Important News - 2025-07-09
09 July 2025
Stay Updated. Stay Ahead!
📂 Categories & Latest Updates
Ranks & Reports (1)
NIMHANS Study Highlights Depression Among Severely Injured RTA Victims
A recent study conducted by researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has revealed that 'severely injured' road traffic accident (RTA) victims experience higher levels of depression. The study, titled 'Quality of Life, Anxiety and Depression among Non-Fatal Road Traffic Accidents Victims in South India,' was published on June 28 in the open-access journal 'Social Sciences and Humanities Open.' Funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the research aimed to assess the quality of life, anxiety, and depression levels among 407 non-fatal RTA victims from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The study highlighted that RTAs, whether fatal or non-fatal, often lead to significant financial hardships and mental health challenges for victims and their families. It recommended psychosocial counseling post-medical treatment to alleviate anxiety and improve the quality of life. Key findings included the role of anxiety as a major contributor to depression, alongside psychological health, social relationships, and environmental factors. The study also emphasized the dangers of using mobile phones while driving, as it distracts drivers and increases the risk of accidents.
Defence (2)
Indian Navy Advances Fleet Support Ship Program with Keel Laying Ceremony at L&T Shipyard
The keel laying ceremony for the third Fleet Support Ship (FSS) was conducted at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai, on Wednesday. This event marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's efforts to enhance its maritime capabilities. Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), and L&T, attended the ceremony. The Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL in August 2023 for the acquisition of five FSS vessels, with deliveries expected to commence from mid-2027. Under a public-private partnership model, HSL has sub-contracted the construction of two ships to L&T Shipyard to utilize India's shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent delivery timelines. Once inducted, the FSS vessels, each with a displacement exceeding 40,000 tonnes, will bolster the Indian Navy's blue water capabilities by enabling the replenishment of fleet ships at sea. These ships will carry fuel, water, ammunition, and stores, facilitating extended and sustained naval operations. Additionally, the FSS vessels will be equipped to perform Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, including personnel evacuation and rapid delivery of relief materials during natural disasters. The warships are indigenously designed and will be outfitted with equipment sourced from Indian original equipment manufacturers, aligning with the government's 'Make in India' initiative.
J&K Police Seize Properties of Pakistan-Based Terror Handler and Refund Defrauded Money
On July 9, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Police seized properties belonging to Ghulam Rasool Shah, a Pakistan-based terrorist handler and top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JUM), in Kupwara’s Sogam area. The properties, measuring five kanals and three marlas, were attached under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. Shah, who operates from across the border, has been involved in facilitating terrorist activities in the region for several years. This action is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the logistical, financial, and operational networks of terror outfits and their cross-border handlers. In a separate case, the Jammu Police recovered and refunded ₹75 lakh to victims of a high-profile job fraud, marking the first instance in the UT of J&K under the BNSS where defrauded money was returned to victims.
Politics (1)
Karnataka CM and Dy. CM to Discuss Political Developments with Rahul Gandhi on July 10
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are scheduled to meet Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on July 10 in New Delhi. The meeting aims to discuss key political developments in Karnataka, including filling four vacancies in the Legislative Council, a potential Cabinet reshuffle, and the appointment of a new State Congress unit chief. The leaders were unable to meet on July 9 as Gandhi was in Patna leading a grand alliance march to the Election Commission’s office to protest the special intensive revision of electoral rolls ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, who was in Bengaluru for meetings with Congress legislators, will also be present in Delhi for the discussions. Additionally, Shivakumar mentioned that the process for Council nominations would be completed before the Assembly session, with one seat reserved for a mediaperson. He also addressed unrelated issues, such as the language row in Maharashtra and the Bengaluru tunnel project, emphasizing the priority of Kannada and English in Karnataka and the necessity of tolls for infrastructure projects.
Schemes (2)
National Mediation Campaign Launched to Resolve Pending Court Cases
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), in collaboration with the Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee, has initiated a 90-day nationwide campaign titled ‘Mediation for the Nation’. The campaign, which began recently, aims to resolve pending cases in taluk, district, and High Courts through mediation. In Kerala, the campaign is being spearheaded by the Kerala State Mediation and Conciliation Centre, a joint initiative of the Kerala High Court and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority. The initiative focuses on settling various types of disputes, including matrimonial issues, accident claims, domestic violence, cheque bounce cases, commercial and consumer disputes, and service-related matters. Additionally, cases related to debt recovery, partition, eviction, land acquisition, and other civil and compoundable criminal cases will also be considered. The campaign, which will conclude on September 30, involves courts identifying cases suitable for mediation and referring them to court-annexed mediation centres. These centres will operate daily, offering both in-person and online mediation services. Notably, mediation services in Kerala are provided free of cost, and cases resolved through mediation result in a full refund of court fees. For further details, individuals can contact the Kerala State Mediation and Conciliation Centre at the Kerala High Court compound or visit their website.
