Important News - 2025-07-26
26 July 2025
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Defence (3)
Amit Shah Urges Enhanced Security Coordination at National Conference Amid India's Growth Challenges
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the National Security Strategies Conference, underscoring the Modi government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, exemplified by initiatives like Operation Sindoor. As India's economy expands and its global stature rises, Shah highlighted that the nation will encounter new security challenges. He urged all security agencies to enhance real-time data sharing and coordination to proactively address these threats. Shah emphasized adopting a 'security-first' approach and leveraging national databases for effective strategy implementation and counter-terrorism efforts.
Security Forces Eliminate 7 Maoists in Anti-Extremism Operations Across Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh
On Saturday, security forces conducted separate anti-extremism operations in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, resulting in the deaths of seven Maoists. In Gumla district, Jharkhand, a morning encounter in the Lawadag forest under Ghagra police station limits led to the killing of three operatives from the banned Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), a Maoist splinter group. The operation, based on intelligence about a planned attack, involved a cordon-and-search by a police team led by Gumla sub-divisional police officer Suresh Prasad Yadav, with support from Jharkhand Jaguar (the state's elite anti-extremism unit) and district personnel. Weapons recovered included one AK-47 assault rifle, two Insas rifles, and a country-made gun, while two other Maoists escaped. Separately, in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh's Bastar division, an evening encounter in dense forests killed at least four Maoists, with ongoing exchanges of fire. Security forces recovered Insas and SLR rifles, explosives, and daily-use items. Bastar zone Inspector General of Police P Sundarraj stated that the identities of the deceased were being verified, and the operation was part of a larger intelligence-driven crackdown on Maoist activities.
Uttarakhand CM Raises Ex-Gratia for Param Vir Chakra Awardees to Rs 1.5 Crore on Kargil Vijay Diwas Eve
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a substantial increase in the ex-gratia amount for Param Vir Chakra awardees, India's highest military decoration for wartime bravery, raising it from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.50 crore. This decision was made on July 25, 2023, on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, which commemorates India's victory in the Kargil War on July 26, 1999. Additionally, awardees will retain their existing annual grant of Rs 3 lakh. The enhancement aims to recognize the valor and sacrifices of military personnel and aligns with efforts to support national heroes through state-specific welfare measures.
World Affairs (1)
PM Modi Inaugurates ₹4,800 Crore Projects in Tamil Nadu, Highlights India-UK FTA Benefits
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu, valued at over ₹4,800 crore, which included a new airport terminal in the southern region. During the event, he emphasized the advantages of the India-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA), outlining how it would specifically benefit Tamil Nadu's youth, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and traditional industries by granting tax-free access to the UK market for 99% of Indian products. Additionally, he reiterated the NDA government's dedication to accelerating Tamil Nadu's development through strategic investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and coastal economy initiatives.
Politics (3)
Magisterial and Police Probes Launched into Alleged Fake Encounter Death of Jammu Youth
Following the death of 21-year-old Mohammad Parvez in an alleged police firing incident in Jammu's Sure Chak area on Thursday, two parallel investigations have been initiated. The Jammu District Magistrate, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, ordered a magisterial inquiry led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Jammu South to impartially examine the circumstances, with findings due within two weeks. Simultaneously, Jammu Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under SDPO Domana Mudassar Hussain to probe allegations of a fake encounter raised by Parvez's family, alongside a departmental inquiry supervised by a DSP. Parvez, a Gurjar community resident of Nikki Tawi, succumbed to injuries at Jammu's Government Medical College (GMC), sparking widespread protests and condemnations. Political leaders, including then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, and BJP's Chowdhary Zulfikar Ali, demanded a transparent investigation, while police claimed Parvez was caught in crossfire during a drug peddler chase. Two constables, Baljinder Singh and Pawan Singh, were suspended in connection with the incident.
