Prelims Nuggets

UN backs Two-state Solution without Hamas 

Context: The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a resolution supporting a declaration that calls for tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps toward a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, without the involvement of Hamas.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Israel and the Palestinian conflict; Two-state Solution. 

India votes in favour of UNGA resolution on Palestine: 

  • Recently, India voted in favour of a resolution in the UN General Assembly that endorses the ‘New York Declaration' on peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and implementation of the two-state solution.
  • Asserting that the war in Gaza must end, the declaration said that Gaza is an integral part of a Palestinian State and must be unified with the West Bank. There must be no occupation, siege, territorial reduction, or forced displacement.
  • The resolution was adopted with an overwhelming 142 nations voting in favour. Those voting against included Israel, the US etc.
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What is the Two-state Solution?

  • The two-state solution is an internationally backed formula for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
  • It proposes an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It would exist alongside Israel.
  • The Palestinian Authority backs a two-state solution but Hamas does not recognise Israel’s legitimacy. 
  • Israel rejects a two-state solution. It says any final settlement must be the result of negotiations with the Palestinians, and statehood should not be a precondition.

India announced its recognition of Israel in 1950 and has recognised Palestine in 1988. India has long advocated the need to bring about a Two-State solution through purposeful dialogue and diplomacy. 

Genocide in Gaza: UN Commission of Inquiry:

  • After a multi-year investigation, the UN Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Israeli authorities have committed genocide in Gaza. 
  • The UN Commission found reasonable grounds to conclude that four of the five genocidal acts have been carried out since the Gaza war began following Hamas’s October 2023 attack in Israel. They include:
    • killing members of a community
    • serious bodily and mental harm
    • actions aimed at destroying the group
    • preventing births

Also Read: Is Israel committing Genocide in Gaza? 

The International Court of Justice is hearing genocide charges against Israel, and the International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2024. 

Women’s Economic Empowerment Index

Context: India aspires to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, but women who constitute nearly half the population contribute only 18% to the GDP. Their invisibility in data makes gender-disaggregated data crucial for inclusive growth.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Gender budgeting, WEE Index (Uttar Pradesh)

Mains: Role of gender data in inclusive growth, governance reforms, women’s economic empowerment.

Almost 196 million employable women in India are outside the workforce. The biggest barrier to women’s economic empowerment is not merely the lack of opportunities but their invisibility in data. Without gender-disaggregated data their participation gaps across education, skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship will remain stalled. 

Women’s Economic Empowerment Index: 

  • The WEE Index was recently launched by Uttar Pradesh. It aims to track the impact of government schemes on women's economic participation across all 75 districts of the state.
  • It is India’s first district-level tool to track women’s participation across five economic levers:
    • Employment
    • Education and skilling
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Livelihood and mobility
    • Safety and inclusive infrastructure
  • The index shifts focus from participation numbers to structural barriers that limit women’s empowerment. E.g., Data showed women dominate skilling enrolments but remain very low in entrepreneurship due to poor access to credit. 

Why Gender Data is Needed?

  • Inclusive Growth: Inclusive economic growth cannot occur if half the population remains invisible in policy datasets. Gender-disaggregated data ensures women’s contribution is measured, valued, and integrated into growth strategies.
  • Making Gaps Visible: Without a gender lens, existing indices on health, economy, and infrastructure mask inequities. Data reveals critical drop-off points such as high female dropout rates after Class 12 and post-graduation, or the gap between skilling enrolment and entrepreneurship.
  • Catalyst for Reforms: Visibility of inequities prompts departments to act. E.g., In Uttar Pradesh, data on low female representation among bus drivers and conductors, led to new recruitment strategies and women-friendly infrastructure such as women’s restrooms in bus terminals.
  • Shifting beyond Participation Rates: Gender data helps track retention, leadership roles, re-entry into work, and quality of employment, not just surface-level participation. It highlights systemic barriers such as limited access to credit for women entrepreneurs despite high skilling enrolments.
  • To improve Gender Budgeting: Gender budgeting is often confined to welfare schemes or finance departments. True gender budgeting requires applying a gender lens to every rupee spent in sectors like education, infrastructure, energy, and housing, and this is only possible if robust gender-disaggregated data exists.
  • Guiding Policy and Investment: Data makes it possible to design district-wise gender action plans, guiding budget allocations and infrastructure priorities.

