Important News - 2025-03-25
25 March 2025
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Festivals (1)
Indian Railways Launches Special Train Services for Ugadi and Ramzan Festivals
To accommodate the surge in passenger traffic during the Ugadi and Ramzan festivals, Indian Railways has introduced special one-trip express train services between Bengaluru and Chennai on March 28, 2023. The South Western Railway announced that Train No. 07319, the KSR Bengaluru - Dr. MGR Chennai Central Express Special, will depart from KSR Bengaluru at 8:05 AM and arrive at Dr. MGR Chennai Central station by 2:40 PM on the same day. Similarly, Train No. 07320, the Dr. MGR Chennai Central - KSR Bengaluru Express Special, will leave Chennai at 3:40 PM and reach Bengaluru by 10:50 PM. This initiative aims to facilitate smooth travel for passengers during the festive season.
Miscellaneous (3)
Chamarajanagar Authorities Probe Viral Video on School Project
Authorities in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, have initiated a probe to investigate the authenticity of a viral video featuring a schoolgirl promoting a burqa as part of an educational project. The video, believed to be from an exhibition held at a private school earlier this year, shows two dolls—one wearing a burqa and the other clad in a short dress—with the girl explaining their fates after death. The video has sparked widespread criticism on social media, prompting the Education Department to form a team to investigate the matter. Block Education Officer Hanumanth Shetty stated that the school staff denied conducting such a program, and a detailed report will be submitted to higher authorities. Attempts to contact the DDPI of Chamarajanagar, Ramachandra Raje Urs, were unsuccessful.
Hubballi-Dharwad Police Register Cases Against Fraudulent SSLC Paper Offers on Social Media
The Hubballi-Dharwad Police have registered five cases against social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook for allegedly offering SSLC question papers in exchange for money and followers. Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar has urged students and parents to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to such fraudulent posts. The Kamaripet Police in Hubballi initiated suo motu cases after discovering posts promoting the illegal offer. The Police Commissioner emphasized that investigations are underway to identify the fraudsters and advised students to focus on their studies rather than believing such misleading content.
Belagavi Police File Fresh FIR Following CMO Directive in Land Dispute Assault Case
The Belagavi Police have registered a fresh FIR in connection with the case of a woman being stripped and assaulted over a land dispute in Harlapur village. The incident, which occurred on March 17, 2024, drew attention after media reports highlighted the police's initial reluctance to file a new case based on the woman's complaint. Following a directive from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the Special Officer of the Grievances wing instructed the police to take necessary action. The woman alleged that she was beaten and partially stripped by some individuals, including her relatives, over a dispute involving crop harvesting on her land. She also claimed that the police failed to register a case despite her immediate complaint and the submission of video evidence showing police inaction. However, the police disputed her allegations, stating that the woman had attempted to disrupt the crop harvesting process herself. Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar S. Guled revealed that two FIRs related to the land dispute had already been filed in June and December 2024.
Heritage (2)
NGT Orders Comprehensive Study to Protect Chevella's Heritage Banyan Trees
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed further comprehensive study to save the heritage banyan trees in Chevella, Telangana, while keeping the Environmental Appraisal Committee's (EAC) recommendations on hold. This decision came in response to a petition filed by nature enthusiasts Tejah Balantrapu, Pranay Juvvadi, and Natasha Ramaratnam, highlighting several flaws in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the proposed expansion of National Highway-163 by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The tribunal noted the absence of a mandated public hearing, as the project involves land acquisition, and criticized the premature acceptance of the EIA report before the submission of the Zoological Survey of India's biodiversity assessment. The NGT also pointed out that the NHAI failed to explore alternative alignments in compliance with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' circular, which advocates greenfield alignments to avoid cutting down trees. Additionally, the tribunal questioned the viability of translocating 522 banyan trees, noting that only six were suitable for transplantation and that the EIA lacked supporting studies. The court emphasized the ecological significance of the banyan trees, which serve as habitats for heronry and other bird species, and criticized the NHAI for not fully complying with environmental due diligence.
Kerala Tourism Releases New Theme Song Highlighting Heritage and Innovations
Kerala Tourism unveiled a new theme song on Tuesday, marking the first update in a decade. The event, held in the State capital, was presided over by Mayor Arya Rajendran and attended by Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas along with five MLAs representing various constituencies. The theme song, penned by Manoj Kuroor and composed and sung by Sreevalsan J. Menon, features a four-minute video showcasing 100 visuals of Kerala’s heritage, arts, culture, and scenic landscapes. Additionally, the video highlights Kerala Tourism’s innovative initiatives such as Heli Tourism, Caravan Tourism, Farm Tourism, and Adventure Tourism.
