Important News - 2025-04-01
01 April 2025
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Politics (7)
BRS Leaders Discuss Preparations for Silver Jubilee Event in Warangal with KCR
Leaders of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) from the combined Warangal district met with party president K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) at his Erravelli farmhouse near Gajwel on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the party’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. The event, scheduled for April 27 in Warangal, will include a public meeting at a 1,213-acre site near Elkathurthi, with 154 acres allocated for the gathering and the remainder for parking around 50,000 vehicles. Approximately 1,500 volunteers will assist in providing buttermilk and drinking water to attendees. Key party figures, including working president K.T. Rama Rao, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council B. Prakash, and several legislators and former ministers, were present. KCR offered suggestions to ensure the event's success.
Minister Satya Kumar Calls for Strict Adherence to Medical Ethics by APMC
The Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC) plays a crucial role in ensuring medical ethics and professional conduct among doctors, stated Minister for Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare, Y. Satya Kumar Yadav. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of six nominated members of the interim APMC at Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada, the Minister emphasized the council's responsibilities, including monitoring the conduct of medical professionals and ensuring quality healthcare. He also highlighted the need to expedite the granting of Permanent Registrations to eligible Foreign Medical Graduates. The Minister stressed that healthcare should not be treated as a business and called for curbing the indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics and promoting natural deliveries. The newly appointed members include prominent medical professionals from various regions of Andhra Pradesh.
Karnataka Police Investigate Alleged Murder Plot Against MLC R. Rajendra
The Karnataka Police have escalated their investigation into an alleged conspiracy to assassinate MLC R. Rajendra, the son of Karnataka Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, following the emergence of an 18-minute audio clip. The recording, which surfaced on media platforms, reportedly details the plot and has led to the detention of a woman named Pushpa for questioning. Rajendra filed a formal complaint with the Tumakuru Superintendent of Police after receiving a pen drive containing the audio file. The recording, believed to be from December 2023, captures a conversation between Rocky, a close associate of Rajendra, and Soman, the prime accused in the case. According to official sources, Pushpa, an associate of Soman, is heard discussing the assassination plan in the audio. The police have registered cases against Soman, Bharat, Amit, Gunda, and Yatheesh under multiple charges. Pushpa is currently in custody, and officials are interrogating her to gather more information about the alleged conspiracy.
Yatnal Supporters Seek Religious Leaders' Help to Reverse BJP Expulsion
The expulsion of Basanagouda Patil Yatnal from the Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sparked internal strife, with supporters seeking the intervention of Lingayat and other religious leaders to urge the party to revoke his expulsion. Ramesh Jarkiholi, a former Minister and BJP MLA, announced that Yatnal's supporters would approach leaders of the Lingayat sect, as well as SC/ST and OBC communities, to garner support for his reinstatement. Yatnal, who has been critical of BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, had previously hinted at forming a new party but has since been advised against criticizing BJP leaders. The rift has also led to plans for competing conventions, with former Minister M.P. Renukacharya proposing a Veerashaiva-Lingayat community convention to support Vijayendra, while the Yatnal faction announced a Hindu convention in Davanagere. Lingayat Panchamasali seer Basava Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swami has called for community support for Yatnal, though this has been opposed by leaders like Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.
Senior Maoist Leader Gummadivelli Renuka Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter
The family and relatives of Gummadivelli Renuka, alias Bhanu, a 50-year-old senior Maoist leader, are awaiting the arrival of her mortal remains at her native village, Kadavendi, in Telangana’s Jangaon district. Renuka, who had been underground since 1996, was a prominent figure in the Maoist movement in the Dandakaranya forest region of Chhattisgarh. She held significant positions in the banned CPI (Maoist), including membership in the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) and leadership of the Central Regional Bureau (CRB) press team. Renuka, who pursued an LLB course, joined the People’s War Group (PWG) in the mid-1990s and played a key role in producing revolutionary literature for the banned outfit. She was killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh’s South Bastar region on Monday, with rewards of ₹25 lakh in Chhattisgarh and ₹20 lakh in Telangana on her head. Another senior Maoist, Ankesarapu Saraiah alias Sudhakar, also a DKSZC member, died in an exchange of fire with security forces on March 25, 2024. The deaths of these two leaders within 10 days have dealt a significant blow to the outlawed organization. Renuka’s body is expected to arrive in Kadavendi late on Tuesday night.
