tensions with France.
• Authorizes the U.S. President to deport, detain, or impose restrictions on individuals who have primary allegiance to a foreign power and pose a national security risk in wartime.
• This can be invoked under two conditions:
  • During a declared war.
  • In case of an invasion or predatory incursion by a foreign power.
• The act remains in effect until explicitly revoked by the President.

Historical Use of the Alien Enemies Act

• War of 1812: Used against British citizens during conflict with the United Kingdom.
• World War I: President Woodrow Wilson barred enemy citizens from owning firearms, explosives, and publishing certain materials.
• World War II: President Franklin D. Roosevelt used it to justify internment camps for people of Japanese, German, and Italian descent. Continued by President Harry Truman until 1951.
• Post-World War II: Supreme Court upheld the deportation of Kurt Ludecke, a former Nazi, in 1948, ruling that the act could still be used after wartime.

Why is the US Deporting TdA Members?

• The White House called TdA "one of the most violent terrorist gangs", involved in rape, murder, and extortion.
• Modern Interpretation of "Invasion": Traditionally referred to military attacks, but some politicians argue illegal immigration and drug trafficking qualify as an "invasion".
• The White House used this argument to justify mass deportations under the act.

Legal and Constitutional Aspects

• The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the act’s constitutionality.
• Courts have ruled that it can be used even after wartime (e.g., 1948 ruling on Nazi deportation).
• Democratic lawmakers have proposed repealing the act, citing concerns over civil rights violations and historical misuse, such as internment camps.

Tren de Aragua FAQs

Q1. What is Tren de Aragua?

Ans. Tren de Aragua is a transnational criminal organization originating from Venezuela. It is involved in activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, human smuggling, and arms trafficking across Latin America and beyond.

Q2. Where does Tren de Aragua operate?

Ans. The group primarily operates in Venezuela but has expanded to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and other parts of Latin America. Reports also suggest its influence in North America and Europe.

Q3. What are the main illegal activities of Tren de Aragua?

Ans. The group is involved in drug and human trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, illegal mining, arms smuggling, and contract killings.

Q4. How did Tren de Aragua originate?

Ans: Tren de Aragua was originally formed in Venezuelan prisons as a gang linked to the construction sector. It later evolved into a powerful criminal syndicate, leveraging its prison networks to expand its operations.

Source: IE

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Latest News

The Prime Minister recently welcomed New Zealand’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, highlighting both nations’ shared interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

About Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative 

• IPOI was launched by India in November 2019 at the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok. 
• It builds upon the “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) initiative announced by the Prime Minister in 2015. 
• Its objective was to promote cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the rules-based regional order, which will contribute towards strengthening safety, stability and development in the maritime domain.
• As a non-treaty-based voluntary arrangement, it aims to achieve greater cohesion and integration through common understanding and actions related to shared interests. 
• It does not envisage a new institutional framework and leans heavily on the EAS mechanism, which includes ASEAN member states and its eight dialogue partners.
• The IPOI outlined seven pillars, and it was indicated that one or two countries could take the lead for a pillar with others joining in voluntarily. The seven IPOI pillars are:
  • Maritime Security: The United Kingdom (UK) and India
  • Maritime Ecology: Australia and Thailand
  • Maritime Resources: France and Indonesia
  • Capacity Building and Resource Sharing: Germany
  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: India and Bangladesh
  • Science, Technology, and Academic Cooperation: Italy and Singapore
  • Trade, Connectivity, and Maritime Transport: Japan and the United States (US).

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative FAQs

Q1. Who launched the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)?

Ans. IPOI was launched by India in November 2019 at the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok. 

Q2. Is the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) a treaty-based organisation?

Ans. IPOI is a non-treaty-based voluntary arrangement.

Q3. What is the SAGAR) initiative?

Ans. Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) is an Indian maritime initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.

Source: DDN

 Ana Sagar Lake Latest News

The Supreme Court recently directed the state govt to remove replica structures from the ‘Seven Wonders' park in the wetland area of Ana Sagar lake in six months.

About Ana Sagar Lake

• It is an artificial lake situated in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
• It was built by raising a dam across the Luni or Lavanavari River. 
• The lake was built by Arnoraja Chauhan, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan, in 1135 - 1150 AD and was named after him.
• It is spread over 13 km. 
• The lake also comprises Baradari or pavilions that were built by Shah Jahan in 1637 AD.
• The Daulat Bagh Gardens, located on the banks of the lake, was built by Jehangir. 
• There is an island in the center of the lake which is accessible by boat.
• A circuit house is there on a hill near the lake that used to be the British Residency.
• The lake gets dry every summer.

Ana Sagar Lake FAQs

Q1. Is Ana Sagar Lake an artificial lake?

