Current Affairs 06-MAR-2024 (The Hindu)

Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)

C => (Pg-11)

Why in News?

Two tragic incidents occurred in Kerala involving wildlife causing fatalities. A wild elephant trampled to death Valsala, a tribal woman collecting forest resources in Thrissur, and a man was killed by a wild gaur in Kozhikode. The incidents have sparked protests and criticism towards the government's handling of wildlife-human conflict.

Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC)

Negative interaction between wildlife and humans.

Causes of Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Incursion by humans into the wildlife habitat.
• Growing population near the wildlife habitat.
• Agriculture fields along the boundaries of protected areas.
• Direct confrontation with the wildlife.

Measures to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict

An elephant herd raids crops in India.

• Erection of fences along the borders:
  • Bee-hive fences
  • Solar electric fences

• Conservation measures:
  • Destroying invasive species
  • Replenishing water bodies
  • Planting necessary fodder crops
• Infrastructure development:
  • Watch towers
  • Installation of cameras and tracking devices
  • Animal corridors

Planting spiny cacti as barrier around fields

Prelims Practice Question

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of human-animal conflict in India?

a) Human-animal conflict refers to the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals in shared habitats without any conflicts or disputes.

b) Human-animal conflict signifies the competition between humans and animals for natural resources, leading to clashes and negative impacts on both populations.

c) Human-animal conflict denotes the successful management and mitigation of conflicts between humans and animals through governmental policies and community engagement.

d) Human-animal conflict highlights the mutual cooperation and symbiotic relationship between humans and animals, resulting in shared benefits and resources.

Meiteis and Kukis Conflict

D => (Pg-8)

Why in News?

The radicalisation of Manipuri society poses challenges to law and order, highlighted by recent incidents involving groups like Arambai Tenggol. Ethnic polarisation undermines the state's authority, requiring action from the Union government and BJP to prevent further unrest.

Practice Question – Mains GS – II

The ongoing conflict in Manipur is aggravated to some extent due to negligence in enforcing law and order. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)

Meiteis

• Hindus - live in the Imphal valley.
• Comprise over 50% of Manipur's population.
• Hold only 10% of the land in Manipur.
• Not included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.

Kukis

• Christians - live in the hilly areas.
• Constitute around 30% of Manipur’s population.
• Occupying approximately 90% of the land.

Reasons for Clashes between Meiteis & Kukis

• Demand of Meiteis for inclusion in the ST list.
• Government's stand - NO, fearing it would undermine the Kukis.
• Manipur HC directed the state government to recommend Meiteis to the Centre, leading to clashes.
• Land-related issues:
• Meiteis face restrictions in settling or buying land in areas occupied by Kukis.
• Kukis, despite being a minority, hold a majority of land and can buy land in Meitei-dominated areas.
• Persecution of Chin people by the Meiteis, who are native to Myanmar and ethnically related to Kukis.

Way Forward

• Repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958.
• Increase monitoring in border regions.
• Establish clear criteria for granting ST status to Meiteis based on various committee recommendations.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

D => (Pg-12)

Why in News?

The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal Police to hand over the investigation into the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials to the CBI. The court also ordered the transfer of cases involving the suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan to the CBI.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• National investigative agency.
• Established in 1963 based on the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption.
• Created by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs, now under the Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances.
• Derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
• Not a statutory body.

Composition

• Comprises a director and additional director.
• The director holds a tenure of 2 years with security of tenure.
• Appointed by the central government based on the recommendations of a selection committee.

Selection Committee

The selection committee consists of:

• Headed by the Prime Minister.
• Includes the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
• Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme Court Judge nominated by CJI.
• As per the 2014 amendment in DSPEA, the Leader of the single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha is also included in the selection committee.

Functions of the CBI

• Prevention of corruption.
• Maintaining integrity in government administration.
• Providing assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.

Practice Question – Prelims

Consider the following statements regarding the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

1. It is functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
2. It is a statutory body created under Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
3. The director of the CBI is provided with the security of tenure for 2 years.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None