Important News - 2025-03-21
21 March 2025
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Miscellaneous (9)
AAIB Launches Comprehensive Probe into IndiGo Tail Strike Incidents
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into all tail strike incidents involving IndiGo aircraft, following a recent incident in Chennai. On March 8, 2025, an IndiGo Airbus A321 Neo aircraft (registered as VT-IBI) from Mumbai experienced a tail strike during landing at Chennai airport, marking the sixth such incident in two years. The same aircraft was previously involved in a tail strike on September 9, 2024, and was grounded for over five months for maintenance. The AAIB is examining factors such as training lapses, air crew profiling, and procedural deficiencies. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had earlier imposed a ₹30 lakh penalty on IndiGo in July 2023 for four tail strikes within six months, citing systemic issues in operations, training, and engineering procedures. Airbus has also provided inputs to the ongoing investigation. The AAIB aims to release a detailed report soon.
Autorickshaw Driver Arrested for Impersonating Police Officer and Robbery in Bengaluru
The Jayanagar police have arrested an autorickshaw driver named Asif, a resident of R.T. Nagar, for allegedly impersonating a police officer and committing multiple robberies. Asif targeted couples sitting in parks and cars by the roadside, threatening them and stealing their valuables. On March 5, 2024, a couple in Jayanagar became victims when Asif knocked on their car window, threatened them, and stole their belongings. The couple later filed a complaint with the Jayanagar police. During the investigation, police used technical evidence to arrest Asif, who is suspected to be involved in at least 19 similar cases. Authorities have recovered around 80 grams of gold ornaments from the accused. Lokesh B. Jagalasar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Division), Bengaluru, has urged other potential victims to come forward and report similar incidents to their nearest police station.
Honey Bee Attack at Thiruvananthapuram Collectorate Raises Safety and Ecological Concerns
A sudden honey bee attack at the Thiruvananthapuram Collectorate has raised significant safety concerns and sparked a debate on ecological balance. The incident occurred during a bomb threat search operation, which disturbed multiple beehives, resulting in over a hundred people, including staff, police personnel, and journalists, being stung. Authorities, with the assistance of the Forest department, have since removed the beehives and relocated them to safer environments. Deputy Collector (Disaster Management) Sreekumar G. confirmed that an emergency meeting was convened by the District Collector to implement measures for hive removal and periodic inspections to prevent future occurrences. The incident has also highlighted the presence of beehives in other public offices across the district, such as Nedumangad and Kadakkavoor, prompting the public to exercise caution. Forest officials have expressed concerns over the ecological impact of mass hive destruction, emphasizing the vital role of honey bees as pollinators in the urban ecosystem. Traditional bee handlers from Peringamala and Kottoor have been enlisted to assist in the removal process using traditional methods. The situation underscores the need for better maintenance of public office premises to avoid such incidents in the future.
Osmania University Professors Invited to University of Western Australia for Academic Collaboration
Prof. B. Vijaya, Head of the Department of English and Director of the Centre for Australian Studies at Osmania University, along with Prof. Parimala Kulkarni, Chairperson of the Board of Studies in English and Coordinator of the Centre for Australian Studies, have been invited to the University of Western Australia (UWA) in Perth. From March 22 to April 3, 2025, they will deliver lectures and engage in collaborative research under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Osmania University and UWA. This visit aims to strengthen academic ties and explore opportunities for student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, twinning programs, faculty fellowships, and student scholarships. Prof. Vijaya, who also serves as the Director of the Office of International Affairs at Osmania University, will focus on enhancing international academic collaborations.
Rescue Operations Intensify at Srisailam Tunnel; Debris Excavation Nears Completion
The rescue operation at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel is intensifying as authorities aim to complete debris excavation between D1 and D2 points by Saturday morning. This effort is crucial to locate the remaining seven individuals trapped since February 22. Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Singareni miners, Rathole miners, technicians from the South Central Railway, HYDRAA, and the Army, are involved in the operation. Excavators are being used for muck removal, while water jets expose buried metal components, which are then cut into pieces and removed via loco-trolleys. The conveyor belt is operational up to 13.600 km inside the tunnel. Additionally, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) is being dismantled, and continuous dewatering is ensuring the safety of rescue personnel. A review meeting was held at the site, attended by District Collector Santosh Badavath, Col. Parikshit Mehra, and other officials, with Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management) Arvind Kumar monitoring progress virtually from Hyderabad.