A robust framework such as the WEE Index can be replicated and scaled in other states as well. It can help the states translate intent into implementation: turning data into district-wise gender action plans that guide budget allocations, infrastructure priorities and programmatic reforms.

Also Read: Budgeting for a gender-inclusive ‘Viksit Bharat’ 

INS Androth: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercraft

Context: The Indian Navy has received an indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare ship that is expected to boost its maritime prowess against the backdrop of China's growing forays into the Indian Ocean.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about INS Androth; Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercraft. 

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INS Androth: 2nd Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercraft

  • INS Androth is the second of the 8 anti-submarine warfare-shallow watercraft (ASW-SWC).
    • INS Arnala (named after the historic Arnala coastal fort in Vasai, Maharashtra), the first ASW-SWC was commissioned in June 2025. 
  • Built by: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Kolkata.
  • The name ‘Androth’ is derived from the Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago.

Key Features of INS Androth: 

  • Measuring 77 meters in length, Arnala-class ship is the largest Indian Naval warship powered by a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination.  
  • Advanced shallow water SONAR enables effective submarine detection and engagement in littoral zones. 
  • Equipped with state-of-the-art lightweight torpedoes and indigenous anti-submarine warfare rockets (ASW rockets). 

Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercraft: 

  • The ASW SWCs are part of a Rs 12,500 crore programme to build 16 shallow water anti-submarine warfare vessels under two contracts awarded in 2019.
    • GRSE is building 8 vessels, while Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) will build the other eight. 
    • The vessels from GRSE will form the Arnala-class. The CSL-built ships will be classified as Mahe-class. 
  • The ASW-SWC ships are being inducted into the Navy to strengthen its anti-submarine and coastal surveillance capabilities.

Significance

  • Strengthen India’s maritime defence: The vessels are designed to safeguard India’s coastline and shallow waters against any threats. E.g., Guard against increasing presence of submarines in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including regular deployments by Chinese and Pakistani naval assets. 
  • Self-reliance in defence manufacturing: The ship has over 80% indigenous content and is a testament to growing domestic capabilities and reducing dependency on imports.

The naval ships mark a critical phase in India’s naval modernisation, bolstering Navy’s ability to counter existing and emerging underwater threats and strengthen its presence in strategically sensitive waters. 

Anticipatory Bail under the SC/ST Act 1989

Context: The Supreme Court in Kiran vs Rajkumar Jivaraj Jain quashed the Bombay High Court order granting anticipatory bail to an accused of caste atrocities reaffirming the statutory bar under the Section 18 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Anticipatory bail and SC/ST Act 1989.

What is Anticipatory Bail?

  • Anticipatory bail is a pre-arrest legal safeguard provided under the Code of Criminal Procedure (now Section 482 of BNSS) allowing a person to seek bail in anticipation of arrest for a non-bailable offence. 
  • It is preventive in nature and distinct from regular bail, which is sought after arrest.
  • It was recommended by the Law Commission of India to protect citizens against arbitrary or mala fide arrests. 

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 explicitly excludes the application of Section 482 of BNSS which provides for anticipatory bail. 

Why is Anticipatory Bail barred under SC/ST Act 1989? 

  • Parliament introduced this bar to protect victims from intimidation, harassment, and coercion by accused persons after registration of cases.
  • The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of this bar in multiple judgments, holding that it does not violate Article 14 (equality before law) or Article 21 (right to life and liberty).
  • Offences under the Act are treated as a distinct class because they are rooted in systemic untouchability, caste oppression, and social exclusion.

In Kiran vs Rajkumar Jivaraj Jain (2025): 

  • The Supreme Court quashed anticipatory bail granted by the Bombay High Court terming it a manifest error and jurisdictional illegality. 
  • It held that courts cannot conduct a mini-trial at the bail stage and must only check for a prima facie case. 
  • The ruling reinforced that the SC/ST Act is a substantive shield to protect dignity and security of vulnerable groups. 

