Important News - 2025-04-03
03 April 2025
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Economy (3)
U.S. Tariff Order May Worsen Boeing's Supply Chain Issues and Delay Aircraft Deliveries
The recent tariff order imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to exacerbate supply chain challenges for aerospace manufacturer Boeing, potentially leading to prolonged aircraft delivery delays for airlines like Air India Group and Akasa. According to Sandeep Bahl, a senior aviation adviser, the hike in duties could further complicate supply chain issues, increasing delivery timelines. Additionally, the cost of repairs for spare parts sent by Indian airlines to the U.S. may rise due to potential re-import duties, despite currently being negotiated at zero tariff. However, there could be opportunities for India, as original equipment manufacturers might consider shifting some manufacturing and repair operations to the country to minimize tariffs. For instance, China faces a 34% import duty, while India's import duty stands at 27%. Local suppliers of aircraft parts remain optimistic due to India's low import duties on aircraft, ranging from 0% to 3%. Udayant Malhoutra, CEO of Dynamatic Technologies, emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the tariff's impact on the aviation industry, noting that punitive tariffs could increase costs and reduce competitiveness. Boeing, which sources over $1.25 billion annually from India and collaborates with more than 300 supplier partners, advocates for free trade to maintain market access and support its role as a key exporter and employment generator in the U.S.
Chennai and Kamarajar Ports Surpass 100 MMT Cargo Handling Milestone in FY 2024-25
Chennai Port and Kamarajar Port have achieved a significant milestone by collectively handling over 100 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in the financial year 2024-25, generating an operating income of more than ₹2,200 crore. Chennai Port handled 54.96 MMT, while Kamarajar Port contributed 48.41 MMT, marking a combined growth of 6.7%. Chennai Port, the second-largest major container port after Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority in Mumbai, saw a 14.7% growth in container cargo. Kamarajar Port, recognized as the energy hub for the region, witnessed a 45% growth in multi-cargo handling. Sunil Paliwal, Chairman of Chennai Port Trust and Kamarajar Port Limited, emphasized ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including a multi-modal logistics park, car parking facilities, and capacity optimization. He also highlighted Kamarajar Port's potential to become the primary sea hub in the region due to its connectivity and available land. Additionally, discussions with Hyundai Group for a potential shipbuilding facility near VOC Port were noted.
ebm-papst Invests ₹340 Crore in New Chennai Manufacturing Unit
Germany-based ebm-papst, a leading manufacturer of fans and motors, is expanding its production capabilities in India by establishing a new manufacturing unit in Chennai. The company has invested ₹340 crore in this project, which includes the acquisition of 14.2 acres of land. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility is scheduled for April 4, 2025, with the first phase of construction covering 23,000 m² expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Once fully operational, the plant will employ around 700 people. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, ebm-papst reported sales of 2,408 million euros, with 140.2 million euros invested in research and development and 9.5 million euros in sustainability initiatives. The company’s ‘local for local’ strategy aims to serve the APAC & MEA regions with tailored solutions. Additionally, ebm-papst established a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Chennai in 2023, spanning 2,800 m² and housing 300 specialists focused on digital solutions for intelligent fan technologies and global processes. The company entered the Indian market in 1996 and currently operates four sales offices, two manufacturing facilities, and multiple warehouses, employing around 375 people in India.
Politics (8)
Telangana High Court Issues Notices Over 400-Acre Land Allotment Near University of Hyderabad
The Telangana High Court issued notices to top officials of various State and Central government departments on Thursday in response to three Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petitions challenging the allotment of 400 acres of land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, to the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC). A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Renuka Yara, hearing the petitions for the second consecutive day, directed the officials to file their counter affidavits by Monday. The court also passed an interim order to halt any destruction or tree-cutting on the land. The petitions were filed by Vata Foundation ENPO, K. Babu Rao, and HCU students, with the latter seeking to set aside Government Order (GO) Ms. 54 related to the land allotment. Senior counsel S. Niranjan Reddy, representing Mr. Rao, informed the court that despite the High Court's order, authorities continued to fell trees and carry out ground levelling works. He also mentioned that the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and instructed the State government to immediately stop all activities on the land. Additionally, a HCU student was detained by Rajendranagar police for attempting to record the ongoing activities. Senior counsel Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the State government, argued that the petitioners were obstructing a proposed IT infrastructure project that could attract investments worth ₹50,000 crore and create five lakh jobs. The hearing was adjourned to Monday.
