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Current Affairs- January 10, 2024

GS Paper II- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

1. Committee for “Prevention and Regulation of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector”

GS Paper II- Indian Society

2. Delisting Kukis, Zomis from ST list

GS Paper II-  Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

3. EU’s carbon border tax


Prelims Booster:- 

4. Implementation of criminal laws, security of data

5. International Purple Festival

6. Prasadam

7. Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

8. International Classification of Disease

9. Eucalyptus Snout Beetle


Committee for “Prevention and Regulation of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector”

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Context:
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) conducted the first meeting of the Committee constituted to prepare Guidelines concerning misleading advertisements in the coaching sector.

    • The Committee discussed the Draft of the Guidelines.
    • It highlighted the need for clarity, specifically in addressing certain aspects related to advertisements in the coaching sector

The Draft of the Guidelines:
    • The Guidelines shall be applicable to all the coaching institutes whether online or physical and cover all forms of advertisement regardless of form, format or medium.
    • The Guidelines prescribe conditions when an advertisement by a coaching institute shall be construed to be misleading advertisement as defined under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 which inter-alia include concealing important information related to the course opted by the successful candidates [courses opted by successful candidates (whether free or paid), duration of course etc.
    • The Guidelines provide that coaching institutes shall not make false claims regarding success rates or number of selections and any other practices that may lead to consumer misunderstanding or subvert consumer autonomy and choice.

DO’s and DON'Ts that need to be observed before coming up with advertisements:-
Coaching Institute shall mention requisite information with successful candidate photo:-
1. Rank secured by successful candidate
2. Course opted by successful candidate
3. Duration of course
4. Whether it is paid or free
  • Coaching institutes shall not claim 100% selection or 100% job guaranteed or guaranteed preliminary or mains.
  • The font of disclaimer/Disclosure/Important information in the advertisement shall be the same as that used in the claim/advertisement. The placement of such information shall be at a prominent and visible place in the advertisement.
  • It was also clarified that penalty for misleading advertisement by coaching sector will be governed as per Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
  • The Guidelines are just in the nature of clarification to the stakeholders and violations of the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 shall continue to be governed under the existing provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2019.
The Committee observed that there is an urgent need to issue the Guidelines and the Draft as discussed in the Meeting should be issued at the earliest

HOW THE ISSUE STARTED:

CCPA had taken suo-moto action against misleading advertisements by coaching institutes.

In this regard, CCPA has issued notices to 31 coaching institutes for misleading advertisement and imposed fine on 9 of them for misleading advertisement.

CCPA has observed that some of the coaching institutes mislead consumers by deliberately concealing important information with respect to courses opted by successful candidates, duration of the course so attended & the fees paid by the candidates.

CCPA also observed that some of the coaching Institutes also indulge in making claims like 100% selection, 100% job guaranteed and guaranteed preliminary and main examination without providing verifiable evidence.


CCPA:
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in India is a regulatory authority established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Objective: The primary objective of CCPA is to promote, protect, and enforce the rights of consumers. It strives to prevent unfair trade practices and ensure the availability of accurate information to consumers.
Jurisdiction: CCPA has nationwide jurisdiction and can take action against unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements that impact consumers across India.

Powers and Functions:

1. Investigate violations of consumer rights.

2. Initiate class-action suits on behalf of consumers.

3. Order recall of unsafe goods and services.

4. Impose penalties on manufacturers, sellers, or endorsers for false or misleading advertisements.

5. Ensure compliance with consumer protection laws.


Structure: CCPA consists of a Chief Commissioner and such number of Commissioners as the Central Government may appoint. The Chief Commissioner is appointed by the Central Government.
Advisory Role: CCPA can advise the Central Government on matters related to consumer protection, and it works in coordination with other regulatory bodies to strengthen consumer rights.
Class Action Suits: One notable power of CCPA is the ability to initiate class action suits on behalf of groups of consumers who have the same or similar grievances.
Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission: While CCPA focuses on policy and regulatory aspects, consumer disputes are addressed by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and other lower-level commissions.
Penalties: CCPA has the authority to impose penalties and fines on those found guilty of violating consumer rights. These penalties can vary depending on the nature and extent of the offense.


Related Search:
National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Prelims Specific:
About Guidelines
DO’s and DON'Ts with advertisements
About CCPA
Functions, Powers/ Jurisdiction/ Composition etc.


Delisting Kukis, Zomis from ST list

GS Paper 2: Indian Society

Context:
The Manipur government has been asked by the Centre to examine a representation seeking deletion of the “Nomadic Chin-Kuki” from the list of Scheduled Tribes in Manipur.

