24-September-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

HOW THE SUPREME COURT STRENGTHENED CHILD PORNOGRAPHY LAW

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Supreme Court (SC) of India has expanded the definition of “possession” of child pornography under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The ruling extends to viewing or displaying child pornography, strengthening legal actions against such offenses.

Key Highlights of the SC Ruling

• Broadening of “Possession”:
  The SC clarified that even without physical storage of child pornography, activities such as viewing, downloading, or displaying content are considered as “constructive possession” under the POCSO Act.
• New Offenses Under Section 15: Three connected offenses were added:
  • Failure to delete or report: Any individual who stores child pornography and fails to delete or report it will be liable.
  • Involvement in distribution: People who transmit or share such material are also punishable.
  • Indirect involvement: Even viewing content with intent is now penalized.
• Intent and Knowledge:
  The court emphasized that knowledge of possession, even if passive (e.g., receiving a video or viewing it on a shared device), can constitute an offense under the law.

Case Context

• Madras High Court Ruling: In January 2023, the Madras High Court quashed criminal proceedings against a man accused of downloading child pornography. The SC overturned this ruling, expanding the interpretation of “possession.”
• Section 14 vs. Section 15: The SC clarified that mere possession without intent to use for commercial purposes falls under Section 15, not Section 14, of the POCSO Act.

Key Judicial Observations

• Constructive Possession: The court ruled that mere viewing or accessing child pornography, even without storing it, amounts to possession. It applies even if content is deleted after viewing.
• Responsibility for Reporting: People who inadvertently receive such material (e.g., via unknown links) are still liable unless they take immediate action to delete and report the content.
• Punishment: Fines for failure to report or delete child pornography can be as high as ₹10,000, and subsequent offenses may result in jail terms ranging from 3 to 5 years.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act: Summary

Definition:

• The POCSO Act, enacted in 2012, is India’s first comprehensive law addressing sexual offences against children.
• It aims to protect children from sexual abuse, harassment, and pornography while ensuring speedy justice through Special Courts.
• The Act is administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Key Provisions:

• Gender-Neutral: Defines a child as any person below 18 years, ensuring protection regardless of gender.
• Non-Reporting is a Crime: Punishes authorities or institutions that fail to report sexual offences against children.
• No Time Limit for Reporting: Victims can report abuse at any time, even after years.
• Confidentiality of Victim’s Identity: Disclosure of a child victim’s identity in media is prohibited unless authorised by Special Courts.
• Enhanced Penalties: The 2019 amendment strengthened punishments for sexual offences to deter child abuse.

Concerns:

• Rise in Child Abuse: Post-COVID-19, there has been an increase in cybercrimes targeting children.
• Lack of Awareness: Parents, children, and society often lack knowledge about the provisions and protections under the Act.
• Criminalisation of Adolescent Consensual Acts: Adolescents aged 16–18 engaging in consensual sexual activities are often booked under POCSO, leading to legal complications.

Issue of Minors Being Booked for Consensual Acts:

• Minors (16–18) involved in consensual sexual acts risk being charged under POCSO.
• Although such cases rarely result in conviction, they can lead to bail denial and prolonged detention.
• Studies indicate that many POCSO cases involve consensual adolescent relationships, with one in four cases in states like West Bengal, Assam, and Maharashtra being “romantic cases.”

Law Commission’s Recommendations:

• Age of Consent: The 22nd Law Commission does not recommend lowering the age of consent, as it could negatively impact women’s rights.

• Sex Education: It advocates mandatory sex education in schools, focusing on adolescent health and teaching the importance of consent under the POCSO Act.

Conclusion

The SC’s decision to widen the scope of possession of child pornography under the POCSO Act strengthens legal enforcement against such crimes. By recognizing even indirect involvement as an offense, the judgment aims to deter the consumption, sharing, and passive engagement with child pornographic material. This ruling sets a significant precedent in the fight against child exploitation.

Multiple Choice Question

1. With reference to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, consider the following statements:

1. The POCSO Act is gender-neutral, providing protection to all children under the age of 18 from sexual offences.
2. The recent Supreme Court ruling expanded the definition of “possession” under POCSO to include viewing or displaying child pornography.
3. The right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is directly linked to the protection of children under the POCSO Act.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D
Explanation:

• The POCSO Act is a gender-neutral law that protects all children (any person under 18 years) from sexual offences.
• A recent Supreme Court ruling expanded the definition of “possession” of child pornography to include viewing or displaying, not just storing.
• The right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 is linked to the protection of children from abuse, ensuring their safety and dignity, which the POCSO Act enforces.

SURGE IN DENGUE CASES IN 2024:

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Dengue, a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has seen a significant rise globally in 2024. Over 12 million dengue cases have been reported worldwide, more than double last year’s total. The most affected regions include Brazil, South America, and several cities in India.

