Today in History (July 3rd, 1863)
The Battle of Gettysburg ended on this day in 1863 with a victory for the Union forces and was seen as a turning point in the American Civil War.
Summary of Today’s News
“Chlorine Water Issue in Construction Projects”
A report by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, highlights concerns about the quality of water used in construction projects in the National Capital Region. The report reveals the presence of chloride in the concrete, which can lead to corrosion of steel reinforcement. Experts recommend reviewing norms and conducting periodic testing of groundwater used in construction to ensure specified quality standards are met. A previous incident in Gurugram, where a collapsed apartment was attributed to high chloride levels in the concrete, underscores the importance of addressing this issue.
“NFHS 6 and the Removal of Disability-Specific Questions”
The recent decision by the Indian government to remove disability-specific questions from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) raises concerns about its commitment to the disabled population. Activists had campaigned for inclusion, and the deletion undermines efforts to understand their lives and needs. The government argues that disability data can be obtained from other surveys, but the comprehensive questions asked in the NFHS provide valuable insights. The decision seems unjustified, and efforts should be made to include disabled individuals in population counts and surveys.
“Changing IMF Stance on Cryptocurrencies in Latin America and the Caribbean”
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently stated that banning cryptocurrencies may not be effective in the long run in the Latin American and Caribbean markets. This change in stance comes as countries like Argentina, Chile, and Colombia face devaluation of their currencies, leading residents to explore cryptocurrencies as an alternative. El Salvador stands out as the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, despite concerns raised by the IMF. The IMF’s latest blog post calls for improved financial infrastructure, regulation of cryptocurrencies, and the development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in the region. CBDCs are controlled by central banks and correspond to fiat currencies, providing stability compared to the volatility of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
“Infrastructure Developments in India-China Border Area”
Following the violent clash between Indian and Chinese forces in Galwan three years ago, both countries have been engaged in significant infrastructure projects in the eastern Ladakh region. China is constructing a bridge across the Pangong Tso Lake, while India is building a black-topped road on the north bank. Despite ongoing tensions, talks between the two sides have been gridlocked, with remaining friction points at Depsang and Demchok. The Indian government has increased the budgetary allocation for the Border Roads Organisation to support the construction of strategic roads along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
