Important News - 2025-05-23
23 May 2025
Stay Updated. Stay Ahead!
📂 Categories & Latest Updates
Politics (4)
Political Controversy Erupts Over Renaming of Ramanagar District to Bengaluru South
The Karnataka State Cabinet's decision to rename Ramanagar district as Bengaluru South has sparked a political controversy. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy criticized the move, calling it a tactic to inflate land prices and vowing to reverse the decision. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the renaming, stating that it reflects public opinion and the state government's authority. Kumaraswamy accused the Congress government of distorting history and alleged that the renaming was part of a conspiracy to increase land values. The decision has also been linked to the historical significance of Ramanagar, which has produced three Chief Ministers, including Kengal Hanumanthaiya, who built the Vidhana Soudha. The Karnataka government issued a notification officially renaming the district, despite the central government's earlier rejection of the proposal. The district was originally carved out in August 2007 during Kumaraswamy's tenure as Chief Minister of the JD(S)-BJP coalition government.
Kerala CM Highlights LDF’s Achievements at Fourth-Year Anniversary Event
Chief Minister Pinaraji Vijayan of Kerala addressed the conclusion of the fourth-year celebrations for the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, held on Friday. During the event, he announced the government's progress report for the fiscal year 2024-25. Vijayan emphasized the LDF's achievements, including the development of National Highway 66 despite structural defects detected on some sections. He assured that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) would address these issues. The Chief Minister countered the Opposition's claims of Kerala being in a debt trap, citing a decrease in the debt-GSDP ratio from 38% in 2021-22 to 34%. He also highlighted the successful implementation of welfare schemes, including the distribution of over 400,000 title deeds since 2016 and the goal of eradicating extreme poverty by November 2025. Additionally, Vijayan discussed the Vizhinjam port project, noting its significance for Kerala's development and the planned infrastructure upgrades in Thiruvananthapuram. The event was attended by CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan, Mayor Arya Rajendran, and Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak.
Uttam Reddy Challenges BRS Leaders to Face Kaleshwaram Judicial Commission
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy challenged Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders to present themselves before the judicial commission led by P.C. Ghose, if they are confident that no irregularities occurred during the construction of the Kaleshwaram project under their governance. The judicial commission, an independent body, has identified several lapses in the project. Reddy accused BRS leaders of spreading falsehoods and evading the commission's notices. He questioned the escalation of the project cost from an initial estimate of ₹84,000 crore to ₹1.2 lakh crore, as reported by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Reddy also criticized the previous government for misleading the public about water availability at Tummidihatti and relocating the barrage to Medigadda, allegedly for financial gain. He refuted claims by BRS leaders that the Congress government orchestrated damages to the barrages, pointing out that the FIR for Medigadda was filed during the BRS regime. Reddy emphasized that legal action would be taken against those making baseless allegations about explosives at the barrage. He further stated that the Tummidihatti project could have been completed for ₹38,000 crore, allowing for the completion of other projects like SLBC, Sitaramasagar, and Dindi with the remaining funds.
G. Kishan Reddy Dismisses Kavitha's Letter as Family Feud, Criticizes BRS and KCR
Union Minister and BJP Telangana President G. Kishan Reddy dismissed MLC Kavitha's letter as a 'family feud,' downplaying its political significance. He described it as internal theatrics and emphasized that such incidents are common in family-run parties. Reddy stated that the BJP has been warning about the dangers of family-centric politics for the past decade, citing the BRS as an example of a party that prioritizes family loyalty. He also criticized former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) for being inaccessible during his tenure, even to opposition MLAs and Union Ministers. Reddy concluded by asserting that the public has already rejected the BRS, as evidenced by the recent parliamentary elections.
Schemes (1)
Telangana Launches Ifadah Community Mediation Centre at Shahi Masjid
The Shahi Masjid in Public Gardens, Hyderabad, will soon host the Ifadah Community Mediation Centre, a new initiative supported by the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA). The centre aims to provide free and impartial mediation services to the public, irrespective of their faith, to resolve disputes outside the courtroom. The idea originated from a conversation with a police officer, highlighting the need for accessible dispute resolution. The centre will follow the Mediation Act, 2023, and will be inaugurated on Saturday. It will operate on all working days, with dedicated mediation sessions every Saturday. The Shahi Masjid already hosts a legal cell, established in 2018, which offers legal advice and helps resolve disputes. The new centre will maintain confidentiality and provide services free of charge.
Awards (1)
Miss World 2025 Head-to-Head Challenge Crowns Four Advocacy Champions
The Head-to-Head Challenge at Miss World 2025 concluded on May 23, 2025, with the announcement of four winners who excelled in combining beauty with purpose and advocacy. The winners, representing their respective continental groups, were Miss Wales Millie Mae Adams (Europe), Miss Trinidad and Tobago Anna-Lise Nanton (Americas and Caribbean), Miss Turkey Idil Bilgen (Asia and Oceania), and Miss Zambia Faith Bwalya (Africa). The competition, held at Hyderabad’s T-Hub on May 20 and 21, brought together 108 contestants divided into two groups. Participants showcased their ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ initiatives, addressing social and humanitarian issues such as education inequality, mental health, and public health advocacy. From the preliminary rounds, 20 finalists were shortlisted to present their initiatives with greater clarity and commitment. The winners shared personal stories of resilience and dedication, with Miss Nanton praising Telangana’s gender equality efforts, Miss Bwalya discussing her mental health journey, Miss Adams advocating for girls’ education, and Miss Bilgen promoting breast cancer awareness. The event sets the stage for the upcoming Top Model competition on May 24.
