Important News - 2025-06-26
26 June 2025
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Politics (3)
K. Kavitha Demands White Paper on ₹2 Lakh Crore Debt Utilization in Telangana
BRS MLC and Telangana Jagruthi president K. Kavitha has urged the government to release a White Paper detailing the utilization of ₹2 lakh crore in debts raised since it assumed power. She criticized the government for achieving a record in debt accumulation without launching any new schemes or fulfilling previous commitments. Kavitha accused the government of misleading the public by claiming that the borrowings were used to service the interest and principal of the ₹8 lakh crore debt inherited from the BRS regime. She highlighted that the BRS had received an 'A' grade from the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) for timely payments, while the current Congress government has failed to clear dues of ₹1,321 crore. Additionally, she pointed out that the repayment deadline for the Kaleshwaram project loans, originally set for 2035 by former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, has been extended to 2040. Kavitha also alleged large-scale corruption, stating that ₹1,200 crore has been paid in advances to favored contractors for the Kodangal Lift Irrigation scheme, with contracts awarded to MEIL and Raghava Constructions, owned by Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy.
ACB Seizes ₹2.7 Lakh in Unaccounted Cash During Surprise Raids on Telangana RTA Offices
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conducted surprise checks on Regional Transport Authority (RTA) offices and Sub-Registrar offices across Telangana on June 26, 2024, uncovering significant irregularities. During the operation, ₹2.7 lakh in unaccounted cash was seized. Specifically, ₹1,81,030 was recovered from the Salabatpur RTA check post in Kamareddy district, as well as RTA offices in Peddapally, Trimulgherry, and Uppal. Additionally, ₹91,000 was seized from Sub-Registrar offices in Burgumpadu (Khammam district) and Bheemadevarapally (Warangal district). The raids exposed procedural discrepancies, and a detailed report will be submitted to the government for further action. The ACB has encouraged the public to report corruption through its toll-free helpline (1064), WhatsApp (9440446106), or official social media handles on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), assuring confidentiality for complainants.
CPI(M) Opposes Rail Fare Hike and Criticizes Fund Allocation for Sanskrit
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly opposed the proposed increase in rail fares set to take effect from July 1. During a two-day State committee meeting in Tiruchi, which concluded on Thursday, the party adopted a resolution condemning the fare revision, stating that train travel is an essential service for the public. They urged the BJP-led central government to withdraw the proposed hike and called upon all sections of society to resist this move. Additionally, the CPI(M) criticized the Narendra Modi government for disproportionately allocating funds to Sanskrit compared to other classical languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odiya. Since 2014, ₹2,532.59 crore has been allocated for Sanskrit, while only ₹147.56 crore was spent on the other five languages combined. The party also denounced the government’s alleged promotion of Hindi and Sanskrit, attributing it to the influence of the RSS. Furthermore, the CPI(M) resolved to participate in a nationwide general strike on July 9, organized by central trade unions, to protest the BJP government’s pro-corporate and anti-labour policies. The meeting was chaired by State executive committee member K. Samuelraj, with prominent attendees including Politbureau members Ashok Dhawale, K. Balakrishnan, U. Vasuki, and State secretary P. Shanmugam.
Schemes (6)
HLL Expands AMRIT Pharmacies to ISRO Centres as Part of Affordable Healthcare Initiative
HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has established AMRIT pharmacies at three Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) centres located in Valiamala, Vattiyurkavu, and Thumba. A fourth outlet is scheduled to open soon at the ISRO facility in Aluva. These pharmacies are part of the AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) initiative, launched in 2015, which aims to provide affordable and accessible medicines and medical supplies. The expansion is a part of HLL’s Diamond Jubilee initiatives. Around 38,000 individuals, including ISRO employees, pensioners, and their families, are expected to benefit from these outlets. A credit facility has been introduced, enabling ISRO employees to purchase medicines and products from any of HLL’s retail outlets, including HLL Pharmacy & Surgicals, HLL Opticals, and AMRIT pharmacies across Kerala. The AMRIT chain offers a wide range of products, including specialized medicines for oncology and cardiology, stents, orthopaedic implants, medical disposables, and a variety of branded and generic drugs at discounts of up to 50% from the MRP. The AMRIT network has grown to over 220 outlets across India, including all AIIMS campuses and other institutes of national importance. To date, over 600 lakh patients have benefited, with cumulative savings of more than ₹6,000 crore from MRP. The new ISRO-based outlets are part of HLL’s ongoing efforts to expand affordable healthcare services across workplaces and communities nationwide. The AMRIT pharmacy at ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala was inaugurated by LPSC Associate Director R Hutton, while the outlets at Vattiyurkavu and Thumba were inaugurated by Padmakumar E.S., Director of ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit, and Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, respectively.
