Important News - 2025-05-26
26 May 2025
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Politics (2)
Hyderabad Street Vendors Protest Police Harassment and Demand Implementation of 2014 Vendors Act
Street vendors from various parts of Hyderabad, including Ameerpet, Dilsukhnagar, Kothapet, Saroornagar, Dammaiguda, and Secunderabad, gathered at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) headquarters on Monday to voice their grievances through the 'Prajavani' redressal platform. They protested against the police's removal and destruction of pushcarts under Operation ROPE (Removal of Obstructive Parking & Encroachments), which has severely impacted their livelihoods. The vendors also highlighted the non-implementation of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, despite many holding GHMC-issued vendor cards. Shree, Director of the Informal Labourers and Workers Federation, led the delegation and criticized the recent destruction of pushcarts near Saroornagar Rythu Bazar without prior notice, affecting around 80 vendors. Additionally, two children from Moosapet attended the program to request the development of a colony park in Anjaneyanagar, where allocated funds of ₹50 lakh remain unused. A total of 62 complaints were registered at the GHMC headquarters, with 104 more received at the six zonal headquarters, primarily concerning the Town Planning department.
Kerala HC Conditions Final Delimitation Notifications on Writ Petitions Outcome
The Kerala High Court, on May 26, ruled that the final notifications regarding the delimitation of wards in Naduvil panchayat (Kannur district) and Uduma panchayat (Kasaragod district) would be contingent upon the outcome of writ petitions filed by UDF leaders. These leaders challenged the final notifications issued by the Delimitation Commission, arguing that they violated constitutional provisions and the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act. The petitioners also contended that the final notifications were flawed and illegal, as the Delimitation Commission had not conducted an inquiry into objections raised against the draft notification. The court’s decision underscores the need for adherence to legal procedures in the delimitation process.
Economy (2)
Indian Bank Targets 10-12% Credit Growth for FY26 Amid Economic Optimism
Indian Bank, based in Chennai, is optimistic about achieving a credit growth target of 10-12% for the financial year 2025-26. The bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Binod Kumar, highlighted that the credit growth slowdown is primarily due to unsecured lending and credit card segments, where the bank has limited exposure. However, the bank remains confident in achieving its target, supported by an improving macroeconomic environment, expected policy rate cuts, and strong demand from retail and MSME sectors. The bank’s retail and MSME portfolios grew by 14% and 12% respectively in the previous year, and it aims to maintain this momentum. Indian Bank is focusing on home loans, cluster-based MSME lending, and supply chain financing, which generated ₹1,300 crore in business last year. On the corporate side, the bank is targeting sectors such as data centers, chemicals, engineering, electric vehicles, oil & gas, and renewable energy. The bank also noted that large companies are relying on internal accruals for funding, with term loan disbursements being conservative. The bank expects credit demand to increase following recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Additionally, the bank is focusing on deposit growth through innovative products like green deposits and floating-rate FDs, aiming to sustain its CASA ratio above 40%. The bank is also monitoring the resolution of the Bhushan Power and Steel case, where it has an exposure of ₹2,618.34 crore, and has recovered ₹1,265.87 crore so far.
Global Surge in Electric Vehicles: Technological and Policy Drivers
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining significant traction globally, driven by technological advancements and government policies. Historically, EVs were popular in the early 1900s, constituting over a third of vehicles sold in the U.S. However, their popularity waned with the advent of cheaper petrol cars and the discovery of crude oil. The resurgence of EVs in recent years is fueled by environmental concerns, with the transport sector accounting for 23% of global CO2 emissions. Governments worldwide, including India, have introduced schemes like FAME to promote EV adoption. Technological breakthroughs, particularly in battery technology, such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, have addressed key limitations like range anxiety and cost. China dominates the EV battery market, producing over 70% of global EV batteries. The global EV market is projected to grow significantly, with sales reaching 17 million in 2024. India, while lagging in passenger EVs, has seen substantial growth in electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The transition to EVs is expected to have profound economic, environmental, and geopolitical implications, potentially reducing global oil demand by 6 million barrels per day by 2030.
Heritage (1)
Kanaka Durga Temple Announces Re-consecration of Navagraha Mandapam from June 3
The Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasathanam, also known as the Kanaka Durga Temple, will conduct the re-consecration (punah prathistha) of the ‘Navagraha Mandapam’ atop Indrakeeladri Hill from June 3 to June 5, 2024. The temple’s Executive Officer, V.K. Seena Naik, announced this during a press conference on Monday. Additionally, the temple management is working on completing the Annadanam Building and Laddu Preparation Unit, aiming to operationalize them by Dasara. The Stone Yagasala and Puja Mandapams will also be made available by the month of Shravan. To facilitate devotees, buses will be arranged from the Bus Station, Railway Station, and Punnami Ghat to Indrakeeladri Hill. Measures are being taken to resolve traffic issues and expand Durga Ghat. A 4-acre holding area for vehicles is being developed near Seethamma Vari Paadalu, with an additional area planned at the TTD site near Kummari Palem Centre if needed. Furthermore, the temple is regulating VIP darshan timings, suspending them daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during Naivedyam to minimize inconvenience to elderly, disabled persons, and children.
