DRI busts illegal wildlife trafficking network, seizing ivory, leopard skin, live pangolins, and tiger parts; 11 arrested
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), through multi-agency joint operations with the Forest Department, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and USTR Anti-Poaching Unit in Maharashtra, apprehended 11 individuals across three operations to disrupt illegal wildlife trafficking networks.
- Key items seized included four ivory items/carvings, one leopard skin, two live pangolins (an adult and a baby), 3 kg of tiger bones, and two tiger canines.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Note the legal status under Schedule I of WPA 1972 for tigers, leopards, and pangolins, CITES Appendix I protection for pangolins, and Section 49B prohibitions on ivory trade.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze the effectiveness of inter-agency intelligence coordination (DRI, WCCB, Forest Dept) in curbing organized wildlife crime and illicit trade networks in India.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to wildlife protection laws and enforcement in India, consider the following statements: 1. Under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Leopards, Pangolins, and Tigers are all classified under Schedule I. 2. Section 49B of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits the trade, dealings, or possession of ivory and ivory items without a license. 3. Pangolins are listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). How many of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] Only one
- [B] Only two
- [C] All three
- [D] None
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Leopards, Pangolins, and Tigers are all listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which accords them the highest level of protection. Statement 2 is correct: Section 49B of the Act prohibits the unlicensed possession, trade, or dealings of ivory and ivory products. Statement 3 is correct: Pangolins are listed in Appendix I of CITES, meaning their international commercial trade is strictly prohibited.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.