BJP Leaders Detained During Protest Against Price Rise in Karnataka
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State unit in Karnataka concluded its day-and-night protest against price rise in Bengaluru on Thursday by attempting to lay siege to the official residence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The BJP held the Chief Minister responsible for the economic burden on common people. During the protest, several prominent BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, were taken into custody by the police and later released. BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok, and other legislators were among those detained. Vijayendra announced that the protest was just the beginning of their campaign against the government’s policies, with plans to hold protests at all district and taluk centres on April 5 and launch a State-wide tour titled ‘Janakrosha Yatre’ from April 7. Additionally, Vijayendra criticized the Congress for opposing the wakf amendment Bill, accusing Congress leaders of misusing wakf board land. Meanwhile, expelled BJP leader Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal taunted Vijayendra, questioning his moral right to protest given allegations of corruption during his father’s tenure as Chief Minister.
Officials Finalize Arrangements for CM Chandrababu Naidu’s Visit to NTR District
On Thursday, officials from the Revenue and Police departments, along with other departments, reviewed the arrangements for Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's upcoming visit to Muppalla village in Chandarlapadu mandal, NTR district, on April 5. During his visit, the Chief Minister is scheduled to address a public meeting at Muppalla. He will be accompanied by Ministers, MLAs, and other public representatives. The visit is part of the Chief Minister's efforts to engage with the public and address their concerns directly.
Lok Sabha Sets Record with Over Five-Hour Zero Hour Session
On April 3, 2025, the Lok Sabha witnessed a historic event as the Zero Hour extended for over five hours, with a record-breaking 202 Members of Parliament (MPs) participating. This surpassed the previous record set on July 18, 2019, when 161 MPs spoke during an extended Zero Hour. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had assured the extension of the Zero Hour during a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, providing MPs with a significant opportunity to address matters of public importance. This session marked a notable moment in parliamentary proceedings, emphasizing the active participation of MPs in discussing critical issues.
Union Minister Kishan Reddy Urges Telangana CM to Comply with Supreme Court Order
Union Minister of Coal & Mines and Telangana BJP president G. Kishan Reddy urged Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to comply with the Supreme Court's orders and set aside personal ego. In a press statement on Thursday, Reddy also requested the release of individuals arrested or illegally confined for protesting against the Telangana government's anti-environment move. He expressed appreciation for the Supreme Court's timely intervention in granting an immediate stay to protect 400 acres of green forest cover in Kancha Gachibowli, a biodiversity-rich area home to several animal and plant species, including the Star Tortoise, classified as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN Red List since 2016. Despite the Supreme Court's interim order, activities such as tree felling were reportedly continuing in the area.
Non-INDIA Bloc Parties Oppose Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in Rajya Sabha
During the 16th day of the Parliament Budget Session, non-INDIA bloc Opposition parties, including Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Rajya Sabha. The parties raised objections to several clauses in the Bill, such as the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board, restrictions on property donations only by individuals who have practiced Islam for at least five years, and increased government interference. YSRCP MP Yerram Venkata Subba Reddy criticized the Bill as unconstitutional, claiming it infringes on fundamental rights and undermines the autonomy and financial stability of the Waqf Boards. BJD MP Muzibulla Khan expressed concerns about the inclusion of non-Muslims, citing fears among the Muslim community. BRS MP K. R Suresh Reddy accused the Bill of propagating polarization and harming the secular fabric of the country. The BJD did not issue a whip to its members, instead allowing them to vote according to their conscience. Sources indicate that INDIA bloc parties attempted to garner support from BJD and YSRCP to oppose the Bill.
MLA Naseer Ahmed Accuses Jagan Reddy of Double Standards on Muslim Welfare
Guntur East MLA Md. Naseer Ahmed criticized YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for allegedly pretending to care for the welfare of Muslims. Speaking at the TDP central office near Mangalagiri on Thursday, Ahmed questioned why Jagan did not propose changes to the draft Wakf Amendment Bill if he was concerned about its impact on the minority community. He accused Jagan of double standards and highlighted that the TDP had successfully advocated for three key amendments to the Bill, including preventing non-Muslims from being appointed to the Wakf Board and ensuring higher-ranking officers handle its legal matters. Ahmed also alleged that the YSRCP misused Wakf properties during its tenure from 2019 to 2024. He emphasized that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the TDP have consistently worked for the socio-economic empowerment of Muslims.
