International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is officially established as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization headquartered in India. The alliance focuses on the conservation of seven major big cat species—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma—around the world. It also seeks to address problems such as illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and climate change. The IBCA was officially launched on 9 April 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of India's 'Project Tiger'. As of 23 January 2025, the alliance received full international legal status with the approval of five countries—India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia. Several national and international organizations involved in wildlife conservation are also partnering with the IBCA.
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Launch Date: 9 April 2023
Headquarters: India (National Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change)
Objective: Global conservation of seven big cat species
Official Status: Treaty-based intergovernmental organization from 23 January 2025
Member Countries: 5 countries ratified the framework agreement, while 27 countries expressed interest to join
Species Covered: Tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma
Key Focus Areas of IBCA
Conservation: Protection of big cat species and their natural habitats
Illegal wildlife trade: Tightening anti-poaching laws and strengthening enforcement
Financial and technical assistance: Supporting range and non-range countries in conservation efforts
Climate change: Integrating conservation with sustainability initiatives
Research and monitoring: Sharing data and conducting ecological studies
Funding: Allocation of resources for conservation projects Management
Objectives and Functions
Global Conservation: Prioritise the protection of big cat species
Policy Support: Align strategies in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Collaborative Platform: Share conservation best practices and data
Resource Management: Ensure adequate funding for habitat protection and anti-poaching initiatives
Research and Monitoring: Continuously study the status of species and their natural habitats
Governance and Funding
Budget: ₹150 crore (2023-28)
Director General: Appointed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Inspiration: Modelled on the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Member Countries in IBCA
India
Nicaragua
Eswatini
Somalia
Liberia
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KAVACH: Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System
India is set to witness a major transformation in railway safety with the rollout of the KAVACH Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System across the country. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that this ambitious project will cover the entire Indian Railways network over the next six years. Its main
objective is clear – to ensure safer and more efficient train operations, as well as boost passenger confidence on one of the world’s largest railway networks.
What is Kavach System?
Kavach, which means “shield” in Hindi, is an indigenously developed technology designed to automatically prevent train accidents. It works through an automatic braking system, which stops the train when it exceeds the speed limit or approaches a danger signal. Kavach is characterized by its high reliability, having received the Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4) certificate. This certificate ensures that the system is highly reliable and reduces the chances of accidents caused by human errors. The implementation of Kavach will significantly improve the safety of Indian Railways, which transports millions of passengers every day.
How will Kavach be implemented across India?
The government has laid out a clear plan for the rollout of Kavach, aiming for its full implementation in the next six years. The process will involve public-private partnerships, promoting innovation while retaining government control over the railway system. This approach will ensure that the safety and integrity of the railway system is maintained while it is modernised with cutting-edge technology. The scheme will also support the government's broader railway modernisation initiative.
What does the initial budget allocation mean?
The government has allocated a capital expenditure of ₹2.65 lakh crore for the railway sector for the financial year 2025-26. This significant funding is to support the development of safety systems such as Kavach, infrastructure improvements and new technologies. It reflects the government's commitment to enhance railway safety and improve operational efficiency across the country.
How will Kavach adapt to India's diverse needs?
Kavach has evolved over time to tackle the specific challenges of India's diverse geographical and climatic conditions. The Kavach 4.0 version, approved in July 2024, has improved location accuracy and signal information. This upgrade ensures that trains can operate safely in various conditions, such as fog or heavy rain, which can usually affect rail services.
Who is behind the creation and implementation of Kavach?
Kavach is manufactured by leading OEM companies of India
The company is working with two companies, Medha Servo Drives, HBL Power Systems, and Kernex Microsystems. These companies are working together with RailTel and Quadrant FutureTech, who are responsible for the Kavach technology and it is approved by the Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) in September 2024. This collaboration is ensuring that the system is of high quality and is successfully implemented on the vast railway network across the country.
What impact will Kavach have on Indian Railways?
The introduction of Kavach is expected to have a profound impact on the safety of Indian Railways. The system will help save lives and prevent accidents by preventing collisions and reducing the risk of accidents due to human errors. The automatic braking system will ensure that trains maintain safe speeds and follow signals correctly, thereby improving operational efficiency. Over time, the Kavach system will help build trust on the railway system, making it a safer travel option for millions of passengers.
The future of safer railways
The rollout of the Kavach system is an essential step towards transforming India's railway network. By combining advanced technology, strategic partnerships and government support, India is not only enhancing its railway safety but also setting new benchmarks in the global railway industry. With its wide-reaching impact, Kavach promises to make Indian Railways a model of efficiency and safety, ensuring a safe journey for all.
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This New Zealand mountain got human status
COURTESY:AAJTAK
On 30 January 2025, a historic moment occurred in the New Zealand Parliament when the country passed a law that granted legal personhood to Mount Taranaki, also known as Tara Naki Maunga. This unprecedented decision recognizes the mountain as a living being with the same rights as a human. The move is deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Māori people and aims to correct past injustices and promote environmental conservation.
Why is Mount Taranaki so important to Māori?
Mount Taranaki is extremely culturally and spiritually significant to Māori tribes. For centuries, it has been seen as not just a mountain, but respected as an ancestor, a symbol of cultural identity. Māori people regard it as a living being, central to their heritage and traditions. The decision to grant legal personhood to Taranaki maunga is an important step to honour this long-standing relationship and highlights Māori's understanding of the world and nature.
How will legal recognition of Mount Taranaki work?
Under the new law, Mount Taranaki has been established as a legal entity called Te Kāhui Tupua. This means the mountain will have the same rights as humans, such as incurring responsibilities, having legal representation and taking legal action when required. A governing body, made up of appointed members of local Māori iwi (tribes) and the Minister of Conservation, will oversee the management and conservation of the mountain. This will ensure that Māori communities will play a key role in decision-making processes, and cultural connection will be made an integral part in caring for the mountain.
What are the environmental and cultural benefits of this decision?
This legal recognition will have far-reaching effects, especially in environmental and cultural conservation. For Māori people, legal rights to the mountain will ensure its health and well-being, preventing it from being sold or exploited. Mount Taranaki's legal personhood will help restore Māori traditional practices, which emphasize living in harmony with nature. The decision will also lay the foundation for the protection of the mountain's indigenous wildlife and ecosystems, which will promote sustainable conservation efforts.
How does Mount Taranaki's recognition fit into the global movement?
New Zealand's granting legal personhood to Mount Taranaki is part of a growing global trend to grant rights to natural resources and ecosystems. The country has already granted similar legal recognition to the Whanganui River in 2017 and the Te Urewera forest in 2014. The move reflects a growing awareness around the world of the need to respect and protect nature, recognising that ecological systems and natural landscapes are vitally important to the wellbeing of communities, particularly indigenous peoples.
What is the future of Mount Taranaki and Māori rights?
The bill, which was passed unanimously in New Zealand’s Parliament, clearly demonstrates the country’s commitment to correcting historical wrongs. It also symbolises New Zealand’s step towards reconciliation with Māori communities and recognising their rights to their land and resources. The recognition of Mt Taranaki is not just a legal decision, but also a cultural celebration, with traditional Māori songs performed to mark the occasion. This symbolic act of unity reflects New Zealand’s journey towards inclusivity and respect for its indigenous people.
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