Important News - 2025-07-01
01 July 2025
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Politics (4)
MHA Appeals Against J&K HC Order to Repatriate Deported Pakistani Housewife
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has filed an appeal against a Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court order to repatriate Rakshanda Rashid, a 62-year-old housewife deported to Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack despite living in India on a long-term visa for nearly four decades. The High Court's June 6 order, issued by Justice Rahul Bharti, directed the Union Home Secretary to bring Ms. Rashid back to India within ten days. On Tuesday, Justice Bharti sought compliance from the MHA and granted the Ministry an additional ten days to file its reply. Ms. Rashid’s counsel, Ankur Sharma, emphasized that the judge insisted on compliance as there was no stay on the order despite the appeal. The appeal will be heard by the Chief Justice’s Bench on Wednesday. Ms. Rashid, a Pakistani citizen married to an Indian, had been living in Jammu for 38 years on a long-term visa renewed annually. She had applied for Indian citizenship in 1996, but her application remained unprocessed. Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, the MHA canceled visas of all Pakistani citizens, except those with long-term visas or women married to Indian citizens. Ms. Rashid’s daughter, Fatima Sheikh, alleged that her mother was deported on April 28 after police distorted facts, despite their long-term visa extension application being processed. Ms. Rashid has been living alone in Pakistan since her deportation, with no relatives or financial support. Justice Bharti, in his June 23 order, emphasized the need to prioritize human rights in this exceptional case.
KRRS Demands Probe into KIADB’s Irregular Compensation to Nanjangud Farmers
The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) has called for an investigation into alleged irregularities in the distribution of compensation by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) to farmers in Nanjangud taluk. KRRS leader Hoskote Basavaraj, during a press conference on Monday, highlighted that KIADB acquired 1,123.08 acres of land in Immavu, Adakanahalli, and Tandavapura villages, part of which is earmarked for the State government’s Film City project. Approximately 700 farming families from Immavu, Hulimavu, Immavu Hundi, and Adakanahalli villages, who have cultivated the land for decades and applied for cultivation rights, have not received compensation. Following protests, KIADB decided to pay an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh per farmer, disbursing ₹18 crore through the Nanjangud tahsildar. However, Basavaraj alleged that the payment was diverted to farmers from other taluks in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts, leading to accusations of corruption. KRRS has demanded a probe to expose corrupt officials, criminal cases against those involved in fraudulent transactions, and recovery of payments made to ineligible persons. They also insist that eligible farmers receive compensation as per KIADB’s decision and that at least one member from each farmer’s family be provided employment.
Karnataka CM Stresses Media Independence at Press Day 2025
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of independent and fearless journalism during his address at the ‘Press Day - 2025’ event organized by the Karnataka Media Academy, Department of Information and Public Relations, and the Working Journalists’ Association. Speaking on the theme ‘Fight for Real News’, the CM highlighted the dangers of fake and speculative journalism, urging the media to avoid appeasing anyone, including himself. He also launched two initiatives: a free bus pass scheme for rural journalists and the ‘Health Sanjeevini’ plan for journalists. Renowned journalist P. Sainath, in his keynote address on ‘The battle for factual reporting’, criticized the corporate control of media, stating that it has led to the erosion of journalistic integrity. He called for breaking corporate monopolies to ensure truthful reporting.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Vows to Protect State's Water Rights Amid Andhra Pradesh's PBLP Proposal
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of Telangana has asserted that the Congress government will not compromise on the state's water rights. Speaking at a meeting with party legislators, MPs, and other functionaries, Reddy emphasized the need for a political, technical, and legal battle to protect Telangana's interests in river water disputes. The meeting included a presentation on the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) undertaken by Andhra Pradesh. Reddy criticized the previous BRS government for harming Telangana's interests in Krishna and Godavari water allocations, citing decisions made during the first Apex Council meeting in September 2016. He also accused the BRS of shedding crocodile tears and blamed the BJP for failing to protect Telangana's water rights. On the PBLP, Reddy stated that Andhra Pradesh's proposal was not outrightly rejected but required clearances before appraisal. Meanwhile, Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted that the MoEF's expert appraisal committee had returned Andhra Pradesh's proposal due to the Congress government's efforts.
