Important News - 2025-04-05
05 April 2025
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Economy (3)
Civil Supplies Corporation to Procure 2.5 Lakh MT of Paddy in East Godavari
Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography, announced on Saturday that the Civil Supplies Corporation has agreed to procure 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of paddy during the Rabi season in East Godavari district. This marks an increase from the previous target of two lakh metric tonnes. The procurement process was officially launched at Mortha village in the Nidadavolu Assembly constituency. Durgesh emphasized that rice millers must use quality gunny bags and encouraged farmers to book their procurement slots by sharing their details on WhatsApp number 73373-59375, as part of the WhatsApp governance initiative. He also assured farmers that payments would be made within 48 hours of procurement.
Tamil Nadu to Borrow ₹20,000 Crore in Q1 of 2025-26 Fiscal Year
The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to borrow ₹20,000 crore in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025-26, as per the indicative market borrowings schedule released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This borrowing will be facilitated through State Development Loans (SDLs), which are bonds issued by states and auctioned by the RBI. The funds raised will be used for various state development projects, with repayment of principal and interest due upon maturity. In the 2025-26 budget speech, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu revealed that Tamil Nadu’s total borrowing for the fiscal year is estimated at ₹1,62,096.76 crore, with repayments amounting to ₹55,844.53 crore. This will result in an outstanding borrowing of ₹9,29,959.30 crore by March 31, 2026. The state’s Debt to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ratio is projected at 26.07%, well within the 28.70% target set by the 15th Finance Commission. Nationally, state governments and Union Territories are expected to borrow ₹2,73,255 crore in the April-June quarter of 2025, with Maharashtra leading at ₹50,000 crore. Tamil Nadu’s gross market borrowings for 2024-25 (till January) stood at ₹88,025 crore, with net borrowings at ₹60,175 crore after repayments.
U.S. Tariff Hike on Indian Seafood Sparks Crisis for Andhra Pradesh Aqua Farmers
The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, announced a 26% tariff hike on various Indian products, including seafood, effective from April 5 midnight. This decision has caused significant concern among aqua farmers and exporters in Andhra Pradesh, as the state is a major exporter of seafood to the U.S. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) exports seafood to over 100 countries, including the U.S., China, and the European Union. In the last 48 hours, seafood exports to the U.S. have nearly halted due to fears of the tariff's impact on goods in transit and at U.S. ports. Authorities have clarified that goods in transit will be charged the old tariff rates, providing some relief to exporters. However, goods billed after April 5 will face the increased tariffs. The Seafood Exporters’ Association of India (SEAI) is planning to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers of Commerce and Finance to discuss the crisis and its impact on the aquaculture sector.
Books (2)
Tamil Nadu Congress Leader Gopanna Contributes 7,000 Photos for Nehru Memorial Website
A. Gopanna, senior vice-president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, has contributed 7,000 rare photographs of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund. These photographs will be used for a website dedicated to Nehru’s memory. Gopanna, who has been collecting photographs of Nehru since 2007, had previously used them in his English biography on Nehru, launched in May 2018 by former President Pranab Mukherjee. He is also working on coffee table books about Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, with plans to release the Tamil version of the Indira Gandhi book by August. Additionally, Gopanna aims to write a book on the history of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, which has completed over 100 years of existence.
60th Anniversary Celebration of Sara Joseph’s Literary Journey Held at Kerala Sahitya Akademi
A two-day celebration titled 'Sara Josephinte Lokangal (The Worlds of Sara Joseph) – Life, Writings, and Resistance' commenced at the Kerala Sahitya Akademi on Saturday, marking the 60th anniversary of the renowned writer Sara Joseph's literary journey. The event, organized by writers, artists, and socio-political activists, highlighted her contributions to Malayalam literature and her role as a voice of resistance against societal injustices. Acclaimed Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq inaugurated the event, praising Sara Joseph as a milestone in Malayalam literature and a symbol of unwavering resistance. Telugu writer Volga, the chief guest, emphasized the shared struggles and commitments of women writers in overcoming societal constraints. Kerala Sahitya Akademi president K. Satchidanadnan lauded her works for their feminist lens and timeless relevance. The event featured seminars, discussions, and speeches by notable figures such as N.S. Madhavan, P.N. Gopikrishnan, and P. Balachandran, MLA.
