Important News - 2025-05-27

27 May 2025

Stay Updated. Stay Ahead!

📂 Categories & Latest Updates

Politics (5)

NTR's Birth Anniversary Declared State Function in Andhra Pradesh

The state government has announced that the birth anniversary of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), the former Chief Minister and founder of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), will be celebrated as a state function on May 28. A government order issued by Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand emphasized the significant contributions of NTR, whose visionary leadership, artistic talent, and dedication to the Telugu cause have left a lasting impact on Andhra Pradesh. As part of this decision, all department heads and district collectors across the state have been instructed to take necessary measures to observe the occasion appropriately. This annual event aims to honor NTR's legacy and his profound influence on the state's cultural and political landscape.

CPI(M) Leader Accuses ED of Being BJP’s Extended Department

news image
Photo Courtesy: K. Ragesh

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] general secretary M.A. Baby has accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of functioning as an 'extended department' of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He made these remarks during a reception organized by the CPI(M) Kozhikode district committee on Tuesday. Baby alleged that the ED is being used by the Union government and the BJP to target political parties, leaders, and governments that oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He specifically mentioned the ED's case against CPI(M) leaders, including K. Radhakrishnan, MP, A.C. Moideen, and M.M. Varghese, in connection with the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank loan scam. Baby claimed that the case is politically motivated and aimed at undermining the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala. He also criticized certain media outlets for publishing inaccurate reports against the CPI(M), including allegations of receiving electoral bonds from a private construction company involved in national highway projects. The event was attended by Minister for Public Works P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Kozhikode Mayor Beena Philip, and CPI(M) Kozhikode district secretary M. Mehboob.

CPI Leader Accuses RSS-BJP of Embracing Fascist Ideologies

Binoy Viswam, the State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), criticized the current government, accusing it of being a full-fledged fascist regime. Speaking at the inauguration of the CPI’s birth centenary celebrations in Thrissur, Viswam alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have embraced foreign fascist ideologies. He referred to the historical links between RSS leaders and fascist figures like Mussolini and Hitler, citing the influence of these ideologies on the RSS’s foundational texts. Viswam also highlighted the CPI’s historical role in advocating for India’s complete independence, recalling the 1921 Ahmedabad Congress session where the Poorna Swaraj resolution was presented. He emphasized the importance of Left unity and warned against alliances that undermine progressive politics. The event also featured discussions on the need for cultural vigilance to counter fascism, with contributions from poet Alankode Leelakrishnan and other cultural figures.

BJP Expels Rebel MLAs S.T. Somashekar and Arabail Shivaram Hebbar for Anti-Party Activities

news image
Photo Courtesy: file photo

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled two rebel MLAs and former Ministers, S.T. Somashekar and Arabail Shivaram Hebbar, for six years due to their involvement in anti-party activities. The decision, effective from Tuesday, was taken by the party's central disciplinary committee. Both MLAs had joined the BJP from the Congress in 2019 through Operation Lotus and were given ministerial positions in the cabinets of former Chief Ministers B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai. However, since 2023, they began aligning with the Congress, voting against BJP candidates in Council and Rajya Sabha elections, and attending Congress Legislature Party meetings. Despite show-cause notices and opportunities to rectify their behavior, their actions persisted. The expulsion is seen as a move to strengthen the BJP ahead of upcoming local body elections, including zilla/taluk panchayats and Greater Bengaluru. BJP State unit president B.Y. Vijayendra emphasized the importance of party discipline, while the expelled MLAs expressed mixed reactions to the decision.

Festival (1)

Heavy Rainfall Causes Waterlogging in Vemulawada Temple Town

Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds hit Vemulawada on Tuesday evening, causing significant waterlogging in various areas of the temple town. The streets leading to the historic Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple were inundated, severely inconveniencing devotees who had to wade through knee-deep water to reach the temple. Rainwater flooded the Jatara ground, turning the surrounding areas into makeshift pools and causing traffic chaos. Additionally, the gusty winds disrupted power supply in several parts of the town. Light to moderate rain was also reported in Chandurthi, Konaraopet, and other parts of Rajanna Sircilla district later that evening.

