Important News - 2025-03-22
22 March 2025
Stay Updated. Stay Ahead!
📂 Categories & Latest Updates
Politics (6)
Karnataka Speaker Defends MLA Suspension Amid BJP Criticism
Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader defended the suspension of 18 MLAs on Saturday, stating that the decision was made due to their disrespect towards the House and the Speaker’s chair. He emphasized that no legislator is above the House and warned of a one-year suspension if such behavior continues. However, he expressed willingness to reconsider the suspension based on appeals from the legislators. Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including State president B.Y. Vijayendra, condemned the suspension, calling it illegal, unconstitutional, and arbitrary. They criticized the Speaker for acting in alignment with the State government and questioned the barring of suspended MLAs from Assembly activities, likening it to treating them as terrorists or Naxalites.
Karnataka Bandh by Kannada Okkoota Receives Mixed Response Amid Tight Security
The Karnataka bandh, called by Kannada Okkoota on Saturday, 25th November 2023, to protest against the assault on a North-Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) bus conductor by Marathi activists in Belagavi district, received a mixed response across the state, including Bengaluru. The bandh, which lasted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., was supported by various Kannada organizations but had minimal impact on daily life due to it being a government holiday and a weekend. Public transport, including BMTC and KSRTC buses, operated normally, though passenger numbers were lower than usual. The police ensured tight security across the city, preventing any major incidents. Activists from Kannada Okkoota, led by Vatal Nagaraj, were detained by the police after attempting to hold a rally near Town Hall. The bandh was called in response to what Kannada activists termed 'MES hooliganism,' referring to the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi. Essential services, schools, and colleges functioned as usual, while cinemas canceled morning shows in support of the bandh.
Congress Urges Telangana Govt. to Regularize Gopala Mitras' Services
During a debate in the Telangana Legislative Assembly on Saturday, members of the ruling Congress party and other political parties urged the State government to regularize the services of 'Gopala Mitras,' animal husbandry health workers who have been contributing to the growth of the livestock population for the past 24 years. Congress MLA B. Ilaiah highlighted that approximately 1,530 Gopala Mitras have been working diligently, visiting 3-4 villages daily to address livestock health issues. He reminded the Assembly of the party's earlier promise to provide job security to these workers. Suggestions were made to absorb some of them into vacant positions in the agriculture department and increase their monthly honorarium from the current ₹1,150 to ₹24,000. CPI leader K. Sambasiva Rao and Congress member K. Shankaraiah also supported the demand for enhanced honorarium and job security. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao assured that the government would review the members' requests.
Congress and BRS Clash Over Scheme Implementations in Telangana Assembly
In the Telangana Assembly on Saturday, a heated debate ensued between the ruling Congress party and the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) during discussions on the demand for grants. The focus of the debate was the implementation and success of various schemes, particularly the farm loan waiver and sheep flock schemes, during their respective tenures. Congress member V. Srihari accused the previous BRS government of corruption amounting to ₹700 crore in the sheep flock scheme, claiming that only 1.62 crore sheep were found in the state against the expected 7 crore. BRS member P. Kaushik Reddy countered by pointing out that the current government had not allocated funds for the farm loan waiver scheme in the recent budget, leaving many eligible farmers uncovered. He also highlighted discrepancies in the Rythu Bharosa scheme, citing instances where eligible farmers in his constituency did not receive benefits. Other Congress members raised concerns about 10% of eligible farmers still awaiting loan waivers and suggested shuffling cooperative society staff to curb corruption. The debate also touched on the progress in the public health sector and the resumption of the KCR Kit scheme under a new name by the current government.
Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association Seeks Apology from Vatal Nagaraj
The Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association has demanded an apology from Kannada activist and former MLA Vatal Nagaraj. This follows Nagaraj’s call for a State-wide bandh to protest the alleged assault on a KSRTC bus conductor in Belagavi, who was reportedly attacked for speaking in Kannada instead of Marathi. The bandh, however, did not receive the expected response, and Nagaraj subsequently labeled hotel owners as arrogant. In response, C. Narayana Gowda, president of the association, expressed hurt over Nagaraj’s remarks and insisted on a formal apology. The association has also warned that Nagaraj will be denied service in hotels if he fails to apologize.
