CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• A recently identified orchid species, Coelogyne tripurensis, has been found in the Jampui Hills of Tripura's North District.
• About Coelogyne tripurensis:
  • This is a newly recognized species of orchid.
  • It was discovered in the lush broadleaf forests of the Jampui Hills, located at the western edge of the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot.
  • The Coelogyne genus, which encompasses around 600 species, is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Southwest Pacific Islands.
  • Most species in this genus are epiphytic, with some being lithophytic or terrestrial, making them popular among horticulturists for their ornamental beauty and ease of cultivation.
  • The new species is part of the Fuliginosae section of Coelogyne, known for its striking flowers, unique labellum, and distinctive keels.
  • Species in this section exhibit significant phenotypic plasticity, making identification and classification a complex task.

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• The Supreme Court has denied the government's request to implement the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) in relation to personal laws, urging Parliament to consider a ban on child betrothals.
• About the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA):
  • Enacted in 2006, the PCMA aims to prevent child marriage and eliminate the practice entirely.
  • It replaced the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929.
  • The primary goal of the Act is to prohibit the solemnization of child marriages.
  • It includes provisions to outlaw child marriages, support victims, and increase penalties for those who assist, promote, or conduct such marriages.
  • According to the Act, the legal marriage age is 21 for boys and 18 for girls; marriages below these ages are deemed illegal child marriages and are punishable by law.
  • Anyone can report incidents of child marriage, whether they have occurred or not.
• Nodal Officer:
  • The District Collector serves as the Nodal Officer responsible for implementing the Act at the district level.
  • This officer is tasked with regularly reviewing the Act's implementation and taking necessary actions to ensure its effectiveness.
  • Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPO) will be appointed in every state to prevent child marriages, protect victims, and prosecute offenders.
  • CMPOs are authorized to provide legal aid to child marriage victims and to present children needing care to the Child Welfare Committee or a First-Class Judicial Magistrate where no committee exists.
• Petition:
  • A petition to annul a child marriage can only be filed in court by the girl or boy who was under 18 at the time of the marriage.
  • A guardian, along with the CMPO, may file the annulment petition on behalf of the minor if they remain underage.
  • The District Court, including Family Courts and any specified civil courts, can grant annulment of marriage.
• Punishments:
  • Child marriage is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.
  • Courts have the authority to issue injunctions to prevent the solemnization of child marriages.
  • Offenses under the Act are cognizable and non-bailable.
• Protection:
  • The law mandates comprehensive support for rescued children, including medical, legal, counseling, and rehabilitation services.
  • It recognizes the legal status of all children born from child marriages and includes provisions for their custody and maintenance.
  • It also ensures residence and maintenance rights for the female party in the marriage.

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• Russian state corporation Rostec has announced that its Light Multipurpose Guided Rocket, referred to as "Izdeliye 305" or "Product 305," has shown impressive resistance to jamming and interference in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
• About Izdeliye 305:
  • The Izdeliye 305 missile, also known as the Light Multipurpose Guided Rocket (LMUR), is a precision-guided missile launched from helicopters, designed for air-to-surface engagements.
• Key Features:
  • The missile measures approximately 1.94 meters in length, with a diameter of about 200 millimeters, and weighs around 105 kilograms.
  • Its aerodynamic structure reduces drag, while foldable wings and tail stabilizers improve flight maneuverability.
  • Powered by a solid-fuel rocket engine, it delivers consistent performance.
  • The missile boasts an advanced guidance system that combines inertial navigation with an active radar homing capability.
  • An infrared sensor enhances its effectiveness in various weather conditions, enabling it to target both stationary and moving objects.
  • It can engage targets at distances of up to 14.5 kilometers.
  • Equipped with robust communication systems, the missile is designed to minimize the risks posed by jamming.
  • The LMUR can carry different types of warheads, with the most prevalent being a high-explosive warhead intended for neutralizing armored vehicles and infrastructure.

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• A recently uncovered set of copper plate inscriptions with two leaves, dating back to the 16th Century CE, has been found at the Sri Singeeswarar temple in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu.
• About Sri Singeeswarar Temple:
  • The Sri Singeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • It is situated in Mappedu Village, near Perambakkam in the Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu.
  • The temple was originally constructed by Aditya Karikalan II in 976 AD.
  • Aditya Karikalan II was the father of the renowned Chola emperor Rajaraja Cholan, who later built the Thanjavur Big Temple.
  • During the reign of Krishnadevaraya, his viceroy, Dalavai Ariyanadha Mudaliar, contributed significantly to the temple's development by constructing the Rajagopuram (Main Tower), compound wall, and a 16-pillar Mandap in 1501.
  • The temple showcases the Dravidian architectural style, with the Rajagopuram featuring five tiers.
  • The presiding deity, known as Singeeswarar, is represented by a large Shiva Lingam located in the sanctum.