Appointments (1)
IPS Officer Sujith Das Appointed as SP for Information, Communication & Technology
IPS officer Sujith Das has been appointed as the Superintendent of Police for Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) following his reinstatement into service. Das was previously suspended for criticizing Additional Director General of Police M.R. Ajith Kumar and the Chief Minister’s political secretary. He replaces S. Deva Manohar, who has been posted as Additional Excise Commissioner (Enforcement). In a reshuffle on March 25, 2025, Merin Joseph, Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch, Thiruvananthapuram, was transferred and appointed as Assistant Inspector General of Police (Policy), replacing Kishore Kumar, who is now the Controller of Legal Metrology. To facilitate these transfers, ex cadre posts for Controller, Legal Metrology, and Additional Excise Commissioner (Enforcement) were created for one year, effective from March 25, 2025, with statuses equivalent to cadre posts under Rule 12 of the Indian Police Service (Pay) Rules, 2016.
Schemes (7)
Akbaruddin Owaisi Demands Probe into ‘Mana Ooru Mana Badi’ Scheme Scam
AIMIM Floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi has raised serious allegations of a massive scam in the procurement of benches for government schools under the ‘Mana Ooru Mana Badi’ scheme during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) regime. Speaking during the discussion on the Demands for Grants in the Education Department in the Telangana Assembly on Tuesday, Owaisi claimed that benches, which typically cost between ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 in the market, were purchased for ₹14,000 to ₹20,000 under the scheme. He demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, stating that very little work was completed under the scheme and that contractors involved in the project remain unpaid. Owaisi also highlighted the lack of basic facilities in government schools, citing the absence of toilets in thousands of schools across the state. He referenced the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) plus report for the academic year 2023-24, which shows Telangana lagging behind the national average in education infrastructure. Additionally, he criticized the government for allocating only 7.54% (₹22,984 crore) of the budget for education in 2025-26, contrary to the ruling party’s manifesto promise of 15%. Owaisi emphasized the need to reduce dropout rates, fill 25,000 vacant teaching posts, and address the lack of faculty in universities.
India’s Social Protection Coverage Doubles to 48.8%: Mansukh Mandaviya
A recent data-pooling initiative led by the Union Labour Ministry, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), revealed that 65% of India’s population, approximately 92 crore people, is covered by at least one social protection benefit, including cash and in-kind benefits. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the findings on Tuesday, highlighting that cash benefits reach 48.8% of the population. The exercise processed over 200 crore records using encrypted Aadhaar data across 34 major Central schemes such as MGNREGA, Employees Provident Fund, and Employees State Insurance. According to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report (WSPR) 2024-26, India’s social protection coverage has doubled from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024. However, Mandaviya noted that this figure is an underestimation as it excludes in-kind benefits like food security and housing, as well as State-administered schemes. The Ministry is collaborating with State Governments and ILO for a comprehensive national data-pooling exercise to obtain a holistic view of social protection coverage. Additionally, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has expanded its coverage in Uttar Pradesh by adding 15 new districts, bringing the total to 74 out of 75 districts covered under the ESI Scheme.
Vijnana Thrissur Project to Host Mega Job Fair on April 26
Thrissur is gearing up to host a mega job fair on April 26, 2024, as part of the Vijnana Thrissur project, an initiative by the Thrissur district panchayat in collaboration with the Thrissur Corporation and local bodies. The event is expected to attract over 25,000 candidates, with participation from 200 national and international companies, offering around 10,000 job opportunities. Prominent educational institutions such as Thrissur Government Engineering College, Vimala College, and Kendriya Vidyalaya will host the fair. The project also includes skill training programs to align job seekers’ abilities with market demands. Additionally, online job drives are being conducted every Saturday, focusing on specific fields like nursing, paramedical, and technical graduates. The district has established 24 job stations and facilitation centres to assist job seekers, supported by the Digital Workforce Management System (DWMS). The initiative aims to reduce the outflow of young people seeking education and employment abroad, benefiting an estimated 5 lakh students from ITIs, polytechnics, and arts and science colleges.
