Today in History (Apr 03rd, 1948)
On April 3, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed the Economic Cooperation Act, commonly known as the Marshall Plan, into law. The plan was named after George C. Marshall, who was the Secretary of State at the time. This landmark initiative aimed to aid the post-World War II recovery efforts of Western Europe by providing substantial financial assistance from the United States.
Summary of Today’s News
ED can summon anyone for ‘any information’: SC
The Supreme Court upheld the Enforcement Directorate’s authority to summon individuals for information, despite criticism directed at four Tamil Nadu District Collectors who failed to appear before the Enforcement Directorate in response to a summons. The Collectors cited the upcoming Lok Sabha election in Tamil Nadu on April 19 as the reason for their inability to appear, requesting more time to collect information on sand mining sites.
Why did Centre turn a blind eye to Patanjali’s ‘COVID cure’ claim, asks SC
The Supreme Court criticized the Union government for failing to address Patanjali Ayurved’s claims of offering COVID-19 solutions during the pandemic. Additionally, the court warned Baba Ramdev, co-founder of Patanjali, of potential perjury proceedings and contempt action. The court also expressed dissatisfaction with apologies submitted by Patanjali and its managing director Balkrishna for publishing misleading advertisements violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, despite previously giving an undertaking to the court in November.
Is the Katchatheevu islet disputed?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stirred controversy by bringing up the issue of Katchatheevu prior to the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, accusing the Congress of conceding it. The contentious matter dates back to 1974 when an agreement between Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Sirima R.D. Bandaranaike delineated the boundary between India and Sri Lanka, placing Katchatheevu under Sri Lankan control. This settlement marked the culmination of negotiations that stretched back to 1921.
EC transfers several top official appoints special observers-
The Election Commission (EC) has issued transfer orders for top officials in five states: Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, as part of preparations for upcoming elections. Special observers have been appointed in populous states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar to ensure fair elections, considering their combined population of over seven crore.
