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ભૂગોળGS3
GS3

Enforcement Actions against Transnational Wildlife Trafficking

Source:PIB ↗

આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે

This article highlights the interception of illicit wildlife trade by enforcement bodies like the DRI, shedding light on wildlife trafficking networks that threaten biodiversity and intersect with transnational organized crime.

સારાંશ

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a nationwide operation against illegal wildlife trafficking, successfully seizing contraband including elephant ivory, leopard skin, live pangolins, and tiger parts, and apprehending 11 individuals, underscoring the convergence of customs enforcement and wildlife conservation.

મુખ્ય મુદ્દા

  • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched a major crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking across multiple states.
  • Seizures included elephant ivory, leopard skin, live pangolins, and tiger parts, leading to the arrest of 11 persons.
  • The operation highlights the role of customs enforcement agencies in curbing trans-border wildlife crimes and protecting endangered species under CITES and domestic laws like the Wild Life (Protection) Act.

મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)

India's apex intelligence agency for anti-smuggling, functioning under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance, responsible for combating customs fraud and illegal wildlife trafficking.

UPSC context

Important for GS Paper III (Internal Security - Trans-border Crime and Smuggling) and GS Paper II (Statutory Bodies and Enforcement Agencies).

Source
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

The principal legislation in India providing for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and regulating matters connected therewith, including anti-poaching and wildlife trade enforcement.

UPSC context

Crucial for GS Paper III (Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation) and Prelims environment questions.

Source
Customs Act, 1962

The primary legislation governing customs duties, import-export controls, and anti-smuggling measures in India, under which illegal wildlife cross-border trade is prosecuted as a customs offense.

UPSC context

Relevant to GS Paper III (Internal Security and Economy) regarding trade regulation and border enforcement mechanisms.

Source
CITES

An international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

UPSC context

Vital for GS Paper III (Environment, International Conventions, Biodiversity Conservation) and Prelims geography/ecology sections.

Source

સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો

Economy / Internal Security

What are the institutional mandate and statutory powers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)?

  • Apex Body: Apex intelligence agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance, combating smuggling of contraband, wildlife, and narcotics.
  • Statutory Base: Derives anti-smuggling powers primarily from the Customs Act, 1962, enabling search, seizure, and arrest across India and coordination with international agencies.

આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન

  • Wildlife Trafficking + Internal Security Syndicates

    Trans-border wildlife smuggling rings frequently overlap with narcotics and small arms syndicates, testing India's multi-agency border intelligence architecture.

  • Customs Enforcement + Wildlife Protection Act

    Enforcement actions under CITES require seamless coordination between customs intelligence (DRI) and state forest departments, bridging central fiscal statutes and state wildlife laws.

DRI's dual mandate under the Customs Act and CITES makes it a recurring UPSC target for trans-border economic and ecological crime.

સંલગ્ન PYQ · 3

સંલગ્ન PYQ · 3

  • 2025PrelimsGS1

    With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: Organization Some of its functions It works under I. Directorate of Enforcement Enforcement of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 Internal Security Division-I, Ministry of Home Affairs II. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Enforces the Provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance III. Directorate General of Systems and Data Management Carrying out big data analytics to assist tax officers for better policy and nabbing tax evaders Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched?

  • 2024PrelimsGS1

    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 ?

  • 2018MainsGS3

    India's proximity to two of the world's biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What counter-measures should be taken to prevent the same?