21 August 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. Joint Statement on India – Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2047076 )

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

Context

On August 20, 2024, Malaysia’s Prime Minister visited India, marking the first meeting with India’s Prime Minister. The visit highlighted the deepening strategic partnership, focusing on trade, defence, digital tech, and cultural exchanges. Both leaders committed to enhancing cooperation across various sectors and strengthening bilateral relations.

Multipronged India – Malaysia relations:

1. Diplomatic and Political Relations

• Enhanced Strategic Partnership established in 2015, evolving into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• Regular high-level visits and dialogues to strengthen bilateral ties.
• Agreement on frequent exchanges and joint meetings to address mutual interests and concerns.

2. Economic and Trade Cooperation

• Record-high bilateral trade of USD 19.5 billion; emphasis on sustainable trade practices.
• Collaboration on investments across multiple sectors, including digital technologies and finance.
• Support for reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to enhance trade facilitation.

3. Defence and Security

• Strong bilateral defence cooperation with ongoing dialogues, exercises, and capacity building.
• Expansion of defence industry collaboration and research and development initiatives.
• Joint stance against terrorism and transnational organised crime, with a focus on information sharing.

4. Digital and Technological Cooperation

• Signing of MoUs on Digital Technologies, including cybersecurity, 5G, and quantum computing.
• Establishment of the Malaysia-India Digital Council to guide digital collaboration.
• Promotion of local currency settlement in bilateral trade.

5. Cultural and Educational Exchanges

• Initiatives to enhance people-to-people interactions and youth exchanges.
• Cooperation in higher education with special allocations for capacity building in cybersecurity and AI.
• Establishment of academic chairs and agreements on pharmacopoeia cooperation.

6. Sustainable Development and Climate Action

• Collaboration in promoting sustainable energy and addressing climate change.
• Support for the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
• Participation in the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) for conservation efforts.

7. Tourism and Connectivity

• Initiatives to boost tourism and streamline visa regimes.
• Enhancement of air connectivity and promotion of tourism exchanges.
• Recognition of mutual contributions and efforts to increase tourism flows.

8. Multilateral and UN Cooperation

• Strengthening cooperation at UN forums, including support for a reformed UN Security Council.
• Commitment to a rules-based international system and enhanced multilateralism.

Practice Question:  Discuss the recent developments in India-Malaysia relations, highlighting key areas of cooperation and the strategic significance of their enhanced partnership. (150 Words /10 marks)

2. Last Date for declaring Exotic animals listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is 28 August 2024

Topic: GS3 – Environnement

(Source –https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2047102 )

Context

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has mandated that all living specimens of exotic animal species listed in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 be reported and registered through the PARIVESH 2.0 portal by 28th August 2024.This is part of the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024.

Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972:

• Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, lists animal species that are protected but not as strictly as those in Schedules I and II.
• It includes various exotic and native species, primarily those whose trade and possession are regulated to prevent overexploitation and ensure their conservation.

What are exotic species?

Exotic species are plants or animals introduced to a new habitat outside their native range, often through human activity. They may become invasive if they outcompete local species and disrupt ecosystems. Exotic species can impact biodiversity, agriculture, and ecosystems in various ways.

• Examples of animals included in Schedule IV are hares, vultures, falcons, kingfishers, porcupines, and certain bird species.
• While hunting and trade of these animals are restricted, the penalties for violating these restrictions are less severe than for those listed in the higher schedules.
• This Schedule helps in balancing conservation efforts with the legitimate use of these species by individuals and institutions.

PARIVESH Portal

The PARIVESH (Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous, and Environmental Single-window Hub) portal is an online platform developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in India. It facilitates the submission, monitoring, and processing of proposals related to environmental clearances, forest clearances, and wildlife approvals. PARIVESH enables stakeholders to track proposals in real-time, promoting transparency and ease in environmental governance.

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of the various Schedules under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in ensuring wildlife conservation in India.(150 Words /10 marks)

3. President of India confers National Geoscience Awards- 2023

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2047017 )

Topic: GS2 – Governance

Context

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred the National Geoscience Awards 2023, honouring 21 geoscientists for their exceptional contributions. Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering research in phosphorites and isotope geology, recognizing his decades of impactful work in the geoscience field.

National Geoscience Awards:

The awards are presented in multiple categories, including the National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement, National Geoscience Award, and National Young Geoscientist Award.

The National Geoscience Awards (NGA) are prestigious honours conferred by the Ministry of Mines, to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of geosciences.

Established in 1966, the awards aim to acknowledge the achievements of geoscientists, researchers, and professionals across various disciplines like mineral exploration, mining, environmental geology, and geo-informatics.