Article 142 of the Constitution of India    
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)    
Delimitation in India    
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki    
India’s First Space Defense Exercise: Antariksha Abhyas – 2024    
LignoSat: World’s First Wooden Satellite    

1. Article 142 of the Constitution of India
About Article 142
•    Discretionary Power: Article 142 grants discretionary powers to the Supreme Court of India to enforce decrees, orders, and other decisions necessary for achieving complete justice.
•    Scope and Authority: The Article allows the Supreme Court to pass decrees or orders that ensure complete justice in cases where no specific legal remedy exists.
Key Provisions of Article 142
1.    Clause (1): The Supreme Court, in exercising its jurisdiction, may pass any decree or make any order deemed necessary to ensure complete justice in any matter pending before it.
o    Such orders are enforceable throughout India in a manner

o    Secure the attendance of any person,
o    Demand the discovery or production of documents,
o    Take actions for investigating or punishing contempt of court.
Objectives of Article 142
•    Complete Justice: Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court to deliver complete justice in cases where legal remedies may be inadequate or absent.
•    Judicial Remedy Beyond Statute: This provision allows the Court to resolve disputes by extending its powers beyond what is specified by existing laws, ensuring a just outcome based on the case's unique facts.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to Article 142 of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:
1.    Article 142 provides the Supreme Court with discretionary powers to ensure complete justice in any matter.
2.    The Supreme Court can invoke Article 142 to enforce its decrees and orders only within the jurisdiction of a particular state.
3.    The Supreme Court can exercise powers under Article 142 to punish for contempt of itself.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 3 only
B)    1 only

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C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of Article 142 of the Constitution of India in enabling the Supreme Court to deliver complete justice. How does this article empower the judiciary to address situations where statutory remedies may be insufficient?

2. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
About
•    Objective: PMMSY aims to drive the Blue Revolution by fostering sustainable and responsible development in India’s fisheries sector.
•    Initiation: Launched under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat package with an investment of Rs. 20,050 crores, marking the highest-ever investment in this sector.
•    Duration: Implemented across all States and Union Territories for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
•    Financial Assistance: The scheme provides insurance coverage, financial aid, and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to support fishermen’s access to institutional credit.
Implementation
•    Umbrella Scheme: PMMSY is structured with two components:
o    Central Sector Scheme: Fully funded by the Central Government.
o    Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Implemented by States/UTs with cost-sharing between the Centre and State.

Objectives
•    Sustainable Growth: Harness the potential of the fisheries sector sustainably and equitably.
•    Increase Production: Enhance fish production and productivity through expansion, intensification, and productive use of land and water.
•    Value Chain Strengthening: Modernize and strengthen the fisheries value chain, including post-harvest management and quality improvements.
•    Economic Growth: Double fishers’
incomes, generate employment, and
increase fisheries’ contribution to Gross Value Added (GVA) and exports.
•    Social and Economic Security: Ensure physical, social, and economic security for fishers and fish farmers.
•    Robust Fisheries Framework: Build a comprehensive fisheries management and regulatory framework.
Significance
•    Economic Contribution: The fisheries sector is vital to the Indian economy, contributing to national income, exports, food security, and employment generation.
•    Livelihood Support: Supports over 2.8 crore fishers and fish farmers, many from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
•    Foreign Exchange: India is a leading seafood exporter, with aquaculture accounting for 70-75% of total fishery exports in FY20.
•    Production Milestone: India achieved record fish production of 16.25 MMT in FY 2021-22, with marine exports reaching Rs. 57,586 crores.
Achievements

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•    Approved Projects: By 2023, PMMSY approved projects worth Rs. 14,654.67 crore (FY 2020-21 to 2022-23).
•    Global Standing: India is the 3rd largest fish producer and 2nd largest aquaculture producer in the world.
Challenges in Implementation
1.    Infrastructural and Technological Gap: Insufficient infrastructure and technology for production, processing, storage, transportation, and marketing hinder growth.
2.    Human Resource Development: Limited trained manpower and extension services affect the adoption of best practices and innovations.
3.    Financial Inclusion and Social Protection: Limited access to credit and insurance exposes fish farmers to risks like natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and market fluctuations.
Blue Revolution About
•    The Blue Revolution focuses on boosting fish production and productivity through multi-dimensional activities involving aquaculture and fisheries resources (both inland and marine).
Objectives
•    Increase Fish Production: Expand fish production sustainably to enhance economic prosperity.
•    Modernization: Modernize the fisheries sector with new technologies.
•    Food and Nutritional Security: Secure food and nutrition needs.
•    Employment and Export Earnings: Generate employment and enhance export potential.
Prelims Question

Question: With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), consider the following statements:
1.    PMMSY is implemented only in coastal states of India.
2.    The scheme aims to double fishers’ and fish farmers’ incomes and enhance exports.
3.    Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility is available under PMMSY for fishers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Evaluate the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in promoting sustainable fisheries in India. Discuss the main challenges in its implementation and suggest measures to enhance its effectiveness.

