International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

In 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with its headquarters in India, aiming to promote the conservation of big cats globally.

🔹 Key Highlights:

• Initial budget: ₹150 crore for the period 2023–24 to 2027–28.
• A multi-country, multi-agency alliance of 96 big cat range countries, conservation organizations, and business groups.

• Focused on the conservation of seven big cat species:
  1. Lion
  2. Tiger
  3. Snow Leopard
  4. Leopard
  5. Cheetah
  6. Jaguar
  7. Puma
• Proposed by the Indian Prime Minister in 2019, reinforcing India's leadership in wildlife conservation.
• Formally launched in 2023 on the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.
• Includes 16 countries (e.g., Brazil, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia) and 9 global organizations (e.g., IUCN, WWF International).

 MCQs in English (UPSC Level)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): (List Type 1)

1. The idea of establishing IBCA was first proposed in 2019 by the Prime Minister of India.
2. Its headquarters is established in Geneva, Switzerland.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) Only 1

2. What is the main objective of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)? (Simple Type)

(a) Conservation of marine biodiversity
(b) Global cooperation for the conservation of big cats
(c) Increasing agricultural productivity
(d) Protection of African elephants
Answer: (b) Global cooperation for the conservation of big cats

3. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer: (List Type 2)

Options:
(a) A-3; B-2; C-1; D-4
(b) A-1; B-2; C-3; D-4
(c) A-3; B-1; C-2; D-4
(d) A-2; B-3; C-1; D-4
Answer: (a) A-3; B-2; C-1; D-4

4. Consider the following Assertion (A) and Reason (R): (Assertion-Reason Type)

• Assertion (A): The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has 96 member countries and organizations.
• Reason (R): IBCA is limited only to the conservation of African lions.

Choose the correct answer:
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false.

5. Which of the following statements is correct about the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)? (Simple Type)

(a) It was established in 2024 by the United Nations General Assembly.
(b) It was launched in 2023 on the 50th anniversary of 'Project Tiger'.
(c) Its headquarters is located in Paris, France.
(d) Only Asian countries can become its members.
Answer: (b) It was launched in 2023 on the 50th anniversary of 'Project Tiger'.

"Jal Hi Amrit" Initiative

Launched:
In October 2024, the Government of India launched the "Jal Hi Amrit" initiative under AMRUT 2.0 with the objective of promoting wastewater management and water reuse.

Key Highlights:

• Encouragement for States/UTs:
  States and Union Territories will be encouraged to establish Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Urban Wastewater Treatment Plants (UWTPs).
• Reuse of Treated Water:
  The initiative promotes the reuse of high-quality treated water in construction, industry, and irrigation.
• Incentive Mechanism:
  A rating-based incentive system has been introduced. UWTPs will receive "Clean Water Credits" based on performance, encouraging healthy competition among cities.

About AMRUT 2.0:

• Launch Year: 2021
• Objective: To ensure universal water supply and improved sewerage systems in all statutory towns.
• Expansion of AMRUT 1.0 (2015):
  Greater focus on water reuse and sustainability.

Significance:

• Reduces Freshwater Stress and aids in groundwater recharge (e.g., Bengaluru’s lake percolation system).
• Contribution to Agriculture:
  Example: Reuse of wastewater in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
• India's Water Scenario:
  India houses 18% of the world’s population but has only 4% of global freshwater resources. Yet, India has the potential to reuse up to 80% of its wastewater.

Challenges:

• High treatment costs and technical problems such as membrane fouling.
• Social and cultural hesitation around the use of treated water.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen the PPP model to boost investments in wastewater management.
• Establish standards for clean water usage in industries.
• Implement a tradable water-use credit system for large-scale adoption.
• Leverage the National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water (2022), Power Tariff Policy (2016), and initiatives like Namami Gange to promote water recycling.

