About Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): 

• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India that was launched in 2015 and aimed at providing affordable credit to micro and small enterprises.
  • It focuses on integrating underserved enterprises into the formal financial system by offering them easy access to credit.
• Objective: The scheme is designed to "fund the unfunded," enabling small borrowers to secure loans from various financial institutions including Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Cooperative Banks, Private Sector Banks, Foreign Banks, Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
• Loan details:
• Loan amount: Up to ₹10 lakh for non-farm income-generating activities in sectors such as manufacturing, processing, trading, and services.
• Eligibility: Any Indian citizen with a viable business plan for a non-farm sector income-generating activity requiring credit below ₹10 lakh can apply for a MUDRA loan through banks, MFIs, or NBFCs.
• Categories of Loans:
• Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000, aimed at new and micro enterprises.
• Kishore: Loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh, for businesses in the growth phase.
• Tarun: Loans from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, for businesses looking to expand further.
• Subsidy: There is no direct subsidy under PMMY. However, if a loan is linked to a government scheme that provides capital subsidies, the loan can be availed under PMMY with the associated benefits.

Impact of MUDRA 1.0: 

• Loan disbursement: Over Rs 27.75 lakh crore was disbursed to 47 crore small and new entrepreneurs, significantly boosting the grassroots economy and providing access to formal credit for previously excluded populations.
• Inclusivity: Approximately 69% of MUDRA loan accounts are held by women, and 51% by SC/ST and OBC entrepreneurs, promoting gender equality and social equity.
• Job creation: The scheme has been instrumental in creating jobs, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, encouraging self-employment and the growth of small businesses.

Vision for MUDRA 2.0:

• Expanded scope: MUDRA 2.0 should widen its scope, focusing on improving outreach, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, and providing comprehensive services like financial literacy, mentorship, and business support.
• Financial literacy programmes: Nationwide initiatives should be introduced covering budgeting, savings, credit management, investment strategies, and digital literacy to reduce default rates and improve business operations.
• Enhanced Credit Guarantee Scheme (ECGS): To encourage more lending to small and microenterprises, MUDRA 2.0 should include an ECGS, reducing risk for financial institutions.
• Robust Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (RMEF): Leveraging technology, MUDRA 2.0 should implement a framework for real-time tracking of loan disbursements, utilisation, and repayments, ensuring transparency, minimising misuse, and improving efficiency.

Beneficiary impact assessments should be included to measure socio-economic outcomes and guide policy enhancements.

Q1. What is ASEEM Portal?

MSDE has launched Atma Nirbhar Skilled Employees Employer Mapping (ASEEM) portal, which is a directory of skilled workforce. The objective is to provide a platform that matches supply of skilled workforce with the market demand, thereby facilitating better livelihood opportunities for youth and availability of ready skilled manpower to employers. It is managed by NSDC.

Source: MUDRA 2.0 loans should target greater equity, deepen financial literacy | The Indian Express

About Exotic Species:

• Exotic species refer to animals or plants that are moved from their natural habitat to a new location, often due to human activities.
• Status of registration: So far, Delhi's forest and wildlife department has registered eight exotic species: ball python, iguana, cockatiel, red-eared slider turtle, African grey parrot, Amazonian parrot, blue-headed parrot, and conure.
• Criteria: According to the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, any individual possessing species listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, must report and register them.
• Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022: This amendment introduces Section 49 M, which mandates the registration of the possession, transfer, birth, and death of species listed in the CITES Appendices and Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Concerns with Exotic Species:
  • Non-regulation: Many exotic species are imported and bred in India without proper registration, posing risks such as zoonotic diseases.
  • Pandemic risk: The COVID-19 pandemic, being zoonotic, highlighted the dangers associated with the unregulated trade and ownership of exotic animals.
  • Smuggling concerns: Activists have raised alarms over the increasing smuggling of endangered exotic animals into India, especially from Southeast Asia. Significant seizures have been reported in Assam and Mizoram, with animals like Kangaroos, Koalas, and Lemurs being confiscated.

About the PARIVESH 2.0 Portal:

PARIVESH 2.0 is a web-based workflow application developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for the online submission and monitoring of proposals related to environmental, forest, wildlife, and coastal regulation zone clearances. 

