Important News - 2025-07-08
08 July 2025
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Schemes (5)
Andhra Pradesh to Launch Free Intra-District Bus Travel for Women from August 15
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government in Andhra Pradesh is set to launch a free bus ride scheme for women, a key election promise, starting August 15, 2024. The initiative, part of the government's 'Super Six' promises, will allow women to travel free of cost within their respective districts using state-run RTC buses. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced this during a public meeting at Sundipenta in Srisailam, emphasizing the government's commitment to fulfilling its electoral pledges. While the detailed guidelines for the scheme are yet to be finalized, Naidu indicated that the free travel facility will likely be restricted to intra-district journeys. Additionally, the government plans to release funds under the Annadata Sukhibava scheme this month, further supporting its welfare agenda.
Naidu Announces Completion of Rayalaseema Irrigation Projects and Regional Development Plan
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the completion of all pending irrigation projects in the Rayalaseema region, emphasizing his government's commitment to transforming the area into a horticulture hub. Naidu unveiled a detailed blueprint for the region's development, focusing on irrigation, industrial parks, and tourism. He highlighted the prioritization of the irrigation sector, citing the ₹68,000 crore spent during the NDA government (2014-19) and the ₹3,390 crore allocated for the Handri-Neeva project. Naidu also underscored the importance of the Polavaram project, set for completion by 2027, and the interlinking of rivers like Vamsadhara and Polavaram to mitigate drought risks. Additionally, industrial parks at Kopparti and Orvakal, along with solar and wind energy plants, are being developed to boost the region's economy. Naidu also emphasized the potential of ancient temples like Tirupati and Srisailam in promoting tourism.
Bihar Cabinet Mandates Domicile for Women’s Job Quota, Approves Youth Commission and Disability Incentives
The Bihar Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has made domicile mandatory for women to avail the 35% reservation in State government jobs, effective July 8, 2025. Previously, the policy, introduced in 2016, allowed women from outside Bihar to benefit. Now, only women belonging to Bihar can access this reservation, while others will be treated as general category candidates. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the formation of the 'Bihar Youth Commission' to empower and skill the State's youth, providing them with employment opportunities and training. The commission will advise the government on youth-related issues, coordinate with departments for better education and employment, and monitor private sector employment for Bihar's youth. The Cabinet also sanctioned ₹100 crore for diesel subsidies to aid irrigation in light of irregular monsoon predictions for 2025-26. Furthermore, the 'Mukhya Mantri Divyangjan Sashaktikaran Yojana (Sambal)' was approved, offering ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh incentives to persons with disabilities from Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) for clearing BPSC and UPSC preliminary tests, respectively.
BMTC’s Express Bus Services Bridge Gap Amid Yellow Line Metro Delay
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has successfully launched new non-AC limited-stop express bus services, which have gained significant popularity among commuters, especially along the delayed Yellow Line metro corridor towards Attibele. Launched on June 21, 2023, by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, these services aim to reduce travel time by operating on high-demand, semi long-distance routes with fewer stops. Within just one month, the express buses transported 3.72 lakh passengers and generated ₹1.09 crore in revenue. The five express routes operate between Kempegowda bus stand and Banashankari TTMC to Attibele, Devanahalli, Harohalli, and Nelamangala. The Kempegowda–Devanahalli route alone recorded ₹25.41 lakh in revenue, ferrying 73,754 passengers over 44,280 km. The BMTC currently operates 48 express bus schedules with 348 daily trips at 20 to 30-minute intervals. Additionally, an express ordinary services monthly pass priced at ₹1,500 (excluding toll) is now available digitally through the Tummoc app. These buses have become a reliable alternative for commuters in areas like Attibele, Electronics City, Bommanahalli, Central Silk Board, and Bommasandra, where metro connectivity has been delayed. Commuters have praised the service for its efficiency, affordability, and reduced travel time, making it a sustainable revenue model for BMTC.
NALSA's 90-Day Mediation Program Aims to Enhance Advocate Skills for Speedy Justice
District Principal Judge and Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority, S. Sridevi, emphasized the importance of enhancing the skills of advocates to ensure speedy justice through mediation. She spoke at a one-day orientation program held at the Eluru Bar Association Hall on Tuesday, organized by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, and the Andhra Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, Amaravati. The event aimed to train mediators from the erstwhile West Godavari district. Ms. Sridevi highlighted NALSA's special 90-day mediation programs designed to promote out-of-court settlements and provide efficient legal aid to litigants. She urged advocates to utilize this opportunity to contribute to a just and harmonious society. Second Additional District Judge U. Indira Priyadarshini also emphasized the role of mediation in reducing case resolution time. Key participants included K. Ratna Prasadu, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Kone Sitaram, President of the Eluru Bar Association, and resource persons Sudarshana Sundar and Vijaya Kamal from NALSA.
Defence (1)
Karnataka Proposes Two Defence Corridors in Meeting with Rajnath Singh
The Karnataka State government is set to propose the establishment of two defence corridor projects during a meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday. The proposed corridors are in the Kolar-Chickballapur region and the Hubballi-Belagavi region. Industries Minister M.B. Patil emphasized that Karnataka, being a leading contributor to the aerospace and defence sector, deserves these corridors. He noted that Karnataka should have been granted a defence corridor when Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh were allocated similar projects. Patil clarified that Karnataka is not opposed to projects in other states but is seeking what it rightfully merits. The issue was previously discussed during the Defence Minister's participation in the Global Investors Meet held in Karnataka earlier this year.
