Important News - 2025-04-12
12 April 2025
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Census (2)
Karnataka Caste Census Report Proposes OBC Reservation Increase to 51%
The Karnataka government has accepted the Socio Economic and Educational Survey (caste census) report, which proposes increasing the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 32% to 51%. This adjustment raises the total reservation in the state to 85%, including 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and 24% for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The survey indicates that backward classes constitute approximately 70% of the state's population. Additionally, the report suggests creating a new reservation category and reclassifying certain castes, introducing a six-category system instead of the current five. A new category, 1-A, has been established for nomadic castes, with a 6% reservation. Other changes include moving Kurubas from Category 2-A to 1-B and doubling the reservation for Muslims in Category 2-B from 4% to 8%. The report, submitted by K. Jayaprakash Hegde, former chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes in 2024, is based on a survey conducted during H. Kantharaj's tenure in 2015.
Congress Promises Caste Census in Bihar Inspired by Telangana Model
On April 12, 2025, Jignesh Mevani, the working president of the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee and an MLA, announced that the Congress party would conduct a caste census in Bihar if elected to power. This initiative would mirror the Telangana model, emphasizing the necessity of such a census to ensure social and economic justice for marginalized communities. Mevani criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly deceiving Dalits and backward classes. He highlighted the Congress party's commitment to conducting a nationwide caste census, as advocated by Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Mevani also questioned the validity of the caste-based survey conducted by the Bihar government, which revealed significant poverty levels, with over 94.42 lakh families surviving on less than ₹200 per day. Furthermore, he accused the BJP-JD(U) coalition of undermining reservation policies in Bihar, leading to the abolition of caste-based reservations by the Patna High Court.
Politics (12)
Investigation into Engineering Seat-Blocking Scam Halted Amid Political Pressure Ahead of CET-2025
The investigation into the alleged engineering seat-blocking scam, which occurred during the 2024–25 academic year, has been halted without reaching a conclusion ahead of the Common Entrance Test-2025 (CET-2025), scheduled to begin on April 15, 2025. Sources suggest that the police halted the probe due to political pressure, raising concerns about the recurrence of similar illegalities. The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) had filed an FIR at the Malleshwaram police station on November 14, 2025, after it was discovered that miscreants misused IP addresses to block over 2,000 government quota engineering seats in private colleges. The police arrested 10 individuals, including a KEA contractual employee, and seized 13 mobile phones, three laptops, and other documents. Notices were sent to BMS College of Engineering, Akash Institute of Engineering and Technology, and New Horizon College of Engineering, which were named as alleged beneficiaries. BMS College of Engineering challenged the case in the Karnataka High Court, which directed the police not to take coercive action but to seek cooperation from the college. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also sought information from the KEA in December 2024. Parents expressed concerns about the incomplete investigation, fearing seat-blocking during CET-2025 counselling. Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar assured action by meeting the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner to expedite the investigation.
Malladi Vishnu Accuses TTD of Negligence in Goshala Cow Deaths
YSRCP leader and former MLA Malladi Vishnu has accused the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board of gross negligence in managing its Goshala (cow shelter), leading to the deaths of over 100 cows in the last three months. Vishnu alleged that the deaths were due to inadequate medical care, a shortage of veterinary staff, and poor nutrition. He demanded the formation of a government committee to investigate the matter and criticized the TTD officials for dismissing the issue despite photographic evidence. Vishnu also accused the TTD of becoming a "political center" under the NDA government, citing irregularities like VIP darshan based on political recommendations and long waiting times for ₹300 ticket holders. Additionally, he raised concerns about recent violations of temple sanctity, such as individuals entering the Mahadwaram with footwear, and highlighted administrative conflicts between the TTD Chairman and Executive Officer. Vishnu further accused the state government of targeting Hindu institutions, citing the demolition of temples and Goshalas in cities like Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Narasaraopet, as well as incidents like the Tirupati stampede and ghee adulteration as evidence of negligence.
IUML Leader Criticizes Kerala CM for Defending SNDP Secretary’s Controversial Remarks
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader K.M. Shaji criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for defending Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) general secretary Vellappally Natesan over his controversial remarks about Malappuram. Speaking in Kozhikode on April 12, 2025, Shaji stated that his party was indifferent to both Vijayan and Natesan. Vijayan had earlier praised Natesan for completing 30 years as SNDP general secretary, emphasizing that Natesan’s statements were not intended to harm any community. Natesan had claimed during a meeting in Nilambur that the Ezhava community faced oppression in Malappuram, a statement later supported by former BJP president K. Surendran, who alleged that Malappuram was inhospitable during Ramzan.
