Important News - 2025-07-16
16 July 2025
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Appointments (1)
Tamil Nadu Delays Proposal for New DGP Appointment Despite Supreme Court Guidelines
The Tamil Nadu government has not yet submitted the list of Director-General of Police (DGP) rank officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for finalizing the panel to appoint the next DGP/Head of Police Force. According to Supreme Court guidelines, the State Government should have sent the list of eligible officers to the UPSC three months before the retirement of the incumbent DGP, Shankar Jiwal, on August 30, 2025. The UPSC would then prepare a panel of three officers fit for the position, which would be sent back to the State for final selection. Tamil Nadu is among the few states that follow the Supreme Court guidelines established in the Prakash Singh case regarding DGP appointments. Despite the long-standing practice of sending the list of IPS officers for UPSC empanelment, the State has not initiated the process with just over a month left before the current DGP's retirement. There are speculations that the State might amend the Tamil Nadu Police Act to appoint an officer of its choice as DGP or extend Shankar Jiwal's tenure by three months with Union Government approval. The Supreme Court has previously emphasized the importance of a merit-based, transparent process for DGP appointments, ensuring a minimum tenure of two years, and has discouraged last-minute appointments or the concept of 'acting DGP'.
Politics (6)
AIMIM Job Fair in Hyderabad Attracts 20,000 Youths
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) organized a job fair in Hyderabad on Wednesday, which saw a massive turnout of around 20,000 youths. The event, supported by nearly 600 volunteers, offered employment opportunities ranging from gig work to IT and IT-enabled services. This year's job fair, the third edition, recorded double the attendance compared to the previous one, which had attracted 10,000 participants. MLA Mohammed Majid Hussain highlighted that training sessions were conducted before the fair to help aspirants prepare professional resumes and avoid plagiarism. Over 2,000 candidates received job offers on the spot, with many more scheduled for follow-up interviews. Hussain emphasized that the job fair was part of AIMIM's pre-election promise and plans to hold such events every four to five months. The event also saw significant participation from women and included job opportunities for differently-abled individuals.
Veteran Congress Leader C.V. Padmarajan Passes Away at 93
Veteran Congress leader C.V. Padmarajan passed away on Wednesday in Kollam at the age of 93 due to old-age ailments. A prominent figure in Kerala politics, Padmarajan served as a minister handling Finance, Power, and Fisheries during the K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony governments. He was elected twice to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from the Chathanoor constituency in Kollam district and served as the president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) from 1983 to 1987. Born in Paravur, Kollam, in 1931, Padmarajan began his political career as a member of the All Travancore Students’ Congress during the Independence movement. He later pursued law and served as the District Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor in Kollam. Padmarajan is survived by his wife, Vasantha, and two sons. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan expressed their condolences, highlighting Padmarajan’s contributions as a lawyer, co-operator, and parliamentarian. AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal remembered him as a mentor and staunch secularist. Padmarajan was instrumental in acquiring the KPCC headquarters, Indira Bhavan, in Thiruvananthapuram.
Karnataka Ministers Skip Meeting with AICC General Secretary Over Dissent
On Wednesday, Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa and Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, both staunch supporters of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, did not attend a scheduled one-to-one meeting with AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala. While other ministers loyal to the Chief Minister, including Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khadre, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, and Industries Minister M.B. Patil, met with Surjewala, Mahadevappa and Rajanna reportedly expressed their dissent over the AICC general secretary's initiative to gather opinions from ministers and MLAs regarding the functioning of the government. Rajanna had previously voiced his dissatisfaction with MLAs meeting the central leader. Following discussions with the ministers, Surjewala held talks with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the appointment of directors to various government-owned boards and corporations. He also informed them about the complaints he had received from MLAs against certain ministers.