Politics (2)
Union Government Renews Affiliation for Garividi Veterinary College
Approximately 660 students at the College of Veterinary Sciences-Garividi received relief as the Union government assured the continuation of the institution’s affiliation with the Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University of Tirupati and the Veterinary Council of India (VCI). The future of these students had been uncertain in recent years due to the cancellation of permissions granted to the college by the VCI, the apex body responsible for maintaining academic standards in veterinary colleges across India. Union Minister K. Rammohan Naidu met with Union Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Raiv Ranjan Singh in New Delhi, ensuring that the college would meet VCI’s academic standards. Following this, Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry Deputy Commissioner S. L. Sulekha sent a letter to the Registrar of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, confirming the renewal of permissions for the college in Vizianagaram district. The college, established in 2016 by the TDP government with an estimated cost of ₹81.72 crores, faced challenges such as insufficient funds and infrastructure. Students admitted through AP EAPCET were concerned about the lack of faculty, infrastructure, and training, fearing their degrees would be invalid. The TDP government highlighted its recent initiatives to meet VCI norms, and both faculty and students expressed relief over the renewal of permissions.
Former MP D.K. Suresh Questioned Again by ED in Aishwarya Gowda Fraud Case
D.K. Suresh, a former Member of Parliament, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday in connection with the Aishwarya Gowda cheating case. This was the second time he was interrogated, with the first instance occurring on June 23. Aishwarya Gowda is accused of defrauding multiple jewellers across the state by falsely claiming to be Suresh's sister and promising high returns. She allegedly involved an actor who impersonated Suresh to reassure those demanding their money back. Suresh has consistently denied any association with Aishwarya and has filed a complaint with the Bengaluru Police Commissioner regarding the misuse of his name. During the questioning, Suresh submitted documents pertaining to his income and properties as requested by the ED, reiterating his lack of connection to the case.
Economy (1)
Karnataka Unearths ₹39 Crore GST Fraud Involving Rajasthan-Based Fake Bill Trader
The Karnataka Commercial Taxes Department has uncovered a widespread inter-State GST fraud involving a Rajasthan-based individual, Kailash Bishnoi, who facilitated bogus input tax credit (ITC) claims worth ₹39 crore. Bishnoi, arrested in Bengaluru on Tuesday, had allegedly created 17 fake firms in Karnataka, generating a turnover of ₹208 crore. These firms issued fraudulent tax invoices, enabling manufacturers to claim ITC illegally. The investigation revealed that Bishnoi operated across several states, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, using fabricated Aadhaar cards and bank accounts. This case marks the ninth such fraud uncovered by the Karnataka Commercial Taxes Department in the last 15 months, as part of their efforts to ensure fair taxation and protect honest taxpayers.
Miscellaneous (3)
ONGC Conducts Mock Emergency Drill at Kakinada Onshore Gas Terminal
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) conducted a mock emergency drill at the Onshore Gas Terminal (OGT) located in Mallavaram, Kakinada district, on Tuesday. The drill aimed to assess the preparedness of the terminal for potential emergencies during daily operations. Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories G. V. V. Narayana and Inspector of Factories K. Rambabu oversaw the exercise. According to an official release, the drill evaluated the effectiveness of the terminal’s emergency response plan, assessed coordination among various teams, and ensured compliance with statutory safety regulations. Such drills are crucial for maintaining operational safety and readiness in critical infrastructure facilities.
ED Facilitates Return of ₹3.82 Crore to Karnataka State Waqf Board
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has successfully facilitated the return of ₹3.82 crore to the Karnataka State Waqf Board, which was allegedly misappropriated by fraudulent means. The investigation began following an FIR filed against two Vijaya Bank officials and Syed Siraj Ahmed, a first division assistant with the Karnataka State Waqf Board. The funds were initially intended for fixed deposit accounts but were siphoned off and transferred to fictitious entities, including Verkeys Realities Pvt. Ltd. and Ajay Sharma Trading Corporation. The ED issued a provisional attachment order (PAO) for ₹3.82 crore and filed a prosecution complaint (PC) before the Special PMLA court in Bengaluru on March 31, 2017. On July 1, 2025, the ED facilitated the release of the entire amount, which was handed over to Jeelani H. Mokashi, CEO of the Karnataka State Waqf Board, via a banker’s cheque. This action marks a significant step in restoring the proceeds of crime to their rightful claimants.
Cuddalore Train Accident Highlights Safety Lapses in Railway Operations
A tragic train-school van collision near Cuddalore on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of three students and injuries to several others, raising serious concerns about safety lapses at multiple levels. Southern Railway initially blamed the van driver, alleging that he insisted on the gateman opening the gate despite an approaching train. However, a survivor claimed the gate was open, and there was no interaction between the driver and the gateman. Railway sources highlighted the procedural lapses, including the lack of exchange of private numbers between the station master and the gateman, which is crucial for ensuring safety at level crossings. An inquiry has been ordered by Southern Railway, and the Commissioner of Railway Safety will conduct an independent investigation.
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