Farmers Protest Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Over Arrest of Leaders
On Saturday, protesters in Mannargudi, Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, burned an effigy of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to condemn the recent arrest of farmers’ leaders, including P.R. Pandian, president of the Coordination Committee. The farmers were protesting at the Shambu border in Punjab, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the waiver of farm loans. The demonstrators, affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Coordination Committee of All Farmers’ Associations, gathered near the Periyar Statue in Mannargudi and expressed their outrage. In Tiruchi, P. Ayyakannu, President of the Tamil Nadu unit of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), along with members, staged a protest outside his residence, condemning the police crackdown on farmers at the Punjab–Haryana border. Similar protests were held in Sirkazhi taluk, Mayiladuthurai district, where farmers demanded the immediate release of Mr. Pandian and protection for protesting farmers in Punjab.
Schemes (6)
Kerala Government Launches Fish Market Renovation Scheme
The Kerala State government, for the first time in its history, has initiated the construction and renovation of fish markets across the State. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian inaugurated the construction of the old Kunnummal fish market, highlighting that 65 markets have already been completed. The remaining markets are being renovated with a focus on cleanliness and providing essential facilities for fish sellers and buyers. The project aims to ensure the availability of hygienic and quality fish, thereby increasing the income of fishermen and expanding fish trade in the State. The construction, managed by the Kerala State Coastal Development Corporation, includes state-of-the-art facilities such as stainless steel display trolleys, sinks, drainage systems, and modern toilets. The project, covering an area of 273,651.33 sq m, features 22 shop rooms, 4 butcher stores, 15 fish sales stalls, and other necessary amenities. The construction is expected to be completed in six months.
Telangana Announces New Cancer Treatment Centers and Trauma Care Facilities
The Health Minister of Telangana, C. Damodar Rajanarasimha, announced in the State Assembly that the government plans to establish four regional cancer treatment centers with bunker facilities, each costing ₹30-40 crore, to extend cancer care to rural areas. Additionally, the government is setting up 74-80 trauma care centers across the state, with each center costing ₹4.5-6 crore. These centers will be equipped with ambulances stationed at accident-prone black spots. Since December 2023, 136 new ambulances have been inducted, with 77 more required. The average medical emergency response time has been reduced to 13 minutes in urban areas and 14 minutes in rural areas. Efforts are ongoing to further reduce this time to ensure timely treatment within the 'golden hour' after accidents. Plans also include installing MRI and CT scanning facilities every 35-40 km for better medical care. Separately, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao clarified the farm loan waiver policy, which writes off up to ₹2 lakh per farmer’s family, benefiting 25 lakh families with debt relief of ₹20,617 crore.
Forest Rights Act Grants Land to Olakara’s Malayan Tribe After 70 Years of Displacement
After decades of struggle, the people of Olakara, belonging to the Malayan tribe, have finally been granted land rights under the Forest Rights Act. On Saturday, 44 families were each allocated 1.5 acres of land, marking the end of over 70 years of displacement and hardship. The ceremony, held despite adverse weather conditions, was attended by key officials including Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, Chief Secretary Saradha Muraleedharan, and tribal chieftain Madhavi Kuttappan. The Olakara community was displaced in the 1950s due to the construction of the Peechi dam and had been living in precarious conditions ever since. The journey to land distribution began in 2008 with initial attempts under the Forest Rights Act, but it was only in 2021 that a breakthrough was achieved when the subdivision committee recommended granting land to the Olakara families. This decision was later approved by the district committee, and after overcoming opposition from the Forest department, the State-level committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, confirmed the eligibility of the Olakara residents for forest rights in November 2024. Revenue Minister K. Rajan, a long-time advocate for the cause, emphasized that this was not charity but the rightful claim of the people. This landmark decision allows the Olakara community to cultivate their land and marks a new chapter in their history.
Advanced Communication Tools Essential for Disaster Management: R.P. Sisodia
Special Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department, R.P. Sisodia, has emphasized the necessity of integrating advanced communication tools into disaster management strategies. During a review meeting on Saturday, Sisodia highlighted the importance of equipping officials, from Mandal Revenue Officers (MROs) to District Collectors in coastal areas, with satellite phones to enhance disaster preparedness. The meeting focused on reviewing the procurement and utilization of essential items over the past five years, as well as planning for the upcoming monsoon season, including budget allocation and preparedness for heatwaves. Sisodia also stressed the need for real-time air quality monitoring near hazardous factories to detect gas leaks promptly. He advocated for the use of modern technologies such as drones, including night vision drones, and proposed integrating WhatsApp services and AI-based systems into disaster management. Additionally, he emphasized the operationalization of the GIS platform and the use of IoT devices for real-time data capture and dissemination. Sisodia requested a detailed report on the World Bank-funded Andhra Pradesh Disaster Recovery Project (APDRP) and called for improvements to the existing disaster management app. Managing Director of the Disaster Management Authority, Ronanki Kurmanath, and other officials attended the meeting.
