Important News - 2025-05-18
18 May 2025
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Heritage (1)
Tragic Fire Claims 17 Lives of Renowned Pearl Traders in Hyderabad
On the morning of Sunday, a tragic fire broke out in the Gulzar Houz area of Charminar, Hyderabad, resulting in the death of 17 members of the Modi family, who were renowned pearl traders. The family had been a significant part of the community for decades, running the well-known M. Poonachand Jewellers and Pearls. The fire started around 6 a.m., engulfing their home, which was located behind their shops. The family, including children and elderly members, was trapped due to the thick smoke and lack of escape routes. Despite efforts by some family members to rescue others, the fire quickly spread, fueled by motorcycles parked at the entrance. The incident has left the community in shock, with the family's legacy now reduced to ashes. The police have cordoned off the area for further investigation.
Politics (5)
Teacher Organizations Support Protest Against School Restructuring and Staff Reallocation
Members of the Forum of Registered Teacher Organisations (FORTO) have expressed their support for the proposed protest by teacher associations scheduled for May 21 and 23, 2023. During an online meeting, representatives from various teacher organizations raised concerns regarding the school restructuring program and the reallocation of teaching staff in the state. They criticized the new GO 21, which replaces the previous GO 117, for its detrimental impact on the school education sector and teachers' interests. The teachers demanded the continuation of the parallel medium system, the exclusion of teachers on study leave from the list of vacant positions, and the implementation of the 2016 Act for disabled teachers. Additionally, they called for the allocation of both Headmaster and Physical Director positions in every high school, regardless of student numbers. The meeting was attended by FORTO Chairman K. Harikrishna and Secretary General A. Kondayya, among others.
Assam CM and Congress MP Clash Over Alleged Pakistan Links
A heated exchange of words has erupted between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi regarding Gogoi's alleged connections with Pakistan. On May 18, 2025, Chief Minister Sarma accused Gogoi of visiting Pakistan at the invitation of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan's intelligence agency. Sarma claimed that Gogoi's visit was for training purposes, supported by a letter from Pakistan's Ministry of Interior. Gogoi, representing the Jorhat constituency, vehemently denied these allegations, stating that nearly 99% of Sarma's claims were false. Sarma further mentioned that the Assam government is investigating the details of Gogoi's visit and his associations. Gogoi countered by accusing Sarma of fabricating stories to tarnish his reputation, a tactic he claims Sarma has used since leaving the Congress party in 2015. The controversy continues to escalate, with both parties standing firm on their positions.
AIMPLB Resumes Protests Against Waqf Amendment Act with Congress Support
Advisor to the Telangana government for Minorities Welfare, Mohammad Ali Shabbir, reaffirmed the Congress party’s opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act during a round table conference organized by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) titled ‘Round Table Meeting on Save Waqf Save Constitution’. Shabbir urged the AIMPLB to coordinate with Congress president Mahesh Goud to organize more effective demonstrations against the legislation. He highlighted that during the parliamentary debates on the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, a significant number of MPs, including those from the INDIA alliance, opposed the bill. While 288 MPs in the Lok Sabha voted in favor, 232 opposed it, and in the Rajya Sabha, 128 supported it while 95 opposed it. The AIMPLB had earlier suspended its protests in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack but has now decided to resume its activities following a ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan. The board emphasized that all protests would remain peaceful and within constitutional limits. A demonstration is planned at Dharna Chowk on June 1, with other forms of protest, such as a human chain, also being organized.
Congress Criticizes Government Over All-Party Delegations for Operation Sindoor
On May 18, 2025, the Congress party stated that it is not preventing its leaders from participating in diplomatic delegations sent abroad following Operation Sindoor. The party emphasized that leaders selected by the government should act according to their conscience and contribute to the mission. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the government of politicizing the selection process, noting that only one out of four Congress-recommended leaders, Anand Sharma, was included in the seven delegations. The government added four other Congress leaders—Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Amar Singh, and Salman Khurshid—who were not initially nominated by the party. Ramesh stressed that national interest should be paramount and criticized the government for playing political games. The seven delegations, comprising 51 political leaders and former ministers, will visit 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels to convey India's stance on Pakistan-backed terrorism.
TDP Prepares for Annual Mahanadu Conclave in Kadapa
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is set to hold its annual conclave, ‘Mahanadu,’ in Kadapa from May 27 to 29, 2024. This marks the first time the event is being organized in Kadapa, a district where the TDP gained significant strength by winning most seats in the last general elections. Six Cabinet ministers, including V. Anitha (Home), Payyavula Keshav (Finance), and B.C. Janardhan Reddy (Roads and Buildings), along with TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao and other key leaders, reviewed the arrangements during a meeting on May 18. The conclave will follow its traditional format, with party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu filing his nomination for national president on the first day, which will be approved on the second day. Discussions on state development challenges and the party’s role in addressing them will take place, culminating in the passing of resolutions on the final day. The event will be held in Pabbapuram, Chintakommadinne mandal, with extensive preparations underway to accommodate thousands of attendees.