Miscellaneous (4)
V. Somanna Inspects ₹12 Crore Road Over Bridge Project in Bengaluru
V. Somanna, Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, inspected the ongoing construction of Road Over Bridge (ROB) No. 431 between Padarayanapura and Hosahalli in Bengaluru on Friday. The new ROB, being constructed at a cost of ₹12 crore, will replace the old structure that has reached the end of its codal life. The bridge, featuring a 42-metre Bow String Girder, is expected to enhance connectivity between Vijayanagar and Mysuru Road. During his visit, Mr. Somanna reviewed the progress of the project and instructed railway officials to ensure its completion within the stipulated timeline, as stated in a release by South Western Railway (SWR). Additionally, the minister visited Krishnadevaraya Halt Station and Nayandahalli Station, where he interacted with commuters to address their concerns and suggestions. Officials emphasized that the ROB project is a critical infrastructure upgrade for the area, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion once completed.
RSASTF Arrests Two Red Sandalwood Smugglers in Kadapa District
The Red Sanders Anti Smuggling Task Force (RSASTF) conducted a successful operation in the Proddatur Range at Khajipet mandal in YSR Kadapa district on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of two red sandalwood smugglers. The operation, led by RSASTF Chief L. Subbarayudu, SP P. Srinivas, and DSP G. Balireddy, involved RSI P. Naresh from Kadapa Sub Control RI Chiranjeevulu’s team and Patur FBO Linga Nayak. The team seized eight red sandalwood logs and two motorcycles from the suspects. The smugglers, identified as residents of Kadapa district, attempted to flee upon seeing the task force personnel but were apprehended after a chase. They were taken to Tirupati Task Force Police Station for questioning, and a case has been registered by SI Rafi. The investigation is ongoing.
WENderland Midnight Market Promotes Night Safety and Kochi's Nightlife
The WENderland Midnight Market, an initiative by the Women Entrepreneur Network (WEN) Kochi Chapter, was inaugurated on April 5 by Hibi Eden, Member of Parliament. The market, held at Rajendra Maidan, operated from 4 p.m. to midnight on April 5 and 6. This event aimed to promote night-time safety, particularly for women and children, while showcasing Kochi's vibrant nightlife. The market featured art installations, live music performances, and a silent disco, adhering to restrictions on loudspeaker use. The Ernakulam district administration and local police supported the event. WEN, which also has chapters in Kozhikode, Kottayam, Thrissur, and Thiruvananthapuram, boasts over 1,000 members across its network.
MLA Highlights Breast Cancer Crisis in Bhalabhadrapuram, Links to Industrial Pollution
Anaparthi MLA Nallamilli Rama Krishna Reddy (BJP) highlighted the alarming prevalence of cancer, particularly breast cancer, in Bhalabhadrapuram village, East Godavari district. In March 2024, health profiles of 1,295 individuals were documented, revealing 62 cases of seven types of cancer, with breast cancer being the most common. The MLA raised concerns during the Assembly session, prompting government investigations. He accused bureaucrats and health authorities of downplaying the issue and urged the government to declare a health emergency in villages within a 3-km radius for comprehensive cancer screening. Reddy also linked the health crisis to potential pollution from nearby industries, including Grasim Industries’ Chlor-Alkali unit. He called for the temporary suspension of the unit’s operations until the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) completes its environmental and chemical pollution study. The MLA sought the intervention of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Environment and Forest K. Pawan Kalyan to address the issue and ensure transparency in pollution audit findings.
Education (1)
UGC Introduces New Regulations for Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new regulations to streamline the recognition of qualifications earned from foreign educational institutions. According to the new guidelines, a foreign institution must be recognized under the laws of its home country for its qualifications to be considered for equivalence in India. Additionally, the candidate must have pursued the program of study as per the institution's norms, with entry requirements similar to those in India. The UGC's standing committee will evaluate equivalence based on parameters such as credits, thesis, dissertation, hands-on experiential learning, and internship requirements. The regulations also address qualifications obtained through franchising arrangements. UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar emphasized the need for a transparent, technology-driven mechanism to recognize foreign qualifications, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's vision of making India a global study destination. This reform aims to ensure fair recognition of international degrees, making India's higher education system more inclusive, competitive, and future-ready.
