Important News - 2025-05-07
07 May 2025
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Festivals (1)
127th Ooty Flower Show Extended to 10 Days from May 15 to 25
The 127th annual Ooty flower show, a prominent event in the Nilgiris district, will be held from May 15 to May 25, 2024, spanning 10 days. This decision was announced by Nilgiris District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru on Wednesday. The extension from the initially planned five days aims to accommodate visitors while adhering to travel restrictions, including the mandatory e-pass system, and to prevent overcrowding. The flower show, a major tourist attraction, showcases a variety of floral displays and is a significant cultural event in the region.
Politics (1)
ASHA Workers’ Protest in Kannur Gains Political and Social Support
The ongoing day-and-night protest march by ASHA workers, organized by the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA), gained significant support as it entered Kannur district on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The march, which began in Kasaragod on May 5, 2025, aims to highlight the workers' long-standing demands for better pay and improved working conditions. Prominent political and social figures, including poet Madhavan Purachery, expressed solidarity with the protesters. Purachery criticized the State government for adopting a neo-liberal and corporate-friendly approach while neglecting people’s movements. The protest march was ceremonially received at the Payyannur new bus stand by anti-K-Rail activists P. Padmini and Yashodamma, who garlanded march captain M.A. Bindu. Leaders from various political and social backgrounds, such as the Indian Union Muslim League’s V.K.P. Ismail, District Congress Committee general secretary Lalitha Teacher, CMP’s B. Sajith Lal, and CPI(ML) Red Star’s Vinod Kumar Ramanthali, voiced their support. The events also saw participation from representatives of women’s organisations, trade unions, and environmental groups.
Defence (7)
Mamata Banerjee Backs Centre Post ‘Operation Sindoor’ Against Terrorism
On May 7, 2025, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her support for the Union government following ‘Operation Sindoor’, a military operation conducted by the Indian Armed Forces targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Banerjee emphasized the unity of the State and the Centre in the fight against terrorism, stating, “We are together in the war on terror. There should not be any differences among us.” She participated in a virtual meeting convened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which included Chief Ministers from other border States. Banerjee urged media organizations to report verified information and avoid spreading misinformation. As a precautionary measure, she announced the activation of disaster management cells in Nabanna (Kolkata) and Uttar Kanya (North Bengal) and appealed to private English-medium schools to begin their summer recess early, starting May 9. Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee praised the armed forces for their bravery, while Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the armed forces for the successful operation.
Civil Defence Mock Drill Conducted in Thrill District to Enhance Emergency Preparedness
In accordance with the directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, a civil defence mock drill was conducted in Thrill district on Wednesday. The exercise took place at key locations including Sobha City, Puzhakkal, and the Sreekrishna Temple premises in Guruvayur. At Sobha City, the drill simulated a comprehensive emergency response to a fire disaster scenario. Key operations demonstrated included fire containment coordination, search and rescue missions in high-risk buildings and areas, evacuation procedures using rescue equipment, and interdepartmental coordination. The mock drill also highlighted the setting up of temporary emergency medical facilities on site and introduced participants to safe zones, evacuation routes, and public alert systems for moving residents to safety in emergencies. Meanwhile, the Guruvayur Temple area drill focused on rescue efforts in the wake of an explosion-like disaster. It simulated the rapid evacuation of civilians from high-risk zones to safe locations. The drill involved coordinated action by the Rapid Response and Rescue Force, Fire and Rescue Service, Police, and Health Department to showcase real-time emergency preparedness. As part of the district-wide mock exercise, alert sirens were sounded in various places between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to raise public awareness and test the early warning system.
Hyderabad Conducts 'Operation Abhyaas' to Test Emergency Preparedness
On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Hyderabad conducted its largest civil defence mock drill, 'Operation Abhyaas,' to test the city’s emergency response capabilities. The exercise began at 4 p.m., with sirens blaring across the city, despite earlier confusion caused by fake news claiming the drill was canceled. The Cyberabad Police clarified that the event would proceed as planned. The drill involved disaster response teams, police, fire services, and medical staff across four key locations: Mayflower Apartments in Nacharam, Avalon Apartments in Nanal Nagar, A.R. Mani Residency in West Marredpally, and BPS Twin Towers in Kanchanbagh. Residents were evacuated by teams in bunker gear, and temporary medical camps were set up to simulate emergency care. A simulated bomb blast at 4:15 p.m. marked the start of rescue operations, with emergency vehicles and stretchers deployed. Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand emphasized the importance of mental and physical preparedness, urging all departments, including GHMC, Fire Services, and NDRF, to remain alert. Communication was managed through the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC), with real-time alerts shared via WhatsApp groups.
21 Northern Indian Airports Shut Until May 9 Amid Military Tensions
In response to heightened military tensions near the India-Pakistan border, the Indian government has ordered the temporary closure of 21 airports in northern and north-western regions until May 9, 2025. The decision, communicated through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), affects airports in Jammu and Kashmir, Leh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Major domestic airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, have cancelled over 165 flights, impacting both domestic and international routes. U.S. carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines also cancelled flights to Delhi, while other international flights were diverted due to airspace restrictions. Passengers have been advised to check flight statuses, and airlines are offering free rescheduling or full refunds for cancelled flights. The closure, effective from midnight on May 6, 2025, is part of the government's measures amid ongoing military operations, including 'Operation Sindoor.'
