Current Affair 1:

Custodial Deaths in India.

Before discussing this topic, we will see incident, which took place recently, NHRC statement, data on deaths under custody. This will give us idea why we need a stringent law to protect against this torture.

The following table has been collated from two of the answers in the Parliament about the facts regarding use of torture reported by the NHRC.

Has India Ratified the Convention? No, only signed.

India signed the UN Convention against Torture or Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) in 1997. However, ratifying (which is the most crucial aspect of the commitment and implies taking legal steps to make Indian laws correspond to the UN convention commitments) is yet to be done.

But what about national Laws?? Have India passed any Bill to protects its citizens under custody?? A small timeline of what is happening in India to prevent this torture.

In 2008, a Prevention of Torture Bill was brought in Parliament, but due to its weak provisions it was sent to a select committee. The committee reported, “after long and comprehensive deliberations, we unanimously proposed a standalone legislation against torture so as to comply with the requirements of UN Convention on Torture”.

Nothing happened for eight years after Lok Sabha passed the bill. So, a petition was filed in SC. It said: “Since there is no scientific method of investigation, torture remains integral to the investigation to obtain confessions from suspects.”

Despite the guarantee under Article 21 and directions from the apex court, it pointed out there were “no checks and balances against the personnel who commit custodial torture” and thus “an intervention from this Hon’ble Court has become imperative.”

After the Supreme Court took up the matter, the Centre submitted an affidavit stating that the views of all the states and union territories on the Prevention of Torture Bill 2017 were sought. Only few states responded to the Bill. SC has asked all states to respond back soon.

So, we can say nothing has happened to prevent the custodial torture. Wait for updates. We will update you if any step India takes regarding this torture.

Something more related to this.

The 193-member UN General Assembly Friday adopted the resolution ‘Towards torture-free trade: examining the feasibility, scope and parameters for possible common international standards' by a recorded vote of 81 in favour to 20 against, with 44 abstentions. But India abstain from voting.

What does above resolution means?

This simply means, instruments of torture – such as finger screws, thumb cuffs, leg irons, restraint chairs, spiked batons, and whips embedded with barbs, hooks, or spikes – are still being traded freely across borders. These tools have no purpose beyond inflicting pain and suffering on human beings, yet they continue to cross borders just like any other good. They should be banned.

Why India abstained from voting?

India has abstained from voting on a General Assembly resolution on examining steps to restrict trade in materials used for executions and torture, saying that that it could infringe on the rights of countries that carry out capital punishments provided for under their law  after following the due process of law.

Can we see one more thing? Don’t get lazy. See now, just last one.

Alliance for Torture Free Trade (ATFT).

Launched in September 2017 in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Alliance for Torture-Free Trade is an initiative of Argentina, the European Union and Mongolia.

India is not a member of this alliance.

Current Affair 2:

Goa Sanctuary in Danger After Two Wildlife Boards Skip Science for ‘Development’

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We will learn here:

1. National Parks and location (mentioned in paragraphs given below)
2. What is the issue in the news?
3. National Wildlife Board

The negligent and hasty grant of wildlife clearances for the destruction of over 170 ha of forest land within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park in Goa paints a distressing picture of the future of our protected areas. By failing to carry out their statutory duty, the state and National Wildlife Boards have reduced themselves to redundant entities.

Issues:

The Goa State Wildlife Board (GSWB) and the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) have opened up the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary to three linear projects: expansion of a two-lane national highway (4A), doubling of the Castlerock-Kulem-Madgaon railway track, and a 400-kV power transmission line. Together, these projects require the diversion of over 170 ha of protected forest land in the same sanctuary. All three proposals have been approved without any real cross-examination.

When an area is declared as a wildlife sanctuary or national park, what does it means?

The notification of an area as a wildlife sanctuary or national park brings with its immense statutory protection. No diversion of land can be permitted unless it benefits wildlife or the management of their habitats. However, public infrastructure projects have historically been allowed, thanks to environment ministry guidelines that allow such development to be considered in “the most exceptional of circumstances”. And while guidelines can’t override the law, the decision-making power lies with the wildlife boards. So, development within protected areas continues because wildlife boards permit it.

Instead, all three projects – despite failing to demonstrate any exceptional circumstances and unavoidability – were approved as soon as an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report was placed before the state board. Taking the time to actually study the contents of these reports appears to have been unnecessary.

Now, we will learn National Board of Wildlife in detail.

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is constituted by the Central Government under Section 5 A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA).

The National Board may, at its discretion, constitute a Standing Committee under sub-section (1) of Section 5B. The Standing Committee shall consist of the Vice-Chairperson (Union Minister in charge of Forests and Wildlife) the Member Secretary and not more than ten members to be nominated by the Vice-Chairperson from amongst the members of the National Board.

One of the most important provisions of the WLPA (Section 29 for Sanctuaries and sub-section (6) of Section 35 for National Parks) is that no person can destroy wildlife or divert the habitat of any wild animal without a permit and no such permit can be granted unless it is considered necessary for improvement and better management of wildlife therein. See both provisions below.