CSB-CSRTI Concludes Year-Long Sericulture Radio Series ‘Reshme Isiri’ in Mysuru
The year-long radio series titled ‘Reshme Isiri’, focused on promoting sericulture technology, concluded on March 19, 2024, with a valedictory program at the Central Silk Board (CSB)-Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) in Mysuru. This initiative was a joint effort by CSRTI and All India Radio (AIR), Mysuru, as part of CSB’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations marking 75 years of sericulture development. The series featured 54 episodes broadcast every Tuesday in Kannada, covering topics such as soil fertility, mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, pest management, and income generation through sericulture. The programs included recorded talks and interactive phone-in sessions to address farmers' queries and disseminate the latest technologies developed by CSB-CSRTI. During the valedictory event, Member-Secretary of CSB, P. Sivakumar, and CSRTI Director, Gandhi Doss, highlighted the initiative’s success in spreading awareness and empowering sericulture farmers. Additionally, a book titled ‘Reshme Isiri’, compiling the technologies discussed in the series, was released. The episodes were also made available on the YouTube channel of Akashvani, Mysuru, for wider accessibility.
Kerala Introduces Remedial Teaching and Retest for Underperforming Students Under QIP
Under the Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) in Kerala, students who fail to score the minimum required marks in their written exams will receive remedial teaching and a chance to retest. This initiative, chaired by Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty, was decided at a meeting in the State capital. For Class VIII students, a minimum of 12 marks out of 40 in each subject is required. The results of the written exams will be published on April 4, followed by the identification of students who did not meet the minimum criteria on April 5. These students will be provided with remedial teaching from April 8 to 24, using a specially designed module. The retest will be conducted for these students, and the results will be announced on April 30. Additionally, the minimum marks requirement will be extended to Class IX next year and to Classes VIII to X from the 2026-27 academic year. Teachers will also undergo training from May 19 to 23, focusing on new textbooks and artificial intelligence in education. Anti-drug awareness programs in schools will be intensified, and teachers will be trained to guide students away from drugs. The distribution of Class X textbooks, which will begin on March 25, marks the first time they are distributed before the end of Class IX exams.
Economy (4)
Karnataka Identifies Three Sites for Bengaluru's Second International Airport; AAI Inspection Scheduled for April 2024
The Karnataka government has identified three potential locations for the construction of a second international greenfield airport in Bengaluru. Two sites are located on Kanakapura Road, and one is on the Nelamangala-Kunigal Road. A multidisciplinary team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is scheduled to inspect these sites between April 7 and 9, 2024. Industries Minister M.B. Patil announced that the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation has already paid a fee of ₹1.21 crore to the AAI for this purpose. The government has prepared detailed documents, including revenue maps, 10-year weather reports, geographic features, and operational details of the proposed airport. The project is being planned with the condition that no other airport should be constructed within a 150-km radius of the existing Kempegowda International Airport before 2033. Minister Patil emphasized that the new airport must be located near Bengaluru to attract investors and ensure feasibility, ruling out suggestions to build it near Sira in Tumakuru.
Tripura CM Discusses Investment Opportunities with Reliance Industries for Viksit Tripura Vision
On March 22, 2025, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, along with senior State Government officials, held a significant meeting with representatives of Reliance Industries in Agartala to discuss potential investment opportunities in the State. This meeting followed two prior discussions between Dr. Saha and Reliance CMD Mukesh Ambani, held in Mumbai and at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit in Guwahati. The Reliance delegation, led by the Business Head of Reliance Jio for the Northeastern Zone, explored various sectors for investment, including IT and tech services, data centres, natural gas exploration, fertiliser production, ethanol production from bamboo, rubber and agro-based products, food processing, and tourism. Dr. Saha emphasized the State’s vision for 'Viksit Tripura' and expressed optimism about collaborating with Reliance to transform Tripura’s economic future.
Kerala’s Low Mortality Rate Increases Government Pension Liability: Minister
The declining mortality rate in Kerala has significantly increased the pension liability of the state government, as highlighted by Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian. Speaking at a meeting of the Kerala NGO Union in Alappuzha on Saturday, Mr. Cherian emphasized that Kerala’s low mortality rate, coupled with its high life expectancy, has led to a growing number of pension recipients. He noted that the state’s healthcare system, ranked number one in India, has contributed to people living up to 100 years, further exacerbating the pension burden. Mr. Cherian also shared a personal anecdote, mentioning that his 94-year-old mother is among the lakhs of pension beneficiaries in the state. While acknowledging the challenge, he clarified that the government remains committed to providing pensions despite the financial strain.