Karnataka HC Stays FIR Against MLA Yatnal Over Remarks on Ranya Rao
The Karnataka High Court has stayed further proceedings related to an FIR filed against Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for his alleged derogatory remarks against Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested in connection with a gold smuggling case. The FIR, registered on March 18, 2024, under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (outraging the modesty of a woman), was based on a complaint by Akula Anuradha. However, Yatnal’s petition argued that Anuradha was not authorized by Ranya to file the complaint and that his statements were aimed at addressing systemic loopholes in gold smuggling, not demeaning women. Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur issued the interim order, noting that Yatnal’s remarks, though rustic and seemingly offensive, were not intended to outrage modesty. Yatnal also alleged that the complaint was orchestrated to prevent him from revealing the names of two ministers in the Legislative Assembly.
YSRCP Activist Murdered in Ramagiri; Two Arrested, Jagan Assures Family Support
On Tuesday, the Sri Sathya Sai district police arrested two individuals, Dharmavarapu Adarsh and Dharmavarapu Manoj alias Manoj Naidu, for the alleged murder of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) activist Majjiga Lingamaiah. The incident occurred on Monday in Papireddypalle, Ramagiri mandal, and has sparked political controversy. According to Dharmavaram Deputy Superintendent of Police (SP) Hemant Kumar, Lingamaiah was attacked with sticks after his son, Manohar, reported derogatory comments made by the accused. Lingamaiah sustained a head injury and later succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital in Anantapur. YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy assured the family of full support, including legal assistance and protection. The family has raised concerns about their safety, alleging biased behavior by the local Sub-Inspector (SI). Reddy promised to visit the family next week and assured them that the party would stand by them.
Schemes (5)
Ministry of Education and AICTE Launch Faculty Development Programme on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Innovation Cell of the Ministry of Education and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), in collaboration with Digital University Kerala (DUK), is organizing a five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The programme will be held offline from April 7 to April 11, 2024. It aims to train faculty members in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial skills among students. The target audience includes faculty leading institutional innovation councils, entrepreneurship clubs, incubation managers, and experts in fields such as product design, business strategy, technology development, intellectual property, and technology transfer. The last date for registration is April 2, 2024, and interested candidates can apply through the official website: https://duk.ac.in/iic/fdp/.
Bengaluru’s ORR to Undergo ₹400 Crore Redevelopment with World-Class Infrastructure
The 22.7 km stretch of Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR) between K.R. Puram and Central Silk Board is set for a major transformation, aimed at upgrading it to international standards. The redevelopment project, estimated to cost ₹400 crore, will include white-topped carriageways, uniform service roads, upgraded public utilities, air-conditioned bus shelters, and enhanced footpaths. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) budget has allocated funds for this project, which will be executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). Detailed planning and tendering processes are expected to be completed within three months, with construction likely to begin in four months. The ORR, known for its traffic congestion, is also undergoing Phase (2A) metro line construction, expected to be completed by mid-2026. The redevelopment aims to improve the infrastructure along this economic corridor, which contributes 32% of India’s total IT revenue.
Assam Launches 'Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan' to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
On April 1, 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Assam Government launched the 'Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan' (Chief Minister Women Entrepreneurship Campaign), a significant initiative aimed at empowering women through entrepreneurship. The scheme provides a three-stage financial assistance program: ₹10,000 as seed capital in the first year, ₹25,000 in the second year (half as government support and half as a low-interest loan), and ₹50,000 in the third year upon meeting specific conditions. The initiative is designed to promote micro-level entrepreneurship, ensuring financial independence and economic uplift for women across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the scheme's role in leveraging 'women power' and highlighted other beneficiary programs like Orunodoi, which provides ₹1,250 monthly to women in low-income families. The Opposition Congress raised concerns about the funding sources for these schemes, given the state's heavy borrowing and upcoming elections.