Now, below are important provisions related to National Board of Wildlife. Just read them once.

We want your attention all towards something important for you as an aspirant. Two important points you can mention against this NBL:

The first point is: During COVID Pandemic, all departments were closed except Environment Department. The Standing Committee (we have already discussed) met and took decisions which shocked environmentalists and activists. See below. Not a single proposal was presented to protect wildlife.

One thing is clear: if there is anything the species inhabiting India’s protected areas need to fear, it’s the members of the NBWL. A poacher may be able to kill a few animals, a person may cut down a few dozen trees, villagers may graze their animals or collect firewood – but at the end of the day, the protected areas retain their identities as ‘protected areas’. They still have a healthy chance to regenerate and repopulate themselves with the poaching and the removal of firewood and fodder. Only the NBWL has the power – when improperly exercised – to decimate the entire habitat.

Second most important thing is:

Current Affair 3:

Baltic Sea sees rise in Nuclear Radiation

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The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) oversees a network of hundreds of monitoring stations that use seismic, hydroacoustic and other technology to check for a nuclear weapon test anywhere in the world. According to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Radiation sensors in Stockholm have detected higher-than-usual but still harmless levels of isotopes produced by nuclear fission, probably from somewhere on or near the Baltic Sea.

Very rare questions you find in UPSC Prelims Paper comes from such news. If you remember, 2018 question: See below.

 

So, we are not complete here. We will also see:

1. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
2. Baltic Sea

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)

It is unlikely that India will ratify the CTBT in the foreseeable future—even if China or the United States do— given the present domestic and international circumstances. The most likely outcome is that India will continue to observe its voluntary moratorium on testing nuclear weapons, while keeping open in principle its option to resume testing. Nothing more than this about this treaty for now.

See the Map of Baltic.

Current Affair 4:

FATF first report on illegal wildlife trade (IWT)

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First of you should be very careful about what to read and what to leave in this topic. Don’t start reading full report.

1. It is very important to know who released this report.
2. Any key finding in the report, we will cover points from The Hindu Section.
3. FATF and CITES

The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a major transnational organised crime that fuels corruption, threats biodiversity, and can have significant public health impacts. According to the 2016 UN World Wildlife Crime report, criminals are illegally trading products derived from over 7 000 species of wild animals and plants across the world.

In terms of illegal wildlife trade, there are two key types:

1. Trade in species that are protected and prohibited from all national or international commercial trade (may be clandestine or overt through fraudulent activities, e.g., wild-caught animals falsely declared as captive-bred, wildlife falsely declared as being pre-Convention2).
2. Trade in volumes of specific species of wild origin which is unsustainable and in violation of CITES provisions or national provisions, often with limited regulatory controls/

To reflect the serious nature of this crime, the UN General Assembly has adopted several resolutions to combat IWT, and in September 2019, reiterated its call for all members “to amend national legislation, as necessary and appropriate, so that offences connected to IWT are treated as predicate offences for money laundering (ML).

We will report imporant points as mentioned in The Hindu Section, regarding this report.

1. The illegal trade is estimated to generate revenues of up to $23 billion a year.
2. The “Money Laundering and the Illegal Wildlife Trade” report said “criminals are frequently misusing the legitimate wildlife trade, as well as other import-export type businesses, as a front to move and hide illegal proceeds from wildlife crimes.
3. The study has highlighted the growing role of online marketplaces and mobile and social media-based payments to facilitate movement of proceeds warranting a coordinated response from government bodies, the private sector and the civil society.
4. The report recommended that jurisdictions should consider implementing the good practices, as observed during the study.
5. According to the report, criminal syndicates are misusing formal financial sector to launder the proceeds.
6. The report noted that in 2012, India amended the Prevention of Money Laundering Act removing a value threshold — of ?30 lakh and above — that was earlier applicable to the wildlife trade predicates.

Learn here about FATF (we have already covered in Daily Quiz):

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established in July 1989 by a Group of Seven (G-7) Summit in Paris, initially to examine and develop measures to combat money laundering.

In October 2001, the FATF expanded its mandate to incorporate efforts to combat terrorist financing, in addition to money laundering.  In April 2012, it added efforts to counter the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Zoom and see below image. It is taken from website.

Recently, FATF has announced that Pakistan will remain in Grey List. Let FATF do whatever it wants to do. As an aspirant for now, our concern is, what is this FATF??

1. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 (discussed above only). 
2. The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
3. The FATF's decision making body, the ‘FATF Plenary’, meets three times per year. 
4. The FATF Secretariat supports the substantive work of the FATF membership and global network. The Secretariat is located at the OECD Headquarters in Paris.

To achieve global implementation of the FATF recommendations, the FATF relies on a strong global network of 9 FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs), in addition to its own 38 members. Among these 9 FSRBs, India is a member of two: Asian Pacific Group and Eurasian Group.

