Important News - 2025-05-09
09 May 2025
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Census (1)
Karnataka Government Reviews Caste Census Data for Legislative Discussion
The Karnataka State Government is considering a comprehensive review of the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, commonly known as the caste census. The government plans to present the findings and recommendations to urban and rural local bodies for a month-long period to allow for the ratification of the data. During this time, the government will also accept objections and feedback on the survey results. The final recommendations will be discussed in the state legislature. Additionally, the government is awaiting the results of the national caste census, which is expected to begin in 2026, to ensure the accuracy of the data. The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes has already submitted the caste census report, which includes detailed population data by district and taluk, to the government. The report, compiled in 2015, was recently updated and submitted in February 2024. The government has postponed further discussions on the report to the next cabinet meeting to allow for additional input from ministers.
Economy (3)
Karnataka Approves 7.5% Fee Hike for Engineering and Architecture Courses in Private Colleges
The Karnataka government has approved a 7.5% increase in fees for government quota seats in engineering and architecture courses at private unaided technical institutions for the academic year 2025-26. The decision was made during a fee fixation meeting chaired by M.C. Sudhakar, Minister for Higher and Education, with representatives from private professional college managements, including the Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering College Association (KUPECA). The fee hike was agreed upon after discussions on the financial needs of institutions, including salary payments as per the Seventh Pay Commission and infrastructure development. The new fees for CET (government quota) seats in Type-1 private colleges will be ₹1,14,199, while COMED-K Type-1 and Type-2 colleges will charge ₹2,00,070 and ₹2,81,088, respectively. Fees for government and aided engineering colleges will remain unchanged from the previous year.
Kerala Approves Customs Warehouse Construction at Azhikkal Port as Part of Infrastructure Development
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the Kerala government has granted administrative approval for the construction of a Customs warehouse at Azhikkal port, a key component of the state's infrastructure development plan. The project is part of the government's efforts to enhance Kannur's development through public-private partnerships (PPP). The port is also being integrated with the Sagarmala project, a central government initiative aimed at port-led development. The CM emphasized the need for proper dredging to maintain adequate depth at the port, which is a priority for the state. Additionally, plans are underway to establish an electronic data entry system at Azhikkal, with temporary operations being managed through Kozhikode. The government aims to complete these developments within the current fiscal year.
BMRCL Refuses to Disclose Fare Fixation Committee Report Amid Metro Fare Hike Controversy
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has refused to disclose the report prepared by the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) regarding the recent metro fare hike, despite mounting pressure from commuters, elected representatives, and Right to Information (RTI) requests. The FFC, a statutory body with quasi-judicial powers, consists of three members: R. Tharani, a former judge of the Madras High Court; Satyendra Pal Singh, Additional Secretary of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; and E.V. Ramana Reddy, a retired IAS officer and former Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka. The report, which recommended the controversial fare increase earlier this year, remains inaccessible to the public. The Hindu filed an RTI application in February 2023, but no response has been received. Tejasvi Surya, Bangalore South MP, has repeatedly demanded transparency in the fare revision process, citing the need for accountability. The fare hike, announced on February 9, 2023, faced widespread backlash, leading to a revision by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who labeled the initial increase as 'abnormal.' The revised fare hike was capped at a maximum of 71% for stage-wise travel, with the base fare and highest fare remaining unchanged at ₹10 and ₹90, respectively.
Politics (3)
TDP Emphasizes Public Service Over Power and Financial Gain in Political Training Session
The Telugu Desh Party (TDP) conducted a political training session for its cadre at the party office on Friday. During the session, TDP State President Palla Srinivasa Rao emphasized that individuals should not enter politics solely for the pursuit of power or financial gain. Instead, he stressed that politicians must embody the role of public servants, prioritizing the welfare of the people. Rao highlighted that only those who demonstrate unwavering dedication to public service can truly gain the trust and support of the people, ensuring their sustained political presence. He urged the cadre to adhere to the core principles of the party and the transformative ideals championed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Rao also called for the cadre to focus on the development of the state and the welfare of the public, aiming to create a progressive society and a 'Navanirmana Samajam.' Additionally, he advised the cadre to counter false propaganda on social media and avoid resorting to emotional posts.
BJP Seeks NIA Probe in Suhas Shetty Murder Case, Alleges International Contract Killing
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has escalated its efforts in the case of the murder of Hindutva activist and rowdy sheeter Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru. On Friday, the opposition party petitioned Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, urging the state government to transfer the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The BJP delegation, led by Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok, expressed a lack of confidence in the Congress-led state government's handling of the case. They highlighted that the murder involved an international contract killing and alleged that the accused had connections with individuals supporting anti-national activities and pro-Pakistan sentiments. The BJP also accused the Congress government of adopting a lenient approach in such cases, asserting that only an NIA probe could ensure justice.
Supreme Court Upholds Media Freedom in Landmark Judgment
The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment on May 9, 2025, ruled that it is not the court's responsibility to instruct the media to delete or take down content. The decision came in response to a case involving a defamation dispute between the Asian News International (ANI) and the Wikimedia Foundation. The Delhi High Court had previously ordered the removal of online content related to the case, citing potential interference with court proceedings and violation of the sub judice principle. The Supreme Court, however, deemed the High Court's order as disproportionate and emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and expression. The judgment highlighted that courts should not regulate or stifle media freedom, as both the judiciary and the media are essential pillars of democracy. The Supreme Court also clarified that media can engage in robust debate on ongoing proceedings, provided the criticism is objective and constructive. The court further stated that preventive injunctions against the press should only be issued if there is a reasonable belief that the publication would impair the administration of justice or the right to a fair trial. The judgment underscored the public's right to know and the media's role in a democratic society, while also outlining the conditions under which a 'postponement order' could be issued to balance the interests of freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial.
