Important News - 2025-07-18
18 July 2025
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Politics (3)
KTR Accuses Telangana CM of Phone Tapping and Misleading on Banakacherla Project
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) accused Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of tapping the phones of his Cabinet colleagues, including senior Ministers Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and N. Uttam Kumar Reddy. Speaking to reporters in Khammam on Friday, KTR challenged the CM to undergo a lie detector test if he was confident. He also alleged that the CM was misleading the state regarding the Banakacherla project and the meeting between the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana. KTR questioned how AP Water Resources Minister N Rama Naidu claimed that Telangana agreed to form a committee to study the project. He dismissed the CM’s allegations about his meeting with AP IT Minister Nara Lokesh, stating it was a diversion tactic. KTR further criticized the CM’s abusive language towards KCR and BRS leadership, attributing it to frustration over unfulfilled election promises. He also claimed that the CM’s brothers were involved in land dealings and promised to expose them along with contracts awarded to the CM’s relatives. KTR termed the 42% BC reservations claim as a political drama, citing legal experts like Justice Easwaraiah, who stated it would not withstand legal scrutiny. Earlier, at a party workers’ meeting, KTR urged BRS workers to expose the Congress and channel public anger against the government towards BRS.
Four Arrested for Trespassing and Damaging DMK Councillor’s House in Tiruchi
On Friday, the K.K. Nagar police in Tiruchi arrested four individuals for allegedly trespassing into the residence of DMK Councillor Malarvizhi Rajendran (Ward No. 64) and causing damage to household items. The incident occurred on Thursday when the accused reportedly abused and assaulted the councillor. The arrest followed a formal complaint lodged by the councillor’s daughter-in-law. A total of 21 individuals were named as accused in the case, with the police identifying the arrested persons as Balamurugan, Chellamuthu, Rangabhasyam, and Sudarshan. Further investigations are ongoing.
Telangana BJP Demands CM’s Resignation, Calls for BC Leader as Successor
Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao has called for Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s resignation, urging him to appoint a leader from the Backward Class (BC) community as the new Chief Minister if he is genuinely committed to their welfare. During his tour of Medak on Friday, Rao emphasized that the Congress government must ensure the implementation of a 42% reservation for BCs in the upcoming local body elections. He accused the Congress of spreading misinformation about the Central government’s stance on the BC quota and criticized the inclusion of a 10% reservation for Muslims within the BC quota, arguing it would harm the BC community. Rao highlighted the BJP’s support for the BC quota bill in the Assembly and its role in establishing the National BC Commission. He also pointed out that over 20 ministers in the Union Cabinet, including Prime Minister Modi, belong to the BC community. Expressing confidence in the BJP’s performance in the local body elections, Rao criticized the Congress government for failing to fulfill its promises to various sections of society, including farmers and students. He also noted the BJP’s growing influence across urban and rural areas, expressing hope for a strong showing in the next assembly elections. Earlier, Medak MP M. Raghunandan Rao and other local leaders welcomed Ramchander Rao during his visit to Narsapur.
World Affairs (1)
China Calls for Regional Anti-Terror Cooperation Post U.S. Designation of TRF as Terrorist Group
On July 18, 2025, China urged regional countries to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation in response to the U.S. designating The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. The U.S. State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, made the designation following TRF's involvement in the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, condemned the attack and emphasized the need for enhanced regional security measures. The U.S. designation is expected to influence the U.N. Security Council's 1267 Committee, which imposes sanctions on terrorist entities. Pakistan's Dawn newspaper noted that the U.S. designation aligns with India's claims that TRF is a front for the banned LeT.
Schemes (2)
Andhra Pradesh Hosts First South India Regional Conference on Social Audit
Andhra Pradesh hosted the inaugural South India Regional Conference on Social Audit on July 16–17, 2024, in Mangalagiri. The event, organized by the A.P. Society for Social Audit, Accountability and Transparency (AP SAAT) under the Department of Rural Development, focused on enhancing transparency and accountability in welfare schemes, particularly the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Delegates from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala participated in the conference. Key highlights included Andhra Pradesh's innovative practice of livestreaming mandal-level public audits on YouTube, making it the first state in India to do so. Gram Sabha findings and social audit data were also made publicly accessible online. Principal Secretary of Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj, Shashibhushan Kumar, emphasized the state's commitment to comprehensive audits and direct engagement with MGNREGS workers. G. Srikanth, Director of AP SAAT, highlighted the use of cultural platforms to raise public awareness about social audits. Central Rural Development officials and participants praised Andhra Pradesh's model, with many states expressing interest in adopting similar practices. The state was recognized as a national leader in social auditing.
ESIC Launches SPREE and Amnesty Scheme 2025 for Employer and Employee Registration
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has launched a special initiative, SPREE (Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees), offering a one-time opportunity for unregistered employers and employees, including contractual and temporary workers, to enrol in the ESI scheme without facing inspections or demands for past dues. This scheme, active from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, simplifies the registration process and eliminates the fear of retrospective penalties. Employers can digitally register their units and employees via the ESIC, Shram Suvidha, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal. Additionally, the ESIC has approved an 'Amnesty Scheme 2025' for dispute resolution from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, aiming to reduce litigation and promote ease of doing business. The Centre has also approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme, providing incentives for first-time employees registered with the EPFO and employers generating additional employment between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027.
