Junior Digest

Thiruvananthapuram,July 21,2025: Former Kerala chief minister and veteran CPM leader V S Achuthanandan passed away at the age of 101. Achuthanandan had been receiving treatment at a private hospital since last month following a cardiac arrest, had been in critical condition. The veteran CPI(M) leader was admitted in the hospital on June 23, 2025 after experienced breathing difficulties.
VS, as he was fondly known, was a symbol of resilience, integrity, and a century-long commitment to the working class in the State. The communist stalwart became a moral compass for the Left movement in India, and his life mirrored the evolution of communist politics in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said: “Saddened by the passing of former Kerala CM Shri V S Achuthanandan Ji. He devoted many years of his life to public service and Kerala’s progress. I recall our interactions when we both served as Chief Ministers of our respective states. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this sad hour.”
A towering figure in Kerala’s political landscape, Achuthanandan was a founding member of the CPM and served as the state’s Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011.
V.S. Achuthanandan was that rare leader who represented three significant eras of communist history. Comrade VS began his political life during India’s freedom struggle. He was at the forefront of the Punnapra-Vayalar struggle, which symbolised the communist movement against British colonialism. He was also a frontline leader in the campaigns against the princely rule in Travancore and regressive social custom such as casteism. He rose to the leadership of the Communist Party by organising farm labourers and equipping them for a historic struggle.
Mr. Arlekar said that VS was a towering figure in Indian politics and a stalwart of the Communist movement and that his demise marks the end of an era in India’s Leftist political history.
Though often sidelined within his own party for his uncompromising stands, Achuthanandan earned mass appeal for his crusades against corruption, land mafias, and nepotism.

His tenure as Kerala’s Chief Minister (2006 – 2011) at the age of 82 was marked by bold actions, including the eviction of illegal encroachments in Munnar and a renewed push for development in the IT sector. Even in his 90s, he remained a rallying point for clean politics, drawing admiration across the political spectrum.

A founding leader of the CPI(M) after the 1964 split, he was instrumental in shaping the Party’s direction both in Kerala and at the national-level. As the 11th Chief Minister of Kerala, he earned acclaim for his firm actions against land encroachments, promotion of public education, anti-corruption measures, and environmental protection. He also served as Leader of the Opposition and chaired the Administrative Reforms Commission.
In early 2002, a stretch of verdant forestland in Kerala, rich in rare flora and fauna, was quietly being devoured by encroachers. Backed by political patronage, they cleared trees, started farming, and even stationed goons to block entry — all in one of the State’s most ecologically sensitive zones.
That forest was Mathikettan Shola, a crucial part of the Western Ghats ecosystem. But an unexpected act in 2002 changed its fate.
V.S. Achuthanandan, the then 78-year-old Leader of the Opposition, undertook a physically demanding trek into the encroached terrain. His journey, a symbolic yet resolute act, catalysed a historic environmental decision. Soon after, the Kerala government declared Mathikettan Shola, a national park.
V.S Achuthanandan was at the same time a ‘rebel’ from within and a leader who took his fight forward without breaching the boundaries of discipline set by the the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

New Delhi, July 29,2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh for her remarkable triumph at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, where she not only clinched the prestigious title but also earned the title of Grandmaster.
In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “It’s been a phenomenal day for Indian Chess! Divya Deshmukh has not only won the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup but also become a Grandmaster. Congratulations to her. Her accomplishment will motivate many people and contribute to chess becoming even more popular among the youth.”

The 19-year-old Deshmukh defeated seasoned Koneru Humpy in a tense final held in Batumi, Georgia yesterday. With this win, she became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE women’s world cup and only the fourth Indian player to attain the Grandmaster title.

Mumbai, June 12,2025: The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) said that it has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch monthly electricity futures contracts.

This marks a significant milestone in deepening India’s power markets and supporting long-term structural reforms initiated under the Electricity Act, 2003.

The launch of monthly electricity futures by NSE aims to provide market participants with effective hedging tools against electricity price volatility, enable more accurate price signals in the power sector and encourage capital investments across the electricity value chain—generation, transmission, distribution, and retail.

Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, said, “This approval is only the beginning of NSE’s vision for a broader electricity derivatives ecosystem. Plans are underway to gradually introduce contracts for difference (CFDs) and other long-duration electricity derivatives such as quarterly and annual contracts subject to regulatory approvals.”

New Delhi, July 21,2025: Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from the post of Vice President of India with immediate effect citing health reasons.

In a letter posted on the Vice-President of India’s X handle and addressed to the President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar said, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution”.
Dhankhar said, “As I leave this esteemed office, I am filled with pride in Bharat’s global rise and phenomenal achievements and hold unwavering confidence in her brilliant future”.

Dhankhar in his letter expressed his gratitude to the President, for the “unwavering support and the soothing, wonderful working relationship” he shared with her.

He also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers for their “cooperation and support”.
He said, “The warmth, trust and affection I have received from all the Hon’ble Members of Parliament would ever be cherished and embedded in my memory”.

He said it was a matter of privilege and satisfaction for him to witness and partake in India’s remarkable economic progress and unprecedented exponential development during the significant period. “Serving in this transformative era of our nation’s history has been a true honour,” Dhankhar said.

Vatican,April 21,2025: Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at the age of 88, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday.
He was 88, and had suffered various ailments in his 12-year papacy.

“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

On Sunday, Pope Francis called for freedom of thought and tolerance in his Easter Sunday address.

After giving his Easter greetings to the crowd, estimated at more than 35,000 people, from the basilica’s balcony, Francis delegated the reading of his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) benediction to an associate.

“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others,” read his speech, which also condemned “worrisome” anti-Semitism, and the “dramatic and deplorable” situation in Gaza.
Pope Francis was discharged from hospital on March 23

Pope Francis was released from the hospital on March 23, after five weeks of treatment for pneumonia.

For the first time since becoming pope in 2013, Francis missed most Holy Week events, such as Friday’s Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum and Easter vigil at Saint Peter’s Basilica, where he delegated his duties to cardinals.
Francis, originally from Argentina and the first pope from the Americas, was also the first pope in more than a century to live outside the Vatican’s apostolic palace, an ornate Italian Renaissance building located next to St. Peter’s Square.

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis, who is said to have never taken holidays, followed a frenetic schedule that he had repeatedly refused to reduce, despite his advancing age and warnings from doctors to slow down.
Pope Francis, known for bold reforms that inspired many Catholics but stirred criticism from traditionalists.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, of Italian immigrant stock. He was ordained a priest in the Jesuit order in 1969. From 1973-79 he was the order’s top leader in Argentina. He became an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 and the city’s archbishop in 1998. He was made a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.

– Surprising many observers of the Roman Catholic Church, Bergoglio was elected pope at a conclave in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict. He chose to be called Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, emphasising a commitment to poverty, peace, and care for the environment.

– He was the first non-European pope in 1,300 years, the first from Latin America and the first Jesuit to hold the post. Jesuits are known for their commitment to education and social justice, including working with the poor and marginalised.
He shunned many of the traditional trappings of the papacy, preferring to live in a modern Vatican guest house rather than the grand papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace. He pared back the papal wardrobe, wore a plastic watch and chose to be driven around in a simple family car.

He soon clashed with conservatives, who were unhappy with his informal style from the start. They balked at his calls for the Church to be more welcoming to LGBT people and divorced Catholics and at his clampdowns on the use of the traditional Latin Mass.

Francis made 47 trips outside of Italy, visiting more than 65 states and territories, clocking up more than 465,000 km (289,000 miles). However, he never returned to Argentina.

Vijayawada, June 20,2025: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that additional incentives will be provided to industries and projects that invest in the state’s backward regions.

The Chief Minister emphasized that establishing industries would spur development in those regions, create employment for locals, and thereby distribute prosperity across the state.

The 7th State-Level Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and approved 19 projects worth Rs 28,546 crore in total. These investments are expected to create employment opportunities for 30,270 individuals. So far, across the seven SIPB meetings, approvals have been given to investments totaling Rs 5,34,684 crore, generating job prospects for 4,73,969 people.

The Chief Minister stressed that locals should receive the majority of jobs in the upcoming industrial projects in the state. Therefore, skill development for youth should be treated as a core policy objective.