Kollam Corporation Budget 2025-26 Prioritizes Infrastructure and Waste Management
The Kollam Corporation Budget for 2025-2026, presented by Deputy Mayor S Jayan, emphasizes infrastructure development and waste management. The budget projects a surplus of ₹83.45 crore, with ₹1,228.57 crore in revenue and ₹1,145.12 crore in expenditure. Key allocations include ₹50 crore for road construction and renovation, ₹20 crore for the Prakasha Nagarm project to install LED lights, and ₹100 crore for new drinking water connections and infrastructure. Additionally, ₹25 crore is allocated for IT park development in Kureepuzha and Andamukkam under the IT city project. The budget also earmarks ₹10 crore for modern bus shelters and beautification projects, ₹25 crore for housing under the MPAY-LIFE project, and ₹50 crore for land provision for landless families. Waste management initiatives receive ₹150 crore for sewage treatment plants and ₹50 crore for comprehensive waste management programs, including organic waste processing and public treatment facilities. The Jeevananu Ashtamudi Jeevikkanam Ashtamudi project, aimed at protecting the Ashtamudi Ramsar site, gets ₹25 crore for its second phase. Green initiatives, such as promoting electric vehicles and social forestry, are also highlighted. The K-Smart system will be upgraded to streamline services, and ₹10 crore is set aside for cleaning and protecting waterbodies.
KSCDC Launches Cleaning Drive Under 'Malinya Muktham Navakeralam' Campaign
As part of the 'Malinya Muktham Navakeralam' campaign, initiated by the Kerala government to achieve a garbage-free state, the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) is organizing a cleaning drive on March 27. The drive will take place at the KSCDC head office and all 30 factories under its jurisdiction. This initiative is a continuation of KSCDC's green initiatives, focusing on reducing waste generation and ensuring scientific waste treatment. Additionally, under the 'Ente Bhavanam, Suchithwa Bhavanam' (My Home, Clean Home) campaign, an employee-driven source waste management program, all workers and employees will participate in cleaning activities at their homes on March 30. Approximately 11,000 employees and workers from the 30 factories and the head office will participate. The cleaning drive will be inaugurated by KSCDC chairperson S. Jayamohan at Factory No. 2 in Kilikollur.
EPFO to Hold Grievance Redressal Adalat on March 27
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will conduct its grievance redressal adalat, 'Nidhi Apke Nikat', on March 27, 2024, at Koyivila Veesix Garments from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event aims to address grievances of employers, PF members, and PF pensioners, while also providing guidance to newly registered establishments. Additionally, details about new EPFO schemes will be explained during the session. Participants can clear doubts, file complaints, and seek assistance. For further information, individuals can contact 0474 2767645 or 2751872.
Expansion of Namma Clinic Scheme in Mysuru’s Narasimharaja Constituency
The Department of Health and Family Welfare expanded the Namma Clinic initiative in Mysuru city by inaugurating a new clinic in the Narasimharaja constituency on Tuesday. The clinic, located on Abdul Rahman Road in Rajivnagar 2nd Stage, was inaugurated by MLA and former Minister Tanveer Sait. This new facility is part of the Namma Clinic scheme, aimed at providing basic healthcare services to urban poor, slum-dwellers, and lower-income groups. The clinic operates with a team of 12 staff, including a doctor, nurses, ASHA workers, and paramedical staff, and will have surgeons visiting at least once a week. The scheme, modeled after the Centre’s Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), is designed to ease the burden on existing healthcare facilities in urban and semi-urban areas. Namma Clinics are typically located in areas with a population of 30,000 to 50,000 and offer free primary healthcare services, including non-communicable diseases, fever, and other ailments. The initiative was announced in the Budget under the 15th Finance Commission. Currently, two Namma Clinics and eight Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are operational in the N.R. Constituency, serving a population of 80,000 per PHC.
Politics (8)
BJP Protest Against 4% Reservation for Muslims in Karnataka Government Tenders
The Kalaburagi district unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest on Tuesday against the Congress-led Karnataka government’s decision to amend the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act (KTPP Act). The amendment provides 4% reservation in government tenders for minority contractors, which the BJP has labeled as unconstitutional and undemocratic. The protest, held at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Chowk, included burning an effigy of the Congress government and demanding the revocation of the reservation policy. The BJP also criticized the suspension of 18 of its legislators from the Assembly for six months by Speaker U.T. Khader and called for their immediate reinstatement. Additionally, the BJP leaders highlighted that the previous BJP government had allocated ₹1,000 crore for welfare schemes for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), while the current Congress government did not allocate any funds for OBC welfare in the recent budget. Prominent BJP leaders, including district urban unit president Chandrakant Patil, MLAs Basavaraj Mattimod and Avinash Jadhav, MLC Shashil Namoshi, former MLC Amarnath Patil, and former State vice-president of BJP’s OBC Morcha Avvanna Myakeri, participated in the protest.