Ans. Yes, Anasagar Lake is an artificial lake.

Q2. Who built Ana Sagar Lake?

Ans. Anasagar Lake was built by Anaji (Arnoraj) Chauhan, the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan, in 1135-1150 AD. 

Q3. How long is Ana Sagar Lake?

Ans. 13 kilometres

Source: TOI

Audible Enclaves Latest News

Audible Enclaves: A New Sound Technology

 What are Audible Enclaves?

• Audible Enclaves are small pockets of sound that are not disturbed by surrounding noise.
• They allow specific individuals to hear a sound privately, even in crowded environments.
• The technology is based on sound wave manipulation, ensuring that only intended listeners can hear the transmitted sound.

How Does Sound Work?

• Sound consists of waves moving through a medium, causing particles to vibrate back and forth.
• The speed of vibration determines the frequency:
  • Higher frequency = Higher pitch sound.
• When sound waves are emitted from a source, they diverge in a process called diffraction.
  • Higher-frequency sounds diverge more than lower frequencies.

How Are Audible Enclaves Created?

• Traditional parametric array loudspeakers create focused sound beams using high-frequency waves modulated with an audio signal.
• Audible enclaves take this a step further using two high-frequency waves of different frequencies:
  • These waves are inaudible on their own.
  • When they intersect, non-linear interactions generate a sound wave audible only at that specific location.
• This method, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ensures that only individuals within a defined zone can hear the sound.

Audible Enclaves FAQs

Q1. What are Audible Enclaves?

Ans. Audible Enclaves refer to designated spaces or environments where specific soundscapes are preserved, controlled, or amplified for cultural, environmental, or technological purposes.

Q2. What is the significance of Audible Enclaves?

Ans. These enclaves are important for preserving natural soundscapes, enhancing immersive experiences, or maintaining acoustic privacy in certain areas. They can be used in conservation efforts, virtual reality, and urban planning.

Q3. Where are Audible Enclaves commonly found?

Ans. They can be found in nature reserves, heritage sites, smart cities, and even digital environments where sound plays a crucial role in user experience.

Source: TH

Competition Commission of India Latest News

The CCI raided GroupM, Dentsu, IPG Media brands, and the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) for allegedly fixing IPL ad rates and discounts.

About Competition Commission of India

• Established in 2009 under the Competition Act, 2002, the CCI became fully operational on May 20, 2009, when substantive provisions related to anti-trust enforcement and merger regulation came into force.
• Initially conceptualized in 2003, it replaced the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act (MRTP), 1969, aligning with India’s post-liberalization economic reforms.

Composition

• Headed by a Chairperson and six members appointed by the Central Government, ensuring expertise in law, economics, finance, and international trade.
• Acts as a quasi-judicial body, providing opinions to statutory authorities and adjudicating competition-related cases.
• Members must have at least 15 years of professional experience and serve a five-year term, fostering informed decision-making in complex market cases.

Functions of CCI

• Preventing anti-competitive practices: Investigates and penalises cartels, price-fixing, and market manipulation.
  • Ex: In 2022, the CCI imposed a ₹1,337 crore penalty on Google for abusing its dominance in the Android ecosystem.
• Regulating abuse of dominance: It also prevents companies from using market power unfairly, such as through predatory pricing or restrictive trade practices.
  • Ex: CCI’s probe into Apple's in-app payment monopoly.
• Controlling mergers & acquisitions: It ensures mergers do not create monopolies or reduce competition.
  • Ex: CCI’s scrutiny of Jio-Star India merger to prevent media dominance.
• Ensuring consumer protection: Monitors unfair trade practices to protect consumer rights and market fairness.
• Advising the Government: It provides opinions on competition issues when referred by statutory authorities.

Competition Commission of India FAQs

Q1. What is the Competition Commission of India (CCI)?
Ans. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002 to promote and ensure fair competition in the Indian market.

Q2. How does CCI enforce competition laws?
Ans. CCI investigates anti-competitive practices, imposes penalties, and issues directives to businesses violating the Competition Act.

Q3. Who can file a complaint with CCI?
Ans. Any individual, company, or association affected by anti-competitive practices can file a complaint with CCI.

Q4. How does CCI regulate mergers and acquisitions?
Ans. CCI reviews M&A deals above a certain threshold to ensure they do not harm competition. It can approve, modify, or reject transactions.

Source: FE

Hmar and Zomi Tribes Latest News

A day after the imposition of restrictions following clashes between the Hmar and Zomi people in Manipur, leaders of the two communities recently agreed to work together to restore peace in Churachandpur district of the State.

