Important News - 2025-08-22
22 August 2025
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Defence (1)
India and France Partner for Indigenous Jet Engine Production; HAL Secures ₹66,000 Crore Tejas Order
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on August 22, 2025, in Delhi that India has entered a strategic collaboration with French aerospace company Safran to jointly manufacture advanced jet engines. This partnership, a cornerstone of India's self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) initiative in defence, aims to bolster the fifth-generation fighter aircraft program and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers by establishing engine manufacturing capabilities within India. Singh emphasized that this move would address a critical technological gap and expedite the development of indigenous fighter jets. Additionally, he revealed that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) secured an order worth ₹66,000 crore for 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, supplementing a prior order of 83 Tejas jets valued at ₹48,000 crore. Inviting global defence firms like Airbus (currently partnered with Tata for C295 production), Singh highlighted India's 'Make in India for the World' vision. He also referenced Pakistan's Army Chief's recent remarks contrasting the Indian and Pakistani economies, reiterating India's resolve to protect national security as demonstrated by 'Operation Sindoor'.
World Affairs (1)
PM Modi to Attend India-Japan Summit and SCO Meeting in China During August 2025 Visit
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on August 22, 2025, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a four-day diplomatic visit to Japan and China commencing on August 29, 2025. The first leg includes a two-day stay in Japan, where he will participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit on August 29–30, marking his eighth visit to the country as Prime Minister. During this summit, PM Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will review the bilateral Special Strategic and Global Partnership, focusing on enhancing cooperation in defence, security, trade, economy, technology, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges, while addressing key regional and global issues. The MEA emphasized that this visit aims to strengthen the enduring friendship between the two nations. In the second leg, PM Modi will travel to Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). On the sidelines, he is expected to engage in bilateral meetings with multiple world leaders. India has been an SCO member since 2017 and held the presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State from 2022 to 2023.
Schemes (4)
Kannur Launches First Kudumbashree Gender Brigade in Azhikode for Disaster Relief Training
The inaugural Kudumbashree Gender Brigade in Kannur district was launched at Azhikode grama panchayat in Kerala, under the Kudumbashree district mission. This initiative, a collaboration between the Azhikode Community Development Society (CDS) and the Gender Resource Centre, focuses on training women for disaster relief operations to enhance community resilience. Brigade members are skilled in rescue work, emergency medical aid, psychological support, relocating people to relief camps, and managing sanitation and food distribution in disaster-affected areas. In the initial phase, CDS members form the core team, with future expansions to include neighbourhood and auxiliary volunteers. The brigade was inaugurated by panchayat president K. Ajeesh, and psychologists conducted a session on 'Psychosocial care through art therapy in disaster situations' to build capacity.
Tribal Council Alleges False FRA Compliance in Great Nicobar Project Clearance
The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar and Great Nicobar has formally complained to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, alleging that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration falsely certified in 2022 that forest rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 were 'identified and settled' for tribal communities. This certification facilitated forest clearance for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Island Project, which includes a transhipment port, airport, power plant, and township across 13,075 hectares of forest land. The council clarified that no FRA rights settlement process was initiated, and they never consented to the project, directly contradicting the administration's August 2022 certificate issued by the Nicobar District Deputy Commissioner. The administration previously cited the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act (PAT), 1956 to avoid FRA implementation, raising legal ambiguities in land diversion procedures. The project faces scrutiny from the National Green Tribunal and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes over consent violations and environmental impacts. The Tribal Council emphasized that affected Nicobarese villages and the vulnerable Shompen tribe were excluded from consent processes.
Operation Soundarya Leads to Fines on Firms for Counterfeit Cosmetics
The State Drugs Control Department launched Operation Soundarya to ensure the availability of safe and quality-assured cosmetic products in the market. As part of this regulatory initiative, two firms were recently penalized for selling counterfeit items. In a 2024 case, the Judicial First Class Magistrate in Taliparamba imposed a fine of ₹20,000 on Hazar Trading LLP for distributing misbranded cosmetics. Similarly, the Payyannur Judicial First Class Magistrate fined Gulfi Shoppy ₹40,000 for similar violations. To date, this operation has addressed four fake cosmetic brands, underscoring ongoing efforts to curb the sale of spurious goods.
