Today in History (September 30th, 1980)
Martina Hingis, born on September 30, 1980, is a renowned Swiss professional tennis player. She made history by becoming the youngest person in the “open” era to win a Grand Slam singles title and the youngest to achieve the world number one ranking in tennis.
Summary of Today’s News
Cauvery dispute: CWMA upholds panel’s decision.
The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has upheld the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s decision for Karnataka to release 3,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water to Tamil Nadu until October 15. Karnataka is also required to compensate for a 0.71 tmc ft water shortfall. The Karnataka government plans to file review petitions and form an advisory panel.
‘Age of consent under POCSO must remain’
The 22nd Law Commission has recommended against altering the age of consent, which is presently 18 years under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Instead, it has suggested the introduction of “guided judicial discretion” during sentencing for cases involving children aged 16 to 18 who give tacit approval rather than legal consent.
Concerned over progress on stubble burning: NHRC
The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Justice Arun Mishra, has expressed serious concern over the slow progress in achieving ‘zero paddy stubble burning’ to reduce air pollution in the national capital. Justice Mishra defended poor farmers, stating that they often lack the resources to purchase or rent equipment to deal with crop stubble. He suggested that states provide subsidies and keep resources in reserve for such farmers.
Electoral bonds to go on sale from October 4
The Indian government has announced the sale of the 28th tranche of electoral bonds from October 4 to 13, available at State Bank of India branches. Electoral bonds are sold during 10-day periods in January, April, July, and October, and additional 30-day periods in Lok Sabha election years. An amendment in November 2022 granted the government the power to declare an extra two-week period for bond sales during state and union territory elections, which was previously used before the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections.