KITE Launches Second Batch of AI Essentials Online Course from April 12
The Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) has announced the commencement of the second batch of its online Artificial Intelligence (AI) training course, titled 'AI Essentials,' starting April 12. This four-week course aims to equip individuals, including students, with practical skills in using AI tools for daily activities such as office tasks, social media content creation, arts, music, literature, prompt engineering, and responsible AI practices. The course is part of KITE's broader initiative to train 80,000 schoolteachers in AI, with nearly 500 participants completing the first batch. Training will be conducted on the KOOL (KITE’s Open Online Learning) platform, which has already trained over 50,000 teachers. Each batch will have one mentor assigned to 20 learners. Registration is open until April 10 on www.kite.kerala.gov.in, with admission granted to the first 2,500 registrants. The course fee is ₹2,360 (inclusive of GST), and participants will receive a certificate upon completion. The program includes video classes, online resources, and weekly live sessions.
NEP-2020 Boosts Youth Employment Through Multi-Disciplinary Education
The National Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020), formulated under the leadership of Dr. K. Kasturrangan, has shown significant progress in addressing unemployment and creating diverse career opportunities for India's youth, with over 65% of the population being under 35 years of age. T.V. Kattimani, Vice Chancellor of the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh-Vizianagaram and a key member of the NEP-2020 Drafting and Implementation Committees, highlighted the policy's success during a recent address. NEP-2020 promotes multi-disciplinary education, enabling students to explore unconventional career paths alongside traditional streams like arts, science, and medicine. This approach enhances skill development, increases employability, and reduces unemployment. Dr. Kattimani emphasized the importance of states implementing the policy effectively and announced that a comprehensive report, incorporating feedback from academia and state governments, will soon be submitted to the Union government for further action.
Miscellaneous (6)
Anna University Opens Admissions for 2025-26 Academic Year for NRIs and Foreign Nationals
Anna University has initiated the admission process for the academic year 2025-26, inviting applications from NRIs, children of Indian workers in Gulf countries (CIWGC), foreign nationals, and students from least developed countries and small island developing states. The admissions are open for BE/B.Tech/B Plan degree programs offered in various university departments, including the College of Engineering (CEG), Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), A.C. College of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, and University College of Engineering, Thiruchirapalli. Additionally, the university has opened admissions for the BE (Training Integrated) degree program in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) at the University College of Engineering (UCE), Kancheepuram. Candidates can register and submit their applications online through the portal cfa.annauniv.edu/cfa. The last date for submitting applications for the BE/B.Tech/B Plan programs is June 9, while the deadline for the BE (Training Integrated) program is June 30, as announced by University Registrar J. Prakash.
Madras High Court Allows Parents to Cancel Gift Deeds for Non-Maintaining Children
The Madras High Court has ruled that parents can cancel a settlement or gift deed executed in favor of a specific child if that child fails to provide maintenance during their old age. This decision applies even if the parents have settled multiple properties in favor of other children and do not wish to cancel those deeds. The court emphasized that revenue officials should not reject such cancellation requests under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, solely because the complaint is against one child and not others. The ruling came in response to a writ appeal filed by a son whose father had settled three immovable properties in his favor between 2015 and 2019, with the condition that the rental income from these properties would support the parents. When the son failed to provide the rental income, the father sought to cancel the settlement deed. Initially, the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) and the Collector rejected the plea, but the High Court overturned their decisions, affirming the constitutional principles and the provisions of the 2007 Act.
Bengaluru CCB Arrests Three for Blackmail and Extortion of Businessman
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru police has arrested three individuals, including a kindergarten teacher, for allegedly blackmailing and extorting a businessman. The accused, identified as Sridevi Rudagi, Ganesh Kale, and Sagar More, are residents of Vijayapura district. The case began in 2023 when Sridevi, who runs a preschool in Mahalakshmi Layout, borrowed ₹2 lakh from the victim, Murali (name changed), for school expenses, promising repayment in 2024. When Murali demanded repayment in January 2024, Sridevi proposed a partnership in her preschool instead. As their interactions increased, Murali purchased a separate phone for private communication. Sridevi allegedly demanded ₹50,000 initially, later escalating to ₹15 lakh for a relationship. Unable to meet these demands, Murali severed ties and destroyed the SIM card. On March 12, Sridevi contacted Murali’s wife, luring him to the preschool under the pretext of collecting transfer certificates. There, Ganesh and Sagar accused him of an illicit affair and demanded ₹1 crore in hush money. They allegedly forced Murali into a vehicle, driving him around Mahalakshmi Layout while negotiating the amount down to ₹20 lakh. Murali paid ₹1.9 lakh before being released. On March 17, Sridevi allegedly threatened to publicize explicit video conversations unless Murali paid ₹15 lakh. Unable to cope, Murali approached the CCB, leading to the arrest of the three accused. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects remain in custody.
