Morning Digest: Several State boards cancel Class 12 exams; Dominica court adjourns hearing in Choksi case, and more

A select list of stories to read before you start your day

Coronavirus | Why not buy 100% vaccines if you get discount, Supreme Court asks Centre

The Supreme Court has questioned the Centre’s logic that manufacturers are selling it COVID-19 vaccines for a hefty discount because it places bulk orders. The court asked the government then why it cannot buy 100% of the vaccines at a discount instead of leaving the States to fend for themselves.

Court in Dominica adjourns hearing in Mehul Choksi case

Hearing began on Wednesday against fugitive businessman and diamond trader Mehul Choksi at a court in Dominica, where he is facing charges of entering the island territory illegally.

On CoWIN, Supreme Court flags digital divide

Taking a dig at the Centre’s argument that the poor and marginalised can lean on friends to register online for vaccination, the Supreme Court has said even the digitally literate are finding it hard to get vaccine slots on CoWIN.

Centre tells States to split rural jobs scheme wages into separate categories for SCs, STs, others

The Centre has asked the States to split wage payments under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme into separate categories for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and others from this financial year. Workers’ rights advocates said this will unnecessarily complicate the payment system, and expressed fears that it may lead to a reduction in scheme funding.

Some States too cancel Class 12 exams

Following the Central government’s decision to cancel the CBSE Class 12 exams due to the pandemic, several State boards have followed suit. The BJP-ruled Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat were the first to announce cancellation on Wednesday, but Central officials expect a majority of States to follow their cue.

People of Lakshadweep to observe 12-hour hunger strike on June 7

Thousands of people living on the islands of Lakshadweep will observe a twelve hour hunger strike from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 7 to protest the string of legislations being pushed by the union territory administration unilaterally.

Rights activists object to choice of NHRC chief A.K. Mishra

A group of human rights activists on Wednesday raised concerns over the appointment of former Supreme Court judge, Justice Arun Kumar Mishra, as the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

India to vote for Maldives in UNGA President election next week

India will vote in support of Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid at the election for the President of the General Assembly (PGA) in the United Nations next week, a decision which will disappoint another close neighbour, Afghanistan, which has former Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul in the running.

Netanyahu opponents reach coalition deal to oust Israeli PM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opponents announced they have reached a deal to form a new governing coalition, paving the way for the ouster of the longtime Israeli leader.

WTC final will be fought on ‘equal terms’: Kohli

The conditions early in the English summer could suit New Zealand better than India in the inaugural World Test Championship final. And with the benefit of having played a two-Test series in England ahead of the big clash, New Zealand could well be the better-prepared side. But India captain Virat Kohli has stressed that the WTC final will be a clash of equals.

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