What is Dengue?

• Transmission: Spread through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
• Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle/joint pain, nausea, and in severe cases, internal bleeding and organ failure.
• Impact: If not managed properly, dengue can lead to death.

Global Surge in Cases:

• Data from WHO highlights a dramatic rise in dengue cases, with an estimated 12.06 million cases globally.
• Deaths have reached 6,991 in 2024, indicating the severity of the outbreak.
• The increase represents a “tenfold” rise over the past two decades.
• Climate change, urbanization, and the Aedes mosquito’s adaptability are major contributing factors.

Situation in India:

• Several Indian cities have reported a notable spike in dengue cases.
• Union Health Ministry reports a 50% rise in cases compared to 2023.
• Many regions in India face outbreaks, with both urban and semi-urban areas serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Causes of the Surge:

Climate Change:

• Warmer temperatures and altered weather patterns have expanded mosquito habitats.
• Dengue transmission thrives in warmer climates, leading to year-round breeding in some areas.

Urbanization:

• Poor urban planning creates water stagnation, providing breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Rapid urban growth without adequate waste management is a major factor.

Movement of People:

• Increased global travel has facilitated the spread of the virus across borders.

Prevention and Control:

• Personal Measures: Individuals must use mosquito repellents, eliminate stagnant water, and maintain clean surroundings.
• Public Health: Governments should enhance mosquito control programs, improve early warning systems, and promote awareness.

Vaccines:

• WHO recommends limited vaccines like Dengvaxia and Takeda’s Qdenga.
• However, these vaccines are not universally available, and their efficacy remains an area of ongoing research.

Controlling Dengue Using Wolbachia Bacteria:

• The World Mosquito Program has successfully used Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to control dengue in Indonesia.
• The method is called the Population Replacement Strategy where Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes breed with local mosquitoes.
• After 27 months, dengue cases dropped by 77% in areas with Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes compared to untreated areas.

Dengue Vaccine:

• The first dengue vaccine, CYD-TDV or Dengvaxia, was approved by the US FDA in 2019.
• Dengvaxia is a live, attenuated virus vaccine for ages 9-16, recommended for those with previous dengue infection in endemic regions.
• Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) is developing India’s first dengue vaccine, currently undergoing Phase-1 trials.

Conclusion:

The surge in dengue cases in 2024 is a result of multiple global factors, including climate change, urbanization, and increased human mobility. Urgent public health interventions, individual precautions, and strengthened global surveillance are necessary to contain the spread.

Multiple Choice Question

1. With reference to Dengue and its prevention strategies, consider the following statements:

1. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, is also responsible for spreading chikungunya and Zika infections.
2. Wolbachia bacteria have been used successfully to reduce dengue transmission through a population replacement strategy in some countries.
3. Dengvaxia, the first dengue vaccine, is recommended for individuals aged 9 to 45 in all areas affected by dengue.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A
Explanation:

• The Aedes aegypti mosquito transmits dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.
• Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes have been released to reduce the transmission of dengue by replacing local mosquito populations.
• Dengvaxia is recommended for individuals aged 9 to 16 who have a confirmed previous dengue infection and live in endemic areas, not universally for all affected regions.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND LABOUR MARKET TRENDS (JULY 2023 – JUNE 2024)

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) annual report (July 2023 – June 2024) indicates the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above remained steady at 3.2%. This report provides insights into unemployment, labour force participation, and workforce trends during this period.

Key Findings

• Unemployment Rate Stability: The unemployment rate stayed constant at 3.2% from July 2023 to June 2024.
• Male Unemployment Rate: A slight decrease from 3.3% (July 2022 – June 2023) to 3.2% during the same period.
• Female Unemployment Rate: Increased marginally from 2.9% to 3.2%.

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):

• LFPR for individuals aged 15 years and above grew to 60.1% in July 2023 – June 2024, compared to 59.2% in the previous year.
• Male LFPR increased from 78.5% to 78.8%, while female LFPR rose from 35.9% to 41.7%, indicating a greater involvement of women in the labour market.

Worker Population Ratio (WPR):

• The WPR, which measures the percentage of the employed population aged 15 and above, increased from 56.0% to 58.2%.
• Male WPR: 70.5% in 2023-24, up from 69.5%.
• Female WPR: Increased from 35.9% to 40.3%, highlighting improved female employment.

Labour Market Trends

• The rise in both LFPR and WPR reflects a gradual improvement in labour force participation and employment, especially for women.
• Marginal changes in unemployment rates suggest steady but modest changes in job availability and economic opportunities for the population.

UNEMPLOYMENT

• Unemployment refers to a situation where individuals capable of working and actively seeking employment are unable to find suitable jobs.
• An unemployed person is part of the labour force, with the necessary skills but lacking a gainful job.
• Typically, an unemployed person is of working age, jobless, available for work, and actively searching for employment.

