Solution (d)

Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime or the Budapest Convention is the first international treaty seeking to address Internet and computer crime (cybercrime) by harmonizing national laws, improving investigative techniques, and increasing cooperation among nations.  

The convention is the sole legally binding international multilateral treaty on cybercrime. It coordinates cybercrime investigations between nation-states and criminalizes certain cybercrime conduct.

It serves as a guideline for any country developing comprehensive national legislation against Cybercrime and as a framework for international cooperation between State Parties to this treaty. 

The Budapest Convention is supplemented by a Protocol on Xenophobia and Racism committed through computer systems.

This Convention has eagerly called for Indian participation since its formation in 2001, but India has decided not to be a party to it.

Article reference: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-quest-for-order-amid-cyber-insecurity/article32225383.ece

Solution (b)

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body established by States to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development. 

It was established in Panama City, on 21 April 2012 by 94 Governments.  It is not a United Nations body.  However, at the request of the IPBES Plenary and with the authorization of the UNEP Governing Council in 2013, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides secretariat services to IPBES.

Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is a report by the IPBES on the global state of biodiversity.

Article reference: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/fewer-species-more-disease/article32224701.ece

Source: https://ipbes.net/about

Solution (a)

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) 

• It is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia.
• Headquartered in Beijing, it began operations in January 2016 and have now grown to 103 approved members worldwide.
• India has been the bank’s biggest beneficiary, with a quarter of the AIIB’s approved projects geared towards its development. India has received the most funding of any country from the bank (received $4.35 billion)
• India is also the only country apart from China to enjoy a permanent seat on the Bank’s board of directors.
•  India is one among the 57 founding members in 2016 
•  India is its second-­largest shareholder (with 7.62% voting shares) after China (26.06%) 

Article reference: https://www.thehindu.com/business/aiib-to-look-at-indias-project-proposals-from-economic-view/article32225257.ece

Source: https://www.aiib.org/en/about-aiib/index.html

Solution (c)

Indian Rat Snake  

• Rat Snakes are also called the farmer’s friend as it helps rid fields of rodents and does the same in urban settlements 
• They are non-poisonous and will not attack unless cornered 
• Indian Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa), popularly known as Dhaman,  is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia
• It can adapt quickly to a variety of habits: arid land, open fields, farmland, coastal regions, freshwater or brackish water wetlands

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/indian-rat-snake-in-the-monsoon/article32227685.ece

Solution (d)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global public health concern as antibiotics are becoming inefficient against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. Rampant usage of antibiotics for human and veterinary purposes has resulted in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in the guts of humans and animals, which are subsequently released in to the environment. 

In India, factors such as high consumption of a broad spectrum of antibiotics, antibiotic fixed-dose combinations and antibiotic consumption in animal food contribute to AMR.

Mass-bathing in the Ganga during pilgrimages may be contributing to anti-microbial resistance (AMR), says a government-commissioned report on the threat from AMR. Such resistance —previously acknowledged to be widespread in India — is said to be the reason for certain key antibiotics becoming ineffective against diseases, including tuberculosis. Other than ‘cultural factors’ such as bathing in the Ganga, the drivers of AMR included excessive use of antibiotics in the livestock industry and unchecked discharge of effluents by the pharmaceutical industry. 

Article reference: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/antibiotics-extensively-misused-in-dairy-sector-survey/article32223803.ece