Integrated Bus Terminus in Tiruchi Remains Partially Operational Post-Inauguration
The Integrated Bus Terminus (IBT) in Tiruchi, inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on May 9, 2024, remains partially operational more than six weeks later. Built at a cost of ₹492.55 crore on 40 acres of land along the Tiruchi-Madurai Highway, the facility includes 401 bus bays catering to long-distance, short-distance, mofussil, and city buses. It also features parking for 216 four-wheelers, 1,935 two-wheelers, and 100 autorickshaws, along with amenities such as cloakrooms, ticket counters, restrooms, lifts, escalators, and 78 shops. Despite its extensive infrastructure, the IBT is not fully operational due to delays in outsourcing its operation and maintenance, as well as identifying traders to run shops and restaurants. Officials initially aimed for a June 3 launch but now anticipate a full-fledged opening in the second week of July. This delay has caused disappointment among Tiruchi residents, who eagerly await the terminus's public availability.
Union Government Seeks Proposals for New Senior Citizen Care Centres Under Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has invited fresh proposals to establish new Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs) in 27 States and Union Territories (UTs). These centres will serve as key nodal agencies for senior citizen care activities under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens, which is part of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). The RRTCs will conduct training and awareness programmes, coordinate with State administrations and the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), and monitor senior citizen care activities in their jurisdictions. They will also assist State governments in preparing State Action Plans for senior citizens. Currently, 11 RRTCs are operational across nearly 30 States/UTs, managed by NGOs. However, some NGOs, like Anugraha, have raised concerns about managing large jurisdictions. The Union government is also finalising a new national policy on senior citizens, anticipating that 20% of India’s population will be senior citizens by 2047, up from 8% in 2011.
Telangana Launches ‘Nivruthi’ De-addiction Centre at Hyderabad Women’s Prison
On June 26, 2023, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Telangana Prisons Department inaugurated a de-addiction centre named ‘Nivruthi’ at the Special Prison for Women in Hyderabad. The centre, which derives its name from the Sanskrit word for ‘liberation’ or ‘retreat’, aims to provide support to female inmates struggling with addiction. Soumya Mishra, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Telangana, emphasized that drug abuse is not merely a health issue but also a significant social, emotional, and economic problem affecting individuals, families, and communities. She highlighted the importance of offering recovery and reintegration opportunities to those affected by addiction. The initiative received support from Tharuni, an NGO, and Kondaveeti Satyavati of Bhumika Women’s Collective. The event was attended by key officials, including D. Srinivas, DIG of Prisons (Hyderabad Range), N. Shiva Kumar Goud, Superintendent of Central Prison, Hyderabad, and T. Venkatalakshmi Srinadh, Superintendent of the Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad.
Kerala High Court Extends E-Filing Facility to State Prisons for Jail Appeals
The Kerala High Court has decided to extend its e-filing facility to prisons across the state to enable the digital processing of jail appeals and other judicial petitions. This decision was communicated by the Registrar General of the High Court to the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been established to facilitate the transition to the new system. Login credentials have been created for all 57 jails in Kerala under the High Court's Case Management System (CMS), based on details provided by the Technical Cell of the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services Department. Two separate SOPs were prepared by the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) and the IT Directorate of the High Court. While KeLSA's SOP focuses on ensuring uniformity in legal aid services, transmission of documents, and related matters, the IT Directorate's SOP aims to streamline the online filing of jail appeals using CMS login credentials. Currently, jail appeals and petitions under Section 424 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 are filed in paper form due to the lack of an electronic alternative. The new system aims to modernize and expedite the judicial process for prisoners.