Mysuru Enhances Civil Defence Preparedness with 12 Specialized Teams
In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives, the Mysuru district administration has initiated measures to bolster civil defence preparedness. Additional Deputy Commissioner P. Shivaraj announced the formation of 12 specialized service teams during a high-level meeting on Wednesday. These teams, comprising officials from various departments, aim to ensure a coordinated and effective emergency response amidst rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The teams include Headquarters Service, Warden Service, Communication Service, Casualty Service, Firefighting Service, Rescue Service, Welfare Service, Salvage Service, Corpse Disposal Service, Depot and Transport Service, Training Service, and Supply Service. Mr. Shivaraj emphasized the importance of Mysuru, a major tourist destination, remaining vigilant and called for seamless coordination between State and Union government officers. The district control room is operational 24/7, and compliance with issued directives is mandatory. The initiative seeks to enhance public confidence and readiness in the face of potential emergencies.
Telangana CM Leads Solidarity Rally in Hyderabad to Support Indian Armed Forces
The Telangana government organized a solidarity rally in Hyderabad on May 8, 2024, to express support for the Indian Armed Forces following Operation Sindoor, a military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with his Cabinet colleagues and MLAs, participated in the rally, which commenced at 6 p.m. from the Secretariat to Necklace Road. The CM urged the public to join the event to collectively honor and show gratitude to the soldiers. The rally symbolized the state's unwavering support for the Army and its efforts in safeguarding national security.
BJP Leaders Applaud 'Operation Sindoor' Against Terror Camps in PoK and Pakistan
Telangana BJP President and Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, along with other party leaders, praised 'Operation Sindoor,' a military operation conducted by the Indian armed forces. The operation targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Reddy emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India remains committed to combating terrorism and ensuring national security. Other BJP leaders, including Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, lauded the precision and effectiveness of the operation, stating that it avenged the Pahalgam martyrs. Additionally, some leaders called for action against an academic who allegedly criticized the military operation on social media, urging the state government to address such 'anti-national activities.'
World Affairs (1)
A.T. Ramaswamy Praises Mysuru's Environmental Efforts Amid Climate Emergency
Former MLA A.T. Ramaswamy, who left politics to lead the state-level environmental organization 'Parisarakkagi Naavu', praised the recent efforts of the people of Mysuru in environmental protection. Addressing a press conference in Mysuru, he highlighted the community's response to the felling of 40 fully grown trees on Hyder Ali Road and the replanting of four trees uprooted by natural forces in Kukkarahalli Lake. He emphasized the urgent need for a robust environmental organization to inspire individuals, support society, and pressure the government to take immediate action. Ramaswamy declared that the Earth is facing a 'climate emergency' due to rising global temperatures, which is causing severe distress to all living beings. He called for sustainable development, where environmental conservation and progress go hand in hand. The organization 'Parisarakkagi Naavu' was launched in Bengaluru on April 12, bringing together various environmental groups, including Mysuru's 'Parisara Balaga'. The event coincided with the shocking felling of 40 large trees on Hyder Ali Road, which drew widespread attention. Ramaswamy, a former MLA from Arkalgud, has dedicated his time to environmental causes, stating that the survival of all life depends on the health of the environment. He was joined by Parashurame Gowda of 'Parisara Balaga' and Kamal Gopinath of the People's Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL) during the press conference.
Schemes (1)
Karnataka to Launch 36 Day Care Chemotherapy Centers Across the State
The Karnataka State Health Department is set to launch 36 day care chemotherapy centers across the state, making follow-up chemotherapy more accessible and affordable for cancer patients. These centers will be established in 16 district hospitals and 20 medical college hospitals, following a hub-and-spoke model. The primary hub will be the state-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru, with other centers in Kalaburagi and private hospitals. Patients will receive their first cycle of chemotherapy at tertiary care centers under the supervision of medical oncologists, with follow-up treatments available at the new day care centers. This initiative aims to reduce travel time and waiting periods for essential cancer treatments. The scheme, announced in the previous state budget, is now being implemented, with the central government also planning to establish 200 cancer day care centers nationwide over the next three years. Cancer remains a significant health burden in India, with approximately 14 lakh new cases reported annually, including 87,850 in Karnataka.
Miscellaneous (1)
PUCL Opposes ₹100 Crore Cauvery Aarti, Advocates for River Pollution Control
The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), Mysuru, has strongly criticized the Karnataka State government’s proposal to organize a Cauvery Aarti at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, despite objections from the Department of Finance. PUCL argues that traditional rituals like ‘Baagina’ and Threethotbava rites are sufficient for religious offerings to the river. Instead, the organization suggests that the funds should be allocated to address the severe pollution in the Cauvery River, caused by agricultural, industrial, and chemical effluents from Kodagu’s coffee estates and other sources. PUCL also emphasizes the need to restore natural rainwater flows by curbing unchecked real estate development and reviving threatened lakes and water bodies in the Cauvery basin. Additionally, the pollution of the Lakshmanthreetha tributary due to effluents from the tobacco industry in Hunsur remains a pressing concern that requires immediate government attention.
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