Important News - 2025-08-01
01 August 2025
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Defence (1)
Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet Conducts Bilateral Exercise with Philippines in Manila to Boost Indo-Pacific Security
The Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet, commanded by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), arrived in Manila, Philippines, with warships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan as part of its operational deployment in South East Asia. This visit aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and security ties between India and the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region. Upon arrival, personnel from the Philippine Navy welcomed the fleet, and Rear Admiral Menon highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to regional stability and maritime security during interactions with local media. The deployment includes a bilateral maritime exercise focused on joint manoeuvres and communication protocols to enhance operational preparedness, mutual trust, and synergy between the navies. This engagement underscores India's strategic maritime outreach, coinciding with Philippines President Bongbong Marcos's scheduled state visit to India from August 4 to August 8.
Schemes (3)
Andhra Pradesh Reservoirs Near Capacity: Nagarjuna Sagar at 95.5% After Robust Monsoon Inflows
Reservoirs across Andhra Pradesh are experiencing substantial inflows due to the ongoing monsoon season, reaching a combined water storage of 738.76 Thousand Million Cubic feet (tmc) as of the latest update. This represents 73.56% of the total capacity of 1,004 tmc across major, medium, and minor reservoirs. Key reservoirs show significant levels: Srisailam on the Krishna River holds 201.58 tmc (gross storage), just below its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 269.750 metres, with live storage at 198.16 tmc. Nagarjuna Sagar Project (NSP) is notably high at 95.50% of its capacity, storing 298.01 tmc. Pulichintala project holds 40.49 tmc, and the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada is at full capacity (3.07 tmc). Srisailam is receiving major inflows, primarily from upstream releases at the Jurala and Sunkesula projects, totalling an estimated inflow of 3,17,980 cubic feet per second (cusecs). Authorities are actively managing levels by discharging 3,20,841 cusecs. This includes releases for hydropower generation (65,592 cusecs via Right and Left Power Houses), irrigation canals (Pothireddypadu Head Regulator - 35,000 cusecs, HNSS Canal - 3,225 cusecs, Mylavaram Canal - 1,600 cusecs), and spillway releases (2,15,424 cusecs via eight gates raised 10 feet). Safety protocols are strictly enforced amid forecasts of continued rainfall in catchment areas.
Group Captain Shukla: ISS Mission Insights Key to India's Gaganyaan Success
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the privately organized Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), emphasized that insights from his 18-day mission would significantly advance India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. During a virtual press conference from Houston on July 15, 2024, Shukla—one of four astronauts selected for Gaganyaan—revealed he meticulously documented mission activities as instructed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting this data would be critical for India's indigenous space ambitions. As the Ax-4 pilot alongside Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), Shukla conducted seven microgravity experiments for Indian researchers and participated in over 60 scientific studies. He highlighted the mission's success in inspiring Indian students during ISS outreach sessions and confirmed experimental samples were shipped to India for analysis. Post-mission, Shukla completed a week-long rehabilitation program to counter microgravity effects, reporting full recovery readiness for future space endeavors.
Telangana's New Fee Reimbursement Policy for SC Students Sparks Admission Denials
In Telangana, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former IPS officer R.S. Praveen Kumar has accused the Congress-led state government of unjustly requiring Scheduled Caste (SC) students to pay full fees upfront for engineering courses, contrary to previous practices. Historically, the government reimbursed tuition and maintenance fees for SC students, allowing colleges to admit them without immediate payment. However, new guidelines implemented this academic year mandate that reimbursements be deposited directly into students' bank accounts. Consequently, colleges now demand full fees at admission, leading to denials for many SC students who secured seats through the Engineering, Agriculture and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test (EAPCET) but cannot afford the upfront cost. Praveen Kumar questioned this policy, noting the presence of Dalit leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Assembly Speaker G. Prasad Kumar, and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge in the government, and highlighted that other reserved categories continue to benefit from the earlier reimbursement process.
Politics (4)
Ernakulam MLA Appeals to Kerala CM for Extended STP Installation Deadline Under Pollution Laws
Ernakulam MLA T.J. Vinod has formally requested Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to intervene and extend the deadline for installing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in apartment complexes near the Thevara-Perandoor and Edappally canals. This appeal comes after the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) issued notices to 71 apartment complexes, demanding the setup of adequate wastewater treatment facilities within seven days, as mandated by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The notices warned that non-compliance could lead to the disconnection of electricity, water, and other essential services. Vinod emphasized that the one-week deadline is impractical, as installing STPs may require up to 12 months due to procedural delays, including the PCB's lack of a list of recognized agencies for STP implementation. He noted that some complexes had initiated the installation process after receiving notices last month but need more time. Additionally, Vinod clarified that STP norms were not enforced when these apartments were constructed, and owners had relied on occupancy certificates issued by the Kochi Corporation. He urged authorities to provide a reasonable extension while withholding disconnection measures.
