Today in History (Mar 15th, 44 BCE)
On March 15, 44 BCE, Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator, was assassinated by a group of conspirators led by senators such as Cassius and Brutus. This event marked a significant turning point in Roman history and ultimately led to a period of civil wars known as the Roman Republic’s downfall and the rise of the Roman Empire under figures like Caesar’s heir, Octavian (later known as Augustus).
Summary of Today’s News
Panel recommends simultaneous polls
A high-level committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has proposed a comprehensive plan for electoral reform in India, aiming for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as an initial step. Additionally, the committee suggests conducting municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of the general election in a subsequent phase. Concurrently, the 22nd Law Commission is studying the matter and is expected to recommend a similar approach for the 2029 general election cycle.
Poll bonds: 22 Firms donated over ₹100 cr., BJP got the highest share
Between April 12, 2019, and January 24, 2024, Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR, led by Santiago Martin, emerged as the leading contributor to political parties, donating a substantial ₹1,368 crore through electoral bonds. However, the Enforcement Directorate intervened in March 2022, seizing ₹411 crore from the firm’s bank accounts, leading to a prosecution complaint filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, against Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR before the PMLA Court in Kolkata on September 9, 2023.
Will find a way for people without documents to apply under CAA: Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced plans to facilitate the application process for benefits under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, for undocumented migrants from six non-Muslim communities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Shah stated that alternatives would be devised for those lacking necessary documentation, with an estimated 85% of applicants possessing the required paperwork.
India ranked 134th in global human development index: UNDP
India has climbed one spot in the global Human Development Index (HDI), as per the recent United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report titled ‘Breaking the gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarised world’. In 2022, India secured the 134th position, showing improvement from 135th in 2021. However, India still trails behind Sri Lanka (ranked 78) and China (ranked 75) in the High Human Development category. Moreover, it ranks lower than Bhutan (125th) and Bangladesh (129th) in the HDI. Switzerland maintains its top position in the HDI rankings.