Pharmacy Intern in Critical Condition Following Suicide Attempt; Transfer Ruled Out
A six-member medical team, led by Dr. P.V.V. Satyanarayana, Head of the Department of General Medicine at Government General Hospital, Rajamahendravaram, has stated that transferring the 23-year-old pharmacy intern who attempted suicide is impossible due to her critical health condition. The intern, employed at KIMS-Bollineni Hospital in Rajamahendravaram, is currently on a ventilator after self-administering a drug on March 24, 2024. Her brain function has nearly ceased, and multiple organs, including her liver, are severely affected. Doctors have emphasized that she would not survive if moved or if the ventilator is turned off.
Two Drown in Edamalayar River in Ernakulam Despite Warning Signs
On April 1, 2025, two men, Siddique (40) and his nephew Abu Fayaz (22), drowned in the Edamalayar river, a major tributary of the Periyar, at Palavanpady in Kuttampuzha panchayat, Ernakulam. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. when the duo ventured into the river as part of a group of 20 relatives. Abu Fayaz was caught in a strong current, and Siddique, who attempted to rescue him, also got trapped. Their bodies were later recovered by a scuba team from the Fire and Rescue Services. The Kuttampuzha panchayat had previously installed warning signs against entering the water due to past drowning incidents, which the group reportedly ignored.
Excise Officials Seize Ganja in Raid at Thiruvananthapuram Men's Hostel
On Tuesday, excise officials conducted a surprise raid at the Government College Hostel for Men in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, following a tip-off about the presence of narcotics. During the operation, which began at 11 a.m., the officials inspected nearly 20 rooms and seized 20 grams of ganja in four packets from Room No. 455. The room was found unoccupied and unlocked, with reports indicating that it had been vacated earlier in the day by a youth from Tamil Nadu. Efforts are underway to locate the individual. The hostel, which accommodates students from various colleges affiliated with Kerala University, has raised concerns due to reports of non-students frequenting the premises. Kerala University Vice-Chancellor (in-charge) Mohanan Kunnummal clarified that the hostel is not under the university's jurisdiction but expressed support for law enforcement in addressing drug-related issues in educational hostels. The Students Federation of India (SFI) district secretary, S.K. Adarsh, condemned attempts to link the organization with illegal activities and highlighted that the SFI had previously informed the police about suspicious activities in the hostel.
Defence (1)
CISF Completes 6,553 km Cyclothon to Mark 56th Raising Day
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) successfully concluded its first-of-its-kind cyclothon on March 31, 2024, at Kanyakumari, marking the 56th Raising Day celebrations. The event, which covered a remarkable distance of 6,553 km along India’s mainland coastline, was virtually flagged off by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 7 from the Rajaditya Regional Training Centre in Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu. The cyclothon involved two teams starting simultaneously from the eastern and western coasts, with 125 CISF cyclists, including 14 women personnel, completing the journey in 25 days across 11 States and Union Territories. Over 1,100 participants registered to join various stages of the event, showcasing widespread public support. The initiative highlighted the CISF’s commitment to promoting fitness and environmental awareness.
Economy (4)
Vizhinjam Seaport Achieves Record Cargo Handling and Secures Expansion Clearance
The Vizhinjam International Seaport has achieved significant milestones in its first financial year, handling a record volume of 4.92 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo and facilitating the berthing of 240 ships in less than nine months. The port also set a new benchmark by managing over 1 lakh containers in a single month, achieving this feat just four months after commencing commercial operations in December 2024. In March 2025 alone, the port efficiently handled 1.08 lakh TEUs from 51 vessels. The success is attributed to the strategic deployment of advanced technology and meticulous planning by Adani Vizhinjam Port, which has enabled rapid scalability and reliability. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has recently granted environmental clearance for the second and third phases of the port's development, paving the way for additional infrastructure facilities. The expansion includes extending the container terminal to 1,200 meters, increasing the breakwater length by 900 meters, constructing multipurpose and liquid berths, and dredging approximately 7.20 million cubic meters of land. The State has also accepted the Central share of viability gap funding (VGF) of ₹817.80 crore, further supporting the port's expansion, which is expected to be completed by 2028. This progress underscores the port's potential to become a pivotal hub in global maritime trade, strengthening India’s logistics infrastructure and reinforcing Kerala’s position in the industry.
