Important News - 2025-03-16
16 March 2025
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Miscellaneous (11)
Devotees Face Hardships Due to Poor Road Access to Rettamalai Temple
Devotees of the Ondikaruppu Temple at Rettamalai, located on the outskirts of Tiruchi near Edamalaipattipur, continue to face significant challenges due to the absence of a proper road. The temple, considered the family deity (kula deivam) by many residents of Tiruchi, Pudukottai, and other districts, attracts over 2,000 devotees daily. Despite its popularity, the temple is accessible only via a mud road, which was initially formed 21 years ago to facilitate the DMK cadres for a conference. Although the Tiruchi Corporation had promised to convert the mud road into an asphalt road, the project remains incomplete, causing inconvenience to motorists. Devotees from various localities, including Pirattiyur, Ramji Nagar, Karumandapam, Crawford, LIC Colony, and K.K. Nagar, rely on this road to reach the temple. A senior official from the Corporation has stated that plans are in place, and the project will be executed soon.
Scrap Collector Arrested for Theft of Surgical Specimens in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College
The Medical College police in Thiruvananthapuram arrested Easwar Chand, a scrap collector from Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly taking surgical specimens from the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital. The arrest followed the discovery of the lapse, and Chand claimed he was assaulted by hospital staff. Earlier, the hospital had suspended Ajayakumar, an attender in the housekeeping wing, for the same incident. Health Minister Veena George has ordered an inquiry, and the Director of Medical Education has been tasked with submitting an urgent report on the matter.
Free Eye Screening Camp Organized for Police Personnel and Families in Mayiladuthurai
A special free eye screening camp was organized for police personnel and their family members on Sunday by the Mayiladuthurai District Police, under the supervision of Superintendent of Police G. Stalin. The event was held in collaboration with Kumbakonam Agarwal Eye Hospital. Additional Superintendent of Police Jayakumar and ophthalmologist Jeevanandham from the hospital presided over the program. The camp saw participation from numerous police personnel, their families, ministerial staff from the Mayiladuthurai District Police Office, and members of the general public. Attendees were informed about the eye screening procedures and the follow-up treatments based on the test results.
Drug Bust at Kalamassery Polytechnic College: Prime Accused Arrested
On March 13, 2025, approximately 2 kg of ganja was seized from the men’s hostel of Government Polytechnic College, Kalamassery. The prime suspect, Anuraj R., a 21-year-old third-year mechanical engineering student from Karunagapally, Kollam, was arrested on March 16. Anuraj played a significant role in a wholesale and retail drugs cartel supplying drugs to students. His arrest followed the interrogation of two former students, Ashiq, 20, and Shalik K.S., 21, who were arrested on March 15 for supplying the drugs. Anuraj’s involvement included organizing a ‘donation drive’ for Holi celebrations and facilitating the drug supply. Investigations revealed the ganja was procured from West Bengal and Odisha at ₹10,000 per kg. The police also seized weighing machines and zip covers used for packing and selling ganja in smaller quantities, indicating a drug peddling network. Multiple police teams conducted the raid based on a tip-off, leading to the arrest of three students initially, including Akash, a final-year chemical engineering student from Kollam, who was found with 1.90 kg of ganja.
Forest Department Postpones Mission to Tranquillise Injured Tiger in Vandiperiyar
The Forest Department’s efforts to tranquillise an injured tiger near Vandiperiyar in Idukki, Kerala, were unsuccessful as officials failed to locate the animal on Sunday, October 15, 2023. The tiger, which had been under surveillance until Saturday evening, moved to another area, evading capture despite the use of sniffer dogs and drones. The department has postponed the mission to Monday, October 16, 2023. Kottayam Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) N. Rajesh stated that the tiger sustained a severe injury to its left hind limb, limiting its mobility and ability to hunt. Two additional cages will be installed at Hillash and Arnakkal to trap the animal. Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran assured that the tiger would be tranquillised and relocated to the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been imposed in ward number 15 of Vandiperiyar panchayat to facilitate the operation.
