Important News - 2025-05-04
04 May 2025
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Politics (5)
Congress Government Addresses Krishna Water Allocation and Fast-Tracks Irrigation Projects in Telangana
N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, the Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supply in the Congress government, highlighted the steps taken to address the long-standing issue of Krishna water allocation in Telangana. He stated that the government had fast-tracked irrigation projects to rectify decades of injustice. The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal II, led by Justice Brijesh Kumar, revisited the sharing of 811 tmcft of water between the two Telugu states. Reddy accused the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government of allowing Andhra Pradesh to proceed with the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme without opposition. The Congress government ensured the installation of telemetry instruments across the Krishna basin projects for real-time monitoring and transparency. Reddy criticized the BRS government for focusing solely on the Kaleshwaram project, which allegedly failed due to design flaws and corruption. He claimed that the ₹94,000 crore spent on Kaleshwaram could have completed other major projects like Devadula, SLBC, and Palamuru-Rangareddy. The Congress government allocated ₹23,000 crore for irrigation in the 2024–25 budget and initiated the recruitment of 1,100 engineers and 1,800 Laskars. Additionally, de-siltation of reservoirs like Nagarjunasagar and Sriram Sagar was undertaken to restore their water-holding capacity.
Rajasthan MLA Jaikrishn Patel Arrested for Accepting ₹20 Lakh Bribe in Mining Scandal
In a significant development, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Rajasthan arrested Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MLA Jaikrishn Patel on May 4, 2025, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹20 lakh. The arrest took place at his official residence in Jaipur, where he was caught red-handed in a trap laid by the ACB. Patel had reportedly demanded ₹10 crore from a mine owner to drop three questions related to mining leases in Karauli district’s Todabhim block, which were submitted in the previous session of the Rajasthan State Assembly. Two of these questions were starred, requiring oral answers during the Question Hour. The ACB had been monitoring Patel since April 4, 2025, following a complaint by the mine owner. ACB Director-General Ravi Prakash Meharda revealed that the bribe deal was negotiated at ₹2 crore, to be paid in instalments. The first instalment of ₹1 lakh was paid in Banswara, and the second instalment of ₹20 lakh was handed over at Patel’s residence under ACB surveillance. Patel’s close aide fled with the money, but the ACB has sufficient evidence, including audio-visual recordings and a colour test on Patel’s fingers. Patel, elected from Banswara’s Bagidora constituency in a bypoll in April 2024, is being questioned about his involvement in mining activities in Todabhim, which is outside his constituency. BAP MP Rajkumar Roat suggested Patel might be a victim of conspiracy but assured action if found guilty. The BAP, a splinter group of the Bharatiya Tribal Party, has been gaining support due to its focus on tribal identity and demands for a separate Bhil state and 75% reservation for tribals in education and jobs. The Bagidora bypoll was held after former MLA Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya resigned from Congress and joined the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Memorial for T.P. Chandrasekharan Inaugurated in Vallikkad
Mangat Ram Pasla, the general secretary of the Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMPI), inaugurated a memorial building in honor of T.P. Chandrasekharan, the founder of the party, on May 4, 2024. The memorial is located at Vallikkad, near Vadakara in Kozhikode, Kerala, where Chandrasekharan was brutally murdered on May 4, 2012. The site includes a full-size statue of Chandrasekharan, along with personal items such as his motorcycle, bag, and glasses. During the inauguration, Pasla accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) of aligning with neo-capitalism and facilitating the rise of neo-fascism in the country. He cited a statement from a Kerala cabinet minister referring to Gautam Adani as a partner of the CPI(M) as evidence of this alignment. The RMPI had previously acquired the land where the murder took place to establish the memorial.
