Important News - 2025-05-12
12 May 2025
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Appointments (1)
Andhra Pradesh Government Fills 28 Nominated Posts Across Key Commissions and Corporations
On May 11, the Andhra Pradesh government approved the filling of 28 nominated posts, including key positions in various state commissions and corporations. Notable appointments include former Ministers K.S. Jawahar as Chairman of the SC Commission and Peethala Sujatha as Chairperson of the AP Women’s Cooperative Finance Corporation. Other significant appointees include Rayapati Sailaja as Chairperson of the A.P. Women’s Commission, S. Bojji Reddy as Chairperson of the ST Commission, and Alapati Suresh as Chairman of the A.P. Press Academy. Additionally, several leaders from the TDP and Jana Sena Party were appointed to chair various state corporations, such as the A.P. Inland Waterways Authority, A.P. Urban Greening and Beautification Corporation, and A.P. State Fishermen Cooperative Societies Federation Limited. The government also appointed chairpersons for district cooperative central banks and marketing societies, including Ganni Veeranjaneyulu for Eluru District Cooperative Central Bank Ltd. and Chaganti Murali Krishna for Eluru District Cooperative Marketing Society.
Festival (1)
Chithra Pournami Celebrated at Siruvachur Temple with Devotional Rituals
The Chithra Pournami festival was celebrated with great devotion at the Arulmigu Mathurakaliamman Temple in Siruvachur. The two-day event, organized by the Chennai-based Sri Maha Meru Mandali, began on Sunday with the recitation of Akanda Sri Lalitha Sahasranama and the performance of Sri Sagambari Kumkum Archanai. On the second day, a Sri Chandi Homam was conducted, followed by Abhishekam and Maha Deeparadhana for Goddess Sri Mathurakaliamman. Devotees participated in large numbers, seeking blessings for universal prosperity. The festival concluded with the 16th Chithra Pournami celebrations, which included various rituals and prayers dedicated to the goddess.
Schemes (1)
‘Greater Bengaluru’ to Launch on May 15 with Cleanliness Campaign and ₹1,100 Crore Investment
Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the establishment of ‘Greater Bengaluru’ under the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, which will come into force from May 15. This initiative aims to bring significant reforms in the city, including a major cleanliness campaign. Citizens will be able to report illegal garbage dumping through a dedicated helpline, ensuring quick response from the municipality. The campaign is part of the broader goal to create a ‘Clean Bengaluru’ by combating illegal garbage disposal mafias and streamlining waste management. Additionally, new tenders for Integrated Waste Management will be called following a recent Karnataka High Court order. Shivakumar also emphasized the importance of quality in civic works, particularly white-topping road projects, which are expected to last at least 30 years. With the monsoon season approaching, he assured citizens of preparedness to prevent flood-like situations. Furthermore, an investment of ₹1,100 crore has been announced for the Pulikeshinagar Assembly constituency, focusing on roads, flyovers, ward development, and digital property documentation services.
World Affairs (1)
India Engages China Over Germanium Export Restrictions Amid Industry Concerns
India is actively engaging with the Chinese government to address export restrictions on germanium, a critical mineral essential for semiconductor manufacturing, fiber optics, and solar panels. China, which produces over half of the world's germanium, has imposed these restrictions, causing disruptions in industries reliant on this element. The Indian Embassy in Beijing highlighted germanium as a key concern in its discussions with Chinese officials, though it is not classified as a rare earth element (REE). Notably, the U.S. faced similar restrictions on germanium and gallium exports from China in 2023. India, which does not produce germanium, relies entirely on imports, with recent reports indicating increased costs due to sourcing through a UAE-based supplier. The Indian Embassy has not disclosed specific details of its negotiations with China but confirmed ongoing communication through formal channels. This issue has also impacted other sectors, as evidenced by restrictions on Chinese personnel and equipment for Apple's supplier, Foxconn, in India. The Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing their relevance to Indian private entities.
Politics (2)
Kharge Stresses Unity and Peace at Buddha Purnima Event Amid Security Concerns
Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, emphasized the importance of unity and peace during his address at the 2569th Vaishakh Buddha Purnima celebrations on the outskirts of Kalaburagi city. He highlighted the nation’s dilemma in choosing between war and peace, especially in light of recent security threats. Kharge stressed that the survival of the Constitution, democracy, and religion depends on the nation’s survival. He also condemned Pakistan’s provocations, citing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Kharge praised the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and affirmed the country’s support for the armed forces. The event included floral tributes to Buddha’s statue, a sermon by Bhante Dhamadutta Thera of the Mahabodhi Society, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Pahalgam attack and fallen soldiers.
CPI(ML) Demands Action on Vadakadu Caste Violence and Social Reforms
The CPI(ML) People’s Liberation has released a report following a fact-finding mission in Vadakadu village, Tamil Nadu, where caste violence erupted between Scheduled Castes (SC) and Most Backward Classes (MBC) members during the Muthumariamman temple festival on May 5, 2024. The party has demanded compensation under the SC/ST Act, legal action against perpetrators, and structural social reforms to address long-standing inequalities in education, employment, and political representation. Party general secretary Kasi Viduthalaikkumaran highlighted that the violence was linked to historical social tensions and called for measures to ensure caste harmony. Key demands include the release of arrested SC youths, protection for SC students during exams, and legal action against police officers who failed in their duties. Additionally, the party has sought the reopening of the Adai Kalam Katha Ayyanar temple, restoration of the Anna Football Club playground, transfer of the cremation ground to the SC community, closure of a nearby TASMAC outlet, and targeted economic support such as no-collateral bank loans and agro-based industries. Meanwhile, a complaint was filed at the Vadakadu police station against MP Thol. Thirumavalavan for allegedly making misleading remarks about the caste clash on television, which the complainant claims risked disrupting peace between the MBC and SC communities.
