Supreme Court Orders Removal of Stray Animals from Public Spaces

What’s the News?

• The Supreme Court of India has issued directives for the removal of stray animals, including dogs and cattle, from public spaces.
• The court ordered strict compliance with a previous 2015 directive concerning the same issue, noting its implementation has been lacking.
• The order specifically targets high-traffic public areas such as bus stands, railway stations, and airports, citing public safety concerns.

Key Observations and Context

• A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice KV Viswanathan stated that the "unfettered" movement of stray animals in key public places is unacceptable.
• The Supreme Court is hearing a series of petitions that highlight the conflict between different High Court orders across the country regarding the management of stray dogs.
• The proceedings also acknowledged the practical difficulties and challenges faced by authorities in implementing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023.

Additional Info

• Past Judicial References:
  • Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja (2014): Affirmed the need for humane treatment of animals while upholding public safety.
  • People for Elimination of Stray Troubles v. State of Goa (2021): Reiterated that human safety takes precedence in managing stray populations.
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960:
  • This is the principal central legislation enacted to prevent cruelty to animals.
  • It provides the legal foundation for animal welfare rules, including population control measures.
• Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023:
  • Notified under the PCA Act, these rules mandate sterilisation and vaccination as the preferred scientific method for managing the stray dog population, as opposed to culling.
  • They outline the responsibilities of local bodies in carrying out the ABC program.
• Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973:
  • Section 133 of the CrPC empowers District Magistrates to issue orders for the removal of "public nuisances," which has, in some cases, been interpreted to include dangerous stray animals.
• Constitutional Context:
  • Article 21 (Right to Life): This fundamental right is often cited in petitions, arguing that citizens have a right to a safe environment, free from the threat of animal attacks.
  • Article 51A(g): This Fundamental Duty states that it is the duty of every citizen "to protect and improve the natural environment... and to have compassion for living creatures." The court's task is to balance these competing rights and duties.

Sources

• indianexpress
• nationalheraldindia
• news18

2025 Set to be Among Top Three Warmest Years: WMO

What’s the News?

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that 2025 is set to be the second or third warmest year on record.
• This continues an unprecedented warming trend, with the past 11 years (2015–2025) now being the 11 warmest years in the 176-year observational record.
• The findings were published in the WMO's State of the Global Climate Update, released ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil.

Key Report Findings

• Global Temperature Anomaly:
  • The mean near-surface temperature from January to August 2025 was 1.42°C above the pre-industrial average.
  • This follows 2024, which remains the warmest year on record (at 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels).
• Other Climate Indicators:
  • Greenhouse gas concentrations and ocean heat content continued to rise in 2025, building on record levels set in 2024.
  • Arctic sea ice extent, following the winter freeze, was the lowest on record.

Significance & Global Response

• 1.5°C Target:
  • WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stated it is now "virtually impossible" to limit global warming to 1.5°C in the near term without a temporary overshoot.
• UN Call to Action:
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres responded to the report, warning that every year above 1.5°C will "hammer economies, deepen inequalities and inflict irreversible damage."
  • He urged rapid, large-scale action to make any temperature overshoot "as small, as short, and as safe as possible."

Additional Info

• World Meteorological Organization (WMO):
  • A specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
  • It is the UN's authoritative voice on weather, climate, and water.
• Paris Agreement:
  • A legally binding international treaty adopted in 2015.
  • Its central goal is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, and preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
  • The WMO's data is crucial for tracking progress and guiding action under this agreement.

Sources

• wmo.int
• indianexpress
• news18

Steel Ministry Grants In-Principle Approval for AM/NS Slurry Pipeline

What’s the News?

• The Union Ministry of Steel has granted an "in-principle" approval for the construction of a slurry pipeline to support a new steel plant.
• The pipeline is for the planned integrated steel plant by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) India.
• The approval is a significant step forward for the project, which is reportedly planned at Nakkapali, Andhra Pradesh.

Key Developments

• Environmental Clearance: The MoEF recommended environmental clearance for the AMNS plant, which will have an initial capacity of 8.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and is expected to expand to 24 MTPA.
• Slurry Pipeline Approval: The Steel Ministry has invoked the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, to provide the right of way for the pipeline.
• Project Investment: The plant, with an overall investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore, is India’s largest greenfield steel project.
• Economic Impact: The plant is expected to boost the local economy by generating jobs, promoting downstream industries, and enhancing logistics networks in north coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Context and Significance

• Industrial Corridor: The AMNS plant will serve as a key anchor industry for the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Corridor, facilitating the growth of steel-based downstream units and machinery production clusters.
• Sustainability: The plant will employ advanced, energy-efficient, and low-emission technologies, aligning with global standards for sustainability and carbon management.
• Infrastructure Development: The slurry pipeline will provide an environmentally friendly method of transporting iron ore, reducing reliance on road and rail transportation.

