Today in History (June 14th, 1940)
On June 14, 1940, the first transport of Polish political prisoners arrived at Auschwitz, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most infamous symbols of the Holocaust and Nazi brutality. Auschwitz, located in occupied Poland, evolved into a network of concentration, extermination, and slave-labour camps, comprising Auschwitz I (the main camp), Auschwitz II-Birkenau (a combination concentration/extermination camp), and Auschwitz III-Monowitz (a labour camp).
Summary of Today’s News
Kuwait offers help to repatriate bodies.
A devastating fire in a Kuwait building claimed the lives of at least 45 Indians and three Filipinos, with one body still unidentified. Kuwaiti authorities assured India of full support, including medical care, repatriation of remains, and a thorough investigation. Indian Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh met with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya to discuss the incident. Fifty others were injured, and DNA tests are being conducted to confirm the victims’ identities.
NTA cancels scorecards of 1,563 NEET candidates.
The Supreme Court acknowledged the Union government’s decision to cancel the scorecards of 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates who received compensatory marks. These candidates can retake the exam on June 23, with their actual scores, excluding grace marks, being communicated. If they choose not to retake, their original scores without grace marks will stand. This decision followed petitions challenging the grace marks awarded due to incomplete exam time, with a subsequent NTA committee deeming the compensatory marks as skewed.
U.S., Europe will lock up Russian assets until it pays for Ukraine war.
The U.S. and European nations have agreed to freeze over $260 billion in Russian assets to fund reparations for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, the G-7 announced a $50 billion loan package for Ukraine, supported by the U.S., using interest from the frozen assets. President Biden signed a 10-year security pact with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, emphasizing ongoing U.S. support without direct troop deployment. These actions aim to bolster Ukraine’s defenses amidst ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing international solidarity and strategic support.
Hezbollah attacks Israeli bases as Gaza war rages
Hezbollah retaliated against Israel for the killing of commander Taleb Abdallah with rocket and drone attacks on Israeli Army bases. In Gaza’s Rafah, Israeli helicopters engaged in street battles with Hamas militants, part of ongoing operations since early May. The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades resisted Israeli forces in Rafah. The International Court of Justice ruled for Israel to cease operations in Gaza, a directive Israel denied violating. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated hopes for a potential ceasefire amid escalating tensions.