Family Appeals Against Politicisation of Pastor Praveen Kumar’s Death
Jessica Pagadala, the wife of Hyderabad pastor Pagadala Praveen Kumar, expressed her trust in the Andhra Pradesh government and the investigation agencies probing her husband’s mysterious death. She urged the community to avoid actions that could disrupt communal harmony. The appeal was made jointly by Ms. Jessica and Praveen Kumar’s brother, Kiran, on social media platforms. Praveen Kumar, aged 45, died on March 24 under suspicious circumstances after his two-wheeler reportedly skidded into a field near Rajamahendravaram city. Ms. Jessica requested cooperation from the Christian community during the investigation and thanked the government for promptly ordering the probe. Kiran also appealed against self-investigations and the spread of false information by social media influencers, emphasizing the need to respect Praveen Kumar’s memory and maintain religious harmony.
Schemes (6)
Karnataka Proposes Increase in UG and PG Medical Seats to NMC
The Karnataka government has submitted a proposal to the National Medical Commission (NMC) to increase the number of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical seats in government medical colleges across the state. The proposal seeks an additional 800 UG seats and 700 PG seats to meet the growing demand for clinical courses. Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development, highlighted that most government medical colleges in Karnataka have the necessary infrastructure to support this expansion. The proposal includes enhancing seats in all government medical colleges except the newly established ones in Chickballapur, Chikkamagaluru, Haveri, and Chitradurga. The government is also considering higher fees for the enhanced UG seats to ensure financial sustainability, drawing inspiration from models in states like Gujarat. Additionally, plans are underway to establish cancer care centers, super-speciality hospitals, and trauma care centers across the state. Regarding fee hikes for private medical colleges, no proposals have been submitted yet for the academic year 2025-26.
Fast Track Immigration Scheme to Launch at Thiruvananthapuram Airport in Two Months
The Central Government is set to launch the Fast Track Immigration - Trusted Travellers’ Programme (FTI-TTP) at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport within the next two months. This initiative aims to expedite the immigration clearance process for pre-verified travellers through automated e-gates using biometric authentication. The FTI-TTP will primarily benefit Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders, allowing them to bypass the standard manual immigration process and swiftly pass through e-gates after completing electronic authentication on-site. Eligible applicants will need to provide biometric data (fingerprint and face image) along with the necessary information as per the application form. Enrolment into the programme will be subject to verification and fulfilment of eligibility criteria. However, travellers under investigation by Law Enforcement Agencies or Courts may be suspended from the programme even after enrolment. Currently, the e-gates facility under FTI-TTP is operational at eight major airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Cochin. The government plans to expand this facility to 21 major airports across the country.
Agri Stack Registration for Unique Farmer IDs Underway in Cuddalore
The Agri Stack digital database registration process is currently underway in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, through special camps organized by officials from the Agriculture and allied departments. This initiative, a collaboration between the State and Central governments, aims to create a comprehensive farmer registry by assigning unique IDs and e-signatures to each farmer. The registration, which began in February 2024 and will continue until April 15, 2024, involves collecting detailed data, including land and crop cultivation information, with the farmers' consent. The Agri Stack database is designed to streamline access to various agricultural benefits, such as cheaper credit, high-quality farm inputs, localized advice, and better market access. It will also facilitate the implementation of government schemes, including Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and disaster compensation, through a single-window system, reducing the need for farmers to submit documents repeatedly.
MoRTH Revives Thripunithura Bypass Project After 30-Year Delay
The Thripunithura bypass project, which has been delayed for over three decades, has seen renewed hope with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) assigning a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) board member to study its feasibility. The project, initially planned during V.P. Singh's tenure as Prime Minister, aims to decongest Thripunithura town and facilitate smoother commutes to Idukki and Kottayam districts. The delay has left 286 landowners unable to utilize their properties, as their lands were frozen for the corridor. MP Francis George recently raised the issue with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who assured steps to revive the project. The Public Works Department (PWD) had earlier suggested that MoRTH or NHAI construct a two-lane standalone corridor, citing the ministry's responsibility for initiating the project. However, land acquisition has been stalled due to a significant increase in costs compared to the original estimate. So far, only 4.40 hectares of the required 16 hectares have been acquired in the first phase, covering a 3.75-km stretch. The second phase, extending to Kundannoor, remains pending. The project's revival is crucial for both traffic decongestion and the landowners' rights.
