Important News - 2025-06-25
25 June 2025
Stay Updated. Stay Ahead!
📂 Categories & Latest Updates
Politics (4)
Bharat Mata Portrait Sparks Protests at Kerala University Amid Governor's Visit
A heated controversy erupted at Kerala University over the display of a Bharat Mata portrait during an event attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The event, organized by the Sree Padmanabha Seva Samiti to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, faced protests and clashes between student groups, including the Students Federation of India (SFI), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and Kerala Students Union (KSU). The university administration had asked the organizers to remove the portrait, but they refused, leading to a tense standoff. Senior BJP leaders, including Kummanam Rajasekharan and S. Suresh, supported the organizers. Governor Arlekar condemned the opposition, questioning the culture of intolerance in the state. The event was delayed due to the protests, and the Governor's convoy had to take an alternate route to exit the university premises.
Kerala Universities to Observe Emergency Anniversary as 'Constitution Assassination Day'
The Kerala Raj Bhavan has directed all state universities to observe the anniversary of the Emergency on June 25 as 'Constitution Assassination Day'. In a communication sent to Vice-Chancellors, universities have been instructed to organize seminars, conferences of poets, and dramas to highlight the historical significance of the Emergency and its impact on democracy. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, during a recent event, emphasized the need to include the Emergency in the school curriculum to educate future generations about this critical period in Indian history.
Bihar Leaders Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Emergency, Stress Democratic Values
On June 24, 2025, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Emergency by recalling the legacy of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan and the movement against the Emergency. He emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and the Constitution, stating that Bihar has always prioritized justice, freedom, and social justice in its development. Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary echoed these sentiments at an event titled 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas – 2025,' organized by the Department of Art, Culture, and Youth Affairs in Patna. Choudhary described the Emergency as a period when fundamental rights were 'snatched away' and highlighted India's progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, noting that India has become the fourth-largest economy in the world. BJP leader Anurag Singh Thakur also criticized the Congress for imposing the Emergency, stating that it left a 'stain on Indian democracy.' He accused the Congress of prioritizing personal interests over the nation's welfare and criticized RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav for compromising with the Congress 'to save his chair.'
India Marks 50 Years of Emergency with Democracy Awareness Rally in Vijayawada
On June 25, 2024, NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha flagged off a rally from the old Government General Hospital in Vijayawada to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Emergency in India. Emphasizing the importance of democracy, he urged the youth to take the lead in upholding democratic values and protecting the principles enshrined in the Constitution. The event also saw the presence of State Cultural Department Director R. Mallikarjuna Rao and NTR District Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu. Rao announced that special programs highlighting the significance of democratic values would be conducted throughout the year, starting from June 25, to mark the 50th year of the Emergency. The rally and subsequent initiatives aim to strengthen democratic practices and raise awareness among citizens.
Defence (1)
UK to Repair F-35B Fighter Jet at Thiruvananthapuram Airport
Eleven days after a UK F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14 due to adverse weather conditions, British authorities announced that the aircraft would be repaired in Kerala. The advanced fifth-generation jet, which was unable to return to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, developed an engineering issue while on the ground. The British High Commission stated that a UK-based engineering team would be deployed to repair the jet at the airport’s Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility hangar. The authorities emphasized their gratitude for the support provided by Indian agencies, including the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The incident highlights the deepening cooperation between the armed forces of the UK and India. The F-35B, a stealth multi-role combat aircraft, is considered one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
Economy (1)
CII National Conference Focuses on Sustainable Growth in Fisheries Sector
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with its Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (FACE), organized a national conference in Andhra Pradesh focused on ‘Fostering Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness in Fisheries and Aquaculture’. The event, attended by policymakers, industry leaders, and sector experts, aimed to create a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable growth in the fisheries sector. CII Andhra Pradesh vice-chairman S. Narendra Kumar emphasized the importance of the conference in addressing key challenges. Special Chief Secretary, Fisheries, B. Rajsekhar, highlighted the need for private sector involvement and innovation. Commissioner of Fisheries Rama Shankar Naik discussed Andhra Pradesh’s proactive policies for aquaculture growth. S. Kannappan, Senior Executive Director, NFDB, linked fisheries development to the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. P. Ravichandran, chairman of the CII Task Force on Fisheries, stressed the sector’s role in nutrition, employment, and foreign exchange. Industry leaders, including S Ganesh Kumar (ITC), Suresh Chitturi, and Pankaj Mehta (Carrier Transicold), shared insights on sectoral opportunities, community engagement, and responsible marine practices. A CII FACE report on infrastructure gaps in fishing harbours was also released, offering solutions to modernize fisheries value chains.
