Important News - 2025-06-14
14 June 2025
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Economy (2)
Tumakuru–Rayadurga Railway Project Accelerates with 96% Land Acquisition
The Tumakuru–Rayadurga railway project, delayed for nearly 16 years, has finally gained momentum with over 96% of the required land acquired. The 206-km rail line, connecting Tumakuru in Karnataka to Rayadurga in Andhra Pradesh, passes through five major sections: Tumakuru–Urukere, Urukere–Koratagere, Koratagere–Madhugiri, Madhugiri–Madakasira, and Madakasira–Doddahalli. Tumakuru Deputy Commissioner Subha Kalyan highlighted that 331 acres and 16 guntas of land have been handed over, with 110 acres processed for acquisition and 108 acres undergoing joint measurements. Weekly coordination meetings and taluk-wise resolution camps were held to resolve compensation disputes and update land records. The project, costing ₹2,500 crore, is expected to reduce the distance between Tumakuru and Ballari by 130 km, significantly enhancing rail connectivity to the Kalyana Karnataka region. The railway line is projected to be operational by 2026, with full completion by 2027.
Rising Real Estate Prices Challenge Hyderabad's Infrastructure Development Plans
The rapid escalation of real estate prices in Hyderabad is posing significant challenges for the government's property acquisition efforts, particularly for infrastructure projects. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is struggling to convince property owners to sell their land at the government-determined rates under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. This Act, initially seen as a boon for farmers and landowners, now appears insufficient due to the steep rise in property values. For instance, in upscale areas like Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills, the market value of land is officially around ₹64,000 per square yard, but actual prices have surged to ₹2-3 lakh per square yard. The situation is further complicated by pending compensation awards totaling ₹760 crore for projects under the Strategic Road Development Plan (SRDP) and other road widening initiatives. Property owners are increasingly resorting to legal means to secure higher compensation, with courts often granting 30-50% more than the government's offer. This has led to delays in infrastructure projects, including those under the Hyderabad City Innovative and Transformative Infrastructure (H-CITI) project, which aims to develop flyovers and underpasses around the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park.
World Affairs (2)
Congress Criticizes India's Abstention on UNGA Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
The Congress party criticized the BJP-led NDA government for abstaining from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on June 13, 2025. The resolution, which demanded a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian aid, was supported by 149 countries, while India was among the 19 nations that abstained. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed concern that India's abstention had left the country isolated, stating that the decision contradicted India's long-standing tradition of non-alignment and moral diplomacy. He emphasized that India has historically advocated for peace and dialogue in international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and West Asia. Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal highlighted that India was the only South Asian, BRICS, and SCO member to abstain, underscoring the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 60,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed. Party leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jairam Ramesh also condemned the government's stance, calling it a departure from India's anti-colonial legacy and a failure to uphold international humanitarian obligations.
India Reaffirms Stance on Iran-Israel Tensions Amid SCO's Criticism
On June 14, 2025, India reiterated its stance on the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the situation. This statement came after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) issued a declaration condemning Israel's military actions against Iran. India, a full member of the SCO since 2017, chose not to participate in the discussions leading to the SCO's statement, maintaining its previously articulated position. The SCO, chaired by China, expressed serious concern over the Middle East tensions and condemned Israel's strikes on Iranian territory as a violation of international law and Iran's sovereignty. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conveyed its position to other SCO members and highlighted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's discussion with his Iranian counterpart, urging for restraint and a return to diplomatic negotiations.
Politics (3)
CPI(M)’s M.A. Baby Calls for Cultural Fight Against RSS Ideals at Book Launch
On June 14, 2025, Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] general secretary M.A. Baby emphasized the need to counter the fascist ideals propagated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at the release of the Malayalam translation of Ziya Us Salam’s book, 'Being Muslim in Hindu India,' Baby stressed that defeating the BJP politically is insufficient; a cultural fight by democratic and secular forces is essential to detoxify society from RSS’s fake cultural nationalism. He noted that the BJP’s electoral setback in the 2024 general elections demonstrated that Modi’s majoritarian agenda could be resisted, but questioned whether other political parties had learned from this. Baby also criticized Modi’s attempts to regain popularity by exploiting the post-Pahalgam scenario and highlighted the issue of religious and caste-based discrimination, citing Salam’s inability to attend the event due to a ticket error. The seminar, titled 'In Defence of Secularism,' featured speeches by senior journalist Siddharth Varadarajan and poet P.N. Gopikrishnan. The book was translated by trade union activist C.B. Venugopal and published by Samooh Books, with K. Chandran Pillai, Chairman of the Greater Cochin Development Authority, presiding over the event.
Congress MP Urges Rajya Sabha to Act on Pending Impeachment Motion Against Justice Shekhar Yadav
Congress MP Vivek Tankha has written to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, urging action on a pending impeachment motion against Justice Shekhar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court. The motion, signed by 55 Opposition MPs on December 13, 2024, alleges misconduct by Justice Yadav, including making communal remarks within the court premises. Tankha clarified that all signatures on the motion are genuine, as MPs signed in the presence of each other in the House. Senior Opposition leaders, including P. Chidambaram, Digvijaya Singh, Kapil Sibal, John Brittas, Manoj Jha, and P. Wilson, supported the motion. Tankha also opposed the Union government's plan to remove Justice Yashwant Varma based on an in-house inquiry by the Supreme Court, arguing that a fresh parliamentary inquiry under the Judges Inquiry Act is necessary.
