Today in History (October 30^th, 1485)

On October 30, 1485, Henry Tudor was crowned as Henry VII, marking the beginning of the Tudor dynasty. His reign ended the Wars of the Roses, and he strategically used his children’s marriages to forge alliances that strengthened England’s influence. Through significant treaties, Henry VII further enhanced England’s power on the international stage.

Summary of Today’s News

PM rolls out health cover for persons aged 70 and above

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to cover senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. The scheme provides up to ₹5 lakh in free hospital treatment to reduce elderly healthcare expenses, with beneficiaries receiving an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. Modi announced this expansion alongside other health projects totalling around ₹12,850 crore on Dhanvantari Jayanti. He noted, however, that political opposition in Delhi and West Bengal prevents implementation in these states.

PMLA cannot be used as a tool for incarceration: High Court

The Delhi High Court has cautioned against using the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) solely as a tool for imprisonment. This statement came while granting bail to Vaibhav and Ankush Jain, co-accused in a case involving former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain. The court highlighted that if trial delays are not due to the accused, keeping them detained under PMLA’s strict bail conditions under Section 45 is unjustified. Emphasizing personal liberty, Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri stated that “bail is the rule and jail an exception.”

New Israeli laws bar UNRWA from operating on its soil

Israel has enacted laws barring the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within Israeli territory, further straining its relationship with the UN. These laws prohibit UNRWA activities in Israel and sever diplomatic ties, impacting Palestinians reliant on UNRWA aid in Gaza. UN officials and international allies voiced concerns over the humanitarian effects. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted UNRWA’s irreplaceable role, while the agency’s chief, Philippe Lazzarini, criticized the measures as part of an ongoing effort to undermine its mission.

Haryana poll process was lawless: EC; rejects Cong. charges of irregularities

The Election Commission (EC) dismissed Congress’s claims of irregularities in Haryana’s Assembly election, labelling the allegations as baseless and cautioning parties against unfounded claims during elections. In a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the EC noted such accusations could incite public unrest and affirmed that the Haryana election process was without flaws, with Congress’s agents actively involved in EVM handling and vote counting. Addressing Congress’s 26 complaints, the EC reported that returning officers found no irregularities, supporting the election’s credibility.