Schemes (2)
BWSSB to Incentivise Bulk Users for Dual Piping and Solar Energy Adoption
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has introduced an incentive scheme to encourage bulk users to adopt dual piping systems and utilize treated grey water for non-potable purposes. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman of BWSSB, announced that the Board will prepare a proposal to provide financial incentives, likely in the form of a discount on water bills, for users who implement dual piping. This initiative aims to promote water conservation and reduce the strain on freshwater resources. Additionally, the Board is focusing on harnessing solar energy to meet 80% of its energy needs, as power bills constitute 70% of its expenses. Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar has also advocated for the adoption of dual piping in Bengaluru, similar to the system in Delhi.
Kerala Government Explores Revival of Edayar CETP Project Amid Funding Challenges
The Kerala government is actively exploring options to revive the stalled project for setting up a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in the Edayar industrial area along the Eloor-Edayar stretch of the Periyar river. The project, which has faced significant delays, was initially expected to receive a boost with ₹30 crore allocated from a ₹250-crore assistance package promised by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for CETPs in various industrial estates across the state. However, the implementation was hindered by the Centre’s borrowing restrictions on the state. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve stated that the government is now considering including the project under the Guarantee Redemption Fund (GDR), which covers government guarantees for loans availed by public sector entities and cooperatives. A monthly progress report submitted to the Ministry of Jal Shakthi in May 2023 indicated that the CETP project might be dropped, with industries advised to establish their own effluent treatment facilities. The proposed CETP in Edayar, with a capacity to treat two million litres per day, is planned to be located near the north-western portion of the industrial estate, previously occupied by the defunct Periyar Chemical Industries. The site offers sufficient land and discharge facilities downstream of the Pathalam regulator-cum-bridge of the Periyar.
Heritage (1)
Restoration of Lalbagh’s Historic Bandstand Underway with Expert Committee Oversight
The iconic Bandstand in Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a wooden structure with over 150 years of history, has been dismantled for restoration due to damage caused by weather conditions. An expert committee chaired by environmentalist A.N. Yellappa Reddy, comprising officials from the Horticulture Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Karnataka Shilpakala Academy, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, and scientists from the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), has been formed to oversee the restoration. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has dismantled the structure as per the committee’s recommendations, with each piece being numbered for reference. Experts from IWST and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will assess the dismantled wood to determine reusable components and provide estimates for materials like teak wood. The Bandstand, established by the British in 1870 and restored in 2004, is expected to be completed by August 15, 2024, in time for the Independence Day flower show. The restoration aims to preserve its heritage while ensuring durability.
Economy (1)
Union Cabinet Approves ₹1,853 Crore Four-Lane Highway Project in Tamil Nadu for Enhanced Connectivity
The Union Cabinet, on Tuesday, approved the construction of a four-lane highway section from Paramakudi to Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, at a total cost of ₹1,853 crore. This project aims to improve connectivity to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi from Madurai. The initiative will be executed in a hybrid annuity mode, where the government will provide 40% of the project cost as construction support and the remaining 60% as annuity payments over the operational period, including interest, to the concessionaire. The existing stretch between Madurai and Paramakudi is already a four-lane highway, and a detailed project report is being prepared for upgrading the section beyond Ramanathapuram to Dhanushkodi. Rameswaram, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site, will benefit from enhanced connectivity alongside the Pamban rail bridge, which links the Rameswaram temple to mainland Tamil Nadu. The project will also connect key economic, social, and logistics hubs in southern Tamil Nadu, integrating multi-modal transportation by linking Madurai and Rameswaram railway stations, Madurai International Airport, and minor ports at Pamban and Rameswaram. The four-laning is expected to increase vehicular speed from 48 kmph to 80 kmph, reducing travel time by 40% from 60 minutes to 35 minutes.