ED Uncovers Deep-Rooted Conspiracy in Nagaram Land Fraud Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has informed the Telangana High Court that there is a deep-rooted conspiracy involving the fraudulent sale of Bhoodan lands in Nagaram village, Maheshwaram mandal, Ranga Reddy district. The ED alleges that forged documents were used to manipulate records at various administrative levels, including Tahsil, Mandal, District, and the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration offices, leading to the illegal alienation of government land. The investigation is ongoing, and more details about the involvement of certain individuals and government officials may emerge. The ED has recorded the statement of writ petitioner Birla Mallesh under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and forwarded a complaint to the Telangana DGP on November 8, 2024, though no response has been received yet. The ED has not initiated any action under PMLA regarding lands under survey numbers 194 and 195 in Nagaram village, as no case has been registered by any police station. However, a court-referred case was registered against Khaderunnisa and others by the Maheshwaram police, leading to the issuance of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) for fraudulent transactions in lands under survey numbers 181 and 182. The writ petitioner has alleged that senior IAS and IPS officers purchased lands in Nagaram village under these survey numbers. Justice C.V. Bhaskar Reddy has issued notices to these senior bureaucrats, directing them to file their respective counter affidavits. The officers have approached the division bench seeking a stay on the single judge’s order, but the division bench has instructed them to file their objections and responses before the single judge.
Elections (1)
Pinarayi Vijayan Rejects Communal Votes in Nilambur Bypoll Campaign
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, during an election campaign for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate M. Swaraj in the Nilambur bypoll, stated that the LDF does not seek votes from communal elements. He criticized the Indian Union Muslim League for allegedly collaborating with the Jamaat-e-Islami and referenced the late leader C.H. Mohammed Koya's stance on the issue. Vijayan emphasized that the LDF has historically distanced itself from communal ideologies and accused opposition parties of aligning with such groups to win the election. He also condemned former MLA P.V. Anwar, calling him a cheat, and expressed confidence in the LDF's choice of candidate, M. Swaraj. Additionally, Vijayan accused the Central government of financially suffocating Kerala, citing reduced borrowing limits and lack of support during natural disasters. He highlighted the state government's contributions to public education, health, higher education, and welfare. Vijayan is scheduled to participate in campaign rallies across all seven panchayats in the Nilambur constituency from Saturday to Monday.
Miscellaneous (4)
70% of Elder Abuse Cases Involve Family Members: Elders Helpline Data
Approximately 70% of elder abuse complaints reported between 2022 and 2025 were against family members, as per data from the Elders Helpline, a joint initiative of Bengaluru City Police and Nightingales Medical Trust (NMT), supported by the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens. This data was released ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), observed annually on June 15, to highlight issues like physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. Sons were identified as the primary perpetrators, followed by daughters-in-law and other relatives, with disputes over property, financial matters, and caregiving burdens cited as leading causes. Radha S. Murthy, Managing Trustee of NMT, emphasized the need for elder-sensitive support systems. On June 14, NMT and Elders Helpline organized a public awareness campaign featuring street plays and a roadshow from Shivajinagar to KR Market. Nataraj S., Joint Director of the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, stressed the importance of collective action to protect elders. S Premkumar Raja, Co-founder and Secretary of NMT, noted that old age homes are not the ideal solution, as elders prefer staying with their families. Since its inception in 2002, the helpline has received over 273,600 calls and registered more than 15,000 complaints, resolving 69% of cases and conducting 44,500 counseling sessions. Additionally, the helpline is initiating a registration desk for the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Card, a specialized health and welfare card for elders aged 70 and above, with registrations held weekly on Saturdays.
Bengaluru Traffic Police Launches Pollution Awareness Campaign at Key Signals
The Bengaluru Traffic Police have launched a pollution awareness campaign targeting motorists at key traffic signals across the city. As part of this initiative, traffic police personnel stationed at major junctions are educating commuters about the environmental impact of fuel wastage and vehicle emissions. The Byatarayanapura traffic police are actively engaging with motorists waiting at signals, encouraging them to adopt eco-friendly practices such as switching off engines during long waits, maintaining vehicle health, and reducing pollution to combat global warming. A senior traffic police officer emphasized the cumulative impact of daily driving habits, noting that idling and aggressive driving contribute significantly to air pollution and fuel wastage. The campaign, initially launched at the Rajarajeshwari Nagar signal, is set to expand to other major signals with longer durations, aiming to raise public awareness amid rising fuel prices and deteriorating air quality.
Hyderabad Hosts International Conference on Advanced Interventional Cardiology
Yashoda Hospitals-Hitech City in Hyderabad is hosting a two-day international conference and live workshop titled ‘The Most Advanced Interventional Cardiology’, which commenced on June 14. The event aims to showcase the latest advancements in the treatment of heart diseases and has attracted over 500 cardiologists and medical professionals from across India and abroad. The conference was inaugurated by G.S. Rao, managing director of Yashoda Hospitals, who emphasized the importance of the event. The sessions cover various topics, including preventive cardiology, innovative therapies for high cholesterol, and advanced interventional techniques such as intra-vascular imaging, laser-assisted angioplasty, rotablation, and orbital atherectomy, which are used for plaque modification during complex angioplasty procedures.
Two Youths Feared Drowned in Pamuleru Stream, Andhra Pradesh
Two youths from Vijayawada are feared to have drowned in the Pamuleru stream located in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh on June 14, 2024. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Maredumilli police limits. A group of six individuals, all residents of Singh Nagar in Vijayawada City, had visited the stream for an outing. According to Maredumilli Circle Inspector Ch. Gopala Krishna, the victims, identified as Sadish (23) and Katakam Ravi Teja (30), were bathing in the stream when the incident took place around 3 p.m. A search operation is currently underway, and the families of the victims have been informed. The police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.
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