Important News - 2025-05-21
21 May 2025
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Politics (3)
Telangana HC Denies Interim Relief to Gali Janaardhan Reddy in Mining Case
The Telangana High Court has refused to grant interim relief to former Karnataka legislator and BJP leader Gali Janaardhan Reddy and three others in a criminal appeal petition. The petition sought bail and suspension of a seven-year imprisonment sentence awarded by a CBI special court in the Obulapuram Mining Corporation case, which involved illegal extraction of ores. Justice Nandikonda Narsing Rao of the HC vacation bench stated that the court cannot grant bail or suspend the sentence without hearing the CBI's version. The CBI had filed charges against Reddy and the others, leading to their conviction and current imprisonment in Cherlapally central prison. The judge noted that the special court's verdict spanned nearly 1,200 pages, and the CBI had submitted numerous documents that required examination. The hearing has been adjourned to May 28, as there was no urgency to decide the matter immediately.
Telangana Mahila Congress President Issued Showcause Notice for Anti-Party Activities
Sunitha Rao, the president of Telangana Pradesh Mahila Congress, has been issued a showcause notice by All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba for alleged anti-party activities. The notice seeks a reply within seven days regarding her criticism of TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s governance. Rao had staged a protest at Gandhi Bhavan against Goud, demanding 'justice'. She has been aspiring for a post in the government since the Congress came to power but has not been accommodated, leading to her criticism of being ignored by the CM.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Criticizes Congress for Alleged Disregard of National Security
On May 21, 2025, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, labeling it a 'sporadic war.' Pradhan stated that this comment not only insulted the valor of India's defense forces but also highlighted the Congress party's alleged disregard for national security. Speaking on social media platform X, Pradhan accused Congress leaders of echoing Pakistan's rhetoric, claiming that the party prioritizes family loyalty over patriotism. He referenced past instances where Congress questioned military actions like the Uri surgical strikes and the Balakot air strike, asserting that such behavior reflects the party's leadership crisis and ideological hollowness. Pradhan emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has strengthened its borders and global standing, while Congress, he argued, appears more focused on appeasing Pakistan than supporting India's strength.
Economy (1)
Kerala's IGST Share Reduced by ₹956.16 Crore Amid Central Government Adjustments
The Finance Department of Kerala has reported a significant reduction of ₹956.16 crore from the state's Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) share. Finance Minister K.N. Balagalam stated that the central government reduced the IGST shares of all states, claiming that an excess amount had been credited to them. Kerala's IGST share was specifically reduced by ₹956.16 crore. However, there is still ambiguity regarding the excess settlement. IGST, which is levied on the inter-state supply of goods and services, is collected by the central government. The revenue is periodically settled and shared between the central government and the states. In July 2024, the Kerala Public Expenditure Review Committee advised the state government to closely monitor IGST inflows due to the current system causing revenue losses. Additionally, the central government reduced Kerala's borrowing limit by ₹3,300 crore under the Guarantee Redemption Fund. The state's borrowing limit for the first nine months of the financial year 2025-26 has been set at ₹29,529 crore. Despite concerns about Kerala's debt, the state's debt-to-GSDP ratio has decreased from 38.47% in 2020-21 to 33.9% in 2024-25. The formation of a new pay revision commission has not yet been discussed formally.
World Affairs (3)
Manipur Government Investigates Armed Forces Incident Amid Shirui Lily Festival Coverage
The Manipur government has initiated an investigation into a controversial incident involving armed forces personnel on May 20, 2025, where a team of journalists and information officials were allegedly made to cover 'Manipur State Transport' on a bus they were traveling on. The incident occurred as the team was en route to cover the Shirui Lily Festival, organized by the state tourism department in Ukhrul district, approximately 80 km from Imphal. This event has sparked significant unrest in the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley, leading to a 48-hour general strike called by a prominent NGO. The NGO has demanded the resignation of several top officials, including Manipur’s Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Chief Secretary P.K. Singh, and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh. The state government has formed a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. The committee, comprising Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar and Secretary (Information Technology) Th. Kirankumar Singh, has been tasked with submitting its report within 15 days. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has also called for the resignation of the state’s top officials and an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, holding them accountable for the incident. COCOMI has accused the officials of failing to protect the state’s identity and dignity, particularly against threats from armed groups. The incident took place at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in the Imphal East district, where journalists were traveling to cover the festival. The festival, which was inaugurated by the Governor on May 20, 2025, aims to bring peace amidst the ongoing conflict between the Kuki-Zo tribal people and the Meitei community in Manipur. The conflict, which began on May 3, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
Telangana Residents Released from Malaysian Prison with K.T. Rao's Intervention
Six individuals from Telangana, specifically from the Lingapur area in Kadam Mandal and Munyal in Dasturabad Mandal of Ambedkar Nagar district, were arrested and imprisoned in Malaysia due to their lack of awareness of local laws. The group, consisting of Rachakonda Naresh, Talari Bhaskar, Gurujala Shankar, Gurijala Rajeshwar, Gunda Srinivas, and Yamunoori Ravinder, had traveled to Malaysia seeking employment in the previous year. Their release was facilitated through the efforts of K.T. Rama Rao, the Working President of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). Upon learning of their situation, Rao instructed Bhukya Johnson Naik, the in-charge of Khanapur for TRS, to assist them. Naik arranged for legal representation and expedited the legal proceedings, which led to their eventual release. After returning to India, the freed individuals thanked Rao at his residence for his intervention. They also mentioned that they did not receive significant assistance from the Indian embassy and compared the situation to the swift efforts made by the Chinese government to secure the release of their citizens.
