Today in History (February 28th,1928)
The National Day is celebrated in India on 28 February each year to mark the discovery of the ‘Raman effect’ by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman on 28 February 1928. For his discovery, Sir Chandrasekhar Venkat Raman also known as C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. On this day, he discovered a phenomenon of scattering of photons which was later known as ‘Raman Effect’ after his name.
Summary of Today’s News
No negotiation over annexed Ukrainian territory: Kremlin
• The Kremlin has ruled out any negotiation over the status of five Ukrainian regions it claims to have annexed, despite not fully controlling four of them.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the territories are “inseparable” from Russia, as they are part of the Russian Federation’s Constitution.
• He emphasized that the status of these territories is “undeniable and non-negotiable.”
• Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 following a military operation and a controversial referendum, criticized as illegitimate by Ukraine and Western nations.
• In September 2022, Russia declared the annexation of four more Ukrainian regions: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
• Russian forces control most of Donetsk and Luhansk but only parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
• Ukraine has taken control of parts of Russia’s Kursk region.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested the possibility of an “exchange” of territories with Russia, but this notion has been rejected by Russia.
Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey appointed SEBI chief
• The government has appointed Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Finance and Revenue Secretary, as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• Mr. Pandey will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on Friday.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved Mr. Pandey’s appointment.
• According to the government order, his appointment is initially for three years, starting from the day he assumes charge.
Law trying to protect children born of live-in relationships: Uttarakhand govt.
The Uttarakhand High Court orally observed that live-in relationships were increasing and the law (Uniform Civil Code) was merely trying to accommodate the rights of women and the rights of children born out of such relationships.
• Law to Protect Kids from Live-in Relationships: The Uttarakhand government says the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is trying to help children born from live-in relationships and protect women’s rights.
• Why the Discussion Happened: The court was hearing two cases challenging parts of the UCC, which started in Uttarakhand on January 26, 2025.
• One case was from social activists Uma Bhatt, Kamla Pant, and Munish Kumar.
• The other was from a couple in a live-in relationship.
• UCC Rule: The UCC says live-in couples must register their relationship with the government.
• Court’s Advice: The judges told couples they can come to court if they face any punishment for not registering.
• Privacy Worries: Lawyer Vrinda Grover argued in court that:
• The UCC lets the government spy on people’s private choices.
• It can punish people for choosing their partners, which should be a private right.
• It might increase harassment and violence against women and couples who don’t follow common societal views.
• Anyone can complain about a live-in relationship, which could lead to trouble from people who don’t like these relationships.
• Documents Concern: Ms. Grover didn’t like that couples have to share private documents like Aadhaar to register.
• Court’s Question to Lawyer: Justice Tiwari asked Ms. Grover if just registering a relationship can be called unconstitutional. He said the law is only trying to keep up with changing times and protect women and kids.
• Ms. Grover’s Reply: She said the UCC could still cause problems and let social rules override constitutional rights.
• Government’s Side: Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, speaking for the Uttarakhand government, said:
• The UCC doesn’t harm privacy.
• It’s just a way to manage things and protect women from unfair treatment.
• The law was made after talking to lots of people and considering their opinions.
• Court’s Question to Government: The judges asked if the government took suggestions from the public before making the UCC and if those ideas were used.
