Important News - 2025-05-13
13 May 2025
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Schemes (2)
Andhra Pradesh Announces Reapportionment of Teaching Staff in State-Run Schools
The Andhra Pradesh government, on May 13, issued detailed guidelines for the reapportionment of teaching staff across various school managements as part of the restructuring of schools. The guidelines outline the allocation of teachers at different levels, including Foundational Schools, Basic Primary Schools, Model Primary Schools, Upper Primary Schools, and High Schools. According to Government Order (MS. No. 21), the reapportionment includes the 13,192 posts notified under the Mega DSC-2025. The proposal, submitted by the Director of School Education, was approved by the government. It includes the conversion of 4,706 School Assistant (SA) posts into Model Primary School Headmasters/School Assistants, the creation of 3,228 new posts (397 Grade-II Head Masters, 2,709 School Assistants, and 122 Secondary Grade Teachers), and the suppression of 3,980 vacant surplus posts. Additionally, 779 Upper Primary Schools will be upgraded to High Schools, and 1,902 vacant surplus posts will be added to the cadre strength of the Director of School Education for future allocation in case of deficits.
Politics (4)
Congress Highlights Indira Gandhi’s Leadership in 1971 War Through Bengaluru Posters
The Karnataka State Congress recently installed flex boards and posters across 20 prominent locations in Bengaluru, highlighting the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The posters aimed to draw a comparison between the decisive leadership of Indira Gandhi during the 1971 conflict and the current Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress emphasized that under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, India achieved a historic victory in just 13 days, with 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendering. They also referenced Operation Sindoor, where a ceasefire was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Congress criticized the Modi government, stating that Indira Gandhi’s leadership did not rely on hashtags or campaigns but resulted in significant historical achievements. The BJP, however, objected to the timing of the posters, with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok criticizing the move as inappropriate.
Congress Launches Campaign Against Corruption in Kozhikode Corporation
The District Congress Committee (DCC) has initiated a campaign against alleged corruption and nepotism in the Kozhikode Corporation. DCC president K. Praveen Kumar announced on May 13 that the Congress will stage a blockade at the Corporation office on May 27. A protest declaration convention is scheduled for May 14 at 4:30 p.m. at the Kozhikode Town Hall. Kumar criticized the Left Democratic Front (LDF) for its long-standing rule in the Corporation, accusing it of fostering corruption. The campaign, titled ‘Commission Corporation, Save Kozhikode,’ demands transparency in various Corporation projects, including the renovation of the Corporation building, which saw costs escalate from ₹9.5 crore to ₹19.5 crore. The Congress also seeks details on unauthorized buildings, advertising contracts, and the relocation of the Palayam vegetable market, alleging underhanded real estate deals. KPCC general secretary P.M. Niyas highlighted concerns about a company linked to a senior CPI(M) leader securing advertising contracts at low rates, depriving the Corporation of revenue. The party also demanded information on the biomining and capping contract with Zonta Infratech at Njeliyanparamba, which earned the company ₹3 crore in compensation. KPCC general secretary K. Jayanth and Corporation Opposition leader K.C. Shobhita were present at the announcement.
Chief Justice Khanna Stresses Judiciary Must Earn Public Respect in Final Address
On May 13, 2025, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, during his final day as the top judge, emphasized the importance of the judiciary earning public respect rather than commanding it. In an informal interaction with journalists at the Supreme Court Press lounge, he highlighted the necessity of decisive judicial thinking and rational decision-making. Justice Khanna addressed the issue of 'truth deficit' in the legal profession, which complicates and delays adjudication. He also spoke about his decision to publish the records of the preliminary enquiry into Justice Yashwant Varma and forward the inquiry committee report to the President and Parliament for action. Chief Justice-designate B.R. Gavai praised Justice Khanna’s leadership, particularly his handling of judicial misconduct cases, such as the controversy involving Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Yadav’s allegedly communal remarks. Justice Khanna’s tenure saw significant reforms, including the disclosure of judges’ assets, transparency in the appointment process, and achieving a case clearance ratio of 106.6% in the Supreme Court. Justice Gavai will take oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025.
Uttam Kumar Reddy Refutes Harish Rao's Allegations on Paddy Procurement in Telangana
Minister for Civil Supplies and Irrigation, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, responded to allegations made by former minister and BRS leader T. Harish Rao regarding paddy procurement in Telangana. Reddy refuted the claims, presenting official data that showed a significant increase in paddy procurement during the current Rabi season. As of May 12, 2024, the government had procured 43.1 lakh metric tons of paddy, marking a 44% increase compared to the previous year and a 120% increase compared to 2022-23. Reddy highlighted the government's efforts to streamline operations, ensure timely procurement, and provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers, along with a bonus of ₹500 per quintal for fine-quality paddy. The state also reported record-breaking paddy production in the 2023-24 Kharif season, with 153.5 lakh tons produced from 66.7 lakh acres. The Rabi season saw an estimated production of 129 lakh tons from 60.14 lakh acres. Additionally, the government has completed 61.45% of the planned procurement, with 70.13 lakh tons procured through 8,246 centers. The total value of the procured paddy stands at ₹9,999.36 crore, benefiting 6.58 lakh farmers.