Pakistan is not a member of FATF. It is member of only Asia Pacific Group

Also, we will learn CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

CITES was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of IUCN (The World Conservation Union). It is also called Washington Convention as it was signed here.

COP meeting is held after every three years.

 

Any COP in India?? Yes.

Once look at the Appendix :

Current Affair 5:

First of you should be very careful about what to read and what to leave in this topic. Don’t start reading full report. a. It is very important to know who released this report. b. Any key finding in the report, we will cover points from The Hindu Section. c. FATF and CITES The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a major transnational organised crime that fuels corruption, threats biodiversity, and can have significant public health impacts. According to the 2016 UN World Wildlife Crime report, criminals are illegally trading products derived from over 7 000 species of wild animals and plants across the world. In terms of illegal wildlife trade, there are two key types: a. Trade in species that are protected and prohibited from all national or international commercial trade (may be clandestine or overt through fraudulent activities, e.g., wild-caught animals falsely declared as captive-bred, wildlife falsely declared as being pre-Convention2). b. Trade in volumes of specific species of wild origin which is unsustainable and in violation of CITES provisions or national provisions, often with limited regulatory controls/ To reflect the serious nature of this crime, the UN General Assembly has adopted several resolutions to combat IWT, and in September 2019, reiterated its call for all members “to amend national legislation, as necessary and appropriate, so that offences connected to IWT are treated as predicate offences for money laundering (ML). We will report imporant points as mentioned in The Hindu Section, regarding this report. a. The illegal trade is estimated to generate revenues of up to $23 billion a year. b. The “Money Laundering and the Illegal Wildlife Trade” report said “criminals are frequently misusing the legitimate wildlife trade, as well as other import-export type businesses, as a front to move and hide illegal proceeds from wildlife crimes. c. The study has highlighted the growing role of online marketplaces and mobile and social media-based payments to facilitate movement of proceeds warranting a coordinated response from government bodies, the private sector and the civil society. d. The report recommended that jurisdictions should consider implementing the good practices, as observed during the study. e. According to the report, criminal syndicates are misusing formal financial sector to launder the proceeds. f. The report noted that in 2012, India amended the Prevention of Money Laundering Act removing a value threshold — of ?30 lakh and above — that was earlier applicable to the wildlife trade predicates. Learn here about FATF (we have already covered in Daily Quiz): The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established in July 1989 by a Group of Seven (G-7) Summit in Paris, initially to examine and develop measures to combat money laundering. In October 2001, the FATF expanded its mandate to incorporate efforts to combat terrorist financing, in addition to money laundering. In April 2012, it added efforts to counter the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Zoom and see below image. It is taken from website. Recently, FATF has announced that Pakistan will remain in Grey List. Let FATF do whatever it wants to do. As an aspirant for now, our concern is, what is this FATF?? a. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 (discussed above only). b. The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. c. The FATF's decision making body, the ‘FATF Plenary’, meets three times per year. d. The FATF Secretariat supports the substantive work of the FATF membership and global network. The Secretariat is located at the OECD Headquarters in Paris. To achieve global implementation of the FATF recommendations, the FATF relies on a strong global network of 9 FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs), in addition to its own 38 members. Among these 9 FSRBs, India is a member of two: Asian Pacific Group and Eurasian Group. Pakistan is not a member of FATF. It is member of only Asia Pacific Group Also, we will learn CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of IUCN (The World Conservation Union). It is also called Washington Convention as it was signed here. COP meeting is held after every three years. Any COP in India?? Yes. Once look at the Appendix :

Source Link

A World Meteorological Organization (WMO) committee of experts has established two new world records for the longest reported distance and the longest reported duration for a single lightning flash in, respectively, Brazil and Argentina.

The findings were published by the American Geophysical Union’s Geophysical Research Letters ahead of International Lightning Safety Day on 28 June.

WMO’s Committee on Weather and Climate Extremes, which maintains official records of global, hemispheric and regional extremes found that:

1. The world’s greatest extent for a single lightning flash is a single flash that covered a horizontal distance of 709 ± 8 km (440.6 ± 5 mi) across parts of southern Brazil on 31 October 2018. The previous record for the longest detected distance for a single lightning flash was for 321 km on June 20, 2007, across the US state of Oklahoma. 
2. The greatest duration for a single lightning flash is 16.73 seconds from a flash that developed continuously over northern Argentina on 4 March 2019.

The lightning flashes that have now entered the record books are known as ‘Megaflashes’ in scientific parlance.

We will also study Lightning strikes in India. The WMO’s findings come even as 92 people were killed in lightning strikes in Bihar on June 25, 2020.

We will mainly study here, Mid-Monsoon 2019: Lightning Report. Just few points. Lightning strikes’ scientific mapping vis a vis impact analysis has been undertaken for the first time in India, so we will see this report in brief.

 

Odisha tops with 9 lakh lightning strikes which is15% of total strikes. But highest deaths in UP.

Also see in brief, Lightning Resilient India Campaign published in the 2019 Report.

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