Gang-Rape of Home Guard Aspirant in Bihar Ambulance Sparks SIT Probe Ahead of Elections
On July 24, 2024, in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a woman aspirant for the home guards fainted during a physical fitness test at the Bihar Military Police grounds due to extreme heat. While being transported to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital in an ambulance, she was allegedly gang-raped by the ambulance driver and a health department technician. The ambulance deviated from the direct route, taking an unusually long time for the 3.5 km journey, as captured by CCTV footage. Upon arrival, the semi-conscious victim reported the assault, prompting hospital officials to alert the police. Medical examinations and legal procedures were initiated immediately. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, leading to the arrest of both accused on July 26, 2024, with biological evidence collected by a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team. Investigators are examining the lapse of no female attendant being present during transit, which may have enabled the crime. This incident has reignited public outrage and memories of a past rape case at Gaya's Lady Elgin Hospital, now Rani Durgawati Hospital. It occurs amid a series of violent crimes in Bihar during July 2024, including the murder of a parolee convict in Patna on July 17 and businessman Gopal Khemka on July 4, with opposition parties citing these as evidence of governance failures ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.
Indian Film Industry Faces Censorship Challenges; Tamil & Malayalam Cinemas Show Resistance
India's film industry is currently navigating significant challenges related to censorship, highlighted by recent films such as 'Santosh' and 'Punjab '95' that critique established power structures. The legal thriller 'J.S.K.' encountered obstacles during certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), India's regulatory body for cinema, primarily due to concerns over potential religious sensitivities. Notably, these hurdles persisted despite the film featuring a union minister. While filmmakers increasingly resort to self-censorship to pre-empt such issues, notable resistance is emerging from regional industries, particularly the Tamil and Malayalam film sectors, indicating a wider resistance movement against restrictive censorship practices within the Indian entertainment landscape.
Schemes (1)
J&K Mandates White Aprons for Healthcare Staff After Srinagar Hospital Attack
The Jammu and Kashmir government instructed doctors and paramedical staff in public healthcare institutions to strictly wear white aprons and nameplates during duty hours, reinforcing existing norms amid rising non-compliance. This directive, issued on Saturday, follows a July 22 incident at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar where a resident doctor was assaulted by a relative of a deceased patient, sparking protests. During the protests, journalist Sufi Hidayah alleged harassment by doctors. Consequently, Health Minister Sakeena ordered an inquiry headed by Baseer ul Haq Chaudhary, Director of the National Health Mission in J&K, to investigate the events and recommend remedial measures within 15 days. Medical professionals expressed concerns that aprons could increase their vulnerability to attacks, while highlighting unaddressed core issues like excessive workloads and patient overcrowding.
Miscellaneous (2)
MP: Minor Murdered in Ratlam Village Over Social Media Link, Sparks Protests
In Mevasa village under the Namli area of Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh, a 17-year-old boy was tied to a tree, forcibly tonsured, and brutally beaten to death late on Friday night after being caught meeting a girl at a temple near her residence. The boy and girl had connected through a social networking site, and she had invited him to the location. Ratlam ASP Rakesh Khaka confirmed that four individuals, including the girl's father, were booked for murder and detained for interrogation. Police received information about the death around 2:30 am, leading SDOP Kishore Patanwala to respond promptly; the body was sent to Ratlam Medical College, where an autopsy revealed fatal fractures and internal injuries. The boy's father stated he was unaware of his son's departure and condemned the extreme violence. Angry villagers from the boy's native Kandrawasa village blocked a highway on Saturday morning, placing the minor's body on the road and demanding a public parade of the accused alongside Rs 1 crore in financial compensation for the family.
Indian Schools Test U-Shaped Seating to Bridge Frontbench-Backbench Divide
Several schools in India are experimenting with U-shaped classroom seating arrangements, inspired by a Malayalam movie, to bridge the gap between frontbenchers and backbenchers. Advocates argue this layout promotes inclusivity, boosts student interaction, and ensures equitable teacher attention. Conversely, critics contend it may compromise the distinct perspectives and creative freedom associated with traditional row-wise setups. The initiative represents a shift in classroom dynamics aimed at enhancing engagement, though its long-term impact on learning outcomes remains under observation.
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