International Big Cat Alliance 

• The 1st International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Assembly was held in New Delhi. 
• IBCA is a group of 95 countries (range and non-range) focused on big cat conservation. 
• Covers 7 big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. 
• Launched in April 2023 to mark 50 years of Project Tiger. 
• Aims to promote collaboration and share best practices in conservation. 
• India is the host country and Secretariat of IBCA. 

Big Cat Species: Conservation Status 

International Labour's Conference 

• The 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) was held in Geneva, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO). 
• A new Convention on Biological Hazards was adopted, urging countries to create national policies for workplace safety. 
• Amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 were approved, ensuring rights like shore leave and repatriation for seafarers. 
• Discussions were held on improving digital platform workers' rights and reducing informal employment by promoting formal jobs and social protection. 
• The Global Coalition for Social Justice (launched in 2023) held its 2nd edition alongside the ILC to promote global cooperation on social justice issues.

Cyber Suraksha Exercise 

• The Ministry of Defence's Defence Cyber Agency launched the Cyber Suraksha exercise to enhance national cyber resilience. 
• It is a comprehensive cybersecurity drill aimed at simulating real-world cyber threats. 
• The exercise provides targeted training sessions to strengthen cybersecurity preparedness.

Turmeric Farming 

• Tribal farmers in Munnar, Kerala, resumed turmeric farming on abandoned lands with Forest Department support to deter wild animal attacks. 
• Turmeric acts as a natural deterrent, keeping elephants and wild boars away from farms. 
• The initiative offers farmers both protection and income, yielding around 5 tonnes per acre.