Tejashwi Yadav Criticizes Bihar’s Prohibition Law as a Tool for Harassment
Tejashwi Yadav, Bihar’s Leader of Opposition and RJD leader, criticized the Bihar government and police for the enforcement of the state’s prohibition law, which has been in effect since April 2016. He accused the law of being misused to target poor people, Dalits, and backward communities, while facilitating illegal extortion and smuggling. Yadav highlighted that over 9.36 lakh cases have been filed under the law, with more than 14.32 lakh arrests, predominantly involving marginalized groups. He also pointed out that despite the seizure of 3.86 crore litres of liquor, including 2.1 crore litres of foreign liquor, no action has been taken against suppliers or senior police officers. Yadav’s remarks coincided with RJD’s plans to celebrate B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on April 14.
Mass Protest in Thrissur Demands Repeal of Waqf (Amendment) Act
On Saturday, a significant protest march was organized in Thrissur city, Kerala, against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The march, led by the Kerala Muslim Jamaat, commenced at 4 p.m. from the Chettiyangadi Sunni Masjid and proceeded around Swaraj Round without disrupting traffic. The protesters, including leaders from various Muslim organizations such as Samastha central Mushawara, Sunni Yuvajana Samgam (SYS), Sunni Students’ Federation (SSF), and Sunni Jam-iyyathul Muallimeen (SJM), demanded the immediate repeal of the Act, citing its threat to the rights, culture, and welfare of the Muslim minority community in India. A public meeting followed the march, where prominent figures like P. Balachandran, MLA; CPI(M) district secretariat member P.K. Shajan; and Youth Congress State vice-president O.B. Janesh addressed the gathering. The speakers emphasized that the Act poses a direct threat to India’s secularism, democracy, and religious freedom, and accused the BJP government of pursuing an anti-Muslim agenda. The protestors vowed to continue their peaceful struggle until the Act is repealed.
BJP Faces Internal Dispute Over Naming Skill Development Centre After RSS Founder Hedgewar
The BJP in Palakkad municipality is facing internal division over the naming of a new skill development centre for the differently abled after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder K.B. Hedgewar. A section of party leaders claims the municipal authorities named the centre without consulting the RSS-BJP leadership. However, municipal vice chairperson E. Krishnadas stated that the decision falls under the discretionary authority of the municipal chairperson and will proceed as planned. The issue has sparked protests from Youth Congress and DYFI workers, who disrupted the foundation stone-laying ceremony on Friday. The Congress has also filed a police complaint against BJP east district president Prasanth Sivan for allegedly threatening MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. Meanwhile, BJP executive member K.K. Surendran criticized the Congress and DYFI as anti-democratic, citing historical instances of Congress-RSS interactions. CPI(M) senior leader N.N. Krishnadas questioned the BJP’s decision to name the centre after Hedgewar instead of former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, accusing the BJP of subservience to the RSS.
Congress Lodges Police Complaint Against BJP Leader Over Threat to MLA Amid Naming Dispute of Skill Development Center
The Congress party lodged a police complaint on Saturday against BJP’s Palakkad district president, Prasanth Sivan, for allegedly threatening MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. The controversy stems from a dispute over naming a skill development center for disabled persons after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder K B Hedgewar. On Friday, Congress, Youth Congress, and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) activists disrupted the foundation stone-laying ceremony organized by the BJP-ruled Palakkad municipality. Following the disruption, Sivan reportedly stated that Mamkootathil would not be allowed to enter the district. In response, Mamkootathil asserted his commitment to opposing the RSS despite threats, emphasizing his role as an elected representative. Additionally, the BJP conducted a march in support of Hedgewar, while Mamkootathil led a protest against naming the center after him, claiming no proposal was presented to the municipal council and vowing legal action.
Kerala Governor's Stance on Supreme Court Order Sparks Legal Challenges
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's recent stance on the Supreme Court's order in the Tamil Nadu case, which set a timeline for Governors to act on Bills cleared by State legislatures, has sparked potential legal challenges for the Kerala government. Governor Arlekar termed the Supreme Court's decision as an "overreach" and suggested that the matter should have been referred to a Constitution Bench. This development comes ahead of the Supreme Court's consideration of Kerala's petition in May, which seeks to establish guidelines for the Governor's actions on Bills passed by the State legislature. Additionally, Kerala's petition challenges President Droupadi Murmu's decision to withhold assent for four out of seven Bills. The Governor argued that fixing a time limit for assent amounts to a constitutional amendment, a prerogative of Parliament. The Attorney General of India, representing both the Union of India and the Governor, may request the case to be referred to a larger Bench. The Kerala government has expressed its desire for the case to be heard by the same Bench that issued the landmark Tamil Nadu order, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan. The Chief Justice of India has scheduled the case for May 13, rejecting the State's plea for a specific Bench. State Law Minister P. Rajeeve emphasized that while the Governor has the right to criticize the Supreme Court's judgment, the Court's decision remains the law of the land and holds the authority to review even constitutional amendments.