Disaster Management Program Launched in Wayanad for Landslide-Affected Families
On May 21, 2025, T. Siddique, MLA, inaugurated 'Karuthal,' a disaster management awareness program for workers of Harrisons Malayalam Sentinel Rock Estate at Meppadi in Wayanad. The program included awareness sessions, an introduction to self-employment schemes, and the distribution of aid to families affected by a landslide in the previous year. Estate officials stated that they provided benefits such as gratuity, funeral expenses, and accommodation for over 100 families, along with alternative employment for workers at the Vellarmala estate. Additionally, financial assistance of ₹3.14 crore was distributed to the families of 33 deceased employees, with efforts underway to compensate the remaining eight families. The program was organized by the District Disaster Management Authority, the Fire and Rescue Service Department, and the District Medical Team, with the participation of HML Chief Executive Officer Cheriyan M. George and trade union leaders.
Schemes (1)
ITDA to Discuss Land Compensation for Polavaram Project with Tribal Representatives
The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA-Chintoor) and the Polavaram Irrigation Project Land Acquisition authorities are set to engage in discussions with public representatives and members of the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Committee from 30 villages. The talks will focus on the Land-to-Land component and compensation as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2023. The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, which applies to tribal areas under the Vth Schedule of the Constitution, is also relevant to these discussions. Chintoor ITDA Project Officer Apoorva Bharat announced that the Grama Sabhas in the affected villages have been completed, and the second round of talks will take place on Thursday at the ITDA office in Chintoor, Alluri Sitarama Raju district.
Elections (1)
BJP Adopts 'Developed Kerala' Slogan for Upcoming Kerala Elections
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its plan to adopt the slogan 'Developed Kerala' for the upcoming local body and Assembly elections in Kerala. BJP State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized that this slogan represents the party's mission and goal to bring development to the state. Speaking after the BJP State core committee and State office-bearers’ meeting, he criticized the nine-year rule of the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, calling it a fiasco. The BJP organized the 'Vikasita Keralam' convention from April 21 to May 12, 2024, to discuss its vision for Kerala's development, which saw significant youth participation. Additionally, the party has planned protest programs across all district centers on May 26, 2024, marking the ninth anniversary of the LDF government.
Miscellaneous (3)
Early Monsoon Arrival Expected in Telangana with Normal to Above Normal Rainfall
The summer season in Telangana has ended earlier than usual this year, with the southwest monsoon expected to arrive by next week, bringing isolated heavy rainfall across the state, including the Hyderabad capital region. According to meteorologists from the Telangana Government Development Planning Society (TGDPS), pre-monsoon showers have already begun, causing a significant drop in daytime temperatures and increased humidity due to the Easterlies from the Bay of Bengal. Senior weather consultant Y.V. Rama Rao stated that the monsoon is likely to reach Telangana by next weekend, ahead of the usual June 7-8 schedule. This year's monsoon is expected to be normal or above normal, with the El Nino phenomenon in a neutral phase. A low-pressure area developing near the Arabian Sea is also expected to aid the monsoon's progress from Kerala towards the northwest. This summer has been relatively mild, with fewer heat waves compared to previous years, and temperatures in the capital region have already dropped to 36°C, with further reductions expected due to the rains. Night temperatures have also been lower than usual, ranging between 19-24°C, compared to the typical 27°C during summer.
IISc Researchers Develop Advanced Glow-in-the-Dark Molecule for Security and Imaging
Researchers at the Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (IPC), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have developed a novel chiral aminoborane molecule that demonstrates persistent room-temperature phosphorescence and circularly polarised luminescence (CPL). This breakthrough offers a pathway for creating next-generation photonic materials that are metal-free, lightweight, and structurally adaptable. The new molecule has significant applications in anti-counterfeiting inks and bioimaging agents, addressing the limitations of current systems that rely on inorganic phosphors or heavy metal complexes, which are costly, biologically incompatible, and environmentally harmful. The study, published in Communications Chemistry, highlights the molecule's potential for security tags, encrypted labels, and tamper-proof authentication technologies. For instance, under UV light, a sample text displays '1180,' but when the light is turned off, the text 'IISc' appears in the dark due to the molecule's persistent afterglow. The team aims to enhance the emission efficiency of the molecule, which could further its applications in bioimaging and photonic materials.
District Collector Seeks Urgent Report on NH 66 Crack in Manathala
District Collector Arjun Pandian has called for an urgent and detailed report after a significant crack, approximately 50 meters long, was discovered on a newly tarred section of National Highway (NH) 66 in Manathala village, Chavakkad taluk. The crack was first reported on May 20 by the Chavakkad tahsildar following heavy rainfall in the region. It was observed on the overbridge near the Manathala Muslim Mosque and the Manathala Vishwanatha Temple. Following the incident, the National Highway authorities temporarily covered the crack with tar after images of it went viral on social media. To address the issue, the District Collector has formed a high-level expert committee comprising officials from the Police department, Regional Transport Office (RTO), Public Works department (PWD – Roads Division), Soil department, Groundwater department, Department of Geology, and Revenue department. The committee has been instructed to conduct a joint inspection and submit a comprehensive report by Thursday. The Ernakulam Project Director of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has been tasked with providing all necessary support for the inspection. Additionally, the District Police Chief and the RTO are responsible for implementing traffic regulation measures if required during the inspection. The executive engineer of the PWD Roads Division has been appointed as the coordinating officer to compile and submit the joint inspection report to the Collector within the stipulated timeline. The District Collector has also requested a separate report from the Ernakulam Project Director of the NHAI, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
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