• Acronym: PARIVESH stands for Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous, and Environmental Single Window Hub.
• Developed by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Functionality: It offers a single-window solution for managing all green clearances and monitors compliance across India. 
  • The platform emphasises process transformation, technology integration, and domain expertise.

Q1. What are invasive species?

Invasive alien species (IAS) are species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution threatens biological diversity.

Source: Last Date for declaring Exotic animals listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is 28 August 2024.

About Polaris Dawn Mission:

• Polaris Dawn is set to be the first non-governmental mission to conduct a spacewalk, reaching an unprecedented altitude of approximately 700 kilometres (435 miles) above Earth. 
  • This altitude surpasses that of the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits at about 400 kilometres.
• Spacecraft: SpaceX will provide the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule for the mission. The spacecraft will attempt to break the altitude record set by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966, which reached 1,373 kilometres.
• Crew and leadership: The mission is spearheaded by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who previously financed and flew on SpaceX’s Inspiration4 mission, the first civilian mission to orbit Earth.

Understanding the Van Allen Belts:

• Composition: The Van Allen Belts consist of charged particles trapped by Earth's magnetosphere, which protects the planet from solar storms and cosmic rays.
  • These belts were first identified in 1958 by the American physicist James Van Allen.
• Location: The belts are divided into two types: 
• Inner belt: Located between 680 and 3,000 kilometres above the Earth's surface, this belt is primarily composed of high-energy protons. It forms due to the interaction between cosmic rays and Earth's atmosphere.
• Outer belt: Situated at altitudes ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface, the outer belt predominantly consists of high-energy electrons originating from the solar wind.
• Radiation risks: The spacewalk during Polaris Dawn will expose the crew to higher levels of radiation than those on the ISS. 
  • The charged particles within these belts can lead to radiation sickness, harm to human tissues, and an increased risk of cancer.
  • Data collected during this mission will be crucial for future deep-space missions, including NASA’s planned 2025 mission to the Moon and Mars.

Significance of the Spacewalk:

• Van Allen belts: The mission will involve orbiting through the Van Allen Belts, regions of intense radiation that astronauts typically avoid. The ability to navigate these belts is crucial for future missions to Mars.
• Testing new spacesuits: The four astronauts on board will test new spacesuits developed by SpaceX. These suits are designed to protect against the heightened radiation found in the Van Allen Belts.

Planned health research:

• Biological effects of space travel: Polaris Dawn aims to create research biobanks to study how space travel impacts human biology, including eyesight and brain structure. 
  • These studies address Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), a significant health risk in space.
• Decompression sickness: The mission will also contribute to research on decompression sickness (DCS), a condition caused by nitrogen gas bubbles damaging human tissue during spaceflight.

Innovation in space communications:

• Laser communications test: The crew will test laser communications provided by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network. 
  • This technology is vital for future space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The data from these tests will inform the development of advanced space communication systems.

Polaris Missions ahead:

• Mission progression: Isaacman has committed to three Polaris missions in collaboration with SpaceX. The first mission is planned to last five days, with future missions set to push the boundaries of human spaceflight, communications, and scientific research.

Starship test: The third Polaris mission will involve the first crewed test of SpaceX’s reusable Starship spacecraft.

Q1. What is the GSAT Series of satellites?

The GSAT (Geostationary Satellite) series represents a remarkable constellation of communication satellites that have been developed by the esteemed Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). These satellites play an indispensable and pivotal role in a wide array of communication services, encompassing vital areas such as telecommunication, broadcasting, and broadband connectivity.

Source: Polaris Dawn: Another small step to Mars? | Explained News - The Indian Express

About the Election Commission of India (ECI):

Constitutional foundation:

• Permanent and independent body: The Election Commission of India is a permanent and independent constitutional authority, established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
• Primary role: ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India. 
  • It does not oversee elections for urban local bodies like municipalities and panchayats, which the State Election Commissions manage.

Constitutional provisions:

• Article 324 empowers the ECI to supervise, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Parliament and state legislatures.
• Article 325 ensures no one is excluded from the electoral rolls based on religion, race, caste, or sex.
• Article 326 establishes adult suffrage (voting rights for all citizens aged 18 and above) as the basis for elections.
• Article 327 allows Parliament to make laws regarding elections to Parliament and state legislatures.
• Article 328 empowers state legislatures to make provisions related to elections within the state.
• Article 329 prohibits judicial interference in electoral matters.