P.V. Anvar’s Political Influence Declines Amid UDF Bid and AITC Backlash
P.V. Anvar, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) State convener, is facing a significant decline in his political influence as the Kerala State unit of the party has disowned him, labeling him a duplicitous politician. His efforts to join the United Democratic Front (UDF) ahead of the Nilambur byelection have been met with skepticism and ridicule. The byelection was necessitated by Anvar’s resignation as an independent MLA of the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Recent rallies, including one at Thiruvambady, saw poor turnout, further highlighting his diminishing support. AITC State general secretary M.K. Ali dismissed Anvar’s claims of being summoned by party national chairperson Mamata Banerjee as a publicity stunt. State president C.G. Unni stated that Anvar’s departure from the AITC is inevitable if he wishes to join the UDF. Anvar has held discussions with UDF leaders, including Congress, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and Communist Marxist Party (CMP). CMP general secretary C.P. John reportedly assured Anvar a position in the UDF if he leaves the AITC. Anvar’s political journey has been marked by rapid shifts, having previously tried his luck with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh before joining the AITC just four months ago.
Venugopal Highlights Congress’s Stance on National Unity and Caste Census
Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal emphasized the need for national unity following the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam but stated that the Congress party will continue to question the government’s actions. Speaking at the conclusion of the Samvidhan Bachao rally in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, Venugopal highlighted that India is awaiting concrete action from Prime Minister Narendra Modi against Pakistan, rather than mere verbal rhetoric. He contrasted the Congress’s response as the Opposition party during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, when the Congress-led UPA was in power, with the BJP’s current stance. Venugopal also welcomed the Union government’s decision to include caste enumeration in the next national Census, calling it a victory for Congress and Rahul Gandhi, who has advocated for this demand over the past five years. However, he expressed concerns about the implementation timeline, referencing the delay in the women’s reservation bill. Venugopal criticized recent legislations like the Waqf Amendment Act, accusing the BJP of targeting the Muslim community and sowing division among Hindus. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Chairperson K. Sudhakaran, who presided over the event, underscored the importance of the Constitution as the foundation of India’s unity since independence.
Education (1)
NCERT Introduces Class 7 Textbooks with Traditional Indian Games and Vocational Skills
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced new textbooks for Class 7, incorporating traditional games and activities rooted in Indian culture. These textbooks, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, include indigenous games from various states. The 'Khel Yatra' textbook focuses on physical education and well-being, featuring games like 'Ghorpadiche Shepoot' from Maharashtra, which involves strategic team play, and 'Gidha Gudkavan,' a game of agility and teamwork. Another game, 'Nalugu Rallu Ata,' from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, emphasizes strategic movement. The textbook also includes 'Dhaan ki Bori,' a race game, and 'Atya-Patya,' a tag and running game. Additionally, 'Dapo Nyarka Sunam,' a traditional wrestling game from the Northeast, and 'Madhu and Manu,' a tag game, are included. The textbook also covers sports like badminton, football, and kabatt, along with yoga and pranayama. Another textbook, 'Kaushal Bodh,' introduces vocational skills such as puppetry, tie and dye fabric printing, gardening, and artificial intelligence. The 'Storytime with Puppets' section mentions the excavation of a puppet-headed bull from the Sindhu-Sarasvati civilization in Rajasthan. The tie and dye section covers techniques like 'Leheriya,' 'Bandhani,' and 'Batik,' with a mention of the 'Madurai Sungudi' technique from Tamil Nadu.
Defence (2)
Congress Leader Criticizes Government's Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack
Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai criticized the Central Government's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, highlighting the inaction against the perpetrators. On May 4, 2025, Rai pointed out that despite the government's acquisition of Rafale fighter jets, they remain unused in hangars, with 'nimbu mirchi' (lemon and chili) hanging on them, a traditional practice believed to ward off bad luck. Rai questioned the government's commitment to combating terrorism and its support for the armed forces. BJP leaders, including C.R. Kesavan and Pradeep Bhandari, condemned Rai's remarks, accusing the Congress of undermining the morale of the armed forces. The Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists. The government has vowed to take strong action against the terrorists and their supporters, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty to send a clear message to Pakistan.
