Important News - 2025-07-03
03 July 2025
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Economy (1)
Cheyyar Residents Protest SIPCOT Phase-3 Expansion Over Land Acquisition Concerns
Residents near the SIPCOT complex in Cheyyar staged a protest on Thursday, opposing the proposed phase-3 expansion project, which aims to acquire 3,174 acres of land from nine farming villages: Melma, Narmapallam, Kurumbur, Thethurai, Nedungal, Athi, Vada Alapirandan, Veerapakkam, and Lianeerkundram. The project, initiated over a decade ago, has faced persistent opposition since July 2023 due to concerns over its impact on cultivable lands. In February, residents prevented revenue officials from conducting land surveys for asset enumeration, including tree cover and buildings. The government has offered compensation of ₹18 lakh per acre, along with additional compensation for lost assets like trees, farm wells, and buildings. Earlier, in November 2023, 21 protesters were arrested, with seven detained under the Goondas Act, but Chief Minister M.K. Stalin revoked the charges in January 2024.
Defence (2)
India and Australia Collaborate on Advanced Undersea Surveillance Research Project
India and Australia have initiated a three-year joint research project aimed at enhancing undersea surveillance technologies. This collaborative effort focuses on improving the early detection and tracking of submarines and autonomous underwater vehicles. The project involves the Defence Science and Technology Group’s (DSTG) Information Sciences Division from Australia and the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory from India. The research will explore the use of Towed Array Target Motion Analysis to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and interoperability of current surveillance capabilities. This technology involves a towed array of hydrophones that listen to undersea environments and analyze acoustic signals emitted from maritime targets. The project will test novel algorithms, share ideas, conduct investigation trials, and perform algorithm demonstrations. The initiative aims to address the evolving challenges in the underwater battlespace, including the increasing use of autonomous vehicles, and guide the development of future undersea combat system surveillance technologies. This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening maritime domain awareness cooperation between the two nations.
Government Approves ₹1.05 Lakh Crore Indigenous Defence Procurement to Strengthen Armed Forces
On July 3, 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore, all to be sourced indigenously. This marked the first DAC meeting following Operation Sindoor, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces. The approvals included procurement of Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, Integrated Common Inventory Management Systems for the Tri-Services, and Surface-to-Air Missiles. A significant approval was for the indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems worth ₹30,000 crore for the Indian Army, designed to bolster air defence capabilities along the Pakistan border. Additionally, procurements such as Moored Mines, Mine Counter Measure Vessels, Super Rapid Gun Mounts, and Submersible Autonomous Vessels were approved to mitigate risks to Naval and Merchant Vessels. The acquisitions aim to improve mobility, air defence, supply chain management, and overall operational readiness of the armed forces. The DAC also emphasized indigenous design and development by granting AoNs under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category.
Schemes (2)
Andhra Pradesh Notifies Land Pooling Scheme 2.0 for Amaravati Development
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has introduced the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Land Pooling Scheme (Formulation and Implementation) Rules, 2025, under G.O. Ms. No. 118, to streamline land contributions for the development of the Amaravati capital region. Notified by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department on July 1, 2025, the scheme aims to support planned urban growth and simplify administrative processes. Key features include the use of drone and rover-based surveys for accuracy, Aadhaar OTP-based verification for secure landowner consent, and direct integration of plot details into the Registration Department’s Encumbrance Certificate (EC) records. The scheme offers varying benefits based on land categories, such as dry or wetland, and ownership types like patta or assigned land. Farmers will receive annuity payments, one-time compensations for orchards, pensions for landless families, and agricultural loan waivers. The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) will oversee the implementation of the scheme, covering parts of the former Krishna and Guntur districts.
Bescom and BBMP to Launch Online Electricity Meter Name Transfer System
The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), in collaboration with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is set to introduce an online system for the seamless transfer of electricity meter ownership. This initiative aims to simplify the process for consumers, particularly those in apartments, where meters are often registered under builders or landowners. The new system, integrated into Bescom’s Web Self Service (WSS) portal, will allow consumers to transfer meter ownership by simply entering their property ID. This development follows the introduction of the Gruha Jyothi Scheme and the mandatory E-Khata, which have increased awareness about the need for meter name transfers. Despite the existing online process, many consumers remain unaware or face difficulties due to document requirements, often resorting to middlemen or bribes. The Bangalore Apartment Federation (BAF) has emphasized the need for awareness, releasing a white paper to guide residents through the process. The new system is currently under development and awaits final communication from BBMP before becoming operational.
Politics (3)
DySP Seeks Extension for Inquiry into Dalit Woman’s Custodial Harassment Case
The Pathanamthitta Crime Branch Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) has requested an additional two weeks to submit an inquiry report regarding a Dalit woman’s allegations of custodial harassment. The case stems from a theft accusation made by her employers. The DySP appeared before a commission chaired by Alexander Thomas, which has scheduled the next hearing for August 4 at the commission office. The commission has mandated that the investigation be conducted by a DySP from outside the Thiruvananthapuram district. Additionally, it has directed that the woman’s statement be recorded in the presence of a female lawyer appointed by the District Legal Services Authority secretary. The commission initiated a suo motu case based on media reports detailing the woman’s claim of enduring 20 hours of mental torture by the police following the theft allegation.
