On July 25, 2025, several significant developments took place in India, spanning electoral processes, defense operations, international relations, trade agreements, legislative actions, health concerns, and social issues.

Summary:

1. Electoral Roll Update:

   • The Election Commission of India announced that nearly 66 lakh voters are unlikely to be included in the draft electoral roll set for publication on August 1, 2025. This is pertinent to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, with July 25 being the last day for submission of enumeration forms.

2. Defense Readiness:

   • Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan reaffirmed the importance of continuous military preparedness, emphasizing during his comments on Operation Sindoor that “there are no runners-up in war.”

3. India-Maldives Relations:

   • Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu expressed gratitude towards India for its “pivotal role” in assisting the Maldives with its economic challenges. Both leaders have defined a roadmap for future cooperation.

4. India-UK Trade Agreement:

   • The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK is projected to enhance foreign direct investment (FDI) in India. Key to this is a local sourcing norm stipulating that only domestically produced goods qualify for tariff reductions under the agreement.

5. Legislative Concerns in West Bengal:

   • West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose returned the Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024 to the state government for reconsideration, focusing on concerns related to the death penalty provisions.

6. Covid-19 Vaccination and Health Impact:

   • Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda reported that COVID-19 vaccinations do not affect the risk of heart attacks. He added that data concerning heart attack occurrences is not retained centrally.

7. China’s Maritime Ambitions:

   • The Indian government remains vigilant regarding China’s aims of becoming a leading maritime power. The Centre confirmed to Parliament its monitoring of developments in the Indian Ocean Region that affect India's security and economic interests.

8. Citizenship for Displaced Persons:

   • A significant milestone was achieved as 185 displaced persons from Pakistan received Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. These individuals, many of whom have lived in districts such as Rajkot, Morbi, and Kutch for years, received their citizenship documents in Rajkot.

9. Political Commentary:

   • Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning if he would consider retirement at age 75, as suggested by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

10. Inquiry into Shootout Incident in Jammu:

    • Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, called for an inquiry concerning the recent killing of a 21-year-old during a reported shootout, amplifying demands from citizens and political factions.

Important Sentences:

• The Election Commission reported nearly 66 lakh voters may not make it to the draft electoral roll.
• General Anil Chauhan emphasized that military readiness is paramount with ongoing Operation Sindoor.
• President Muizzu recognized India’s crucial support during the Maldives’ economic crisis.
• The CETA aims to boost FDI by mandating domestic sourcing for tariff benefits.
• Governor Bose raised reservations about the death penalty in the Aparajita Bill.
• Minister Nadda clarified COVID vaccination's ineffect on heart attack risk and lack of centralized data.
• The Indian government is closely monitoring China's maritime activities for their implications on security.
• 185 displaced persons received Indian citizenship facilitated by the CAA.
• Congress leader Kharge questioned PM Modi’s potential retirement age.
• An inquiry into the killing of a youth in Jammu has been called for by CM Omar Abdullah.

These points encapsulate the main developments and concerns reflected in the news article dated July 25, 2025.

In a notable advancement in the field of inclusive education, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), along with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), executed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement focuses on amending school curricula to incorporate education on disability rights early in a student’s schooling, aligning with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

Key Highlights:

• Objectives of the MoU:

  • Reform school curricula to include foundational teachings on disability rights.
  • Foster early awareness on the inclusion of disabled persons, aiming for societal changes in perceptions and architectural practices.

• Issues in Urban Planning:

  • Despite legal frameworks such as the RPwD Act, 2016 and the Unified Building By-laws (UBBL) in Delhi, accessibility remains inadequate.
  • A 2016 audit reported that:
    • 30% of government buildings in Delhi lacked ramps.
    • 82% of public toilets were found to be inaccessible.
    • 94% of healthcare facilities were not disability-friendly.

• Education Gaps:

  • Training in disability inclusion is lacking in engineering and architecture programs.
  • Prestigious institutions like IIT Delhi and the School of Planning and Architecture do not prioritize inclusive design in their core curricula.
  • Sections 40 and 44 of the RPwD Act clearly mandate accessible infrastructure, but practical application is deficient.

• Legal Framework and Compliance:

  • The Supreme Court ruling in Rajive Raturi vs Union of India (2024) ruled that accessibility standards must be enforced mandatorily.
  • Although penalties for non-compliance with the RPwD Act exist (fines ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹5 lakh), enforcement remains inconsistent and superficial.
  • The Delhi High Court in Nipun Malhotra vs GNCTD (2018) highlighted the lack of sensitization among authorities regarding disability rights, citing inadequate training as a contributing factor.

• Need for Educational Reform:

  • The DEPwD's MoU should catalyze further structural transformations in professional education across architecture, engineering, and urban planning.
  • Accessibility must be integrated as essential training rather than treated as elective or supplementary.

• Public Accountability and Future Directions:

  • There is an urgent need to enhance public accountability frameworks for those involved in construction and design to instill genuine adherence to accessibility provisions.
  • The DEPwD is seeking public comments on a new draft for the Built Environment Accessibility Rules, targeted for implementation by May 2025, integrating feedback to improve the existing bureaucratic frameworks.

Conclusion:

The effort spearheaded by the DEPwD underscores the need for a systemic overhaul in educational practices concerning disability inclusion, aiming to embed accessibility into the core of professional training. This approach advocates for a comprehensive educational base that equips future architects and engineers with not only technical skills but also a deep-seated understanding of the importance of designing inclusive spaces. Only through such foundational education can tangible change be achieved in creating a truly accessible built environment.