3.    Delimitation in India
About Delimitation
•    Definition: Delimitation is the process of defining boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or province that has a legislative body.
•    Types: Delimitation for the Lok Sabha (LS) and Legislative Assemblies (LA) differs from that of local bodies.
•    Legal Basis: The Delimitation Commission Act was first enacted in 1952.
•    Commission: The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
 

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•    Delimitation Exercises: Commissions have been set up four times (1952, 1963, 1973, 2002) under Acts from corresponding years.
•    First Exercise: The initial delimitation was done in 1950-51 by the President with the help of the ECI.
Historical Background
•    Last Major Exercise: The 1976 delimitation exercise was based on the 1971 census and froze the state-wise composition of the Lok Sabha.
•    Constitutional Mandate: The Constitution mandates that Lok Sabha seats be allocated based on population to ensure equal weight for each vote.
•    Amendments:
o    42nd Amendment Act, 1976: Froze the allocation of Lok Sabha seats at the 1971 levels until 2000 to avoid rewarding states with higher population growth.
o    84th Amendment Act, 2001: Allowed readjustment of constituencies based on the 1991 census without altering state-wise seat allocation.
o    87th Amendment Act, 2003: Provided for delimitation on the basis of the 2001 census without changing the number of seats allotted to each state.
Need for Delimitation
•    Equal Representation: Ensures equal representation for equal population segments.
•    Fair Division: Aims for fair division of areas so that no political party has undue advantage.
•    One Vote, One Value: Upholds the principle of “One Vote, One Value” to maintain electoral equity.

Constitutional Provisions
•    Article 82: Parliament enacts a
Delimitation Act after every Census.
•    Article 170: States are divided into territorial constituencies per the Delimitation Act after each Census.
Concerns Related to Delimitation Regional Disparity
•    North-South Imbalance: Population- based delimitation may disadvantage southern states that have successfully controlled population growth.
•    Economic Contribution: Southern states, despite having 18% of India’s population, contribute 35% to GDP but risk losing representation.
•    Shift in Power: Northern states with higher population growth may gain representation, potentially shifting political power northward.
Inadequate Funding
•    15th Finance Commission: Used the 2011 Census as the basis, raising concerns among southern states about losing funding and representation.
•    Base Year Shift: Previously, the 1971 Census was the standard for funding and tax distribution.
Impact on SC/ST Reservations
•    Loss of Reserved Seats: Changes may alter seat allocation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) under Articles 330 and 332, which could further affect representation for these communities.
The Delimitation Commission Appointment
•    Authority: Appointed by the President of India and collaborates with the Election Commission of India.
Composition
•    Members:
 

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Functions

o    A Retired Supreme Court Judge.
o    The Chief Election Commissioner.
o    State Election Commissioners of respective states.

in the current delimitation process, and how might they impact the federal balance in India?

4.    Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

•    Constituency Boundaries: Determines the number and boundaries of constituencies to ensure equal population distribution.
•    Reserved Seats: Identifies seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes where their population is significant.
Powers
•    Majority Opinion Prevails: In case of disagreement, the majority opinion is final.
•    Legal Authority: Orders of the Delimitation Commission have the force of law and cannot be challenged in any court.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements:
1.    The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the Prime Minister of India.
2.    Its orders have the force of law and cannot be challenged in court.
3.    Delimitation is conducted after every Census as per Article 82 of the Constitution.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of delimitation in ensuring equitable representation in India’s legislative bodies. What are the main challenges

Location
•    Situated on Flores Island in the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia.

Volcanic Features
•    Type: Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is a volcanic mountain and part of a twin- volcano system alongside Mount Lewotobi Perempuan. Locally, these are perceived as male (Laki-Laki) and female (Perempuan) mountains.
•    Current Activity: The recent volcanic eruption has been active at the male counterpart, Lewotobi Laki-Laki.
Volcano Type
•    Stratovolcanoes: Both mountains are stratovolcanoes, a common type of volcano characterized by layered lava emissions that create steep, cone-shaped formations.
Geological Context
•    Ring of Fire: Indonesia, including Mount Lewotobi, lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of high volcanic and seismic activity due to the movement and collision of tectonic plates.
What are Stratovolcanoes?
•    Shape and Structure: Stratovolcanoes are tall, steep, cone-shaped volcanoes, distinct from flat shield volcanoes.
 

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•    Location: Typically found above subduction zones where tectonic plates collide.
•    Composition: They are mostly composed of andesite and dacite lavas, which are cooler and more viscous than basalt, contributing to the steepness.
•    Global Prevalence: Stratovolcanoes represent around 60% of Earth’s individual volcanoes and are common in volcanically active areas like the Ring of Fire.
Subduction Zone
•    Definition: A subduction zone is a region where two tectonic plates collide, and one plate subducts (dives beneath) the other.
•    Process: Subduction often occurs because oceanic lithosphere, which is denser, dives beneath continental lithosphere, leading to volcanic and seismic activity.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki and stratovolcanoes, consider the following statements:
1.    Mount Lewotobi is located on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.
2.    Stratovolcanoes are typically flat and shield-shaped.
3.    Stratovolcanoes are commonly found in subduction zones.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3 Answer: B) 3 only Mains Question
Question: Describe the geological significance of stratovolcanoes and their formation in subduction zones. Discuss the impact of

Indonesia’s location on the Ring of Fire on its
volcanic and seismic activity.