Action Sought Against Unregistered Wayside Shops Linked to Drug Trafficking in Kozhikode
Local action committees in Kozhikode have raised concerns about unregistered wayside shops along the Thamarassery-Wayanad road, suspected of being involved in drug trafficking and substance abuse. These shops, originally opened as eateries and juice parlors, are now poorly maintained and allegedly serve as meeting points for anti-social activities. The committees have been monitoring these shops, frequented by migrant workers and students. Earlier, some eateries were shut down following inspections by Food Safety squads, but many others remain operational. Complaints have also emerged about the sale of banned pan masala products. Despite earlier searches by local body squads, these efforts were halted due to staff shortages. Nearly 70 shops are operational between Thamarassery and Lakkidi, with several operators previously held for hygiene violations. In response to recent drug-related murders, local grama panchayats have formed surveillance squads and expanded CCTV coverage. Police are considering a special drive to crack down on illegal trade, with plainclothes officers deployed in suspected areas.
Southern Regional Conference of Indian Pharmacological Society Kicks Off at ICMR-NITM
The Southern Regional Conference of the Indian Pharmacological Society (SRCIPS-2025) commenced with a pre-conference workshop on Friday at the ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine (ICMR-NITM) in Belagavi. Organized by the Maratha Mandal Group of Institutions in collaboration with ICMR-NITM, the three-day event, themed 'Shaping the Future of Pharmacology – Trends and Insights for Tomorrow,' aims to enhance the research capabilities of young researchers and health professionals from interdisciplinary fields. The workshop focused on advanced tools, techniques, and experimental methods, training 120 young researchers to explore newer horizons in pharmacology. Prakash Diwan, the Organising Chairman, emphasized the broader goals of the event, while Banappa Unger, Scientist ‘E’, coordinated the sessions as Organising Secretary. The event concluded with Director Subarna Roy distributing certificates and highlighting ICMR-NITM's commitment to bridging gaps in health research.
Gang Abducts Taxi Driver, Extorts ₹20 Lakh in Kalaburagi
A gang in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, abducted Mallayya Swamy, a taxi driver, on March 13, 2023. The gang, led by Ambreesh, tortured him and forced him to withdraw ₹20 lakh from his bank account. The incident occurred after the gang discovered Swamy had recently deposited ₹30 lakh. They coerced his wife, Lakshmi, into leaving a blank cheque at a specified location, which was later used to withdraw the money. The gang threatened Swamy with dire consequences if he reported the crime. Swamy was later admitted to Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) for treatment. A case has been registered at Farhatabad police station, and the couple has demanded the arrest of Ambreesh and his gang members.
Southern Railway Announces Redevelopment of Kumbakonam Station by June-End
Southern Railway’s General Manager R.N. Singh announced that the redevelopment of Kumbakonam Railway Station will commence by the end of June 2024. The project, sanctioned at a cost of approximately ₹100 crore, involves complete renovation and modernization of the station. The bidding process is underway, and the work is expected to be completed by December 2027. Additionally, Singh reviewed the progress of modernization works at Villupuram, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, and Thanjavur railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. At Mayiladuthurai, 87% of the ₹13.21 crore project has been completed, with an expected finish by April-end. Similarly, the ₹13.85 crore modernization of Thanjavur station is 83% complete and is also slated for completion by April. Singh conducted a window trailing inspection from Villupuram to Thanjavur, monitoring track conditions, overhead electrification, and safety parameters, and concluded his visit with a speed trial test between Ponmalai and Villupuram.
Awards (1)
GEC Student Wins 16th TCS TechBytes Mysuru Regional Finals
H.D. Purushotam, a student from Government Engineering College (GEC), Hassan, emerged as the winner of the Mysuru regional finals of TCS TechBytes, an annual quiz contest aimed at enhancing IT knowledge among engineering students. The runner-up was Hemanth R. from Jyothy Institute of Technology, Bengaluru. This marked the 16th edition of the event, with the winner receiving gift vouchers worth ₹12,000 and the runner-up receiving vouchers worth ₹10,000. All finalists were also awarded gift vouchers. TCS TechBytes is a campus outreach program designed to improve students' understanding of IT and prepare them for the technology-intensive industry. The regional finals were conducted across six cities in Karnataka: Mangaluru, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Hubballi, Tumakuru, and Bengaluru. The winner will represent Mysuru at the state finals, scheduled for April 8 in Bengaluru. Haraprasad Dean of JSS Science & Technology University and Sunil Deshpande, regional head of TCS Bengaluru, were among the dignitaries present at the event.