Naidu reiterated that the coalition government is committed to balanced development across all regions of Andhra Pradesh. A plan is being drawn up to ensure that incoming investments are distributed evenly across the state.

The Chief Minister made it clear that companies allotted land must establish their units within the stipulated timeline. He instructed officials to engage in discussions with representatives of such companies. He also mentioned that MSME parks are being established in every Assembly constituency across the state, and these should be utilized to promote entrepreneurs under the ‘One Family – One Entrepreneur’ initiative.

The Chief Minister directed that details of all industries, projects, investments, and jobs created should be made available on an online portal. He suggested mapping these industries based on clusters.

Kota, July 12,2025: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said that the coaching culture was creating hindrances in realisation of the goals and targets of the National Education Policy and causing problems for coaching seeking students and their parents.

Delivering his speech at the 4th convocation of the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kota (IIIT) here today, Dhankhar said this culture has been robotising the students that in turn was causing a lot of psychological problems.

The Vice President also questioned the rationale behind the aggressive publicity campaign and highly paid advertisements in the media for the institutions.”Where is this money comming from”, he questioned.

He also made special mention about suicides by coaching-seeking students at institutions in Kota. Dhankhar said “Those students who did concede defeat in battle for the life were perhaps ignorant of opportunities which were available to them in the country in different arenas including, the space science, blue economy and cyber security”.

The Vice President called upon the coaching institutions to convert themselves into “skill centers”.

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade also addressed the passing out graduates. The State Education Minister Madan Dilawar and several dignitaries also graced the occasion.

The Vice President presented Gold Medals to toppers in different streams/courses.

New Delhi, June 28,2025: Parag Jain, the 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Punjab cadre who played a key role in Operation Sindoor, will be the new Chief of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), replacing Ravi Sinha.

Jain will take office from July one.

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Parag Jain, IPS, to the post of Secretary, Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW), under Cabinet Secretariat, for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post until further orders, whichever is earlier…” an official said.

Jain has more than two decades of experience and is currently head of the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), which played an important role in Operation Sindoor monitoring Pakistani aircraft and airspace during the operation.

He also worked in Jammu and Kashmir during the abrogation of Article 370.

New Delhi, July 7,2025: The Supreme Court on Monday said it will consider on July 10 the pleas challenging the validity of the Election Commission’s decision to conduct a comprehensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

A part-time working bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi allowed the plea of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, for an urgent hearing in the matter, and said the court will consider the matter on Thursday.

Assembly elections are due in Bihar in November. Before that, questions are being raised on the Election Commission’s decision to carry out a special and thorough revision of the electoral rolls. Apart from various political parties, NGOs have been openly protesting citing practical difficulties, including the stipulated time for the revision. They say that this could deprive a large number of voters of their franchise.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha, NGOs – Association for Democratic Reforms, PUCL and social activist Yogendra Yadav, among others, have filed separate petitions in the apex court challenging the validity of the Election Commission’s June 24, 2025 decision.

The petitioners claimed that the move was in violation of provisions of Articles 14, 19, 21, 325 and 326 of the Constitution as well as Rule 21A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and Registration of Voters Rules, 1960.

He argued that if this order was not set aside, millions of voters could be arbitrarily and without due process deprived of electing their representatives. This can disrupt free and fair elections and democracy in the country, which are part of the basic structure of the Constitution, he added.

New Delhi, July 18,25: Minister of State for Transport & Highways Harsh Malhotra today said that India’s national highways network has expanded significantly from 91,000 km in 2014 to over 1.46 lakh km today, making it the second-largest road network in the world.

Addressing the Road and Highways Summit here, Malhotra emphasised that these modern highways are not just roads but they are lifelines of progress, connecting people, industries and opportunities, an official statement said.

“By expanding the network, the government has redefined the very experience of travel — making it faster, safer and significantly more comfortable for every citizen,” he said.
The Minister also stated that in recent years road infrastructure has created 45 crore man-days of direct employment, 57 crore man-days of indirect employment and 532 crore man-days of induced employment which demonstrates the substantial impact of infrastructure projects on job creation across various sectors.
He said that the government’s spending on road infrastructure has increased 6.4 times between 2013–14 and 2024–25, with a 57 per cent rise in the budget allocation for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This, he said reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to connectivity, mobility and economic growth.
Malhotra also stated that more than 10,000 km of National Highways constructed in North Eastern Region during the past decade, which demonstrates the government’s commitment to the region.
He also highlighted the Delhi Decongestion Plan, which aims to reduce the traffic congestion and pollution in the city and would improve connectivity in the city.
He also highlighted the Delhi Decongestion Plan, which aims to reduce the traffic congestion and pollution in the city and would improve connectivity in the city.