Measurement of Unemployment:

• The unemployment rate is calculated using the formula:
  Unemployment rate = [Number of Unemployed Workers / Total Labour Force] x 100.
• The total labour force includes both the employed and unemployed but excludes individuals like students who are neither working nor seeking work.

Types of Unemployment:

Structural Unemployment:

• Occurs due to mismatches between workers’ skills and the skills required for available jobs.
• Highlights inefficiencies and systemic issues in the labour market.

Cyclical Unemployment:

• Linked to economic cycles, increasing during recessions and decreasing in periods of economic expansion.
• Reflects the macroeconomic impacts on job availability.

Frictional/Transitional Unemployment:

• Arises during the natural transition between jobs.
• Represents the temporary period of job searching or switching roles.

Underemployment:

• Involves individuals working in jobs that underutilize their skills or provide insufficient working hours.
• Reflects economic inefficiency despite employment.

Hidden Unemployment:

• Refers to individuals not actively seeking work due to discouragement or other reasons.
• These individuals could enter the labour market if conditions improve.

Disguised Unemployment:

• Occurs when more workers are employed than necessary, particularly in sectors like agriculture.
• Results in lower productivity per worker, as excess labour is underutilized.

Conclusion

The steady unemployment rate and increasing workforce participation, especially among women, indicate positive trends in India’s labour market for the 2023-2024 period. The survey highlights the need for continued focus on increasing employment opportunities, particularly for the growing female workforce.

Multiple Choice Question

1. Consider the following statements regarding types of unemployment:

1. Structural unemployment occurs due to a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the requirements of available jobs.
2. Cyclical unemployment is associated with economic downturns and reduces when the economy expands.
3. Frictional unemployment arises when individuals lose their jobs due to technological advancements.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Structural unemployment occurs when there is a mismatch between the skills workers possess and the skills needed for available jobs, often due to changes in technology or industry demands.
• Cyclical unemployment is related to the business cycle. It rises during economic recessions and falls when the economy improves or expands.
• Frictional unemployment occurs when individuals are temporarily between jobs, such as when someone is searching for new employment or transitioning between careers. It is not due to technological advancements (which are more associated with structural unemployment).

HOW TO ENABLE TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD)

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban planning strategy aimed at improving transportation infrastructure to drive economic activity and workforce productivity.

By enhancing accessibility to jobs through efficient public transport, TOD promotes sustainable urban growth while addressing challenges like pollution, traffic congestion, and lack of mobility in rapidly growing cities.

Significance of TOD:

Promotes Economic Growth:

• Public investment in transport infrastructure can unlock economic potential and improve urban mobility.
• Better access to jobs boosts productivity and reduces time spent commuting.

Reduces Pollution and Congestion:

• Reducing private vehicle use and encouraging public transport minimizes congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions.

Case Study: Bengaluru

• A study in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Area (BMA) highlights spatial distribution of jobs in manufacturing and services sectors around registered commercial centers and metro stations.

Job Proximity and Accessibility:

• The study shows that job clusters in proximity to metro corridors (Phases 1, 2, and 2A) improve access to employment centers.
• Workers residing near metro corridors benefit from reduced travel times and lower commuting costs.

Challenges in Implementing TOD:

• Land-Use Issues: Low-density, sprawling urban areas reduce the feasibility of public transit.
• Developing areas often lack suitable infrastructure, underutilize land, and have limited real estate value for commercial expansion.
• Spatial Disparities: Workers in peripheral areas of cities like Bengaluru, who depend on informal modes of transport, face challenges accessing job-rich city centers.
• Lack of Affordable Housing: High land prices near transit hubs discourage affordable housing development for low-income workers, pushing them to the outskirts.

Policy Recommendations:

Integrated Planning:

• Governments should promote high-density mixed-use development around transit hubs, combining residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
• Cooperative planning between public and private stakeholders is essential to bridge infrastructural gaps.

Encouraging Public Transport:

• Public policies should encourage the use of sustainable transport modes like metros, buses, and cycling.
• Prioritizing transit extensions to underserved areas can bridge the gap between economic opportunities and workforce access.

Conclusion:

TOD is a transformative approach to urban development that integrates efficient transport systems with land use planning. By enhancing mobility, it creates sustainable cities with higher productivity, improved quality of life, and reduced environmental impact. Expanding TOD in fast-growing Indian cities like Bengaluru can help balance economic growth with inclusive urban development.

DROUGHT, DEFORESTATION, CLIMATE CHANGE: WHY SOUTH AMERICA IS BURNING

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU

South America is facing one of its worst forest fire seasons in nearly two decades. Factors such as drought, deforestation, and climate change are exacerbating these wildfires, significantly impacting the Amazon and other ecosystems.