Elections (1)
State Election Commission Prepares for 2025 Kerala Local Body Elections
The State Election Commission of Kerala is preparing for the upcoming local body elections scheduled for late 2025. As part of the preparatory process, the commission is finalizing the delimitation of local body wards and revising the electoral rolls. The draft electoral rolls, updated based on the newly delimited wards and reorganized polling booths, will soon be published. On Saturday, the commission, led by A. Shajahan, will convene a meeting with political parties in Thiruvananthapuram to discuss the revision of the electoral rolls. The delimitation process, which began last year, is in its final phase and is expected to be completed by mid-August. The reorganization of wards has increased their total number from 21,900 to 23,612 across grama panchayats, block panchayats, district panchayats, municipalities, and corporations. The Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has requested the commission to reduce the number of voters per booth to 1,100 in panchayats and 1,300 in municipalities. The last local body elections were held in December 2020 in three phases due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Defence (1)
Defence Minister Reviews Missile Programmes at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
On Friday, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth visited the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, which is managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). During his visit, he reviewed the progress of various missile and weapon systems programmes undertaken by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), collectively known as the Missile Cluster Labs. The Minister inspected key facilities, including those for the Astra Mk I & II missiles, vertically-launched short-range surface-to-air missiles, and scramjet engines. He was briefed by senior officials, including U. Raja Babu, Director General of Missiles and Strategic Systems, and G.A. Srinivasa Murthy, Director of DRDL, on the status of these projects. Anindya Biswas, Director of RCI, provided updates on critical work centres, such as indigenous navigation/aviation systems, onboard computer divisions, and imaging infrared seeker facilities. The Minister praised DRDO scientists for their contributions to achieving 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) through the development of advanced weapon systems. He encouraged the scientific community to continue strengthening the armed forces to address emerging challenges, as per an official press release.
Ranks & Reports (1)
Guntur Tops Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 Rankings as a Super Swachh League City
Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has achieved a significant milestone by securing the top national honours in the Swachh Survekshan rankings for 2024–25. District Collector S. Nagalakshmi announced this achievement on Friday, highlighting Guntur’s inclusion among the 23 cities recognised as “Super Swachh League Cities.” The award and memento were presented to the Collector by Commissioner Puli Srinivasulu and Additional Commissioner Challa Obulesu at her camp office. Nagalakshmi attributed this success to the collaborative efforts of officials, public representatives, and sanitation workers. She expressed optimism that this recognition would further inspire the city to improve sanitation and foster a healthier urban environment. Additionally, the GMC Commissioner and Additional Commissioner acknowledged the District Collector’s pivotal role in securing national-level recognition for Guntur Sannam Mirchi under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
Heritage (1)
Kerala HC Probes Unauthorized Idol Installation at Sabarimala Temple
The Kerala High Court has initiated a probe into the alleged unauthorized installation of an idol of Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala temple premises. The court, in a suo motu case, sought an investigation into the permission reportedly granted by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to a private individual for this purpose. A Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. directed the Chief Police Coordinator of the temple to submit a report on the distribution of pamphlets aimed at raising funds for the idol. Additionally, the Sabarimala Special Commissioner was instructed to inspect the premises for any illegally placed idols and donation boxes and submit a detailed report. The government’s counsel informed the court that the police had already begun an investigation and were using the virtual queue platform to inform pilgrims about the issue. The court had earlier requested all files related to the alleged permission granted by the TDB. The Special Commissioner, R. Jayakrishnan, had reported that the TDB allowed the chairperson of a multi-specialty hospital in Erode to install a panchaloham (an alloy of five metals) idol of Ayyappa without disrupting temple rituals. The report also highlighted the distribution of pamphlets containing bank account details, QR codes, and mobile numbers for fundraising. The Sabarimala Tantri stated that he was unaware of the idol installation attempt, which contradicted temple rituals, prompting the Special Commissioner to seek court intervention to halt such practices.
Miscellaneous (2)
Inquiry Launched into Alleged Kidney Sale in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu
Health Minister Ma. Subramanian announced on Friday that an inquiry is underway regarding the alleged kidney sale in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. He stated that legal action will be initiated against those involved once the investigation concludes. The Minister noted that a similar complaint had been addressed a year ago by the then District Collector. He also highlighted Tamil Nadu's leading position in organ donation and the extensive awareness campaigns conducted on the subject. Additionally, Subramanian inaugurated new polyclinics in 25 urban primary health centres (PHCs) across the state, which will offer services in general medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, dermatology, ophthalmology, dental, psychiatry, and physiotherapy. Furthermore, he laid the foundation stone for constructing buildings in 14 locations in Tiruvallur district, including health sub-centres, PHCs, and nurses' quarters, at a cost of ₹11.85 crore.
4.5 TMCFT Water Released from Renuka Sagar Dam for Crops
Laxmi Hebbalkar, the Minister for Women and Child Development, has directed Irrigation Department officials to release 4.5 tmcft of water from the Renuka Sagar dam on the Malaprabha River to support standing crops. The decision was made during the Irrigation Consultative Committee meeting held on Friday. The water release is scheduled to begin on the evening of July 18 and will continue for 17 days. Additionally, 20 tmcft of water in the dam has been reserved for drinking purposes. Hebbalkar urged farmers to use the water judiciously. The meeting was attended by MLAs C.C. Patil and Bhimsen Chimmanakkatti, along with other committee members. Meanwhile, water release from Maharashtra into the Krishna River and its tributaries decreased to 81,005 cusecs on Friday, down from 86,913 cusecs on Thursday. The Lal Bahadur Shastri reservoir on the Krishna River in Almatti recorded an inflow of 95,868 cusecs and an outflow of 89,074 cusecs, with the dam holding approximately 99 tmcft of water, which is 80% of its full capacity. The Basava Sagara dam in Narayanpur had an inflow of 90,000 cusecs and an outflow of 90,750 cusecs, with 29 tmcft of water, representing 88% of its capacity.
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