5. India’s First Space Defense Exercise: Antariksha Abhyas – 2024
In News
The Defence Space Agency (DSA) launched
India’s first-ever space defense exercise, named Antariksha Abhyas – 2024, in New Delhi. This exercise marks a significant milestone in securing India’s strategic objectives in space.
About Defence Space Agency (DSA)
•    Formation: Established in 2018, the Defence Space Agency is a tri-services integrated agency of the Indian Armed Forces.
•    Headquarters: Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
•    Responsibilities: The DSA is tasked with managing space-warfare capabilities and satellite intelligence for India, integrating space assets into military operations.
Significance and Need for Antariksha Abhyas
•    Strategic Importance: As the first space- focused defense exercise of its kind in India, Antariksha Abhyas is expected to bolster India’s ability to secure strategic objectives in space.
•    Modern Threats: The exercise addresses the increasing threats to space assets, such as anti-satellite weapons, cyber- attacks, and space debris.
•    Space Environment: With space becoming more congested, contested, and competitive, the exercise aims to identify vulnerabilities in the event of a denial or disruption of space-based services.
Additional Context: Mission Shakti
•    Background: In March 2019, India successfully carried out Mission Shakti, an

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anti-satellite missile test, using indigenous technology.
•    Global Status: This achievement placed India in an exclusive group of space-faring nations capable of destroying satellites in space, alongside the USA, Russia, and China.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to India’s first space defense exercise, Antariksha Abhyas, consider the following statements:
1.    Antariksha Abhyas is conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
2.    The Defence Space Agency (DSA) is headquartered in Bengaluru and is responsible for space warfare capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
3.    Mission Shakti was India’s first anti- satellite missile test, conducted in 2019.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of India’s first space defense exercise, Antariksha Abhyas, in the context of national security. How does this
exercise reflect India’s strategic approach to the
growing militarization of space?

6. LignoSat: World’s First Wooden Satellite
What is LignoSat?
•    Overview: LignoSat is the world’s first wooden satellite designed to reduce space debris through biodegradable materials.

•    Material: Made from magnolia wood (Hoonoki in Japanese), selected for its stability and resistance to space conditions.
•    Size: Roughly the size of a coffee mug. LignoStella Space Wood Project
•    Objective: To study the durability of wood in space, focusing on three types— Erman’s birch, Japanese cherry, and magnolia.
•    Location: Samples are sent to the International Space Station (ISS) for testing.
Collaborators Behind LignoSat
•    Kyoto University: Provides academic expertise in space technology.
•    Sumitomo Forestry: Contributes
industrial experience in wood utilization.
•    NASA: Engages in international collaboration, emphasizing the project’s global relevance.
Significance of LignoSat
•    Environmental Impact: LignoSat burns into ash upon re-entry, leaving no toxic residues, making it an eco-friendly alternative to conventional satellites.
•    Scientific Role: Equipped with sensors and cameras to observe wood behavior in the harsh conditions of space.
•    Innovation: Demonstrates wood’s potential as a sustainable material for space missions.
The Need for Wooden Satellites
•    Sustainability: LignoSat’s biodegradable nature addresses the demand for environmentally friendly materials in space, offering an alternative to non- biodegradable components.
•    Space Debris Management: LignoSat provides a solution to space debris by being fully degradable, helping mitigate

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the environmental impact of space missions.
•    Environmental Benefits: Unlike traditional satellites that release aluminum particles harmful to the ozone layer upon re-entry, LignoSat’s re-entry does not contribute to atmospheric pollution.
Future Prospects
•    Wooden Space Infrastructure: The LignoStar initiative aims to explore the potential for wooden satellites and possibly even a wooden space station.
About Space Junk
•    Definition: Space junk refers to the millions of debris pieces orbiting Earth, ranging from small flecks of paint to defunct satellites.
•    Risks: These objects can collide with spacecraft at high speeds, causing potential damage.
•    Environmental Impact: When space junk re-enters the atmosphere, it burns up, releasing alumina particles that can linger in the upper atmosphere, posing long- term environmental risks.
•    Current Status: Over 9,300 tons of space objects, including inactive satellites and rocket fragments, currently orbit Earth.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, consider the following statements:
1.    LignoSat is primarily made from Japanese cherry wood.
2.    It is designed to reduce space debris by being fully biodegradable.
3.    The LignoSat project is a joint effort between NASA, Kyoto University, and Sumitomo Forestry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only