Important News - 2025-07-07
07 July 2025
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Festivals (1)
Sakambari Festival Begins at Indrakeeladri with Vibrant Offerings and Decorations
The three-day annual Sakambari festival commenced at Indrakeeladri, the abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga, on Monday. The festival is dedicated to Sakambari Devi, the goddess of vegetation and nourishment. The presiding deity was adorned with fruits, vegetables, green leaves, and flowers, symbolizing nature and fertility. The temple premises were decorated with a vibrant display of fresh produce, including carrots, ladyfingers, cabbage, and tomatoes, along with various fruits and flowers. Devotees from across the state contributed nearly 10 tonnes of fresh produce for the offerings. A green canopy was spread along the pathway leading to the sanctum sanctorum, enhancing the temple's appearance. The inauguration ceremony was led by executive officer V.K. Seena Naik, with participation from Vedic scholars, temple staff, and volunteers. The festival, which runs from 'Ashada Shuddha Trayodashi' to 'Ashada Pournami,' is a prayer for timely rains and agricultural prosperity. It will conclude on July 10 with 'Maha Poornahuti' and 'Kalashodvasana.' Temple officials have ensured that darshan for devotees continues without any schedule changes throughout the festival.
Schemes (1)
Karnataka Commercial Vehicle Operators Demand Inclusion in FASTag Annual Toll Scheme
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced an annual FASTag pass scheme for non-commercial vehicles, set to take effect on August 15, 2025. Under this scheme, private vehicle users will pay a fixed toll fee of ₹3,000 for up to 200 highway trips annually, significantly reducing their toll expenses. However, commercial transport operators in Karnataka have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that they should also be included in the scheme due to their frequent use of national highways and higher toll costs. Transport unions, including the Karnataka State Travel Operators Association (KSTOA) and the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations, have formally requested Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to extend the scheme to commercial vehicles. They highlight that commercial vehicles, such as cabs, buses, and trucks, incur toll expenses exceeding ₹30,000 annually, making the scheme crucial for their financial sustainability. The government has amended Rule 9 under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, to implement the scheme, which will be accessible via the Rajmarg Yatra app and the websites of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and MoRTH.
World Affairs (1)
Ethnic Conflict in Myanmar Forces 4,000 Chin Refugees into Mizoram
An ethnic conflict in Myanmar has led to the displacement of approximately 4,000 Chin people, who have sought refuge in Mizoram, India. The conflict erupted on July 3, 2025, between two ethnic armed groups—the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-H)—over control of strategic areas near the India-Myanmar border. The refugees began crossing into Mizoram via the Zokhawthar border bridge and the Tiau River, which marks a segment of the 510 km boundary between the two countries. Local officials reported that the displaced individuals are being sheltered by relatives, in schools, and community halls, particularly in Zokhawthar and Vaphai villages. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s political adviser, Lalmuanpuia Punte, visited the border area on July 6, 2025, to mediate talks between the warring groups. This influx adds to the existing refugee population in Mizoram, which includes over 30,000 individuals from Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as 5,000 Kuki-Zo people displaced from Manipur since 2023. The Chin and Mizo communities share ethnic ties as part of the broader Zo ethnic group, which also includes Kukis, Zomis, Hmars, and Kuki-Chins.
Sports (1)
Kapil Dev Collaborates with Telangana Government to Enhance Sports Ecosystem
Kapil Dev, former captain of the Indian cricket team and a legendary cricketer, has expressed his interest in collaborating with the Telangana government to transform the state's sports ecosystem. During a meeting with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the latter's official residence in New Delhi on Monday, Kapil Dev assured his support for the success of the proposed Young India Sports University in Telangana. He also lauded the state government's initiatives aimed at developing sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the state. The Chief Minister shared insights from his recent visits to sports universities and institutions in South Korea and other countries, along with discussions held with international sports experts and officials. Additionally, Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn met with the Chief Minister and proposed the development of an international-standard film studio in Telangana, equipped with state-of-the-art Animation, VFX, and AI-powered smart studios, along with a skill development institute for the film industry.
Appointments (1)
Governor S. Abdul Nazeer to Preside Over Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University Convocation
Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, who also serves as the Chancellor of Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, will preside over the university’s sixth convocation on July 10, 2023. The event will be held at Swarna Bharath Trust in Atkur village, Krishna district. District Collector D.K. Balaji, along with Superintendent of Police R. Gangadhar Rao, Joint Collector Geetanjali Sharma, university dean Prasanna Kumar, associate dean Doraji Rao, and Horticulture officer J. Jyothi, visited the venue to review the arrangements. The Collector issued directives to ensure smooth conduct of the event, including security along the Vijayawada to Atkur route and uninterrupted power supply by A.P.-Transco officials.
Economy (1)
Atchannaidu Urges GST Cut on Mango Pulp to Aid Andhra Farmers
Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi on Monday, urging the Central government to reduce GST on mango pulp from 12% to 5% to alleviate the distress of mango farmers in Chittoor, Tirupati, and Annamayya districts. Atchannaidu highlighted the critical role of agriculture in Andhra Pradesh, where nearly 64% of the population depends on farming and allied activities. He criticized the previous YSRCP government for neglecting farmers and failing to utilize Central schemes, which he claims severely damaged the agriculture sector. The Minister also announced the Centre's approval to restore third and fourth-year B.V.Sc. and A.H. courses at Garividi Veterinary College under Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University for 2022–23 and 2023–24. Additionally, he emphasized the government's efforts to support mango farmers, including the procurement of 3.5 lakh tonnes of mangoes at ₹12 per kg and a ₹130 crore proposal under the Market Intervention Scheme. Atchannaidu assured farmers of timely fertilizer availability through private dealers, societies, and Rythu Seva Kendras, warning against artificial scarcity or selling above MRP. He reiterated the government's commitment to reviving the agriculture sector with the Centre's cooperation.
