Prelims Focus – 3rd June 2024

Chang’e-6

In News: China’s space agency announced that they successfully landed a spacecraft on the dark side of the moon on June 2nd.

• The Chang’e-6 spacecraft landed in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon, making it the first mission to collect samples and return them to Earth from that area. 
• Launched by a Chinese rocket from Hainan island, the spacecraft includes an orbiter, returner, lander, and ascender. 
• Equipped with various sensors, the lander will use drilling and robotic arm methods to gather samples. 
• This mission has made advancements in lunar orbit design and aims to achieve intelligent and rapid sampling. 
• This is the second successful mission to land on the far side of the moon, following China’s Chang’e-4 probe in 2019.

Sarcophagus

In News: A new study reveals that a sarcophagus fragment found under the floor of a religious centre is from Ramesses II, one of the most renowned pharaohs of ancient Egypt.

• A sarcophagus is a highly ornate coffin or container designed to hold a coffin. 
• They were used to house and protect significant deceased individuals throughout history, dating back to ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. 
• The term “sarcophagus” derives from the Greek words “sarx” (flesh) and “phagein” (to eat), literally translating to “eater of flesh.”
• Characteristics: Sarcophagi vary in detail across different cultures. 
  • They are almost always made of stone, with limestone being the most common material, but granite, sandstone, and marble were also used. 
  • These containers were intricately decorated with carvings, images, and inscriptions, typically including the name of the deceased.

Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) 

In News: Construction commenced on the first Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) for the Indian Coast Guard.

• The NGOPVs, designed to fulfill the evolving challenges of maritime security, are prepared with the latest equipment and gadget. 
• Powered by diesel engines, those vessels are able to achieve a maximum velocity of 23 knots and overlaying a distance of up to 5,000 nautical miles. 
• They will also have imperative dual-engine helicopter facilities and staging for heavy helicopters, permitting speedy and effective aerial surveillance and reaction talents.
• The first vessel is scheduled for delivery by May 2027 under a ₹1,614.89 crore contract for 6 vessels signed by the Defence Ministry with MDL in December 2023.

Statutory Bail

In News: Recently, the Delhi High Court granted statutory bail to a JNU scholar and student activist  in connection with a communal riots case involving allegations of sedition.

• • It is a criminal provision that permits an undertrial to be launched from custody based on unique conditions.
  • It is a right granted to an accused, irrespective of the nature of the crime.
  • It ensures that an undertrial isn’t detained indefinitely even as looking forward to trial.

• Legal Framework

• • • The provision of statutory bail is outlined in Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
    • It was introduced through an amendment in 2005 to address the problem of growing undertrials in Indian prisons.

• Eligibility Criteria

• • • An undertrial turns into eligible for statutory bail in the event that they were in custody for greater than half of the most length of imprisonment prescribed for the offence.
    • The calculation excludes cases wherein the death penalty is a probable punishment.

• Release Conditions

• • • The undertrial can be launched on bail upon their private bond, with or without sureties.
    • If the court denies statutory bail, it needs to provide written reasons for the refusal.

• Exclusions

• • Statutory bail does not follow offences wherein the death penalty is a capacity punishment.
  • Any put off due to the undertrial themselves in legal proceedings is excluded from the detention duration calculation.

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