Economy
Adjudicating Authority Under PMLA
PMLA and Attachment of Assets
- PMLA (2002) is the core legal framework to combat money laundering.
- Section 5 allows attachment of property suspected to be acquired through crime proceeds.
- Provisional attachment by ED is valid for 180 days.
- Adjudicating Authority, appointed by the central government, confirms/rejects attachment within 180 days.
- Confirmed attachment allows ED to claim possession.
- Unconfirmed attachment leads to automatic release of property.
Environment
Invasive Alien Species
Definition (CBD)
- Invasive alien species: Introduced species threatening biodiversity outside their natural range.
- Includes animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms.
Impact on Ecosystems
- Disrupt food chain and ecosystem balance.
- Dominate ecosystems with no natural competition.
- Example: Chital deer in Andamans (introduced by British, no predators/competitors).
Other Invasive Species in India
- Fish: African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, alligator gar.
- Turtles: Red-eared slider (outcompetes native species due to fast reproduction).