Why in news?

• The campaign called Adoptaxolotl, asks people for as little as 600 pesos (about $35) to virtually adopt one of the tiny “water monsters”.

About Axolotl: 

• It is an aquatic salamander renowned for its ability to regenerate its spinal cord, heart and limbs.
• These amphibians also readily make new neurons throughout their lives.
• Axolotls, like humans, contain two copies of every gene – one inherited from the father and the other from the mother.
• It is notable for its permanent retention of larval features, such as external gills.
• The species is found only in Lake Xochimilco, within Mexico City.
• The name axolotl is also applied to any full-grown larva of Ambystoma tigrinum (tiger salamander) that has not yet lost its external gills.
• They feast on a menu of mollusks, worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, and some fish.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Critically endangered.
• Threats: Habitat degradation, pollution, fishing, nonnative predators, the pet trade.

Q1) What is Salamander?

Salamander is any member of a group of about 740 species of amphibians that have tails and that constitute the order Caudata. The order comprises 10 families, among which are newts and salamanders proper (family Salamandridae) as well as hellbenders, mud puppies, and lungless salamanders. They most commonly occur in freshwater and damp woodlands, principally in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Source: We have to work urgently’: Mexican ecologists start campaign to save axolotl

About X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat)

• It is India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.
• Aim: It is aiming to investigate the polarisation of intense X-Ray sources. 
• The spacecraft will carry two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit.
  • POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): It will measure the polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarization) in medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons of astronomical origin.
  • XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) payload: It will give spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
• It is designated for observation from Low Earth Orbit (non-sun synchronous orbit of ~650 km altitude, low inclination of approximately six degree).
• The mission life is expected to be approximately five years.
• The payloads onboard XPoSat will observe the X-Ray sources during the spacecraft’s transit through the Earth’s shadow, i.e., during the eclipse period.
• It will be launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.

Q1) What is Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) ?

IXPE is an international collaboration between NASA and the Italian Space Agency. It studies the most extreme and mysterious objects in the universe – supernova remnants, supermassive black holes, and dozens of other high-energy objects.

Source: India set to launch its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite: ISRO

About Sindhudurg Fort

• It is a historical fort that occupies an islet in the Arabian Sea, just off the coast of Maharashtra in western India.
• The fortress lies on Kurte Island, very near the coast of Malvan town in Sindhudurg District in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, 450 kilometres south of Mumbai.
• The fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire.
• The construction of the fort began in 1664 and took three years to complete.
• The main objective was to counter the rising influence of foreign colonizers (English, Dutch, French, and Portuguese merchants) and to curb the rise of the Siddis of Janjira.
• Features:
  • It is spread over 48 acres with fortified walls that are 29 feet high and 12 feet thick and stretch for two miles.
  • As many as 52 bastions with embrasures for cannons guard its walls.
  • One can enter the fort through the Dilli Darwaja, the main gate. Because of its architectural design, the gate is visible only from close quarters and seems to be part of the walls. 
  • It is surrounded by several smaller forts, such as Padmagad, Rajkot, and Sarjekot Forts.
  • A handprint and footprint of the Maratha King are embedded on a slab within the fort.
  • A small temple dedicated to the Chhatrapati also finds a place within the bounds of the fort.

Q1) Who was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?

He was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. With his valor and great administrative skills, Shivaji carved out an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur. It eventually became the genesis of the Maratha Empire. He was known as the Father of Indian Navy, Shivaji was the first to realise the importance of having a naval force, and therefore he strategically established a navy and forts at the coastline to defend the Konkan side of Maharashtra. He was a secular ruler who was very accommodating of all religions. He had numerous Muslim soldiers in his army.

Source: Navy to Show Its Might at Maratha Fort

What is Primary Evidence?

• It is covered by Section 62 of the Evidence Act and is considered the highest class of evidence. 
• Primary evidence, also known as best evidence, refers to the actual documents produced for the court’s inspection.
• It is admissible without prior notice and takes precedence over secondary evidence.
• As per Section 62, when the document itself is produced for the inspection of the court, it is called the primary evidence. If the document is in parts, then each part forms the primary evidence. 
• Example: Birth Certificate issued by a Government authority.