Functions and jurisdiction:

• Advisory role: ECI advises the President or Governor on matters related to the disqualification of members of Parliament and state legislatures, especially in cases involving corrupt electoral practices.
• Quasi-Judicial role: ECI can disqualify candidates for failing to submit election expense accounts and resolve disputes regarding the recognition of political parties and the allocation of election symbols.
• Administrative role: ECI handles the delimitation of electoral constituencies, voter registration, updating of electoral rolls, and scheduling of election dates. 
  • It also ensures adherence to the Model Code of Conduct during elections and monitors political campaign expenditures.

Composition:

• Structure: Initially, ECI had only one member, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). In 1989, due to the reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18, two additional Election Commissioners were appointed, making it a three-member body.
• Appointments: The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners. They serve for a term not exceeding six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

Removal process: The Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed from office like that of a Supreme Court judge, requiring a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.

Q1. Which elections are managed by the Election Commission of India?

By Article 324 of the Constitution of India, it is vested with the power of conducting elections to – Parliament, State Legislatures, Office of President and Vice-President of India.

Source: Election Commission of India: Composition, powers and functions | UPSC Current Affairs News - The Indian Express

About RHUMI-1:

• It is India’s first reusable hybrid rocket.
• It was developed by the Tamil Nadu-based startup Space Zone India in collaboration with Martin Group.
• It stands out for its innovative hybrid propulsion system, combining the advantages of both liquid and solid fuels. 
• Rhumi 1's hybrid design, which uses solid propellant and liquid oxidizer, reduces the risk of accidental detonation by combining these components only during combustion.

This technology promises improved efficiency and reduced operational costs.

• The rocket also boasts a CO2-triggered parachute system, an eco-friendly and cost-effective mechanism that ensures the safe recovery of rocket components after launch.
• The RHUMI Rocket is completely free of fireworks and uses no TNT.
• About the Launch:
  • Rhumi 1 was launched into space from the East Coast Road Beach in Thiruvidandhai in Chennai.
  • The rocket, carrying 3 Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites, was launched into a suborbital trajectory using India’s first hydraulic mobile launch system, enabling flexible and adaptable launch operations from various locations at different angles between 0 to 120 degrees.
  • The Cube Satellites are tasked with monitoring and collecting data on atmospheric conditions, including cosmic radiation intensity, UV radiation intensity, and air quality.
  • Pico Satellites will focus on analyzing environmental factors such as vibrations, accelerometer readings, altitude, ozone levels, and toxic substances, providing insights into atmospheric dynamics.

Q1: What are oxidizers?

Oxidizers are solids, liquids, or gases that react readily with most organic material or reducing agents with no energy input. Oxidizers are a severe fire hazard. They are not necessarily combustible, but they can intensify combustion and increase the flammable range for chemicals so they ignite more readily.

Source: India launches its first reusable hybrid rocket RHUMI-1: Know all about it

About Lithium brine extraction:

• Lithium brine extraction is a process where salt-rich water is pumped to the surface and into evaporation ponds to extract lithium. 
  • This method is prevalent in salt flats like Chile’s Atacama, one of the world’s largest lithium sources.
• Cause of sinking: The subsidence is occurring because the rate of lithium-rich brine pumping exceeds the natural recharge rate of the aquifers, leading to a downward movement of the Earth's surface.
• Area of concern: The most affected region is in the southwest part of the salt flat, where lithium mining operations are concentrated. 
  • The sinking area measures approximately 8 km from north to south and 5 km from east to west.

What is Lithium?

• Lithium, often referred to as “white gold,” is a highly sought-after metal crucial for the production of rechargeable batteries used in laptops, mobile phones, and electric vehicles—an essential component in global efforts to combat climate change.

Environmental impact of Lithium Mining:

• Water scarcity: The extraction process is water-intensive; it requires approximately 2,000 tons of water to produce just one ton of lithium. 
  • This is particularly problematic in the Atacama Desert, where water is already scarce, affecting indigenous communities and local wildlife.
• Chemical contamination: Chemicals like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide used in lithium extraction contaminate the soil and water, posing a severe threat to ecosystems and endangering species.

