Important News - 2025-03-15
15 March 2025
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Miscellaneous (4)
University of Madras Postpones Graduation Ceremonies Due to Certificate Delays
The University of Madras has directed eight of its affiliated colleges to postpone their graduation day ceremonies until further notice due to administrative delays in issuing degree certificates. The university conducted its 166th convocation on September 24, 2024, and began distributing degree certificates in January 2025. However, as of March 12, 2025, certificates for undergraduate, postgraduate, and M.Phil programs had not been issued to 79 of the 131 affiliated colleges. The affected colleges include Shri Krishnaswamy College for Women, New Prince Shri Bhavani Arts and Science College, St. Thomas Arts and Science College, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chevalier T. Thomas Elizabeth College for Women, Patrician College of Arts and Science, J.H.A. Agarsen College, and Government Arts College, Nandanam. A college principal revealed that the delay was due to a shortage of paper for printing certificates. On March 15, the university announced that certificates for students who graduated in November 2022, April 2023, and November 2023 would be issued within the next week. University Registrar S. Elumalai stated that the postponement was necessary due to delays in certificate verification by the administration.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma Advocates Dharma Rajya at Brahma Kumaris Jurists Conference
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, speaking at the National Jurists Conference organized by Brahma Kumaris at the Global Peace Auditorium, emphasized the concept of 'Dharma Rajya' as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi. He stated that such a governance model would be rooted in the rule of law, values of Dharma, and principles of right thinking, action, service, and compassion. The Governor praised the selfless service of Brahma Kumaris and urged professionals, including advocates and doctors, to adhere to the core philosophies of their fields. Supreme Court Judge S.V. Bhatti advised advocates to focus on inner peace and emotional intelligence, while Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court highlighted the importance of integrating spirituality with professional practice. Other judges from the Telangana and Madhya Pradesh High Courts were also present at the event.
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police Arrest Key Accused in ₹55 Lakh FedEx Fraud Case
The Cyber Crime wing of Hyderabad City Police arrested Mohammed Zubair Ahmed, 31, the main accused in a large-scale FedEx digital arrest fraud case. The accused, who was operating from Dubai, was taken into custody upon his arrival at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) based on a Lookout Circular (LOC) issued against him. He was subsequently produced in court and remanded to judicial custody. The case came to light following a complaint filed in July 2024 by a Hyderabad resident. The complainant received a call on July 24, 2024, from a number claiming to be associated with FedEx Courier Company, Mumbai. The caller alleged that a package booked under the complainant’s Aadhaar ID was seized by customs officials due to the presence of illegal items, including multiple passports, credit cards, laptops, clothing, and 130 sheets of LSD. The complainant was then connected to individuals posing as Mumbai police officers via a Skype video call, where they coerced him into transferring ₹55 lakh to obtain a police clearance certificate. Following an investigation, Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police registered a case and traced the fraudulent transactions to multiple bank accounts managed by the accused. Mohammed Zubair operated several bank accounts from his associates, identified as Mir Razzak Ali alias Junaid (A3), Mohammed Sayeed (A4), Zubair (A5), and Dastagiri Shah (A6), all based in Tolichowki, Hyderabad. Operating from Dubai, Zubair and his associate, Sadiq (A2), withdrew fraudulently obtained funds and evaded law enforcement agencies. During the probe, authorities found that Zubair and Sadiq had operated 52 bank accounts from their associates, through which significant financial transactions were conducted. According to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) data, 124 cases have been registered across India against these accounts, including 23 cases in Telangana alone.
Forest Department Plans to Dart Injured Tiger in Idukki for Treatment at Periyar Tiger Reserve
The Forest Department is intensifying efforts to dart an injured tiger that has caused panic among residents of Granby, near Vandiperiyar, in the Erumeli forest range of Idukki. The tiger, which sustained a severe injury to its left hind limb, has been unable to hunt or move from the area. On March 16, 2025, the department attempted to capture the animal using a cage at Vedikkuzhi, but the tiger did not enter it. The department plans to dart the tiger and shift it to the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady for treatment. A forest veterinary team, led by PTR assistant veterinary officer R. Anuraj and assistant forest veterinary officer N. Anumod of the Kottayam Division, attempted to dart the animal until 7 p.m. on Saturday, but low visibility forced them to postpone the mission to Sunday morning. Earlier, residents reported sightings of the tiger near human settlements, where it allegedly attacked domestic animals. The tiger was also spotted near the Government Lower Primary (LP) school on Tuesday. Forest officials from the Erumeli range and the Rapid Response Team (RRT) are closely monitoring the animal's movements.