UK-India Agri-Tech Accelerator Programme Promotes Innovation and Collaboration
The UK-India Agri-Tech Accelerator Programme, held from March 17 to 21, 2024, aimed to foster collaboration in late-stage R&D, investment, and market access for advanced agricultural technologies. Five UK-based agritech companies—Mutus Tech, LinearWorks, Green Crop Tech, AgriSound, and LettUs Grow—visited India as part of this initiative. These companies specialize in diverse areas, including AI and ML platforms for pest monitoring, plant health, pollination activity, bio-stimulants, and aeroponics. The programme, led by the UK Agri-Tech Centre in collaboration with the UK government, focused on identifying key challenges in India’s agricultural sector, promoting networking, and supporting the commercialization of technologies tailored for Indian markets. British Deputy High Commissioner Gareth Wynn Owen highlighted the programme’s role in strengthening UK-India partnerships and fostering innovation in agri-tech. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director-General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), emphasized the programme’s alignment with India’s mission to benefit dryland communities. The initiative also aimed to accelerate export opportunities and foreign direct investment, providing participants with an immersive understanding of India’s agricultural ecosystem to establish long-term partnerships.
Miscellaneous (6)
Air India Express Launches Daily Chennai-Tiruchi-Chennai Flight Service
Air India Express has launched a new daily flight service on the Chennai-Tiruchi-Chennai route, starting from Saturday. The airline will operate a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, offering eight business class and 168 economy seats. The flight will depart from Chennai at 6:45 PM and arrive in Tiruchi at 7:45 PM. The return flight will leave Tiruchi at 8:15 PM and reach Chennai at 9:15 PM. Additionally, the flight will originate from Hindon Airport, providing one-way connectivity from New Delhi to Tiruchi, with the flight departing Hindon at 3:10 PM and reaching Chennai at 6:05 PM. After a 40-minute layover in Chennai, the flight will proceed to Tiruchi. This new service provides an additional option for travelers, as IndiGo was previously the only airline operating on this route. Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko and Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru were present at the inaugural flight from Chennai. Durai Vaiko expressed optimism that enhanced air connectivity would boost the development of central Tamil Nadu. Over the past few months, Durai Vaiko and Perambalur Lok Sabha member Arun Nehru have been advocating for improved domestic and international air connectivity from Tiruchi. S. Gnaneswara Rao, Director of Tiruchi International Airport, along with senior airport and airline officials, were also present at the launch.
JSS STU Students Secure Record Placements with ₹45 Lakh Offers Amid Market Slowdown
Despite a market slowdown, students from JSS Science and Technology University (JSS STU) in Mysuru have achieved remarkable placements, with two students securing an annual pay package of ₹45 lakh, the highest this placement season. The minimum package offered was around ₹8 lakh per annum. JSS STU Vice-Chancellor A.N. Santosh Kumar emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field and not a threat to jobs. The university has established a state-of-the-art AI lab and will introduce a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) program in computer science and engineering with a focus on AI and Machine Learning in the upcoming academic year. Campus placements have improved, with 80% of students securing jobs compared to 70% last year. Notably, 200 students are engaged in 11-month internships, reflecting a shift in hiring trends. Additionally, 90% of placements this year are in product-based companies, showcasing the students' exceptional performance. JSS STU continues to enhance its placement record by equipping students with industry-relevant skills despite the challenging economic environment.
Tragic Death of Infant During Cybercrime Raid in Alwar Sparks Protests
On March 2, 2024, in Teliyabas village of Alwar district, Rajasthan, a tragic incident occurred during a police raid targeting cybercrime suspects. The police, acting on a tip from the Alwar cyber cell, pursued a suspected cyber fraudster’s smartphone location, leading them to the home of Razida and Imran Khan. The couple was forcefully interrogated, and during the raid, their one-month-old daughter, Alisba, was accidentally killed. The incident sparked widespread protests, with villagers demanding justice. The area, part of the Mewat region, is known as a hotspot for cybercrime, with over 26,000 cases reported in Alwar district. Politicians, including former Congress minister Nasru Khan and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, intervened, and a FIR was filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 103(1) for murder. The police crackdown on cybercrime continues, with the national helpline 1930 being actively promoted.