Kochi Police Arrest Taxi Driver with 4 kg Ganja, Register Multiple NDPS Cases
On March 16, 2024, the Nedumbassery Police and a special investigation team of the Ernakulam Rural Police arrested a 28-year-old taxi driver, Rasheed, from Nayathode, Kochi, for possessing four kilograms of suspected ganja. The narcotic substance was reportedly sourced from Odisha and was concealed in his bag in two packets. Rasheed allegedly sold the drug in smaller packets at a rate of ₹30,000 per kg. The arrest was made based on a tip-off received by District Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena and was executed by a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police T. R. Rajesh. In a related operation, teams led by Deputy Commissioners Aswathy Jiji and Juvvanapudi Mahesh conducted combing operations across Kochi, registering 27 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Additionally, the Thoppumpady police arrested Arunkumar T.K., 33, for possessing 13 grams of alleged MDMA, while the Narcotics Cell, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Salam, seized 10.45 grams of alleged MDMA from Mohammed Sanub, 33, and registered 72 cases for driving under the influence of alcohol.
DGCA Probe Finds Fuel System Blockage Caused Emergency Landing of Trainer Aircraft in Kalaburagi
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has concluded its investigation into the emergency landing of a trainer aircraft in Kalaburagi on June 25, 2023. The aircraft, a Cessna 1725 belonging to Redbird Flight Training Academy, was carrying a flying instructor and a student pilot when it lost engine power and was forced to land in an open field. The DGCA's final report identified the cause as a blockage in the inlet valve of the High-Pressure Pump (HPP) of the fuel system, which was found to be in a closed position due to metal debris. The debris did not originate from the HPP, and inspections of the fuel system revealed no abnormalities. During the flight, the instructor had attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful, leading to the emergency landing. Both the instructor and student pilot emerged unhurt. The report also noted that the pilot followed proper emergency procedures, and the handling techniques were not a contributing factor to the incident.
Chittoor Police Introduce Shakthi Teams to Combat Crimes Against Women
The Chittoor district police in Andhra Pradesh have introduced six Shakthi teams to combat crimes against women, including domestic violence, harassment, and eve-teasing. These teams will be strategically stationed across the district, with three teams in the Chittoor sub-division and one each in Nagari, Palamaner, and Kuppam sub-divisions. Each team will consist of seven police personnel, including two women, and will be led by an SI or ASI rank officer. The teams will operate in public spaces like bus stations, educational institutions, parks, and arterial junctions, dressed in civil attire to discreetly identify and apprehend offenders. Additionally, the Shakthi teams will prioritize responding to distress calls received through the Shakthi mobile app and Dial 100 and 112 services. They will also collaborate with educational institutions, voluntary organizations, and public groups to conduct awareness camps on women's safety and promote the widespread use of the Shakthi app. The initiative emphasizes visible and vigilant policing, along with community involvement, to ensure a safer environment for women. Additional SP Rajasekhar Raju highlighted the importance of immediate action against offenders and legal prosecution to maintain a secure environment for women.
Transgender Brutally Assaulted by Gang in Kalaburagi
A transgender individual named Ankita was subjected to a brutal assault by a gang of six transgenders near the Central Bus Stand in Kalaburagi on Sunday. The incident, which was captured on video and went viral on social media, involved Ankita being stripped, beaten, and having her head shaved. The altercation reportedly began after Ankita refused to share money she had collected from passersby with the gang. The victim was subsequently admitted to the Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) Hospital for treatment. The police have identified three of the accused as Sheela, Mala, and Bhavani and are actively pursuing their arrest.
Excise and Cyber Police Remove 61 Instagram Accounts Promoting Drug Use
In a major crackdown on online content promoting drug use, the Excise and Cyber Police collaborated to remove 61 Instagram accounts that were found glorifying substance abuse. The operation was initiated by M.V. Shilparaj, a public activist and cyber cadet under the Union Home Department, along with Srinivas Pai, an engineer and technician from Kanhangad. These accounts were actively sharing videos featuring dialogues and music from popular movies, subtly normalizing drug consumption. Shilparaj highlighted that such content could negatively influence children and young adults, fostering a dangerous acceptance of drug use. The Excise Intelligence Bureau launched a district-wide surveillance initiative, which further strengthened the crackdown. Srinivas Pai played a key role in assisting cyber authorities with technological insights, leading to the submission of a detailed report to law enforcement agencies. Ankit Ashokan, the police cyber operations chief, confirmed that legal notices were issued to Instagram, resulting in the removal of the accounts and their inaccessibility in India. Authorities have also implemented stringent measures to prevent the spread of narcotic substance promotion on social media platforms and will continue monitoring the situation.
