State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 28 Apr 2025

Musk Deer

Why in News? 

According to a Central Zoo Authority (CZA) report, Indian zoos have not yet started any breeding programme for the conservation of the Musk Deer.  

 Key Points 

• Lack of Population Data for Musk Deer: 
  • The report reveals no updated population information for the alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster). 
  • No recent estimates exist regarding the species' numbers in the wild. 
• Ineffective Conservation Response:  
  • In response to an RTI, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that conservation is a state responsibility and did not provide details about the Himalayan Musk Project started in 1982. 
    • The 1982 Himalayan Musk Project aimed to promote in-situ conservation and animal welfare. 
    • Over time, focus shifted to high-profile species like the tiger, neglecting musk deer conservation. 
• History of Captive Breeding Attempts: 
  • Captive breeding began in 1965 and intensified post-1975 under government schemes. 
  • Breeding centres at Kufri, Almora, and Chamoli failed to achieve goals of rewilding and musk extraction. 
  • All deer at Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary's breeding centre eventually died, leading to closure in 2006. 
• Confusion in Species Identification: 
  • The CZA report highlights that zoos often misidentified alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) and Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster). 
  • This confusion has hampered captive breeding efforts and proper species management. 
• Poor Management of Captive Breeding Programmes: 
  • Although breeding plans exist for various endangered species, many are either non-functional or poorly managed. 
  • Issues such as poor record-keeping, species misidentification, and lack of systematic tracking have weakened conservation outcomes. 
• Other Species Facing Similar Challenges: 
  • Endangered species like the Tibetan antelope, Nilgiri tahr, Ganges river dolphin, and Hangul also lack proper captive breeding programmes. 
  • Wild water buffalo and pygmy hog conservation efforts show some promise but remain fragile and underfunded. 
• Gaps in Genetic Monitoring and Research: 
  • Breeding efforts suffer due to insufficient founder stock and lack of genetic monitoring. 
  • India still lacks genome information for many endangered species. 
  • Research is constrained by forest regulations that restrict the collection of animal tissue and blood samples. 
• Need for Improved Scientific Investment: 
  • India needs significant investment in de-extinction sciences, conservation genomics, and wildlife research infrastructure. 
  • Existing facilities like Hyderabad’s Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species require better integration with zoo networks. 

 Central Zoo Authority  

• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established in 1992 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.  
• It is chaired by the Environment Minister and has 10 members and a member-secretary.  
• Its objective is to complement and strengthen the national effort in conservation of rich biodiversity.

NHRC Condems Pahalgam Attack

Why in News? 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, expresses deep distress over terrorists killing 28 people after identifying their faith in the Pahalgam area of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on 22nd April, 2025. 

 Key Points 

• Condemnation of the Attack: 
  • The Commission strongly condemns the brutal attack on unarmed, innocent civilians who were on a holiday in the valley. 
  • This heinous act has deeply disturbed the conscience of every right-thinking individual, as it involves a serious violation of human rights, affecting the victims and their families. 
• Role of Terrorism in Human Rights Violations: 
  • Terrorism has consistently been recognized as one of the primary causes of human rights violations globally. 
  • Immediate action is necessary against those who aid, abet, support, or advance terrorism, holding them accountable for the devastating impact of this menace. 
  • Failing to take action may lead to the erosion of democratic values, increased intimidation, reprisals, community disharmony, and grave violations of human rights, including the rights to life, liberty, equality, fraternity, and livelihood. 
• State Accountability and Justice: 
  • The Commission expects the State to take all required measures to establish accountability, ensure justice for the perpetrators, and provide support to the victims' families in every possible way.