Politics (2)
BJP Accuses Congress of 'Contract Jihad' Over Karnataka Reservation Bill
On March 21, 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress party of engaging in 'contract jihad' in Karnataka. BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that the Congress passed a Bill in the Karnataka State Assembly granting 4% reservation to the Muslim community in government contracts. Patra argued that this move was politically motivated and an infringement on the rights of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He further alleged that the Congress was using appeasement tactics to achieve its political goals, drawing parallels to historical events leading to India's partition. Patra also criticized the Karnataka Budget for its provisions favoring the Muslim community, including a ₹6,000 monthly allowance for Imams, ₹50,000 marriage assistance, and ₹1,000 crore for the development of Muslim colonies. He stated that these decisions were unconstitutional and would be challenged in court.
Civil Society Organisations Urge Government to Preserve RTI Act Amid Amendment Concerns
Over 30 civil society organisations, including the National Council for People’s Right to Information (NCPRI), have urged the Union government to halt the dilution of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The amendment passed in 2023, which is yet to be implemented, would significantly restrict the information that government agencies are required to disclose. This amendment removes the proviso under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, which previously allowed the disclosure of personal information if it served public interest. Activists argue that this amendment, introduced through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), 2023, would hinder social audits and transparency. Organisations like the Article 21 Trust, the Center for Financial Accountability, and the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative have joined the call to preserve the RTI Act. The Union government has cited the Supreme Court’s recognition of personal privacy as a fundamental right as a justification for the amendment, but activists and former Central Information Commissioner M.M. Ansari have strongly criticized this stance, emphasizing the importance of the proviso in maintaining a balance between privacy and public interest.
Schemes (6)
Government Awards ₹1 Crore to Zoho for Developing Indigenous Web Browser Ulaa
In a significant move towards digital self-reliance, the Union Government awarded Zoho Corporation, based in Tenkasi, a ₹1 crore prize on March 20, 2025, for developing an indigenous web browser named Ulaa. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance India’s internet resilience and cybersecurity. The browser must trust India’s root certifying authority, established under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, to ensure secure and encrypted connections. This effort also aims to prepare for scenarios where India’s access to the global internet might be disrupted, ensuring uninterrupted domestic internet operations. Currently, only eMudhra’s emSign is recognized globally as a trusted root certifying authority. IT Secretary S. Krishnan emphasized the importance of this project in strengthening India’s cyber infrastructure and negotiating power with major global browsers like Mozilla and Google.
Mega Job Fair in Thrissur Under Vijnana Keralam Project on April 26, 2024
A mega job fair is set to be held in Thrissur on April 26, 2024, as part of the Vijnana Keralam (Knowledge Kerala) project. This initiative aims to address unemployment by providing skill training and job opportunities to educated youth. The event was announced by Kerala’s Revenue Minister K. Rajan during a maha panchayat, a conference of Thrissur district’s elected representatives. The Vijnana Keralam project, advised by former Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac, focuses on strengthening Kerala’s knowledge economy through collaboration with government agencies. The project will offer skill training to candidates selected by companies at the job fair, targeting nearly 100% job placement for participants, including postgraduates, undergraduates, and diploma holders. An estimated 5 lakh students from ITIs, polytechnics, and arts and science colleges are expected to benefit. The Digital Workforce Management System (DWMS) portal, developed by the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), will facilitate jobseekers’ registration, access to training, and job opportunities. Currently, 1,53,000 jobseekers are registered in Thrissur district, with 24 job stations and 94 facilitation centres established to support them. Virtual job drives and training in communicative English and soft skills are also being conducted to prepare candidates for interviews.
Andhra Pradesh Govt. Redesigns 30-Year Master Plan for Visakhapatnam Development
The Andhra Pradesh government is in the process of redesigning the master plan for the development of Visakhapatnam, envisioning the city's growth for the next 30 years. Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Minister P. Narayana announced that the revised plan would be released within four months. The plan includes the introduction of a metro railway system and addresses issues such as traffic congestion, particularly on roads leading to the Bhogapuram airport. Measures for road expansion and the development of alternative routes are being implemented. During a meeting with MLAs from Visakhapatnam at the Secretariat in Amaravati, concerns were raised regarding flaws in the existing master plan, difficulties faced by small plot owners, and issues like 22A lands, drinking water problems, and the beach corridor. These suggestions will be incorporated into the new plan. The meeting was attended by MLAs P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, Palla Srinivasa Rao, Konathala Ramakrishna, and other officials, including Special Chief Secretary (Revenue) R.P. Sisodia and Principal Secretary (MA&UD) S. Suresh Kumar.
