Important News - 2025-08-27
27 August 2025
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Economy (1)
Mohan Bhagwat Advocates Voluntary Trade and Swadeshi Amid U.S. Tariff Hike to 50%
On August 27, 2025, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a lecture at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi, emphasizing that international trade should occur voluntarily and without external pressure. His remarks coincided with the implementation of a 25% additional tariff on Indian goods by U.S. President Donald Trump, raising total U.S. tariffs to 50%. Bhagwat advocated for 'swadeshi' (domestically produced) products to foster self-reliance, clarifying that this does not mean ending imports or exports but ensuring trade is cooperative rather than coercive. He urged Indians to prioritize local goods, then those from other Indian states, and finally international products, citing practical advice such as opting for homemade lemonade over Coca-Cola. Bhagwat also addressed broader social and regional issues, calling for an end to caste discrimination by ensuring equal access to public resources and promoting the concept of 'Akhand Bharat' (Greater India), asserting shared cultural and genetic ties with neighboring countries for over 40,000 years. He emphasized India's role in supporting regional stability and growth. Additionally, for nation-building, he advised citizens to contribute by using local products, conserving resources, following laws, and fostering empathy through activities like visiting slums.
Defence (1)
Indian Air Force Conducts HADR Operations in Bastar Amid Deadly Floods
Heavy monsoon rains triggered severe flooding in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district on August 26-27, 2025, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals from Tamil Nadu. The victims, Rajesh Kumar G (43), his wife Pavithra (40), and their daughters Saujainya (7) and Saumaiyya (4), were killed when their car was swept away by floodwaters while attempting a U-turn near Kanger Valley National Park amid torrential downpours. The driver, Lala Yadu, survived by clinging to a tree for several hours. In response, the Indian Air Force swiftly launched Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations on August 26, rescuing six stranded civilians, including women and children, via helicopter in Bastar. Concurrently, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police evacuated affected areas across Lohandiguda, Darbha, and Tokapal development blocks, where over 100 villages in Bastar, Bijapur, and Dantewada districts were isolated. Dr. Gayatri Vani from IMD Raipur confirmed Sukma recorded extremely heavy rainfall, with Bastar, Dantewada, and Narayanpur experiencing very heavy rains, and forecasted a significant reduction from August 29, 2025.
Politics (4)
Assam Cabinet Streamlines Inter-Religious Land Transfer Scrutiny Process
On August 27, 2025, the Assam Cabinet, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved a streamlined procedure for granting permissions on land transfers between individuals of different religions to ensure efficient processing and timely disposal of applications. This new system mandates that all such applications be submitted to the District Commissioner, who forwards them to the Revenue Department. A designated nodal officer then sends the applications to the Special Branch of Assam Police for thorough scrutiny, which includes identifying fraud, coercion, or illegality; verifying the source of funds; assessing potential social cohesion impacts; and safeguarding national security. After examination, the proposals are returned to the government, with the District Commissioner making the final decision. The process also applies to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from outside Assam seeking land for educational or health institutions, while local NGOs are exempt. This decision follows a March 2024 state government order that temporarily restricted no-objection certificates for land sales between Hindus and Muslims. Chief Minister Sarma further stated that a policy would be developed to require his approval for land transfers specifically between Hindus and Muslims. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the closure of the Assam Plantation Crops Development Corporation Ltd, with a financial sanction of ₹6 crore for voluntary retirement schemes and closure costs.
Former BJP MLA Sanjiv Singh Acquitted in 2017 Cousin Murder Case by Dhanbad Court
On August 27, 2025, a special MP-MLA court in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, acquitted former Jharia MLA Sanjiv Singh and nine co-accused, including Jaynendra Singh alias Pintu Singh, in the 2017 murder case of his cousin Neeraj Singh, the former deputy mayor of Dhanbad. Special Judge Durgesh Chandra Awasthi delivered the verdict, citing insufficient evidence after an eight-year legal process. The murder occurred on March 21, 2017, when Neeraj Singh, along with his driver Gholtu Mahto, bodyguard Munna Tiwari, and staff Ashok Yadav, was fatally shot by assailants on NH-32 near Steel Gate. Sanjiv Singh, a two-term BJP MLA (2009 and 2014), was arrested in April 2017 and had been in judicial custody until the Supreme Court granted him conditional bail on August 8, 2025. Neeraj Singh's brother, Abhishek Singh, announced plans to challenge the acquittal in the Jharkhand High Court, leading the district administration to impose prohibitory orders around the court premises to prevent potential unrest.
