The Siliguri Corridor, known as the "Chicken's Neck," is a strategic link connecting Northeast India to the mainland. Bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, it holds geopolitical, economic, and security significance. Securing and developing the corridor is crucial for national unity, defense, trade, tourism, and regional connectivity with neighboring countries.
The Crimes Against Humanity (CAH) Treaty, approved by the UN General Assembly, aims to prevent and punish severe crimes such as murder, enslavement, and rape. Unlike the Genocide Convention or Geneva Conventions, it fills the accountability gap for CAH by imposing obligations on states to prevent, prosecute, and allow cases to be brought to international courts, addressing the limitations of the current legal framework.
The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) is a centralized platform under the Ministry of Home Affairs, launched in 2009, to enhance police efficiency and transparency. It connects all police stations across India, integrates a nationwide crime database, and facilitates digital processes such as forensic investigation and case tracking, aligning with new criminal laws introduced on July 1, 2024.
The Grey Junglefowl, also known as Sonnerat’s junglefowl, is an endangered species native to peninsular India and parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and southern Rajasthan. Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, it plays a vital role as the wild ancestor of the domestic chicken. Conservation efforts are crucial due to threats from hybridization and lack of awareness.
The Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) is a relatively small pelican species found in Southeast Asia. Noted for its social nature, strong swimming abilities, and efficient fishing skills, it primarily eats fish but also small reptiles and crustaceans. Breeding season begins at the Uppalapadu Bird Protection Centre, home to around 3,000 individuals, where they thrive in lowland freshwater, brackish, and marine wetlands.
Over the past 40 years, Monarch butterfly populations have dramatically declined, losing up to 80% of their numbers due to habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change. Their dependence on specific Milkweed plants for breeding has made them highly vulnerable to habitat loss and farming practices. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting their habitat and ensuring their survival.
The Periodic Global Report on the State of Solutions to Internal Displacement – PROGRESS 2024, published by IOM and Georgetown University, reveals over 58.5 million internally displaced persons globally. It highlights safety, economic opportunities, and preferences for staying in current locations as key factors shaping displaced persons’ decisions, offering actionable insights for sustainable solutions.