Important News - 2025-04-18
18 April 2025
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Politics (5)
Supreme Court Upholds Homebuyers' Right to Peaceful Protest Against Builders
The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment on April 17, 2023, upheld the right of homebuyers to peacefully protest against builders. The Bench, headed by Justice K.V. Viswanathan and comprising Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, ruled that portraying such protests as criminal offences is a clear abuse of the law. The case originated from a protest by homebuyers against A. Surti Developers, where they erected a banner in English and Hindi detailing their grievances. The builder accused the homebuyers of damaging its reputation, leading to legal proceedings. The Bombay High Court had earlier dismissed the homebuyers' plea to quash the case, prompting them to approach the Supreme Court. The apex court concluded that the protest was peaceful and orderly, falling within the exceptions to criminal defamation and protected under Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to free speech and expression. The court emphasized that allowing criminal proceedings to continue would be an abuse of process.
Telangana High Court Upholds State Policy on School Assistant Recruitment Ratio
The Telangana High Court has refused to intervene in a writ petition challenging the recruitment ratio for school assistant posts. The petition sought a reduction in the quota for promotions to secondary grade teachers, requesting an increase in direct recruitment from the current 33.33% to 80% or more. The remaining 66.66% of posts are filled through transfers and promotions. A Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Narsing Rao Nandikonda ruled that the allocation of percentages for direct recruitment is a policy decision of the State government. The court advised the petitioners, who are unemployed B.Ed graduates, to approach the government individually or collectively to address their grievances. The writ petition was subsequently disposed of.
Congress Exposes 51,784 Vacancies in Tripura Government Departments
The Congress party in Tripura has revealed that a total of 51,784 posts are vacant across various departments of the state government, contradicting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led administration's claims of regular recruitment. On April 18, 2025, the Congress released a detailed fact sheet based on Right to Information (RTI) submissions, highlighting the extent of vacancies in key departments. The Education Department has the highest number of vacancies at 11,947, primarily for teachers, followed by the police department with 7,515 vacancies and the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) with 2,405. The health and family welfare department faces a critical shortage with 13,495 vacancies, including 1,366 for doctors. In contrast, the relief and rehabilitation department has only nine vacancies, and the transport department has ten. The Congress has accused the ruling BJP of withholding accurate information during the recent budget session of the State Assembly and plans to launch statewide protests to highlight the discrepancies in the employment scenario.
BJP Clarifies Waqf (Amendment) Act-2025 Aims for Transparency in Property Management
BJP national secretary Arvind Menon emphasized that the Waqf (Amendment) Act-2025 is aimed at ensuring transparency in the management of Waqf properties, dismissing claims that it creates a dispute between Hindus and Muslims. Speaking at an awareness program organized by the BJP, Menon highlighted that the amendments are necessary to protect Waqf properties from misuse by a small minority. He stated that the majority of Muslims have been helpless as valuable properties were being exploited. BJP State president Daggubati Purandeswari clarified that the amendments would not apply to recognized Waqf properties, as per the Supreme Court's order, and the existing law would remain intact. She also denied allegations that the Central Government intends to interfere with Waqf Boards' administration. The event was attended by BJP Minority Morcha State president Sk. Baji, State media in-charge Paturi Nagabhushanam, and State official spokesperson Valluru Jayaprakash, among others.
Manipur Congress Leader Seeks Security Amid Rumours Linked to ‘Audio Tapes’ Case
Ningombam Bupenda Meitei, a Manipur Congress leader and advocate at the High Court of Manipur, has sought security from the State government following rumours linking him to the ‘audio tapes’ case involving former Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh. On April 18, 2025, Meitei petitioned Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Secretary P.K. Singh, and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh for protection, citing the potential for mob violence in the already troubled State. He clarified that he has no involvement in the case, stating that he has not signed any vakalatnama (legal document authorizing a lawyer to represent a client) for either party. Meitei, an executive panel member of the All India Congress Committee’s department of law, accused individuals with vested interests of spreading rumours to tarnish his and the party’s image. He urged the authorities to curb the spread of fake news, which he claims has endangered his life and property. Meanwhile, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that the forensic report on the authenticity of the audio tapes, which allegedly feature a person claiming responsibility for ethnic violence in Manipur, is ready and will be submitted in a sealed cover.