Diarrhoea Outbreak Among Tobacco Workers in East Godavari District
In East Godavari district, 25 cases of diarrhoea have been reported among tobacco workers from 12 villages in Gopalapuram mandal over a span of two days, beginning on Saturday. The affected individuals were engaged in tobacco harvesting and exhibited symptoms of diarrhoea. As of Sunday, 19 patients have been discharged from the Gopalapuram Primary Health Centre (PHC), while six remain under treatment. The villages of Gopalapuram, Peddagudem, Venkatayapalem, and Vellachintalagudem have reported the highest number of cases. In response, the Medical and Health Department has initiated a special survey to identify new cases of diarrhoea and fever in the area.
Schemes (3)
₹1,000 Crore Allocated for AMRP Canal Repairs to Ensure Water Supply for Farmers
Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy announced that the Alimineti Madhav Reddy Project (AMRP) main canals and distributaries will undergo lining and repair work at a cost of ₹1,000 crore. On Sunday, the Minister inspected the irrigation water situation at Mailasamudram lake in Kanagal mandal, which falls under the AMRP ayacut. He stated that out of 2.20 lakh acres under AMRP, 2.15 lakh acres have been brought under cultivation. Reddy assured farmers that water would be provided until the last acre for harvest, urging them not to dig ditches in canals or install motors to ensure equitable water distribution. He also highlighted that cultivation in the district increased by one lakh acres this year, with more paddy expected.
UTF Leaders Call for Cautious Implementation of Model Primary School Scheme
Progressive Democratic Front (PDF) MLC K. S. Lakshman Rao emphasized the need for cautious implementation of reforms in the primary education sector during a State conference organized by the A.P. United Teachers’ Federation (UTF). While acknowledging the necessity of reforms, Rao highlighted disagreements with the government on specific components. He discussed the government’s plan to establish 13,325 model primary schools, each with five classrooms and five teachers, in every panchayat. Rao urged the government to consider budget constraints and implement the scheme in a phased manner, ensuring that existing schools are not adversely affected. He also proposed upgrading upper primary schools with over 60 students to high schools and reducing teachers’ workload caused by multiple apps. UTF State president N. Venkateswarlu advocated for the appointment of School Assistants for upper primary classes and the continuation of Plus-2 high schools. Additionally, UTF State general secretary K.S.S. Prasad demanded the immediate constitution of the 12th Pay Revision Commission (PRC), 29% Interim Relief, and the release of pending DA, along with the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for pre-2004 employees.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Advocates for Workplace Safety at National Safety Week Rally
On March 16, 2024, Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Labour and Factories, Vasamsetti Subhash, emphasized the need for enhanced workplace safety during the 54th National Safety Week rally in Kakinada. He urged public sector units and industrial facilities to strengthen safety measures. During the event, the minister also released the book 'Safety of Workers in Rice Mills,' published by the Rice Mills Association of the erstwhile East Godavari District. Representatives from major industries such as the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Coromandel Group, and Gemini Group participated in the rally, highlighting the importance of worker safety across sectors.
Politics (9)
Opposition Demands Debate on EPIC Duplication and Delimitation in Parliament
The Opposition has reiterated its demand for a parliamentary debate on the alleged duplication of Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers and delimitation issues. While the government has yet to provide assurances on scheduling these discussions, the Opposition has emphasized its willingness to adhere to procedural rules set by the government. In the upcoming parliamentary sessions, the Lok Sabha is set to discuss the functioning of the Ministries of Jal Shakti, Railways, and Agriculture. Additionally, the Rajya Sabha will address the functioning of the Ministries of Health and Home Affairs, along with discussions on the Manipur Budget and Appropriation Bills. The Opposition has also expressed interest in debating topics related to the Indo-China standoff and U.S. tariff rates, though the government has not confirmed these subjects for discussion.
Uttar Pradesh Village Protests Vandalism of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Statue and Name
Tensions escalated in Katiki village, Firozabad district, Uttar Pradesh, after the name of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was erased from the village entrance gate and his statue was vandalized. The incident, which occurred under the Rajawali police station limits, has sparked outrage among the Dalit community, leading to protests demanding the restoration of the gate and the statue. Nagina Lok Sabha MP Chandra Shekhar Aazad condemned the act, calling it an insult to Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals and contributions to the nation. He accused the administration of inaction and alleged government connivance in the incident. Aazad demanded the immediate reinstallation of the statue, restoration of Dr. Ambedkar’s name on the gate, and strict action against the accused under the SC/ST Act. The incident has gained significant attention on social media, with videos of the gate’s name being erased widely shared.
