Important News - 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
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Sports (1)
NIMAS Team Achieves Historic 100% Success in Scaling Mount Khangchendzonga
A team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dirang successfully scaled Mount Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest peak, on May 18, 2025. This marked the first 100% successful ascent by an Indian team this climbing season, with all five members reaching the summit. The expedition was part of the patriotic mission ‘Har Shikhar Tiranga,’ aimed at hoisting the Indian national flag atop the highest peak of each of India’s 28 states. A day later, a five-member team from the Indian Army also achieved the same feat. Mount Khangchendzonga, standing at 8,586 meters, is India’s tallest peak and borders Sikkim and Nepal. The climb was approached from the Nepal side due to the mountain’s sacred status in Sikkim. The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) expressed disappointment over the expedition, as the peak is revered as a guardian deity by indigenous communities. The mountain is protected under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, and is celebrated annually during the Pang Lhabsol festival in Sikkim.
Economy (1)
Post-Pandemic Surge in Vegan Food Popularity in Bengaluru
The popularity of vegan food in Bengaluru has seen a significant rise, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The city, known for its diverse food culture, witnessed a surge in vegan restaurants and home-based bakeries during the lockdown. This trend was driven by increased awareness of health, ethical concerns regarding animal agriculture, and its impact on the environment. The 'Bengaluru Vegans' Telegram group, which had 80 members before the pandemic, grew to 191, while the Facebook group reached 5,600 members. The pandemic also encouraged many vegans to venture into entrepreneurship, leading to the establishment of numerous plant-based home kitchens offering a variety of products, from cupcakes to hummus dips. Restaurants like The Pizza Bakery and Paris Panini introduced vegan dishes in response to growing demand, while others, such as Santé Spa Cuisine, expanded their vegan offerings. The global rise in demand for high-quality plant-based cuisine has positioned Bengaluru as a key player in the vegan food industry, with the city continuously adding more vegan options to its culinary landscape.
Schemes (3)
Minister E.V. Velu Inspects Infrastructure Development on Chennai's East Coast Road
On Thursday, Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports, E.V. Velu, conducted an inspection of the ongoing infrastructure development works along the East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai. The State Highways Department is undertaking several projects to enhance the road network, including widening a 10.5 km stretch between Thiruvanmiyur and Akkarai into a six-lane road. The Minister reviewed the progress of road widening, construction of stormwater drains, and a proposed project to widen roads around the Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur to facilitate smooth temple car processions. Additionally, a proposal for constructing a 14 km flyover connecting Thiruvanmiyur with Uthandi was discussed. Senior officials from the Highways and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Departments accompanied the Minister during the inspection.
BWSSB to Boost Sewage Treatment Capacity by 470 MLD with 26 New STPs by 2025
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to enhance the city's sewage treatment capacity by adding 470 MLD (Million Liters per Day) through the construction of 26 new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) by the end of 2025. This initiative will increase the existing treatment capacity from 1,348.5 MLD across 34 STPs to 1,818.5 MLD, marking a 35% rise. Among the new STPs, the largest, with a capacity of 150 MLD, will be located in the Vrishabhavathi Valley on Mysuru Road, followed by 60 MLD plants in Hebbal and Horamavu. Notably, 14 of these STPs, with a combined capacity of 124 MLD, will be established in 110 villages that are currently receiving new water connections and Underground Drainage (UGD) lines. BWSSB Chairman V. Ram Prasath Manohar emphasized that the completion of these projects by December 2025 will significantly boost sewage treatment capacity, with many village STPs expected to be operational sooner. Additionally, BWSSB is investing in tertiary treatment to repurpose treated water for non-drinking uses, such as lake replenishment, to conserve water. Despite these efforts, there remains a gap in treatment capacity, as the city currently draws up to 2,220 MLD from the Cauvery River, with only 1,800 MLD being utilized. The BWSSB is also planning further expansions under the World Bank’s Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme, which includes a ₹3,500 crore loan, with over ₹1,000 crore allocated to BWSSB.
Kerala State Women’s Commission Launches Awareness Classes on Healthy Relationships in Schools
In response to the increasing incidents of violence in Kerala, the Kerala State Women’s Commission, under the leadership of Chairperson P. Sathidevi, has announced the introduction of awareness classes on healthy relationships for students starting this academic year. These sessions, part of the General Education Department’s initiative ‘Koodeyundu Karutthekan’ (Together to Empower), aim to promote value-based personal development among adolescents. Ms. Sathidevi highlighted the growing cases of domestic abuse, alcohol-related issues, and neighborhood disputes during a district-level adalat organized by the Commission in Thrissur Town Hall. She emphasized the detrimental impact of such conflicts on children’s perception of family relationships, stressing the need for democratic dialogue within households. The adalat reviewed 80 complaints, resolving 28, referring 4 to the police, 2 to vigilance committees, and deferring 46 to the next session.
Politics (4)
Left Parties Condemn Chhattisgarh Encounter, Demand Dialogue with Maoists
On Wednesday, a significant encounter took place in Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh, resulting in the death of 27 Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). Left parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India, have strongly condemned the operation, criticizing the Union and State governments for resorting to violence instead of dialogue. The CPI(M) accused the government of ignoring repeated appeals for talks, describing the actions as reflecting a 'fascist' mindset. CPI General Secretary D. Raja highlighted concerns over the use of lethal force instead of lawful arrests, calling for an independent judicial inquiry into the encounter and the broader 'Operation Kagar'. The All India Forward Bloc and CPI(ML) also expressed deep concern over the marginalization of Adivasi communities and the government's intolerance of dissent.