Schemes (1)
Mahim Koliwada Women SHGs Achieve FoSTaC Certification Under Eat Right Initiative
In a significant development for women-led initiatives, over 150 women from self-help groups (SHGs) in Mumbai’s Mahim Koliwada have completed the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) program under the Eat Right initiative. This certification, awarded in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Maharashtra, marks the establishment of India’s first all-women-led street food hub, Mahim Seafood Plaza, at Mahim Chowpatty. The certification ceremony will be held on April 23, 2024, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Food and Drug Cabinet Minister Narhari Zirwal. The initiative, supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), aims to promote hygienic food practices and provide economic opportunities to women. The hub, operational from October to May, is run by 14 SHGs under the Mahila Bal Kalyan Yojana program. Women like Sharmila Naik and Kavita Tandel have highlighted the importance of the certification in ensuring hygiene and generating income. The initiative has also created jobs for local women involved in supplying bhakris, cold drinks, and sanitation services. Despite challenges like political interference and the need for better marketing, the plaza has become a model for safe, sustainable, women-powered food culture, aligning with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) Eat Right India movement.
Heritage (2)
Population Study of Grizzled Giant Squirrel in Pakkamalai and Gangavaram Hills for Conservation
The Villupuram Forest Division in Tamil Nadu has initiated a population study of the grizzled giant squirrel in the Pakkamalai and Gangavaram hills, a biodiversity-rich region near Gingee. The study aims to gather baseline data on this endangered species, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and to develop conservation strategies. The area, first notified as a Reserve Forest in 1897, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the grey langur, Pangolin, and the critically-endangered golden gecko. The Forest Department has also proposed declaring the 7,000-hectare area as a wildlife sanctuary, a demand first raised in 2019. The study involves subject experts and volunteers and will help understand the squirrel’s distribution and threats to its survival. The region also supports rare species like leopards, sloth bears, and endemic plants such as Adhatodasengiana and Drypetes porteri.
Defence Buildings Dominate INTACH Heritage Awards 2025
On the occasion of the International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) announced its annual heritage awards on Friday evening. Five out of the six awards were bestowed upon colonial-era buildings associated with the defence forces. The winning structures included the EME Centre Officers’ Mess, MCEME Officers Mess, AOC Officers Mess (all in Secunderabad), Air Force Station in Hakimpet, and Cantonment House. Additionally, the MH Military Hospital in Secunderabad received a special citation. The sixth award went to the 1889-built Secunderabad Chenai Parsi Dharmashala. The awards were presented at the Parsi Dharmashala, marking the 30th anniversary of the awards’ inception. Anuradha Reddy, convenor of INTACH’s Hyderabad chapter, highlighted the awards’ role in connecting the city with its built and natural heritage, while recognizing efforts by individuals and institutions in heritage preservation.
Miscellaneous (2)
BBMP's Clerical Errors Cause Rejection of E-Khata Applications in Bengaluru
A clerical error in the manual records of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has led to the rejection of e-khata applications for several residents, including a cobbler from Murphy Town. The error occurred due to incorrect Property Identification Numbers (PID) entered manually by BBMP officials, causing applications to be rejected despite valid documentation. V. Subramani, a resident of Ashraya Scheme House, discovered that his property details were incorrectly recorded, leading to the rejection of his e-khata application on April 16, 2024. Despite efforts to rectify the mistake, including submitting original documents and proof of property tax payments, the Assistant Revenue Officer (ARO) rejected the application. Sources within BBMP suggest that such rejections are not isolated and may be driven by corrupt practices, with at least 10 applications being rejected monthly. The issue has been brought to the notice of BBMP officials, but no corrective action has been taken yet.
Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Power Supply in Hyderabad, Restoration Efforts Underway
On Friday, April 18, a sudden downpour accompanied by strong winds in Hyderabad caused significant disruption in power supply across various areas. The adverse weather conditions, caused by cumulonimbus clouds (thunderclouds), led to trees, tree branches, and flex-board banners falling on transmission and distribution lines. The Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Ltd (TGSPDCL) deployed disaster response teams to restore power by removing debris and repairing damaged or snapped lines. In the Red Hills area, a large uprooted tree caused a fire in a roadside distribution transformer. Similar incidents occurred in Babu Nagar, Langar Houz, Asmangadh, A.C. Guards Section, Bazharghat, Sai Enclave, Green Hills, Malakpet, Triveni Nagar, Badangpet, Athvelly, Abullapurmet, and Motilalnagar, affecting dozens of feeder lines. Restoration efforts are ongoing to ensure power supply is reinstated.
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