Bandi Sanjay Kumar Opposes Removal of Potti Sreeramulu’s Name from Telugu University
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticized the Telangana State government’s reported decision to remove the name of freedom fighter Potti Sreeramulu from the Hyderabad-based Telugu University. Speaking on the occasion of Potti Sreeramulu’s birth anniversary in Karimnagar on Sunday, Kumar described the move as an insult to the great patriot and Gandhian. While acknowledging the contributions of Suravaram Pratap Reddy to the Telugu language, Kumar emphasized that removing Sreeramulu’s name was unacceptable. He urged the government to restore the freedom fighter’s name to the university and questioned whether the government would also remove the names of other prominent figures like NTR, Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, and Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy from public places. Kumar made these remarks after receiving a memorandum from the Arya Vysya Association seeking his intervention in the matter.
Vijayendra Highlights Yediyurappa's Statewide Leadership, Criticizes Karnataka Budget
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra emphasized that former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa is a leader for the entire state of Karnataka, not just the Lingayat community. Speaking at the inauguration of the Sri B.S. Yediyurappa Kalyan Mantap in Maradi Nagalapur village, Belagavi district, Vijayendra highlighted Yediyurappa's contributions to the state's development and his advocacy for farmers and the rural poor during his four terms as Chief Minister and as Leader of Opposition. Vijayendra also criticized the Karnataka State Budget, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of appeasement policies and creating community conflicts by reserving government contracts for Muslims, which he deemed unconstitutional. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the budget, stating that Muslims are eligible for reservation under OBCs. Vijayendra further accused the Congress government of neglecting North Karnataka and failing to fulfill promises like the ₹50,000 crore irrigation project for the Krishna basin. He also congratulated Mangesh Pawar and Vani Vilas Joshi on their election as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Belagavi, urging them to foster unity among linguistic communities.
D.K. Shivakumar Defends Minority Reservation in Karnataka Government Contracts
Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, on Sunday defended the provision of a 4% reservation for minorities, particularly Muslims, in government contracts, stating that such welfare measures are the government's duty and cannot be labeled as appeasement. This statement came in response to allegations by BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, who termed the quota anti-constitutional. Shivakumar challenged the BJP to appoint minority members to significant political positions, such as MLC, Rajya Sabha, or Union Cabinet, questioning their commitment to the slogan 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.' He emphasized that minority communities are integral citizens of India, and both Central and State governments have a constitutional obligation to implement schemes for their development. Shivakumar also referenced the works of Kuvempu, highlighting India's diversity and the need for communal harmony.
Mallikarjun Kharge Accuses BJP of Delimitation Conspiracy Against South India
AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the BJP of conspiring to reduce the political influence of South India through the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. Speaking at the inauguration of the birth centenary celebrations of Krishnagouda Hanumanthagouda Patil, a former Minister and Congress leader, Kharge claimed that the BJP aims to decrease the number of parliamentary seats from the South while increasing those from North India by approximately 30%. He urged political leaders to unite against this perceived injustice, emphasizing the need for non-partisan collaboration in state development. Kharge also criticized the Union government for neglecting the education sector, highlighting the significant number of vacant teaching positions in central educational institutions, such as Navodaya Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and central universities. He pointed out that over 90,000 government schools under the Central government have been closed, with 50,000 in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar alone. Additionally, Kharge revealed that over 13,000 SC/ST students in central universities have been deprived of scholarships and called for the re-establishment of these scholarships. He also requested the K.H. Patil foundation to provide scholarships to at least 100 students annually. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Law and Tourism Minister H.K. Patil, government chief whip Salim Ahmed, and former MLA D.R. Patil.
Government Moves to Cancel Property Transfers to Protect Abandoned Elderly Parents
In response to a growing trend of elderly parents being abandoned in hospitals after their children claim their properties, Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil has directed Revenue Department officials to cancel wills or property transfers to protect senior citizens. This measure aims to prevent the mistreatment of the elderly and ensure accountability under the Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The issue gained attention after reports surfaced of over 150 senior citizens being deserted at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) and similar cases in other medical institutions across the state. BIMS had to relocate 70 elderly individuals to retirement homes, while others remain hospitalized. The matter was also raised in the Legislative Council, where it was noted that children often bring their parents to hospitals under the guise of health concerns and then abandon them. Dr. Patil has urged medical institute directors to file complaints and emphasized that Section 23 of the Act allows elderly parents to cancel property transfers if their children neglect or abandon them. The government is taking steps to ensure justice for abandoned senior citizens and hold their children accountable.
