Important News - 2025-05-25
25 May 2025
Stay Updated. Stay Ahead!
📂 Categories & Latest Updates
Schemes (2)
Priyank Kharge Urges Immediate Release of Pending MGNREGA Funds for Karnataka
Karnataka’s Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister, Priyank Kharge, has raised serious concerns regarding the delayed release of funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for the fiscal year 2025-26. In a letter dated May 23, 2024, addressed to Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Kharge emphasized the urgent need for the release of pending wage, material, and administrative funds. He highlighted that Karnataka has complied with all scheme requirements by submitting necessary utilization certificates and supporting documents to the Ministry of Rural Development. However, the non-release of funds has caused severe financial and administrative challenges, including unpaid salaries for field-level staff since December 2024, which is affecting the scheme’s implementation. Additionally, technical issues arising from the migration to the Single Nodal Agency system and integration with SPARSH and NREGASoft platforms have further delayed fund disbursement. The letter also noted that material funds have not been released in the current fiscal year, leading to pending bills of ₹787.2 crore and wage liabilities of around ₹600 crore. Kharge urged immediate intervention to ensure the livelihood security of rural workers and maintain the administrative efficacy of the program.
Kerala Government Mandates Safety Measures for School Reopening in 2025–26 Academic Year
As schools in Kerala gear up for the 2025–26 academic year, scheduled to commence on June 2, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to assess preparedness. The meeting included District Collectors, local self-government representatives, and senior officials. Key focus areas included safety measures, infrastructural readiness, and student welfare. The government has mandated fitness certificates for all school buildings, including rented premises, and instructed the secure barricading of construction zones. Additionally, unsafe elements like trees, electrical installations, and abandoned equipment will be addressed. Campaign materials, flags, banners, and hoardings near schools must be removed in coordination with local bodies. Warning signs and traffic safety boards will be installed near roads and railway crossings. Hygiene and sanitation measures are being prioritized, with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) leading cleaning drives to disinfect drinking water sources, kitchens, and toilets. Midday meals will be provided from the first day, and cooks must possess valid health cards. Shops near schools will be monitored to prevent the sale of narcotic substances, and school authorities will check for banned items. Anti-drug awareness committees will be formed at the school level, and parents will be notified if a child is absent from class. Schools must ensure speed breakers and safe crossing systems near railway tracks. The Motor Vehicles Department will verify the fitness of school transport vehicles, and police clearance certificates will be mandatory for drivers and staff. Disaster preparedness training and mock drills, including differently-abled and tribal children, will be conducted, and all schools must prepare a comprehensive School Safety or Disaster Management Plan.
Appointments (1)
Andhra Pradesh to Recruit 2,260 Special Education Teachers for Children with Special Needs
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced the recruitment of 2,260 special education teachers following a Supreme Court directive to fill vacancies for educators for children with special needs (CwSN). The recruitment process is being conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), which operates under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The RCI has established a teacher-pupil ratio of 1:10 for elementary levels and 1:15 for secondary levels across nine categories of disabilities. The state currently has 41,119 CwSN students in government and government-aided schools, with 11,360 in primary schools and 29,759 in secondary schools. The School Education Department aims to achieve an inclusive education system where children with disabilities are integrated into mainstream education. The delay in issuing the recruitment notification has caused concern among the Andhra Pradesh Unemployed Special Teacher Federation, which has urged the state to expedite the process. The federation has also highlighted the need for more qualified special educators, citing a 2021 report that identified 8,101 special teachers in the state.