Politics (4)
Citizen Groups Oppose Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024, Seek Governor's Intervention
Opposition to the Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Bill 2024, which was passed in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, is intensifying. The Bengaluru Town Hall, a citizen group formed to draft a shadow master plan for the city, has decided to meet the Governor on Sunday to submit a letter urging him not to give his assent to the Bill until it is amended to ensure constitutional validity. The group held an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss the Bill, expressing concerns over the speed of its passage and its potential to centralize power under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), which would override other local bodies. Actor and activist Prakash Belawadi highlighted that the Bill violates the 74th Amendment of the Constitution by replacing elected representatives with state-appointed officials. The Citizens Action Forum (CAF) also plans to submit a letter to the Governor on Monday and is preparing a legal challenge if the Bill is assented to. The Bill, which aims to establish the GBA and split the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into multiple corporations, has faced criticism for allowing MLAs to nominate members to ward committees, a provision later modified to a lottery system based on suggestions from the Upper House.
Karnataka Introduces 4% Reservation for Muslims in Government Contracts to Address Backwardness
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended the Karnataka government's decision to introduce a 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts under the 2B category of the Other Backward Classes (OBC). The amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, approved by the State Cabinet, aims to address the backwardness within the Muslim community. Singhvi clarified that the reservation is based on socio-economic backwardness, not religion. He also addressed the BJP's opposition, stating that the party is free to challenge the decision in court. Additionally, Singhvi expressed concern over the potential reduction in Lok Sabha seats for southern states during the proposed delimitation exercise, urging the central government to involve all stakeholders. He also commented on the Congress party's recent electoral losses, attributing them to the BJP's use of resources and alleged misuse of central agencies.
CM Revanth Reddy Criticizes KCR’s Minimal Assembly Attendance Despite Drawing ₹57.84 Lakh Salary
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, on Saturday, criticized BRS chief and Leader of the Opposition K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) for drawing a salary of ₹57,84,124 from December 2023 to February 2025 while attending the Assembly for only two days. The Supreme Court has clarified that MLAs are considered government employees, and KCR’s minimal attendance has raised concerns. Reddy sarcastically questioned if there was a ‘Work from Farmhouse’ concept, referring to KCR’s absence. Additionally, Reddy dismissed BRS claims that the Congress government had created a debt of ₹1.50 lakh crore in 15 months, clarifying that ₹88,591 crore was spent on principal repayments and ₹64,768 crore on interest payments, leaving only ₹4,682 crore as new debt. He also highlighted that the BRS government left the state with a debt of ₹8,19,151 crore when it handed over power to the Congress.
Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao Sent on Compulsory Leave Amid Gold Smuggling Probe
K. Ramachandra Rao, Director-General of Police (DGP) of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation and stepfather of actor Ranya Rao, has been placed on compulsory leave starting Saturday. This decision follows allegations of his involvement in the misuse of police protocol services during a gold smuggling case. Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold through Kempegowda International Airport. An inquiry committee, headed by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, has been investigating the case and issued a notice to Mr. Rao to record his statement. Meanwhile, Additional Director-General of Police K.V. Sharath Chandra has been given concurrent charge as chairman and managing director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation. Ranya Rao's bail plea, dismissed by the Special Court for Economic Offences on Friday, is set to be reconsidered by the City Civil and Sessions Court on Monday. The DRI is also probing her financial transactions and shell companies suspected to be linked to illegal activities.
Schemes (2)
Begumpet Railway Station’s ₹38 Crore Redevelopment Nears Completion Under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Development works worth ₹38 crore at the Begumpet railway station in Hyderabad are nearing completion and are set to be inaugurated soon. Union Minister of Coal & Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, inspected the ongoing works on Saturday and announced that the station will be entirely managed by women. The redevelopment includes a new station building with an improved façade, platform surface upgrades, a 12-meter-wide foot overbridge, escalators, lifts, booking counters, signages, and a waiting hall. Additionally, the station is being developed as an eco-friendly green railway station, equipped with a water recycling plant to support its greenery. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), 40 railway stations across India are being redeveloped, with the Begumpet station being one of them. The Minister also highlighted that Telangana received a railway budget allocation of ₹5,337 crore for the financial year 2025-26, with works worth ₹39,300 crore, including electrification, new lines, doubling, and tripling, currently in progress. Notably, the railway network in Telangana is now 100% electrified, and a ‘Kavach’ research institute will soon be established in Secunderabad. The indigenously developed ‘Kavach’ technology, aimed at enhancing railway safety, will be implemented across the nation’s railway network.
Swarnandhra-Swachh Andhra Initiative Promotes Cleanliness and Plastic Reduction
As part of the Swarnandhra-Swachh Andhra initiative, district collectors from Prakasam, Nellore, and Tirupati actively engaged with the public on Saturday to promote cleanliness and reduce single-use plastic. Prakasam district Collector A. Thameem Ansaria emphasized the importance of public cooperation in achieving zero-waste markets and highlighted efforts to replace plastic with cloth and jute bags. She also mentioned the conversion of vegetable waste into compost and the role of women in self-help groups (SHGs) in reducing plastic usage. In Nellore, SPSR Nellore district Collector O. Anand and Municipal Commissioner Surya Teja conducted awareness campaigns at Tadikala Bazaar Centre and Vikrama Simhapuri University (VSU), encouraging community service through the National Service Scheme (NSS). Similarly, Tirupati district Collector S. Venkateswar urged citizens at Town Club Circle to adopt the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ principle to create a plastic-free environment. The Swachh Andhra program aims to expand its efforts to ensure cleaner surroundings across the state.