Judicial Precedents: 

  • State of M.P. vs Ram Krishna Balothia (1995), the SC upheld the validity of Section 18 emphasising the need for strong deterrent measures.
  • Vilas Pandurang Pawar vs State of Maharashtra (2012), the Court reiterated that anticipatory bail is statutorily barred when a prima facie case under the Act exists.
  • Prathvi Raj Chauhan vs Union of India (2020), the Court clarified that anticipatory bail may be considered only if no prima facie offence under the Act is made out, but not otherwise. 
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What is Kolhan’s Manki-Munda System?

Context: Adivasis from the Ho tribe staged a protest in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district against the Deputy Commissioner (DC) accusing him of interfering with their traditional self-governance system known as Manki-Munda system.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About the Manki-Munda system. 

What is the Manki-Munda system?

  • Traditional self-governance mechanism of the Ho tribe in the Kolhan region of Jharkhand. 
  • It is a decentralised system that has existed for centuries, and continues to function alongside the formal administrative apparatus of the state.
  • The Manki-Munda system involves:
    • Hereditary village heads (Mundas) who resolve social and political disputes at a village level. 
    • Higher-level chief (Manki): A cluster of 8-15 villages (called a pir) is headed by a Manki who deals with cases which were unresolved by Mundas.
  • Before colonial times, the Manki and Munda had no responsibilities for revenue or land-related issues. 

British Intervention: 

  • After the Permanent Settlement Act of 1793, zamindars began seizing Ho lands to meet revenue demands. 
  • This led to major tribal uprisings such as the Ho revolt (1821-22) and the Kol revolt (1831-32).
  • Unable to suppress the Ho people militarily, the British decided to co-opt their system of governance.

Wilkinson’s Rules (1833):  

  • The British appointed Captain Thomas Wilkinson as their Political Agent in the Kolhan Government Estate (KGE), an administrative unit created in 1837 to control the Ho-dominated region.
  • Wilkinson codified the Manki-Munda system into 31 rules, which became known as Wilkinson’s Rules. This was the first formal codification of any tribal self-governance system in India.
  • The rules recognised Mundas and Mankis as community leaders but turned them into agents of colonial administration.This codification facilitated the integration of Kolhan into British India and allowed the entry of non-tribal settlers (dikkus).
  • It also introduced private property, pattas, and the designation of Ho people as raiyats (tenants).

Post Independence developments:  

  • After 1947, the Kolhan Government Estate was dissolved, but Wilkinson’s Rules continued to operate. Indian courts recognised these rules as customs, even though they were not treated as formal law.
  • In 2021, the Jharkhand government recognised the traditional judicial system known as the Nyaya Panch to work on revenue related activities such as tax collection and reporting of land purchase and sale, maintaining law & order and settlement of disputes.

Issues with the Manki-Munda System

  • Hereditary Succession: The posts of Munda and Manki are hereditary, usually passed from father to son. This restricts opportunities for capable individuals.
  • Lack of Formal Education: Many traditional leaders lack literacy and training needed to manage land records, documents, and modern governance tasks.
  • Absentee Leadership: In several cases, Mundas stay away from villages for long periods, preventing villagers from accessing basic services.
  • Tensions with Non-Tribal Communities: Non-tribal groups such as Scheduled Castes and OBCs residing in Ho-dominated villages have complained of discrimination and restrictions on their livelihoods.
  • Vacant Posts: Out of around 1,850 sanctioned posts of Mankis and Mundas in West Singhbhum, nearly 200 are vacant, which hampers effective governance at the grassroots level.
  • Limited Understanding of Rules: Most leaders do not fully understand Wilkinson’s Rules or the 1837 Hukuknama, which complicates dispute resolution.
  • Dependence on state officials: Villagers often bypass Mankis and Mundas and approach the Deputy Commissioner, reducing the authority of the system.

There is a section of the Ho community, especially the youth, who want reforms to the Manki-Munda system.

The current conflict

  • In response to the complaints against Mundas and Manki, the district administration issued a nine-point directive reminding Mundas of their duties under the 1837 Hukuknama.
  • However, this was misinterpreted as interference which sparked rumours and protests. The officials have clarified that customary laws remain untouched.

Erra Matti Dibbalu

Context: Erra Matti Dibbalu or red sand dunes in Visakhapatnam have been included in the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Erra Matti Dibbalu. 