BRS Challenges CM Reddy’s Claims on State Debt and Krishna Water Allocation
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has accused Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of spreading false information regarding the state’s debt, borrowings, Krishna water allocation, and crop loan waivers during a session in the Legislative Assembly and Council on Saturday. BRS leader T. Harish Rao, addressing a press conference on Sunday, refuted the Chief Minister’s claims by citing Reserve Bank of India (RBI) statistics. According to Rao, the total loans borrowed under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) limits until March 31, 2024, amounted to ₹3,89,673 crore. He also highlighted that borrowings under FRBM limits were ₹72,658 crore as of June 2, 2014, and ₹3,01,897 crore between June 2, 2014, and December 7, 2023. Additionally, government guarantees serviced during the same period totaled ₹1,15,599 crore, bringing the combined FRBM loans and government guarantees to ₹4,17,496 crore, significantly lower than the ₹6.69 lakh crore claimed by Reddy. On the Krishna water issue, Rao clarified that water utilization was based on existing projects in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with a temporary arrangement in place post-bifurcation. He also criticized Reddy for allegedly supporting YouTube channels while in opposition and now opposing them when they target him.
Kerala State Information Commission Faces Backlog of Over 5,000 Appeal Petitions
As of January 31, 2025, the Kerala State Information Commission (SIC) has a backlog of 5,066 appeal petitions and 1,662 complaint petitions, according to data obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by activist Raju Vazhakkala of Kakkanad. The SIC, which comprises six members including Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) V. Hari Nair, provided detailed information on the number of cases handled by each member. CIC V. Hari Nair, who assumed office on March 5, 2024, disposed of 376 appeal petitions and 78 complaint petitions. Abdul Hakkim A., who joined on August 5, 2022, addressed 1,796 appeals and 641 complaints. K. M. Dileep, appointed on March 21, 2023, resolved 2,183 appeals and 798 complaints. Sreekumar M., Sonichan P. Joseph, and Ramakrishnan T. K., all of whom assumed their roles on June 28, 2024, disposed of 253, 228, and 174 appeal petitions, respectively, along with 25, 71, and 23 complaint petitions. The data highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing the backlog of cases before the SIC.
Census (1)
Krishnasamy Demands Caste Census for Equitable SC Reservation in Tamil Nadu
Puthiya Tamilagam party president K. Krishnasamy has called for a caste-based census among Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Tamil Nadu to ensure equitable implementation of reservation policies. Speaking to the press in Tiruchi on Sunday, Krishnasamy highlighted that while former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi introduced 3% reservation for Arundathiyars, primarily benefiting non-Tamil speaking Arundathiyars, other SC sub-castes like Devendrakula Vellalars did not receive similar benefits. Citing the Supreme Court’s endorsement of internal reservation, he urged the state government to conduct a detailed census of the 70-odd SC sub-castes. To advocate for this, the party has planned a rally, protest, and public meeting in Tiruchi on May 17. Krishnasamy also criticized the DMK government for failing to fulfill key election promises, such as scrapping NEET, rolling back the new pension scheme, reducing property tax, and providing cooking gas subsidies. Additionally, he accused the DMK of opposing the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) for electoral gains, despite many party leaders sending their children to schools following the same system.
Elections (1)
Activists Urge Early Conduct of Mysuru City Corporation Elections
A delegation of activists from the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Election Struggle Committee met Mysuru district in-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa on Sunday, urging the early conduct of MCC elections. The delegation, led by retired University of Mysore professor Nanjaraj Urs, submitted a memorandum highlighting the civic issues arising due to the absence of an elected council for over a year and four months. Problems such as inadequate drinking water supply, poor underground drainage repairs, road maintenance, and garbage disposal were emphasized. The activists stressed that local body elections are a constitutional right and should not be delayed further. Minister Mahadevappa assured that the proposal for creating a Greater Mysore City Corporation (GMCC) is under discussion and no hasty decisions would be made. The activists also criticized the delay in local body elections despite the State Election Commission's readiness, attributing it to the finalization of reservations. The memorandum expressed concern over the reluctance of both ruling and opposition parties to transfer power to local representatives.
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