Jharkhand Government to Crack Down on Arbitrary Fees Charged by Private Schools
On March 25, 2025, the Jharkhand government announced plans to take strict action against private schools charging arbitrary fees, particularly in the name of re-admission. This decision followed a discussion in the Assembly initiated by Hazaribagh MLA Pradeep Prasad (BJP), who questioned the lack of uniform fees for private schools under the same board in the state. Prasad emphasized that without government intervention, children from economically weaker sections would be unable to access private education. Responding to the concerns, School Education & Literacy Department Minister Ramdas Soren stated that complaints regarding irregular fees would be addressed by district-level committees chaired by Deputy Commissioners. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi highlighted the seriousness of the issue and noted the formation of a tribunal to investigate private school fees. He also criticized the irregular conduct of mandatory district-level meetings. BJP MLA Naveen Jaiswal called for a ban on arbitrary re-admission fees, a stance supported by Assembly Speaker Rabindranath Mahato. Meanwhile, JLKM MLA Jairam Mahto raised the issue of 75% reservation for locals in private companies, demanding action against non-compliant firms. In a separate development, Marandi accused the Hemant Soren government of irregularities in tender allocations, claiming that contracts were being awarded unfairly to benefit those close to the ruling party.
Congress MPs Protest Against Delayed Wages and Demand MGNREGS Wage Hike
On Tuesday, Congress MPs from Kerala, led by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest on the Parliament premises against the alleged neglect of workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). They demanded an increase in wages to address the impact of rising inflation and the immediate release of pending wages. Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra highlighted the government’s inaction, which has left millions of families without livelihood, worsening their financial struggles. She called for increasing workdays to 150 and linking wages to inflation. During Question Hour, Congress MP Adoor Prakash pointed out a decline in Kerala’s MGNREGS workforce due to delayed payments and low wages, emphasizing that Rs. 811 crore is pending under the scheme. Union Minister of State for Rural Development Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani refuted claims of withholding funds, stating that Kerala has already received nearly Rs. 3,000 crore this year and assured that pending payments would be cleared soon.
ED Files Final Complaint in Kodakara Highway Heist Case Involving BJP Leaders
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has submitted its final complaint in the Kodakara highway heist case, which involves allegations of State BJP leaders' involvement. The ED has named 23 individuals as accused, stating that ₹3.56 crore, intended for the purchase of a hotel in Alappuzha, was looted on April 3, 2021. The agency has recovered ₹3 lakh and provisionally attached immovable properties worth ₹8 lakh. A special investigation team questioned 19 BJP leaders, including former State president K. Surendran. The police initially reported ₹25 lakh stolen but later discovered ₹3.5 crore was involved. The ED took over the case after the State police registered the crime, with reports suggesting the money was part of ₹41.40 crore illegally brought from Karnataka for the 2021 Kerala Assembly Elections. The CPI(M) criticized the ED's complaint, alleging it ignored key evidence, including testimony from BJP office secretary Thirur Satheesh.
BJP Protests in Mysuru Against D.K. Shivakumar’s Alleged Anti-Constitutional Statements
On Tuesday, BJP supporters and activists, led by local leaders, organized a protest in Mysuru against Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s alleged statement about amending the Constitution to introduce reservation based on religion. Shivakumar clarified that he was misquoted, but BJP leaders, including Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa, dismissed his clarification as damage control. Srivatsa demanded Shivakumar’s removal from the Cabinet, calling his statements anti-Constitutional. He also criticized the police for not taking suo moto action against Shivakumar, referencing previous controversies involving the Deputy CM. Former MLA L. Nagendra led the protest near Town Hall, where activists garlanded the statue of B.R. Ambedkar and raised slogans against Shivakumar. Nagendra warned that if no action is taken, protests will intensify and spread across all 224 Assembly constituencies in Karnataka.
State Assembly Approves University Laws Amendment Bills for Higher Education Reforms
On Tuesday, the State Assembly passed two University Laws (Amendment) Bills aimed at introducing significant reforms in state-run universities under the Higher Education department. The University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the University Laws (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2025 propose restructuring statutory bodies like the Syndicate, enhancing the role of the Pro-Chancellor (held by the Higher Education Minister), designating constituent colleges, and establishing research parks. The reforms also focus on delineating students' and teachers' rights, ensuring quicker access to degree certificates, improving research support, and fostering a conducive academic environment. Additionally, the Bills aim to facilitate academic collaboration, innovation, and changes in student exchange programs, credit sharing, and online learning. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu clarified that the amendments seek to streamline academic services, enhance democratic governance, expedite reform processes, and strengthen public universities. The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) boycotted the Bill, alleging it undermines academic freedom and autonomy, while accusing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of tightening its control over universities.
