MLC Daily Current Affairs – 26 September 2024

Today in History (September 26^th, 1905)

Albert Einstein published the first article on the special theory of relativity.

Let’s Revise

A) What was the primary outcome of the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding child pornography?

1. It decriminalized viewing child pornography in private
2. It upheld the Madras High Court’s decision
3. It affirmed that viewing, downloading, and possessing child pornography is a crime
4. It recommended the abolition of the POCSO Act

Answer: C)
Explanation: The Supreme Court held that engaging in these actions attracts criminal liability under the POCSO Act and the IT Act.

B) Which term did the Supreme Court suggest should replace “child pornography” in the POCSO Act?

1. Child Exploitation Material
2. Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM)
3. Minor Sexual Exploitation Material
4. Child Abuse Content

Answer: B)
Explanation: The court urged Parliament to amend the POCSO Act to use this term to avoid trivializing the crime.

C) What does the principle of ‘constructive possession’ imply, according to the Supreme Court ruling?

1. Possessing material in any form is a crime
2. Individuals are responsible if they have control and knowledge of the material
3. Only those who physically share material are guilty
4. Possession without intent to share is not punishable

Answer: B)
Explanation: Constructive possession means accountability for those who can manipulate or control the material at any time.

D) Which section of the IT Act penalizes the use and distribution of child pornography?

1. Section 67
2. Section 67B
3. Section 15
4. Section 200

Answer: B)
Explanation: Section 67B specifically addresses the penalization of obscene materials, including child pornography.

E) Find the correct option about POCSO Act

1. POCSO) Act 2022
2. POCSO) Act 2016
3. POCSO) Act 2018
4. POCSO) Act 2012

Answer: D)
Rationale: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 is the first comprehensive law in the country dealing specifically with sexual abuse of children, enacted in 2012 and is administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

F) POCSO is administered by which ministry?

1. Ministry of Social Justice
2. Ministry of Women and Child Development
3. Ministry of Home Affairs
4. Ministry of Education

Answer: B)
Rationale: It is the first comprehensive law in the country dealing specifically with sexual abuse of children, enacted in 2012 and is administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Summary of Today’s News

India’s First Venus Mission Set for 2028 – Shukrayaan-1

Overview
The Union Cabinet recently approved India’s first mission to Venus, which the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to launch in March 2028. This mission, known as “Shukrayaan-1,” will be India’s second interplanetary venture after the successful Mars Orbiter Mission in 2013.

Mission Goals
The primary aim of the Venus mission is to study various aspects of the planet, including its surface, atmosphere, and interactions with the Sun. It will gather data from orbit and will include scientific instruments from both India and other countries.

Key Features of the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)
• “Shukrayaan-1” will focus on analyzing Venus’s atmosphere, surface, and geological characteristics using advanced instruments.
• An orbiter will be placed around Venus to collect information about its climate, atmospheric makeup, and possible volcanic or seismic activities.
• The mission will utilize tools like synthetic aperture radar, infrared and ultraviolet cameras, and sensors to investigate the planet’s ionosphere and its dense clouds of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid.
• One goal is to search for signs of active volcanoes and understand Venus’s unique environment better.

Objectives
• Examine surface processes and underground structures
• Study the structure and dynamics of Venus’s atmosphere
• Investigate how solar wind interacts with Venus’s ionosphere

Mission Highlights
• Timeline: Initially scheduled for 2023, the mission is now set for a March 2028 launch. This timing is significant, as Earth and Venus align closely every 19 months.
• Payload: The spacecraft will carry about 100 kg of scientific instruments, following a method similar to India’s earlier missions. It will gain speed in Earth’s orbit before heading to Venus, reaching its destination in roughly 140 days.
• Aero-braking: This mission will also mark India’s first use of aero-braking, a technique that slows the spacecraft by using atmospheric drag.

Why Explore Venus?
• Studying Venus offers valuable insights into Earth’s development. Often referred to as Earth’s twin, Venus shares similar size and density, making it a crucial subject for understanding planetary evolution. Scientists believe it may have had water in the past but is now dry and barren.
• Successful exploration would position India among a select group of nations with sophisticated planetary science programs.

Venus Missions by Other Countries
Many countries have launched missions to Venus, including the United States, the former USSR, and Japan. Upcoming missions include:
• NASA’s DaVinci (2029) and Veritas (2031)
• ESA’s EnVision mission (early 2030s)
• Russia’s Venera-D mission (currently in development)