The plan includes extension of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (NE-5) from KMPE till UER-II (NH-344M) in Delhi and Haryana, Extension of UER-II (NH-344M) near Alipur till Delhi-Dehradun Expressway (NH-709B) near Tronica City in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, construction of a road tunnel starting from Dwarka Expressway (near Shiv Murti Mahipalpur) to Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj.
He said the the Ministry is in process of developing 700+ Wayside Amenities (WSAs) by 2028-29 that offer clean restrooms, quality food, rest areas, fuel stations, and EV charging points.

Stating that the Ministry was according top priority to the road safety said, “14000 accident prone blackspots have been rectified. Minister also applauded the successful implementation of schemes like the good samaritan scheme and the cashless golden hour scheme”.
The Minister further stated that with initiatives like the Green Highways Policy and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, the Ministry has planted over 4.78 crore trees and transplanted around 70,000 trees along national highways.

He said that the Ministry has also adopted sustainable construction practices including the use of over 80 lakh tonnes of plastic waste in major projects such as UER-II and the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway. Additionally, fly ash from thermal power plants is being incorporated into highway construction, reducing the need for raw materials and lowering emissions.
“The construction of more highways is pivotal to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Every rupee invested in highway development yields a threefold return to the GDP, unlocks vast employment opportunities and opens multiple channels for revenue generation and the government is not just building roads— it is laying the foundation for a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Bharat,” he added.

New Delhi, June 26,2025: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today emphasised the importance of language in preserving a nation’s identity and cultural heritage, stating that it is not merely a means of communication, but the very soul of a nation.

“Our roots, traditions, history, and culture cannot progress without language. Just as it is important to keep languages alive, it is equally important to enrich them,” Shah said while speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Rajbhasha Department at Bharat Mandapam here.

Speaking on the government’s ongoing efforts to promote linguistic diversity, Shah highlighted the ‘Bhasha Sangam’ initiative under which students across all schools in the country are being taught 100 commonly used phrases in the 22 languages recognised by the Constitution.

He stressed that until a person takes pride in their own language, expresses themselves in it, and develops the ability to think, analyse, and make decisions in their own language, they cannot free themselves from a colonial mindset.

Reflecting on the achievements of the Department of Official Language, Shah said its 50-year journey has been shaped by struggle, dedication and determination.

He underscored the importance of conducting administrative work in Indian languages, aligning with the spirit of the nation and upholding the self-respect of these languages.

“If a country wants to function according to its own consciousness, progress based on its culture and preserves its self-respect, it is essential that its administration operates in its own languages. It was with this noble objective that the Department of Official Language was established,” he said.

Shah said over the past 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched several initiatives under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ programme. Events such as Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, Kashi-Telugu Sangamam, Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam, Shashwat Mithila Mahotsav, and Bhasha Sangam have provided platforms to strengthen national unity and celebrate India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

Present on the occasion were Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Lok Sabha MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy and others.

New Delhi, Apr 22,2025: The Supreme Court is set to hear today a plea demanding the imposition of President’s Rule and urgent deployment of paramilitary forces in West Bengal, citing ongoing communal and political violence, allegedly linked to the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Murshidabad district.

The matter was earlier mentioned for urgent listing before a Bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih on April 21, which scheduled the hearing for today.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing petitioner Ranjana Agnihotri, sought the Court’s permission to submit additional documents detailing the continuing violence in the state. He also urged for immediate invocation of Article 355 of the Constitution to ensure security and constitutional compliance.

“There is a need for immediate deployment of paramilitary forces. This matter is listed for tomorrow. I have filed an additional application seeking the invocation of Article 355,” Jain submitted during the mentioning.

