1. POEM - 3 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, ISRO's PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission effectively eliminated debris in Earth's orbit by converting the final stage into the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3), which safely re-entered the atmosphere after completing its mission.

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) 

• About: It is India's cost-effective space platform created from the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle, which successfully launched XPoSat on January 1, 2024.
• Launched by: PSLV-C58 vehicle
• Objectives: Deploying XPoSat into a 650 km orbit, followed by a descent to a 350 km circular orbit to minimize orbit decay time post-experiment completion. 
• It is a three-axis-attitude controlled platform equipped with power generation, telecommand & telemetry capabilities to support various payloads.
• Orbital: By its 25th day in orbit, POEM-3 completed 400 orbits and currently orbits at approximately 322 km by 352 km. 
• Payload Operations: POEM-3 carried nine payloads from VSSC, PRL, Academia, and Space start-ups through IN-SPACe. All payloads, including ARKA200, RUDRA, LEAP-TD, WeSAT, BeliefSat0, RSEM, DEX, 100 W Fuel Cell Power System, and Si-C based High Power Li-Ion Battery, met their objectives with data collection during every orbit.
• Debris-Free Mission: With POEM-3's anticipated orbital decay and re-entry in three months, the PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission stands out for leaving zero debris in space, contributing to responsible space exploration practices.

Significance

• The increasing number of satellites orbiting Earth has led to a surge in space debris, presenting a significant challenge.
• LEO, where most space debris resides, encompasses crucial satellites for communication, navigation, and intelligence gathering, making debris mitigation imperative.
• Space debris in LEO hurtles at extraordinary speeds, up to 27,000 kilometres per hour, posing a substantial threat to operational satellites due to their sheer momentum and volume.

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2. ADJUDICATING AUTHORITY UNDER PMLA (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Adjudicating Authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) recently confirmed the attachment of assets worth Rs 751.9 crore belonging to the Congress party-promoted National Herald newspaper.

Adjudicating Authority Under PMLA

• About: It appointed by the central government plays a crucial role in confirming provisional attachment orders issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• Validity Period of Attachment Orders: Provisional attachment orders issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director remain valid for a duration of 180 days.
• Release of Property in Absence of Confirmation: If the provisional attachment order is not confirmed within the stipulated timeframe, the property automatically gets released from attachment.
• Continued Enjoyment of Property: During the period of provisional attachment, the accused retains the right to enjoy the property until confirmation by the Adjudicating Authority.
• ED's Power upon Confirmation: Upon confirmation of attachment by the Adjudicating Authority, the ED gains the authority to claim possession of the attached property.

After Confirmation of Attachment by Adjudicating Authority

• Right to Challenge at PMLA’s Appellate Tribunal: The accused can challenge the Adjudicating Authority’s confirmation order within 45 days at the PMLA’s Appellate Tribunal.
• Escalation to High Court: If the Appellate Tribunal confirms the order, the accused can escalate the appeal to the High Court.
• Status of Attached Property: Unless released, the attached property remains inaccessible to the owner until trial completion.
• Vacating Premises: Upon final confirmation, for residential properties, the ED demands the owner to vacate along with belongings, taking over possession.
• Confiscation upon Conviction: In case of conviction, trial courts may order confiscation, vesting property rights with the central government.

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3. PLASTIC OVERSHOOT DAY REPORT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A recent study has revealed that in 2024, a staggering 220 million tonnes of plastic waste are poised to be generated.

Key Findings of Plastic Overshoot Day Report

• Steady Rise in Plastic Waste: Plastic waste has been increasing steadily at a rate of nearly 10% (7.11% specifically) since 2021.
• Global Average Plastic Waste Per Person: The projected global average plastic waste per person for this year is expected to rise to 28 kilograms.
• Concentration of Responsibility: Just 12 countries are responsible for 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste, with the top five being China, USA, India, Brazil, and Mexico, according to the Plastic Overshoot Day report released by Swiss non-profit EA Earth Action.
• Expanded Scope of Analysis: This year’s report includes plastic waste from the textile industry and household waste in addition to plastic packaging waste, unlike last year's inaugural report, which focused solely on plastic packaging waste.

Plastic Overshoot Day

• About: It  marks the point when the amount of plastic waste generated exceeds the world’s capacity to manage it, resulting in environmental pollution.
• National Plastic Overshoot Days: Each country has its own Plastic Overshoot Day, which is determined by the amount of plastic waste generated and the country’s capacity to manage it.
• Country Archetypes: To facilitate targeted and effective solutions, 6 country archetypes have been established.
• Factors Considered: The profiling of countries is based on factors such as local per capita plastic consumption, the import and export volumes of waste, and the country’s waste treatment capabilities.

