Today in History (January 30th, 1948)
Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement and a proponent of nonviolent civil disobedience, was assassinated on January 30, 1948. Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and his role in India’s struggle for independence have left a lasting impact on the world, and he is widely revered for his principles of peace and tolerance. The anniversary of his assassination is observed in India as Martyrs’ Day.
Summary of Today’s News
Banked on 2011 caste census report to revise BC list: Kerala
The Kerala government told the Supreme Court that it relied on the 2011 caste census by the Centre to identify backward classes, but the data was unhelpful. Facing contempt proceedings for not revising the backward classes’ list, the state cited delays in receiving the report and COVID-19 challenges for not conducting its own survey. The state requested the 2011 caste survey data from the Centre, received it in May 2023, but found it ineffective.
Pros and cons of simultaneous elections
In September 2023, a High-Level Committee, led by former President Ramnath Kovind, was formed to explore simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies across all states in India. The proposal aims to reduce costs and improve governance but faces challenges like overshadowing regional issues and the need for constitutional amendments etc.
Centre extends ban on SIMI for 5 years for fomenting terrorism.
The Union Home Ministry has extended the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for five more years, citing its involvement in terrorism and threats to India’s sovereignty. The extension follows 17 cases against former SIMI members in the last five years, with convictions in 11 instances.
CAA will be implemented in a week, reiterates Minister
Union Minister Shantanu Thakur reiterated the imminent nationwide implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) within a week. The CAA, passed in 2019, grants Indian citizenship to specific religious minorities from neighboring countries. Thakur’s statement addresses concerns within the Matua community in West Bengal.