Education (1)
Nagapattinam District Achieves Significant Improvement in Class 12 Results Through DEEP Initiative
The District Educational Excellence Programme (DEEP) has led to remarkable improvements in Class 12 public examination results in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. Through coordinated efforts by the School Education Department and the district administration, the district's ranking rose from 37th to 11th in the state, out of 38 districts. The overall pass percentage increased from 91.19% in 2023-24 to 96.03% in 2024-25. A key initiative under DEEP, 'Project 100', focused on 30 low-performing schools, involving all stakeholders to provide targeted support to students. The district also implemented a unique approach by simplifying the Minimum Learning Material (MLM) to reduce stress and enhance confidence among students. Daily and monthly assessments were conducted to build writing practice and overcome exam fear, ensuring students were well-prepared for the final exams.
World Affairs (1)
Belagavi to Use Robots for Drainage System Maintenance
Belagavi is set to employ advanced robotic technology to detect and repair faults in its underground drainage system. The initiative was demonstrated to Mayor Mangesh Pawar, Deputy Mayor Vani Vilas Joshi, and senior officials of the Belagavi City Corporation. The robots, developed by Solinas Integrity Systems and Endobot Sewer Bots, are designed to identify issues such as blockages, leaks, and water contamination using cameras and sensors. The technology, which costs ₹27 lakh, includes a one-month free training period and a three-year service contract for operation and maintenance at a cost of ₹5.5 crore. The project, supported by Swasth AI, a startup incubated by IIT Madras, aims to enhance urban infrastructure without replacing civic workers. The technology has already been implemented in Sangli, Maharashtra.
Sports (1)
Telangana Prisons Department Resumes Annual Sports and Cultural Meet for Inmate Rehabilitation
The Telangana Prisons Department has resumed its Annual Prisoners’ Sports and Cultural Meet at Central Prison, Cherlapally, after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The three-day event, which began on Friday, aims at inmate rehabilitation and saw participation from over 220 prisoners across the state. Inaugurated by Special Chief Secretary for Home Ravi Gupta, the event emphasizes regaining purpose and self-discipline rather than winning medals. Inmates were divided into four teams representing Cherlapally, Chanchalguda, Hyderabad Range, and Warangal Range, and underwent two months of training in sports and cultural activities, supported by protein-rich diets. Outdoor competitions include cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, and sprints, while indoor contests feature chess, carrom, and badminton. Cultural events such as singing, dancing, skits, mimicry, and instrumental music are also part of the agenda. Director General of Prisons Soumya Mishra highlighted that structured activities are a tool for change and reform. Senior officers from the prison system, including IGs and DIGs, supported the initiative as a practical approach to inmate reform.
Festivals (1)
Chithirai Thiruther Peruvizha Celebrated at Rockfort Arulmigu Thayumanaswamy Temple
The Chithirai Thiruther Peruvizha, an annual festival at the Rockfort Arulmigu Thayumanaswamy temple in Tiruchi, commenced on April 30, 2023, with Vigneswara puja and the hoisting of the holy flag (Dwajarohanam) on May 1. As part of the festivities, deities Sri Thayumanaswamy and Ambal Mattuvaarkuzhalammai were adorned in special ‘alankarams’ and taken out in a holy procession on various ‘vahanams’. On the ninth day of the festival, May 5, devotees gathered in large numbers to pull the decorated temple cars, ‘Swami Ther’ and ‘Ambal Ther’, through the streets of Chinnakadai Veedhi, NSB Road, Nandhi Koil Street, and Vadakku Andar Veedhi. The procession began at 6:20 a.m. and concluded at noon, returning to the starting point. The temple authorities made elaborate arrangements for the car festival, which will conclude on May 14, 2023.
Miscellaneous (1)
Karnataka Reports 64,229 ADD Cases and Two Deaths in 2024
Karnataka has reported a significant increase in cases of Acute Diarrhoeal Disease (ADD) this year, with 64,229 cases and two deaths recorded as of May 8, 2024. The state has seen a consistent rise in ADD cases over the years, with 1,83,777 cases and eight deaths reported in 2024. The disease is primarily caused by infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites, often spread through contaminated food, water, poor hygiene, and sanitation. According to the State Health Department’s Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), the number of cases has risen from 1,22,192 in 2022 to 1,39,862 in 2023, and further to 1,83,777 in 2024. The state has also witnessed an increase in ADD outbreaks, with 95 reported in 2024 compared to 64 in 2022. Rural areas have been more affected than urban areas, with the highest number of cases reported in Mysuru, Chickballapur, and Haveri. The state government has emphasized the need for testing water for E. coli and ensuring proper treatment and quality control of drinking water, especially in rural areas. The government has also issued guidelines for preventive measures, including setting up temporary clinics, ensuring adequate medical supplies, and conducting house-to-house searches for cases.
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