Kerala Land Reforms Act Remains Relevant, Says Revenue Minister K. Rajan
Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan emphasized that no fundamental changes are required in the Kerala Land Reforms Act, during his address at the 'Bhoomi — Digital survey for smart land governance: innovations, integration, and impact' national conclave held in Kovalam. He highlighted that Kerala was the first state to implement land reforms legislation, which revolutionized land ownership by granting tenants and agricultural laborers ownership rights. The Act also included provisions for exemptions for industrial, commercial, educational, and charitable institutions. Rajan noted that the digital survey initiative marks the second phase of land reforms in Kerala, aiming to provide accurate land measurements and conclusive titles. The initiative has significantly reduced land record complaints and increased transparency in land transfers. Kerala also became the first state to implement the unique thandaper system in 2022 to identify land holdings above the stipulated ceiling. Over the past four years, the state has distributed approximately 2.5 lakh title deeds to the landless. Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi urged other states to adopt the Kerala model for land governance, praising its effective dispute resolution mechanisms through panchayat jagratha samitis. Key officials including M.G. Rajamanickam, Secretary of the Revenue department, K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla, Land Revenue Commissioner, and Seeram Sambasiva Rao, Director of Survey and Land Records, also spoke at the event.
Elections (1)
Bombay High Court Dismisses Petition Challenging 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections
On June 26, 2025, Prakash Ambedkar, leader of the Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) and senior advocate, expressed dissatisfaction with the Bombay High Court's dismissal of a petition challenging the legitimacy of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The petition, filed by Mumbai resident Chetan Chandrakant Ahire and argued by Ambedkar, raised concerns about bogus voting and lack of transparency in the electoral process. It specifically highlighted the alleged casting of nearly 76 lakh votes after the official 6 p.m. deadline on polling day. Despite submitting an RTI request for data on these votes, the Election Commission stated that the information was unavailable. The Division Bench of Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Arif Doctor dismissed the petition on June 25, calling it a "gross abuse of the process of law" and stating it lacked legal merit and locus standi. Ambedkar criticized the court's decision, arguing that it failed to address the core issues of electoral transparency and accountability.
Miscellaneous (2)
Hyderabad Man Loses ₹74.3 Lakh in Investment Scam
A 50-year-old man from Saidabad, Hyderabad, fell victim to an investment scam, losing ₹74.3 lakh to fraudsters who impersonated representatives of well-known financial firms like ‘Citadel’ and ‘Axis Securities’. The scam began on May 18, 2024, when the victim was contacted via WhatsApp and lured with promises of daily returns ranging between 8% and 20%. Initially convinced by the authenticity of the scheme after receiving a credited profit of ₹8,000 on May 20, the victim invested ₹1 lakh in each platform. Subsequently, he was persuaded to invest larger sums under the pretext of high gains from IPO stock deals, transferring ₹31 lakh to Citadel and ₹43.3 lakh to Axis Securities between May 23 and June 13. The fraudsters later demanded additional amounts of ₹83 lakh and ₹70.7 lakh, claiming the investments would yield a total return of ₹7.5 crore. However, the victim grew suspicious and refused to pay further, eventually realising the scam. Despite the fake apps showing balances of ₹1.26 crore in Citadel and ₹2.62 crore in Axis Securities, the victim was unable to withdraw any funds. The Hyderabad police’s cybercrime wing has registered a case and initiated an investigation.
Youth Swept Away in Swollen Stream Near Adilabad
A tragic incident occurred on Thursday near Adilabad town when a youth was swept away by the strong currents of a swollen stream in the Nishanghat area. The youth had reportedly gone to the stream to catch fish in the late afternoon. Despite warnings from local residents, who were seen advising him to move towards the shore, he was unable to escape the gushing waters. A video of the incident, capturing the youth being carried away by the stream, has since gone viral on social media. Authorities have launched a search operation to locate the missing youth, whose identity remains unknown as of the latest reports.
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