Important News - 2025-07-31
31 July 2025
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Politics (3)
Karnataka CID Finds No Evidence in Minister Rajanna's Honey Trap Allegations
The Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has concluded its probe into allegations of honey trapping made by State Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, finding no evidence to substantiate his claims. The investigation was initiated after Rajanna alleged during the Legislative Assembly session that an organized network attempted to trap him and other prominent personalities. The CID report, submitted to the Director General & Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP) for scrutiny, highlighted the absence of CCTV footage at Rajanna's residence and no relevant entries in the official visitor registry. Minister Rajanna reportedly failed to provide concrete evidence or identify any individuals involved. Opposition BJP leader R. Ashok criticized the Congress-led state government, alleging a cover-up, and demanded Rajanna either seek a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe or apologize on the Assembly floor during the forthcoming session. The findings may cause significant political embarrassment.
A.P. Minister Nara Lokesh Defends Banakacherla Project, Criticizes Telangana's 'Double Standards' on Water Sharing
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh strongly criticized political groups for allegedly instigating regional tensions and water disputes surrounding the proposed Banakacherla project, accusing them of leveraging the issue for political gain. Addressing a press conference, Lokesh reaffirmed the state government's commitment to securing all necessary clearances, including from the Central Water Commission (CWC), for the Polavaram-Banakacherla project. He argued the project aims to utilize surplus water flowing into the sea, which would otherwise be wasted, particularly during non-dry years. Lokesh questioned the objections raised against Andhra Pradesh using water flowing into its territory, drawing a contrast with Telangana's Kaleshwaram project. He highlighted perceived double standards, asking why Telangana faced no similar opposition during Kaleshwaram's construction and why Andhra Pradesh's use of water within its borders was being contested, stating, "One rule for A.P. and another for Telangana—is that justified?" His remarks position the Banakacherla project at the center of the ongoing inter-state water-sharing debate between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Congress Rebuts BRS, Affirms Speaker's Authority in MLA Disqualifications Following Supreme Court Verdict
In Hyderabad, Congress leaders Adi Srinivas (Government Whip) and MLC Addanki Dayakar dismissed BRS's interpretation of the Supreme Court verdict regarding MLA disqualifications. Dayakar clarified that the apex court upheld the constitutional authority of Telangana Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to decide disqualification petitions within three months, without judicial intervention. He accused BRS of hypocrisy, citing its history of inducting opposition MLAs—including from Congress, TDP, and CPI—during its tenure, such as making defector Sabitha Indra Reddy a minister. Srinivas highlighted BRS's 'double standards,' noting it previously absorbed over 60 elected representatives before now seeking disqualifications of Congress MLAs.
Schemes (2)
Mysuru Healthcare Boost: State and Centre Fund New ₹216 Crore Facilities Including Nephro-Urology and Endocrinology Centres
Mysuru is experiencing a substantial upgrade in its public healthcare infrastructure with the establishment of multiple new facilities on the PKTB campus along KRS Road, aimed at serving residents of Mysuru and neighboring districts. Recently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah laid foundation stones for the Institute of Nephro-Urology, costing ₹75 crore, and a Regional Endocrinology Centre, costing ₹50 crore, both fully funded by the Karnataka state government. Additionally, a Critical Care Block focused on head injury cases is being developed at ₹16 crore with 60% central funding and 40% state funding. These facilities are attached to the Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI), with the Endocrinology Centre also set to open in Kalaburagi at ₹100 crore as part of a network under the Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology and Research in Bengaluru. MMCRI Director Dr. K.R. Dakshayani highlighted that these projects will enhance treatment for conditions like diabetes and hormonal disorders. Future developments include a Centenary OPD Complex at ₹75 crore and a Peripheral Cancer Care Centre at ₹50 crore on the same campus.
Kodagu Draws 95 Lakh Tourists; Mandalpatti to be Developed Under ODOD Scheme
Kodagu district in Karnataka recorded a significant surge in tourism, attracting over 95 lakh visitors in the last two and a half years, with 43.69 lakh tourists in 2023 and 45.72 lakh in 2024. Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of Tourism, Madikeri, highlighted that 23 of the 778 destinations identified under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2020-26 are located in Kodagu, including Raja Seat, Abbey Falls, Nagarhole National Park, and Harangi Reservoir. Key developments include the selection of Mandalpatti peaks for infrastructure enhancement under the One District One Destination (ODOD) scheme via Public Private Partnership (PPP), backed by ₹50 lakh from Galibeedu Gram Panchayat pending Forest Department cooperation. The district also has 2,300 registered homestays and 150 hotels/resorts. Further initiatives involve developing water sports at Harangi Reservoir and rafting in Dubare and Barpuhole, following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's 2024-25 budget announcement. Additionally, the Tourism Department seeks approval for water sports at Honnamana Kere, and a children's mini train at Raja Seat is planned after consultation with South Western Railways engineers.