Heritage (1)
Guided Tour of Vidhana Soudha: Exploring Karnataka's Legislative Heritage
In 1951, the foundation stone for the 'House of Legislature Mysore' was laid by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Karnataka Chief Minister K.C. Reddy in Bengaluru. This structure, now known as Vidhana Soudha, serves as the state's legislative building. A guided walking tour of Vidhana Soudha, inspired by the Rashtrapati Bhavan tour in New Delhi, was curated to educate the public about the principles and history behind this iconic structure. The tour includes eight significant locations within the building, such as the legislative assembly hall, banquet hall, and library. The assembly hall, which can accommodate 600 people, features a rosewood speaker’s chair and a pillar-less design supported by iron chains. The tour also highlights the neo-Dravidian architectural style and includes stops at the Sandalwood Model of Vidhan Soudha and the Grand Step. The tour script was developed by heritage and tourism experts, with additional insights from the book 'Rare and Magnificent Monument to Democracy and Popular Supremacy - Vidhana Soudha' by C.M. Ramachandra. The tour is open to the public, including construction workers, students, and persons with disabilities, offering a unique opportunity to explore the historical and architectural significance of Vidhana Soudha.
Economy (1)
NABARD Inspects Beekeeping Units in Jawadhu Hills to Boost Rural Economy
A team from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), led by R. Anand, Chief General Manager, conducted an inspection of beekeeping units operated by tribal communities in Jawadhu Hills, Tiruvannamalai. The visit was part of an assessment of community-driven projects funded by the national rural agency. The inspection aimed to evaluate the progress of the community-led beekeeping initiatives undertaken by local farmers and explore strategies to transform these activities into sustainable and profitable value chains. The visit was organized by Srinivasan Service Trust (SST), the social arm of the TVS Group. During the visit, Mr. Anand interacted with farmers, discussing their experiences, challenges, market access, and potential income opportunities. The beekeeping value chain project, supported by NABARD, aims to commercialize beekeeping as a viable rural enterprise. Under this project, farmers received technical training, beehive boxes, and protective equipment. Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were involved in the marketing of the produce. The project has reportedly increased the annual income of farmers by approximately ₹30,000. The delegation included Vijay Neehar, District Development Manager of NABARD (Tiruvannamalai), and Timir Saha, Assistant General Manager of NABARD.
Politics (2)
Government Doctors’ Association Condemns Former Minister’s Remarks Against GGH Superintendent
The Government Doctors’ Association (GDA) has strongly condemned the remarks made by former Minister Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) against Dr. A.V. Rao, the Superintendent of Vijayawada Government General Hospital (GGH). On May 24, 2023, Mr. Venkataramaiah alleged that the hospital management failed to provide proper treatment to former Gannavaram MLA Vallabhaneni Vamsi, who was admitted with breathing issues. He accused Dr. Rao of engaging in politics and being biased due to his alleged connections with Minister Nara Lokesh and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Additionally, he claimed the hospital lacked ORS packets. Dr. D. Jayadheer Babu, GDA President, refuted these claims, stating that Dr. Rao assumed the role only last year and that all medical parameters for Mr. Vamsi were normal. The hospital had sufficient ORS packets, and the GDA has decided to file a complaint against Mr. Venkataramaiah. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav also condemned the comments and demanded an apology.
K. Kavitha Challenges K.T. Rama Rao for BRS Leadership in Telangana
Rajya Sabha member and BJP national OBC Morcha president K. Laxman stated that BRS MLC K. Kavitha is challenging her brother K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) for leadership within the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana. Laxman emphasized that Kavitha’s recent actions, including a letter questioning KTR’s dominance, indicate internal family conflicts over political control. He also drew parallels to the political scenario in Andhra Pradesh, where Y.S. Sharmila is challenging her brother Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Laxman criticized both instances, suggesting that family disputes over assets and political positions overshadow public needs. Additionally, he commented on the weakening position of the BRS and the growing opposition to the ruling Congress in Telangana, while expressing confidence in the BJP’s future prospects in the state.