Genome-Edited Rice Varieties to Drive India’s Second Green Revolution
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties on May 4, 2025, marking a significant step towards a second green revolution in India. The new varieties, developed using CRISPR-Cas technology, are expected to be available to farmers within four to five years. This innovation will not only boost agricultural productivity but also reduce irrigation water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. The announcement was made during an event at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) where scientists involved in the project were felcomed. The new rice varieties aim to increase yield by 19%, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, and enhance tolerance to drought, salinity, and climate stress. This initiative is part of India’s broader vision to ensure food security and position the country as a global food exporter.
Sports (1)
Kannur Press Club Wins Sixth State Journalist Volleyball Tournament for Thulasi Bhaskaran Memorial Trophy
The Kannur Press Club secured the Thulasi Bhaskaran Memorial Ever-rolling Trophy by winning the Sixth State Journalist Volleyball Tournament. The event, held on May 2 and May 3, 2024, concluded with an intense final where Kannur Press Club triumphed over Kozhikode Press Club with a score of 4-1. The tournament was organized by the Kannur Press Club and took place at the Krishna Menon Memorial Government Women’s College Indoor Stadium and the Kannur Municipal School Stadium, attracting large crowds. The event was inaugurated by Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman and included an exhibition match featuring a team of politicians and industrialists. The tournament was part of a campaign aimed at raising awareness against drug abuse.
World Affairs (1)
Angolan President Calls for Enhanced India-Angola Trade and Investment Ties
Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, during his visit to India, invited Indian businesses to leverage Angola's strategic location for export opportunities. Speaking at the India-Angola Business Forum on Sunday, he emphasized Angola's advantageous position within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The President highlighted potential areas of collaboration, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. He underscored the strong bilateral relationship between Angola and India, which is supported by decades of cooperation and various agreements in health, energy, financial services, and diplomatic mobility. Kirti Vardhan Singh, India's Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, also emphasized the potential for deepening collaboration in energy, education, and skilling. CII President Sanjiv Puri noted Angola's robust mining sector, including its significant diamond production and reserves of critical minerals like copper, gold, and uranium, suggesting joint exploration could benefit sectors like renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing.
Festivals (1)
Thrissur Pooram Chamayam Expos Showcase Traditional Craftsmanship
The Thrissur Pooram, one of Kerala's most iconic festivals, showcased its grandeur through the Chamayam expos, which attracted large crowds. The Chamayappuras (exhibition halls of elephant accoutrements) of the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms opened on Sunday, displaying intricate gold-clad elephant ornaments, vibrant parasols, and traditional venchamarams. The Paramekkavu exhibition was held at Agrashala, while Thiruvambady's displays took place at the Kausthubham Auditorium on Shoranur Road. The halls were adorned with nettipattams (elephant headpieces), kolams, and silk parasols, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Nearly 2,000 umbrellas, including 50 sets of 15 umbrellas each, were prepared for the festival, with some 'secret parasols' kept hidden for the Kudamattom (umbrella exchange ceremony). The event drew visitors of all ages, who marveled at the craftsmanship and tradition. The exhibition continues on Monday, offering another opportunity to witness the spectacle before it transitions to the streets during the Pooram.
Ranks & Reports (1)
NIMS Doctors Dominate NEET-SS 2024 with Top Ranks, Securing AIR 1 Again
Doctors from the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, have once again achieved remarkable success in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Super Speciality (NEET-SS) 2024. For the second consecutive year, NIMS has produced the All India Rank 1 holder, with Dr. Zakir Hussain leading the way this year. Additionally, twelve doctors from NIMS secured top ranks, ensuring their admission into prestigious super-specialty programs across India. Among the top performers are Dr. Bhanuchand (Rank 9), Dr. Rohit (Rank 14), Dr. U. Soumya (Rank 21), Dr. Syed Khalilullah (Rank 43), Dr. Krishna Kishore Somani (Rank 50), Dr. V. Sai Spurthi (Rank 58), Dr. Dheeraj Anirudh (Rank 67), Dr. Amtul Rahim Suryam (Rank 361), Dr. P.S.N. Rajitha (Rank 420), and Dr. A.V.S. Srilekhya (Rank 456). This achievement highlights NIMS's consistent excellence in medical education and training.
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