Important News - 2025-06-06
06 June 2025
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Politics (5)
Karnataka Seeks Denotification of Forest Land Under Section 4 of Forest Act
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced that the Karnataka State government will submit a proposal to the Centre seeking denotification of land parcels granted for cultivation before they were notified under Section 4 of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963. This decision comes in response to concerns raised by elected representatives of Chikkamagaluru district, who highlighted the plight of people cultivating such lands for decades without ownership rights. Section 4 of the Act serves as the preliminary step in declaring a reserved forest, and many lands notified under it were never finalized under Section 17, leaving cultivators in legal limbo. The Minister also mentioned that the government would approach the Supreme Court for denotification, as the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, makes it impossible without higher intervention. Additionally, the issue of a proposed 10 km buffer zone around the sloth bear sanctuary in Arsikere taluk was discussed, with a proposal to reduce it to 1 km to minimize its impact on local residents. The meeting was attended by legislators T.D. Raje Gowda, H.D. Thammaiah, Nayana Motamma, K.S. Anand, G.H. Srinivas, and senior officials from the Forest Department and Chikkamagaluru district administration.
Telangana Intensifies Opposition to AP's Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Scheme
The Telangana government, led by Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, has vowed to intensify its opposition to Andhra Pradesh's Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Scheme, accusing AP of violating statutory mechanisms and river water rights. The scheme, proposed to divert Godavari water to Rayalaseema and South Coastal Andhra, involves a 150 tmc ft capacity reservoir at Bollapalli in Guntur district. Reddy highlighted that AP has not submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) or obtained mandatory approvals from the Central Water Commission (CWC), Godavari River Management Board (GRMB), Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), and the Apex Council, as required by the AP Reorganisation Act 2014. He also accused AP of misusing Sections 46(2) and 46(3) of the Act to secure funds from the Union Finance Ministry. Reddy emphasized that the project violates the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) Award of 1980, which allocated 966 tmc ft of water to Telangana. Meanwhile, BRS leader T. Harish Rao countered Reddy's claims, stating that the BRS government had secured a National Green Tribunal (NGT) stay order on the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project (RLIP) and criticized Congress leaders for remaining silent during the expansion of the Pothireddypadu Head Regulator (PRP) in 2007.
BJP Accuses Congress Government of Corruption and Demands Action on Promised Schemes
BJP vice-president and Mahabubnagar MP D.K. Aruna has accused the Congress Government of operating a 'corruption chain system,' alleging that pending bills are cleared only after a '30% commission.' Speaking at the State BJP office on Friday, Aruna based her claims on 'confessions' made by ruling party ministers. She urged the government to prioritize governance and development over alleged corrupt practices. Aruna also criticized the delayed payments to contractors and the government's handling of unfulfilled promises, such as the release of only one DA instead of the demanded five. Additionally, she questioned the five-hour Cabinet discussion, which she deemed disappointing to the public. At a separate press conference, Legislature party leader A. Maheshwar Reddy highlighted the lack of discussion on key issues during the Cabinet meeting and demanded a timeframe for implementing promised schemes and local body elections with BC quota. Reddy warned that the party would mobilize public protests against the government's inaction.
Madras High Court Summons Chennai Police Commissioner Over Delay in SC/ST Atrocities Case
The Madras High Court has summoned Greater Chennai City Commissioner of Police A. Arun to appear on June 9, 2024, to explain the inaction on a complaint filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The complaint was lodged by V. Vanamalai, an engineering degree-holder from Nanguneri, Tirunelveli district, who alleged caste-based abuse and misappropriation of ₹1.25 crore by fellow flat owners in Vinoth Viruksha Apartments, Nolambur, Chennai. Vanamalai filed an online complaint with the Nolambur police on November 4, 2024, and later escalated it to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on December 9, 2024. The NCSC forwarded the complaint to the Commissioner of Police on December 26, 2023, requesting a report within 15 days. However, no inquiry was conducted despite the directive. Justice P. Velmurugan issued the summons to address the delay in action.