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Erra Matti Dibbalu: 

  • Erra Matti Dibbalu, also called Red Sand Hills, are unique red sand formations near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The formations belong to the late Quaternary period (50,000-20,000 years ago). They preserve records of ancient climate changes, monsoon patterns, and sea-level rise and fall.
  • The dunes stand 10-30 feet high and have a bright rusty-red colour due to ferrous minerals oxidising (rusting) over time.
  • Such red sand dunes are very rare and found only in three places in the world: Visakhapatnam, Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka.
  • Stone tools and pottery from microlithic, mesolithic, and paleolithic periods have been found here, showing that early humans lived in this region.
  • It was declared as a Geo-Heritage site in 2014 by the Geological Survey of India.

Erra Matti Dibbalu qualifies under UNESCO Criterion (viii) for representing exceptional records of Earth’s geomorphological and environmental history.

What do SC guidelines say on DNA?

Context: The Supreme Court has issued uniform guidelines to ensure the integrity of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples in criminal cases. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about SC guidelines say on DNA; Applications of DNA profiling. 

Importance of DNA evidence in criminal cases: 

  • DNA is a molecule that encodes the genetic information in all living organisms. It can be obtained from biological materials, such as bone, blood, semen, saliva, hair, or skin.
  • Generally, when the DNA profile of a sample found at a crime scene matches the DNA profile of a suspect, it can be concluded that both samples have the same biological origin. However, it is not substantive evidence in criminal cases. 
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What do SC guidelines say on DNA?

The SC in Kattavellai @ Devakar v. State of Tamil Nadu has issued four guidelines for cases where DNA evidence is involved. 

  • Collection and documentation: DNA samples must be collected with due care, appropriately packed and labelled (FIR number and date, sections and statutes involved, details of the investigating officer, police station). The document must include the signatures and designations of the medical professional present, investigating officer, and independent witnesses.
  • Transportation: The investigating officer must ensure that the samples reach the concerned Forensic Science Lab within 48 hours of collection. The reasons for delay (if any) must be recorded, and samples should be preserved.
  • Storage: No package shall be opened, altered, or resealed without express authorisation from the trial court.
  • Chain of Custody Register (logbook that tracks DNA sample till the case ends) must be maintained. The investigating officer is responsible for explaining any lapses in compliance.

Need to issue the directions:

  • Though some guidelines have been issued by various bodies, there is neither uniformity nor a common procedure to be followed by all investigating authorities.  
  • ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are subjects mentioned in the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, but the SC deemed it necessary to issue these guidelines to have uniformity of procedure.
  • Past rulings show that lapses in handling have led to DNA reports being rejected, making both proper collection and quality control essential. 
  • Unexplained delays in sending DNA samples to the Forensic Laboratory (FSL) can risk the possibility of sample contamination.  

Associated Court rulings: 

  • In Anil v. State of Maharashtra (2014): The SC observed that a DNA profile is valid and reliable, but this depends on quality control and procedure in the laboratory. 
  • Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2022): The SC rejected a DNA report on the ground that recovery was made from an open area and the likelihood of its contamination cannot be ruled out. The blood stains found on the articles were disintegrated, and the quantity was insufficient to run any classification test.
  • Rahul v. State of Delhi (2022): The DNA evidence was rejected because it remained in the Police Malkhana for two months and during such time, the possibility of tampering could not be ruled out.
  • Kattavellai @ Devakar v. State of Tamil Nadu (2025): The SC  stated that DNA evidence is in the nature of opinion evidence as envisaged under Section 45 of the Evidence Act. Like any other opinion evidence, its probative value varies from case to case. Therefore, DNA evidence must be proved scientifically and legally. 

The investigating agency needs to ensure that samples are collected properly, without contamination, and sent to the FSL without delay. 

Also Read: DNA Profling 

What is the Scarborough Shoal and what is China planning there?

Context: China has approved the creation of a national reserve at Scarborough shoal - one of Asia’s most contested maritime features and a diplomatic flashpoint between China and the Philippines.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Scarborough Shoal. 

Recent Developments: 

  • China has approved creation of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal that it says is to preserve 3,524-hectare area of the coral reef ecosystem. It would cover the entire north-eastern side of the triangle-shaped atoll, with close proximity to the sole entrance for larger vessels.
  • The Philippines has urged China to respect the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Philippines over Scarborough Shoal, and any Chinese construction at Scarborough would be a red line.
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What is Scarborough Shoal? 

