Today in History (May 4th, 1998)
International Firefighters Day was first observed on May 4, 1999, to commemorate the lives lost in the Linton Fire in Linton, Victoria, Australia, in 1998. The day is celebrated globally to recognize the bravery, commitment, and dedication of firefighters who work tirelessly to keep their communities safe.
Summary of Today’s News
Government proposes a panel to look into concerns of same-sex couples.
The Union Government has informed the Supreme Court to form a committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary to consider administrative measures for addressing “genuine, human concerns” faced by same-sex couples daily. Homosexuality was decriminalized in India in the landmark case of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, 2018.
World Press Freedom Index, 2023.
India was ranked 161 among 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, 2023, released by the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders. In 2022, India was ranked 150th in 2022. The index was topped by Norway, followed by Ireland and Denmark. Vietnam, China, and North Korea constituted the bottom three in the index.
Ekatha Harbour
The Union Defence Minister Sri Rajnath Singh, and his Maldivian counterpart, Mariya Didi, laid the foundation stone for the Maldives National Defence Forces Coast Guard ‘Ekatha Harbour’. The development of the Coast Guard Harbour and repair facility at Sifavaru is one of the biggest grant-in-aid projects in India. Earlier, India handed over patrol vessels and landing aircraft to the Maldives to boost maritime security.
Cyclone Mocha
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said a cyclonic disturbance will likely develop over the southeast Bay of Bengal around May 6, 2023. A low-pressure area is a precursor for the development of cyclones. The cyclone, named Mocha, will be the first cyclone in 2023. Yemen proposed the name following an international convention on naming cyclones.
Ajay Banga has been confirmed as the next World Bank President.
The World Bank confirmed Ajay Banga as its next President for a five-year term, succeeding David Malpass. He is taking charge at a pivotal time when the World Bank aims to address climate change effectively. The World Bank is a specialized United Nations agency headquartered in Washington, D.C.
