Today in History (May 29st, 1953)
On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first climbers to conquer the world’s highest peak, standing at 29,032 feet (8,849 meters). This historic achievement came after numerous failed attempts by others, marking a significant milestone in the history of mountaineering and human exploration. Their ascent was part of a British expedition led by Colonel John Hunt, which was meticulously planned and executed, combining advanced techniques and equipment with the climbers’ exceptional skill and determination.
Summary of Today’s News
SC tells Kejriwal to move CJI for listing bail extension plea
In a recent development, a Vacation Bench of the Supreme Court declined to list an application filed by Arvind Kejriwal seeking a seven-day extension of his interim bail in a money laundering case related to the liquor policy ‘scam’. This Bench, comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and K.V. Viswanathan, cited the inability to intervene in a case already reserved for judgment by another Bench of the court. During this hearing, the Bench had granted Kejriwal the liberty to apply for statutory bail under Section 45 of the PMLA
Bonds signed for rural service by MBBS graduates prior to July 2022 illegal: HC
In a significant ruling, the High Court of Karnataka has exempted around 440 MBBS graduates of 2021 from undergoing one year of compulsory rural service, a requirement stipulated in the bond they signed upon joining the medical course through government-quota seats in 2015. The court pointed out that the law mandating rural service, enacted in 2012, had remained unenforced for a decade. Criticizing the state’s inaction, the court remarked that it seemed as if the state had been dormant or inactive for the past 10 years.
The question of Palestine’s UN membership.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has underscored Palestine’s renewed bid for full UN membership, a process impeded by geopolitical considerations, especially those of the U.S. Having previously pursued UN membership, Palestine faced a U.S. veto in the UNSC in 2011, subsequently holding non-member observer status. Following another U.S. veto in April, the UNGA passed a resolution in May affirming Palestine’s eligibility for full membership, urging UNSC consideration.
On fire safety regulations in India.
Recent fire tragedies at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot and a hospital in Delhi highlight the urgent need for stringent fire safety regulations in public buildings. Despite existing regulations like the Model Building Bye-Laws of 2016 and state-specific guidelines, challenges in compliance persist. The Gujarat High Court’s recent suo motu action signals a push for stricter oversight. Meanwhile, Spain, Norway, and Ireland’s recognition of Palestine as a state represents a significant diplomatic shift, bolstering Palestinian statehood efforts amid ongoing tensions with Israel.