Politics (7)
Congress Protests Wakf (Amendment) Bill-2025 in Srikakulam Over Religious Autonomy Concerns
The Congress party staged a protest in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, against the Wakf (Amendment) Bill-2025, alleging that it would undermine the religious autonomy of the Muslim community and violate constitutional principles, particularly Article 300 A, which guarantees property rights. Led by Srikakulam district Congress president Ambati Krishnarao, the protest took place near the Gandhi statue at the Municipal Corporation office on Saturday. Krishnarao claimed that the Bill would facilitate the exploitation of valuable Wakf properties, which are intended for the development and welfare of the Muslim community. He also mentioned that Congress MPs, along with other party members, have filed cases in the Supreme Court opposing the Bill, hoping it will be quashed before it becomes law.
KCR Absent from Lokayukta Selection Committee Meeting
A crucial meeting of the selection committee for the appointment of Lokayukta and Upa Lokayukta was held at the Secretariat on Saturday. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad, and Legislative Council Chairman Gutta Sukhender Reddy, among others. However, Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) did not attend the meeting, despite being officially informed. The committee is set to forward its recommendations to the Governor, who will issue the final orders. Additionally, meetings for the constitution of the State Human Rights Commission and the Information Commission were also held. The Chief Minister serves as the Chairman of these selection committees, with the Leader of the Opposition being a key member. Despite KCR's absence, the government has decided to proceed with sending the recommended names to the Governor.
Congress-BJP Clash Over PM Modi’s Poster at Fine Rice Distribution Centre in Warangal
A clash erupted between Congress and BJP cadres in the Narsampet area of combined Warangal district on Saturday, March 11, 2023, over the display of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s picture at a fair price shop during the distribution of fine rice. BJP activists attempted to tie a poster of PM Modi at the shop, arguing that the Central government contributes significantly to the free rice distribution scheme, and thus, the Prime Minister’s photo should be displayed. Congress activists objected to this and removed the poster, leading to a confrontation. Police intervened to disperse the crowd. Union Minister of State for Home, Bandi Sanjay, supported the BJP’s stance, emphasizing that the Central government provides a major share of the rice and that PM Modi’s poster should be displayed alongside that of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.
Telangana Urged to Secure 67% Reservation Under Ninth Schedule for Constitutional Protection
The Telangana government’s move to implement 67% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) has sparked discussions on constitutional safeguards. Advocates and political leaders, including DMK MP P. Wilson, have urged the state to follow Tamil Nadu’s model of securing reservation laws under the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This would protect the legislation from judicial review, except in cases where it violates the basic structure of the Constitution. The conference, titled ‘42% Reservations for BCs in Education, Employment and Local Bodies: A Roadmap for Social Justice,’ emphasized the need for a constitutional amendment to ensure lasting protection for reservation policies. Retired Justice V. Eswaraiah and former Advocate-General of Telangana, Justice B.S. Prasad, highlighted the importance of equitable representation and cautioned against political tactics. The event, organized by the BC Intellectual Forum, All India BC Federation, All India OBC Students Association, and Telangana BC Lawyers Front, saw participation from former bureaucrats and leaders across disciplines.
Kavitha Criticizes Gandhi Siblings' Absence During Waqf Bill Debate, Announces Dharna for Phule Statue
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC Kavitha Kalvakuntla criticized the absence of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi during the parliamentary debate on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025. Kavitha highlighted what she termed as the lack of responsibility and seriousness by the Congress leadership. She remarked that while the Gandhi siblings actively campaign during elections, they were notably absent when it came to addressing critical issues affecting minority communities. Kavitha also condemned the Congress government for the delay in installing a statue of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on the Telangana Assembly premises. To protest this delay, she announced a dharna scheduled for April 8 at Indira Park, Hyderabad, and released a poster for the event alongside BC community leaders.