  • Chain of reefs in the South China Sea forming a triangular atoll with a central lagoon. It is a disputed atoll in South China Sea claimed by both China and the Philippines.
  • Located about 200 km west of Luzon, Philippines, it lies well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under UNCLOS.
  • Coveted for its rich fish stocks, potential hydrocarbon reserves, and safe haven for vessels during storms. 
  • It is named Huangyan Island by China, while the Philippines calls it the Panatag Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc. 

Who does the atoll belong to? 

  • The Philippines and China both lay claim to the Scarborough Shoal, but sovereignty has never been legally established.
  • The shoal is effectively under Beijing’s control, with Chinese coast guard and fishing vessels maintaining constant presence.
  • China seized the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines and has held it since then. Filipino boats continue to operate there, but they are dwarfed by China’s larger deployment and face restrictions.
  • The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2016 ruled in favour of the Philippines on various South China Sea issues, but establishing sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal was not within its scope, leaving ownership unresolved. The ruling affirmed that the China blockade violated international law as it is a traditional fishing ground for multiple countries, including the Philippines, China, and Vietnam.

INS Aravali Naval Base 

Context: The Indian Navy has commissioned its latest naval base- INS Aravali at Gurugram, Haryana designed to strengthen the Navy’s information and communication infrastructure.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key Features of INS Aravali

Key Features of INS Aravali

  • INS Aravali is the Indian Navy’s new information and communication hub. It is designed to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through global connectivity and AI driven threat detection.
  • The base is designed to link naval platforms and international partners “across oceans,” strengthening collaborative maritime operations.
  • A significant feature is its connectivity to a network of 43 multinational centers across 25 countries, including the U.S., France, and Japan, enabling live data sharing and collaboration with allies. 
  • The base is named after the Aravali mountain range. 

The motto of INS Aravali is “Maritime Security through Collaboration”, reflecting its role in integrating naval units, MDA centres, and allied stakeholders.

The base aligns with the Indian government's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region) and reinforces India's role as a trusted security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

Vultures: Role and Conservation  

Context: Vultures, nature's most efficient waste managers, can play a crucial role in public health. The National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2020-2025) is nearing its completion. This offers an opportunity to integrate biodiversity protection with pandemic preparedness.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Vultures; Role of Vultures; Vulture Conservation. 

Ecological and Public Health Role of Vultures

  • Vultures are obligate scavengers that play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling and removal of soil and water contaminants. 
  • Their scavenging function reduces opportunities for stray dogs and rodents to feed on carcasses, which otherwise act as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens. They prevent the spread of pathogens like Anthrax, Clostridium botulinum, and Rabies.

As the first animals to encounter carcasses, they can play a pivotal role in surveillance and safe carcass management.

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Status of Vultures in India

  • India is home to 9 species of Vultures. India once had over 40 million vultures, but their population has declined by over 95% since the 1990s, primarily due to the veterinary drug diclofenac.
  • This decline represents not only an ecological loss but also a public health challenge linked to the risk of future pandemics.
  • Vultures in India are part of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), a major migratory corridor spanning 30+ countries, connecting ecosystems and disease risks across borders.
  • Decline in vulture numbers increases the risk of spillover events, as poorly managed carcasses turn into hotspots for zoonotic pathogens. 

Threats to Vultures: 

  • Consumption of carcasses of livestock treated with diclofenac leads to renal failure in vultures damaging their excretory system (direct inhibition of uric acid secretion in vultures), and causes their fatality. Diclofenac is a common anti-inflammatory drug administered to livestock and is used to treat the symptoms of inflammation, fevers and/or pain associated with disease or wounds. 
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation: Urbanisation, expansion of Agriculture, deforestation leads to destruction of nesting sites and habitat of Vultures. 
  • Reduction in prey-base, changes in cattle disposal methods, and electrocution with power lines. 

Challenges in Vulture Conservation: 

  • Conservation programmes remain fragmented and underfunded, with limited integration into One Health strategies.
  • Infrastructure risks like electrocution from power lines and poisoning from toxic veterinary drugs remain unchecked.