Economy (1)
₹13.60 Crore Flatted Factory Complex Launched in Narsapuram to Boost MSMEs
The groundbreaking ceremony for a new flatted factory complex (FFC) was held on Monday at Likhithapudi village in Narsapuram Mandal, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. The complex, to be developed on an 11-acre site at an estimated cost of ₹13.60 crore, aims to provide essential infrastructure to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Narsapuram assembly constituency. The bhumi puja ceremony was attended by Narsapuram MLA and Government Whip Bommidi Nayakar, Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) Chairman Mantena Ramaraju, District Industries Officer U. Mangapathi Rao, TDP in-charge Potturu Ramaraju, and other officials. This initiative is expected to boost local entrepreneurship and economic development in the region.
Defence (1)
PM Modi Reiterates India's Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism in Operation Sindoor Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first address to the nation after the launch of Operation Sindoor, emphasized India's firm stance against terrorism and nuclear blackmail. He declared that India would not tolerate any form of terror sponsorship, particularly from Pakistan. Modi highlighted India's new approach to dealing with terror, referencing past actions such as the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot air strikes, and stressed that zero tolerance of terrorism is essential for global peace. He clarified that talks with Pakistan would only focus on terrorism and the issue of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, stating that talks and terror cannot coexist. Modi praised the Indian Armed Forces and the Border Security Force (BSF) for their successful operations in Pakistan and their readiness to defend the nation. He also mentioned that Pakistan, after witnessing the destruction of terror camps, had sought a cessation of hostilities. Modi concluded by emphasizing the need for strength to achieve peace, aligning his message with the teachings of Lord Buddha on Buddh Poornima.
Miscellaneous (4)
Middle Berth Collapse on Chennai-Palalkkad Express Injures Passenger
A woman sustained a head injury when the middle berth of a sleeper class coach collapsed on her during a train journey. The incident occurred on Train No. 22651, the Chennai-Palalkkad Express, shortly after it passed Jolarpet. The victim, Suria Murugan, was traveling with her husband, Jyothi Jayashankar, who reported that the railway authorities failed to provide immediate first aid. The train eventually reached Salem, where an ambulance was arranged. The railway authorities later attributed the incident to improper locking of the berth by the passenger. The train, which was manufactured in 2005, had undergone its last maintenance check in March 2023. The railway officials stated that the coach was fit for operation and that the incident was due to mishandling of the locking mechanism.
Job Scam Accused Arrested at Nagapattinam Port While Fleeing to Sri Lanka
A 37-year-old man, Kirubakaran from Prem Nagar, Pozhichalur, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, was arrested by customs officials at the Nagapattinam port while attempting to flee to Sri Lanka by ferry. Kirubakaran, a history sheeter, is accused of multiple job fraud cases across Tamil Nadu, where he allegedly cheated several youths by promising overseas job placements and defrauded them of crores of rupees. One notable case involved Banumathi and others from Kallaraithottam and Uppalam Road, who accused Kirubakaran of taking ₹10.5 lakh under the pretext of securing jobs abroad. The Nagapattinam district crime branch had registered a case based on their complaint. The police had launched a search for Kirubakaran, and he was finally spotted during a security check at the Nagapattinam port on Sunday. Customs officials detained him and handed him over to the Nagapattinam Town Police, who later transferred him to the district crime branch for further investigation.
Nanthancode Case Highlights Mental Health and Criminal Justice Misconceptions
The Nanthancode case has brought renewed attention to the complex dynamics of dysfunctional families and the role of society in preventing such crimes. The case highlights prevalent misconceptions about mental illness within the context of criminal justice. Cadell Jeansen Raja initially claimed his actions were influenced by 'astral projection,' a spiritual belief in the separation of consciousness from the body, but investigators debunked this as an attempt to mislead the probe. The investigation revealed that deep-seated resentment and loneliness fueled Cadell's rage, stemming from feelings of being an underachiever within his family. Special Public Prosecutor Dileep Sathyan noted the family's socially reclusive lifestyle and lack of bonding, with communication often occurring via mobile phone chats even within their home. Cadell's intense hatred for his father, exacerbated by the latter's alcoholism, was a significant factor in his actions. Dr. G. Mohan Roy, a noted psychiatrist, emphasized that the case provides crucial clarity on the legal implications of mental health in criminal cases, particularly under Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code (or Section 22 of Bharatiya Nyana Sanhita), which deals with the defense of insanity. Dr. Roy also highlighted the role of popular media in perpetuating misconceptions about the link between mental illness and criminal behavior.
Kozhikode Corporation Cleans Defaced Bus Stop Following Public Outcry
On May 11, 2024, a social media post by former MLA A. Pradeep Kumar highlighted the deteriorating condition of a beautifully designed bus stop at the Medical College junction in Kozhikode, Kerala. The bus stop, constructed nearly five years ago at a cost of ₹3 to ₹4 lakh, featured twin laterite stone structures with tiled roofs and paintings reminiscent of Kerala’s traditional architecture. However, the structure was found defaced with posters and uprooted plants, prompting public outrage. The Kozhikode Corporation promptly took action, cleaning the area by May 12. The architectural firm 'De Earth,' which designed the bus stop, has pledged to restore it as part of their 21st-anniversary celebrations, provided authorities ensure its protection. Mr. Pradeep emphasized the need for public involvement in preserving such spaces.
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