ASHAs' Protest for Better Remuneration Continues as Government Forms Committee
The 55-day-long protest by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) demanding better remuneration and retirement benefits continues without a resolution. The government has decided to form a committee to study their issues, a move that the ASHA action council has rejected. The Kerala ASHA Health Workers’ Association (KAHWA) has accused other trade unions of pressuring them to accept the committee as the only solution. KAHWA leaders claim this is a pre-planned strategy to weaken the strike. The government has proposed a committee with representatives from the Health, Finance, and Labour departments but has ruled out further talks for now. Meanwhile, KAHWA has reduced its demand for an honorarium hike from ₹21,000 to ₹10,000, but even this compromise has been rejected. The Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has distanced the Congress party from the stance taken by INTUC leader R. Chandrasekharan on the issue.
D’Cunha Commission Submits Second Interim Report on Karnataka COVID-19 Procurement Scam
The John Michael D’Cunha commission, tasked with investigating alleged irregularities in COVID-19 procurement and management during the previous BJP government in Karnataka, submitted its second interim report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday. The commission, headed by retired High Court judge John Michael D’Cunha, had previously submitted its first report on August 31, 2024. The Congress government has ordered a probe into the alleged scam involving the purchase of PPE kits, medicines, and the administration of drugs during the pandemic. The earlier report recommended the prosecution of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and former Health Minister B. Sriramulu for allegedly purchasing three lakh PPE kits from two Chinese firms in April 2020 at inflated prices. The State Cabinet has decided to review the report through an official committee led by Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, who was present during the report submission.
Heritage (2)
Efforts to Preserve Gondi Language and Culture in Maharashtra
Avinash Shrirame, a volunteer teacher, is dedicated to preserving the Gondi language at the Paramparik Koya Dnyanbodh Sanskar Ghotul School in Mohgaon, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. The school, established in February 2021, is the only one in Maharashtra that teaches Gondi, a Dravidian language spoken by 30 lakh people. The school aims to revive Gondi and pass on Gond culture to the younger generation, addressing the risk of the language being subsumed by Marathi. The school follows the Tribal Department’s ashram shala syllabus, teaching subjects like Mathematics, History, English, and Marathi, with Gondi as an additional subject. However, the school faces legal challenges as it is not registered with the zila parishad, leading to a notice from the Maharashtra Education Department to shut it down. The Gram Sabha Parishad, which runs the school, has filed a petition in the High Court seeking recognition under the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas, PESA) Act, 1996. The school is funded by the collective efforts of 15 villages, with resources like tendu leaves being sold to support it. Despite the challenges, the school has been successful in reconnecting Gond children with their heritage and language.
Panchamasali Community to Train Priests in 'Basava Tatva' and Focus on Youth Leadership
The Akhila Bharatha Lingayat Panchamasali Samaj Trust has announced plans to train priests from the Panchamasali community in 'Basava Tatva,' a set of tenets that emphasize shunning Vedic rituals. The decision was made during a meeting held in Hubballi on Saturday, chaired by General Secretary Neelakanth Asuti. The trust also resolved to provide personality development and leadership training for youth within the community, aiming to cultivate leadership qualities. An expert panel will finalize the training program details. Additionally, the trust plans to construct a Kalyanamantap (marriage hall) at a site in Navanagar, Hubballi, within the next two months. The meeting also decided to disband all existing district and other committees and form new ones at the earliest. Earlier, community leaders from various districts in Kittur Karnataka, including former MLA S.I. Chikkanagoudar and former MLCs Mohan Limbikai and Somanna Bevinamarad, convened under the chairmanship of Prabhanna Hunasikatti to discuss community issues.