    • The Union Tribal Affairs Ministry said that a representation seeking delisting was made by Maheshwar Thounaojam, National Secretary of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), who is based in Imphal.

How are STs determined:
The criteria used by the government to declare communities as STs were decided upon by the Lokur Committee in 1965 and continue to be in use today.
These are:-
- Primitive traits
- Distinctive culture
- Geographical isolation,
- Shyness of contact with the community at large, and
- Backwardness.


About Kuki and Zomi Tribes:
The Kuki and Zomi Tribes originate from the region of Bangladesh and are predominantly settled in Manipur and Mizoram in India.
Recognized interchangeably as Chin or Mizo individuals, these communities share a unified heritage and cultural practices.
Their language diversity encompasses several dialects belonging to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo language family, which falls within the Tibeto-Burman division of the Sino-Tibetan language group.
They are part of the broader Zo community, which includes related tribes like the Chin and Mizo, sharing common ancestry and traditions.


Is Meiteis an ST?
A proposal to include the Meitei community in the ST list of Manipur was rejected once by the Office of the Registrar General of India in 1982 and again in 2001 by the erstwhile state government.
The Office of the RGI had said that the Meiteis do not appear to possess tribal characteristics based on available information.
The Manipur government, in 2001, agreed with the Office of the RGI, further saying that Meiteis were the “dominant group” in the state, were Hindus, and had already been listed in the Other Backward Classes category.


How ST status is declared?
Identification: The first step is identifying a community or tribe that is seeking Scheduled Tribe status. This is often done based on their distinct cultural, social, and traditional characteristics.
Recommendation: The concerned state government assesses the community's eligibility and sends a recommendation to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
NCST Review: The NCST reviews the recommendation, considering various factors like social and educational backwardness, geographical isolation, and distinctiveness of culture. They may also seek input from experts and conduct field visits.
Based on the data collected, the RGI may make recommendations to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) regarding the inclusion or exclusion of specific communities from the list of Scheduled Tribes.
Approval: If the NCST finds the community eligible, it recommends granting Scheduled Tribe status to the central government. The final decision lies with the central government, which issues a notification for inclusion in the list of Scheduled Tribes.

Process of Amendment in the ST List:-
  • The inclusion or exclusion of any tribe or tribal community in India's Scheduled Tribes list is solely governed by legislation passed by the Parliament of India.

A notification issued under Article 342(1) specifies Scheduled Tribes and serves as the means to amend this list.

  • According to a Supreme Court verdict, neither State governments, courts, tribunals, nor any other authority possesses the authority to modify or alter the Scheduled Tribes list specified in the Article 342(1) notification.
  • However, the central government has clarified that the process for inclusion or exclusion from the ST list starts with a proposal from the concerned State government. This proposal is then acted upon by the Parliament to make any changes.
  • The criteria for declaring communities as Scheduled Tribes were established by the Lokur Committee in 1965 and are still in use today. These criteria include primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with the larger community, and backwardness as determining factors.


Related Search:
Ceasefire Agreement
Ethnic Communities in Manipur
Boundry states of Manipur
Insurgency Threat in Manipur
Suspension of Operation

Prelims Specific:
How are STs determined
About Kuki and Zomi Tribes
Is Meiteis an ST?
How ST status is declared?
Process of Amendment in the ST List
Tribes of Northeast India


EU’s carbon border tax

GS Paper 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context:
The Commerce and Industry Minister said recently that the proposed carbon tax on imports is an “ill-conceived” move that would become the “death knell” for India’s manufacturing sector.

EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM):-
The EU intends to achieve the target of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, under the European Green Deal.
The CBAM is part of the package planned to achieve this.
There is also a threat to EU products being replaced by carbon-intensive imports from other countries such as India or China.
The EU argues that the higher standard of environmental compliance in its domestic industries will reduce their competitiveness.
Thus, it intends to impose an import duty on carbon-intensive industries from non-EU countries to meet both these objectives.

    • The policy intends to tax carbon-intensive products coming into the EU from 2026.
    • It is divided into two phases, with the first phase (transitional phase) kicking in from October 1, 2023.
    • Recently, the U.K. declared the enforcement of its own CBAM by 2027.
    • This is expected to cause a significant upheaval for India’s exports in the forthcoming years.
    • The CBAM is intended to work like the EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS).


EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS):
The EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) is a cap-and-trade program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union.
It sets a cap on the total amount of certain greenhouse gases that can be emitted by industries covered by the system.
Companies receive or buy emission allowances, and those exceeding their cap must purchase additional allowances or face penalties.
The system encourages emission reductions and promotes a transition to a low-carbon economy.