Karnataka to Introduce Ordinance for Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare
The Karnataka government is likely to introduce an Ordinance to ensure social security and welfare measures for gig workers, following discussions with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, which was finalized during a meeting in New Delhi, includes the establishment of a gig workers’ welfare board and the collection of a 5% cess from platform-based aggregator companies to fund welfare schemes. The remaining funds will be provided by the state government. The Labour Department presented an eight-point proposal emphasizing swift implementation. The Bill addresses concerns such as fair wages, job security, and social protection for gig workers, and aims to set a precedent for other states. The draft Bill, initially published in July 2024, was delayed due to opposition from industry associations.
Kerala Delegation Studies APCNF Initiative in Andhra Pradesh’s Natural Farming Fields
A high-level delegation from Kerala, led by Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, visited natural farming fields in NTR and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. The visit aimed to study the successful implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative, managed by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), a government body. The delegation included Sriram Venkittaramana, Director of Agriculture, Kerala, and Thomas Samuel, Additional Director of Agriculture, along with senior officials. The team visited various farms, including the mango orchard of Ms. Ramadevi, where she shared her experiences with natural farming. The APCNF cadre demonstrated the differences between natural and chemical farming, using a refractometer to highlight the higher Brix values in natural farming crops, indicating superior quality and resilience. The delegation also visited the Vegetable A-Grade Model farm of Ms. Sk. Vallibhi, where they discussed intercropping, biodiversity, and sustainable practices. Kerala farmers expressed satisfaction with the APCNF model, praising Andhra Pradesh’s efforts in promoting climate-resilient and farmer-friendly agriculture. The team was welcomed by Rajakumari, District Project Manager, APCNF, and accompanied by Srinivasulu, thematic lead, and Humayun from RySS.
Miscellaneous (6)
Two Apprehended with Stolen Mobile Phones at Cubbon Park Metro Station
On Wednesday, two individuals, including a 12-year-old minor, were apprehended at the Cubbon Park Metro Station in Bengaluru for possessing stolen mobile phones. The Karnataka State Industrial Security Force personnel, deployed for crowd management during the IPL league fixture at Chinnaswamy Stadium, detained the duo. According to a BMRCL release, the two were found with seven mobile phones stolen from fans. The suspects, identified as Sanjit (23) and the minor, both from Jharkhand, were handed over to the Cubbon Park police for further investigation.
BBMP Intensifies Dengue Control Measures Amid Rising Cases in Bengaluru
In response to a significant rise in dengue cases in Bengaluru, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath has directed officials to implement immediate measures to control the spread of the disease. During a virtual meeting at Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd. (BSWML), he emphasized the importance of preventing water stagnation and mosquito breeding, especially with the onset of rains. Public awareness campaigns will be intensified, and penalties will be imposed on those failing to maintain cleanliness. Multi-department coordination involving Health, Horticulture, Forest, BSWML, Storm Water Drain, and Road Infrastructure departments will be crucial in identifying and clearing waterlogged areas. Special attention will be given to high-risk zones, with fogging and insecticide spraying to be conducted promptly. Nodal officers and entomologists will be appointed for each BBMP zone to streamline monitoring. Fever clinics will be set up in high-risk areas, and weekly insecticide spraying will be ensured. According to BBMP data, dengue cases have risen sharply from 2,335 in 2022 to 15,282 in 2024, with 329 cases reported from January to March 31, 2024.
Bengaluru Grapples with Waterlogging and Civic Issues After Brief Rainfall
Bengaluru faced severe waterlogging, fallen trees, and overflowing manholes after a few hours of rain on Thursday, just 10 days after the first heavy rainfall exposed the city’s civic infrastructure issues. The IMD station in Bengaluru city recorded 4.3 mm of rainfall, while the HAL airport and Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) stations recorded 38.8 mm and 22.4 mm, respectively, till 5.30 p.m. The rainfall caused a dip in temperatures, with Bengaluru city recording a maximum of 28.5°C, HAL airport at 28.3°C, and KIA at 30.4°C. Key areas like Inner Ring Road, Old Madras Road, Sarjapur Road, and parts of Outer Ring Road were severely affected, leading to traffic jams. A total of 12 trees and 41 branches fell across the city, damaging vehicles and causing further traffic disruptions. BBMP Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath held a meeting to address monsoon-related issues, directing officials to take preventive measures in 209 flood-prone areas, with 166 already addressed. The IMD forecasted moderate rain with gusty winds of 30-40 kmph for the next 36 hours, with temperatures likely to range between 20°C and 29°C.
