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.
A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is a committee of 31 members from both Houses of Parliament, representing both ruling and opposition parties, responsible for in-depth scrutiny of bills, financial irregularities, legislative proposals, and public-interest issues. After completion, the committee disbands, and the government submits an 'Action Taken Report'.
The Maharashtra government introduced the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill 2024 to combat Naxalism in urban areas. The bill criminalizes four major offences: being a member of an unlawful organization, raising funds for an unlawful organization, managing or assisting in managing an unlawful organization, and participating in unlawful activity.
Government is struggling to meet the 5% sub-quota for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in admissions to Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), which provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe children. Despite the quota being implemented four years ago, only 3.4% of students come from PVTG communities, with challenges including infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, and education quality.
India and France have signed a MoU to develop the world's largest National Museum, Yuga Yugeen Bharat, in New Delhi. The project will inspire cultural collaboration and strengthen India-France's strategic partnership. The partnership includes defense, space, civil nuclear, economic, and maritime collaboration, with India's ISRO and France's CNES working on research programs and satellite launches.
India's gold imports reached an all-time high of $14.8 billion in November, driven by increased demand for gold investments, tariff reductions, and trade agreement loopholes. The 2024-25 Budget's reduction in import duties has made gold more appealing, impacting trade balance, weakening the rupee, and increasing the current account deficit.
The Union Ministry of Textiles is promoting research into milkweed fibre, a natural fibre derived from the seeds of the milkweed plant. Milkweed fibre is oily, lignin-rich, and hydrophobic, repelling water and oil. It is used in the paper industry, water safety equipment, and oil spill cleanup due to its toxic compounds.