Important News - 2025-06-22
22 June 2025
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Schemes (3)
Organ Transplantation Programme Crippled by Funding and Infrastructural Issues: Health Ministry Report
A report released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on June 19, 2025, highlighted significant challenges faced by India's organ transplantation programme. The report, prepared following a high-level meeting of senior health officials, identified insufficient funding, infrastructural deficiencies, and a shortage of specialised doctors as major bottlenecks. It revealed that only 13,476 kidney transplants were performed in 2024, against the recommended 1 lakh cases. Key issues include the shortage of ICU beds, lack of dedicated infrastructure for organ retrieval and transplantation, and delays in obtaining formal approvals for deceased organ donation programmes. The report also emphasised the high cost of lifelong immunosuppressant drugs for patients and the absence of liver and heart transplantation coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). It strongly recommended the inclusion of these procedures and associated lifelong costs under the AB-PMJAY scheme to alleviate the financial burden on underprivileged patients.
Telangana to Construct 1,144 GP and 1,148 Anganwadi Buildings by March 2024
The Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department in Telangana is preparing to lay the foundation stone for the construction of new Gram Panchayat (GP) and Anganwadi buildings across the state. The department aims to construct 1,144 GP buildings and 1,148 Anganwadi buildings by March 2024, with two GP buildings and two Anganwadi buildings planned for each mandal. As of now, sites have been identified for 813 Anganwadi buildings and 549 GP buildings. The project is backed by funding from the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), the 15th Finance Commission, and the Women and Child Welfare Department. Each GP building will cost ₹20 lakh, while Anganwadi buildings will be constructed at ₹12 lakh each. Minister Seethakka highlighted the progress made under the current administration, contrasting it with the previous BRS government's neglect of such infrastructure. The Panchayat Raj Engineering Department has been tasked with designing unique structures for these buildings, with the goal of transforming rural landscapes by the target completion date.
Bangalore University to Provide Life and Health Insurance to Students from 2025-26
Bangalore University has announced a pioneering initiative to provide life and health insurance to all students enrolled on its Jnana Bharathi campus, effective from the academic year 2025-26. The decision was approved during a recent syndicate meeting and aims to benefit over 4,000 students across 54 departments, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs. Additionally, the university has mandated that students from affiliated colleges be registered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Suraksha Yojana. This move is particularly significant as most students hail from rural areas and economically weaker sections. The initiative follows frequent accidents on the congested roads surrounding the campus, including a tragic bus accident two years ago that claimed the life of a postgraduate student. Previously, compensation for such incidents was drawn from the university’s funds, which has now been replaced by insurance coverage. While students were registered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in 2024-25, the university has decided to supplement this with additional insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage. Vice-Chancellor M.S. Jayakara emphasized that the insurance premium will be included in the annual fees, with efforts to minimize the financial burden on students through potential state government assistance. Students have welcomed the decision but urged the university to bear the majority of the premium costs.
Politics (2)
Opposition Alleges Corruption in Karnataka Housing Department Under Congress Government
The Opposition BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) have intensified their criticism of the Congress government in Karnataka over allegations of corruption in the Housing Department. The controversy emerged after a purported telephone conversation of Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman B.R. Patil surfaced, revealing a 'pay money, get a house' system. BJP leaders accused the Housing Department of exploiting the poor by selling houses instead of providing them. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy claimed that corruption is rampant, with legislators having to pay bribes to implement schemes in their constituencies. He also alleged that ministers are acting as middlemen with fixed rates for services. BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Congress government of state-sponsored corruption, stating that there are no schemes for the poor except corruption. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar denied the allegations, calling them false and clarifying that house allotments are decided by local bodies like gram panchayats and not by the state government.
Palaniswami Criticizes DMK Government for Tamil Nadu's Industrial Decline
AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, criticized the DMK government on Sunday for its alleged lack of industrial development in the state. He pointed out that Tamil Nadu is lagging behind other southern states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, as highlighted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) report for 2024-25, which ranked Tamil Nadu fifth in foreign direct investment. Palaniswami also mentioned that during the AIADMK's tenure, significant steps were taken to promote industrial growth, including initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. He accused the DMK government of a 'lackadaisical attitude' that led to semiconductor industries shifting to Gujarat and Assam. Additionally, he highlighted that the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister had recently visited Coimbatore and Tiruppur to attract textile industrialists, further emphasizing Tamil Nadu's declining industrial appeal.
World Affairs (1)
Jaishankar Discusses India’s Foreign Policy, Multi-Polarity, and Neighbourhood Relations
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s evolving foreign policy dynamics in an interactive session hosted by DD India. He emphasized that India’s relationships with neighbouring countries, except Pakistan, are built on mutual benefits and collective interests, ensuring inherent stability regardless of regime changes. Jaishankar noted that Pakistan’s identity, shaped by its military, inherently fosters hostility towards India. He also discussed India’s strategic approach to the U.S. and China, underscoring the importance of preparedness and multi-polarity in global affairs. Jaishankar cited India’s border infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as a critical step in countering China’s assertiveness. He further elaborated on India’s deepening ties with Gulf nations, ASEAN, and the Indo-Pacific region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Additionally, he referenced Operation Sindhu, India’s mission to evacuate nationals from conflict zones in the Middle East, and Operation Ganga, which facilitated evacuations during the Ukraine war. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to counter-terrorism, citing the Uri and Balakot strikes as pivotal moments in reshaping India’s approach to Pakistan. He emphasized that India’s foreign policy over the past 11 years has been driven by the vision of a multi-polar world, fostering cooperation and minimizing conflicts.