Defence (1)
YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Sent to Judicial Custody in Espionage Case Linked to Pakistan
On May 26, 2025, the Hisar court remanded YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra to judicial custody following the completion of her police remand in an alleged espionage case. The 33-year-old travel influencer was arrested under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on suspicion of espionage. Investigators recovered nearly 10-12 terabytes of data from her three mobile phones and a laptop, which were sent for forensic examination. Additionally, her four bank accounts are under scrutiny. Malhotra, who ran the YouTube channel 'Travel with JO,' was among 12 individuals arrested across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in connection with a suspected Pakistan-linked spy network in north India. Police revealed that Malhotra had been in contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish, a Pakistani High Commission staffer expelled by India on May 13, 2025, for espionage. The National Investigation Agency, Intelligence Bureau, and military intelligence officials have also interrogated her. Investigations indicate her travels to Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, and other countries, as well as her alleged communication with Danish during the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military conflict between India and Pakistan.
Elections (3)
PM Modi to Visit Bihar for Election Preparations and Development Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bihar on May 29 and 30, marking his third visit to the state this year. The visit is part of the preparations for the upcoming Bihar State Assembly elections scheduled for October-November. During his previous visits, PM Modi addressed various events, including the release of the 19th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme and the inauguration of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025. On this visit, he will inaugurate the new integrated terminal of Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, which is expected to significantly enhance passenger capacity. Additionally, PM Modi will lay the foundation for a new civil enclave at Biwa Airport and address a public rally in Bikramganj, where he is expected to announce several development projects for Bihar. The state BJP has been actively preparing for the elections, with top leaders holding meetings to strategize for the upcoming polls.
Chandrakanth Bellad Secures Clean Sweep in Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha Elections
Chandrakanth Bellad and his team secured a decisive victory in the elections to the Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha, a 135-year-old representative body of Kannada and Kannadigas. The results, announced on Monday evening, saw Bellad's faction win all contested positions. The elections garnered significant interest as candidates affiliated with two national parties formed competing panels. Bellad, the incumbent president, won by a margin of 550 votes against his opponent Mohan Limbikai, securing 2,328 votes compared to Limbikai's 1,816. Other key victories included Shankar Halgatti as general secretary, Sanjiv Kulkarni as vice-president, and Basavaprabhu Hosakeri as working president. The newly elected body, comprising members from diverse backgrounds, has pledged to continue the Sangha's mission.
P.V. Anvar Criticizes Congress Candidate for Nilambur By-Election
P.V. Anvar, the former Left Democratic Front (LDF) independent MLA from Nilambur, has criticized the Congress party's decision to field Aryadan Shoukath as their candidate for the upcoming by-election scheduled for June 19. Anvar, who is currently the state convener of the All India Trinabmooc Congress (AITC), expressed his concerns about Shoukath's lack of popular support and predicted that he would not win the election. Anvar stated that his party would observe the public's response to Shoukath's candidacy before making a final decision. He also accused Shoukath of previously attempting to contest the by-election as a CPI(M)-backed independent candidate. Anvar further alleged that the CPI(M) and BJP are forming an alliance to influence the election outcome in Nilambur. He emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of Christian voters and the settler farmers in the region, warning that ignoring these issues could significantly impact the electoral dynamics.
Miscellaneous (3)
Eight Youths Feared Drowned in Godavari River in Konaseema
Eight youths, including two minors, are feared to have drowned in the Godavari River in Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred when the group entered the Gowthami, a tributary of the Godavari, for a bath at Kamini Lanka, an island in the river. The youths were part of a group of 11 who went to the river, and one of them began to drown. In attempts to rescue their friend, seven others were swept away. The missing youths include S. Kranthi Manuel, Subbitha Paul, Elumarthi Sai, Satish, Elipe Mahesh, Vaddi Rajesh, Rohit, and Vaddi Mahesh. A search operation involving the State Disaster Response Force and local swimmers is underway. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrabalamu Naidu, has directed the district administration to oversee the rescue efforts.
IIMCAA Kerala Chapter Hosts Annual Alumni Meet 'Connections 2025' in Kochi
The Kerala chapter of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication Alumni Association (IIMCAA) successfully hosted its annual alumni meet, titled 'Connections 2025', in Kochi on Saturday. The event was presided over by chapter president Kurian Abraham and attended by IIMC alumni employed in various organizations across the state, along with four faculty members from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam. A key discussion during the meet focused on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the media industry, exploring both its advantages and challenges.
Kerala Declares High Alert Amid Oil Spill and Chemical Threat from Capsized Ship
The Kerala government has declared a high alert along its coastline following an oil spill and the threat of hazardous chemical leakage from the capsized Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, MSC Elsa 3. At least nine containers from the vessel have washed up on the beaches of Kollam and Alappuzha districts. A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the environmental concerns. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted multiple sorties over the shipwreck site, spraying dispersants to accelerate the biodegradation of oil slicks. The incident has been classified as a Tier 2 maritime event, and the government is coordinating with the ICG director general, who heads the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan, to mitigate the hazard. The vessel carried 643 transhipment containers, including 13 containing calcium carbide, a hazardous chemical that reacts with water to produce flammable gases. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information (INCOIS) predicts more containers will wash ashore in Alappuzha, Kollam, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The government has advised the public to report sightings of containers by dialling the emergency number 112 and has cordoned off coastal areas. Fishing activities within a 20-nautical mile radius of the shipwreck have been banned. The Coast Guard rescued all 21 crew members, who are from various nationalities, including Russia and the Philippines.
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