Minister Ravindra Calls for Probe into YSRCP Leader’s Allegations on TTD Goshala Cow Deaths
Kollu Ravindra, the Minister for Mines & Geology and Excise, has called for a police investigation into allegations made by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy regarding the death of cows at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Goshala. Reddy claimed that 100 cows had died in the last three months due to negligence. Ravindra refuted this, stating that only 40 cows had died, primarily due to ageing and disease, and emphasized that proper care was provided by 260 workers. He also accused the YSRCP of spreading false propaganda to tarnish the TTD’s reputation and incite religious tensions. Ravindra highlighted that all cows were geo-tagged, and their birth and death records were meticulously maintained. Additionally, he alleged that during Reddy's tenure as TTD Chairman, several irregularities occurred, including the disappearance of gold and silver dollars and the sale of darshan tickets by fraudsters. Ravindra accused the YSRCP of exploiting sensitive religious issues for political gain, undermining peace and harmony.
ASHAs’ Strike in Kerala Enters 62nd Day Amid Calls for Government Action
The strike by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Kerala has entered its 62nd day, with family members and representatives of various people’s struggles gathering in front of the Secretariat on Saturday to show solidarity. A resolution passed during the gathering urged the government to address the demands of the ASHAs and reach a settlement promptly. The resolution highlighted that ASHAs are crucial to the state’s health sector and emphasized that their protest for increased remuneration has gained national and international attention. Kerala Sahithya Akademi chairperson K. Satchidanandan, in a video message, criticized both the Union and State governments for the plight of ASHAs and urged the State government to consider a slight increase in their honorarium to end the strike. He noted that the State government’s response was disappointing, given its past efforts to raise their honorarium.
Sridhar Babu Refutes KTR’s Claims on Gachibowli Land, Highlights Welfare Schemes
Information Technology and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu has strongly refuted the allegations made by Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) regarding the ownership of 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli lands. Sridhar Babu clarified that the land belongs to the government, as confirmed by the Supreme Court’s verdict. He criticized KTR for questioning the ownership despite the court’s decision and accused the BRS of obstructing development and welfare initiatives. Sridhar Babu also addressed the transfer of the land to the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIISC), stating that it followed standard procedures, including a Government Order (GO) issued after the Cabinet’s decision. Furthermore, he defended the government’s fund-raising through debentures, highlighting that ₹9,995 crore was raised on December 5, 2024, at an interest rate of 9.35%, which was lower than the 10.09% interest rate secured by the BRS during its tenure. The funds were utilized for welfare schemes such as crop loan waivers, Rythu Bhrosa, and paddy grain bonus payments. Sridhar Babu also accused the BRS of spreading misinformation using AI-generated images and videos, particularly regarding the presence of wildlife in Gachibowli. He further criticized the BJP for its comments on the Musi River rejuvenation project, pointing out their double standards on relief and rehabilitation measures.
Man Charged for Illegal Triple Talaq Over Phone in Kerala
The police in Kondotty, Kerala, have registered a case against Veeran Kutty from Tharayittal for allegedly administering triple talaq to his wife over the phone, which is illegal under the law. The complaint, filed by the woman, also accused him of physical and mental torture. The couple, married for two years, has a 10-month-old child. The woman stated that she had only lived with her husband for 40 days post-marriage due to health issues and had been residing at her parental home since then. The incident occurred while mediation efforts were ongoing between the two families. The police have taken action under the relevant legal provisions against the accused.
Miscellaneous (4)
Intermediate Supplementary Exams 2025 Scheduled from May 12 to May 20
The Intermediate Public Advanced Supplementary Examinations for May 2025 are scheduled to take place from May 12 to May 20, 2025. The Board of Intermediate Education has released the exam timetable, detailing that first-year students will appear for their exams in the morning session (9 a.m. to 12 noon), while second-year students will take their exams in the afternoon session (2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.). The practical examinations will be conducted from May 28 to June 1, 2025, in two sessions (9 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) for both General and Vocational courses. Additionally, the Ethics and Human Values examination is set for June 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Environmental Education exam will be held on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The same dates will apply to the Intermediate Vocational Course Examination, with a separate timetable to be issued for Vocational courses.
