• A rare sighting of a Lesser Flamingo (Raj Hamsa) near Fish Mill, Malpe has excited bird lovers and ornithologists.

About Lesser Flamingo

• Scientific Name: Phoeniconaias minor

• The smallest and most numerous flamingo species worldwide.

• Native to sub-Saharan Africa and western India; occasional vagrants spotted further north.

• Prefers highly alkaline or saline lakes, lagoons, and mudflats.

Key Features

• Bright pink plumage, long thin legs, and distinctive red eyes.

• Unique deep red bill with black tip adapted for filter-feeding on algae and diatoms.

• Has a hallux (hind toe) unlike some other flamingos.

• Adult males are generally larger than females.

• Serially monogamous: pairs stay together during chick-rearing.

• Gregarious, living in large flocks with synchronized group movements.

Conservation Status

• Classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat threats and other pressures.

• The national capital is witnessing a significant rise in HFMD cases, especially among children.

• This has caused concern among parents and healthcare providers due to the rapid spread in schools and daycare centers.

What is HFMD?

• HFMD is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and young children, though adults with weak immune systems can also be affected.

• It is caused mostly by the Coxsackie virus A16.

Transmission and Spread

• HFMD spreads quickly in close-contact environments such as schools and daycare centers.

• The virus is transmitted through direct contact with saliva, mucus, feces, or fluid from blisters of an infected person.

• It is highly contagious during the first week of illness.

Difference from Foot-and-Mouth Disease

• HFMD is not related to foot-and-mouth disease, which affects livestock such as cattle, sheep, and pigs.

• They are caused by different viruses and affect different species.

Symptoms of HFMD

• Sores or ulcers inside the mouth, causing pain and difficulty eating or drinking.

• A rash with red spots and sometimes blisters on the palms, soles, and sometimes the buttocks and legs.

• Other symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, sore throat, and general malaise.

Recovery and Treatment

• There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD.

• The illness is usually mild and self-limiting, with symptoms resolving in 7 to 10 days.

• Treatment focuses on symptom relief, such as fever reducers and pain management.

• Adequate hydration and rest are important.

Complications

• Complications are rare.

• In some cases, especially with Coxsackie virus A16, patients may develop viral (aseptic) meningitis, characterized by fever, headache, stiff neck, or back pain.

• This may require hospitalization and supportive care.

Prevention

• Maintain good hand hygiene, especially after diaper changes or using the restroom.

• Disinfect common surfaces and toys regularly.

• Avoid close contact with infected individuals.

• Keep children with symptoms at home to prevent spreading the virus.

Latest News

• India has been elected as the Chairman of the Executive Board of AIBD during the 23rd AIBD General Conference held in Phuket, Thailand.

• This marks an important leadership role for India in the regional electronic media development sector.

About AIBD

• Established in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO.

• It is a unique regional inter-governmental organisation serving countries under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP).

• Focuses on electronic media development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mandate of AIBD

• To create a vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment in the Asia-Pacific.

• Achieved through policy formulation and resource development to support media growth and cooperation.

Founding Organisations & Membership

• Founding members include:

  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

  • UNESCO

• These founding organisations are non-voting members of the General Conference.

• Current membership:

  • 92 member organisations across 44 countries.

  • Includes 26 Government Members represented by 48 national broadcasters.

  • Includes 44 Affiliate Members from 28 countries/regions spanning Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arab States, and North America.

Secretariat Location

• The AIBD Secretariat is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

India and AIBD

• India is a founding member of AIBD.

• India last held the position of AIBD Executive Council Chairman in 2016.

• Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster, represents the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India at AIBD.

Recent Incident

• Fear Among Villagers: In Bhati Ki Bagchi, on the edge of the reserve, villagers are fearful because a tigress named RBT-2507, recently released back into the wild, has been frequently seen near human settlements.

Location and Geography

• Region: Southeastern Rajasthan, specifically in the Bundi district.

• Geological Elements: The reserve represents both Vindhyan and Aravalli geological elements.

• Area:

  • Core area: 481.91 sq. km

  • Buffer area: 1019.98 sq. km

  • Total area: 1501.89 sq. km

• Adjacency: Connected to the buffer area of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (northeast) and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve (south).

• Status: Officially notified as a tiger reserve on May 16, 2022.

• Water Body: The Mez River (tributary of the Chambal) flows through the reserve.

Topography and Vegetation

• Topography: Ranges from gentle slopes to steep rocky cliffs, covering features from the flat hills of the Vindhyas to sharp ridges and conical hillocks of the Aravallis.

• Vegetation: Predominantly Dry Deciduous Forest.

Flora

• Dominant Tree Species:

  • Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) is the most common tree.

• Other Important Flora:

  • Khair (Acacia catechu)

  • Ronj (Acacia leucophloea)

  • Amaltas (Cassia fistula)

  • Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica)

  • Saler (Boswellia serrata)

Fauna

• Key Predators: Leopards and Sloth bears dominate the reserve.

• Other Notable Animals:

  • Jungle cat

  • Golden jackal

  • Hyena

  • Crested porcupine

  • Indian hedgehog

  • Rhesus macaque

  • Hanuman langur

• India has extended privileges and immunities to IBCA and its officials under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947, facilitating its smooth functioning and diplomatic status in India.

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

1. Establishment

• Launched in April 2023 to mark the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.

• A treaty-based inter-governmental organisation focused on conservation of seven major big cat species globally.

2. Covered Big Cats

• Tiger

• Lion

• Leopard

• Snow Leopard

• Cheetah

• Jaguar

• Puma

3. Objective

• To facilitate collaboration and synergy among countries and organizations involved in big cat conservation.

• To consolidate and share successful conservation practices and expertise for effective global protection of big cats.

4. Membership

• Includes 95 range and non-range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and corporates.

• Open to all UN Member States:

  • Range countries: Where big cats naturally occur.

  • Non-range countries: Interested in supporting global conservation efforts.

5. Implementation

• The IBCA operates through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

6. Institutional Support and Funding

• India has committed ₹150 crore for 2023–2028 to support IBCA’s:

  • Creation of a corpus fund.

  • Building necessary infrastructure.

  • Meeting recurring expenses.

7. Current Members

• The alliance currently has 12 member countries, including India.