Efforts for Vulture Conservation: 

  • National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2020-25): The Action Plan for the conservation of vultures includes setting up 8 Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres and Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs) in the country. 
  • In 2023, the government banned veterinary use of Aceclofenac and Ketoprofen which were found to be toxic to vultures. The government has already banned the veterinary use of Diclofenac in 2006 to protect the species from further harm.

India has the opportunity to frame a post-2025 strategy that integrates biodiversity conservation with pandemic preparedness. By embedding vulture protection in national and regional One Health strategies, India can showcase a global model where biodiversity conservation doubles as pandemic prevention.

Also Read: Vulture population in India 

Translocation of Tigers to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has given permission for translocation of eight tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) and Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. It is aimed to revive the big cat’s population in the northern Western Ghats. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve; Pench Tiger Reserve; Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. 

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve: 

  • Location: Sahyadri Ranges of Western Maharashtra.
  • STR is spread across Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ratnagiri districts of Maharashtra. 
  • The reserve was notified by amalgamating Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. 
  • The central portion of STR is occupied by Shivsagar reservoir of Koyana river and Vasant Sagar reservoir of Warana river. 
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Pench Tiger Reserve:

  • Location: Southern slopes of Satpura range. Spread in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.   
  • PTR comprises Pench National Park and Mowgli Pench Sanctuary. 
  • Pench river flows through the park from north to south and splits the park into two. Meghdoot dam on Pench river is located on the boundary of this Tiger Reserve.

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve:

  • Location: Chandrapur district, Maharashtra in the Vidarbha region. 
  • The tiger reserve consists of Tadoba National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. 
  • The Andhari river passes through this reserve.

Key Facts about Tiger: 

  • Tiger is an umbrella species. Its conservation automatically ensures the conversation of a large number of flora and fauna and entire ecosystems.
  • India is home to 75% of the global tiger population. 
    • The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) conducts a tiger census across India every 4 years.
    • Latest Tiger Census Report (2022): India has 3682 tigers. (2967 in 2018)
    • Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of tigers (785) in India, followed by Karnataka and Uttarakhand. 
  • Conservation status: 
    • IUCN Red List: Endangered 
    • Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule 1
    • CITES: Appendix 1 

Also Read: List of Tiger Reserves in India 

Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act 

Context: Recently, a sitting legislator (MLA) in Jammu and Kashmir was detained under the Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA) for one year. 

Relevance of the Topic : Prelims: Key features of PSA; Preventive Detention; Article 22

About Jammu & Kashmir Public Safety Act: 

  • The Public Safety Act was enacted in 1978 by the J&K Legislative Assembly to curb timber smuggling in the state.
  • Over time, the Act has become a tool for preventive detention of political opponents, dissenters, journalists, and protesters. E.g., On the eve of Article 370’s abrogation, hundreds, including former Chief Ministers, were detained under PSA.

After the abrogation of Article 370, the PSA is now deemed a law passed by the Indian Parliament.

Key Provisions of the Public Safety Act: 

  • Preventive Detention: The Act authorises detention without trial for up to 2 years, if individuals are considered a threat to the security of the state. Allows detention up to 1 year if they are deemed a threat to public order.
  • Grounds of Detention: Individuals can be detained if the administration is satisfied that they might act in a manner prejudicial to security or public order. The power is based on “subjective satisfaction” of the executive authorities (District Magistrates/Divisional Commissioners).
  • Communication of Grounds: Grounds of detention must be conveyed to the detainee. However, Section 13(2) allows the government to withhold grounds if disclosure is deemed against “public interest.”
  • Advisory Board Review: Detention orders must be reviewed by an Advisory Board (of High Court judges). 
  • Restrictions on Legal Remedies: Individuals cannot directly represent themselves before the Advisory Board. Courts often avoid probing into the merits of detention if the executive claims satisfaction.

Concerns associated with J&K Public Safety Act: 

The Act has been repeatedly flagged by UN Human Rights bodies as a “lawless law” because it:

  • permits prolonged preventive detention without trial
  • relies on vague definitions like public order
  • restricts legal remedies
  • undermines rights guaranteed under both the Indian Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). 

Also Read: Preventive Detention laws in India: How preventive detention works?

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