Vigilance Launches Corruption Probe in Malappuram Mining and Geology Office
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has initiated an investigation into allegations of corruption and financial irregularities at the District Mining and Geology Office in Malappuram. The probe was launched following a recommendation by the deputy secretary of the Industry Department and the internal vigilance officer of the Mining and Geology Department. The investigation was triggered by a complaint addressed to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, which highlighted alleged malpractices at the office. Vigilance Director Yogesh Gupta urged the public to report any instances of bribery in government offices, emphasizing that demanding money for official work constitutes bribery. Citizens can report such incidents via the toll-free numbers 1064 or 8592900900, or through WhatsApp at 9447789100.
Kerala LDF Government Launches Grand Celebrations for Fourth Anniversary
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is set to celebrate its fourth year in office with a series of events from April 21 to May 30, 2023, under the theme 'My Keralam'. A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on Tuesday discussed the arrangements for the celebrations. As part of the event, 50 stalls will be set up in every district to showcase the services and projects undertaken by various government departments. District-level committees, headed by Ministers, will oversee the implementation of these programmes, with District Collectors playing a key role. The inauguration will take place in Kasaragod on April 21, and the concluding ceremony will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on May 23. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will participate in all district-level meetings. Additionally, state-level meetings will be organised in Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur, while regional meets will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, and Kottayam. Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Secretary, Secretaries of various departments, District Collectors, and PRD officials attended the planning meeting.
Sports (1)
Meghalaya Invests in Football to Boost Sports Economy and Create Jobs
The Meghalaya government, led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, is making significant investments in football to develop a job-oriented sports economy. On March 25, 2025, Sangma announced plans to construct 50 Astro Turf football fields by 2028, the highest number for any state in India. Additionally, over 100 football training grounds are being developed for children and youth at the grassroots level. The government is also building a 40,000-capacity football stadium, which will be India’s largest, and establishing a center of excellence in Shillong in collaboration with NorthEast United FC. The state has targeted 25,000 children through grassroots football programs and is creating funds for their development. Beyond football, the government is promoting archery, shooting, contact sports, canoeing, and kayaking, while also focusing on nurturing sprinting talent in the Ranikor and Shella areas. The investments aim to create around 15,000 direct and indirect jobs and foster a sports and music-based economy. Sangma emphasized that these efforts are part of a long-term strategy to build character and create a sports culture in the state.
Ranks & Reports (1)
CAG Report Highlights Financial Mismanagement in Bihar Universities and Welfare Schemes
The Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report for the year ending March 31, 2022, presented to the Bihar Assembly on March 25, 2025, highlighted significant inefficiencies in the state’s financial management and welfare schemes. Between 2017 and 2022, 18% of the allocated budget for Bihar universities, amounting to ₹4,134.21 crore out of ₹22,576.33 crore, remained unutilized and was surrendered. The report cited unrealistic budget proposals and inadequate financial control mechanisms as primary reasons. Additionally, 57% of teaching staff positions and 56% of non-teaching staff positions in 11 test-checked universities were vacant. The report also flagged delays in the implementation of the Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers (BBOCW) Rules, which were framed nine years late, and the reconstitution of the Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, which had not occurred since February 2015. Furthermore, the Board had not prepared its budgets for the financial years 2017-2022, leading to an accumulation of ₹1,650.06 crore in funds. The Neer Nirmal Pariyojana, aimed at improving water supply, faced delays and mismanagement, resulting in the loss of ₹476.90 crore in World Bank assistance. Other projects, such as the construction of sub-divisional hospitals and the Neera project, were marred by poor planning and execution, leading to avoidable expenditures and losses.
Awards (1)
Sandhya Purecha Honored with Honorary Doctorate at Karnataka Music University
On Monday, Sandhya Purecha, the chairperson of the Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi, was honored with an honorary doctorate by the Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University. The event also saw the distribution of special examination certificates to candidates who successfully completed various courses. Rank holders in disciplines such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Hindustani Music (vocal and instrumental), and Karnataka Music (vocal and instrumental) were awarded certificates in Junior, Senior, and Vidwat examinations. Dr. Purecha emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting India's rich artistic heritage, while Sharanappa V. Halse, Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka State Open University, highlighted the impact of the arts on daily life. The event was attended by Vice-Chancellor of the varsity Nagesh V. Bettakote, Registrar (Evaluation) M.G. Manjunath, and other dignitaries.
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