Challenges in Implementation of CBAM:
  • BASIC Countries' Opposition: Brazil, South Africa, India, and China oppose the EU proposal, citing discrimination and disregarding equity principles like 'Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities' (CBDR-RC).
  • Lack of Global Consensus: Criticism arises due to the absence of a global consensus, notably against Article 12 of the Rio Declaration, which emphasizes that standards shouldn't impose developed nations' rules on developing ones.
  • Issues with Greenhouse Gas Accounting: Concerns are raised regarding the policy's adjustment of greenhouse gas content in imports for importing countries, disrupting the conventional greenhouse gas accounting approach.
  • Potential Protectionism: The EU's carbon border tax policy is viewed as potential protectionism, raising concerns about 'green protectionism.' This raises worries that local industries might unduly benefit under environmental reasons, limiting foreign competition.


It's impact on India:-
India is reportedly among the top eight countries that will be adversely affected by the CBAM.
As per the Global Trade Research Initiative report, in 2022, 27% of India’s exports of iron, steel, and aluminium products worth $8.2 billion went to the EU.
It is estimated that a few of its core sectors such as steel will be greatly affected by the CBAM.

The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could potentially impact India in the following ways:-
  • Economic Impact: CBAM may increase the cost of exports for Indian industries. This could lead to a competitive disadvantage for Indian products in the European market.
  • Pressure for Carbon Reductions: To avoid the CBAM charges, Indian industries may face increased pressure to reduce carbon emissions. This could require significant investments in cleaner technologies, affecting the cost structure of businesses.
  • Impact on Energy-Intensive Sectors: Industries in India that are energy-intensive and have higher carbon emissions may face a more significant burden. Sectors like steel, cement, and chemicals could be particularly affected.
  • Shift in Trade Patterns: CBAM may lead to a shift in trade patterns, with countries that have lower carbon intensity gaining a competitive advantage. India may need to adapt its export strategy and focus on sustainable practices to remain competitive.
  • Adjustment Costs: Adapting to the CBAM requirements may incur adjustment costs for Indian businesses. Investments in technology, process changes, and compliance measures could strain the financial resources of industries.


Options India has:-
India seems to have limited options to navigate the CBAM framework.
The first would be to challenge the practice as being violative of the common but differentiated responsibilities principle agreed upon under the Paris Agreement.
Second, the EU could collect the tax and return the funds to such countries to invest in their green technologies.
This appears pragmatic, especially as the CBAM will enter the definitive phase in 2026.
India has already challenged the CBAM before the World Trade Organization under the special and differential treatment provisions.


Conclusion:-
The EU has failed to take cognisance of the other factors that might dictate the shift of production by EU industries outside the EU.
These include the availability of cheap labour and other modes of production, and the opportunity to expand in other geographies.
Thus the ongoing negotiations with the EU must be closely observed for this purpose.


Related Search:
European Green Deal
BASIC Countries on map
Energy Conservation Act in 2022

Prelims Specific:
About EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS)
Challenges in Implementation of CBAM
It's impact on India
Options India has

Implementation of criminal laws, security of data

Context:
Prime Minister suggested roll out of the new laws in all Union Territories by the end of the year.

    • At the annual police meet the Prime Minister is learnt to have suggested the three laws should be rolled out in a targeted manner in all Union Territories by the end of the year, instead of just in Chandigarh as was being planned earlier.
    • It was deliberated that every State would have the liberty to implement the laws in a phased manner.


Major Highlights:
  • A wide range of policing and internal security issues were discussed.
Like, Mr. Modi asked officials to consider the creation of a joint task force for the northeast States.
Joint Task Force will help in curtailing the insurgency in these areas as States often have their unique issues and work in silos and inter-State consultation becomes difficult.
  • A road map for implementation of the new criminal laws to be deliberated during the conference.
  • Futuristic themes in policing and security were discussed in the conference.
  • Concerns around various facets of the implementation of the three criminal laws, particularly storage and security of data were discussed threadbare at the annual Director General of Police (DGP) Conference that was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jaipur.
  • The regulatory loopholes in the implementation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar were discussed.
  • While speaking about illegal migration the ecosystem which supports such movement should be dismantled.
He was of the view that the investigating agencies and police should ponder how 6,000 Rohingyas reached Jammu from Rakhine State in Myanmar.

