Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Intellectual Property Rights

Context: The Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) concluded in Goa, with all seven BIMSTEC member states reaching consensus on four key areas of regional cooperation.

Key Highlights of the Conference

• Four Key Areas of Cooperation: The BIMSTEC Nodal Group agreed to strengthen cooperation in:

• Institutional and policy cooperation.
• Standards and trade.
• Documentation and capacity building.
• Implementation mechanisms.

• Member states unanimously agreed to support one another in the areas of intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional medicine knowledge. The Goa Conclusions provide a foundation for future regional cooperation.

• Discussions focused on protecting community knowledge through prior informed consent, mutually agreed terms and equitable benefit-sharing.

• Participants explored the use of artificial intelligence in documenting traditional knowledge while addressing intellectual property and ethical concerns.

• Delegates visited the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, to learn about its tertiary healthcare and academic facilities. A plantation programme highlighted the shared commitment to biodiversity conservation.

About the Conference

• Organisers: Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in collaboration with the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, the nodal institute.

• Associated Meeting: Second Meeting of the BIMSTEC Nodal Group on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Intellectual Property Rights.

• Participants: Representatives from all seven BIMSTEC member states—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

• Key Objective: To promote regional cooperation in the conservation, documentation and responsible use of traditional medicine knowledge and genetic resources.

About BIMSTEC

• The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation established on 6 June 1997 through the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.

• Initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation), it was later renamed BIMSTEC.

• BIMSTEC comprises seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

• Its secretariat is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and its primary objective is to promote regional cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, technology, public health and other areas of shared interest.

New Wild Cat Species ‘Tilcayo’ Discovered in Bolivia

Context: Scientists have identified Leopardus tilcayo, a previously unknown wild cat species in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests, marking the first formal description of a new living cat species in more than a century.

About the New Cat Species ‘Tilcayo’

• Scientific Name: Leopardus tilcayo

• Local Name: Tilcayo, a name used by local communities and retained by researchers to preserve traditional knowledge.

• Habitat: Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests, located along the eastern slopes of the Andes, where the mountains meet the Amazon Basin.

• Physical Features: The cat has light-brown fur with irregularly shaped, leopard-like rosettes. It measures approximately 46 centimetres in length and weighs around 1.4 kilograms, making it smaller than an average domestic cat.

• Evolutionary History: Genetic evidence suggests that the Tilcayo lineage diverged from other tiger cats approximately 1.4 million years ago during the Early Pleistocene.

• Research Findings: Scientists analysed genetic data from 38 cats belonging to the Leopardus genus. The study identified five genetically distinct tiger cat species.

• Limited Knowledge: Only two live individuals have been examined so far. Camera-trap records suggest possible nocturnal activity, while scat samples indicate that small rodents may form part of its diet.

• Conservation Concerns: The Yungas region faces threats from deforestation, agricultural expansion, forest fires and mining. Further research is needed to assess the species’ population and conservation status.

• Additional Discovery: Researchers also identified a new subspecies in Peru’s Yungas, named Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo.

SLINEX-26

Context: The 13th edition of the India–Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, is being conducted from September 17 to 21, 2026, in Visakhapatnam, focusing on strengthening maritime cooperation and operational interoperability between the two navies.

About the Exercise

• Participating Countries: India and Sri Lanka.

• Venue: Visakhapatnam, under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command.

• Duration: September 17–21, 2026.

• Participating Naval Assets: The Indian Navy is represented by INS Kavaratti, an indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, a Fleet Tanker. The Sri Lanka Navy is represented by SLNS Sindurala.

• Phases: The exercise comprises a Harbour Phase, involving professional interactions, cross-deck visits, exchange of best practices, yoga, sports and cultural activities, followed by a Sea Phase focusing on coordinated maritime operations.

• Background: Conceptualised in 2005, SLINEX has evolved into an important platform for strengthening mutual understanding and maritime cooperation between the two navies.

• Vision: The exercise aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which promotes security, growth and development in the region through mutual and holistic advancement.

Significance

• Enhanced Interoperability: The exercise strengthens operational coordination and the ability of both navies to work together during maritime operations.

• Maritime Security: It contributes to a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region.

• Strengthened Bilateral Relations: SLINEX promotes the exchange of operational experiences, professional knowledge and best practices, reinforcing the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Context: Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema and his illustrious cinematic career.

More on the News

• Born on September 4, 1948, Anant Nag has appeared in over 300 films, including more than 250 Kannada films.

• He has also worked in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English cinema. He is known for his role in the Doordarshan television series Malgudi Days.

• He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2025.

About the Dadasaheb Phalke Award

• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest official honour in the field of cinema, instituted in 1969 by the Government of India to recognise outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Indian cinema.

• It is named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, who is regarded as the Father of Indian Cinema.

• Dadasaheb Phalke directed Raja Harishchandra in 1913, widely recognised as India's first full-length feature film.

• The award was first conferred on Devika Rani in 1969 for her contribution to Indian cinema.

• The award recognises lifetime contributions to Indian cinema, rather than achievements in a particular film or performance.

• According to the applicable National Film Awards Regulations, it includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of ₹15 lakh and a ceremonial shawl.

• The recipient is selected on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, constituted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The award is presented at the National Film Awards ceremony.

• Over the years, the award has recognised personalities from diverse fields of cinema, including acting, direction, music, production and other cinematic contributions.