Plastic

• Characteristic: Plastic encompasses primarily of polymers. 
• Material Source and Composition: chemicals based on fossil fuels, such as natural gas or petroleum.
• Plastic Waste: According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), out of the 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic produced from 1950 to 2017, approximately 7 billion tonnes became waste, either in landfills or discarded.
• Plastic Waste in India: India has a population of more than 1.4 billion and generates 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste every day.

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4. INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: In a bid to manage the teeming population of chital (spotted deer) in Ross Island, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration recently sought help from the Wildlife Institute of India.

Invasive Alien Species

• About: Invasive alien species (IAS) are defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution threatens biological diversity.
• Scope: IAS encompass animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms, affecting various ecosystems.
• Characteristics: According to the CBD, IAS exhibit the traits of "arrive, survive, and thrive," needing introduction, native food resources, fast reproduction, and outcompeting native species.
• Legal Definition in India: India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), defines IAS more narrowly as species not native to India, whose introduction or spread may threaten wildlife or its habitat.
• Exclusion of Regional Invasives: The Indian definition excludes species within India that may be invasive to specific regions, like the chital in the Andamans, which are protected in mainland India but pose a threat in the island chain.
• Examples: African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, and alligator gar, and turtle species such as the red-eared slider.

Impact on Native Flora and Fauna:

• In the absence of competition, invasive species can dominate entire ecosystems, altering their dynamics.
• The African catfish in Keoladeo Park, Bharatpur, preys on water fowls and migratory birds, illustrating the direct impact of invasive species on native fauna.
• Economic Impact of Invasive Alien Species
• The IPBES report highlights that approximately 37,000 established alien species have been introduced worldwide, with around 200 new alien species added annually.
• The proliferation of invasive species can result in significant economic losses due to damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

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5. BAOBAB TREE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: In a groundbreaking conservation endeavour, the Global Society for the Preservation of Baobabs and Mangroves (GSPBM) has initiated a mission to rejuvenate the iconic baobab trees.

Baobab Tree

• About: The baobab tree, also known as the upside-down tree, belongs to the Adansonia genus within the Malvaceae family, subfamily Bombacoideae.
• Distribution: Nine species of baobab trees exist, with two native to mainland Africa, six to Madagascar, and one to Australia. Mandu, in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a notable area where baobabs thrive.

• Features:
• Baobabs are characterized by their longevity, with some living for thousands of years.
• They possess massive, bottle-shaped or cylindrical trunks with faint growth rings and compact tops.
• The fruit of the baobab tree is highly nutritious and either round or oval-shaped.
• It is renowned as the 'Tree of Life'.
• Ecological Significance:
• Baobabs play a crucial role as keystone species in Madagascar's landscapes.
• Their large trunks and extensive root systems store water, providing a vital resource during droughts.
• This water storage capacity supports diverse life forms, contributing to biodiversity in baobab habitats.

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6. DEFENCE ATTACHE (DA) (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: In a significant step to broaden strategic relationships with key global regions, India has initiated the appointment of military and defense attachés to numerous new countries.

Defence Attache (DA) 

• About: It is a representative of a country's defense establishment stationed in an embassy abroad, tasked with promoting and safeguarding defense interests.
• Expertise and Appointment: Typically a high-ranking military officer, the DA is a military expert attached to a diplomatic mission, maintaining their commission while serving in this capacity.
• Diversity and Representation: While the term DA encompasses all branches of the armed services, larger nations may appoint attaches specifically representing individual branches such as air force or navy.
• Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of a DA is to protect, develop, and advocate for their country's defense interests in the host nation, as well as fostering bilateral military relations.
• Specialized Assignments: Some DAs are deployed for specific tasks, such as addressing migration issues, and may participate in military missions with organizations like NATO, the EU, or the UN.
• Leadership and Multilateral Engagement: When serving on military deployments, DAs often operate as mission heads or military advisors, with assignments commonly involving multilateral cooperation.
• Diplomatic Status: The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, grants DAs diplomatic immunity, considering them as members of the diplomatic staff.

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7. SENIOR CITIZENS ACT 2007 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Vulnerable Sections of India)

Context: The Bombay High Court recently affirmed that the Senior Citizens Act aims not to void validly executed gift deeds but to reinstate the residence rights of elderly parents in homes gifted to their children.

