PIB Analysis 08-10-22

Part 1

Cheetah Task Force

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) would facilitate the working of Cheetah Task Force and render all necessary help.
The Task Force shall be in-force for a period of two years.
This task force may appoint a subcommittee to regularly visit the Cheetah introduction area as and when decided by them.
Cheetah restoration is part of a prototype or model for restoration of original cheetah habitats and their biodiversity.
This will help to stem the degradation and rapid loss of biodiversity.
Bringing back a top predator restores historic evolutionary balance resulting in cascading effects on various levels of the eco-system.
Bringing the cheetah back is expected to have important conservation ramifications.
The cheetah has been the evolutionary natural selection force that has shaped the adaptation of high speeds in Indian antelopes and gazelles.
By restoring cheetah, we would also be able to save not only its prey base comprising certain threatened species, but also other endangered species of the grasslands / open forest eco-systems, some of which are on the brink of extinction.

Review, progress and monitor the health status of Cheetah, upkeep of the quarantine & soft release enclosures, protection status of entire area, adherence to the defined protocols by forest & veterinary officials and advice on Cheetah introduction in India to the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and NTCA on status of Cheetah with respect to overall health, behavior and their upkeep.
Monitor hunting skills and adaptation of Cheetahs to the habitat of Kuno National Park.
Monitor release of Cheetah from Quarantine bomas to soft release enclosures and then to grass land and open forest areas.
Open Cheetah habitat for eco-tourism and suggest regulations in this regard.
Suggest and advice on development of tourism infrastructure in the fringe areas of Kuno National Park and other Protected Areas.
Regularly interact with Cheetah mitras and local communities for their awareness raising and also involvement in protection of Cheetahs in particular & area in general.

In a coordinated operation at sea, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Indian Navy apprehended a suspicious vessel carrying more than 200 kgs of narcotics.
The boat with its crew, has been escorted to Kochi for further investigation.
This is significant not only in terms of quantity and cost but also signifies a focus on collaborative efforts for disruption of the illegal narcotics smuggling routes, which emanate from the Makran coast and flow towards various IOR countries.
Apart from the human costs from drug addiction, the spoils of narcotics trade feed syndicates involved in terrorism, radicalization and criminal activities.
Successful conduct of this operation reaffirms our strong commitment and resolve of not allowing seas as global commons being used for illegal activities especially in India’s maritime neighborhood.

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) observed the “Cyber Jaagrukta Diwas” yesterday, to create cybersecurity awareness among all employees.
Cyber Jaagrukta Diwas is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs that requires all government organizations to spread cybersecurity awareness.
It is observed on first Wednesday of every month.
The purpose is to create awareness and sensitize the Internet users on safeguarding against cyber frauds and cybercrimes.