Politics (1)
Congress High Command Supports Siddaramaiah’s Continuation as Karnataka CM
Laxmi Hebbalkar, Minister for Women and Child Development, stated that the Congress party high command favors extending Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tenure. Speaking to the press in Dharwad, Hebbalkar emphasized Siddaramaiah’s popularity as a mass leader across the country and his commitment to the Congress party, backward classes, oppressed communities, and women. She dismissed speculations about a change in leadership, clarifying that any decision would be taken by the party high command. Hebbalkar also noted that the BJP’s attempts to find fault in the Congress leadership would likely be in vain.
Miscellaneous (5)
Study Links Polluting Cooking Fuels to Cognitive Impairment in Rural Karnataka
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia highlights the adverse effects of polluting cooking fuels on cognitive health, particularly in rural Karnataka. Conducted by researchers from the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and the University of Chicago, the study analyzed data from 4,145 adults aged over 45 in Srinivaspura taluk, Kolar district. The findings revealed that users of polluting cooking technologies, such as coal stoves and biomass stoves, exhibited significantly lower cognitive performance and reduced hippocampus volumes, particularly among rural women. Household air pollution (HAP) from these fuels is linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, which adversely affect brain health. The study underscores the need for policies promoting clean cooking technologies to mitigate these risks. As of 2020, 3.2 million global deaths were attributed to HAP, with 0.81 million in India alone. The 2019–21 National Family Health Survey-5 reported that 41.4% of Indian households lack access to clean cooking fuels, with rural areas disproportionately affected.
SSUS Implements Hostel Monitoring and Discipline Committees for Campus Safety
The Syndicate of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), Kalady, held a meeting on July 7 and decided to establish hostel monitoring and discipline committees to enforce disciplinary rules aimed at creating a drug-free campus and ensuring student safety. These rules, effective from July 7, include specific deadlines for hostel entry: 7:30 p.m. for undergraduates, 9:30 p.m. for postgraduates, and 11 p.m. for research students. The main campus gate will close at 7:30 p.m., with exceptions for individuals possessing valid identity cards and necessary documents. Students in Theatre, Dance, Fine Arts, and Geography can use classrooms after 5 p.m. under teacher supervision. The hostel monitoring committee will consist of faculty, non-faculty, and student members, along with a Syndicate member, security officer, and Director of Student Services. Vehicle entry is restricted to teaching and non-teaching staff and official university vehicles, with student vehicles required to park outside the campus. ₹10 lakh has been allocated for enhancing gate height, compound walls, and setting up security cabins.
Kerala HC Overturns Suspension of Teacher Critical of Zumba Classes
The Kerala High Court, on October 16, 2023, overturned the suspension of T.K. Ashraf, a teacher at TAM UP School in Edathanattukara. Ashraf was suspended earlier in October after he criticized the introduction of Zumba classes in schools through a social media post. Justice D.K. Singh, presiding over the case, noted that the school manager had prejudged the matter and failed to properly consider Ashraf’s response to the show-cause notice, violating the principles of natural justice. The court directed the school manager to reconsider the suspension after thoroughly reviewing Ashraf’s reply. Ashraf had challenged his suspension, arguing that he had submitted his response within the stipulated time frame.
Bengaluru Police Arrest Eight Youths in Student Assault Case Linked to Renukaswamy Murder
The Bengaluru Police have arrested eight youths for allegedly abducting and assaulting a 19-year-old student, Kushal K.M., on June 30, 2024. The incident occurred after Kushal was lured to a meeting by a minor girl, with whom he had a previous relationship. Instead of the girl, Kushal was confronted by the group, who demanded he delete her photos and videos from his phone. The group took him to various locations, including his home and a grove near Aaluru Lake, where they beat him, forced him to disrobe, and recorded the assault. The accused compared the incident to the Renukaswamy murder case, in which Kannada film actor Darshan was arrested for the alleged abduction and murder of a fan. The police have charged the accused under sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, including kidnapping, causing grievous hurt, and criminal intimidation. The girl involved in the case has also been summoned for questioning.
Foreign Medical Graduates from Andhra Pradesh Seek Internships in Other States Due to Registration Delays
Due to delays in issuing Permanent Registrations (PRs) to Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) who studied part of their course online during the pandemic, over 250 graduates from Andhra Pradesh have sought internships in neighboring states like Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. FMGs must clear the Foreign Medical Graduates’ Exam (FMGE) and complete a compulsory internship to be eligible for PRs, which are essential for further studies or setting up clinics in India. The National Medical Commission (NMC) initially mandated a two-year internship for FMGs who studied online, but following backlash, revised it to one year for those with compensation certificates. However, the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC) continues to insist on a two-year internship, citing incomplete details in compensation letters. This has led to confusion and delays in counseling and certificate verification, leaving the future of around 500 FMGs uncertain. State Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has directed APMC members to seek clarity from the NMC in New Delhi.
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