About Zomi Tribe

• The word Zomi is used to describe an ethnic group, which is also known as the Chin, the Mizo, the Kuki, or a number of other names based on geographic distribution.
• They belong to the Tibeto-Burman group of Mongoloid race.
• Distribution: 
  • They are spread throughout the northeastern states of India, northwestern Burma, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. 
  • In northeastern India, they are present in: Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Assam.
• Language: Natively, they speak one of the fifty or so languages that linguists call the Kukish language group, which is also known as Kuki-Chin (Kuki/Chin), Mizo/Kuki/Chin, or Kuki Naga.
• Religion and Beliefs: Traditionally, Zomis followed animism and worshiped nature spirits. Today, Christianity (mainly Baptist and Presbyterian) is the dominant religion.
• They have typical Tibeto-Burman features and are generally of short-stature with straight black hair and dark brown eyes. 

About Hmar Tribe

• The Hmar tribe, also called Mhar or Mar, are the dwellers of the northeastern part of India.
• The word "Hmar" literally means "north". 
• They live in the northeastern states of Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Megalaya, and Tripura. 
• They belonged to the Chin-Kuki Mizo group of tribes. They are of Mongoloid stock.
• Hmar folk songs reveal that these people migrated from Sinlung, which is assumed to be in China. 
• They are recognised as Scheduled Tribe under the Constitution of India.
• Language: The Hmar language belongs to the Kuki-Chin group of Tibeto-Burman stock of the great Tibeto-Chinese family of languages. 
• Occupation: 
  • The majority of the Hmars were cultivators. 
  • The Slash-and-burn system of agricultural practices is still at large by the Hmar Tribe.
• Religion and Beliefs: Traditionally, they followed animistic and indigenous beliefs, but over time, many have converted to Christianity.
• Clans:
  • The Hmar society is based on a clan system.
  • Each clan had a dialect of its own, though nowadays a common dialect used by the Hmar people was developed by Christian missionaries.
  • The chief of the village council is called "Lal". Everybody follows his leadership and directive.

Hmar and Zomi Tribes FAQs

Q1. Where can we find the Hmar tribe?

Ans. They live in the northeastern states of Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Megalaya, and Tripura. 

Q2. What is the occupation of the Hmar tribe?

Ans. The majority of the Hmars were cultivators. 

Q3. What is the religion of the Zomi tribe?

Ans. Christianity is the dominant religion of the Zomi tribe.

Source: TH

Foreign Exchange Management Act Latest News

ED Raids on Soros-Linked Entities for FEMA Violations.

About the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)

• The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, came into force on June 1, 2000, replacing the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973.
• The act was introduced in the backdrop of India's economic liberalization to facilitate external trade and payments and ensure the orderly development of the foreign exchange market.

Objectives of FEMA

• Regulation & Management of Foreign Exchange: FEMA governs all aspects of foreign exchange transactions in India, including:
  • Acquisition & Holding of foreign exchange.
  • Payment & Settlement of foreign exchange transactions.
  • Export & Import of currency.
• Liberalizing Foreign Exchange Policies: Unlike FERA, which was restrictive and criminalized violations, FEMA is more transparent and promotes globalization.
• Empowerment of RBI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the key authority under FEMA.
  • The RBI can frame rules, issue guidelines, and regulate foreign exchange transactions.
• Civil nature of offences: Violations under FEMA are civil offences (unlike FERA, where they were treated as criminal offences).
  • Penalties and fines can be imposed for non-compliance.

Applicability of FEMA

• FEMA applies to the whole of India, including:
  • Individuals, companies, and firms operating in India.
  • Indian agencies & offices abroad (owned or managed by Indian citizens).
• Entities & Transactions Covered Under FEMA:
  • Foreign Exchange & Foreign Securities.
  • Export & Import of goods and services.
  • Banking, Financial, and Insurance services.
  • Overseas companies owned by NRIs (where ownership is 60% or more).
  • Indian citizens residing within and outside India (NRIs).

Enforcement & Violations Under FEMA

• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the primary agency responsible for investigating violations.
• Violations can result in:
  • Monetary Penalties: Up to three times the amount involved or ₹2 lakh, whichever is higher.
  • Further Penalties: ₹5,000 per day for continued contraventions.
  • Seizure of Assets: In extreme cases, authorities may seize properties linked to FEMA violations.

Foreign Exchange Management Act FAQs

Q1. What is the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)?

Ans. FEMA is an Indian law enacted in 1999 to regulate foreign exchange transactions and facilitate external trade and payments while maintaining the foreign exchange market in India.

Q2. Why was FEMA introduced?

Ans. FEMA replaced the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) to promote a more liberalized and transparent foreign exchange policy in line with economic reforms.

Q3. Who regulates FEMA in India?

Ans. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) primarily regulates FEMA, while the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is responsible for enforcement actions against violations.

Source: TH