Important Facts:

• MoU signed between DEPwD, NIOS, NCERT for curriculum reform.
• RPwD Act, 2016 enshrines the rights of persons with disabilities.
• Supreme Court judgment emphasizing mandatory compliance with accessibility norms.
• Significant gaps in training engineers and architects regarding accessibility.
• Future reforms in education crucial for effective implementation of existing laws on accessibility.

On July 21, 2025, Asif Khan was acquitted by the Bombay High Court in connection with the 2006 Mumbai train blasts and was released from Pune's Yerwada jail after 19 years of imprisonment. His case underscores the challenges—including delays in justice—that have profound effects on individuals and families.

Key Facts about the 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts:

• Date of Incident: July 11, 2006
• Nature of Incident: A series of seven bomb blasts in first-class compartments of suburban local trains in Mumbai caused considerable casualties—187 fatalities and 824 injuries.
• Event Timeline: The explosions occurred between 6:23 p.m. and 6:29 p.m.

Legal Proceedings:

• Asif Khan was arrested when he was 33 years old, leaving behind a young family: a wife and three children aged 2, 4, and 6 years.
• Investigation resulted in seven FIRs across various police stations, later consolidated.
• Investigation Agency: The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra.
• Charges and Trial: A total of 13 people were identified as accused, with trials occurring under special legislation including the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999, and the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.
• The trial also noted two deaths of accused during proceedings.

Impact on Family:

• Asif's family faced dire economic circumstances due to his imprisonment; his mother, Husna Bano, and wife, Nishat, had to rely on borrowed money for survival. Nishat worked as a tailor to support the family.
• Husna expressed the emotional turmoil of losing Asif for nearly two decades, highlighting the grief caused by the prolonged wait for justice and the impact on family life.

Emotional Reunion:

• The emotional reunion took place in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, marked by disbelief and sorrow, particularly due to the recent loss of a newborn family member.
• Husna reflected on the changes in her family's dynamics and community over the years of Asif's absence.

Acquittals and Subsequent Challenges:

• Asif had earlier faced accusations linked to terrorist organizations, including being associated with the Students' Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). He was acquitted of all charges relating to these cases before the Bombay Bench (Aurangabad) in 2020 but remained imprisoned due to the train blasts case until the recent ruling.
• Asif’s childhood friend, Parvej Khan, also acquitted in the SIMI case, continues to face stigma and social ostracization as he struggles to regain his footing in life.

Broader Context:

• This case highlights systemic issues in the justice delivery system, particularly concerning terrorism-related prosecutions.
• It reflects the socio-economic ramifications of prolonged judicial processes on families caught within legal challenges.
• The case exemplifies societal tendencies to stigmatize individuals associated with terrorism, complicating reintegration post-acquittal.

Conclusion:

Asif Khan’s release after 19 years signifies a critical juncture in his life, yet it also brings to light the significant emotional and societal hurdles that he and his family must navigate. The need for timely justice and support for affected families is paramount in such high-stakes legal scenarios.

Important Points:

• Asif Khan was acquitted after 19 years of wrongful imprisonment.
• The 2006 Mumbai blasts claimed 187 lives and injured 824.
• The legal proceedings involved seven FIRs and special provisions under MCOCA and the NIA Act.
• Husna Bano expressed the pain of prolonged injustice and the familial struggles during Asif's absence.
• Social stigma continues to affect individuals even after acquittal from terrorism-related charges.

On July 23, 2025, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), raised significant concerns during a public meeting regarding the ongoing security situation and governance in J&K. His remarks come in light of a terrorist attack in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed on April 22, 2025. Choudhary questioned the effectiveness of the Union government's governance over J&K for the past 11 years, highlighting issues of security and corruption under central rule.

Key Points:

• The Pahalgam terror attack resulted in 26 civilian deaths on April 22, 2025.
• Choudhary criticized the Union government's inability to maintain security and curb corruption despite its long-standing governance.
• Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah emphasized the need for the "silent majority" to advocate for the restoration of J&K's Statehood.
• Abdullah also criticized electoral practices in Bihar, stating that certain communities are being disenfranchised.
• Congress MP Manish Tewari referred to a Supreme Court judgment which suggested that while the abrogation of Article 370 was legally valid, the procedure used for it was flawed.
• Sajjad Kargili from the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) expressed discontent over the J&K Reorganisation Act, calling for its reversal and citing threats to land rights.
• Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to J&K, was abrogated on August 5, 2019, leading to the bifurcation of the region into two Union Territories: J&K and Ladakh.
• Assembly elections in the Union Territory of J&K took place in September 2024, but the restoration of Statehood, an assurance from the Union Government to the Supreme Court, has not yet been fulfilled.
• Former Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai criticized the Supreme Court for not addressing Statehood restoration directly in its judgment.

Summary of Events and Context:

• The ongoing discourse around Statehood reflects a deep-seated political sentiment in the region, as local leaders call for restoration amid persistent concerns over security and governance.
• The Supreme Court's statements regarding Article 370's abrogation reflect a complex legal landscape where the procedure is called into question while upholding the final outcome.
• The remarks about disenfranchisement in Bihar reveal broader concerns about representation and civil rights in various regions of India.
• The historical context of the abrogation of Article 370 remains critical as it impacts the socio-political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir, raising questions around governance, representation, and regional autonomy.

This meeting and accompanying statements highlight the multifaceted issues concerning Statehood, governance, electoral integrity, and regional security in Jammu and Kashmir that continue to resonate at both state and national levels.