Vijayawada Division Sets Record Freight Loading and Revenue in FY 2024-25
The South Central Railway (SCR), Vijayawada division, has achieved a historic milestone in the financial year 2024-25 by recording its highest-ever freight loading, revenue, and punctuality. The division's gross revenue stood at ₹5,836.61 crore, the highest in its history. Freight loading contributed significantly with 38.322 million tonnes (MT), generating ₹4,239.74 crore. Additionally, passenger revenue reached ₹1,386.14 crore, other coaching revenue was ₹111.70 crore, and sundry revenue accounted for ₹99 crore. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Narendra A. Patil commended the freight customers, passengers, and officers for their efforts in achieving this remarkable performance.
NMC Achieves ₹77.76 Crore Tax Collection in FY 2024-25, Marks 17% Growth
The Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC) has successfully collected a total of ₹77.76 crore in taxes during the financial year 2024-25, marking a 17% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. This includes ₹70.14 crore from property tax and ₹7.62 crore from vacant land tax. NMC Commissioner Surya Teja highlighted that the additional ₹11.38 crore collected this year, compared to ₹66.38 crore in 2023-24, was a result of the outstanding efforts of the officers and staff. The Revenue Department played a crucial role, collecting ₹2.85 crore on the last day of the fiscal year, March 31. Deputy Commissioner D. Chennudu and officials from the Revenue and Engineering departments were instrumental in achieving this milestone. The Commissioner praised their dedication and efficiency in ensuring the successful collection of taxes.
Kurnool Municipal Corporation Achieves 75.78% Property Tax Collection for FY 2024-25
The Kurnool Municipal Corporation (KMC) successfully collected 75.78 per cent of the targeted property tax for the financial year 2024-25, amounting to ₹71.79 crore. The total demand for property tax was ₹94.73 crore, which included ₹28.32 crore in arrears. The collections for the current financial year stood at ₹59.26 crore, with ₹12.53 crore collected from arrears. This performance slightly surpassed the previous year’s collection of 75.37 per cent, where ₹57.34 crore was collected against a demand of ₹76.09 crore. To ensure compliance, KMC officials launched a sustained campaign, including counselling assesses, erecting hoardings, and even parking garbage vehicles in front of non-payers' properties. Special counters were also set up to facilitate tax payments. The campaign aimed to collect property taxes, water charges, and trade license fees, emphasizing the importance of timely payments for the city’s development.
Festivals (1)
Sixth Day of Brahmotsavams in Tirupati Features Hanumantha and Gaja Vahanams
On the sixth day of the nine-day annual Brahmotsavams in Tirupati, the processional idol of Lord Kodandarama was taken out on ‘Hanumantha Vahanam’ in the morning and ‘Gaja Vahanam’ in the evening. The morning procession featured Lord Rama mounted atop his favorite disciple Hanuman, while the evening procession showcased the idol on a carrier representing an elephant. A large number of devotees gathered to witness the event. In the afternoon, the idols of Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana were given a celestial bath, known as ‘Snapana Tirumanjanam,’ using milk, curd, turmeric, sandal, and tender coconut water. Senior and junior pontiffs of Tirumala-Tirupati temples, Pedda Jeeyangar and Chinna Jeeyangar, along with Deputy Executive Officer Naga Ratna, participated in the processions.
Heritage (1)
Kudiyetta Smarakam Museum in Idukki to Showcase Migration History and Agrarian Struggles
The Kudiyetta Smarakam (settlement memorial) museum project in Idukki, Kerala, is set to be inaugurated soon as a significant tourist attraction. Developed by the Tourism Department at a cost of ₹3 crore, the museum spans five acres and features six exhibits showcasing the history of migration to Idukki. The exhibits include sculptures depicting migrant farmers, their protests, and leaders like A.K. Gopalan (AKG) and Fr. Joseph Vadakkan, who played pivotal roles in the agrarian movements. The museum also highlights human-animal conflicts, early farming practices, and the impact of natural calamities on settlers, with displays of rescue operations, damaged houses, and post-calamity life. A 36.5-foot-high entrance welcomes visitors, and an audio system will provide historical context alongside the sculptures. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) aims to make the museum an educational window into Idukki’s settlement era and its past.
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