The fresh intervention application was filed by Ranjana Agnihotri through Advocate-on-Record (AoR) Vishnu Shankar Jain, along with AoRs Arvind Kumar Sharma, Kunal Mimani, Prateek Kumar, Parth Yadav, and Omprakash Ajitsingh Parihar.

The plea has been clubbed with a previously filed writ petition by petitioner Shashank Shekhar Jha, which seeks a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the violence in the state.

Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh), June 10,2025: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday unveiled the statue of Maharaja Suheldev in Bahraich and also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various public welfare projects on the occasion of ‘Vijayotsav’ of Maharaja Suheldev. Addressing an event at the inauguration of Maharaja Suheldev Memorial and his 40-feet statue. Yogi Adityanath said the work of honouring Maharaj Suheldev should have been done earlier, after independence. He asked why medical colleges were not built in his name and why were universities not built in his name earlier?
Earlier in the day, CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated an exhibition at the BJP office in Lucknow as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 11 years in office. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also present.Highlighting the Modi government’s achievements in the last 11 years, UP CM Yogi asserted that good governance and welfare of the poor will be remembered as a golden era that built a developed India and a self-reliant nation.”Welcome to today’s event commemorating Prime Minister Modi’s 11-year tenure in service, good governance, and the welfare of the poor,” CM Yogi said, addressing the event.

“Modi ji’s 11-year term in service, good governance, and poor welfare will be remembered as a golden era that built a developed India and a self-reliant nation,” he added.He asserted that over these eleven years, PM Modi strengthened India’s growth on the global stage, giving the country an international identity and making it a symbol of trust. Further taking a dig at the Opposition Congress over unstable administrations, he said, “Due to Congress-led governments and other unstable administrations in the sixty-five years following independence, the common citizen’s trust was broken, and India’s global image was tarnished. But over the past 11 years, under PM Modi’s leadership, a corruption-free, appeasement-free, unified India has been realised.”He emphasised that during this period, India has forged a new identity in social welfare, good governance, economy, and security.”Government transparency and accountability towards the public have become distinguishing hallmarks. A new harmony between development and heritage has been created,” the Uttar Pradesh CM added.Stressing PM Modi’s idea of “Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas”, UP CM said that the Mantra have become the face of the government.”Now, benefits are delivered not by who someone is, but impartially–and ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (together with all, development for all) has become the new face of governance,” he added.He pointed out the steps taken by the NDA government’s action against terrorism, highlighting the recent actions during Operation Sindoor.”Now, we have changed our nature concerning our response to terrorism, which was before 2014, that India favoured peace. PM Modi, by giving a new normal, has changed the entire concept – we will live in peace with friends, but if someone imposes war on us, induces terrorism in our country and is a threat to our security, the response will be surgical strike, air strike and Operation Sindoor – we have shown it with made-in-India and the world has realised India’s strength – just a few days back,” he added.

New Delhi, April 14,2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, emphasizing that it is due to his inspiration that the country continues to strive towards realizing the dream of social justice today.
In a post on X, PM Modi asserted that Ambedkar’s principles and ideals would strengthen and accelerate the creation of a self-reliant and developed India.
“On behalf of all the countrymen, I bow down to Bharat Ratna Pujya Babasaheb on his birth anniversary. It is due to his inspiration that the country is dedicatedly engaged in realizing the dream of social justice today. His principles and ideals will give strength and momentum to the creation of an ‘Atmnirbhar’ and ‘Viksit’ India,” the Prime Minister said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch several development projects in Haryana today on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, he will travel to Hisar, where, at around 10:15 AM, he will flag off a commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and lay the foundation stone of the new terminal building. He will also address a public meeting.
At around 12:30 PM, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of development projects in Yamuna Nagar and address the gathering on the occasion.
Babasaheb’s birth anniversary is a public holiday across the country, where schools, banks and some public sector organisations remain closed.
On this day, people pay their respects to Ambedkar by offering flowers, lighting candles and organising cultural events.
Fondly known as ‘Babasaheb,’ Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the ‘Father of the Indian Constitution. ‘Ambedkar was also the first Law and Justice minister of Independent India.
Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. He was a part of active movements since 1927 against untouchability. Later, he was revered as a ‘Dalit Icon’ for his contributions towards their rights.