Defence (1)
Kanjirappally Implements Tech-Driven Disaster Preparedness System
In response to increasing landslides and flash floods caused by extreme rainfall, the Kanjirappally Block in Kottayam's eastern high ranges is adopting advanced technology for disaster preparedness. The initiative includes the installation of rain gauges to establish an early warning system, aimed at identifying vulnerable zones and mitigating risks. A preliminary study by the Wayanad-based Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology is underway to pinpoint these high-risk areas, focusing on regions like Vagamon, Kootickal, Enthayar, Elamkadu, Koruthodu, and Kanamala. Additionally, the project involves detailed mapping of the area using a grid-based approach, dividing the region into 2.5-sq.-km grids to develop targeted mitigation plans. Supported by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO, three Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) have been deployed in Theekoy, Poonjar Thekkekara, and Moonnilavu panchayats within the Meenachil river basin. These AWS units continuously monitor environmental parameters such as wind speed, humidity, temperature, rainfall, soil moisture, and soil temperature. The real-time data is transmitted to servers at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) for analysis, enabling early detection of potential disasters.
Sports (1)
Kurnool Olympic Day Celebrations Conclude with Torch Rally and Sports Competitions
The Olympic Day celebrations in Kurnool city, organized by the Kurnool District Olympic Association, concluded on Sunday, June 23, 2024, with a torch rally that commenced at the District Collectorate and ended at Kondareddy Buruju. The event was attended by District Judge Kabarthi and other dignitaries. The 10-day celebrations, which began on June 14, included competitions across 25 sporting disciplines, with participation from over 3,500 athletes. Judge Kabarthi commended the efforts of the association, emphasizing that such events foster community spirit. Kurnool DSP Mahaboob Basha highlighted the role of sports associations in preparing athletes for international competitions like the Olympics. District Olympic Association President B Ramamjaneyulu noted the support of physical education teachers and sports association representatives. Other notable attendees included AP Handball Association General Secretary C. Srinivasulu, State Karate Association President Kola Pratap, District Taekwondo Joint Secretary Venkateshwarlu, and Bar Association President Harinath.
Miscellaneous (4)
Mass Protest in Kalaburagi Against Sexual Assault of Minor Under POCSO Act
The Sakal Hindu Samaj, a coalition of various organizations, has organized a mass protest in Kalaburagi on Tuesday to denounce the sexual assault of a minor in Nandikur Tanda, located on the outskirts of Kalaburagi. Members of the Samaj, Divya Hagaragi and Ramchandra Jadhav, addressed the media on Sunday, announcing that religious leaders from various mutts, community representatives, and several organizations will participate in the march from Jagat Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Hagaragi emphasized the need for collective action to ensure the safety of young girls. The accused, Waseem Shaikh, allegedly assaulted the minor three weeks ago and later, accompanied by his family, harassed the victim’s parents, pressuring them to marry their daughter to him. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Gulbarga University Police Station.
Belagavi Police Commissioner Warns Against Fraudulent Social Media Account
Belagavi Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulabarao has issued a warning to the public regarding a fraudulent social media account created in his name. The fake account, operated by miscreants, has been soliciting money from unsuspecting individuals. Commissioner Gulabarao clarified that the account is not affiliated with him and urged people to interact only through the official account titled 'Belagavi City Police Commissioner.' A formal complaint has been lodged with Facebook to address the issue. Additionally, a case has been registered at the Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics Police Station in Belagavi to investigate the matter further.
Safety Concerns Persist at RK Puram Flyover Despite ₹4.6 Crore Restoration Plan
The R.K. Puram flyover, a 400-metre-long structure built over two decades ago in Hyderabad, serves as a vital link for commuters traveling between Neredmet, A.S. Rao Nagar, ECIL, Trimulgherry, Karkhana, and Secunderabad. Despite its strategic importance, the flyover has become a symbol of urban neglect, plagued by safety concerns due to its narrow lanes, lack of a central median, and poor traffic management. Frequent minor accidents, particularly involving two-wheelers, have raised public frustration. Commuters, including private tutor Sharath Kumar and retired nurse Rukmini, have voiced concerns over the hazardous conditions, especially during peak hours and at night. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has initiated a ₹4.6 crore structural restoration project, which includes repairing expansion joints, girders, and applying anti-carbonation paint. However, residents argue that these measures fail to address the core issues of narrow lanes and the absence of a median. Earlier proposals for a parallel two-lane bridge under the Strategic Road Development Programme remain stalled, leaving the flyover both essential and unsafe for daily commuters.
NGT Seeks Response on Lightning Deaths Linked to Palm Tree Felling in Bihar
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Bihar State Pollution Control Board, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Bihar Disaster Management Department regarding the alarming rise in lightning-related deaths in Bihar. The NGT took suo motu cognizance of a newspaper report highlighting the widespread felling of palm trees, which has been linked to the surge in fatalities. Since 2016, over 2,000 deaths have been recorded due to lightning strikes in the state. The NGT noted that the felling of palm trees, which lost their economic value following Bihar's prohibition policy banning toddy tapping, has led to a 40% reduction in palm tree cultivation and increased vulnerability to lightning. The worst-affected districts include Aurangabad, Patna, Nalanda, Kaimur, Rohtas, Bhojpur, and Buxar. The NGT has scheduled the next hearing for August 7, 2024, in Kolkata, under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act.
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