World Affairs (1)
Purandeswari Joins Delegation to Highlight India's Zero-Tolerance Policy on Terrorism
BJP State President and Rajahmundry MP Daggubati Purandeswari expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing her the opportunity to be part of a delegation traveling abroad to highlight India's policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, particularly in the context of Operation Sindoor. In a statement on Sunday, she described this as a rare chance to expose the long-standing issue of terrorism that has plagued India for decades. She emphasized that this initiative was a small yet significant way to honor the brave soldiers and civilians who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks. The delegation aims to showcase India's unwavering stance against terrorism on the global stage.
Appointments (1)
DSP Prasada Rao Appointed as Special Supervisory Officer for Animal Welfare in Eluru
In a significant move to ensure animal welfare, Superintendent of Police (SP) K. Pratap Shiva Kishore has appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Prasada Rao, from the Pedavegi District Police Training Centre (DTC), as the Special Supervisory Officer for Animal Welfare in Eluru district. This appointment was made in compliance with the orders of the Andhra Pradesh High Court and the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Board, aiming to curb the illegal transportation and slaughter of animals. SP Kishore has urged the public to report any instances of illegal activities related to animal welfare by contacting the Eluru District Nodal Officer at Phone No. 9440404010. In a related development, Khammam Police Commissioner Sunil Dutt reviewed the measures to prevent illegal animal transportation at border check posts. He highlighted that seven border check posts have been established, and joint vigilance by the Police and Animal Husbandry Departments will be maintained to take strict action against smugglers.
Scheme (1)
Telangana Approves Munnuru-Palair Link Canal to Stabilize 2.54 Lakh Acres of Agricultural Land
The Government of Telangana has approved the construction of the Munnuru-Palair link canal to utilize the floodwaters of the Munneru River, which has been flowing into the sea annually. The project, costing ₹162.54 crore, aims to divert the water to the Palair reservoir, ensuring a stable water supply for 2.54 lakh acres of agricultural land. This includes 1.3 lakh acres in the Palair constituency alone. Additionally, the water will be used for drinking purposes in parts of Suryapet, Mahabubabad, and Khammam districts, and to fill 10 minor irrigation tanks in the Dornakal constituency. The project was approved by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Minister for Irrigation N. Uttam Kumar Reddy. During a visit to Suryapet district, Mr. Uttam Kumar Kumar also reviewed the progress of the Bette Thanda lift irrigation scheme, which is expected to be completed by August, benefiting 2,176 Scheduled Tribe farmers across several villages. The Janpahad lift irrigation scheme, costing ₹270 crore, is also underway in the Palakeedu mandal of Huzurnagar constituency, aiming to benefit multiple villages in the region.
Economy (1)
BRS Criticizes Telangana Government's Over-Reliance on Excise Revenue
Senior leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former minister T. Harish Rao has criticized the Congress government in Telangana for its over-reliance on excise revenue to manage the state's administration. Rao questioned the government's focus on increasing liquor sales and prices, stating that Telangana's growth in excise income is not a sustainable development. He highlighted that the government has raised the price of beer by 15% and plans to increase the prices of other liquor varieties, further burdening the poor and middle class. Rao also pointed out that the government's decision to allow over 100 micro-breweries across the state, with one every 30 kilometers, is a concerning move. He reminded the government of its promise in the Abhaya Hastam manifesto to regulate the flow of liquor and control belt shops, which has not been implemented. Rao emphasized that the government's focus on excise revenue is a result of poor financial decisions and a lack of proper allocation to welfare schemes.
Miscellaneous (2)
Kozhikode Fire Highlights Safety Violations and Rescue Challenges
A massive fire broke out at a textile complex near the Kozhikode Mofussil Bus Stand on May 19, 2024, causing significant damage and hampering rescue operations. The fire was exacerbated by unauthorized extensions and alterations that violated fire safety norms and building regulations. Reports indicate that blocked fire exits and poor ventilation made it difficult for rescue personnel to access the affected areas. District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh announced that a detailed investigation, supported by experts, would be conducted to determine the cause and assess potential violations of building rules. Preliminary estimates suggest that textile shop owners suffered losses of approximately ₹50 crore. The incident has raised concerns about the city's ability to manage major emergencies effectively.
Kurnool and Anantapur Districts on High Alert Amid Heavy Rainfall Predictions
The district administrations of Kurnool and Anantapur have issued alerts following predictions of heavy rainfall by the Meteorological Department. Kurnool District Collector P. Ranjth Basha has instructed officials to remain vigilant to prevent loss of life and property. A control room has been established at the District Collectorate, and residents can contact 08518-277305 for assistance. Basha advised people to avoid open areas and trees during heavy rains due to the risk of lightning strikes and urged farmers and grazers to seek shelter. Anantapur District Collector Dr. V. Vinod Kumar cautioned residents to limit travel to emergencies, as several water bodies are nearing overflow due to continuous rainfall. He specifically warned those living near Tadakaleru, Pandameru, Penna, Hagari (Vedavathi), Chitravathi, Kutaleru, and Uppu Vanka to stay alert. The district’s 146 minor irrigation tanks have varying water levels, with 20 tanks fully filled, 20 at 75%, 43 at 50%, and 63 at 25% capacity.
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