ED Raids Parameshwara's Institution in Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted raids at the Sri Siddhartha Academy for Higher Education in Tumakuru, run by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara, in connection with the gold smuggling case involving Ranya Rao. The ED flagged a ₹40 lakh transaction, which Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar clarified was a gift from Dr. Parameshwara at Ranya Rao's wedding. Shivakumar defended Parameshwara, stating that giving gifts is common in public life and that Parameshwara had no involvement in the gold smuggling case. The ED also raided 16 locations linked to Ranya Rao's financial transactions, including hawala operators. Parameshwara refused to comment on the investigation, emphasizing that it was ongoing. Ranya Rao, a film actor and stepdaughter of DGP-rank officer K. Ramachandra Rao, was arrested on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold.
DYFI Protest Against NH 66 Contractor Turns Violent in Pariyaram
On May 22, 2025, a protest led by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) Madayi block committee against Megha Constructions, the contractor for the six-lane National Highway 66 project, turned violent in Pariyaram. The protesters accused the contractor of unscientific practices and irregularities in the construction process. They stormed the company's office in Vilayankode, damaging windows, computers, and other equipment. Despite the presence of Pariyaram police, the situation escalated. The protest followed several construction-related incidents, including the collapse of a boundary wall in Pilathara and an earthen wall in Kuppam, which caused muddy water to flood nearby homes. Residents had earlier blocked the road on May 21, 2025, but temporarily lifted the blockade after discussions with the Revenue Divisional Officer, warning of a resumption of protests on May 27 if no action was taken. Meanwhile, Manoj Kumar, an independent engineer representing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), acknowledged flaws in the detailed project report (DPR) and stated that corrective measures, including the construction of a culvert to divert water, were underway.
Idukki Launches 'With People' Initiative to Enhance Public Engagement in Governance
To enhance the efficiency of government services and foster public trust in administrative institutions, the Idukki district administration has launched a new initiative titled 'With People' (Janangalod Oppam). Spearheaded by Idukki Sub-Collector Anoop Garg, the project aims to strengthen public engagement and ensure active participation in local governance. Under this scheme, the sub-collector will visit various village offices twice a month, specifically on the second and fourth Thursdays, to address grievances and oversee administrative functions. The initiative will cover Idukki, Thodupuha, and Peermade taluks, with its inaugural event scheduled for June 12 at Kokkayar village in Peermade taluk. During these visits, Mr. Garg will interact with residents, resolve local issues promptly, and monitor the overall administration. The project emphasizes the importance of government intervention in addressing public concerns and aims to streamline administrative processes through increased community involvement.
Education (1)
Kerala Government Introduces New Higher Education Focus on Employment and Research
The Kerala government has announced a new approach to higher education, focusing on enhancing employment readiness and research excellence. Minister for Higher Education, R. Bindu, highlighted the introduction of a four-year honors degree program as a key step in this direction. The initiative aims to improve students' employability and entrepreneurial skills through a credit-based curriculum that allows them to explore diverse subjects. Additionally, the government has established incubation centers in colleges to support innovative business ideas. Dr. Bindu encouraged students to pursue entrepreneurship, citing successful student-led ventures as examples. The state has also introduced skill development courses in cutting-edge fields, including Artificial Intelligence, through programs like the Additional Skill Acquisition Program (ASAP). The new educational vision is designed to address the need for a knowledge economy and to find solutions to contemporary challenges using intellectual capital. The announcement was made during a seminar titled 'Career Planning and Management,' part of the Ente Keralam exhibition and expo. The event also featured a keynote presentation by V.P. Jagathy Raj, Vice-Chancellor of Sreenarayanaguru Open University, and the felicitation of winners of the Ente Keralam-themed quiz.
Miscellaneous (2)
NIT-C Waives Fine on Students After Protest Over Night Life Restrictions
KSPCB Announces 'End Plastic Pollution' as Theme for World Environment Day 2023
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has announced 'End Plastic Pollution' as the theme for World Environment Day, to be observed on June 5. KSPCB Chairman P.M. Narendraswamy revealed that a series of events will be organized in Bengaluru to commemorate the day. These include a mass tree plantation drive, photo contest, green selfie challenge, online quiz contest, graffiti contest, walkathon, and cyclothon. Additionally, exhibitions on sustainable products, green energy, startup technologies, carbon credits for farmers, e-waste recycling, and environmental documentaries will be showcased. An environmental walk will take place in front of the Vidhana Soudha, with participation from around 3,000 individuals, including ministers, dignitaries, officers, Scouts and Guides, and NCC Cadets. Chief Minister Siddaramiah will present the Karnataka State Environment Awards to individuals and organizations for their contributions to environmental protection. KSPCB has also proposed the installation of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) in local civic bodies to recycle plastic bottles, offering a ₹1 reward for each bottle deposited. In the last three years, KSPCB has conducted approximately 1,65,000 checks, seizing 1,012 tonnes of banned plastics and collecting fines totaling ₹5.6 crore.
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