Zero FIR Filed Against Suspended Kerala Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
On August 27, 2025, Kerala Police registered a 'Zero FIR' against suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, based on allegations of serial sexual misconduct. This action came after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan affirmed the government's adherence to legal procedures. Despite no specific complaints from victims, the State Police Crime Branch initiated the investigation, empowered by the Zero FIR to bypass territorial jurisdiction and allow anonymous online reporting. The probe focuses on accusations including online stalking and remote monitoring of victims, covered under Section 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which carries penalties of up to five years imprisonment for repeat offenders. Additionally, police are examining an audio clip allegedly featuring Mamkootathil coercing a woman to terminate a pregnancy, potentially violating Section 89 of BNS and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, with punishments of up to 10 years imprisonment if proven. Mamkootathil denies the allegations, claiming the audio was fabricated using AI technology. The Kerala State Women's Commission has also sought a detailed report on the case.
Assam Eviction Drive Cancelled After Voluntary Demolition by Encroachers in Nagaon
On August 27, 2025, authorities in Assam's Nagaon district called off a planned eviction drive at Jengoni in the Dhing area after alleged encroachers voluntarily demolished their structures the previous night. District Commissioner Debasish Sarma had visited the site on August 22 and appealed for peaceful land surrender. Circle Officer Sourabh Kumar Das reported that encroachers demolished 120 business establishments and 51 houses, clearing 28 bighas of government land. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the compliance via social media, emphasizing it over confrontation. Meanwhile, eviction notices were issued for seven other areas under Dhing Revenue Circle, covering 1,047 bighas. Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia petitioned the Assam Human Rights Commission, alleging human rights violations by the BJP-led state government against minorities and indigenous communities, and criticizing unauthorized use of forest land for police infrastructure.
Schemes (1)
Uttam Kumar Reddy Directs War-Footing Flood Mitigation in Telangana Using GO 45 Powers
On August 27, 2025, Telangana's Irrigation Minister, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, emphasized the urgent implementation of flood mitigation measures across the state to protect lives and property during heavy rains. Speaking at Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad, he directed officials to enhance coordination with district collectors, deploy sandbags at vulnerable points, and maintain constant vigilance at key reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure like canals and minor irrigation tanks. Reddy highlighted the use of financial powers under Government Order (GO) 45 for immediate action, including real-time monitoring of water levels and prompt repairs. In a video conference with senior Irrigation Department officials, he specifically instructed heightened alertness in Kamareddy and Medak districts, where rainfall was severe, and cited Nizam Sagar reservoir's management of 1.52 lakh cusecs inflows. The minister also mandated flood alerts for farmers in ayacut areas downstream, reviewed water management in Krishna and Godavari basins focusing on dams like Palair, Sripada Yellampalli, Mid Manair, and Lower Manair, and ordered daily progress reports from Chief Engineers to ensure accountability under Engineer-in-Chief Amjed Ullah's supervision.
Miscellaneous (3)
Illegal Building Collapse in Maharashtra's Virar Kills Mother-Daughter, Rescue Ops Ongoing
On August 27, 2025, a devastating collapse of an illegal four-storey building, Ramabai Apartment, in Virar, Palghar district, Maharashtra, resulted in the deaths of 24-year-old Aarohi Omkar Jovil and her one-year-old daughter Utkarsha, with nine others sustaining injuries. The incident occurred in a congested area, causing part of the structure to fall onto a nearby chawl (tenement house), and rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC) are ongoing amid concerns that six to seven residents remain trapped under debris. Authorities confirmed the building, constructed in 2012 and housing 50 flats (12 affected in the collapse), violated regulations, leading to the arrest of the builder following an FIR. Affected families have been temporarily relocated to Chandansar Samajmandir, where VVMC is providing essential relief such as food, water, and medical aid. The tragedy has impacted local Ganesh festival celebrations, with debris clearance progressing using machinery after initial manual efforts.
Life Imprisonment for E-Rickshaw Driver Under POCSO Act for Minor Girl's Rape and Murder in Kolkata
On August 27, 2025, the Barasat Special POCSO Court in West Bengal sentenced 22-year-old e-rickshaw driver Soumitra Roy to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1.5 lakh for the rape and murder of a 13-year-old minor girl. The crime occurred on February 6, 2025, in New Town, Kolkata, after the victim, a Class VIII student, left her home following a family argument. Roy lured the girl by promising to take her home but instead took her to a remote location in the Lohapool area, where he assaulted and killed her. The body was discovered on February 7, 2025, on a plot owned by the West Bengal Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation. Bidhannagar City Police arrested Roy on February 8, 2025, charging him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The conviction on August 25, 2025, was based on multiple evidence types, including medical reports, digital data, technical analysis, and biological samples. This case adds to concerns about women's safety in West Bengal, following similar incidents like the August 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, where a life sentence was also issued.
Dowry Death of Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida Sparks National Outrage
In a case highlighting India's ongoing struggle with dowry-related crimes, 28-year-old Nikki Bhati was allegedly set on fire by her husband and in-laws in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Married in 2016, Bhati faced persistent dowry harassment leading to her death, sparking nationwide outrage and underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of anti-dowry laws like Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code.
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