About Secondary Evidence under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872

• It is defined under Section 63 of the Evidence Act.
• It can only be introduced if primary evidence is not available, and the reason for its absence must be explained.
• It is considered a substitute for the original or primary evidence.
• It is generally considered to be of lower evidentiary value compared to primary evidence. 
• However, if primary evidence is unavailable and the reason for its absence is explained, secondary evidence may be admitted in court. 
• Different types of secondary evidence are Certified copies, Copies prepared by mechanical process , Counter foils , Photographs , Xerox copy , Photostat copy , Carbon copy , Typed copy , Tape records, Counterparts , Oral accounts , Registration copy, etc.
• Example: Copy of the 10th mark sheet with Date of Birth or identification proofs like Voter Card or Aadhar Card as secondary evidence for a lost birth certificate.
• Principles laid down by the Supreme Court for examining the admissibility of secondary evidence:
  • The law requires the best evidence to be given first, that is, primary evidence.
  • Section 63 of the Evidence Act provides a list of the kinds of documents that can be produced as secondary evidence, which is admissible only in the absence of primary evidence.
  • If the original document is available, it has to be produced and proved in the manner prescribed for primary evidence. So long as the best evidence is within the possession or can be produced, or can be reached, no inferior proof could be given.
  • A party must endeavor to adduce primary evidence of the contents, and only in exceptional cases will secondary evidence be admissible. The exceptions are designed to provide relief when a party is genuinely unable to produce the original through no fault of that party.
  • When the non-availability of a document is sufficiently and properly explained, then the secondary evidence can be allowed.
  • Secondary evidence could be given when the party cannot produce the original document for any reason not arising from his default or neglect.
  • When the copies are produced in the absence of the original document, they become good secondary evidence. Still, there must be foundational evidence that the alleged copy is a true copy of the original.
  • Before producing secondary evidence of the contents of a document, the non-production of the original must be accounted for in a manner that can bring it within one or other of the cases provided for in the section.
  • Mere production and marking of a document as an exhibit by the Court cannot be held to be due proof of its contents. It has to be proved in accordance with the law. 

Q1) What is the Indian Evidence Act, 1872?

The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 is a piece of legislation that governs the rules and regulations related to the admissibility, relevancy, and credibility of evidence in Indian courts. It outlines the procedures and guidelines for presenting evidence in both civil and criminal cases in the Indian legal system. The Act aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in the judicial process by establishing standards for the types of evidence that can be considered by the courts and how they should be presented and evaluated.

Source: Principles On Admissibility Of Secondary Evidence : Supreme Court Explains

About Sajag OPV

• ICGS Sajag is part of the Indian Coast Guard fleet of OPVs, based on the West Coast of India in Porbandar, Gujarat.
• It has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
• It is the third in the series of 105-meter OPVs being built by GSL. 
• It operates under the operational command of the Commander Coast Guard Region (North West). 
• Sajag has undertaken various Coast Guard operations, including coastal security, IMBL / EEZ surveillance, anti-transnational crimes, and maritime SAR and pollution response operations in the past.
• Features:
  • The ship is equipped with modern weapon systems, sensors, and state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems.
  • It is propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines and can attain a maximum speed of 26 knots.
  • It has an endurance of 6000 nm at an economical speed.
  • It is fitted with a 40/60 Bofors gun and two 12.7 mm guns.
  • It is designed to carry one twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats, including two inflatable boats for boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime patrol.
  • The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spills at sea.
  • The ship is also equipped with an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Power Management System (PMS) and High Power External firefighting (EFF) system.

Q1) What is the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)?

It is an armed force that protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.it was formally established in 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 as an independent Armed force of India. It operates under the Ministry of Defence. The organization is headed by the Director General Indian Coast Guard (DGICG). Its headquarters is located at New Delhi.