KWA Completes Key Infrastructure Projects in Thiruvananthapuram Ahead of Deadline
The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) successfully completed three major infrastructure projects in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of schedule, ensuring the resumption of water supply from the Aruvikkara water treatment plant. The works, which began on Wednesday morning, included the replacement of a damaged butterfly valve with a sluice valve near PTP Nagar, the installation of a flow meter and valve on the supply pipeline to improve water distribution to the Nemom-Vattiyoorkavu zone, and the realignment of the transmission main near the Sastri Nagar underpass at Karamana. These measures were necessitated by the doubling of the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil railway line. KWA officials coordinated the simultaneous execution of these tasks to minimize public inconvenience and completed the projects 15 hours ahead of the original deadline, resuming water supply by Thursday evening.
Bengaluru Veterinary Hospital Staff Quarters Demolished for KSIC Silk Showroom
In Bengaluru, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has demolished the old staff quarters on Queen’s Road, opposite the super specialty veterinary hospital, to make way for the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Ltd (KSIC) to establish a silk showroom, godown, and head office. The government had issued an order in late 2023, directing the transfer of 1,700 sq ft of land to KSIC. Animal activists discovered the order by mid-2024 and have been protesting the decision, arguing that the land should be used to address the city’s shortage of animal shelters. The hospital on Queen’s Road is Bengaluru’s only 24/7 government veterinary hospital and one of the two super specialty hospitals in the city. Activists have expressed concern over the prioritization of commercial interests over animal welfare, citing a similar case in 2024 where the transfer of land from Chamarajapet Veterinary Hospital to the Waqf Board was halted by the High Court. Department officials stated that the land has already been transferred to KSIC, and its use will be determined by the corporation.
Srikakulam Police Arrest Two Thieves, Recover ₹40.02 Lakh in Gold Ornaments
On Thursday, the Srikakulam police successfully arrested two notorious thieves, Pola Bhaskara Rao from Jogampeta in Parvatipuram-Manyam district and Muddada Narasinga Rao from Etcherla mandal in Srikakulam district. The arrests were made while the accused were crossing the Kasibugga railway gate, based on reliable information. The police recovered gold ornaments worth ₹40.02 lakh, along with diamond and silver ornaments valued at ₹5.51 lakh, and a four-wheeler. Both individuals have a history of criminal activities, having been involved in multiple thefts across North Andhra. Despite previous jail terms, they resumed their unlawful activities after their release. Srikakulam Superintendent of Police K. Maheswar Reddy provided these details, highlighting the ongoing efforts to curb crime in the region.
Ranks & Reports (1)
Rajasthan Tops Farmer Registry with 73 Lakh Registrations
Rajasthan has secured the top position in the farmer registry initiative, which assigns a unique identity to each agriculturist. As of April 3, 2025, the state has registered over 73 lakh farmers, covering 81% of the beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. This registry aims to simplify access to various government schemes for farmers. Revenue and Colonisation Minister Hemant Meena praised this achievement and urged officials to work systematically to achieve 100% registration. The registry is expected to empower farmers through digital tools, faster processing, and improved monitoring of welfare programs. Additionally, Minister Meena reviewed pending land-related cases, including demarcation, partition, and mutation, and emphasized the need to resolve cases pending for over 10 years. A dedicated portal, e-Dharti, has been launched to facilitate land demarcation.
Defence (1)
India-U.S. 'Tiger Triumph' Exercise Enhances Interoperability in HADR Operations
The fourth edition of the India-U.S. bilateral and tri-services exercise, 'Tiger Triumph,' is currently underway, focusing on enhancing interoperability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The exercise, which began on April 1 and will continue until April 12, is being held on the eastern seaboard. Rear Admiral Greg Newkirk, U.S. Navy, Commander of Task Force 70, highlighted the increasing complexities in various domains such as sea, undersea, air, land, space, and cyber. The exercise aims to ensure seamless operation of the armed forces of both nations under a combined joint task force structure. Major David Amiel, U.S. Air Force, emphasized the role of space technology in improving interoperability and decision-making through shared imagery. The exercise also simulates a major storm scenario to test rapid response capabilities in reducing human suffering. Rear Admiral Newkirk noted that while military intervention is not the primary goal, the forces are prepared to address security issues arising from disasters. The synergy between India and the U.S. has increased at all levels, including planning and executing complex operations.
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