Today in History (March 8th,1702)
On March 8, 1702, Anne ascended the British throne, becoming the last Stuart monarch. Earlier, she had accepted the Act of Settlement (1701), which ensured that the Hanoverian descendants of King James I would succeed her.
Summary of Today’s News
Join Joint Action Committee on delimitation, Stalin tells CMs.
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin reached out to CMs and former CMs of States affected by delimitation, inviting them to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC). He stressed that States controlling population growth should not be penalized. An initial Chennai meeting on March 22 will discuss solutions, including redistributing 543 seats or increasing total seats beyond 800. Stalin urged unity beyond politics, opposing unfair implementation while demanding clarity from the Centre on representation calculations.
Zelenskyy renews his call for aerial truce as Russians launch massive air strike.
Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukrainian energy facilities. President Zelenskyy called for a mutual halt to aerial attacks, but the Kremlin rejected a ceasefire. Turkey’s President Erdogan backed the proposal, urging de-escalation. Talks between Washington and Kyiv resumed, with U.S. and Ukrainian officials meeting in Saudi Arabia. Zelenskyy may attend to discuss a ceasefire with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff explores a long-term agreement.
India tells U.K. to act firmly against those involved in Jaishankar’s security breach.
India expressed deep concern over a security breach during EAM S. Jaishankar’s visit to London, where a Khalistani protester approached his car. The UK was criticized for its “indifference”, and a demarche was issued. Meanwhile, Lalit Modi, former IPL chief, acquired Vanuatu citizenship and applied to surrender his Indian passport. India continues legal action against him. Jaishankar will return to the UK after visiting Dublin, inaugurating a Manchester consulate, and attending an event.
Plight of prisoners with disabilities needs attention: SC
The Supreme Court acknowledged the inhumane conditions faced by disabled prisoners like G.N. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, noting the lack of accessible prison facilities. A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta agreed that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, lacks provisions for disabled inmates’ rights. The court issued a notice to the Union government. The case highlights urgent reforms needed for disabled-friendly prisons in India.