DGP conference:-
The conference discusses a wide range of issues including Cyber Crime, Data Governance, Counter Terrorism challenges, Left Wing Extremism, Emerging Trends in Narcotics trafficking, and Prison Reforms among others.
Since 2014, the Prime Minister has taken a keen interest in the DGP conference.
Unlike the symbolic presence earlier, he makes it a point to attend all sessions of the conference and encourages free and informal discussions that provide an opportunity for top police officials to directly brief the PM on key policing and internal security issues affecting the country.


Significance:-
The conference is the culmination of extensive deliberations involving police and intelligence officers from district, state and national levels on identified themes.
Best practices from States/ UTs under each of the themes were presented at the Conference so that States could learn from each other.


The Criminal laws:
1.The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
2. Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) which replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
3. The Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) that replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

All these laws were notified in the Gazette of India on December 25 2023.



International Purple Festival

Context:
The International Purple Festival kicked off on 08 January 2024, starting six days of celebration and empowerment for Persons with Disabilities.

    • The festival was a collaborative effort between the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the Directorate of Social Welfare under the Government of Goa, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

PURPLE Festival:
India's first-of-its-kind inclusivity, 'Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity' began in a glorious ceremony in Goa on 3rd Jan 2024.
The festival aims to showcase how we can come together to create a welcoming and inclusive world for everyone
The six-day festival’s purpose is to demonstrate to everyone how to promote diversity in our society and how to help one another.

Key Highlights of the Festival:
  • Disability Information Line (DIL): A milestone was achieved with the launch of India’s first cloud-based IVRS for Disability Information Line (DIL). The 24x7 service offers information on 21 disabilities, accessible through the toll-free number 1800222014.
  • Purple Fest Playbook: The launch of the Purple Fest Playbook provided an overview of the event's achievements and outlined actions for accessibility before, during, and after the festival.
  • Purple Anthem 'Dhumal’:  The Opening Ceremony featured the Purple Anthem, 'Dhumal,' showcasing performances by Persons with Disabilities and renowned creators from the Indian Music Industry, symbolizing unity and inclusivity.
  • PURPLE TV BHARAT: A dedicated channel, PURPLE TV BHARAT, was introduced to showcase ideas, success stories, interviews, and achievements of the Person with Disability Community globally.
  • Purple Rain Finale: The festival concluded with the Purple Rain, featuring diverse performances, including the international Mando by children from the National Association for the Blind, the traditional Goan folk dance Mussal, the classical dance 'Saraswati Vandana,' and an engaging performance by Hema Sardesaai.

Prasadam

Context:
Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare recently inaugurated the country’s first healthy and hygienic food street, ‘Prasadam’, at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

About Prasadam:
It marks the nation's inaugural "Healthy and Hygienic Food Street," recently inaugurated at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
This initiative aims to unite individuals from all corners of the country through access to authentic, safe, and locally sourced traditional cuisine.
Spanning 939 square meters and comprising 19 shops, Prasadam serves as a convenient hub offering culturally rich dining experiences for the 1-1.5 lakh devotees who frequent the Mahakaleshwar Temple daily.
The food street is meticulously designed to accommodate various amenities, including a kids’ play area, clean drinking water facilities, CCTV surveillance, parking spaces, public conveniences, and ample seating arrangements.

Mahakaleshwar Temple:-
It stands as a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva.
Notably, it holds significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
The idol of Mahakaleshwar faces south, unlike the typical orientation of other Jyotirlingas, as it is Dakshina Mukhi.
This five-tiered temple draws immense crowds of devotees, particularly during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
It is situated in the historic city of Ujjain, within Madhya Pradesh, the temple stands adjacent to the Rudra Sagar Lake.

Architecture of the Temple:
The temple complex boasts a spacious courtyard adorned with exquisite sculptures reflecting the Chalukya, Maratha, and Bhumija architectural styles.
Constructed primarily with stone foundations and platforms, the upper structure is supported by robust pillars and plasters.
Prominently featured are the magnificent lingam sculptures of Mahakaleshwar within the complex.
Additional images of Ganesh, Parvati, and Kartikeya grace the western, northern, and eastern sections of the sanctum sanctorum.
Moreover, the temple includes a tank built in the sarvatobhadra style.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

Context:
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.
He has also acknowledged the contributions and achievements of the Indian diaspora worldwide.

About Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas:-
January 9 marks Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, a celebration honouring the contributions and accomplishments of the overseas Indian community in India's development.
This significant event serves as the flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The day holds dual significance, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa to India in 1915, signifying his pivotal role in India's freedom movement.
Initiated in 2003, it was initially an annual affair but transitioned to a biennial event in 2015.
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas serves as a platform fostering connections between the Indian diaspora and their heritage, encouraging their ongoing involvement in India's progress.
Held in various cities, these celebrations spotlight the diversity and advancements across different regions of India.
To date, 17 conventions have taken place, with the most recent Pravasi Bharatiya Divas occurring in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in 2023.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Theme
The theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is chosen to reflect the current priorities and concerns of the Indian diaspora.
The theme of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2021 was “Contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat" and 2023 was "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress in Amrit Kaal".

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards:-
Another aspect of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.
The awards were initiated in 2003 by the Indian Government to recognize the achievements and contributions of NRIs and PIOs in various fields such as education, science and technology, arts and culture, social work, public service, trade and industry, and philanthropy.

International Classification of Disease

Context:
World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11 TM Module 2, Morbidity Codes launch event will be held in New Delhi on 10th January, 2024.

About International Classification of Diseases:

  1. Introduction to ICD:
    • The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a global standard for classifying diseases.
    • Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), it serves as a fundamental tool in healthcare worldwide.
  2. Basis of Global Disease Data:
    • Global disease data primarily relies on healthcare practices aligned with modern biomedicine.
    • ICD is the key framework for capturing and coding disease data globally.
  3. Significance in Understanding Diseases:
    • ICD aids in understanding the prevalence, causes, and outcomes of diseases and fatalities worldwide.
    • Essential information is derived from reported and ICD-coded data.
  4. Role of ICD Codes:
    • ICD codes play a crucial role in health records and disease statistics across different healthcare levels.
    • They are essential for cause-of-death documentation.
  5. Impact on Healthcare Administration:
    • ICD-coded data supports payment systems and aids in service planning.
    • Ensures quality and safety in healthcare administration.
  6. Facilitation of Health Services Research:
    • ICD plays a pivotal role in facilitating health services research globally.
    • It provides a structured framework for analyzing and understanding disease patterns.
  7. Limitations and Inclusion Gaps:
    • Presently, the ICD doesn't include data from Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and other Ayush systems.
    • There is a need for broader inclusivity to capture diverse healthcare practices.
  8. Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI):
    • CBHI, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, functions as the WHO Collaboration Centre for ICD-related activities.
    • Instrumental in collecting and disseminating disease and mortality data globally.
  9. Pivotal Role of CBHI:
    • CBHI plays a pivotal role in ICD-related endeavors, bridging the gap between global standards and diverse healthcare practices.
    • Contributes significantly to the enhancement and evolution of the ICD.
    • The ICD, guided by the WHO and supported by entities like CBHI, stands as a cornerstone in global health information management.
    • Continuous efforts are required to expand inclusivity and ensure the relevance of ICD in diverse healthcare landscapes.

About TM2 module of ICD11:
The Ministry of Ayush has introduced the Code for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani Medicine via the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardised Electronic Portal (NAMASTE).
In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Ayush has developed a specific categorization of data and terminology concerning diseases within the Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems, incorporating it into the TM2 module of the ICD11 series.
Moreover, the Ministry of Ayush has formalized this initiative by signing a Donor Agreement with the World Health Organization to further advance these efforts in integrating Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani data and terminology into the broader ICD framework.

Eucalyptus Snout Beetle

Context:
Scientists have found a natural remedy to protect eucalyptus forest plantations from a pest, the eucalyptus snout beetle, which is known to cause serious damage to eucalypts.

Highlights of Research:
The scientists gathered fungi from naturally infected beetles, enhancing the pathogen's ability to adapt to environmental conditions, optimizing its efficacy in controlling beetles within forest populations.
Their research revealed that Beauveria bassiana displayed exceptional effectiveness, causing a mortality rate of 100% through both contact and ingestion.
This fungi holds promise for the development of a bio-pesticide, enabling sustainable forestry practices through integrated pest management strategies.
Moreover, the fungi's potential extends to other countries grappling with severe damage caused by the same insect, offering a viable solution for pest control in various regions.

About Eucalyptus Snout Beetle:
This leaf-feeding beetle, also known as the eucalyptus weevil, is a significant defoliator of eucalyptus trees.
Originally from Australia, it has spread to various countries where eucalypts are cultivated.
Feeding on leaves, buds, and shoots, it stunts growth and causes considerable damage by defoliating trees.
Due to its strong flight capabilities, it can cause widespread damage and is often transported alongside forest products.
Controlling this pest primarily relies on costly micro-wasps like Anaphes spp.
As a solution, a team of scientists is exploring naturally occurring pathogenic fungi to address this issue more effectively.