Andhra Pradesh Aims to Resolve Pending Land Issues in 3 Months
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced its commitment to resolving all pending land-related issues within the next three months, aiming to establish a transparent and efficient land administration system. Chief Secretary to the government, Revenue (Lands) R.P. Sisodia, emphasized this during a State-level orientation programme on land administration held on Friday. To ensure accountability and effective execution, all revenue-related work will be directly supervised by joint collectors. Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) G. Jaya Lakshmi highlighted the administration's focus on streamlining land-related processes, particularly concerning webland, freehold house sites, and small group allocations. She mentioned that four small groups, each consisting of five members, have been identified for house site distribution, and any available vacant land will be utilized for new house site allocations as per existing regulations. Mr. Sisodia stressed the importance of accurate data entry, warning that careless or incorrect entries would not be tolerated. The government is committed to strengthening land governance policies and enhancing digital land management to ensure efficient administrative practices across the State. The legal framework governing land administration is clear and well-defined, requiring no further clarification at the State level. The session also discussed key issues such as resurvey, land rights, encroachments, and digital land management systems. Additional CCLA-cum-secretary N. Prabhakara Reddy and others attended the event.
Kerala to Table Bill Regulating Overseas Educational Consultancies in Next Assembly Session
The Kerala State government is set to introduce a draft Bill in the next Assembly session to regulate fraudulent overseas educational consultancies. The Bill has been formulated based on recommendations from a three-member committee led by Saji Gopinath, Vice-Chancellor of Digital University Kerala and constituted by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC). Key recommendations include creating a database of students migrating from Kerala. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu stated that the legislation aims to curb unlawful activities in the sector. Additionally, the government has invested ₹6,000 crore over the past four years, including ₹1,823 crore in the 2023-24 financial year, to strengthen the higher education sector and encourage students to study within Kerala. The Minister also highlighted that many consultancies mislead students seeking overseas education, and while global migration cannot be fully halted, exploitation in the guise of education must be addressed.
Rajasthan Launches Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan with Target of Planting 10 Crore Trees
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Rajasthan has announced an ambitious target of planting 10 crore trees during 2025-26 under the “Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan” initiative. This goal was highlighted in the State Budget 2025-26, which also emphasizes water conservation and resource efficiency. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma made the announcement on March 21, 2025, during a State-level event commemorating the International Day of Forests. He underscored Rajasthan’s historical commitment to environmental protection and urged citizens to preserve biodiversity to ensure a “healthy and green” future for the State. The government is focusing on key areas such as waste management, water conservation, and renewable energy production through the principles of “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” A circular economy incentive scheme, introduced in the State Budget, will support these efforts. Additionally, Rajasthan is set to unveil its first agroforestry policy and launch the “one district, one species” program to integrate trees with crops and livestock for enhanced productivity and sustainability. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the ‘Digi-One-Forest Stack’ app, the country’s first mobile application leveraging advanced information technology to bring transparency to the Forest Department’s operations. The event was attended by Minister of State for Forest and Environment Sanjay Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Arijit Banerjee, and Japan International Cooperation Agency’s senior representative in India, Eiji Wakamatsu.
Heritage (2)
Program to Honor Ram Manohar Lohia’s Legacy in Mysuru
The Socialist Study Center Trust is organizing a program titled “Remembering Ram Manohar Lohia” on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Indian Educational Theatre Institute, located on the Hardwick School premises in Mysuru. The event will feature prominent speakers including M.N. Sumana, a senior advocate and trustee of Shaktidham and Samata Study Center, Kucchangi Prasanna, editor of Bevara Hani regional daily from Tumakuru, and writer B. Mahesh Harave. The program aims to honor the legacy of Ram Manohar Lohia (1910–1967), a renowned socialist thinker and freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement, advocated for farmers’ rights, and fought against social inequality. His contributions have had a lasting impact on Kannada literature, politics, and Dalit-farmer movements. For further details, contact: 9448871815.
Bronze Statue of J.C. Daniel to Be Installed at Chitranjali Studio Campus
On Friday, Saji Cherian, the Minister for Cultural Affairs, inaugurated the sculpting of a 10-foot-tall bronze statue of J.C. Daniel, widely regarded as the father of Malayalam cinema, for his pioneering work in creating 'Vigathakumaran,' the first feature film in Malayalam. The statue, designed by sculptor Kunnuvila M. Murali, will be installed on the Chitranjali Studio campus in the capital at a cost of ₹50 lakh. Minister Cherian highlighted the significant role of Malayalam cinema and J.C. Daniel in shaping Kerala into a modern society. He also emphasized the challenges faced by Daniel, who came from a conservative family, and P.K. Rosy, the heroine of 'Vigathakumaran,' due to the prevailing social conditions of that era. The event was attended by Daniel’s son, Harris Daniel, and officials from the Culture department and its affiliated institutions. The initiative aims to preserve the legacy of Malayalam cinema and educate the current generation about Kerala’s historical social context.
