Important News - 2025-04-20
20 April 2025
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Politics (2)
Murshidabad Violence: 289 Arrested, NCW and TMC Visit Affected Areas
The West Bengal police have arrested a total of 289 individuals in connection with the communal violence that erupted in Murshidabad on April 11 and 12, 2025. The violence, which began as protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, escalated into communal strife, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including Hargobind Das and his son Chandan Das, who were lynched. Ziaul Sheikh, a resident of Sulitala Purbapara, was the latest arrest made in connection with the murders. Superintendent of Police (SP) Jangipur Ananda Roy confirmed that no violent incidents have occurred since April 12. The National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar visited the affected areas on April 20, 2025, and expressed concern over the plight of women, urging the West Bengal government to restore normalcy. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership criticized the NCW’s visit as politically motivated, while a TMC delegation, including Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam and Jangipur MP Khalilur Rehman, visited the affected families and assured them of safety measures. The Das family has refused to accept the ₹10 lakh compensation announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressing dissatisfaction with the delayed response from TMC leaders.
JAC Calls for 'Telangana March' on March 26 to Protest Waqf Amendments
The All Party Joint Action Committee (JAC), a coalition of political and non-political organizations, has called for a massive public participation in the 'Telangana March' scheduled for March 26, 2023. The protest aims to demand the complete rollback of recent amendments to the waqf legislation, which the JAC claims threaten mosques, graveyards, and the identity of Muslims. The march is set to culminate in a public address at Dharna Chowk on April 26, 2023. Core committee members, including JAC Convener Mushtaq Mallik and Majlis Bachao Tehreek spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan, emphasized that the protest will be peaceful and urged people from Hyderabad and other districts to join in large numbers to spread the message.
Ranks & Reports (1)
Resonance Junior College Students Excel in JEE Main 2025
Students from Resonance Junior Colleges in Hyderabad achieved remarkable success in the All India JEE Main 2025. Archisman Nandy secured All India Rank 13 in the open category with a score of 295 out of 300. Additionally, three students—Palla Shiva Sanketh Reddy, P. Vennela, and P. Divith Reddy—achieved a perfect 100 percentile in various subjects. A total of 57 students scored above the 99 percentile, while 285 students secured above the 99 percentile in multiple subjects. The top three performers were awarded ₹1 lakh each by the college's Director, Purnachandra Rao, in recognition of their exceptional achievements.
Schemes (1)
Karnataka Tourism Department Enhances Visitor Experience Through Shakti Scheme and Responsible Tourism Campaigns
The Karnataka Tourism Department is prioritizing a holistic visitor experience by focusing on improving hospitality, infrastructure, and traveler behavior. The department has observed a significant rise in domestic travel, especially among women, following the introduction of the Shakti scheme, which allows women to travel for free on government buses. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding the lack of clean and functional wayside amenities. Tourists often complain about the poor condition of government restrooms, which discourages repeat visits. To address these issues, the department is collaborating with the Urban Development Department (UDD) and the Public Works Department (PWD) to install and maintain better facilities. Additionally, the Tourism Department is launching campaigns to promote responsible tourism, educating travelers on cleanliness, avoiding theft, and enhancing the overall travel experience. The ultimate goal is to improve Karnataka's reputation as a tourist destination and increase footfall by ensuring a positive experience for all visitors.
Economy (1)
Powerloom Strike in Coimbatore and Tiruppur Ends with 15% Wage Hike Agreement
Over 1.25 lakh powerlooms in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts, which had been on strike since March 19, are set to resume operations from Tuesday. The strike was initiated by powerloom unit owners in areas such as Somanur, Avinashi, Kannampalayam, Thekkalur, Perumanallur, and Pudhupalayam, who demanded a wage hike from master weavers. They argued that the wages being paid were based on 2014 rates, which were no longer viable due to increased input costs. After negotiations led by Ministers K. Senthilbalaji and MP Saminathan in Coimbatore on Sunday evening, an agreement was reached. Master weavers agreed to increase wages by 15% for Somanur variety fabric and 10% for other varieties, effective from the 2022 wage rates. E.M. Bhoopathi, president of the Coimbatore Tiruppur District Job Working Powerloom Weavers Association, stated that the weavers had also been on an indefinite fast since Tuesday, which they called off on Sunday evening. The strike reportedly caused a production loss of ₹1,000 crores.
