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.
Science
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.
Economy
Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs)
- 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.
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
- Statutory body formed under IRDAI Act (1999).
- Regulates the insurance industry in India.
- Objectives:
- Protect policyholder interests.
- Ensure fair treatment of policyholders.
- Regulate the industry fairly.
- Ensure financial soundness of the industry.
- Frame regulations for smooth industry operation.
Environment
Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
- 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.