CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The MoU has been signed on March 7, 2016 at the Convention on Migratory Species Office in Abu Dhabi by the Ambassador of India to the UAE, Shri T.P Seetharam. India has become the 56th signatory State to sign the ‘Raptor MoU’ that was concluded on October 22, 2008 and came into effect on November 1, 2008.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia ( a.k.a. the Raptors MoU) is an international, legally non-binding agreement to protect migratory birds of prey.

Detailed explanation-3: -The statute makes it unlawful without a waiver to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell nearly 1, 100 species of birds listed therein as migratory birds. The statute does not discriminate between live or dead birds and also grants full protection to any bird parts including feathers, eggs, and nests.

Detailed explanation-4: -Some raptors that migrate to Africa (not necessarily East Africa) include black kite, Griffon’s vulture, Egyptian vulture, Pallid Harrier, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, long-legged buzzard, honey buzzard, Steppe eagle, red-footed falcon, and kestrel among others.