Today in History (Apr 16th, 1912)
Harriet Quimby’s achievement in 1912 marked a significant milestone in aviation history and a breakthrough for women in the field. Crossing the English Channel was no small feat, especially in the early days of aviation when technology was still in its infancy. Quimby’s courage and skill paved the way for future generations of female aviators, inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams in aviation and beyond. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world to reach for the skies, regardless of gender or background.
Summary of Today’s News
Slapping case: SC seeks steps taken to prosecute U.P. teacher.
The Supreme Court requested clarification from the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the prosecution of a school teacher in Muzaffarnagar for allegedly inciting classmates of a seven-year-old Muslim boy to slap him while making communal remarks. Continuously holding the State government accountable for failing to ensure a safe educational environment as mandated by the Right to Education Act, the court condemned the incident as a serious violation of the child’s fundamental right to education, RTE Act, and Uttar Pradesh Rules against discrimination in classrooms.
Modi lauds poll bond scheme, says scrapping it is a mistake
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concerns over the potential resurgence of black money in elections following the Supreme Court’s decision to scrap the electoral bonds scheme. Modi defended the scheme, emphasizing its transparency in revealing political party contributors and expressing a willingness to address its shortcomings. He criticized the opposition for spreading misinformation about the scheme, highlighting that only a limited number of companies made donations through it, with some facing action by agencies like the Enforcement Directorate.
Retired judges raise concern over undermining judiciary.
Over 20 retired judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts have written to Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, expressing collective concern about growing attempts to undermine the judiciary through misinformation and public criticism. Their letter follows a recent communication from 600 lawyers raising similar concerns about vested interest groups pressuring the judiciary, influencing judicial processes, and defaming higher courts with political agendas.
Israel lost deterrence, Jewish terrorist violence spreading, says former PM Yair Lapid.
Israel’s Opposition leader, Yair Lapid, criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, accusing it of causing a “total loss of Israeli deterrence” following an unprecedented Iranian attack. Lapid specifically condemned Netanyahu’s leadership, citing a perceived increase in Jewish terrorist violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