Miscellaneous (4)
Surgeries Resume in Thiruvananthapuram MCH’s Urology Department After Probe Procurement
Surgeries and procedures in the Urology department of Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), which had been halted since June 27 due to the unavailability of essential accessories for the Lithoclast machine, resumed on Tuesday. The delay in procuring the machine's probe had caused significant disruptions, leading to the cancellation of surgeries and patient inconvenience. Dr. Haris Chirackal, Head of the Urology department, expressed his frustration in a Facebook post on June 27, highlighting the hospital's financial constraints and the need for patients to purchase equipment accessories themselves. The issue gained political attention, with the Opposition criticizing the government for neglecting public health. Health Minister Veena George acknowledged the systemic issues and formed a four-member committee to investigate the concerns raised by Dr. Chirackal. The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers’ Association (KGMCTA) supported the doctor and organized protests on Doctors’ Day, demanding resolution of long-standing issues like pay revision arrears and faculty shortages. Meanwhile, the Congress and BJP also staged protests across government medical colleges, urging immediate action to address equipment and staff shortages in public hospitals.
JSS Medical College Introduces Advanced Anatomage Table 11 for Medical Education
The Department of Anatomy at JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, has introduced the Anatomage Table 11, a cutting-edge virtual dissection table, enhancing medical education technology. The table, procured from a U.S.-based company, was inaugurated on Tuesday, with Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami of Suttur Math and Girish Kapur, senior vice-president of India Site Operations at USP Hyderabad, as chief guests. The Anatomage Table Version 11 offers life-sized, high-resolution 3D visualizations of the human body, enabling students and healthcare professionals to study anatomical structures with precision. This innovation bridges traditional cadaveric dissection and modern digital methodologies. A demonstration by Vinutha S.P., associate professor of Anatomy, showcased its capabilities in free-hand dissection and detailed exploration of anatomical structures. The installation underscores JSS Medical College's commitment to integrating advanced technology in health professions education, fostering a deeper understanding of human anatomy and promoting clinical excellence. Key attendees included C.G. Betsurmath, executive secretary of JSS Mahavidyapeetha, H. Basavanagowdappa, Vice-Chancellor of JSS AHER, and other faculty members.
HYDRAA to Train 4,100 Workers for Monsoon Emergency Management in Hyderabad
The Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has announced plans to train 4,100 workers to manage monsoon-related emergencies in Hyderabad. This initiative comes after the responsibility for monsoon emergency operations was transferred from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to HYDRAA. Currently, 150 monsoon emergency teams, comprising 1,800 personnel, are deployed across the city, with 734 workers stationed at chronic inundation points. Additionally, HYDRAA will deploy 51 specialized teams, each with 18 members, along with 21 emergency bike teams and 30 marshals to oversee operations. A further 200 personnel will collaborate with the traffic police, while 240 workers are on standby to handle green waste from tree falls. All teams have been equipped with necessary tools and machinery. HYDRAA Chief A.V. Ranganath emphasized the importance of timely rainwater evacuation by clearing drain obstructions.
Sangita Sarkar: From Zomato Delivery to Directing Moonlight at Tapan Theatre
Sangita Sarkar, a theatre artiste from Kolkata, transitioned from delivering food for Zomato during the COVID-19 lockdown to directing her first play. A graduate of Rabindra Bharati University and a member of the theatre group Bohurupee, Sarkar joined Zomato to observe human behavior and support her theatre community financially. Her play, titled Moonlight, is an adaptation of Mahesh Elkunchwar’s Sonata and will be staged on July 1 at Tapan Theatre in Kalighat. The play explores the lives of three single women living together and their bond of friendship and trust. Sarkar’s journey also includes her admission to the National School of Drama (NSD) in 2022, which broadened her perspectives on human behavior and societal issues. She reflects on her experiences during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of every job, including food delivery, in connecting people during challenging times.
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