Ranks & Reports (1)
Madras High Court Halts NIRF 2025 Rankings Over Transparency Concerns
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has issued an interim order restraining the Ministry of Education and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) from publishing the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for 2025. The court’s decision came in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by C. Chellamuthu from Oddanchatram, Dindigul district, who alleged that the NIRF rankings were misleading and lacked transparency. The petitioner argued that the rankings were based on unverified data submitted by institutions, without any auditing or cross-checking with official government records. In contrast, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) conducts thorough audits of institutions before accreditation. The petitioner also claimed that the data provided by institutions was manipulated, which could adversely affect the quality of education in India. The court has sought a counter affidavit from the authorities and scheduled the next hearing for April 24, 2024.
Economy (3)
BHEL's Surge in Orders Revives Ancillary Industries in Tiruchi
The ancillary industries associated with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in Tiruchi are experiencing a significant revival due to a surge in orders from the public sector undertaking. BHEL Tiruchi has secured substantial contracts in the thermal power sector and other areas like defence, transportation, transmission, and oil and gas, amounting to several hundred crores of rupees. This has led to increased orders for components and fabrication from ancillary units in regions such as Thuvakudi, Thiruverumbur, Mathur, and Mandaiyur. BHEL is also expanding its vendor base and holding awareness meetings with stakeholders. The revival has positively impacted over 425 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the district, with many previously struggling units resuming operations. Industrialists like N. Kanagasabapathy and S. Ganeshkumar have noted a 50% increase in orders compared to the previous financial year, with expectations of continued growth in the coming years. Nationalized banks are also supporting this revival by offering loans to entrepreneurs.
Oji India Inaugurates Largest Packaging Plant in South Asia at Sri City
Oji India Packaging Private Limited, a subsidiary of the globally recognized Oji Group, inaugurated its fifth plant in India on Friday at Sri City. Established in 2012, Oji India operates across multiple states, including Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Punjab. The new facility in Sri City spans 43,000 square meters and is the largest unit in South Asia producing corrugated boxes and packaging accessories. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Muneo Takahashi, Consul General of Japan in Chennai, Hiroyuki Isono, President of Oji Holdings Corporation and CEO of Oji Group, and Ravindra Sannareddy, founder and managing director of Sri City. Mr. Isono highlighted India’s strategic role in the company’s growth and emphasized the plant’s significance in addressing South India’s packaging needs. Mr. Takahashi praised Sri City for hosting India’s second-largest Japanese township and its potential to set new benchmarks in sustainable packaging and regional development.
Kerala Government Commits to Resolving Livelihood Issues for Vizhinjam Port Project Affected Residents
The Kerala government, led by Ports Minister V.N. Vasavan, has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the grievances of individuals who have lost their livelihoods due to the construction of the Vizhinjam International Seaport Project. The government has established systems, including the Appeals Committee and Monitoring Committee, to study and resolve issues faced by affected residents. To date, ₹107.28 crore has been distributed as livelihood compensation to 2,700 people, with ₹8.76 crore allocated to 284 individuals in the latest phase. The Minister emphasized that the State’s approach goes beyond compensation, aiming to implement large-scale projects by involving and uniting affected communities. The next phase of the port’s construction is set to begin shortly after the commissioning of the first phase, expected within the next two months, pending a suitable date as per the Prime Minister’s convenience. Additionally, rail and road development projects are underway. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian assured that all promises made to fishermen would be fulfilled promptly, including full compensation.
Sports (1)
Andhra Cricket Association Announces Major Infrastructure Development Plans for Cricket in Visakhapatnam and Amaravati
Kesineni Sivanath, Member of Parliament from Vijayawada and president of the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), has confirmed that the name of the cricket stadium in Visakhapatnam remains unchanged. The stadium, which has existed for three decades, has undergone significant renovations on a mission mode. Mr. Sivanath addressed the media at his office, highlighting that the stadium has been modernized and recently inspected by the Delhi Capitals team, who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. Former cricketer Venkatapathi Raju praised the dressing rooms as the best in India. The elevation work was paused due to security concerns but will resume after the IPL matches. The renovations were carried out by around 800 workers from Hyderabad. Mr. Sivanath also announced ambitious plans, including developing 30 grounds annually across 175 Assembly constituencies, establishing a Sports City and Sports University in Amaravati, and constructing an international cricket stadium in Amaravati within two years. International Cricket Council Chairman Jay Shah has pledged support for the Amaravati stadium. Additionally, cricket academies will be set up in Vizianagaram and Mulapadu to nurture young talent. The event was attended by NTR District SC Cell president S. Sanjay Varma, TDP State leader M. Gurunatham, and TDP senior leader Narasimha Chowdary.
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