Elections (2)
KTR Claims Telangana Voters Ready to Punish Defected MLAs in Upcoming By-Elections
K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), the working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), stated that the people of Telangana are eager to teach a fitting lesson to MLAs who defected to the Congress. He made these remarks during a party meeting in Hyderabad on Sunday, where Sriram Reddy, a Congress leader from the Attapur Division, along with his supporters, joined the BRS in the presence of Maheshwaram MLA P. Sabitha Indra Reddy and other party leaders. KTR criticized the Congress for failing to fulfill its election promises, even 17 months after coming to power. He also highlighted the Congress government's focus on demolishing poor people's houses under the guise of HYDRAA, FTL, and Buffer Zone policies, while sparing the houses of Congress leaders. KTR expressed confidence in the BRS's prospects in upcoming by-elections in constituencies like Rajendranagar and Chevella, which are necessitated by the defection of BRS MLAs to the Congress.
BJP Targets Backward Classes and Dalits in Kerala Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is strategically focusing on gaining support from backward classes and Dalits in Kerala, traditionally aligned with the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Ahead of the 2025 local body polls and the 2026 Assembly elections, the BJP has appointed 225 leaders from Other Backward Classes (OBC) and 75 Dalit leaders to key district-level positions. This move follows the BJP’s improved performance in the 2024 Parliament elections in LDF strongholds like Attingal and Alappuzha. The party aims to capitalize on perceived discontent among Hindu backward class voters with the LDF, which the CPI(M) attributes to the rise of identity politics and a shift in leadership of influential social organizations like the SNDP Yogam and VSDP. Additionally, the BJP is targeting Christian voters, leveraging the Waqf Act 2025 and the Munambam land dispute, and has elevated 30 Christian activists to district leadership roles. BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar is touring Kerala from April 21 to May 10 to strategize with party leaders and strengthen alliances, aiming to position the BJP as a decisive third force in local governance.
Miscellaneous (3)
Karimnagar Singer Foils Digital Arrest Scam
In a recent cybercrime incident, a Karimnagar-based singer and event organizer, Ch. Srikanth, narrowly escaped a digital arrest scam. On Sunday, cybercriminals impersonated Mumbai-based law enforcement officials and made a video call to Srikanth via WhatsApp. They falsely claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and demanded ₹3 lakh as a bribe to avoid the so-called 'digital arrest.' Initially frightened, Srikanth became suspicious when they insisted on the monetary transfer. He soon realized it was a scam and avoided falling victim to their fraudulent scheme. Srikanth later shared his experience on social media, warning others to remain vigilant against such cyber frauds.
Singareni CMD Stresses Ethical Use of AI at National PR Day Event
N. Balram, Chairman and Managing Director of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), emphasized the importance of learning and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethically during his address at the National PR Day celebrations organized by the Public Relations Society of India’s Hyderabad chapter. The event, held at Telugu University on Sunday, focused on the theme 'Responsible use of AI: Role of Public Relations.' Balram highlighted that the AI-driven technological revolution is already deeply integrated into our lives, making it essential for individuals to adapt responsibly. He also discussed innovative measures at SCCL that have ensured profitability through the active participation of workers, staff, and officers. Other notable attendees included Shashidhar Nanjundaiah, Dean of School of Digital Media and Communications at Mahindra University, Krishna Baji, former national vice president of PRSI, Mohan Rao, PRSI NC member, Ajit Pathak, national president, and S. Ramu and K. Yadagiri, chairman and secretary of PRSI Hyderabad chapter, respectively.
Safety Report Highlights Risks to Vande Bharat Express from Cattle Run Over
A recent report by the Commission of Railway Safety, Ministry of Civil Aviation, has highlighted significant safety concerns regarding the Vande Bharat Express, India’s flagship semi-high-speed train. The report states that the train’s leading coach, being lighter than traditional locomotives, is susceptible to serious accidents in cases of cattle run over at high speeds. It recommends robust safety measures, including sturdy fencing to prevent cattle and human trespassing, elimination of level crossing gates on high-speed routes, and deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel for regular patrolling. Additionally, the report calls for periodic joint inspections by RPF and other officials to mitigate risks. As of December 26, 2024, 136 Vande Bharat train services are operational across India, with 62 introduced in 2024 alone. The trains are manufactured at Integral Coach Factory (Chennai), Rail Coach Factory (Kapurthala), and Modern Coach Factory (Kapurthala and Raebareli). The report emphasizes the need to reduce permanent speed restrictions by easing curves and simplifying yard layouts to enhance safety. Former Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer Shubhranshu clarified that the front nose cone of these trains is designed to crumple and absorb impact energy, with a cattle guard to deflect obstructions.
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