Schemes (2)
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Announces Three-Year Plan to Eradicate Poverty
On April 5, 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced his commitment to eradicate poverty in Uttar Pradesh within three years. Speaking at a public meeting in Maharajganj, he outlined the State government’s roadmap for poverty alleviation and improving public welfare. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 629 development projects worth ₹654 crore, including the Rohin Barrage, which is expected to benefit over 15,000 farmers and irrigate 5,400 hectares of land. Mr. Adityanath criticized previous governments for fostering a culture of lawlessness and corruption, contrasting it with the BJP’s initiatives such as the ‘one district, one medical college’ policy. He also emphasized the Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to curb illegal land occupation and ensure public land is used for welfare projects like hospitals, schools, and housing. Highlighting the State’s progress over the past eight years, he credited the BJP’s ‘double engine’ government for transforming Uttar Pradesh into a rapidly growing economy.
Thrissur Achieves Garbage-Free Status Under Kerala’s Waste Management Initiative
Thrissur district in Kerala has been officially declared garbage-free by Minister for Revenue and Housing K. Rajan. This achievement highlights the district's successful efforts in eliminating waste across various institutions, including 1,164 schools, 122 colleges, 6,473 institutions, 25,977 neighborhood groups, 537 towns, 301 public places, and 39 tourist destinations. The initiative was part of a collective effort involving Kudumbashree units, neighborhood groups, and local governance bodies. The Minister emphasized that maintaining a waste-free Kerala is a sustainable goal requiring ongoing community participation. The declaration ceremony, held at Thrissur Town Hall, was presided over by District Panchayat President V.S. Prince, with District Collector Arjun Pandian as the chief guest. Blocks panchayats, gram panchayats, municipalities, schools, colleges, and institutions that excelled in waste-free initiatives were honored during the event. Assistant Director of the Local Self-Governments department, Bindu Parameswaran, led the cleanliness pledge, reinforcing the commitment to environmental excellence.
Festivals (2)
Adani Krishnapatnam Port Celebrates 62nd National Maritime Day with Focus on Youth and Sustainability
Adani Krishnapatnam Port Limited (AKPL) commemorated the 62nd National Maritime Day on Saturday at its port premises in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. This year’s celebration, themed ‘Samriddh Sagar – Viksit Bharat Yevam Neel Arth Aur Harit Vikas Ke Liye Yuva’, emphasized the critical role of youth in fostering a prosperous maritime sector, advancing the blue economy, and promoting green growth in India. The event saw the participation of AKPL employees, workers, and key stakeholders such as the Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs officials, Ship Masters, and Vessel agents. The National Maritime Day, observed annually on April 5, honors India’s maritime history and its contributions to global trade and economic development.
Hyderabad Celebrates Multi-Faith Unity with Festivals and Cultural Showcase
Hyderabad witnessed a grand celebration of unity in diversity on April 5, 2024, as it joined cities across India in a multi-faith event. The festivities brought together major festivals such as Ugadi, Id-ul-Fitr, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Baisakhi, and Easter. The day commenced with a blood donation camp, inaugurated by leaders representing five major religions. This was followed by a cultural program titled ‘The Stage Awaits Your Soul,’ featuring performances by artists from diverse faiths. A youth panel discussion, ‘My Ideas of Celebrating Festivals,’ became the highlight of the event, where participants discussed the evolving nature of celebrations in the digital age and emphasized the importance of fostering shared, meaningful festivities across communities.
Appointments (1)
Dr. Rohit Khanna Re-Elected as IAPB Southeast Regional Chair
Dr. Rohit Khanna, Network Director for Public Health at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad, has been re-elected as the Regional Chair for the Southeast Region of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). In this role, he will work closely with stakeholders across the region, in coordination with the IAPB global office, to promote universal eye health and strengthen efforts at both regional and national levels to prevent avoidable blindness and visual impairment. His re-election highlights his continued commitment to addressing eye health challenges and advancing global initiatives in this field.
Awards (1)
Hyderabad's Dr. M. Sasikala Receives AAAS Honorary Fellowship for 2024
Dr. M. Sasikala, Director of Research at the Institute of Translational Science, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, has been conferred with the prestigious Honorary Fellowship of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for 2024. The AAAS recognized her groundbreaking contributions to translational gastroenterology, particularly her research on the molecular mechanisms underlying endocrine pancreatic dysfunctions in diabetes. This accolade highlights her significant role in advancing medical science and her dedication to addressing critical health challenges.
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