The Senior Citizens Act 2007

• About: It encompasses legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights, welfare, and well-being of elderly individuals within society.
• Determining Senior Citizenship: The designation of senior citizenship varies globally, often beginning at ages 60 or 65, though specifics can differ based on regional regulations.
• Legal Obligation for Support: The Act legally obliges adult children and heirs to provide a monthly allowance for parents.
• Definition of Parents: According to the Act, parents encompass biological, adoptive, or step-parents.
• Protection of Life and Property: The Act includes provisions to safeguard the life and property of elderly individuals.
• Legal Provisions: The Senior Citizens Act typically includes legal provisions ensuring access to healthcare, financial assistance, and protections against elder abuse, though specifics vary by jurisdiction.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2019

• Expansion of Definition: The Bill expands the definition of children to include step-children, adoptive children, children-in-law, and legal guardians of minor children.
• Removal of Upper Limit: Under the Act, Maintenance Tribunals can direct children to pay a maximum of Rs 10,000 per month as maintenance to their parents; however, the Bill eliminates this upper limit.
• Extension of Appeal Rights: While the Act allows senior citizens to appeal Tribunal decisions, the Bill extends this right to children and relatives as well.
• Enforcement Measures: The Bill empowers Tribunals to issue warrants for the levy of due maintenance amounts, and failure to comply may result in imprisonment for up to one month or until payment is made.
• Regulation of Care Facilities: Introducing regulations, the Bill addresses the oversight of private care-homes for senior citizens and institutions offering home-care services.

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8. DIGI YATRA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Gov Initiatives/Policies)

Context: Digi Yatra is poised to expand to 14 additional airports by the end of this month, with ongoing efforts to enhance user-friendliness through architectural modifications, as stated by a top executive. 

Digi Yatra

• About: It is an industry-led initiative co-ordinated by the Ministry in line with the Prime Minister of India's Digital India's vision to transform the nation into a digitally empowered society.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
• 4 Key Pillars: Connected Passengers, Connected Airports, Connected Flying and Connected Systems
• Joint Venture: AAI (26% share) and 5 Airports (BIAL, DIAL, GHIAL, MIAL and CIAL).
• Objective:

oProvide a simple and easy experience to all air travelers.

oUtilize existing infrastructure efficiently through a "Digital Framework."

oResult in reduced operational costs.

oReplace current manual processes with digital ones for enhanced efficiency.

oImprove current system performance to elevate security standards.

Benefits

• Pax need not show boarding pass or ID at multiple check points.
• Minimum human intervention. Less queuing time.
• The security is enhanced as the system will map the passenger with the PNR. Only bona fide passenger will be allowed entry at every check point.
• Airport operator will have real time information on Passenger load and resource planning becomes better.
• Airlines will be benefitted by knowing the passenger position in the airport.

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9. COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: A brewing confrontation recently surfaced between the Tamil Nadu government and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) following the sudden removal of its deputed senior official amidst an unplanned meeting on April 1st by the state's finance secretary.

 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) 

• Constitutional Body: The Constitution of India (Article 148) provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
• Appointment: The CAG is appointed by the President of India by a warrant under his hand and seal. He is not eligible for further office, either under the Government of India or of any state, after he ceases to hold his office.
• Term of office: The CAG holds office for a period of six years or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. He can resign any time from his office by addressing the resignation letter to the president.
• Removal: He can be removed by the president on the basis of a resolution passed to that effect by both the Houses of Parliament with special majority, either on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
• He can be removed by the president on the same grounds and in the same manner as a judge of the Supreme Court. 

Duties of CAG

• The CAG conducts audits on expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India, the consolidated fund of each state, and the consolidated fund of each union territory with a Legislative Assembly.
• Auditing extends to the Contingency Fund of India, the Public Account of India, as well as the contingency fund and public account of each state.
• In an advisory capacity, the CAG provides guidance to the President on the prescribed form in which the accounts of the Centre and states should be maintained.
• Audit reports related to the accounts of the Centre and state are submitted to the President and governor respectively.

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10. QUESTION HOUR (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Analysis of the utilization of the Question Hour (QH) highlights distinct approaches between the NDA and UPA, showcasing variations in holding the Executive accountable through legislative interrogation.

Question Hour in Parliament

• Definition: The first hour of every parliamentary sitting, where MPs pose questions to ministers to hold them accountable.
• Regulation: Governed by parliamentary rules, with presiding officers of both Houses having final authority.
• Timing: Each Lok Sabha session in India initiates with the Question Hour (QH) from 11 am till noon.
• Parliamentary Engagement: During the Question Hour, parliamentarians pose inquiries to various ministers on a variety of policy matters.
• Preparation Period: Questions for the Question Hour need to be submitted around two weeks in advance. This allows ministers sufficient time to prepare their responses..
• Information Generation: The Question Hour generates a substantial amount of policy and political information.
• Kinds of Questions:

oStarred questions: Require oral answers and allow for supplementary questions.

oUnstarred questions: Demand written answers, disallowing supplementary questions.

oShort notice questions: Asked with less than ten days notice and are answered orally.

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