Today in History (February 19th, 1945)
On this day, the United States launched Operation Detachment, which was the codename for the invasion of Iwo Jima, a small but strategically significant island located halfway between the Mariana Islands and Japan. The goal of the operation was to capture the island’s airfields, which could then be used as bases for American long-range bombers to attack Japan directly.
Summary of Today’s News
Third term crucial for country: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BJP’s National Council meeting in New Delhi, urging party members to work diligently for the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized the party’s commitment to securing a third successive term for the progress of India over the next five years. He reiterated the BJP’s commitment to India’s unity and emphasized the party’s dedication to the ideals of “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat” (One India, Great India).
Centre to clarify on Aadhaar as birth date proof, with risk riders.
The UIDAI is expected to clarify its recent directive to cease using Aadhaar as proof of date of birth, aiming to prevent inconvenience to the public and government scheme beneficiaries. While the directive stands, the UIDAI plans to issue an advisory for agencies, emphasizing a risk-based assessment approach for using Aadhaar as proof of age. Agencies may continue to use Aadhaar for age verification after assessing risks, but they must ensure proper verification and may need to verify the date provided in Aadhaar records further.
A ruling that gives primary school teaching a new slat
In August 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree is not suitable for primary school teaching, favoring diplomas like DEd or DElEd instead. This decision impacts teacher recruitment and policy, highlighting the need for specialized training in foundational literacy and numeracy. Despite 90% of teachers having some professional qualification, only 46% of primary teachers possess the appropriate DElEd qualification.
Rajasthan told to pay ₹10 lakh to labourer over frivolous case.
The Supreme Court ruled that the Rajasthan government must pay ₹10 lakh in damages to Gopal Bijawat, a part-time labourer, for harassing him by denying regular employment and benefits for 22 years. Despite a 2001 Labour Court decision reinstating him, the state pursued a case against him, which was repeatedly upheld by higher courts. The Supreme Court criticized the state’s actions as “frivolous” and ordered the payment within four weeks.
