Today in History (June 20th, 2002)
The Supreme Court of the United States of America ruled in Atkins v. Virginia (2002) that the execution of people with intellectual disabilities violates the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, which protects against cruel and unusual punishment.
Summary of Today’s News
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is annually observed on 20th June to honor the strength and courage of displaced refugees to avoid hardship due to war, conflict, and violence. The theme for 2023 is “Hope Away from Home” to honor the courage and resilience of the 103 million refugees who have endured forced displacement due to conflicts and unrest worldwide.
Global Compact on Refugees
The Global Compact on Refugees promotes a multi-stakeholder approach involving the Governments, private sector, civil societies, and non-governmental organizations, and individuals to address the issues of displaced people. It also recognizes that the Global South is disproportionately affected, and these countries need assistance.
India gifts INS Kirpan to Vietnam
India gifted the indigenously built in-service missile corvette INS Kirpan, to Vietnam to enhance its naval capabilities. It is a Khukri-class missile corvette that was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1991. In June 2022, India and Vietnam signed an MoU on mutual logistics support. The two countries’ Defense Ministers also signed the ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030.’
Ladakh leaders meet Union Minister, demands statehood.
The delegation comprising leaders from Kargil and Leh met the Union Minister of State for Home, Sri Nityanand Rai, demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory. There has been a persistent demand for including Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which protects tribal areas.
Ravi Sinha was appointed as the new Chief of RAW.
Sri Ravi Sinha, an IPS Officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, has been appointed Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) by the Cabinet Committee of Appointments, headed by the Prime Minister. He has been appointed for two-year tenure. He will succeed Sri Samanta Kumar Goel, who will complete his four-year term on 30th June 2023.