MCQs (English Translation)

1. Consider the following statements with reference to the 'Jal Hi Amrit' initiative:
   1. This initiative has been launched by the Government of India under AMRUT 2.0.
   2. Its objective is the distribution of clean drinking water to increase agricultural productivity.
      Which of the above statements is/are correct?
      (a) Only 1
      (b) Only 2
      (c) Both 1 and 2
      (d) Neither 1 nor 2
      Answer: (a) Only 1

2. What is the primary objective of the ‘Jal Hi Amrit’ initiative?
   (a) Promote urban housing construction
   (b) Install handpumps for rural water supply
   (c) Treat and reuse wastewater
   (d) Maintain water flow in the Ganga River
   Answer: (c) Treat and reuse wastewater

3. Match List-I with List-II and choose the correct answer:

Options:
(a) A-1; B-2; C-3; D-4
(b) A-2; B-3; C-4; D-1
(c) A-3; B-1; C-4; D-2
(d) A-4; B-2; C-3; D-1
Answer: (a) A-1; B-2; C-3; D-4

4. Assertion and Reason Type Question:
   Assertion (A): The ‘Jal Hi Amrit’ initiative can help address the water crisis.
   Reason (R): This initiative promotes water wastage and depletes groundwater.
   (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   (c) A is true, but R is false.
   (d) A is false, but R is true.
   Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false

5. Which of the following policy/initiative is linked with the promotion of water reuse under the 'Jal Hi Amrit' initiative?
   (a) Jan Dhan Yojana
   (b) National Green Policy 2018
   (c) National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water, 2022
   (d) Fertilizer Subsidy Scheme
   Answer: (c) National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water, 2022

Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024

In October 2024, the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 was released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, highlighting the alarming state of hunger globally.

Key Findings:

• According to the report, achieving the goal of “Zero Hunger” by 2030 is now deemed impossible, and the hunger eradication target may extend to the year 2160.
• Gender inequality, climate change, and hunger are interconnected, with women and girls being most adversely affected.
• The global GHI score is 18.3, categorized as moderate, but 42 countries are facing a serious hunger crisis.

India’s Performance:

• India ranked 105th out of 127 countries, placed in the "serious" category, with a GHI score of 27.3.
• Although hunger levels have decreased since the year 2000, high rates of child malnutrition and stunting remain a concern, indicating a strong link between maternal undernutrition and child nutrition.

Criticism:

• Experts argue that the GHI indicators focus primarily on children, use outdated data and small sample sizes, and hence do not accurately represent the broader population.

Major Causes of Hunger:

• Globally: Conflicts, climate change, economic slowdown, and displacement.
• In India: Urbanization, maternal undernutrition, and socio-economic barriers.

National and Global Efforts:

• National Initiatives:
  • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
  • POSHAN Abhiyan (Nutrition Mission)
  • National Food Security Act (NFSA) – all working toward reducing hunger and malnutrition.
• Global Efforts:
  • UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 – Zero Hunger
  • World Food Programme (WFP)
  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – promoting food security and sustainable agriculture.

MCQs Based on the Above Content:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Global Hunger Index 2024:
   1. In 2024, India ranked 105th out of 127 countries.
   2. According to the report, achieving the “Zero Hunger” target by 2030 is feasible.
      Which of the above statements is/are correct?
      (a) Only 1
      (b) Only 2
      (c) Both 1 and 2
      (d) Neither 1 nor 2
      Answer: (a) Only 1
2. In the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, India was placed in which category?
   (a) Low
   (b) Moderate
   (c) Serious
   (d) Extremely Serious
   Answer: (c) Serious
3. Match the items in List-I with those in List-II and select the correct answer:

Options:
(a) A-1; B-2; C-3; D-4
(b) A-2; B-1; C-3; D-4
(c) A-1; B-4; C-2; D-3
(d) A-3; B-2; C-4; D-1
Answer: (a) A-1; B-2; C-3; D-4

4. Assertion and Reason:
   Assertion (A): The Global Hunger Index (GHI) does not fully represent India’s actual hunger situation.
   Reason (R): The index mainly relies on child-related indicators and uses limited sample sizes.
   (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   (c) A is true, but R is false.
   (d) A is false, but R is true.
   Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
5. Which of the following global initiatives/organizations is working to eliminate hunger?
   (a) World Bank
   (b) UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2
   (c) IMF
   (d) Paris Climate Agreement
   Answer: (b) UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2