Today in History (July 16^th, 1790)

The United States Congress declared the city of Washington in the District of Columbia as the country’s permanent capital. This decision established the seat of the federal government and remains the capital to this day.

Let’s revise

A) Recently a former president of USA was attacked to kill, he was addressing a rally in _____

1. New York
2. Pennsylvania
3. California
4. Washington

Ans. (2)

B) FBI is an investigation agency of which country?

1. Russia
2. China
3. USA
4. Israel

Ans. (3)

C) Who has become the PM of Nepal?

1. Pushp Dahal Prachand
2. K.P. Sharma Oli
3. Abhaya Pratap
4. None of the above

Ans. (2)

D) What was the cold war?

Ans. It was the situation of war but without hot war or the opposite parties were ready to fight but the war not started or the situation on the brink of war

E) What is freedom house and it is located in which country?

Ans. It is a think tank in USA engaged in research regarding democracy, freedom etc.

F) Democracy index is published by?

Ans. The Economist

G) International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance is located in which country?

Ans. International IDEA has been granted UN observer status. The secretariat of the Institute is in Stockholm, Sweden.

H) Political Order in Changing Societies (1968) The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order (1996) were written by Sammual P. Huntington.

Summary of Today’s News

Supreme court will make a bench to hear the issues of Money bill route

1. Legal Challenge Against Money Bill Route: Petitions have been filed challenging the government’s use of the Money Bill route to pass significant amendments in Parliament. These amendments include controversial changes to laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
2. Constitutional Issue: The core issue revolves around whether amendments that extend beyond financial matters (Article 110(1)) can legitimately be passed as Money Bills, thereby bypassing the Rajya Sabha. This raises concerns about the interpretation and application of Article 110 of the Constitution.
3. Judicial Review: The matter was referred to a seven-judge Bench by a previous five-judge Bench. The Supreme Court, under Chief Justice Chandrachud, has agreed to list these petitions, indicating a significant judicial review of the legislative process involved in passing these amendments.
4. Implications: If the Supreme Court rules against the use of Money Bills for such amendments, it could impact how future legislative changes are processed, particularly those involving substantial policy shifts or non-financial matters.
5. Pending Decision: The outcome will clarify the constitutional boundaries of the Money Bill provision and its application in contemporary legislative practices, potentially setting a precedent for future parliamentary procedures and interpretations of Article 110.

Overall, this development underscores the critical role of the judiciary in interpreting constitutional provisions and ensuring the integrity of legislative processes in India.

Madhya Pradesh’s Bhojashala confirmed as temple structure with evidence through ASI survey

1. Archaeological Survey Findings: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a scientific survey at the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh. Their report states that the existing structure was built using remains from an earlier temple, dating back to the Paramara dynasty period.
2. Evidence of Temple Origin: The survey found pillars and pilasters with art and architecture indicative of their original use in a temple. Carvings of Hindu deities like Ganesha, Brahma, and Narasimha were discovered, although many were mutilated or defaced when the structure was converted into a mosque.
3. Controversial Conversion: Inscriptions and evidence suggest that the original temple was forcefully converted into a mosque, a point highlighted by historical inscriptions and the presence of Hindu iconography in the current structure.
4. Legal Dispute: The matter is sub judice in the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Hindu and Muslim petitioners have reacted differently to the ASI report, with Hindus expressing confidence that the site will be declared a temple and they will gain rights to worship there, while Muslims allege violations and damage to their community’s interests during the survey.
5. Upcoming Court Hearing: The High Court will continue to hear the case on July 22, indicating that the legal resolution of the dispute over the status and use of the Bhojshala complex remains pending.

This situation underscores the intersection of archaeology, history, and religious sentiment, with legal implications for the cultural heritage and religious rights in India.

India-Nepal relations can reset negativity in relations

India and Nepal, having experienced strained relations since 2015, now have an opportunity to reset their bilateral ties under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Khadga Prasad Oli. With both Prime Ministers returning to power, there is a chance to move towards a positive and stable relationship, focusing on resolving longstanding issues through mutual dialogue and respect for each other’s sovereignty and interests.