Important News - 2025-07-20
20 July 2025
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World Affairs (1)
Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli to Visit India in Mid-September 2025
Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is scheduled to make an official visit to India in mid-September 2025, as confirmed by the Foreign Ministry on July 20, 2025. The exact dates and detailed itinerary are yet to be finalized, but sources from the Prime Minister’s Office indicate that the visit is likely to commence on September 16 and last for two days. This will be Oli’s first official visit to India since assuming office for the fourth time in July 2024. Notably, Oli broke tradition by choosing China as his first foreign destination after becoming Prime Minister, visiting Beijing in December 2024 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During his four-day visit to China, Oli addressed an event at Peking University and held meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Amid speculation about strained relations with India due to the delay in receiving an official invitation, Oli recently confirmed that preparations for the India visit are underway on both sides.
Politics (6)
Congress Leaders Criticize Shashi Tharoor for Deviating from Party Line
Senior Congress leaders in Kerala have expressed growing dissatisfaction with Shashi Tharoor, a four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram and a member of the Congress Working Committee. They criticized him for frequently aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's views on foreign policy and national security, and for allegedly supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) narrative on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's role during the Emergency. Former KPCC president K. Muraleedharan stated that Congress workers would boycott Tharoor and exclude him from party functions in Thiruvananthapuram. Rajmohan Unnithan, another senior Congress leader, indicated that Tharoor's repeated deviations from the party line might lead to action from the Congress Parliamentary Party and the high command. Tharoor, however, defended his stance, emphasizing that the nation comes first and advocating for a multi-partisan approach to national security issues.
Karnataka Govt to Address GST Notices Issue for Small Traders with Centre
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Sunday that the State government will address the issue of small traders receiving GST notices from the Commercial Taxes Department for transactions made through UPI. The matter will be discussed with both the Union government and the State’s Commercial Taxes Department before any decision is taken. Siddaramaiah emphasized that the GST Council falls under the jurisdiction of the Centre, but the State government is committed to protecting the interests of small traders. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar accused the Union government of causing distress to small traders and street vendors by implementing GST. He assured traders that the State government would take necessary actions to safeguard their interests. Shivakumar also criticized BJP MPs for not advocating for the State’s financial needs and highlighted the Congress government’s initiatives, including plans to bring Yettinahole waters to Bengaluru North district by 2027 and extend metro services to Hoskote. Additionally, the government is regularizing B-khata properties in Bengaluru and distributing over one crore patta khatas to Scheduled Tribes.
CM Naidu Condoles Death of Senior TDP Leader Namburi Seshagiri Rao
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep condolences on the passing of senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Namburi Seshagiri Rao. Rao gained prominence during the 2024 general elections when he confronted YSR Congress Party MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, who had destroyed an electronic voting machine (EVM) at a polling station in Macherla. In a press release, Naidu praised Rao as an inspiration to those fighting against injustice and strongly condemned the MLA’s unruly conduct during the elections. TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao also paid tribute, describing Seshagiri Rao as a fearless leader who opposed the anarchic actions of Ramakrishna Reddy. His death is considered a significant loss to the TDP, particularly in the Palnadu region.
Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy Calls Andhra Pradesh Liquor Scam Case Political Vendetta
Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy, YSRCP Rayalaseema regional coordinator and Punganur MLA, has accused the NDA government of politically targeting his son, Rajampet MP P.V. Midhun Reddy, by arresting him in connection with the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. Speaking to the media at his camp office on Sunday, Mr. Ramachandra Reddy asserted that his son is innocent and will be exonerated, proving the allegations wrong. He labeled the case as politically motivated, alleging that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, HRD Minister N. Lokesh, and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan conspired against his family. Mr. Ramachandra Reddy also mentioned that similar accusations against him in the Madanapalle files case and land encroachment allegations had failed in the past. He expressed confidence in the growing public support for YSRCP and vowed that the party would recover from these challenges.
Maharashtra Cattle Traders Announce Boycott Amid Harassment by Vigilantes
Cattle traders in Maharashtra, particularly from the Muslim Qureshi community, have announced an indefinite boycott of cattle trade starting July 21, 2025, citing persistent harassment by cow vigilante groups and local authorities. Mohammed Sufiyan, a licensed cattle trader from Washim district, shared his ordeal of having his buffaloes detained by cow vigilantes with police assistance in May 2023, despite possessing a court order and paying ₹65,000 as maintenance fees. The All India Jamiatul Quresh (AIJQ), a traders’ union, has condemned the harassment and demanded protection for legal animal traders, accountability for police inaction, and an end to violence based on religious grounds. The Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 2015, which prohibits cow slaughter, has reportedly intensified the challenges faced by traders, even though it allows the transport of buffaloes and other bovines for slaughter with proper certification. The boycott is expected to affect around three lakh traders and disrupt the farming ecosystem, as farmers rely on these traders to sell aged animals and buy new ones. The AIJQ has also sought intervention from Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam and Director-General of Police Rashmi Shukla to address the issue.