Aakash Educational Services Launches New Learning Centre in Suncity Bandlaguda Jagir
Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), a prominent institution preparing students for competitive exams like NEET and JEE, inaugurated its new learning centre at Suncity Bandlaguda Jagir on Saturday, December 2, 2023. The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures including T. Prakash Goud, Rajendranagar MLA, Swamy Goud, former Chairperson of the Legislative Council, and R. Shailesh Reddy, CEO of T News. K. Suryakala Reddy, Director of AESL, emphasized the centre’s mission to empower students with strong academic foundations, conceptual clarity, and confidence to excel in competitive examinations. The centre aims to provide quality education and resources to aspiring students.
Slowdown in CET-2025 Admission Ticket Downloads Following II PU Results Dip
Following the announcement of the II PU annual exam-1 results, there has been a slowdown in the downloading of admission tickets for the Common Entrance Test (CET-2025), scheduled for April 15 and 17. According to the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), out of 3.3 lakh registered candidates, 2.85 lakh have downloaded their admission tickets, while 45,000 are yet to do so. H. Prasanna, Executive Director of KEA, advised students not to miss the CET opportunity despite lower II PUC scores, emphasizing that CET is held only once a year. He highlighted that students can improve their II PU marks in subsequent exams, and CET ranks will consider the best scores achieved. Mr. Prasanna also cited the example of CET-2024, where students who improved their II PU marks in the third exam were assigned ranks and admitted to professional courses.
The Hindu Civil Service Summit 2025 to Aid UPSC Aspirants in Thiruvananthapuram
The Hindu Civil Service Summit 2025, a two-day event exclusively for UPSC aspirants, will be held on May 9 and 10 at the Hycinth Confluence hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. The summit, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., aims to provide a comprehensive and career-defining experience for candidates preparing for the 2026–27 UPSC examination cycle. Attendees will gain access to mentorship, learning resources, and peer interaction, with sessions covering strategic study plans for prelims and mains, a masterclass on reading newspapers for UPSC, and insights from recent UPSC toppers and serving civil servants. The event will also feature interactions with over 15 leading coaching institutes, offering aspirants the opportunity to explore course offerings and preparation materials. The summit is free for students, but pre-registration is mandatory due to limited seating. Fortune IAS Academy is the presenting sponsor, while Pathway IAS is the associate sponsor.
Schemes (2)
BRS Leader Harish Rao Accuses Govt of Failing to Disburse ₹14,000 Crore Under Rythu Bharosa and Farm Loan Waiver
Senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader T. Harish Rao has accused the Congress government in Telangana of failing to provide ₹14,000 crore to the farming community under the Rythu Bharosa scheme and other agricultural initiatives. Rao claimed that ₹9,000 crore for the Kharif season and ₹5,000 crore for the Yasangi season of 2024-25 remain unpaid. During a visit to Ibrahimnagar village in Siddipet district, Rao inspected crop damage caused by hailstorms and demanded ₹25,000 per acre compensation for affected farmers. He highlighted that crop damage occurred in 3,000 acres last week and another 9,000 acres this week, with no input subsidy provided for 1,350 acres of completely damaged crops during the 2023-24 Yasangi season. Rao also criticized the incomplete implementation of the farm loan waiver scheme, stating that while 5,300 farmers benefited, 7,352 were denied the waiver in Chinna Kondur mandal alone.
SEP Commission Seeks Extension for Final Report Submission
The State Education Policy (SEP) Commission, led by Sukhadeo Thorat, has requested another extension to submit its final report to the Higher Education Department. The department has forwarded this request to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for approval. The commission cited the ongoing translation of the report into Kannada as the reason for the delay, seeking time until the end of May. Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar stated that the Chief Minister would make the final decision. However, sources indicate that the Minister is reluctant to grant further extensions, as the commission has already missed two previous deadlines. Initially, the SEP report was expected by February 2024, later pushed to April, and then to August 2024. In September 2024, the commission sought an additional six months, which was granted, setting the new deadline for February 2025. The Minister emphasized that further delays would not be tolerated, and decisions would be made in the interest of students. The SEP Commission was formed on October 12, 2023, following the Congress party's decision to withdraw the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) and formulate a separate state policy, as per their 2023 State Assembly election manifesto.