Eatala Rajender Clarifies Limited Role in Kaleshwaram Project Before Inquiry Commission
BJP MP Eatala Rajender, who previously served as the Finance Minister in the BRS government from June 2014 to December 2018, clarified his limited role in the Kaleshwaram project. Speaking before the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission of Inquiry, Rajender stated that his involvement was restricted to releasing funds allocated in the budget, with no participation in decision-making, design, or execution, which were handled by the Irrigation Department. He emphasized that the project, initially proposed at ₹63,000 crore and later escalated to ₹82,000 crore, was a collective decision of the Cabinet led by then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Rajender also highlighted that the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages were finalized based on technical committee reports and a Cabinet Sub-Committee, following objections from the Maharashtra Government and the Central Water Commission. He denied any involvement in the financial aspects of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Kaleshwaram Irrigation Corporation Ltd., and called for transparency in addressing corruption allegations.
Schemes (3)
Southern Railway’s Thiruvananthapuram Division Leads LiFE Campaign with Sustainability Initiatives
The Thiruvananthapuram Division of Southern Railway has spearheaded a comprehensive series of sustainability initiatives as part of the Central Government’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) campaign. These efforts aim to foster environmental responsibility and sustainable practices within the railway network. The division conducted 40 environmental pledge and awareness programmes, engaging 2,315 participants to promote collective commitment to environmental conservation. Additionally, 35 tree and sapling plantation programmes were organised across various stations, resulting in the planting of 1,210 saplings. Further, 32 sapling distribution programmes distributed 1,131 saplings to railway employees, passengers, and the general public. Public awareness was enhanced through 17 awareness rallies involving 945 participants and 17 drawing competitions with 1,064 student participants. Informational outreach included 35 pamphlet and leaflet distribution programmes, reaching 2,750 stakeholders. Waste management initiatives featured 30 Shramadhan (voluntary clean-up) activities with 2,660 participants and 27 awareness programmes attended by 4,418 stakeholders. The division also organised 17 poster exhibitions, visited by 1,597 individuals, and 17 ‘No Plastic Drives’ with 1,015 participants. Cultural programmes, including four Nukkad Natak, song, and street play performances, engaged 170 students. Public engagement was further boosted through selfie point booths and a webinar on land restoration and drought resilience with 50 participants. The division also commemorated 100 years of electric traction, highlighting sustainable energy use in railway operations. These initiatives, undertaken during 2024-25, underscore the division’s commitment to supporting the national objectives of the LiFE campaign, enhancing public participation in environmental protection, energy efficiency, afforestation, and sustainable transport.
CM Naidu Directs WRD to Finalize Polavaram–Banakacherla Project Tenders by June 2024
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the Water Resources Department (WRD) to finalize tenders for the Polavaram–Banakacherla irrigation project under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) by the end of June 2024. The project, with a total cost of ₹81,900 crore, will seek ₹40,950 crore as an External Aided Project (EAP) loan, ₹16,380 crore as grants from the Central government, and will mobilize ₹16,380 crore under HAM, with the state contributing ₹8,190 crore as equity. Naidu emphasized the need for timely completion of the diaphragm wall of the Polavaram project by December 2025, noting that 81.70% of civil works have been completed, with only 3.84% progress made during the YSR Congress Party rule. Additionally, he instructed officials to focus on agricultural activities in the Krishna and Godavari deltas, increase groundwater levels, and ensure efficient water resource utilization. Naidu also ordered immediate sanctioning of ₹30 crore for new equipment due to non-functioning physio meters and AWS sensors. He stressed the importance of scientific water auditing and district-level bulletins on groundwater levels and water availability. The Chief Minister also called for exploring ways to bring Sileru river water to the Krishna delta and completing Veligonda Stage - I works by June 2026. Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu announced plans to widen the Budameru rivulet’s diversion channel capacity to prevent flooding in Vijayawada city.
Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy Focuses on Quality Seeds and Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme Relief
N. Cheluvarayaswamy, the Minister for Agriculture, emphasized the timely availability of quality seeds for farmers during a meeting in Mandya on Friday. He instructed officials to address property damage caused by rains and prioritize road repairs, ensuring relief under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme. The Minister also directed officials to remain at their headquarters to promptly resolve farmers' grievances. Srirangapatana MLA Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda proposed soil testing in villages within each hobli to guide farmers in cultivating suitable crops. Deputy Commissioner Kumar provided updates on rainfall, seed distribution, and fertilizer stock. Additionally, the Minister launched a poster on crop insurance. Attendees included Melkote MLA Darshan Puttanaiah, MLC Dinesh Gooli Gowda, MySugar chairman Gangadhar, and Mandya zilla panchayat CEO Nandini.
Defence (1)
Fifth Batch of Agniveervayu Trainees Completes Training at Belagavi Airmen School
The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the fifth batch of Agniveervayu Trainees (AGVT) was held on Friday at the Airmen Training School in Belagavi. This event marked the successful completion of 22 weeks of rigorous training by 1634 Agniveervayus, including both men and women. Air Vice Marshal PCP Anand, Senior Officer in Charge Administration at HQTC IAF, served as the Reviewing Officer for the ceremony. He praised the trainees for their impeccable drill and spirited performance, congratulated them on their success, and awarded trophies to outstanding performers. Shweta was recognized as 'Best in Academics', A. Krish Pargai as 'Best in GST', Ashish Kumar as 'Best Marksman', and Praveen Kumar as 'Best all-rounder'. Air Vice Marshal Anand emphasized the importance of vigilance, adaptability, and continuous learning in the face of evolving global security challenges. The event was attended by the families of the trainees, who were acknowledged for their unwavering support in shaping the next generation of Aerospace Defenders.
Miscellaneous (3)
India’s Active COVID-19 Cases Surpass 5,000; Centre Initiates Mock Drills for Preparedness
India’s active COVID-19 caseload has surpassed 5,000, with Kerala reporting the highest number of infections, followed by Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi, as per data released by the Union Health Ministry on June 6, 2025. In response to the surge, the Centre has initiated mock drills nationwide to assess healthcare facility preparedness. States have been directed to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines. Currently, India has 5,364 active cases, with four new deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Most cases are mild and managed under home care. Since January 2025, 55 deaths have been reported nationwide, with active cases rising from 257 on May 22. Technical review meetings were held on June 2 and 3 under Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, attended by representatives from the Disaster Management Cell, EMR Cell, NCDC, ICMR, IDSP, Central Government Hospitals in Delhi, and officials from States and Union Territories. State and District surveillance units under IDSP are monitoring trends in ILI and SARI cases, with testing recommended for all SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases. Positive SARI samples are sent for Whole Genome Sequencing through the ICMR VRDL network.
Gudalur Forest Division Removes Invasive Species on World Environment Day 2023
As part of the World Environment Day celebrations on June 5, 2023, the Gudalur forest division initiated a clean-up drive to remove invasive plant species from areas outside reserve forests. The initiative was aligned with this year’s theme, “Putting an end to plastic pollution” and “No invasive Nilgiris.” The Forest Department emphasized that this effort marks the beginning of a series of actions planned for the year to eliminate plastic waste from forests and surrounding areas, as well as to control the spread of invasive species like Lantana camara. In the Masinagudi forest division of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, the day was marked by distributing tree saplings, planting trees, and raising public awareness about keeping the tiger reserve free from plastic and waste. Forest staff also engaged passing tourists in these activities to enhance public awareness and participation.
Lookout Notice Issued for Prime Suspect in Padiyur Double Murder Case
Premkumar, the prime suspect in the brutal double murder of his wife Rekha, 43, and mother-in-law Mani, 74, at their residence in Padiyur, remains untraceable. The police have issued a lookout notice for him. According to the post-mortem report, both women were strangled to death, likely using bare hands. Rekha was the first to be killed, showing clear signs of manual strangulation, while Mani died approximately three hours later, with her body displaying rib fractures indicative of a violent struggle. The murders are believed to have occurred during heavy rainfall, which may have masked any sounds of the struggle. Premkumar, who worked as a manager at several hotels, was previously on bail in a case involving the murder of his first wife. The bodies were discovered by Rekha’s sister.
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