Defence (1)
India’s ‘Samudrayaan’ Mission to Explore 6,000-Metre Ocean Depth by 2026
India’s first manned deep ocean mission, ‘Samudrayaan,’ is set to launch by the end of 2026, aiming to explore depths of up to 6,000 metres using the manned submersible vehicle, ‘Matsya.’ This mission was announced by Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director of the National Institute of Ocean Technology, during the inauguration of a five-day national training program. The event was organized by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and Vijnana Bharati on May 13, 2025, at CMFRI. The program was chaired by CMFRI Director Grinson George, who emphasized the importance of advancing deep-sea exploration and research in India.
Economy (3)
Andhra Pradesh to Develop Port-Based Economy with ₹26,000 Crore Investment
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a strategic plan to develop a port-based economy by leveraging the state’s 1,000-kilometre coastline. On Tuesday, he chaired a review meeting with officials from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, including Union Secretary T.K. Ramachandran, and senior state officials. The plan includes establishing a port or fishing harbour every 50 kilometres to boost economic growth, employment, and infrastructure. A key focus was on fast-tracking port infrastructure and maritime development projects. Additionally, the Central government’s commitment to establish a Ship Building and Repair Cluster at Dugarajapatnam in Nellore district was discussed. The project, spanning 2,000 acres, will include a greenfield port, shipbuilding hub, and ancillary industries, with an estimated Central investment of ₹3,500 crore and state land as equity. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed to attract global players, with total investments expected to reach ₹26,000 crore, generating direct employment for 5,000 people and indirect employment for 30,000. The Chief Minister also emphasized cost-effective cargo movement via Visakhapatnam Port and explored river cruise tourism opportunities in regions like Polavaram, Srisailam, and Nagarjuna Sagar.
Tamil Nadu Sees Early Rise in Wind Energy Generation
Wind energy generation in Tamil Nadu has begun to increase and is expected to stabilize in the coming weeks, with the peak season typically occurring between June and October. On May 12, the state consumed 61.13 million units of wind energy, according to data from the Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation. K. Kasthurirangaian, President of the Indian Wind Power Association, noted that wind energy generation on May 11 evening reached 2,688 MW, indicating an early start to the season. Ajay Devaraj, Secretary General of the Association, reported that Tamil Nadu added 1,136.37 MW of installed wind energy capacity between April 2024 and March 2025, bringing the total installed capacity to over 11,700 MW. Wind energy consumption has been fluctuating, with 15.68 million units consumed on May 1 and 21.92 million units on May 3. The state is expected to experience high wind energy consumption in the coming weeks, with a potential decline on May 14. The generation is anticipated to stabilize and peak by the end of May or early June, as the southwesterly winds are expected to cross Kerala by May 27.
Mysuru Mandates Exclusive Trade License for Tobacco Vendors
The Department of Health and Family Welfare in Mysuru has issued a directive requiring shops selling tobacco products, including cigarettes, beedis, and gutka, to obtain an exclusive trade license. The district surveillance officer, D.G. Nagaraj, emphasized that a penalty of ₹5,000 will be imposed on shops that fail to comply. This initiative is part of the ongoing enforcement of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the need for a separate license for tobacco vendors. Additionally, the sale of loose beedis and cigarettes has been prohibited, with violators facing penalties. The district tobacco control cell has launched an 18-day special drive to ensure compliance with COTPA rules across 18 police stations in Mysuru city. As of May 13, 2023, 387 cases have been filed, resulting in a total penalty of ₹43,900. The enforcement focuses on public places such as bus stands, parks, hotels, and government offices, with fines up to ₹2,000 for violations. The campaign is set to continue until May 28, 2023.
Elections (1)
Munnar Panchayat Elects Fifth President in Four Years Amid Political Turmoil
Munnar grama panchayat has witnessed significant political instability, with the election of its fifth president in just four years. In the latest development, Congress member M. Manimozhi was elected as the new president, securing 11 votes against Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Jyothi Satheesh Kumar, who received eight votes. This election followed the resignation of former president Deepa Rajkumar, who initially resigned on February 29, 2024, alleging coercion and forgery of her signature by Congress workers. The State Election Commission temporarily allowed her to continue in office, but Congress members later moved a no-confidence motion, leading to her resignation. The panchayat has faced continuous turmoil since the 2020 local body elections, when the United Democratic Front (UDF) won 11 out of 21 seats. Defections, disqualifications, and no-confidence motions have marked the panchayat's history, with power shifting multiple times between UDF and LDF. Ms. Manimozhi, who previously held the position, has now returned as president.
Miscellaneous (1)
Telangana Achieves 99.73% Pass Rate in CBSE Class 12 Exams
Telangana achieved an impressive pass percentage of 99.73 in the CBSE Class 12 examinations, with 8,420 out of 8,443 students passing. The exams were conducted across 95 centers in the state from February 15 to April 4, 2024. The results were announced by CBSE Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bhardwaj and are available on official websites such as www.cbse.gov.in, www.results.nic.in, results.digilocker.gov.in, and web.umang.gov.in. Digital documents, including mark sheet cum certificates, migration certificates, and skill certificates, were made available through CBSE’s digital academic repository, 'Parinam Manjusha,' immediately after the results were declared. The overall pass percentage for CBSE Class 12 across the country stood at 88.39, slightly higher than the 87.98% recorded in 2023. Notably, the TG Ekalavya Model Residential School Society (TEMRS) achieved a 99.92% pass rate in Class 10 CBSE, with 1,293 out of 1,294 students passing. Hyderabad Public School (HPS) also reported a 100% pass rate in Class 12, with top scorers including Srija (97.8%) and Maheeka Raj (96.8%) from the commerce stream.
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