Today in History (August 06^th, 1890)

Electrifying Capital Punishment
August 6th, 1890, etched a chilling note in history with the first-ever execution by electric chair. William Kemmler, a convicted murderer, faced this new form of capital punishment, forever altering the course of legal proceedings.

Let’s revise

A) What is the main purpose of the “VIRAASAT” expo?

1. To celebrate the founding anniversary of the Ministry of Textiles
2. To showcase the tradition of Handloom and Handicrafts and provide a market connection to weavers and artisans
3. To introduce new textile technologies to the public
4. To offer discounts on machine-made textiles

Answer: 2)
Explanation: The “VIRAASAT” handloom expo aims to highlight the traditional art of Handloom and Handicrafts and to facilitate market connections for handloom weavers and artisans. This aligns with the goal of continuing the celebrations around National Handloom Day.

B) Under which government entity is the “VIRAASAT” handloom expo being organized?

1. Ministry of Culture
2. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
3. Ministry of Textiles
4. Ministry of Rural Development

Answer: 3)
Explanation: The “VIRAASAT” handloom expo is organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. This indicates the Ministry’s role in overseeing and supporting the event.

C) Recently, Yamini Krishnamurthy died at the age of 83, she was famous for what?

1. Bharatnatyam
2. Kathakali
3. Kuchipudi
4. None of the above

Answer. 4)

Explanation: Veteran Bharatanatyam dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy died at the age of 83. She received the Padma Shri at the young age of 28 in 1968, Padma Bhushan in 2001 and Padma Vibhushan in 2016. She was also conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1977.

1. Bharatanatyam is an Indian classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. It is considered to be over 2000 years old.
2. Several texts beginning with Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra provide information about it.

D) Recently Exercise Pitch Black 2024 concluded in Darwin____

1. Australia
2. Japan
3. India
4. Russia

Answer. 1)
Explanation: Recently Exercise Pitch Black 2024 concluded in Darwin, Australia.

1. It is a biennial, multi- national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
2. The Indian Air Force (IAF) also participated in the exercise.

Summary of Today’s News

Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation and turmoil in Bangladesh

• Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation and Departure: Sheikh Hasina, the longest-serving Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resigned and fled the country amid severe unrest and violence, which resulted in over 300 deaths. She was airlifted from Dhaka and landed at the Hindon Air Force station near Delhi.
• Asylum Request and Immediate Actions: Hasina requested asylum in the U.K. and is accompanied by her sister, Rehana. She is expected to stay briefly in India while awaiting asylum approval.
• Interim Government and Military Involvement: The Army Chief, Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman, confirmed Hasina’s resignation and announced plans to form an interim government. He urged for an end to the violence and pledged to address the demands of the protesters and bring justice for those affected.
• Protests and Security Response: Massive protests demanding Hasina’s resignation led to the storming of her official residence in Dhaka. Despite curfew orders and police resistance, protesters successfully breached the residence and forced her to evacuate.
• Current Status and Next Steps: The Indian High Commission staff remain in Dhaka as the situation continues to evolve. The interim government formation and resolution of the unrest are pending further developments.

Supreme court allowed the nominations by LG Delhi to MCD

• Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court of India has confirmed that the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) of Delhi has the statutory authority to nominate 10 aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. This power is not subject to the aid and advice of the Delhi Council of Ministers.
• Legal Basis: The authority for the L-G to make these nominations comes from Section 3(3)(b)(1) of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, as amended in 1993. This law gives the L-G the power to nominate experts with special knowledge in municipal administration.
• Judicial Perspective: Justice Narasimha authored the judgment, stating that the power vested in the L-G is mandated by parliamentary law, and this statutory power is not a relic but a constitutional requirement. The court emphasized that the L-G’s role in this capacity is defined by statute, not influenced by the Council of Ministers.
• Argument Rejection: The court rejected arguments suggesting that the L-G’s power is outdated and that the democratically elected Delhi government should handle municipal administration without L-G interference. The court upheld that the L-G must exercise this power as required by law.
• Constitutional Context: The court’s decision is grounded in the constitutional provisions related to the establishment and functioning of the Delhi government, particularly Articles 239AA and 239AB, which relate to municipal administration.

Indian silence on Sheikh Hasina’s resignation

• India’s Current Focus: The Indian government is prioritizing the safety of its diplomats and citizens in Bangladesh while managing the situation following Sheikh Hasina’s arrival at the Hindon airbase. There has been no official statement from the External Affairs Ministry about the broader situation or Hasina’s asylum request.
• Government Meetings: High-level meetings are being held, including a Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key ministers such as S. Jaishankar, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Nirmala Sitharaman are involved in discussions about the unfolding events.
• Safety and Advisory Measures: India has issued a travel advisory for its nationals in Bangladesh, advising against travel and urging caution for those already in the country. The government has also arranged evacuation for thousands of Indians from Bangladesh in recent months.
• Diplomatic Strategy: Experts urge India to quickly engage with the new leadership in Dhaka to stabilize relations and address anti-India sentiment that has emerged amid the protests. It is suggested that India should balance its historical support for Hasina with a commitment to the democratic will of the Bangladeshi people.
• Long-Term Interests: Former diplomats emphasize the importance of maintaining good relations with Bangladesh and supporting efforts to restore democratic processes. Engagement with all relevant parties, including the military and interim administration, is recommended to foster stability and peace.
• Historical Context: The situation is seen as a critical moment for India to navigate its foreign policy carefully, recalling its historical role in Bangladesh’s independence and the importance of supporting democratic movements while ensuring regional stability.