Miscellaneous (6)
Delhi Issues COVID-19 Advisory After Reporting 23 New Cases
Delhi has reported 23 new COVID-19 cases as of May 22, 2025, leading the Delhi Government to issue an advisory to all hospitals. The advisory emphasizes the need for preparedness, including ensuring the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines. Health Minister Pankaj Singh stated that the government is verifying whether the patients are residents of Delhi or have a travel history outside the city. He assured that the government is fully prepared to handle the situation, with all medical superintendents, doctors, and hospital teams across the capital being coordinated. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have been placed on alert, and necessary resources are being mobilized for a rapid response. The health department is closely monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates to the public. Citizens are advised to follow health and safety guidelines and cooperate with authorities.
104-Year-Old Lakhan Released After 43 Years in Uttar Pradesh Jail Following High Court Acquittal
A 104-year-old man, Lakhan, who had been incarcerated for 43 years in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district jail, was released on May 20, 2025, following his acquittal by the Allahabad High Court. Lakhan, born on January 4, 1921, was arrested in 1977 in connection with the murder of Prabhu Saroj during a group altercation on August 16, 1977. Along with three other individuals, he was sentenced to life imprisonment by the District and Sessions Court in Prayagraj in 1982. After appealing the verdict, the High Court acquitted him on May 2, 2025. The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) facilitated his release, and he was safely escorted to his daughter’s residence in the Sharira police station area. Notably, three of the four convicts who appealed the trial court’s verdict passed away during the pendency of the case.
NHAI Admits Lapses in NH 66 Construction; Kerala High Court Seeks Report
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) admitted to lapses in the construction of embankments on National Highway (NH) 66 in Kerala, particularly at Kooriyad in Malappuram district. This admission was made before the Kerala High Court on Friday, following the collapse of several newly-constructed stretches of the highway. The court has directed the NHAI to submit a detailed report by May 29, identifying the causes of the collapse and proposing rectification measures. The court emphasized the seriousness of the issue and urged the NHAI to implement remedial measures based on scientific principles. The NHAI’s counsel informed the court that an expert committee had been formed to investigate the matter, resulting in the blacklisting of the construction company responsible for the Malappuram corridor. The preliminary inquiry suggested that water seepage might have caused the collapse, and structural modifications could be required to address the issue. The NHAI sought time until the first week of June to file a comprehensive report.
Madurai Rural District Faces Critical Shortage of Police Inspectors
The Madurai Rural District Police is facing a significant shortage of Inspectors, with only 17 Inspectors managing 40 law and order police stations. This has led to an overwhelming workload for the existing Inspectors, with some having to oversee up to four police stations each. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that only five police stations in the district have exclusive Inspectors, while the remaining 12 Inspectors are responsible for 35 stations. The workload includes investigating serious cases such as murders, robberies, and accidents, which further strains their capacity. The district requires at least 15 more Inspectors to manage law and order and investigate cases effectively. The shortage is partly due to the deployment of policemen to other special units and the geographical challenges of the region.
Preliminary Report on Cracks in NH 66 Flyover Submitted to NHAI
A preliminary report addressing the cracks discovered on the approach section of the under-construction flyover at Manathala on National Highway 66 was submitted to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Friday. The inspection was initiated following directives from District Collector Arjun Pandian, who formed a special committee to evaluate the issue. The report includes initial findings and a technical analysis conducted by the Geotechnical Engineering Department of Government Engineering College, Thrissur, along with the Quality Control Wing of the Public Works Department. The NHAI has been instructed to clear construction debris and obstructions, particularly at the entry and exit points of the road. Additionally, the authority has been directed to provide remedial measures for residents living near the flyover whose properties were affected during the construction process, particularly during the repair of the cracks.
Thrissur Police Seize 125 kg Ganja, Arrest Four in Operation D-Hunt Under School Safety Campaign
In a significant operation under the 2025–2026 School Safety Campaign, the Thrissur Rural police, led by Thrissur Range DIG Harishanker and Thrissur Rural SP B. Krishnakumar, seized 125 kg of ganja on Friday. The contraband was being smuggled from Odisha to central Kerala in a lorry. The operation, part of 'Operation D-Hunt,' resulted in the arrest of four individuals: Ashlin (25) and Taris (36) from Alangad, Aluva; 'Kingini' Shijo (31) from Cherumkuzhi, Peechi; and Jabir (30) from Thrikkadeeri, Cherpulassery, Palakkad. Taris, a prime accused in multiple criminal cases, including a murder in Aluva and the 2022 Chalakudy highway robbery case, had been under police surveillance. Shijo faces charges in over 12 cases, including ATM break-ins and drug trafficking. Jabir, who had gone absconding before sentencing in a previous ganja seizure case, has an active lookout circular against him. The joint team from the Chalakudy DySP office and the Pudukkad police conducted a special highway check, seizing the ganja hidden under tarpaulin sheets. The police are now investigating the smuggling route and analyzing digital evidence to trace the distribution network.
Comments
Post a Comment