Today in History (July 22nd, 1784)
On this day, in 1784, the great German astronomer Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel was born. He was the first to measure accurately the parallax, and hence the distance, of a star other than the Sun.
Summary of Today’s News
The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA)
The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) is a proactive umbrella organization representing 17 media publishers, aiming to promote and protect the interests of digital news publishers. They advocate, raise awareness, and foster cooperation while safeguarding members from unfair practices. DNPA also works towards industry solutions like combating fake news and setting standards for viewability and brand safety.
India-Sri Lanka Relationship
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi welcomed Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India, urging the implementation of the 13th Amendment for the dignity of Tamil population’s living in Sri Lanka. Talks on infrastructure projects for improved connectivity occurred, and development assistance was announced for Tamils of Indian origin living in Sri Lanka. They adopted a vision document to enhance connectivity, including a passenger ferry service between Tamil Nadu and the northern Sri Lanka.
Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill
The Rajasthan Government passed two significant bills in the Assembly. The Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill guarantees 125 days of employment and a minimum pension of ₹1,000 per month for the elderly, disabled, widows, and single women and also ensures a 15% annual increase in pensions. The Rajasthan Government also amended the Rajasthan Public Examination Act to enhance the punishment for leaking question papers from 10 years’ jail to life imprisonment.
Delimitation Commission
Delimitation in India is carried out by an independent Commission (consisting of a retired Supreme Court judge, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, and respective State Election Commissioners) appointed by the Government of India after each Census to determine the constituency boundaries and reserved seats for marginalized groups. Till now, Commissions have been formed four times: 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002.
U.S. Navy Chief
U.S. President Joe Biden has selected Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, making her the first woman to become a U.S. military service chief. This decision goes against the recommendation of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who had supported Admiral Samuel Paparo for the position.
