CAG flags 'short transfer' of Rs 3.69 lakh cr in cess over decades by the government.

About Short transfer

• It refers to the failure to transfer the full amount of collected cess to designated reserve funds. 
  • The largest transfer shortfall is of the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB), its purpose to develop the oil industry.
• Cesses are statutory levies whose proceeds are earmarked for utilisation towards specific purposes. 
• A number of cess/levy initially collected in the Consolidated Fund of India are transferred to designated funds specifically created for the purpose in the Public Account.

Supreme Court questioned if “potential for abuse” of Section 152 of BNS can be used as a ground to declare the law unconstitutional. 

• BNS, 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860. 

About Section 152 of BNS

• It covers acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
  • As per this provision, if any person, purposely or knowingly, through words, signs, visible representation, etc., excites/attempts to excite secession/armed rebellion/subversive activities shall be imprisoned for life or 7 years along with a fine. 
• Excludes: Comments expressing disapprobation of Government’s measures or administrative action to obtain their alteration by lawful means. 

The Elders Group of international stateswomen and statesmen, for the first time called the situation in Gaza an "unfolding genocide". 

About The Elders

• Genesis: Founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007 as an independent group of global leaders.
• Vision: A world where people live in peace, enjoy justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.
• Mission: Engage with global leaders through private diplomacy and public advocacy, to address existential threats, encourage ethical leadership. 
• The Advisory Council: Comprises donors and generous supporters of the group. 
• The Elder’s Team: Assists the group and is based in London.

Union Health Ministry launched State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (SHRESTH), a national initiative to benchmark and strengthen state drug regulatory systems.

About SHRESTH

• Proposed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
• Aim: To drive improvements in the performance of state drug regulatory authorities across India, ensuring drug safety and quality standards are consistently met.
• It will have Indices based on five key themes: Human Resources, Infrastructure, Licensing Activities, Surveillance Activities and Responsiveness.

Supreme Court appointed panel warned against the Char Dham all-weather road widening project in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive zone (BESZ). 

About BESZ

• Notification: By the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2012 with subsequent in 2018. 
• Coverage: Area of 4179.59 sq. kilometre from Gaumukh to Uttarakashi. 
• Zonal Master Plan (ZMP): Mandates Uttarakhand Government to prepare ZMP based on watershed approach and includes governance of key areas of forests and wildlife, etc.
• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ): Notified by MoEF&CC under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as “Shock Absorber” for the specialized Ecosystem like natural sites, protected areas, etc. 

CBSE mandates schools to use 12-digit Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID for Classes 9, 11 registration, and List of Candidates submission for 10, 12 ahead of 2026 board exams.

About APAAR ID

• Genesis: Introduced in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with an objective of ‘One Nation, One Student ID’.
• Ministry: Launched by the Union Ministry of Education for schools from the 2024-25 session.
• Aim: To provide a unified and accessible academic experience for students across India by assigning a unique and permanent 12-digit ID to every student, consolidating their academic achievements in one place.

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) could  shut down ‘pull’ transactions in the future to curb frauds. 

• Currently, NPCI’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) allows both ‘push’ and ‘pull’ transactions. 

About Push and Pull Transactions

• Push Transactions: Initiated by the payer through scanning a QR code or entering beneficiary’s UPI ID to make a payment.
• Pull Transactions: Initiated by the beneficiary. Once the payer inputs the personal identification number, the transaction gets approved. E.g., Cheques, debit cards, etc. 

Recently, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the construction of Tato-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Shi Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh. 

About Tato-II Hydro Electric Project:

• Installed Capacity: 700 MW (4 x 175 MW).
• Energy Produced: 2738.06 MU of energy. 
• Implemented through: Joint Venture Company between North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Other Hydroelectric Projects Of Arunachal Pradesh: Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (2000 MW), Kameng Hydro Power Station (600 MW), Heo Hydroelectric Project (240 MW), etc.

Researchers have identified bacteria Ideonella sakaiensis, which can degrade PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), most commonly used in bottles and food packaging.

About Ideonella Sakaiensis

• It is a bacterium which was discovered near a plastic bottle recycling facility in Japan.
• It  produces specialized enzymes that break PET into its environmentally benign building blocks, which it then utilizes as a food source
• Significance: It can be used for developing efficient and scalable plastic biodegradation systems, can help promote circular economy, etc.