Impact on Wildlife: A 2022 study highlighted that lithium mining has led to a decline in the flamingo population in the Atacama region due to reduced water levels, affecting their reproduction.

Q1. What is Lithium-ion battery?

A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses lithium ions as the primary component in its electrochemical system. It is widely used in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and various energy storage applications.

Source: Chile’s Atacama salt flat sinking due to lithium mining: What a new study says | Explained News - The Indian Express

About Plea Bargaining:

• Plea bargaining is a process in which a defendant in a criminal case agrees to plead guilty in exchange for some concession from the prosecutor or the court.
  • The concession could be a reduced sentence, a lesser charge, dropping some charges, or any other agreement that benefits the defendant.
• The aim of plea bargaining is to resolve a criminal case without going to trial, thereby saving time, resources, and expenses for both the prosecution and the defendant. 
• Plea Bargaining in India:
  • In India, plea bargaining is governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, which incorporated it in 2005.
  • Under the Indian legal system, plea bargaining is available for offenses that are punishable with imprisonment for a term of seven years or less.
  • The accused person must voluntarily opt for plea bargaining, and the court must be satisfied that the plea has been made voluntarily and with full knowledge of its consequences.
  • Plea bargaining can take place at any stage of the criminal justice process, from the initial charge to the trial itself.
  • The process of plea bargaining in India is initiated by the accused by filing an application before the court expressing his willingness to plead guilty.
  • The court will then examine the application and may allow or reject it based on the facts and circumstances of the case.
  • If the court allows the application, it will refer the matter to the prosecutor for further negotiations.
  • During the negotiation process, the prosecutor may offer a reduced sentence or some other concession in exchange for the accused's guilty plea.
  • The accused may accept or reject the offer, and if accepted, the court will record the plea of guilt and pronounce the sentence as per the terms of the plea-bargaining agreement.
  • The court has the discretion to accept or reject the plea-bargaining agreement if it deems it to be unjust, unreasonable, or contrary to the interest of justice.
  • Additionally, if the accused breaches the terms of the plea-bargaining agreement, the court may set aside the agreement and proceed with the trial.
  • The accused has the right to withdraw the plea at any time before the court pronounces the sentence. If the plea is withdrawn, the trial continues as if the plea-bargaining process had not occurred.
  • Once the sentence is pronounced, it becomes final, and the accused cannot appeal against it except on the grounds of manifest injustice.

Q1: Who is a prosecutor?

A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for a state or government organization and is responsible for starting legal proceedings and then proving in court that the suspect committed the crime he’s accused of. 

Source: Report reveals minimal use of plea bargaining in India

About National Medical Register (NMR) Portal:

• It is a portal of the National Medical Commission (NMC) for the registration of all MBBS doctors eligible for registration in India.
• The NMR is mandated under Section 31 of the NMC Act, 2019, which states that the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the NMC shall maintain a National Register in electronic form containing the name, address, and all recognised qualifications possessed by a licensed medical practitioner.
• NMR will be a comprehensive and dynamic database for all allopathic (MBBS) registered doctors in India.
• The uniqueness of the NMR is that it is linked with the Aadhaar ID of the doctors, which ensures the individual’s authenticity.
• The whole process of registration in NMR is a very simple online process, and all themedical colleges/institutions (including the Institutes of National Importance (INIs), etc.). State Medical Councils (SMCs) are interlinked on the portal.
• Some data will be visible to the public and others will only be visible to the EMRB in the NMC, SMCs, the National Board of Examinations (NBE), and Medical Institutions (including INIs, etc.), and Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) as per the requirements.
• The NMR portal offers a variety of features, including the ability to add additional qualifications, track applications, suspend licenses, and issue NMR ID cards and digital doctor certificates.

NMR will be upgraded and augmented with continuous improvements in the registration process on the portal.

Q1: What is the National Medical Commission (NMC)?

The National Medical Commission is a statutory body established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. The NMC replaced the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) which was established in 1934.It regulates medical education and medical professionals in the country. It grants recognition of medical qualifications, gives accreditation to medical schools, grants registration to medical practitioners, monitors medical practice, and assesses the medical infrastructure in India.

Source: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launches National Medical Register Portal in New Delhi