Important News - 2025-06-30
30 June 2025
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Politics (4)
BJP Rebukes MLA T. Raja Singh for Unfounded Allegations
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized its three-time MLA, T. Raja Singh, for making unfounded allegations against the party. Singh claimed he was denied the opportunity to contest the State president’s post due to a lack of endorsements from 10 state executive council members, as required by election rules. BJP spokesperson Rani Rudrama Devi stated that Singh has repeatedly violated party discipline in the past and was even suspended by the party. Despite being given multiple opportunities, Singh allegedly crossed all limits by spreading false accusations against the party. Singh has submitted his resignation to party president G. Kishan Reddy, which will be forwarded to national president J.P. Nadda. However, Devi clarified that if Singh truly intends to resign as MLA, he must send his resignation letter to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
MoEFCC Returns Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project Proposal Due to Inter-State Issues
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has returned the appraisal proposal for Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP). The committee cited inter-State issues as the primary reason for this decision. The Telangana government had raised concerns, stating that the project would violate the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award of 1980 and impact riparian rights within the Godavari Basin. The Andhra Pradesh government’s proposal aimed to divert 200 tmc ft of water annually to non-basin areas, providing drinking water to 80 lakh people, creating 3 lakh hectares of new ayacut, stabilizing 9.14 lakh hectares of existing ayacut, and supplying 20 tmc ft for industrial needs. The project, estimated at ₹81,900 crore, would also generate 400 megawatts of hydro-power but involves submergence of 24,062 hectares of land, including forest and private areas. The EAC recommended that the Andhra Pradesh government first address inter-State issues with the Central Water Commission (CWC) and obtain necessary clearances before resubmitting the proposal.
Health Minister Ensures Free Medical Treatment for Pharma Unit Blast Victims
On Monday morning, Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha visited the site of a pharmaceutical unit explosion in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district. The blast caused a three-storey building to collapse, and the exact cause is still under investigation. The minister emphasized the government's responsibility to support the affected families and assured that the State government would cover the full cost of medical treatment for the injured. He also visited Dhruva Hospitals in Patancheru and Pranav Hospital in Madinaguda, where he reviewed the patients' conditions and instructed health officials to ensure uninterrupted medical assistance. Labour and Mines Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkataswamy also visited the site, assured the families of the government’s support, and directed officials to take steps to prevent future industrial accidents. The Sigachi Industries management has been asked to provide a detailed report on the incident.
Bengaluru Property Owners Protest BBMP's Outdated Land Acquisition Notification
Property owners along the ITPL - Hoodi Main Road in Bengaluru are protesting against the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) draft notification for land acquisition issued on June 18, 2024. The notification lists outdated names of property owners from the Records of Rights, Tenancy and Crops (RTC), which have not been updated for decades, despite changes in ownership. For instance, H.M. Chandrashekhar, who purchased land in 1987, found the owner listed as Nagappa, who owned the land in 1968. Similarly, Venkatesh Reddy discovered his great-grandfather’s name listed as the owner of his ancestral land. The property owners allege that the BBMP is deliberately excluding them from fair compensation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition (Rehabilitation and Resettlement) Act, 2013. They also raised concerns about a potential Transferrable Development Rights (TDR) scam, where bogus landowners could benefit illegally. The Karnataka Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are already investigating earlier TDR scams. The property owners have demanded the cancellation of the draft notification and are considering filing complaints with the Karnataka Lokayukta. BBMP Chief Civic Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao stated that the notification is a draft, and property owners can submit their claims within 30 days from June 18. Real estate insiders highlight the long-standing issue of outdated revenue records in Bengaluru, contributing to unclear land titles.
Economy (1)
Indian Railways Announces Fare Rationalisation Effective July 1, 2024
The Ministry of Railways has announced a rationalisation of train fares, effective from July 1, 2024, marking the first fare revision in five years. The move aims to streamline fare structures and enhance the financial sustainability of passenger services. While suburban single journey fares and season tickets remain unchanged, fares for non-suburban trains have been increased. For ordinary non-AC classes, Second Class fares rise by half a paisa per kilometre, with no change for travel up to 500 km. Beyond this, increases range from ₹5 to ₹15 based on distance. Mail and Express train fares for non-AC classes have been hiked by one paisa per kilometre, while AC classes see a two-paise increase. The revision applies to premier trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat, among others. Ancillary charges and GST remain unchanged. The Ministry has directed zonal railways to update fare displays at all stations. Indian Railways carried 715 crore passengers in FY 2024–25, with passenger revenue at ₹75,750 crore. The fare hike is expected to generate an additional ₹1,500–₹1,600 crore in revenue. Despite this, the Railways continue to face financial challenges, with FY 2024–25 earnings falling short of budgetary estimates.
Heritage (2)
Officials Suspended Over Negligence in Tiger Deaths at M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
The Forest Department has taken stringent action against officials following the tragic death of five tigers, including a mother and her cubs, in the M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, on June 26, 2023. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Chakrapani Y. and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Gajanana Hegde were placed on compulsory leave due to alleged negligence. The carcasses were discovered just 100 metres from an asphalt road and 800 metres from an anti-poaching camp, but the department staff failed to notice them for two days, highlighting serious lapses in wildlife conservation. Additionally, non-payment of salaries to frontline staff hampered patrolling efforts. A high-level committee has been formed by the State government to investigate the incident, with a report expected within 14 days. Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre emphasized that disciplinary action would be taken if negligence by any officer is proven. Meanwhile, three individuals allegedly involved in poisoning the tigers have been arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Indian Forest Act, 1969. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also ordered a probe and constituted a Special Investigation Team to look into the matter.