Kerala HC Criticizes ADGP for Using Tractor on Sabarimala Trekking Path Despite Court Directive
The Kerala High Court has criticized the actions of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar for traveling in a police tractor from Pampa to the Sabarimala Sannidhanam on July 12, 2023, despite a court directive prohibiting the use of tractors meant for goods transportation on the trekking path. R. Jayakrishnan, the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, informed the court that the ADGP had violated this directive. The tractor, driven by Vivek from Thiruvalla police station, was used to transport the officer and his security personnel from Chelikuzhi Bhagom to Cherippukada Bhagom near the Sannidhanam. The court noted that the ADGP walked part of the route covered by CCTV but used the tractor for the remaining stretch. The restriction on tractors was imposed due to safety concerns arising from reckless driving on the crowded path. The State Police Chief has sought an explanation from ADGP Ajith Kumar, and the court has granted the government time to file an affidavit by August 4, 2023. Meanwhile, the Pampa police filed a case against the driver for reckless driving and endangering public safety, though the FIR did not mention the ADGP, leading to criticism and questions about accountability.
Mehbooba Mufti and Sajad Lone Oppose Exclusion of Urdu for Naib-Tehsildar Posts in J&K
On July 16, 2025, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and J&K Peoples Conference (JKPC) chief Sajad Lone voiced their opposition to the exclusion of Urdu as a mandatory subject for Naib-Tehsildar posts in Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of J&K, criticized the decision on social media, stating that Urdu has been an official language for decades and its removal is being unfairly communalized. She emphasized that J&K’s revenue records and administrative work are maintained in Urdu, making proficiency in the language essential for administrative efficiency. The Central Administrative Tribunal, comprising Rajinder Dogra and Ram Mohan Johri, ordered a stay on the J&K Revenue (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules of 2009, which required Urdu proficiency. Sajad Lone argued that the exclusion of Urdu systematically marginalizes the Kashmiri-speaking majority and threatens the linguistic heritage of Urdu. The BJP has also protested against the government’s June notification for filling these posts.
BJP Challenges Congress to Declare Mallikarjun Kharge as PM Candidate
During the AICC OBC Advisory Council meeting in Bengaluru, the BJP questioned the Congress party’s commitment to the welfare of oppressed communities and challenged it to declare Mallikarjun Kharge, its Dalit president, as the prime ministerial candidate. BJP leader Vijayendra criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his claims of being a champion of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits (AHINDA), alleging that the Kantharaj commission report, prepared at a cost of ₹165 crore, was discarded following directions from Rahul Gandhi. Vijayendra highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also hails from a backward community, has promoted the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' without engaging in identity politics. He accused Siddaramaiah and the AICC of using OBC outreach as a strategy ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.
Schemes (3)
Cabinet Approves PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to Boost Agricultural Productivity
On July 16, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the 'Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana' (PMDDKY), a comprehensive agricultural scheme aimed at enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices across India. Announced earlier in the Union Budget 2025, the PMDDKY merges 36 existing schemes from 11 Ministries into a single program with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for six years, starting from 2025-26. The scheme is expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers and focuses on improving post-harvest storage, irrigation facilities, and access to credit. It will be implemented in 100 districts selected based on low productivity, low cropping intensity, and limited credit disbursement, with at least one district from each State/UT. The PMDDKY is modeled on the 'Aspirational District Programme' and emphasizes crop diversification, water conservation, soil health, and self-sufficiency in agriculture. Committees at district, State, and national levels will oversee its planning, implementation, and monthly monitoring. The government anticipates that the scheme will boost productivity, create local livelihoods, and enhance domestic production, contributing to agricultural self-reliance. Experts, including Abhishek Jain of CEEW, have highlighted the scheme's focus on resilience through value addition and sustainable practices but suggested improvements in district selection criteria.
