Space

Stage-2 of Vikram-1 Space Launch Vehicle

Developed by Skyroot Aerospace – leading Indian space-tech company.
Significance:
- First private orbital rocket launch for India (Vikram-1).
- Successful test firing of the second stage (Kalam-250) – propels satellites from Earth’s atmosphere to space.
- High-strength carbon composite rocket motor with solid fuel and EPDM Thermal Protection System (TPS).

Law

POSCO Offence to be Tried as per JJ Act

Kerala High Court ruling: Child charged under POCSO Act (2012) to be prosecuted under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act (JJ Act).
POCSO Act:
- Protects children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
- Defines child as anyone below 18 years.
- Stringent punishment for offenders.
JJ Act (2015):
- Aims to achieve UN Convention on the Rights of Children.
- Specifies procedures for children in conflict with law.
- Addresses issues like adoption delays and increased crime by 16-18 year olds.

Luna Structure

8-kilometer wide crater linked to Harappan Civilization and potentially caused by a massive meteorite impact.
Location: Low-lying Banni Plains of Gujarat’s Kutch Basin (submerged for part of the year).
Possible impact effects: Fireball, shockwaves, wildfires.
Evidence of extraterrestrial origin: Presence of elements like Rhodium, Palladium, Osmium, Iridium, and Platinum in surrounding rocks.
Difficulty in studying the impact site due to dense ground cover.

Meteoroids vs Meteors vs Meteorites

Meteoroids: Rocks or iron orbiting the sun (most from asteroid collisions).
Meteors: Burning meteoroids entering Earth’s atmosphere (fireballs or “shooting stars”).
Meteorites: Meteoroids that survive atmosphere and hit the ground.

Designated by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
Considered “too big or too important to fail” (TBTF).
2023-24 D-SIIs (continuation from 2021-22):
- Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
- General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC)
- New India Assurance Co
Importance: Continued functioning is critical for uninterrupted insurance services.

Seen recently in the United States’ New England region (last seen in Atlantic in 18th century).
Primarily bottom feeders requiring shallow continental shelf waters.
Habitat and Distribution:
- Now found in North Pacific and adjacent seas.
- Largest populations along west coasts of Canada, US, and Mexico.
- Smaller numbers seen near eastern Russia and Japan.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern.