Today in History (August 9th, 48 BCE)
On August 9, 48 BCE, Julius Caesar’s forces defeated those of Pompey the Great, marking a decisive victory for Caesar. This battle effectively ended the first phase of the civil war and led to Pompey’s flight to Egypt. In Egypt, Pompey was murdered by agents of Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII, who saw Pompey as a potential threat to his own power. Caesar’s victory at Pharsalus solidified his position as the leading power in Rome and set the stage for his eventual rise as dictator.
Summary of Today’s News
Yunus-led Bangladesh interim govt. sworn in.
On August 9, 2024, Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s 17-member interim government, three days after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid widespread protests. The ceremony, held at Bangabhaban, was attended by notable figures, including military officers and diplomats from several countries, but excluded representatives from Hasina’s Awami League. Due to damage from protests, Yunus will use the Jamuna state guesthouse as his office and residence, as the Prime Minister’s Office, Gono Bhaban, is unusable.
Union govt. amends CAA guidelines on documents to prove foreign origin.
The Union Home Ministry has amended the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, easing the process for applicants by allowing the submission of any document issued by Indian State or Union authorities to prove their roots. The new rule gives officials discretion if documents are incomplete and permits local priests or community institutions to certify applicants’ faith. The CAA grants citizenship to six non-Muslim communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Waqf Bill goes to JPC after an acrimonious debate in Lok Sabha.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, faced strong opposition allegations of targeting the Muslim community and interfering with religious matters. After a heated debate, the Lok Sabha referred the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further review. The Bill proposes changes to the 1995 Waqf Act, including adding two Muslim women and two non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board and designating the District Collector to decide Waqf land status. Further discussions are anticipated.
Israel revokes status of Norway envoys to Palestine.
Israel has revoked the diplomatic status of Norway’s envoys to the Palestinian Authority, accusing Oslo of “anti-Israel behaviour” related to the Gaza war. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz cited Norway’s recognition of a Palestinian state and support for an International Criminal Court case against Israeli leaders. The U.S. criticized the move, noting Norway’s historical role in the Oslo Accords. Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide condemned the decision as extreme, affecting aid to Palestinians and bilateral relations. The Palestinian Authority also condemned
Israel’s action.
