Important News - 2025-07-05
05 July 2025
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Politics (4)
UDFT Calls for National Strike on July 9 to Address Workers' Demands
The United Democratic Front Trade Union (UDFT), a coalition of trade unions aligned with the United Democratic Front (UDF), has called for nationwide support for a 24-hour strike scheduled for July 9, 2025. INTUC State President and UDFT Chairperson R. Chandrasekharan, addressing the media on July 5, 2025, highlighted the dire conditions faced by approximately 64 crore workers in India. He criticized the Union government for rendering the Labour department ineffective, leading to widespread layoffs and the privatization of public sector undertakings and airports. The strike has been organized to address 17 key demands, including the abolition of the four labour codes, a minimum wage declaration of ₹27,900, basic pay and Dearness Allowance for ASHA and anganwadi workers, palliative care and literacy preraks, withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill, and increased corporate and income taxes for the wealthy. Chandrasekharan accused both the Central and State governments of exploiting workers.
Karnataka HC Grants 24/7 Forest Road Access to Minister George’s Son for Private Property
The Karnataka High Court has ruled in favor of Rana George, son of Energy Minister K.J. George, granting him 24/7 access to a forest road to reach his private property located within the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary in H.D. Kote taluk, Mysuru district. The court emphasized that Rana must not cause any harm to the sanctuary's flora and fauna while using the road. The decision came in response to a petition filed by Rana challenging the Forest Department's restriction on using the road between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., which was imposed on March 1, 2024. The court deemed the restriction contrary to Section 27(1)(c) of the Indian Forest Act and quashed it, ensuring complete access to the road. Rana argued that the restriction infringed on his fundamental right to movement, as the alternative road to his property becomes submerged during monsoon or when the Nugu dam's water level rises.
Residents Protest Alleged Diversion of Calicut Airport’s CER Funds to CM’s Constituency
On July 5, residents near the Calicut International Airport organized a protest march to the district collectorate, opposing the alleged diversion of the airport’s Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) funds to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s constituency in Kannur district. The protesters, led by the United Democratic Front (UDF) committees of Pallikkal grama panchayat and Kondotty municipality, argued that reallocating these funds for purposes unrelated to local environmental concerns violates CER regulations. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) district general secretary P. Abdul Hameed, MLA, inaugurated the march, accusing the government of misusing funds intended for residents who surrendered their land for airport development. The protest was chaired by Agitation Council chairman A.K. Abdurahman, with speeches by T.V. Ibrahim, MLA, and District Congress Committee president V.S. Joy, among others.
CRDA Approves Land Acquisition and Development Projects in Amaravati
The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), during its 50th meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, approved the acquisition of 20,494 acres of land across eight villages in Amaravati and Thullur mandals of Guntur district for infrastructure development. The CRDA also sanctioned the issuance of Request for Proposals (RfPs) for mixed development projects on 58 acres in Mandadam, Rayapudi, and Pichukalapalem villages. Additionally, 2.50 acres each were allocated for constructing world-class convention centers near Vivanta, Hilton, Hyatt Regency, and Novotel hotels. The CRDA was authorized to dredge sand from the Krishna River's upstream for two years to meet the 16 million cubic meters of sand required for ongoing projects worth ₹49,040 crore. Land allocations included 25 acres for KIMS Medical and Hospital, 12 acres each for Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy and MSK Prasad International Cricket Academy, and smaller plots for various institutions. The CRDA also approved a four-lane Rail Over Bridge (ROB) near Mangalagiri and canceled a 1.40-acre land allotment to GAIL and Ambika Group. Memorials for Alluri Sitharama Raju and 'Amarajeevi' Potti Sriramulu were proposed. Chief Minister Naidu emphasized timely execution of projects, including the Amaravati airport, and issued notices to lagging agencies.
Defence (1)
Delhi High Court Upholds Disability Pensions for Soldiers, Rejects Defence Ministry's Petitions
The Delhi High Court, on July 1, 2024, dismissed approximately 300 petitions filed by the Ministry of Defence challenging the grant of disability pensions to soldiers. The Division Bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur upheld the orders of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), which had mandated the provision of disability pensions to soldiers who sustained disabilities during their service. The Court emphasized that disability pensions are a rightful acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by soldiers and are essential for their financial security and dignity. The Union Government had argued that the disabilities were not attributable to military service, but the Court rejected this claim, stating that military service, whether in peace or operational zones, inherently involves stress and risk that can lead to medical conditions. The ruling reaffirms the State's responsibility towards its armed forces personnel.
Sports (1)
Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor Undergoes Major Beautification
The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, owned by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), is undergoing a significant beautification project, which includes a fresh coat of paint. The project, which began in April, is expected to be completed by August. The stadium, which has been fully painted only once since its inception, is receiving a much-needed facelift to improve its appearance. The work, estimated at ₹2.50 crore, was awarded for ₹1.35 crore through competitive e-tendering. Approximately 1.50 lakh sq. ft is being painted, covering both the interior and exterior walls, as well as handrails. Despite inclement weather, nearly 50% of the work has been completed. The stadium, commissioned in 1996 and dedicated by then Vice-President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma, has a seating capacity of 55,000 and is located on 12 of the 34 acres. It has hosted numerous international and first-class cricket and football matches, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and is the home ground of the ISL team Kerala Blasters FC. While the beautification is a positive step, the stadium also requires infrastructure upgrades, as highlighted by a senior Asian Football Confederation functionary, who cited concerns about security arrangements and segregation of fans, officials, and players.