Kerala High Court Seeks MoEFCC Stance on Sabarimala Ropeway Project Through Periyar Tiger Reserve
The Kerala High Court has directed the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to clarify its position regarding the proposed ropeway project at the Sabarimala temple. Acting suo motu based on findings submitted by an advocate commission, a division bench comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar specifically sought details on the feasibility of constructing the ropeway, noting its planned route passes through the ecologically sensitive Periyar Tiger Reserve. The court expressed concerns about the project's environmental impact, practical necessity, and the lack of clarity on the final route, contrasting it with the Palani cable car system where no tree felling occurred.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George Probes Missing MPLAD-Funded Equipment Amid Urology Department Controversy
A controversy has emerged at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where the state government issued a show-cause notice to Dr. Haris Chirakkal, the Head of the Urology Department, for publicly criticizing systemic failures in patient care through social media. Health Minister Veena George clarified that the notice is a routine procedural step under the Government Servants' Rules of Conduct, 1960, and not a punitive action. However, she disclosed that an experts' committee, constituted to examine the issues raised, uncovered an alleged theft or disappearance of medical equipment from the Urology department. This equipment was procured using ₹20 lakh from the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund. The committee recommended a detailed departmental inquiry into the incident. Dr. Chirakkal denied any missing equipment, asserting full accountability as department head, and questioned the committee's findings since they did not inspect the operating theatre where the equipment is stored. He welcomed an investigation and viewed the show-cause notice as standard protocol.
CPI(M) Demands Government Appeal Against Acquittal in 2008 Malegaon Blasts Case
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] expressed dismay and deep disappointment over the acquittal of all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case, as announced by a special court on July 31, 2025. In a statement issued on August 1, 2025, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau criticized the verdict, calling it a case of undue delay and denial of justice to victims of terrorism linked to an extremist Hindutva group. The blasts occurred on September 29, 2008, in Malegaon, Maharashtra, resulting in six deaths and nearly 100 injuries. Key accused included former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Pragya Singh Thakur and former Indian Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit. The CPI(M) highlighted that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously stated the attack aimed to terrorize Muslims and incite communal tensions, with the accused allegedly receiving support from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP. The verdict followed a statement by Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament asserting that no Hindu could be a terrorist. The CPI(M) demanded that the government appeal the NIA court's decision to ensure justice for the victims.
Festivals (1)
AP Revives Gandikota Festival with ₹78 Cr SASCI Funding; Plans Heli-Rides and ₹500 Cr Tourism Projects
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has announced the revival of the 'Gandikota Utsavalu' (Gandikota Festival) to be held grandly on December 26 and 27, 2024, aiming to promote Gandikota—renowned as India's Grand Canyon—as a global tourist destination. During a tourism investors' meeting at Gandikota, the CM outlined plans to develop the area into an anchor tourism hub, leveraging its natural gorge and 13th-century Kakatiya-era temple. A ₹78 crore investment under the central government's Special Assistance for Capital Infrastructure (SASCI) scheme will fund infrastructure upgrades. Proposed enhancements include star hotels, ropeway facilities, boating, sound-and-light shows, a glass-bottom walkway, and heli-rides launching in September for aerial views of the gorge. Additionally, caravan tourism and eco-friendly tent cities will attract visitors from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation signed ₹500 crore worth of tourism projects with partners including EaseMyTrip and Hilton Hotels. Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, spiritual sites like Tirupati, Mantralayam, Ahobilam, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Borra Caves will also be developed.
Awards (1)
Malayalam Cinema Secures Four National Film Awards 2023; Urvashi and Vijayaraghavan Win Supporting Actor Honours
The National Film Awards for the year 2023 were declared, with Malayalam cinema winning four honours. Urvashi was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film 'Ullozhukku', and Vijayaraghavan won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in 'Pookkaalam'. 'Ullozhukku', directed by Christo Tomy, received the Best Malayalam Film award. Art director Mohandas Pallakkotti earned Best Production Design for recreating the 2018 Kerala floods in the movie '2018', while Midhun Murali secured Best Editing for 'Pookkaalam'. This marks Urvashi's sixth Kerala State Film Award, establishing a record. A special mention was also given to M.K. Ramdas for the documentary 'Nekal-Chronicle of the Paddy Man' in the non-film category.
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