Karnataka High Court Seeks Justification for Suspension of Police Officers Post-Stampede
The Karnataka High Court has directed the State government to justify the suspension of police officers following a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The court questioned whether the suspension was necessary or if transferring the officers to another post would have sufficed. This directive came during the hearing of an appeal filed by the government against the July 1 verdict of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which had deemed the suspension of Vikash Kumar Vikash, Additional Commissioner of Police (West), Bengaluru, as illegal. The CAT had ruled that there was insufficient evidence of negligence or default by the officers. The government, however, argued that the officers failed to take adequate steps despite anticipating a large turnout of cricket fans. The CAT noted that a magisterial inquiry and a commission of inquiry were set up to identify those responsible for the lapses, but no specific individuals had been identified at the time of the suspension. The Director-General and Inspector-General of Police (DG&IGP) had earlier reported that the stampede occurred due to a sudden rush of thousands of fans between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., despite immediate bandobast arrangements.
Muslim Youth League Protests Government Neglect of Healthcare Sector
The Muslim Youth League district committee organized a protest march to the District Medical Officer's office on Thursday, highlighting the alleged neglect of the health sector by the government. Protesters accused the government of undermining the state's healthcare system by failing to provide timely medicines and surgical equipment to government hospitals. The march was halted by the police near the Civil Station. During a subsequent dharna, Youth League State secretary Gafoor Kolkalathil criticized the government for prioritizing liquor shops over medical stores, claiming that this negligence had pushed the healthcare system to a critical state. He emphasized that the government's failure to address the deteriorating conditions of public hospitals, which serve lakhs of people, was a serious issue. The protest was presided over by Youth League district president P.M. Mustafa Thangal, with speeches from Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) district vice president K.K.A. Azeez, Youth League district general secretary Riyas Nalakath, and treasurer Noushad Vellapadam.
Appointments (2)
Amitabh Kant Joins IndiGo Board as Non-Executive Director
IndiGo, India's largest airline by market share, announced on Thursday the appointment of Amitabh Kant as a non-executive director on the Board of Directors of InterGlobe Aviation Limited. Mr. Kant, a seasoned bureaucrat and former CEO of Niti Aayog, recently stepped down as India’s G20 sherpa and joined Canadian investment firm Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd as a senior adviser. He has a distinguished career, having held several key positions, including as a director on the board of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Mr. Kant is renowned for his leadership in major infrastructure projects such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and the expansion of Calicut Airport.
Kerala HC Directs Report on Delayed Appointments in Forensic Labs Affecting Criminal Trials
The Kerala High Court has directed the District Judiciary Registrar to submit a report on the delay in appointing scientific officers and staff in forensic science laboratories, which has led to a backlog in criminal trials. The order was issued by a Bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice C. Jayachandran while hearing a petition filed by the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA). The petition sought directives for the Kerala government and the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) to expedite the recruitment of scientific assistants in forensic labs. KeLSA highlighted that the vacancies were adversely affecting trials, especially in cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Additionally, KeLSA pointed out delays in appointing special public prosecutors for POCSO courts. The KPSC’s counsel cited procedural requirements and inherent delays in the appointment process. The court emphasized that prolonged inaction would harm Kerala’s criminal justice system and directed the government and KPSC to coordinate and fill the vacancies promptly.
Heritage (1)
Forest Department Clears 300 Acres of Encroached Land in Tumakuru's Heritage Forest
The Forest Department has successfully cleared 300 acres of encroached land in the Muthugadahalli reserve forest, located within the Bukkapatna Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary in the Tiptur sub-division of Tumakuru district. This includes 209 acres of forestland and additional land previously allocated to the Horticulture Department by the Forest Department. The land was originally granted to the Forest Department in 1926 by the Maharaja of Mysore under the Mysore Forest Act, as confirmed by Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre. However, the land was later illegally allotted to individuals and encroached upon, leading to a legal case in the High Court, which ruled in favor of preserving the land as forest. Following a complaint to the Lokayukta due to the Revenue Department's failure to cancel the illegal sanction, the land was officially registered under the Forest Department's name, and the encroachment was removed. The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Chief Conservator of Forests of the Hassan-Tumakuru division, with police support.
Miscellaneous (1)
Adani Airports Launches Direct Lounge Access for Passengers via Website
Passengers traveling through any Adani Group airport can now access lounge services directly via their website, eliminating the need for intermediaries, according to Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airports Holding Ltd. The company manages eight airports across India, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport. This initiative, launched on July 1, 2024, is part of the Digital Lab, the technology and digital solutions arm of Adani Airports, which connects passengers directly with various airport services. Bansal’s announcement was in response to comments by Dreamfolks CEO Liberatha Peter Kallat, who noted that credit card companies had ended partnerships with Dreamfolks due to pressure from airport operators. Dreamfolks, which manages partnerships with lounge operators and food and beverage companies at airports, informed the stock exchange that the closure of its programs with Axis Bank and ICICI Bank would have a significant impact.
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