Heavy Rainfall in Bengaluru Causes Waterlogging and Flight Delays
Bengaluru experienced significant rainfall on Saturday, bringing relief from the heat but also causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted the rainfall, with the city recording a maximum temperature of 33°C and a minimum of 22°C. Areas like Sanjay Nagar, Doddabommasandra, and Banashankari reported fallen trees, while Amruthahalli and Mattur Layout faced drainage overflow issues. Traffic movement was severely affected in Whitefield, Mahadevapura, and K.R. Puram due to waterlogging. Flight operations at Kempegowda International Airport were also impacted, with 19 flights diverted and delays reported. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and traffic police worked to address the issues, but challenges persisted.
Hyderabad Police Arrest Man in ₹6 Crore Trading Fraud Case
The Cyber Crimes team of Hyderabad City Police has arrested a 38-year-old private employee, Ankit Arora, from Uttar Pradesh in connection with a multi-crore trading fraud case. Arora is linked to 23 cases across India and has been involved in fraudulent financial transactions amounting to ₹6 crore. The arrest followed a complaint from a Secunderabad resident who was lured into investing ₹1,22,87,120 through a Telegram group promising free trading tips and high profits. The victim was directed to use trading applications controlled by the fraudsters, who later denied his withdrawal requests and blocked his user ID. Investigations revealed that Arora supplied bank accounts to Deepak Kumar, the prime accused, who is currently absconding in Thailand. Authorities have initiated a Lookout Circular (LOC) against Kumar and seized a mobile phone, two SIM cards, a bank passbook, and eleven debit cards from Arora. The police have advised citizens to remain cautious of fraudulent investment schemes on social media platforms and to use only SEBI-approved applications and registered financial advisers.
Tiruchi District Central Library to Conduct TNPSC Model Exams on March 24
The Tiruchi District Central Library will conduct model tests for the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) Group II-A Mains and Group IV competitive exams on March 24, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at its West Boulevard Road premises. These free tests are organized in collaboration with N.R. I.A.S Academy and Rotary Phoenix Club. The Group IV model test will cover Unit I General Science (Physics), Unit II Tamil dictionary, August 2024 Current Affairs, and percentage problems in Mathematics. Students will answer questions using the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) method. Additionally, the library offers weekly online practice sessions on its second floor from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
Appointments (1)
CJI Forms Committee to Probe Allegations Against Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma
On March 22, 2025, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna constituted a three-member committee to investigate allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court. The committee comprises Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court; Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court; and Justice Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the Karnataka High Court. The Supreme Court collegium initiated an inquiry on March 21, 2025, following allegations that a large amount of cash was discovered at Justice Varma’s official residence during a fire incident. The collegium also reportedly proposed his transfer to the Allahabad High Court, which was opposed by the Allahabad High Court Bar Association. The association criticized the move, questioning the fairness of the transfer and highlighting the shortage of judges at the Allahabad High Court. The Bar Association emphasized its stance against corruption and expressed concerns over the lack of new judicial appointments.
Heritage (2)
GHMC Approves ₹1.5 Crore Renovation of Heritage Stepwell at Gudimalkapur
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has approved the renovation of Kumandan Bowli, a heritage stepwell located at Gudimalkapur flower market, with an estimated cost of ₹1.5 crore. The project will be funded by the Indian School of Hyderabad under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The renovation and conservation works will be undertaken by Nirman, an NGO, in collaboration with the Zonal Commissioner of Khairatabad, who will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NGO. Additionally, GHMC has proposed the development of another stepwell at Mehdipatnam through CSR. The newly elected standing committee of GHMC, chaired by Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi and Commissioner K. Ilambarithi, cleared this proposal along with seven others on Saturday. The committee also approved the issuance of a no-objection certificate for the construction of a fire station in Alwal and sanctioned funds for sewage diversion from Nallagandla lake and the construction of a drain and VDCC road in Chandrayangutta.
International Workshop on Sabdhabodhamimamsa Honors Sanskrit Scholar at NSU Tirupati
A one-week international workshop titled ‘Sabdhabodhamimamsa’ began on Saturday at the National Sanskrit University (NSU) in Tirupati, honoring the renowned Sanskrit scholar Padma Bhushan Navalpakkam Sathakopa Ramanuja Tatacharya. The event was inaugurated by K.V. Ramakrishnamacharyulu, former Vice-Chancellor of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University, and G.S.R. Krishna Murthy, Vice-Chancellor of NSU Tirupati. The workshop saw participation from approximately 200 online and 60 offline attendees. Prof. Ramakrishnamacharyulu shared his insights on Sabdhabodhamimamsa and his experiences with Prof. Tatacharya, while Vice-Chancellor Murthy highlighted Tatacharya’s significant contributions to Sanskrit scholarship.
Comments
Post a Comment