Important News - 2025-05-20
20 May 2025
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Schemes (2)
PM Modi to Inaugurate Chirayinkeezhu and Kulitturai Stations Under Amrit Bharat Scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the upgraded Chirayinkeezhu and Kulitturai railway stations on Thursday through videoconferencing. These stations are part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which was launched in December 2022 by the Ministry of Railways. The scheme aims to modernize over 1,300 railway stations across the country, transforming them into future-ready hubs with improved facilities and multimodal integration. Chirayinkeezhu station, upgraded at a cost of ₹7.036 crore, now features an aesthetic arch, enhanced waiting halls, shelters, public information system displays, and facilities for differently-abled passengers. Kulitturai station, located near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border in Kanyakumari, has been upgraded at a cost of ₹5.35 crore, catering to coastal commuters and pilgrims. The inauguration will be live-streamed from 10:30 a.m., with ceremonial functions, competitions, and cultural programs being held at all 103 Amrit stations being inaugurated simultaneously.
Ernakulam Intensifies Monsoon Preparedness Under Operation Breakthrough
The district administration of Ernakulam has intensified its monsoon preparedness efforts under the Operation Breakthrough project to prevent waterlogging in the city. A recent meeting, convened by District Collector N.S.K. Umesh, brought together officials from various departments and elected representatives to ensure the timely completion of pre-monsoon projects. The meeting reviewed progress on rejuvenation works in key canals, including Mullassery, Chilavannur, Edappally, and High Court canals, and prioritized areas prone to severe waterlogging. Works at Kammattipadam have already been completed, and measures to address waterlogging at Jos Junction were discussed. The district administration emphasized the immediate cleaning of canals within Kochi Corporation limits and improving the flow in Vivekananda Canal. Additionally, Minister for Industries P. Rajeeve suggested holding Assembly constituency-level meetings to review progress, removing hazardous trees, and ensuring strict protocols for dam shutter operations. T.K. Ashraf, Chairperson of Kochi Corporation’s Standing Committee on Health, affirmed the time-bound implementation of decisions made during the review meetings.
Heritage (1)
68th Death Anniversary of Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Commemorated with Tributes and Felicitation
The 68th death anniversary of Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, fondly known as Andhra Kesari, was commemorated on Tuesday. The district administration of Prakasam honored his great-grandson, Tanguturi Santosh, during the event. Prominent figures, including Ongole MLA Santhanuthalapadu, MLA B.N. Vijayakumar, and Prakasam District Collector A. Thameem Ansaria, paid floral tributes to the statue of Prakasam Pantulu at the Collector’s Office in Ongole. District Collector A. Thameem Ansaria emphasized the significant contributions of Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu during India’s freedom struggle and his role in post-independence development. She urged everyone to draw inspiration from his life and work diligently towards their goals. Ongole MLA Damacherla Janardhan Rao praised Prakasam Pantulu as a symbol of courage and an inspiration for modern politicians. Santhanuthalapadu MLA highlighted his sacrifices for the nation, despite his successful legal career.
World Affairs (1)
Record Rainfall Causes Extensive Damage in Northern Kerala, IMD Issues Alerts
Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds has caused widespread damage in the northern districts of Kerala, India, since Monday evening. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode, an orange alert for Palakkad, Malappuram, and Thrissur, and a yellow alert for Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta. The heavy rains have resulted in flooding of homes and roads, uprooting of trees, and damage to infrastructure, severely disrupting daily life and transportation. In Kasaragod, a section of the national highway service road under construction collapsed, leading to severe traffic congestion. Similar incidents were reported in Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned of potential landslides and flash floods in hilly areas and advised residents to move to safer locations. The government has urged the public to remain vigilant and follow official updates as the situation develops.
Defence (1)
Indian Army Clarifies No Air Defence Guns Deployed at Golden Temple
On May 20, 2025, the Indian Army clarified that no air defence guns or resources were deployed within the premises of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Punjab. This statement came in response to media reports and remarks made by Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, who had allegedly claimed that air defence guns were stationed at the Golden Temple during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. The Golden Temple’s additional head Granthi, Giani Amarjeet, refuted the claim, stating that no such deployment occurred and that the sanctity of the religious site was maintained. Giani Raghbir Singh, the Head Granthi, who was abroad during the operation, also confirmed no communication or deployment took place. Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), echoed this, stating no contact was made by the Army regarding such an installation.
Economy (1)
Tamil Nadu Textile Mills Face Uncertainty Over Solar Rooftop Networking Charges
Textile mills in Tamil Nadu are facing uncertainty over the imposition of networking charges for rooftop solar energy installations. The Madras High Court had provided relief to these mills in December 2024 by staying the payment of networking charges to the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco). However, a recent circular from the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TNPDCL) has instructed Superintending Engineers to continue levying these charges on all low tension (LT) and high tension (HT) consumers who use the grid for solar rooftops. S. Jagadesh Chandran, secretary of the South India Spinners Association (SISPA), stated that the association has approached the Chairman and Managing Director of Tangedco seeking relief. The textile mills argue that the use of renewable energy reduces production costs and enhances competitiveness, making the imposition of networking charges counterproductive. Industry sources reveal that nearly 70% of textile mills in Tamil Nadu derive 50% of their power consumption from renewable energy sources.