Elections (2)
Satheesan Highlights Anvar’s Support for UDF in Nilambur Bypoll
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan emphasized the importance of Trinamool Congress leader and former MLA P.V. Anvar’s unconditional support for the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the upcoming Nilambur Assembly byelection. Speaking to the media in Tirur on Saturday, Satheesan stated that while the UDF has not yet finalized its candidate, it is fully prepared for the election. Prominent names under consideration include Congress State general secretary Aryadan Shoukath and District Congress Committee president V.S. Joy. Satheesan also criticized the Left Democratic Front (LDF) for considering independent candidates like footballer U. Sharafali and Nilambur district hospital superintendent Shinas Babu. Additionally, he condemned Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s praise of SNDP general secretary Vellapally Natesan, accusing the CPI(M) of aligning with the BJP’s divisive agenda. Satheesan reiterated the UDF’s opposition to hate campaigns and highlighted the unresolved Munambam land issue as a deliberate attempt to sow discord between communities.
Venkaiah Naidu Advocates for Simultaneous Elections in Tirupati Seminar
M. Venkaiah Naidu, the former Vice-President of India, emphasized the power of democratic elections during a seminar titled ‘One Nation – One Election’ held in Tirupati on Saturday. He stated that the ballot box is mightier than a bullet and urged voters to evaluate leaders based on their character, calibre, capacity, and conduct rather than caste, community, cash, or criminal background. Naidu highlighted the importance of patience, knowledge, and the ability to enlighten people among leaders, while criticizing frequent party-switching as detrimental to democracy. He called for collaboration between the Centre and States, stressing that legislators should not oppose bills solely based on party lines. Naidu also advocated for simultaneous elections (Jamili elections), dismissing claims that they benefit only national parties and asserting that voters' intelligence should not be underestimated. He cited a 11.5% increase in voter turnout in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh during simultaneous elections in 1999 as evidence of their efficacy.
Heritage (3)
Case Filed Against Jasna Saleem for Violating Kerala HC Order at Guruvayur Temple
The Guruvayur Temple police have filed a case against Jasna Saleem, a resident of Kozhikode, for allegedly filming and sharing a video from the east Nada of the Sreekrishna temple in Guruvayur. This act violates a directive issued by the Kerala High Court, which prohibits filming within the temple premises to maintain its sanctity. The case has been registered under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempting to incite public unrest. Earlier, Ms. Saleem had caused controversy by posting a video of herself cutting a cake in front of the temple, prompting the Guruvayur Devaswom Board to file a complaint. Following this, the High Court imposed restrictions on filming within the temple walkway, emphasizing that temples are sacred spaces meant for worship and not for recording or circulating videos on social media. Despite the court’s order, Ms. Saleem recorded another video, leading to the current legal action.
Meitei Heritage Foundation Condemns Kuki Groups' Ban on Annual Pilgrimage to Thangjing Hill
A Meitei organization, the Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation (MHWF), has strongly criticized Kuki civil society groups for issuing a warning against the Meitei community's annual pilgrimage to Thangjing Hill in Manipur's Churachandpur district. The pilgrimage, part of the Cheiraoba festival marking the Meitei New Year, has been a centuries-old religious practice. On April 9, six Kuki organizations declared that any attempt by Meiteis to cross the buffer zone separating the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley and Kuki-inhabited areas would be seen as a provocation until a political settlement is reached. The MHWF likened the restriction to preventing Hindus from visiting Mount Kailash or Muslims from traveling to Mecca. The foundation also accused Kuki groups of past provocations, including desecrating the Thangjing shrine and erecting a Christian cross in January 2024. The ongoing conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which began in May 2023, has resulted in over 250 deaths and 60,000 displacements. Meanwhile, a rights body has highlighted increasing violence against women in Churachandpur, including the rape and murder of a young woman on April 11.
Sheik Chinna Moulana’s Centenary Celebrations Conclude in Srirangam
The centenary celebrations of renowned nadaswaram exponent Sheik Chinna Moulana concluded with a two-day event organized by the Dr. Chinnamoulana Memorial Trust (DCMT) in Srirangam on April 12-13, 2024. The event marked the valediction of the year-long birth centenary celebrations and the 26th ‘Shardhanjali’ concert in memory of the maestro. During the event, K.N. Nehru, Minister for Municipal Administration, named the street where Sheik Chinna Moulana resided as ‘Dr. Chinna Moulana Salai’. The celebrations, which began on April 5, 2024, included tribute concerts in the U.S., Mumbai, Kumbakonam, Chennai, and Tiruppur. Senior nadaswaram and thavil artistes V.P. Desabandhu and B. Murugapoopathi were awarded ₹25,000 each, while emerging artists S. Sethuraman and B. Arvintharaj received ₹15,000 each. Instrument manufacturers S. Senthil Kumar and P. Srinivasan were also felicitated, and deserving students received instruments as gifts. The event concluded with a vocal concert by Sandeep Narayan and an instrumental recital by nadaswaram exponents T.S. Pandiyan and T.S. Sethuraman.
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