Schemes (2)
Punjab Launches ‘Punjab Young Entrepreneurs’ Scheme to Promote Business Skills in Schools
The Punjab government has announced the introduction of skill education in business and marketing for Class 11 and 12 students in government schools, starting from the 2026-27 academic year. This initiative is part of the ‘Punjab Young Entrepreneurs’ scheme, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among students. State Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the scheme’s goal to encourage students to become job creators rather than job seekers. The announcement was made during the ‘Business Blasters Expo 2025’ held in Rupnagar on July 5, 2025. Under the scheme, students will receive financial and technical assistance to develop their business ideas. At the expo, 10 student-led ventures were selected from government schools across Punjab and presented their ideas in a Shark Tank-style event, securing financial support. Additionally, 30 teams showcased and sold their products at the expo stalls. An investment of ₹17 lakh has been made to establish innovation labs, enabling students to develop products in collaboration with institutions like IITs. Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, praised the scheme as a milestone in school education, emphasizing the importance of practical learning and real-world experience. He stated that students would need to present a business idea to graduate, ensuring they gain entrepreneurial skills alongside their academic education.
GHMC Ensures Unhindered Access for Postal Staff in Gated Communities
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Commissioner has directed Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and gated communities to ensure unhindered access to postal staff for efficient delivery services. This action follows complaints from the Post Master General of the Telangana Circle regarding difficulties faced by postmen in delivering letters, documents (such as passports, driving licenses, and Aadhaar cards), and parcels in gated communities, high-rise apartments, and multi-storeyed buildings. Issues include denial of access by security personnel, restrictions on using passenger lifts, and lack of designated parking spaces, leading to delays in deliveries and increased public grievances. The GHMC Commissioner has instructed Zonal and Deputy Commissioners to ensure hassle-free delivery channels for postal personnel, mandating that RWAs allow unrestricted access, permit the use of passenger lifts, and provide safe parking spaces for delivery vehicles. Additionally, RWAs are required to install and maintain approved letter boxes as per the Post Office Act, 2023. The Department of Posts has emphasized that all postmen are trained to use mobile phones and GPS coordinates for delivery confirmation and has urged residents to provide written authorizations for deliveries in their absence. Residents can address delivery issues using the ‘Know Your Pincode’ service, the online portal ‘https://crm.indiapost.gov.in/customer/home’, the toll-free helpline 18002666868, or India Post’s official social media platforms.
Economy (1)
Karnataka’s Biofuel Policy Set to Attract ₹1 Lakh Crore Investment
The implementation of the biofuel policy in Karnataka is expected to attract investments exceeding ₹1 lakh crore over the next five years, as stated by S.E. Sudhindra, Chairman of the Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board. During a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Sudhindra presented a detailed report on the biofuel action plan and his one-year tenure as chairman. He emphasized the significant potential of the biofuel sector in Karnataka and the necessity of a new biofuel policy to attract investors. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar responded positively, assuring government support for the sector's growth and promising steps to approve the new policy. The meeting was also attended by L. Shivshankar, Managing Director of the Board.
Miscellaneous (3)
Kozhikode Corporation Struggles with Misuse of Twin Waste Bins Amid Cleanliness Drive
The Kozhikode Corporation introduced twin steel bins across the city to maintain cleanliness and encourage proper waste disposal. However, the initiative has faced challenges due to misuse, with residents dumping household waste, including food and diapers, around the bins. Despite fines and increased staffing for prompt clearing, the problem persists. The Haritha Mitram mobile app, which facilitates household waste collection, has achieved 95% coverage, but some residents continue to misuse the bins deliberately. Additionally, the steel lids of the bins have been damaged in some areas. The Corporation is also promoting the 'Aakri' app for biomedical waste disposal and providing financial support for those unable to afford the service. The misuse of bins is draining the Corporation's resources, diverting funds and manpower from other potential uses.
TGSWREIS Warns Against Fraudulent Gurukul Admission Practices
The Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGSWREIS) issued a cautionary alert on Saturday, warning parents and students about fraudulent practices related to admissions into Gurukuls. The Society reported that middlemen and agents have been exploiting unsuspecting parents by promising guaranteed admissions in exchange for money. These individuals allegedly used fabricated letterheads with the names and logos of elected public representatives, such as MLAs and MPs, to appear legitimate. TGSWREIS clarified that all admissions are processed digitally, and students are selected solely based on their performance in the common entrance test. The merit list and marks have been published on the official website. Vacant seats, if any, are filled by the next eligible candidates as per the merit list, and there is no deviation from this process. The Society emphasized that seats in Gurukuls are not for sale and urged parents to remain vigilant against such scams.
APPSC Opens Applications for September 2025 Half-Yearly Examinations
The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has announced the opening of applications for the September-2025 term half-yearly examinations, language tests, and other assessments. These examinations are scheduled to be conducted from September 9 to September 12, 2025. Officers from All-India Services and State Services currently serving in Andhra Pradesh are eligible to apply. The Commission Secretary, Raja Babu, has stated that the last date for submitting applications is July 31, 2025. Interested candidates can download the application form and access additional details from the official APPSC website at https://psc.op.gov.in.
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