Srisailam Temple Alleges Conspiracy in Laddu Prasadam Controversy
The management of Sri Bhramarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam has alleged a conspiracy behind claims of a 'cockroach' being found in the laddu prasadam. On June 30, the temple's Executive Officer, M. Srinivasa Rao, submitted a report to the government stating that CCTV footage analysis revealed a group of devotees may have deliberately placed a locust in the laddu to malign the temple’s reputation. The incident occurred on June 29, 2024, when a devotee, K. Saran Chandra from Kavali in Nellore, along with two others, allegedly staged the incident. The temple management has lodged a formal complaint with the Srisailam police, and investigations are ongoing. The temple emphasized that the laddu prasadam is prepared in a hygienic environment, adhering to ISO 22000: Food Safety Management System standards, and involves strict quality checks of ingredients. The temple also highlighted that similar allegations in the past, such as a bone found in Pulihora prasadam in February 2023, were proven false.
Defence (1)
India Fast-Tracks Launch of 52 Military Satellites Under SBS-III Program for Enhanced Border Surveillance
In response to the heightened need for precision surveillance identified during Operation Sindoor, the Union government has expedited the launch of 52 dedicated military surveillance satellites. These satellites aim to enhance round-the-clock monitoring of India’s coastline and land borders. The initiative is part of the SBS-III (Satellite-Based Surveillance) program, approved by the Cabinet Committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2022, with an allocated budget of $3.2 billion. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will manufacture and launch the first 21 satellites, while private companies will handle the remaining 31. The Defence Space Agency (DSA) will oversee the operation of this advanced satellite system. The new satellites will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) for smarter decision-making and improved performance, with the first set expected to launch by 2026. This system will provide next-generation radar imaging capabilities, enabling all-weather and day-night surveillance. The SBS-III program will bolster India’s self-reliance in defence technology, reducing dependency on foreign satellite support, particularly in monitoring the Pakistan and China borders and the Indian Ocean Region. During Operation Sindoor, existing satellites like Cartosat and RISAT proved instrumental in tracking enemy movements, confirming strike impacts, and maintaining real-time situational awareness, thereby safeguarding India’s military assets.
Miscellaneous (4)
Telangana Governor Mourns Loss of Lives in Sigachi Industries Blast
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma expressed deep sorrow over the tragic blast at the Sigachi Industries pharmaceutical unit in the Pashamylaram industrial area of Sangareddy district, which resulted in multiple fatalities. The explosion, which occurred in the early hours, prompted an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, including Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), who called for a thorough investigation and financial aid for the affected families. The Governor directed M. Dana Kishore, Principal Secretary of Labour, Employment Training and Factories (LETF), to ensure quality medical treatment and support for the victims. Former Health Minister and Siddipet MLA T. Harish Rao visited the site, praised the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for their rescue efforts, and urged authorities to set up a control room and helpline for families seeking updates. A control room has been established at the Sangareddy District Collectorate, with a helpline number (08455-276155) available for inquiries.
Transport Department Cracks Down on Autorickshaw Violations in Bengaluru
In response to rising public complaints about fare manipulation, route refusals, and passenger harassment by autorickshaw drivers, the Transport Department of Bengaluru conducted a citywide crackdown on Monday. Surprise checks were carried out by 22 teams of officials, focusing on autorickshaws operating without valid permits, charging excessive fares, refusing passengers, and violating traffic or transport regulations. During the operation, 260 cases were registered, and 98 auto rickshaws were seized in Bengaluru. Similar drives were conducted in Nelamangala and Ramanagara, resulting in 30 cases and 2 autos seized in Nelamangala, and 9 cases and 4 autos seized in Ramanagara. Violations included lack of valid documents, non-functional or tampered fare meters, and refusal to operate on metered fares. The highest number of violations was reported in the Bengaluru South RTO limits, with 48 cases and 18 autos seized, followed by Bengaluru West, Bengaluru East, and Electronic City zones.
Kerala High Court Directs State to Frame Strict Anti-Ragging Law Following Student’s Death
The Kerala High Court has directed the State government to enact a stringent anti-ragging law to address the inadequacies in the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) anti-ragging regulations. This move comes in response to the tragic death of Sidharthan J.S., a second-year student at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, who was found hanging in his hostel bathroom in February 2024, allegedly due to brutal ragging. The court emphasized the need for severe punishment for ragging and called for swift action against the guilty. The university’s anti-ragging squad confirmed that Sidharthan was subjected to physical abuse and a public trial by fellow students. The court also directed the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University to initiate departmental proceedings against the assistant hostel warden and the Dean, who were suspended for administrative lapses. The proceedings must be finalized within three months, and the university must ensure appropriate action against the students responsible for the incident.
Arya Vaidya Sala and AIIMS Collaborate to Combat Early Cardiovascular Ageing
Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala has partnered with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to address the growing concern of early-age heart attacks. The collaboration aims to develop innovative phytomedicines derived from medicinal plants for managing early cardiovascular ageing. The research initiative is being led by CMPR senior scientist Sulaiman C.T. and AIIMS additional professor Dinu S. Chandran. Additionally, Arya Vaidya Sala has also collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to further this research with a clinical perspective. The partnership focuses on integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine to create evidence-based, holistic healthcare solutions. The research emphasizes the preventive aspects of early cardiovascular ageing, aiming to harness natural compounds for promoting heart health and delaying vascular decline. The initiative was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by Arya Vaidya Sala managing trustee and chief physician P.M. Varier and Dr. Chandran.
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