Sujata Saunik, a senior IAS officer from the 1987 batch, has taken over as Maharashtra's Chief Secretary, making history as the first woman to hold the position in the state. Meanwhile, Mumbai is preparing for moderate to heavy rainfall, with a yellow alert issued for Sunday and an orange alert for Monday. In other news, faculty at Tata Institute of Social Sciences allege that contracts for over 100 staff have not been renewed, sparking criticism. Lastly, the Indian Penal Code and two other laws will be replaced by three new criminal laws on Monday.
Maharashtra Welcomes First Female Chief Secretary, Experiences Rainfall Warning
Sujata Saunik's Historic Appointment
Sujata Saunik, an esteemed IAS officer of the 1987 batch, has shattered a glass ceiling as she assumed the role of Maharashtra's Chief Secretary. This historic appointment marks the first time a woman has held the highest administrative position in the state. Saunik brings with her a vast experience in various government posts, including as the Principal Secretary of the Home Department and the Secretary of the Urban Development Department. Her leadership is expected to bring new perspectives and innovative solutions to Maharashtra's governance challenges.
Mumbai Faces Rainfall Warning
While Maharashtra celebrates Saunik's appointment, the city of Mumbai is bracing for moderate to heavy rainfall. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Sunday and an orange alert for Monday, indicating the likelihood of heavy showers. Citizens are advised to take precautions and stay indoors during intense rainfall to avoid any inconvenience or danger.
TISS Faculty Contracts Unrenewed
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is facing criticism after it allegedly did not renew the contracts of over 100 staff members. Faculty members have raised concerns about the non-renewal, claiming that it undermines the stability of the institution. TISS has yet to provide an official statement on the matter, but the allegations have sparked discussions about job security and the rights of non-permanent staff in academia.
Indian Penal Code to Be Replaced
On Monday, three new criminal laws will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Indian Evidence Act, and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The new laws, known as the Indian Penal Code, 2022, the Indian Evidence Act, 2022, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 2022, aim to modernize India's criminal justice system. They incorporate changes to address emerging crimes, streamline procedures, and enhance the rights of victims and accused persons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Sujata Saunik?
Sujata Saunik is a senior IAS officer who has been appointed as Maharashtra's Chief Secretary, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
2. Why is Mumbai under a rainfall warning?
Mumbai is under a yellow alert for Sunday and an orange alert for Monday due to the expected moderate to heavy rainfall.
3. What is the Tata Institute of Social Sciences controversy?
TISS is facing criticism after allegedly not renewing the contracts of over 100 staff members.
4. What are the new criminal laws replacing the IPC?
The Indian Penal Code, 2022, the Indian Evidence Act, 2022, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 2022 will replace the IPC, Evidence Act, and CrPC, respectively.
5. When will the new criminal laws come into effect?
The new criminal laws will come into effect on Monday.
The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of the 'Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman' scheme, which will provide nutritious meals to students in government and government-aided schools for the next five years. The scheme, which has a financial outlay of Rs 1.31 lakh crore, aims to improve attendance and reduce education inequality among children from poor families. It also encourages community participation through initiatives like 'Tithi Bhojan' and aims to boost the local economy through the involvement of farmers' producer organisations and women self-help groups.
India Today conducted an undercover operation in Hathras, where a stampede killed 121 people and injured over 30. The sting operation uncovered the lapses on the part of first responders, including the Station House Officer, Circle Officers, and doctors in the area. This comes amidst the ongoing uproar over the tragic incident.
As heavy rainfall and onrush of water from upstream continue to worsen the flood situation in northern districts of Bangladesh, the government is closely monitoring the water levels of major rivers. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has warned that the water levels of Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Ganges-Padma rivers may continue to rise in the next 72 hours, potentially crossing danger levels. As a result, vast areas of low-lying areas have already been inundated and thousands of locals have been left marooned in Kurigram district.
According to Hindu scriptures, the displeasure of ancestors can result in problems in family and financial growth. This year, Ashadha Amavasya falls on July 5, which is the day to worship and please ancestors. Childlessness, obstacles in work, lack of success, and a Peepal tree growing in the courtyard are some of the signs of the ancestors' anger. Dr. Mrityunjay Tiwari from Vedic University advises performing rituals like Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Shradh Karma to appease the ancestors and avoid the negative effects of Pitra Dosh.
Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAB School of Optometry's annual Gift of Sight event was able to continue and provide free eye exams and glasses to underserved patients. Changes were made to ensure the safety of both patients and staff, and the event was spread out over multiple days to accommodate social distancing guidelines. Thanks to the collaboration between UAB, Rural Area Medical, Vision Service Plan, and Essilor, the event was able to help over 200 patients with various eye conditions receive much-needed care.
Eight employees at the Thiruvalla Municipality office in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district have been served a show-cause notice after a reel of them singing and dancing in the office went viral on social media. The employees had scripted the reel and filmed it during office hours, causing the secretary of the Municipality to take action. While the employees claimed the video was shot during non-working hours, the secretary stated that it was his duty to take action after learning about the incident. This incident highlights the growing influence of social media and the need for responsible behavior, even in seemingly harmless situations.
A 60-year-old man, S Ganesan, tragically passed away on Saturday after falling into the lift shaft of his apartment building in Chennai. Reportedly in an intoxicated state, Ganesan had gotten into the lift when it stopped between floors due to a power outage. The residents of the building, attempting to rescue Ganesan, informed the security guard. However, in the process, the guard slipped and also fell into the gap, causing both men to fall to the basement. Ganesan's death has been ruled an accident, and a case has been registered for further investigation.
In 2024, the United States will celebrate its 278th Independence Day, commemorating the country's declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. The day is filled with parades, fireworks, and community gatherings to honor the Founding Fathers and the founding principles of freedom, democracy, and self-governance. With activities such as attending a parade or fireworks display, Americans can celebrate the nation's continued spirit of independence.
A viral video showing the roof of the Vande Bharat Express train leaking during its journey from Delhi to Varanasi has sparked outrage online. The footage, shared by a passenger, captured the drenched seats and prompted warnings to avoid travelling on the train. However, officials from Northern Railway have since stated that the leak was caused by a temporary blockage of pipes and has been resolved.
In a tragic incident at a satsang in Phulwari, Hathras, 116 people lost their lives as a stampede broke out. The satsang was being held by self-proclaimed preacher Narayan Saakar Hari, popularly known as Bhole Baba. Despite a search operation by the Uttar Pradesh police, the preacher remains absconding. An eyewitness shared that the stampede occurred as people were leaving the satsang due to the uneven road. Suicide squads also arrived at the site on Wednesday morning to investigate the incident.