Today in History (August 16th, 1996)
On this day, Leonel Fernández Reyna was sworn in as the youngest president ever elected in the Dominican Republic. Upon taking office, he promptly implemented measures to combat corruption and enhance the country’s economy.
Summary of Today’s News
PM calls for ‘secular civil code’ in Independence Day speech
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for a “secular civil code” to ensure legal equality for all, criticizing the existing “communal civil code” and underscoring the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He also critiqued the West Bengal government over a recent crime, emphasized the urgency of addressing women’s safety, and warned against forces attempting to destabilize the country economically, hinting at controversies like the Hindenburg report on the Adani Group.
Centre launches new AI-based surveillance system to manage pests, connect scientists with farmers
The National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), powered by AI, has been launched to assist farmers with pest control through mobile phones. It allows farmers to send photos of infested crops to experts for analysis, promoting scientific pest management and reducing reliance on pesticide retailers. Benefits include early pest identification, optimal pesticide use, and enhanced soil health. Expected to reach 14 crore farmers, NPSS will be implemented through outreach programs, with successful pilot schemes already conducted.
Over 1,000 Tihar inmates get special remission on I-Day
On India’s 78th Independence Day, over 1,000 Tihar Jail convicts received special remission of 15 to 20 days based on their prison conduct. New criminal laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, are now enforced in Delhi prisons, with online court production of inmates nearing completion and staff trained in the new procedures. The Prison Department is focusing on inmate education and skill development, collaborating with various organizations. Enhanced security measures include 1,248 new CCTV cameras and mobile jammers in high-security areas.
Grant off first citizenship under CAA in Assam triggers protests
On August 13, Dulon Das from Bangladesh became the first recipient of Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in the northeast, alongside at least 400 others from Afghanistan and Pakistan. His citizenship has sparked protests in Assam, with critics arguing it undermines the Assam Accord of 1985 by legalizing post-1971 immigrants. Political leaders, including Congress’s Debabrata Saikia and Assam Jatiya Parishad’s Lurinjyoti Gogoi, accuse the BJP of violating the Accord and betraying indigenous communities.