Why in news
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized ivory, leopard skin, tiger bones, and live pangolins in multi-state anti-trafficking operations.
Key terms
Section 49B
Provision in WPA 1972 explicitly prohibiting dealings in specified animal articles and ivory.
Schedule I Species
Wildlife category receiving highest legal protection with stringent penalties for violations.
CITES
International treaty regulating global trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora.
DRI
Apex anti-smuggling intelligence agency operating under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
What is the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972?
- Central law providing legal protection to wild animals, birds, and plants to ensure ecological and environmental security.
- Categorizes species into protective Schedules and regulates wild flora and fauna trade.
Operative Provisions and Statutory Protections
- Section 49B prohibits trading, dealing, or possession without a license of elephant ivory and wildlife derivatives.
- Leopard, Tiger, and Pangolin fall under Schedule I, attracting the maximum statutory penal penalties for hunting or trafficking.
Why it matters
- Demonstrates inter-agency enforcement where revenue intelligence agencies work alongside State Forest Departments.
- Aligns domestic wildlife enforcement with international CITES obligations against illegal wildlife trade.
Prelims facts
- Section 49B of WPA 1972 strictly bans unlicensed possession and trade of ivory.
- Leopard, Tiger, and Pangolins enjoy Schedule I statutory protection in India.
Mains discussion
- Role of intelligence agencies in curbing transnational wildlife crime networks.
Source: PIB
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2024 · Q20 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements Statement-I: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the "vermin" category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Statement-II: The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? -
2024 · Q10 · GS III · 10 marks
Describe the context and salient feature of Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023. -
2022 · Q75 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986? -
2020 · Q81 · General Studies · 2 marks
If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication? -
2020 · Q98 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. 36% of India's districts are classified as "overexploited" or "critical" by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). 2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act. 3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?