Project Details

• Capacity and Phases: The first phase will target an 8.2 MTPA integrated steel capacity, with plans to eventually expand to 24 MTPA.
• Location and Timeline: The plant is located in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. The foundation stone will be laid during the CII Partnership Summit (14–15 November 2025) in Visakhapatnam.
• Land Allocation: The Andhra Pradesh government allocated the required land within three months and provided single-window facilitation to expedite statutory and environmental clearances.

Additional Info

• ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) India:
  • A joint venture between two of the world's leading steel companies, ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel.
  • It is a major integrated flat carbon steel manufacturer in India.
• National Steel Policy 2017:
  • This project aligns with the broader goals of the National Steel Policy 2017.
  • The policy aims to enhance domestic steel production capacity and improve the sector's efficiency and global competitiveness. Efficient raw material logistics, like slurry pipelines, are crucial to this goal.

Sources

• thehindubusinessline
• hindustantimes

CAG of India to Create Two New Specialized Audit Cadres

What’s the News?

• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, has announced a significant restructuring of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS).
• The plan involves the creation of two new, specialized cadres:
  • Defence Audit Officer Cadre
  • Digital Audit Officer Cadre
• This move is aimed at enhancing specialization and centralization within the nation's top audit body.

Key Cadre Details

• Defence Audit Officer Cadre:
  • Objective: To create a dedicated pool of experts for auditing India's complex and substantial defence expenditure.
  • Rationale: This addresses the need for specialized knowledge in defence procurement and operations, which differs significantly from general civil audits.
  • Context: This follows the earlier merger of the Railway Audit Department with the Defence Audit Department.
• Digital Audit Officer Cadre:
  • Objective: To build specialized capacity for auditing in an increasingly digitized governance landscape.
  • Focus Areas: This cadre will handle audits of IT systems, cybersecurity, and large-scale data platforms, such as the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN).

Additional Info

• Constitutional Provisions for CAG:
  • The CAG is a constitutional body established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.
  • Article 149: Details the duties and powers of the CAG, which are defined by Parliament.
  • CAG’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971: This Act, passed under Article 149, governs the CAG's functions.
  • Article 150: The CAG advises the President on the form in which the accounts of the Union and the States are to be maintained.
  • Article 151: The CAG submits audit reports on Union accounts to the President (for Parliament) and on State accounts to the Governor (for the State Legislature).

Sources

• thehindu

Gogabeel Lake in Bihar Designated as India's 94th Ramsar Site

What’s the News?

• Gogabeel Lake, located in the Katihar district of Bihar, has been designated as India's 94th Ramsar Site.
• This recognition brings the total number of 'Wetlands of International Importance' in India to 94.
• With this addition, Bihar now has six Ramsar sites.
• India continues to have the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and ranks third globally, after the UK and Mexico.

About Gogabeel Lake

• Type of Wetland: Gogabeel is an oxbow lake, which is a U-shaped water body formed by a river's meander.
• Location: It is situated between the Ganga and Mahananda rivers and connects to both during floods.
• Unique Status: It is Bihar's first community reserve, highlighting its management and conservation by the local community.
• Ecological Importance: The lake is a significant habitat for migratory birds and supports rich aquatic biodiversity.

Additional Info

• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:
  • An intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
  • It provides a framework for the national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
  • The convention currently has 172 member countries.

Sources

• timesofindia.indiatimes

FAO Releases State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2025 Report

What’s the News?

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released its flagship report, "The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2025".
• The theme of this year's report is “Investing in agriculture to transform rural areas”.
• It highlights that rural areas are home to 3.4 billion people and 80% of the world's poor, making rural transformation essential.
• The report calls for a strategic overhaul of public spending in agriculture to make it more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive.

Key Report Findings

• Inefficient Public Support:
  • Global public support for food and agriculture (for producers, consumers, and general services) averaged over $850 billion annually from 2020–2022.
  • The report argues much of this support is price-distorting, environmentally unsustainable, and ineffective in reaching small-scale farmers.
• Hidden Costs:
  • Current agrifood systems generate significant "hidden costs" (environmental, social, and health impacts) estimated at over $10 trillion globally.
• Pathways to Transformation:
  • The report draws on successful rural transformations (e.g., in China and Vietnam), which involved strong public investment in both agriculture and the rural non-farm economy.

Core Recommendations

• Repurpose Subsidies:
  • Shift public funds away from price-distorting subsidies.
  • Re-channel these funds towards investments in public goods and services.
• Invest in Public Goods:
  • Prioritize funding for agricultural research and development (R&D).
  • Enhance infrastructure (e.g., storage, transport, irrigation) and extension services.
• Beyond the Farm:
  • The report emphasizes that agricultural investment alone is insufficient.
  • It must be complemented by investments in the rural non-farm economy, education, health, and social protection.
• Develop Rural Hubs:
  • Foster "agglomeration economies" by developing small towns and rural cities as hubs for economic activity and services.

Sources

• fao.org