Digest for 02 October, 2025
Government Hikes Wheat MSP by ₹160 Per Quintal for 2026-27 Season
The Union Cabinet approved a 6.59% hike in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat, raising it by ₹160 to ₹2,585 per quintal for the 2026-27 marketing year. The government also increased the MSP for other Rabi crops, including lentil, mustard, and barley, stating the decision aligns with its policy of ensuring prices at least 1.5 times the cost of production. A new mission aimed at achieving self-reliance in pulses was also approved to reduce import dependency.
Deep Depression Triggers Heavy Rains and High Alert in Odisha
A weather system in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, causing heavy rainfall across Odisha and prompting the state government to place districts on high alert. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange warnings for several districts, forecasting extremely heavy rain and squally winds gusting up to 75 kmph. The system is expected to cross the coast between Gopalpur and Paradip, with authorities deploying resources to manage potential floods and landslides.
Wife of Detained Activist Sonam Wangchuk Seeks President's Intervention
Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has written to President Droupadi Murmu appealing for his unconditional release. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act and moved to a Jodhpur jail following violent clashes in Ladakh during protests for statehood. In her letter, Angmo alleged a "witch-hunt" against her husband for his peaceful activism, described his detention as "illegal," and stated she is completely unaware of his condition or well-being.
US Government Shuts Down After Congress Fails to Pass Funding Bill
The United States government has entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to agree on a federal funding measure before the deadline. The political impasse has resulted in over 750,000 federal employees being furloughed and will disrupt numerous government services, including visa and immigration processing. The deadlock arose after Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-backed spending bill over a dispute concerning the extension of health benefits, marking the 15th such shutdown in the U.S. since 1981.
Dowry-Related Crimes and Deaths Rose Sharply in 2023, NCRB Data Shows
Cases registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act rose by 14% in 2023, with over 6,100 women killed in dowry-related incidents, according to the National Crime Records Bureau's 'Crime in India' report. A total of 15,489 cases were filed across the country. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of both cases (7,151) and deaths (2,122), followed by Bihar. The data highlights a disturbing increase in dowry-related violence against women, a crime that persists despite being outlawed for decades.