Schemes (4)
Chhattisgarh Seeks Centre’s Guidance on Stalled Community Forest Resource Plans Under DAJGUA
The Chhattisgarh government has sought assistance from the Centre after the State Forest Department stalled the implementation of community forest resource (CFR) management plans under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA) scheme. The Forest Department issued a directive on May 15, 2025, prohibiting any department or NGO from working on CFR management in areas where community forest resource rights have been granted. This directive was based on a 2020 circular that assigned the Forest Department the responsibility of coordinating CFR-related matters. The State’s Tribal Welfare Department had already prepared a draft list of NGOs to assist Gram Sabhas in preparing and executing CFR management plans, as per the Central scheme’s guidelines. The Forest Department’s decision has caused confusion, as it cites a 2024 joint communication from the Union Ministries of Environment and Tribal Affairs, which mandates that CFR plans align with the National Working Plan Code, 2023 (NWPC). The Tribal Affairs Ministry’s 2023 guidelines, however, emphasize that Gram Sabhas hold the authority to prepare and approve CFR management plans, with the Forest Department playing a consultative role. The State government has now approached the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry for guidance on resolving this issue.
NABARD and ICAR-NIRCA Collaborate to Train Farmers in Post-Harvest Technologies for Chilli and Turmeric
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (ICAR-NIRCA), Rajahmundry, have collaborated to train Farmers’ Producers Organisations (FPOs) and individual farmers in advanced post-harvest management and processing technologies for chilli and turmeric. This initiative aims to enhance the value of these crops, which are highly susceptible to moisture and microbial contamination. During an interactive session with FPOs and farmers, M. Sheshu Madhav, Director of NIRCA, emphasized the critical role of these technologies in improving crop quality and marketability. NABARD Assistant General Manager M. Rajasekhara Reddy and East Godavari District Manager R. Chakradhar also participated in the program held at the NIRCA campus, engaging with farmers to discuss the implementation of these technologies.
Kerala CM Highlights Land Reforms as Key to State's Development Model at Bhoomi Conclave
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the significance of land reforms as the foundation of Kerala's development model during the inauguration of the national conclave on 'Bhoomi - Digital survey for smart land governance: innovations, integration, and impact' in Thiruvananthapuram. He emphasized that the first government of Kerala initiated land reformation, which led to comprehensive development in the state. The need for a scientific digital survey arose to address land-related issues, particularly boundary disputes, as previous measures were insufficient. The completion of the digital survey aims to ensure transparency and eliminate land disputes in Kerala. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the conclave, attended by delegates from 23 states and international experts, would foster fruitful discussions on smart land governance. Minister for Revenue K. Rajan noted the state's unprecedented modernization in land reforms, and Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi was the chief guest. The conclave, organized by the Revenue and Survey and Land Records departments, features eight sessions and 20 presentations over two days at Uday Samudra Beach Hotel, Kovalam.
Protests Erupt in Shivamogga Over Increased Minority Reservation in Housing Schemes
The Karnataka state government's decision to increase reservation for minorities in housing schemes has triggered protests in Shivamogga. On Wednesday, Rashtrabhaktara Balaga, a forum led by former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Shivamogga city wing organized separate demonstrations against the move. Supporters of Eshwarappa marched from Ramanna Shetty Park to Shivappa Nayaka Circle, forming a human chain. Eshwarappa criticized the Congress-led government, accusing it of favoring minorities for political gains and highlighting increased budget allocations for minorities over the past two years. The protesters announced plans to collect signatures statewide and appeal to the governor to block the decision. Simultaneously, BJP workers protested at the Shivamogga ZP office, with MLA S.N. Channabasappa alleging that the move undermines democracy and violates the Constitution. He contrasted the BJP’s past initiatives, such as Bhagyalakshmi Bonds and bicycle distribution, with the current government’s alleged bias towards minorities. BJP district president N.K. Jagadish and former legislators Ashok Naik and K.G. Kumaraswamy also participated in the protest.
World Affairs (1)
Telangana Evacuates 48 Citizens from Conflict Zones in West Asia
The Telangana government has intensified its evacuation efforts from conflict-affected regions in West Asia. On June 25, 2024, 25 more citizens from Telangana arrived safely in New Delhi, bringing the total number of evacuees to 48. Among the recent arrivals, seven passengers came from Iran and 18 from Israel. Officials at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi provided reception, refreshments, and assistance for onward travel. While most passengers arranged their own flights to Hyderabad, the government ensured smooth transit coordination. The evacuation has gained momentum following a ceasefire and the reopening of restricted airspace. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has reiterated the state government's commitment to the safe return of all stranded citizens. A dedicated helpline at Telangana Bhavan remains active, offering real-time updates and assistance, with the government pledging continued support until every citizen is safely home.
Miscellaneous (1)
NHRC Seeks Report from Uttar Pradesh Government on Varanasi Jail Custodial Deaths
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government on June 25, 2025, seeking a detailed report on the custodial deaths of three prisoners in Varanasi jail. The deaths occurred on June 15 and 16, 2025, involving two male inmates and one female inmate, reportedly due to illness and heart-related complications. The NHRC expressed serious concerns about potential human rights violations and has directed the Director General of Prisons and the Commissioner of Police, Varanasi, to submit a comprehensive report within two weeks. The report is expected to include findings from inquest and post-mortem examinations, initial health screening records of the deceased, and relevant magisterial inquiry reports.
Comments
Post a Comment