Water Supply for Kharif Season to Begin August 1 via Purushottampatnam and Pushkar Schemes
Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana, who is also the Kakinada District In-Charge Minister, announced on Wednesday that water supply for the kharif season will commence from August 1 through the Purushottampatnam and Pushkar Lift Irrigation Schemes. This initiative aims to address the irrigation needs of the tail-end areas of the Yeleru reservoir in Kakinada district. During the District Development Review Committee meeting, Minister Narayana highlighted the insufficient water storage in the Yeleru reservoir, which has been a persistent issue for farmers in the region. Additionally, District Collector S. Shan Mohan reported that Crop Cultivator’s Rights Cards (CCRC) have been issued to 23,636 tenant farmers, against a target of 69,000. Kakinada City MLA Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao raised concerns about stalled projects due to pending funds for the Smart City Mission and called for an inquiry into the distribution of fake house site pattas under the Pedalandariki Illu scheme between 2019 and 2024.
Telangana to Launch WE Hub in Peddapalli to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
The Minister for IT and Industries, D. Sridhar Babu, announced the upcoming inauguration of ‘WE Hub,’ a State-led Nodal Organisation for Women Entrepreneurs, in Peddapalli town. This initiative aims to enhance the entrepreneurial potential of women in Telangana. The announcement was made during the constituency-level Indira Mahila Shakti celebrations in Peddapalli, which saw the participation of other ministers, including Tummala Nageswara Rao (Agriculture) and D. Anasuya (Seethakka) (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development). During the event, interest-free loans, Loan Bheema, and accident insurance claim cheques were distributed. The Congress government’s initiatives, such as providing interest-free loans to women self-help groups (SHGs), have already facilitated the establishment of food processing units, dairy units, Indira Shakti Canteens, and other income-generating activities. Since December 2023, approximately ₹26,000 crore has been disbursed as loans to women SHGs through bank linkage. Additionally, plans are underway to set up solar power plants under the guidance of women SHGs in Manthani and Kalvasrirampur mandals. The event was attended by Peddapalli MLA Ch Vijaya Ramana Rao and Divya Devarajan, CEO of the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Telangana.
Heritage (1)
Thiruvananthapuram Observatory’s 1859 Solar Flare Records Shed Light on Geomagnetic Storms
Researchers from Kerala University have discovered crucial historical data from the Thiruvananthapuram Astronomical Observatory, shedding new light on the 1859 Carrington Event, one of the most intense geomagnetic storms in history. The study, led by R. Jayakrishnan, the Observatory’s Director, analysed magnetic logs from August and September 1859, revealing insights into a precursor solar flare on August 28, 1859, which destabilised Earth’s magnetic field before the main event. Published in the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) journal, Advances in Space Research, the findings highlight the precision of Thiruvananthapuram’s measurements, recorded at intervals of 2, 3, and 5 minutes. These records, now being digitised with support from the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, provide valuable data for understanding solar mega-storms and their potential impact on modern technology. The research underscores Kerala’s historical contribution to solar storm studies and aims to prepare for future threats to navigation systems, power grids, and global communications.
Miscellaneous (1)
Karnataka Sees Reduction of 201 Medical Seats for 2025 Academic Year
The number of medical seats in Karnataka for the current academic year has decreased by 201 compared to the previous year. This reduction is primarily due to the National Medical Commission (NMC) not renewing 200 seats at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) in Belagavi, under the KLE Society, and the reduction of one seat at Chitradurga Medical College. Last year, Karnataka had 12,395 medical seats across 71 medical colleges, but this year, the number has dropped to 12,194 seats in 70 colleges. The seats are distributed across various quotas, including 572 All India Quota (AIQ) seats, 2,224 Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) deemed quota seats, 5,275 government quota seats, 2,819 private quota seats, and 876 NRI quota seats. Out of these, 9,263 seats will be allotted through UGNEET-2025 counseling by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), compared to 9,282 seats last year. The NMC's decision to not renew seats at JNMC follows the blacklisting of a senior doctor who allegedly accepted a bribe of ₹10 lakh for a positive assessment report. Additionally, the NMC has canceled the enhancement of seats and the introduction of new courses at JNMC for the 2025-26 academic year. In addition to medical seats, Karnataka has 3,315 dental seats across 44 dental colleges, with 668 in AIQ, 911 in government quota, 1,210 in private quota, and 377 in NRI quota. These seats will also be allotted through the KEA.
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