Appointments (1)
T.N. Chief Minister Honors Police Team for Solving Erode Murder Case
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin felicitated the police team responsible for solving the murder case of an elderly couple in Sivagiri, Erode district. The victims, Ramasamy (72) and Bakkiyam (63), were found dead in their house on May 1, 2024, three days after the murder. Approximately 10.75 sovereigns of gold jewelry were reported missing. Twelve special teams were formed to investigate the case, leading to the arrest of three individuals—P. Aachiappan (48), N. Madeswaran (52), and R. Ramesh (54)—on May 19, 2024. Additionally, a goldsmith, Gyanasekaran, who melted the stolen jewelry, was also arrested. The accused confessed to a previous triple murder in Semalaigoundanpalayam, Tiruppur district, on November 28, 2024. The police team, led by Inspector General of Police (West Zone) T. Senthil Kumar and other senior officials, was presented with certificates by Chief Minister Stalin. The event was attended by Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Kumar, Director-General of Police Shankar Jiwal, and Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) S. Davidson Devasirvatham.
Politics (2)
Kerala ASHAs Complete 100 Days of Strike Demanding Better Benefits
The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Kerala have completed 100 days of their indefinite strike, marking the milestone with a flambeau procession to highlight the intensity of their protest. The strike, led by the Kerala ASHA Health Worker’s Association (KAHWA), began in February, with demands for an increase in their honorarium and retirement benefits. The protest has taken various forms, including assembly marches, Pongala offerings, and hunger strikes. Recently, the ASHAs have been conducting a day-night protest march from Kasaragod, which has now reached Thrissur. A 100-day protest meeting was held at the Secretariat, attended by KAHWA Vice President S. Mini and other leaders. The Kerala government has formed a five-member committee to study their demands and submit a report within three months. Prominent political figures, including Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Sunny Joseph and MP Shafi Parambil, have expressed support for the ASHAs.
Anantapur MLA Announces ₹65 Crore Development Projects During Mini Mahanadu
During the Mini Mahanadu event held in Anantapur on Tuesday, Anantapur Urban MLA Daggubati Venkateswara Prasad announced significant developmental initiatives for the constituency. He revealed that the garbage accumulated at the Anantapur dumping yard would be cleared by October 2, aligning with the Swachh Bharat Mission. Additionally, the MLA outlined plans for implementing underground drainage systems and constructing the Nadimivanka protection wall to mitigate flooding risks for residents. Highlighting the progress under the NDA government, he mentioned that development projects worth ₹65 crore have already been initiated in the city, focusing on improving urban infrastructure and public welfare.
Miscellaneous (3)
Bengaluru Grapples with Persistent Flooding After Heavy Rains
Residents in various areas of Bengaluru continue to face challenges due to heavy rainfall, which caused flooding in several layouts. Despite efforts by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP), water levels in Sri Sai Layout have only receded by an inch, affecting approximately 200 homes. Neelufar Ahmad, a resident, noted that normalcy might take weeks to return, especially if the rain persists. The BBMP has provided food and promised a permanent solution, but issues like the need for wider drainage remain unresolved due to coordination challenges with the Railway Department. In other areas such as Trinity Fortune Layout and Rainbow Drive Layout, residents are also dealing with the aftermath of the floods, with some areas like Halanayakanhalli Lake remaining unaffected. The community is now focused on cleaning up and assessing the damage caused by the unexpected heavy rainfall.
Thiruvananthapuram to Host Kerala Cancer Conclave 2025 on June 28-29
Thiruvananthapuram will host the Kerala Cancer Conclave 2025 on June 28 and 29 at Hotel Hyatt Regency. Organized by the Association of Medical and Pediatric Oncologists of Kerala (AMPOK), the event will bring together over 200 cancer treatment experts from India and abroad. The conclave will feature discussions across seven sections, focusing on innovative approaches to cancer treatment. Notable participants include Dr. Shaji Kumar from Mayo Clinic, Dr. Sabi George, Dr. M.V. Pillai, Dr. Ben George, and Dr. James Abraham from Roswell Park. Additionally, MPs N.K. Premachandran, John Brittas, and Shafi Parambil, along with former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, will speak on the role of governments in cancer control. A cancer opinion survey will also be released during the event.
COVID-19 Cases Rise Again, Scientists Reassure Public on Mild Symptoms
COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in various parts of the country, with reports emerging from multiple regions. However, scientists have assured the public that there is no significant cause for concern, as the majority of affected individuals are experiencing only mild symptoms, such as low-grade fever and cough. Hospitalization rates remain low. Dr. Rakesh Mishra, a prominent scientist and director of the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), noted that the current surge could be attributed to the JN.1 variant, which is already circulating. He emphasized that most cases are asymptomatic, and there are no major clinical symptoms. Dr. Mishra’s institute has been conducting wastewater surveillance in Bengaluru (Karnataka) and Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), where a spike in the virus has been detected in sewage samples. Although there is no nationwide coordinated environmental surveillance for COVID-19, Dr. Mishra stressed the importance of monitoring the situation closely to avoid any unforeseen hospitalizations due to a potentially more potent strain. He advised citizens to take precautions, such as wearing masks in crowded places and isolating if they exhibit symptoms, to prevent the spread of the virus.
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