Census (1)
Andhra Pradesh Police Conducts Comprehensive Survey of Migrant Workers
The Andhra Pradesh Police has initiated a comprehensive survey of migrant workers across various levels, including villages, mandals, divisions, and districts. This survey is a response to a central government alert regarding illegal immigrants following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The survey aims to collect detailed information on migrant workers, including their Aadhaar card details, native states or countries, employment details, duration of stay in Andhra Pradesh, and any involvement in legal cases. The survey will be conducted by various police units, including the Intelligence, Task Force, District Security Wing, Special Branch, and Counter Intelligence. The police have also taken action against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar, sending them to a refugee camp in Hyderabad. The survey is being conducted without causing any disturbance to the public.
Miscellaneous (4)
Heavy Rainfall Causes Extensive Damage to Houses in Palakkad District
Heavy rainfall in Palakkad district since Saturday afternoon has caused significant damage to residential properties, with four houses completely destroyed and 40 others partially damaged. The affected areas include Kulukkallur in Pattambi taluk, where 14 houses were damaged, Koppam with 11 damaged houses, and Palakkayam village in Mannarkkad taluk, where one house was affected. Additionally, Agali village in Attappady taluk reported damage to two houses, while Palakkad taluk saw damage to one house each in Kodumbu, Mankara, and Akathethara, and eight houses in Mannoor. Nellaya village in Ottapalam taluk also reported damage to one house. The destroyed houses were located in Malampuzha (two houses), Kulakkallur, and Mannoor. The district recorded an average rainfall of 78.89 mm in the 24-hour period between Saturday and Sunday morning, according to district administration officials.
Thrissur District Declares Holiday for Educational Institutions Amid IMD Red Alert
In response to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for Thrissur district due to heavy rainfall on Monday, District Collector Arjun Pandian has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in the district. This includes professional colleges, Kendriya Vidyalayas, CBSE and ICSE schools, anganwadis, nurseries, tuition centres, and madrasas. The decision aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst adverse weather conditions. The district administration has clarified that pre-scheduled examinations and interviews will proceed as planned. Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant and stay updated through official channels as the district prepares for continued rainfall.
Ernakulam Declares Holiday for Educational Institutions Due to Heavy Rainfall
The District Collector of Ernakulam has declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges and tuition centers, on May 26, 2025, due to heavy rainfall. The authorities have advised the public to avoid leisure trips to hilly areas and water bodies. Traffic on hilly roads will be monitored from 7 PM on May 25, 2025, to 7 AM on May 26, 2025, with only emergency vehicles permitted. Work in quarries has been suspended, and residents in areas prone to landslides or flooding may be relocated for safety. Fishing in both sea and inland waters is prohibited until further notice. Residents in vulnerable homes are advised to take precautions or move to safer locations. The public is warned to avoid beaches and areas near water bodies due to the risk of sudden water level rises. Drivers are cautioned against parking under trees due to reported tree falls. Residents near the Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha rivers are on alert following the opening of five shutters of the Malankara Dam.
Sunken Ship's Containers and Oil Spill Threaten Kerala Coast: INCOIS Issues Alert
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has predicted a 45% probability that 640 containers from the sunken Liberian-flagged ship, MSC ELSA 3, will drift towards the coastal areas of Alappuzha and Kollam within the next 48 hours. Among these, 13 containers carry hazardous cargo, and 12 contain calcium carbide. INCOIS has identified specific regions, including Alappad, Purakkad, Chappakkadavu, Vellanathuruthu, Kovilthottam, and Maruthadi, which have a 25% chance of being affected. The agency has activated its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to locate drifting objects. Additionally, an oil spill has been reported around the vessel, and simulations suggest that any spilled oil could reach the coastal stretches of Alappuzha, Ambalappuzha, Arattupuzha, and Karunagapally within 36 to 48 hours. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has deployed its ship, Saksham, equipped with pollution-response equipment, and is conducting aerial surveillance to assess the spill. The sunken vessel was carrying 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil, raising concerns about the marine ecosystem along the Kerala coast. INCOIS continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant authorities to mitigate environmental risks.
Comments
Post a Comment