Sree Sankaracharya University Launches Skill-Based Job-Oriented Courses with ASAP Kerala
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, has initiated efforts to introduce short-term job-oriented courses in collaboration with ASAP Kerala, an initiative of the Department of Higher Education. These courses, ranging from three months to one year, aim to enhance employability by focusing on areas such as rescue and disaster management, spa therapy, and other skill-based programs. The university is working closely with ASAP Kerala representatives to finalize the course offerings, which will be presented to the Syndicate for approval. These programs will be open not only to students but also to local residents, including homemakers and working professionals, as they are designed as part-time courses. Additionally, the university plans to educate parents about the benefits of such skill-based programs through meetings with the association of parents and teachers.
Economy (2)
Vallarpadam Terminal Records 35% Growth in Container Handling in June 2025
The International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam, operated by DP World, witnessed a significant 35% increase in container handling in June 2025, processing over 81,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) compared to May 2025. During the same period, the terminal managed 54 vessels, including several mother ships, as reported by Dipin Kayyath, CEO of Ports & Terminals at DP World Cochin. Additionally, the terminal upgraded its power infrastructure from 3 MVA to 5 MVA, ensuring seamless operations during peak demand. The full electrification of yard equipment has also contributed to a notable reduction in the carbon footprint of cargo handling, marking a step towards sustainable operations.
State Announces Fee Hike for Engineering and Architecture Courses with 50% Waiver for Select Disciplines
The State government has announced a fee revision for engineering and architecture courses for the academic year 2025-26. The fee for government quota seats in private unaided technical institutions has been increased by 7.5%, while government engineering colleges will see a 5% hike. Notably, a 50% fee waiver has been introduced for five specific engineering courses—civil, mechanical, automobile, textile technology, and silk technology—in government colleges to encourage enrollment in these less popular disciplines. The revised fees for CET engineering seats in Type 1 private colleges are ₹81,800 and ₹91,000 for Type 2 private colleges, excluding additional charges. COMED-K Type 1 colleges will charge ₹2,00,000 and Type 2 colleges ₹2,81,100, without additional university fees. Government engineering colleges will charge ₹44,200 for all seats, while the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) will charge ₹49,600. The fee waiver aims to boost enrollment in courses with less than 50% enrollment in government colleges.
Appointments (1)
Joshy Mathew Elected Chairperson of Malayalam Cine Technicians’ Association (MACTA)
Filmmaker Joshy Mathew has been elected as the new chairperson of the Malayalam Cine Technicians’ Association (MACTA). The association also announced the appointment of Sreekumar Arookutti as the general secretary and Sajin Lal as the treasurer. Additionally, Rajeev Alunkal and P.K Baburaj have been named vice-chairpersons, while N. M Badusha, Utpal V. Nayanar, and Sony Sai have been elected as joint secretaries. These appointments were confirmed through an official release, marking a new leadership team for MACTA, which represents professionals in the Malayalam film industry.
Miscellaneous (3)
Two Arrested for Murder of Vazhuthacaud Hotel Owner
The Museum police have arrested two individuals, including a Nepalese national, in connection with the murder of a hotel owner in the city on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Rajesh from Adimalathura and David from Nepal, reportedly confessed to killing Justin Raj after he dismissed them from their jobs at the hotel. Justin, who co-owned a hotel in Vazhuthacaud and was involved in real estate and construction, was found murdered in a rented house in Edapazhinji where the accused were staying. The confrontation escalated when Justin visited the house to speak with the workers, leading to an altercation where Rajesh attacked him first, followed by both suspects assaulting and strangling him to death. Justin was reported missing after failing to return from a site visit, and his friend Stanley alerted the police. The police tracked David’s mobile phone to locate the suspects, who resisted arrest in a drunken state, resulting in injuries to four police officers. Justin was the son-in-law of the late Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and former Parassala MLA M. Sathyanesan.
IISc Organizes Climate Change Awareness Program for Students
The Divecha Centre for Climate Change at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is hosting a one-day awareness program titled ‘Climate Change and the Environment’ for students at Loyola School on Friday. The event, organized in collaboration with Talentspire, will be inaugurated by V. Narayanan, Chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The program will run from 8:50 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature presentations by eminent scientists, including S. K. Satheesh, Chairperson of the Divecha Centre for Climate Change, who will share the latest research and findings on mitigating climate change. Additionally, an inter-school quiz competition will be held, with the top three schools receiving trophies from IISc.
NCB Busts Clandestine Mephedrone Lab in Rajasthan, Arrests Two Science Teachers
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) uncovered a clandestine laboratory producing the synthetic drug Mephedrone (MD) in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan. Two science teachers, aged 35 and 25, were arrested for operating the illegal lab in a residential complex. The NCB seized 780 grams of Mephedrone, precursor chemicals, and equipment valued at crores in the international market. The accused, a chemistry teacher from a private school and a science teacher from a government school, had rented the flat two months prior to set up the lab. The NCB is investigating further links in the drug trafficking network. The agency recently shared 'red flag indicators' with state police chiefs to identify such facilities and has urged public support in combating drug trafficking.
Comments
Post a Comment