Elections (2)
Karnataka High Court Rules Eligible Cooperative Voters Can't Demand Voter Lists; Only Ineligible Voters List Mandatory Under 1960 Rules
The Karnataka High Court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, stated that eligible voting members of cooperative societies do not have the right to demand a list of other eligible voters. This decision is grounded in the Karnataka Co-operative Societies Rules, 1960, which require societies to publish only the list of ineligible voters on their notice board, not the full electoral roll. The court dismissed a petition filed by H.M. Vishwanath and three other members from various cooperatives in Tumakuru district, including primary agriculture credit societies, taluk agricultural producers cooperative marketing societies, Group C and D primary credit cooperatives, and women's self-help group cooperatives. They had sought provisional voters lists from the Tumakuru District Central Cooperative Bank in June, but the court emphasized that electoral rolls are prepared exclusively during election periods and cannot be provided upon request for campaign planning. The court advised members to identify eligible voters by referring to the publicly displayed ineligible voters list and highlighted that individuals listed as ineligible must use the rules' prescribed remedies to address grievances.
ECI Finalizes 2025 Vice-Presidential Electoral College List Post Dhankhar Resignation
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on July 31, 2025, that it finalized the electoral college list for the Vice-Presidential election following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation on July 21, which created a mid-term vacancy in India's second-highest constitutional office. As mandated by Article 324 of the Constitution and Rule 40 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, the ECI prepared the list comprising elected and nominated Rajya Sabha members and elected Lok Sabha members. The list, organized alphabetically by state/UT, will be available for purchase upon the official notification release. Additionally, the ECI appointed Rajya Sabha Secretary-General P.C. Mody as Returning Officer, and Garima Jain and Vijay Kumar as Assistant Returning Officers for the election.
Defence (2)
Kerala Enforces Restricted Zones and Patrolling for Fisherman Safety at Vizhinjam Port Under Official Secrets Act
The Kerala government has initiated comprehensive safety measures for fishermen operating near the Vizhinjam International Port's shipping channel, following high-level discussions. A meeting led by Minister for Ports V.N. Vasavan, with Minister for Fisheries Saji Cherian and key officials, addressed security agency warnings about risks to fishing vessels from large container ships (up to 400 meters long) entering and exiting the port. To mitigate dangers, the government issued an official order (S.R.O.(M.S) No.82/2025/Home dated April 24, 2025) under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, designating port operational areas—including the approach channel, anchorages, basin, and breakwater—as restricted zones. This aims to ensure navigational safety, protect maritime assets, and harmonize commercial port activities with traditional fishing. Additionally, to tackle staff shortages in the Marine Enforcement Wing and Coastal Police, the Home Department will deploy personnel for 24/7 patrolling, while Adani Port authorities will supply patrol boats. A senior official will oversee these efforts, supported by regular review meetings and awareness campaigns through announcements and notices for the fishing community.
Russia Claims Capture of Strategic Chasiv Yar, Paving Way for Donetsk Advance
On July 31, 2025, Russia declared the capture of the strategically vital town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine, representing a significant setback for Kyiv. This development underscores persistent challenges within the Ukrainian military, including severe manpower shortages and logistical difficulties, which have hindered its efforts after over three years of intense conflict. While the Ukrainian army officially denied the town's fall, intense fighting had raged for months, with Russian forces systematically advancing and heavily bombarding Ukrainian positions. Pre-war, Chasiv Yar had a population of approximately 12,000. Its capture, if confirmed, follows Russia's seizure of key adjacent positions earlier in 2024 and January 2025, and potentially opens a path for Russian advances towards major Donetsk region population centers like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Russia's stated military priority remains the complete capture of the Donetsk region, which it annexed in 2022.
Miscellaneous (1)
Thiruvananthapuram Court Sentences Man to 21 Years RI for Assaulting Elderly Woman
The Thiruvananthapuram Additional Sessions Court has sentenced 35-year-old Shafeeq, son of Sajad Hussain from Payyampally, Nedumangad, to 21 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) and imposed a fine of ₹60,000 for the sexual assault of an elderly woman residing alone. Presiding Additional Sessions Judge Shibu M.P. delivered the verdict, convicting Shafeeq, who is a known repeat offender with prior convictions for theft and violent crimes. The incident occurred on April 7, 2017, when Shafeeq broke into the victim's home at night, assaulted her, and stole her gold ornaments. Key forensic evidence, specifically fingerprints matching Shafeeq's records at the Fingerprints Bureau recovered from a jewellery box at the scene, proved crucial for the conviction since the survivor could not visually identify her attacker in the dark. The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Ajith Prasad J.K., successfully presented 21 witnesses, 41 exhibits, and 10 material objects during the trial. The investigation was conducted by then-Valiyathura police inspectors K.B. Manoj Kumar and Ashok Kumar V. Notably, Shafeeq committed further thefts even while out on bail in this case.
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