Source: Indian Coast Guard Vessel Sajag arrives in Oman as part of overseas deployment to West Asia

About Ayushman Arogya Mandir

• The Central government of India in 2018 announced that 1.5 lakh HWCs would be created in the country by transforming existing sub health centres and primary health centres to deliver comprehensive primary health care and declared this as one of the two components of Ayushman Bharat.
• It was decided the Centre would provide 60% of the funding and, in turn, states would follow its design manual.
• Till date 1.61 lakh AB-HWCs have been made functional across the country which is higher than the initial target.
• The AB-HWCs provide maternal and child healthcare services; first level care for emergencies and trauma, including free drugs and diagnostic services, among other things.
• The new tag-line of AB-HWCs is Arogyam Parmam Dhanam’.

Key facts about Ayushman Bharat (AB)

• The union government in 2018 announced two major initiatives in the health sector, as part of Ayushman Bharat programme.
  • Curative care - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): For hospitalisation at secondary- and tertiary-level private hospitals
  • Primary care - Health and Wellness Centres (HWC): To strengthen primary healthcare
• PMJAY will provide a cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year to poor and vulnerable people, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• The National Health Authority (NHA) is responsible for the implementation of PMJAY.

Q1) What is the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) ?

It is a digital health claims platform developed by the National Health Authority.It will serve as a gateway for exchanging claims-related information among various stakeholders in the healthcare and health insurance ecosystem.

Source: Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) to be called ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’

About Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN)

• The PM-JANMAN (comprising Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes) to focus on 11 critical interventions through 9 Ministries including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• The scheme aims to provide crucial interventions such as permanent housing, road connectivity, piped water supply, mobile medical units, hostel construction, ‘Anganwadi’ facilities and skill development centres etc.
• Other than the 11 critical intervention the following intervention of other Ministries will be part of Mission:
• Ministry of Ayush will set up Ayush Wellness Centre as per existing norms and Ayush facilities will be extended to PVTG habitations through Mobile Medical Units.
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will facilitate skill and vocational training in PVTG habitations, multipurpose centres and hostels as per the suitable skills of these communities.

Key points about Scheduled Tribes

• As per the 2011 census, India has ST population of 10.45 crore, out of which 75 communities are located in 18 States and in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• PVTGs are a more vulnerable group among tribal groups in India.
• These groups have primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to negative population growth rate and backwardness.
• They are largely dependent on hunting for food and a pre-agriculture level of technology.
• In 1973, the Dhebar Commission set up a separate category for Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs). 

Q1) Who are PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) ?

PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups who are in need of greater support and development. Out of the 705 Scheduled Tribes in India, 75 have been identified as PVTGs and are spread across 17 states and one Union Territory.

Source: Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan

About Fast Track Special Court (FTSC) 

• It was formulated as Centrally Sponsored Scheme to establish FTSCs for the timely disposal of cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) in August 2019.
• Initially commenced in October 2019 for one year, the scheme was extended for an additional two years until 31.03.2023.
• Now it has been further extended until 31.03.2026, with a financial outlay of Rs. 1952.23 crore.
• Fund: The Central Share is funded from the Nirbhaya Fund.
• These are designed as dedicated courts which are expected to ensure swift dispensation of justice, offering quick relief to victims while strengthening the deterrence framework for sexual offenders. 
• Nodal Ministry: It is implemented by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
• It augments State Government resources for establishing FTSCs across the country, ensuring the swift disposal of cases related to rape and the POCSO Act.
• All States/Union Territories have participated in the Scheme, operationalizing 761 FTSCs, including 414 exclusive POCSO Courts.
• The expected outcomes of the scheme are:
  • Reflect the nation's commitment to ending sexual and gender-based violence.
  • Substantially reduce pending cases of Rape & POCSO Act, relieving the burden on the judicial system.
  • Ensure swift access to justice for victims of sexual crimes through improved facilities and expedited trials.
  • Lessen the burden of cases to a manageable number.

Q1) What is Nirbhaya Fund ?

It launched the implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security for women in the country established in 2013 by the Union Finance Ministry. It is a non-lapsable corpus fund.

Source: Cabinet approves continuation of fast track courts for trying sexual offences for 3 years