Rayalaseema Authorities Guarantee Kharif Fertilizer Supply, Crack Down on Hoarding
District administrations in the Rayalaseema region have reassured farmers of sufficient urea and chemical fertilizer supply for the ongoing Kharif season, while pledging strict action against hoarding and black marketing. Following a review meeting with Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, Nandyal Collector Rajakumari Gania urged farmers to avoid panic buying, highlighting that current fertilizer stocks exceed Kharif 2024 levels. She emphasized allocations will match actual needs, discouraging stockpiling for the Rabi season. The state increased Markfed's distribution share to 70% and enhanced vigilance efforts. Separately, Annamayya District Collector Sridhar Chamakuri instructed Agriculture Department officials to ensure uninterrupted availability at all Rythu Seva Kendras, warning of licence cancellations for dealers diverting stocks. Mandal-level inspection teams were formed to combat field-level malpractices.
Elections (1)
Telangana Congress PAC to Finalize Local Body Poll Dates and 42% BC Reservations Amid High Court Ruling
A joint meeting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) and the Advisory Committee of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) is set to convene on Saturday, with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and other key members in attendance. The primary agenda includes finalizing the dates for upcoming local body elections and addressing the implementation of 42% reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) in these polls, following a recent High Court judgment on electoral matters. Discussions will also cover challenges arising from the central government's non-clearance of state assembly bills that mandate the 42% BC quota, alongside strategies for the Jubilee Hills assembly by-election, the All India Congress Committee's (AICC) 'Vote Chori, Gaddi Chod' agitation campaign across Telangana, the urea shortage issue, and the filling of vacant party positions.
Politics (1)
Kerala High Court Curtails Police Protection Misuse Under Article 226 to Preserve Resources
The Kerala High Court, through a Bench led by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, emphasized that police protection must be reserved solely for matters involving genuine threats to law and order or serious issues, as misuse for trivial concerns diverts limited police resources and hampers essential duties. The court highlighted that routine orders for protection under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution—which allows High Courts to issue writs for fundamental rights enforcement—should not be granted without real apprehension, as this shifts focus from critical law and order challenges. In a specific ruling, the court directed the immediate withdrawal of police protection provided to a couple embroiled in a civil dispute, reinforcing the need for efficient resource allocation in policing.
Miscellaneous (2)
Minor Detained for Murder of 10-Year-Old Girl in Kukatpally, Hyderabad (August 2025)
On August 22, 2025, police detained a minor boy in connection with the murder of a 10-year-old girl in Kukatpally, Hyderabad (Telangana). The accused, a Class 10 student residing near the victim, confessed to the crime that occurred on August 18, 2025. According to Balanagar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) K. Suresh Kumar, the boy entered the girl's home intending to steal a cricket bat but attacked her with a knife when she spotted him and tried to alert neighbors. The victim was alone at home due to a week-long school holiday. Her father, Krishna, discovered the body upon returning from work and finding the door bolted. Police investigations continue, with a formal arrest announcement pending.
Coimbatore Govt School Sexual Harassment Probe Launched After Student Video Allegations
The Coimbatore District (Rural) Police, the Tamil Nadu School Education Department, and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) have launched a joint investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by two teachers at a government school near Coimbatore. Three girl students, appearing with masked faces in videos circulated on messaging platforms on Friday, accused a music teacher of inappropriate touching during dance practice and a botany teacher of inappropriate physical contact under the pretext of encouragement. They also alleged that another male teacher frequently attended school under the influence of alcohol. The students disclosed that they resorted to public videos due to the school authorities' inaction and feared informing parents, which might disrupt their education. A separate audio note from a Class X student revealed prior warnings about the teachers' behavior and her motive to protect her sibling. Superintendent of Police K. Karthikeyan confirmed the ongoing probe, noting that police teams, including an Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime against Women and Children), a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and women Inspectors, had interviewed approximately 50% of the female students by Thursday evening, despite no formal complaint being filed. Chief Educational Officer R. Balamurali added that the District Educational Officer is conducting an inquiry, while the DCPU is organizing counselling sessions for all students pending further action.
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