Economy (3)
KPTCL Faces Challenges in Monetizing Assets Through InvITs Amid Tariff Instability
The Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) is facing significant challenges as it plans to introduce private entities into the state’s transmission network through Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs). InvITs are investment vehicles that allow investors to buy and operate infrastructure projects, such as transmission lines or substations, for regular income through dividends. However, tariff instability, governed by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), poses a major hurdle. KPTCL requires KERC’s approval to include its Regulatory Tariff Mechanism assets in InvITs. Additionally, delayed payments from electricity supply companies (escoms), averaging 1 to 1.5 years, further complicate the plan. To address liquidity risks, KPTCL has proposed setting up an escrow account for escoms’ payments. The corporation plans to monetize 20% of its ₹20,000 crore assets, potentially generating ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 crore in investments. This capital could be used to expand transmission infrastructure in Karnataka. KPTCL has initiated discussions with POWERGRID Infrastructure Investment Trust (PGInvIT) to achieve its asset monetization goals. Experts suggest that while this model is new, merging the five escoms and KPTCL into a holding company could have provided a larger asset base and helped clear debts, which currently stand at ₹40,000 crore.
Kerala Inaugurates Pattikkad-Vilanganur Stretch of Hill Highway Under KIIFB Funding
The Pattikkad-Vilanganur stretch of the hill highway was inaugurated on Saturday by P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Public Works, Kerala. This 5.414 km stretch, constructed at a cost of ₹19.3 crore, is the first completed section of the hill highway in Thrissur district. Funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the 793-km hill highway is being developed in phases, with 250 km expected to be completed by 2025. The project is part of a broader infrastructure development initiative, which also includes the construction of coastal highways and six-lane national highways, with a total investment of ₹5,580 crore. The hill highway aims to enhance regional connectivity and boost tourism and education sectors. Minister K. Rajan, who presided over the inauguration, emphasized the government’s comprehensive development approach and highlighted plans to extend the highway to other areas in the future.
TGSRTC Leases Land Parcels to Boost Revenue
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has initiated a revenue-generation strategy by leasing out multiple land parcels across the state. These properties, totaling at least 20, include significant locations such as the Khammam New Bus Station (1 acre and 31 guntas), Turkayamjal-2 Depot (6 acres and 9 guntas), Zonal Workshop in Karimnagar (4 acres and 13 guntas), and a parcel in Sircilla (1 acre and 37 guntas). The leased land can be used for Grade A warehouses, logistics companies, automobile service centers, showrooms, convention centers, hotels, or resorts, but not for educational institutions or hostels. The lease term is set at 25 years, with an option for a five-year extension. This move is part of TGSRTC's broader efforts to monetize its land assets and attract anchor tenants, following similar initiatives in the past.
Elections (1)
TMC Alleges BJP Plans to Manipulate West Bengal Voter List Ahead of 2026 Assembly Polls
Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee held a virtual meeting with party leaders on Saturday, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to manipulate the voter list in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Banerjee claimed the BJP intends to remove 25 lakh genuine voters and add 25 lakh fake voters. He referenced similar issues in Maharashtra, where opposition parties failed to detect voter list fraud. Banerjee announced the appointment of electoral roll supervisors at various administrative levels, including districts, blocks, panchayats, municipalities, and booths, to ensure house-to-house verification of voter lists. The meeting followed a March 11 delegation of TMC MPs to the Election Commission, raising concerns about duplicate Electoral Photo Identification Card (EPIC) numbers. Meanwhile, the BJP has also raised discrepancies in the voter list, alleging the inclusion of Bangladeshi nationals. Banerjee emphasized the need for unity within the party to secure victory in the upcoming elections.
Awards (1)
Tushar Gandhi Receives Gandhi Chair Award 2023 at Calicut University
Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, was honored with the Gandhi Chair Award of 2023 by the Chair for Gandhian Studies and Research at Calicut University. The award ceremony took place on Saturday, where Tushar Gandhi emphasized the importance of preserving India's secular framework and criticized the rise of authoritarian and sectarian forces. He stated, 'I will be an enemy of the state to preserve the secular Indian state,' highlighting Kerala's role in upholding secular values. The event was presided over by R. Surendran, a visiting professor at the Chair for Gandhian Studies and Research, and attended by university officials including Vice Chancellor P. Raveendran and registrar Dinoj Sebastian.
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