BJP's Suspended MLA Raja Singh Awaits High Command's Resignation Directive
T. Raja Singh, the Goshamahal MLA who was suspended by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stated that the party high command has not yet asked him to resign. Speaking to reporters in Hyderabad after performing puja for Bonalu, Singh declared that he would immediately resign if Union Home Minister Amit Shah instructs him to do so. He also emphasized that he would not join the Congress due to its political association with the AIMIM but would support any organization working for Sanatana Dharma. Singh expressed willingness to assist in establishing a model Goshala, regardless of political affiliations, and criticized previous governments for politicizing the renovation of the historic Simhawahini Mahakali temple. He urged the Congress government to rebuild the temple in a grand manner. Additionally, Singh stated his readiness to contest the Goshamahal bypoll against any candidate, asserting that the people of Goshamahal would decide who has worked for them and upheld the Hindutva flag.
Schemes (1)
Bengaluru Police Launches Mental Health and Well-Being Programme for Personnel
The Bengaluru city police have launched a mental health and well-being programme to support personnel facing emotional distress, addiction, family crises, and identity-related challenges. Initiated under former Commissioner B. Dayananda, the programme has conducted over 50 sessions and identified 43 personnel at risk of extreme measures. Officers like Ramaiah, a traffic constable, and a City Armed Reserve (CAR) constable, have benefited from counselling, medical treatment, and de-addiction therapy. The initiative collaborates with Victoria Hospital and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) to provide holistic care. Additionally, a dedicated Tele-MANAS counselling line is being established for police personnel to ensure quicker access to mental health support. The programme, initially funded by the Commissioner’s Benevolent Fund, also includes financial counselling to address stress caused by debt and poor investments.
Defence (1)
Punjab Police Breaks BKI Terror Module Linked to Grenade Attacks in Patiala and Haryana
On July 20, 2025, the Punjab Police successfully dismantled a terror module linked to the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), which was allegedly operated by foreign-based handlers Maninder Billa and Manu Agwan. Three individuals—Sandeep Singh alias Deepu, Harpreet Singh alias Jagga, and Harmanpreet Singh alias Preet—were arrested in connection with grenade attacks on police posts in Badshahpur, Patiala, and Ajimgarh, Haryana, which occurred on April 1, 2025, and April 6, 2025, respectively. The operation was a joint effort by the Counter Intelligence (CI) unit in Patiala and the State Special Operation Cell in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. During the investigation, it was revealed that the module was planning further attacks on police establishments in Punjab. The arrested individuals confessed that the attacks were orchestrated by their associate, Gurpreet Singh alias Babbu, who is currently in custody at Patiala Jail.
Miscellaneous (3)
IIT-Tirupati Convocation Highlights ‘Viksit Bharat’ Vision and Graduates’ Achievements
Lakshmi Narayanan, co-founder of Cognizant and Chancellor of KREA University, addressed the seventh convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology-Tirupati (IIT-T) on Sunday, urging graduates to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. He encouraged them to embrace diverse perspectives, support others, and advocate for what is right, emphasizing the importance of carving unique paths. Narayanan cited Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the founder of Lego, as an example of innovation through unconventional thinking. Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of JSW Group and IIT-T’s Board of Governors, highlighted India’s focus on technology and service sectors, stressing the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision for nation-building. IIT-T Director K.N. Satyanarayana presented the institute’s annual report, detailing the completion of its permanent campus and advancements in academic and research initiatives. During the ceremony, 417 degrees were awarded, including 212 B.Tech, 91 M.Tech, 53 M.Sc., and 28 PhDs. Eighteen students received medals and prizes, with Arvind Srinivasan winning the President’s Gold Medal and Mega Varshini securing the Governor’s Prize.
Neurological Society of India Hosts Forum on Neurosurgery Challenges in Hyderabad
AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad hosted the Private Practitioners Forum in Neurosurgery on July 18 and 19, 2023, under the banner of the Neurological Society of India (NSI). The two-day event attracted over 300 neurosurgeons from across the country, providing a platform to discuss challenges faced by private practitioners in neurosurgery. The forum focused on the theme ‘Holistic Approach to Patient Care and Practice Sustainability’, addressing topics such as medico-legal issues, clinical autonomy, digital branding, ethical dilemmas, burnout, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Over 100 speakers participated in the discussions, emphasizing the need for a responsible, patient-centred healthcare system. Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, highlighted the importance of such forums in addressing the complex realities of private practice.
Third Edition of ‘Run for SMA’ to Highlight Awareness and Early Screening on August 10 in Hyderabad
The third edition of ‘Run for SMA’ is set to take place on August 10 at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, organized by the Cure SMA Foundation of India. This event is part of the global Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month observed in August. A press conference to announce the event was held at the Cyberabad Commissioner’s office, where Commissioner of Police Avinash Mohanty unveiled the event poster and expressed his support for the awareness initiative. He emphasized the importance of prevention through awareness and early screening, alongside the need for treatment, given the high costs involved. Srilakshmi Nalam, Co-founder and Trustee of Cure SMA India, highlighted the necessity of collaboration between doctors, research bodies, companies, and the government to create a robust support system for affected families.
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