Today's Brief 29-30/07/2024

Youtube Hindi : https://youtu.be/XHgrSbnizxg?si=pSOP7DOhqYT2n96T

1. The "Quad" group, formally known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD), is a strategic forum comprising four countries: the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. It aims to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The Quad's activities and engagements highlight the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges. Quad Group:
   

2. History: The Quad was initially formed in 2007, but it did not gain much traction and was later revived in 2017 in response to the increasing assertiveness of China in the region.

3. Objectives: The main objectives of the Quad are to ensure a rules-based international order, respect for international law, freedom of navigation and overflight, and the promotion of democratic values. The group also focuses on addressing challenges like terrorism, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance.

4. Meetings and Initiatives: The Quad members hold regular meetings, including high-level summits, foreign ministers' meetings, and working groups. They discuss various issues such as maritime security, infrastructure development, climate change, and vaccine distribution. For instance, in 2021, the Quad pledged to deliver one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Indo-Pacific region by the end of 2022.

5. Strategic Importance: The Quad is often seen as a counterbalance to China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The member countries share concerns about China's growing military presence and assertiveness in territorial disputes, particularly in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

6. Collaborations: Beyond security, the Quad collaborates on issues like technology, climate change, and economic development. For example, the Quad has initiatives on critical and emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and infrastructure projects to promote regional connectivity.

2.Manu Bhaker Becomes First Indian Woman To Win Two Medals At A Single Olympics Edition.

3. Agarwood & Research : India has successfully prevented the inclusion of Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Additionally, CITES has set a new export quota for the highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood and oil of agarwood from India, starting in April 2024.

What is CITES?

About: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

It seeks to regulate and monitor the trade of endangered species to prevent exploitation and ensure their long-term survival. Signed in 1973 by 184 parties, CITES came into force in 1975. While CITES is legally binding on the Parties, it does not replace national laws. Instead, it provides a legal framework to promote cooperation among its members, ensure sustainability, and regulate international trade.

Structure: The CITES Secretariat, administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The supreme decision-making body of the Convention is the Conference of the Parties to CITES.

Three Categories or Appendices: CITES classifies species into three categories or appendices, each offering different levels of protection:

• Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction, with trade permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

• Appendix II: Species not necessarily threatened with extinction but for which trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.

• Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country, which has requested other CITES Parties to assist in controlling trade.

Species can be added to or removed from Appendices I and II only by the Conference of the Parties. However, species can be added to or removed from Appendix III at any time by any Party unilaterally.

Review of Significant Trade (RST) of CITES

The RST process under CITES ensures that trade in certain species is sustainable and does not threaten their survival. Species are identified for review based on trade data, reports from member countries, or concerns raised by CITES scientific committees.

The status of these species is assessed to determine whether trade levels are sustainable and if they comply with CITES requirements.

If issues are identified, recommendations are made to the countries involved to improve management and conservation efforts, such as setting export quotas, improving legislation, or enhancing enforcement measures.

What is Aquilaria malaccensis (Agarwood)?

About: Aquilaria malaccensis, commonly known as agarwood, is a tree species in the Thymelaeaceae family. It is renowned for producing a fragrant resinous wood valued for its distinctive aroma. This resin forms in response to mold infection, and the resulting aromatic wood is known as agarwood, oud, or aloeswood.

Uses: Agarwood has been used for centuries in various cultures for religious, medicinal, and perfumery purposes:

• Perfumes and Incense: Highly prized in the perfume industry for its unique and long-lasting fragrance.

• Traditional Medicine: Used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for its potential to treat various ailments.

• Spiritual Practices: Used in spiritual rituals and meditation for its calming and soothing properties.

Conservation Status: Listed in Appendix II of CITES since 1995, Aquilaria malaccensis is not immediately threatened with extinction, but trade must be controlled to avoid exploitation that could threaten its survival.

CITES Eases Export of Agarwood from India

India successfully prevented the inclusion of agarwood in the RST of CITES, benefiting farmers in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura. This decision was based on a study by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The study, a non-detriment finding (NDF), concluded that agarwood could be sustainably harvested under certain conditions.

Key Points from the NDF:

Restrictions: No harvesting from existing wild populations, protected areas, or reserve forests.

• Permitted Harvesting: Allowed from home and community gardens, plantations on leased or patta lands, private or community plantations, and other plantations.

• Export Quotas: Recommended an export quota for 2024–2027, allowing for 151,080 kg per year of agarwood chips and powder/sawdust and 7,050 kg per year of agarwood oil.

Impact of Trade Restrictions

The lack of an export quota and other trade-related restrictions in India led to increased informal trade of agarwood products, raising global market prices. Despite having an export quota since November 2021, growers and farmers faced several legal restrictions, pushing them towards informal trade channels.

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