Current Situation:

• Brazil’s space research agency, INPE, detected 346,112 fire hotspots in 2024 (as of September 11), surpassing the 2007 record.
• Fires are ravaging Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and other South American countries, with millions of acres of forests destroyed.
• The Amazon is the most severely affected, and 60% of the burning is concentrated in Brazil.

Extent of Damage:

• Over 11 million hectares of land have burned between January and August 2024, twice the area of Uttarakhand.
• The Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal ecosystems are among the most affected.
• Brazil witnessed the highest number of fires, followed by Bolivia, with more than 3.8 million hectares of forests destroyed.
• Smoke from the fires has impacted 10 million people across Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, leading to poor air quality.

Why is This Happening?

• Wildfires peak between August and October, when farmers burn land for cultivation, often causing uncontrolled forest fires.
• Deforestation, driven by agricultural activities, has made the region more vulnerable to fires.
• Climate change has worsened drought conditions, leading to extreme weather events like higher temperatures, which fuel more frequent and intense fires.
• El Niño events have also contributed to unfavorable fire conditions.

Health and Environmental Impact:

• Smoke from these fires worsens air quality, leading to respiratory illnesses and premature deaths.
• At least 12,000 early deaths annually in South America are linked to smoke inhalation.
• Major rivers like the Amazon face historic lows due to severe drought, further straining the ecosystem.

What Happens Next?

• It remains uncertain if wildfires will worsen, but experts predict that rising global temperatures and extreme weather will intensify in the coming years.
• Rainfall typically begins in October, but experts are unsure if it will arrive in time to mitigate the fires this year.

Conclusion:

The fires in South America are the result of a complex mix of human activities and climate-driven factors. Without intervention, the cycle of deforestation and wildfires will continue, leading to long-term environmental and health consequences. Effective climate action and sustainable land use are crucial to mitigating future wildfires.

GOA MARITIME SYMPOSIUM 2024

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU

The Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS) is a premier maritime forum organized by the Indian Navy to promote cooperation, collaboration, and mutual understanding among key maritime nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Launched in 2016, the symposium serves as a platform for discussing common maritime security challenges and exploring solutions to dynamic threats like illegal fishing and other maritime crimes.

• Host: Indian Navy.

• Location: Naval War College, Goa.
• Edition: Fifth edition (biennial event).
• Theme: “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region: Progressing Lines of Efforts to Mitigate Dynamic Threats.”
• Focus Areas: Addressing issues like illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other maritime security challenges.
• Participants: Representatives from 12 Indian Ocean littoral nations – Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand.
• Observers: Kenya and Tanzania.
• Objective: To foster collaborative thinking, cooperation, and mutual understanding among Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations.
• Inception: Conceptualized and launched by the Indian Navy in 2016.
• Organizer: Conducted biennially by the Naval War College, Goa.

HILSA FISH

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

Recently, Bangladesh’s interim government announced plans to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India in time for Durga Puja, scheduled from October 9 to 13.

About Hilsa Fish:

• Species: Hilsa is a species of fish related to herring, from the family Clupeidae.
• Other Name: It is also called Ilish and holds cultural and culinary importance in Bengal.
• Distribution: Found in rivers and estuaries of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, and the Persian Gulf.
• Migration: Historically migrates from Bangladesh to the Ganga river system, reaching Allahabad.
• Habitat: Although a saltwater fish, it migrates to the freshwater Ganges from the Bay of Bengal.
• Breeding Migration: Occurs in three major river systems—Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.
• Global Production: Bangladesh produces about 70% of the world’s ilish, which is a point of national pride. Ilish is also Bangladesh’s national fish.
• Cultural Significance: Ilish from rivers like Ganga, Hooghly, and Mahanadi is traditionally favored for important events.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN: Listed as Least Concern.

PROJECT 200

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Bengaluru-based space startup, Bellatrix Aerospace, introduced Project 200 during the inaugural day of the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024.

About Project 200:

• Project 200 is a revolutionary satellite designed to function in Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (180 km – 250 km).

• It was developed by Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space startup.
• Traditionally, satellites are positioned in orbits above 450 km altitude due to reduced atmospheric interference.
• Although satellites perform better at around 200 km, limitations in propulsion technology have restricted operations at this lower altitude.
• Project 200 aims to demonstrate a new satellite, powered by an innovative propulsion system, operating around 200 km.
• Bellatrix’s advanced propulsion technology allows satellites to stay in Ultra-Low Earth Orbit for extended periods (years) instead of deorbiting after a few days.
• At 200 km, satellite performance enhances significantly, with reduced communication latency (by half) and improved image resolution (three times).

Additionally, satellites in this orbit are more cost-effective compared to those in 450 km orbits.