Digest for 27 September, 2025
Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Under National Security Act in Ladakh
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been arrested in Leh under the National Security Act and moved to a jail in Jodhpur. His detention follows violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, which resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries. The administration cited Wangchuk's alleged "provocative speeches" as a reason for the unrest, a claim he denies. The arrest has intensified tensions in the region, which remains under curfew with internet services suspended.
India Launches Indigenous 'Swadeshi' 4G Network for BSNL
India has launched BSNL's indigenous 4G network, commissioning over 97,500 mobile towers built with homegrown technology at a cost of approximately ₹37,000 crore. The launch marks India's entry into a select group of nations that manufacture their own telecom equipment. The new cloud-based network, which is future-ready for 5G upgrades, aims to connect over 26,700 remote, border, and left-wing extremism-affected villages, significantly boosting rural connectivity and advancing the 'Digital India' vision.
India Delivers Sharp Rebuke to Pakistan at UN General Assembly
Exercising its 'Right of Reply' at the UN General Assembly, India strongly countered claims made by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the May conflict. Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot stated that Pakistan's military had "pleaded" for a ceasefire during India's 'Operation Sindoor', which targeted terror infrastructure. India dismissed Sharif's account as "absurd theatrics" and reiterated that bilateral issues would be addressed without third-party intervention, underscoring the deep diplomatic rift between the two nations.
AFSPA Extended for Six Months in Parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh
The Union Home Ministry has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, for another six months in several areas of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, effective October 1. The notification declares these regions as 'disturbed areas' due to the prevailing law and order situation. The controversial law, which grants sweeping powers to armed forces, will remain in force across all of Manipur except for 13 police station areas, as well as in nine districts of Nagaland and specific districts of Arunachal.
Telangana Reserves 42% of Local Body Seats for Backward Classes
The Telangana government has issued an order reserving 42% of seats and positions in rural and urban local bodies for Backward Classes (BCs). This significant policy decision follows recommendations from a dedicated commission and is based on findings from the state's recent Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste (SEEEPC) Survey. The government stated the move is necessary to address the inadequate political representation of BCs, who constitute over 56% of the state's population, and aims to ensure social justice.