Appointments (1)

Schemes (1)

65th Annual Fruit Show in Nilgiris Highlights Tamil Nadu's Pomological Diversity

news image
Photo Courtesy: M. SATHYAMOORTHY

The 65th edition of the annual fruit show, a highlight of the Nilgiris' summer festival, recently concluded in Sims Park, Coonoor. This event, which began in 1960, showcases the rich pomological diversity of Tamil Nadu, particularly the Nilgiris district. Organized by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department, the fruit show is second only to the annual flower show in attracting visitors. Initially, the summer festival featured three main events: the flower, vegetable, and fruit shows, which were later separated to maximize tourism benefits across the region. The fruit show now serves as a platform for local farmers and orchard owners to display their produce and value-added products, such as jams and concentrates, fostering connections with the business community. This year, the event featured unique exhibits, including a full-sized vintage car made of oranges and themed decorations like fruit baskets and whistles. The annual fruit show, which traditionally marks the end of the summer festival, was preceded this year by the first-ever Plantation Crops Show, held from May 30 to June 1.

Education (1)

State-Level Academic Master Plan to be Released by June 15

The state-level school academic master plan for the academic year 2025-26 is scheduled to be released by June 15, as announced by Minister for General Education V. Sivankumara Pillai. This initiative aims to ensure comprehensive quality education, emphasizing the achievement of learning outcomes for students in the same academic year. The plan includes a bridging program to facilitate a smooth transition for students returning from a two-month vacation by revisiting the previous year's content and preparing for the new academic year. Additionally, the plan focuses on student safety, health, and environmental cleanliness, with specific measures for schools undergoing construction. Schools are required to implement safety protocols, including the installation of boundary walls and signage around water bodies, and manage the presence of construction workers on campus. The Department of Education will oversee the implementation of these directives to ensure a seamless school reopening.

Elections (1)

Tensions Rise in UDF Ahead of Nilambur Assembly By-Election Amid Anvar's Demands

In the run-up to the Nilambur Assembly by-election scheduled for June 19, tensions have escalated within the United Democratic Front (UDF) due to demands from All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader P.V. Anvar. Anvar has set a 48-hour deadline for the UDF to provide him with a concrete political accommodation, threatening non-cooperation in the by-election campaign if his demands are not met. He rejected the UDF's offer to include him as an associate member, calling it vague, and stated that the TMC reserves the right to reconsider its political strategy in the bypoll. Meanwhile, UDF leaders, including Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, have maintained a firm stance, emphasizing that the decision to collaborate rests with Anvar. Behind the scenes, closed-door negotiations are ongoing to resolve the impasse. On the other hand, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is finalizing its candidate for the by-election, with CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan leading the process. Govindan asserted that the internal conflicts within the UDF would not impact the LDF's electoral prospects.

Miscellaneous (2)

Heavy Rains in Kodagu Cause Fatalities and Infrastructure Damage

news image
Photo Courtesy: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Kodagu district has been experiencing relentless rainfall, leading to tragic incidents and infrastructural damage. On Tuesday, a 65-year-old man, P.C. Vishnu, died in Banangala village, Virajpet taluk, after a mango tree collapsed on him due to strong winds. This marks the second such fatality in the district since the onset of heavy rains five days ago. Earlier, Gowri, a 50-year-old from Arji village, lost her life in a similar incident on Saturday. In Koralalli village, a tiled roof of a house was damaged due to a tree fall, while in Bhagamandala, heavy rains caused a wall collapse in Padakallu village, though no injuries were reported. Authorities deployed boats for public transport in Benguru village after a road was flooded. The district has witnessed significant damage to electricity poles, with 621 poles requiring replacement. Responding to the crisis, Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponanna urged the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) to deploy additional linemen. Consequently, CESC MD Munigopala Raju directed 74 additional staff to assist in restoring power supply until June 30. Between 8:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, several areas recorded heavy rainfall, including Hanagallu (81 mm), Chodlu (74 mm), and Kirangaduru (67.5 mm), according to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre.

DRUCC Meeting Focuses on Enhancing Railway Services and Passenger Amenities for 2024-26

news image
Photo Courtesy: T. Vijay Kumar

The first Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting for the 2024–26 term was held on Tuesday at the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)’s Conference Hall, Rail Vikas Bhavan. Chaired by Sudeshna Sen, DRM and Chairman of DRUCC, the meeting focused on improving railway services and passenger amenities. Key discussions included the introduction of new trains, extension of existing train services, establishment of new platforms, and enhancement of public utilities like drinking water facilities and toilets. Specific proposals included extending the Guntur-Tirupati train to Arunachalam, the Guntur-Aurangabad train to Nagarsole and Shirdinagar, and the Nandyal to Nagarsol to Shirdinagar route. The ongoing Amrit Station development works and doubling and expansion in the Nandyal-Nallapadu section were also highlighted. Matters beyond divisional authority were recommended for escalation to Railway Headquarters. G.V. Narayan Reddy was elected as the Zonal RUCC representative from the division, with K. Simon, Additional DRM, and other officials in attendance.

📜 One-Line Summary of Today's News

Andhra Pradesh government declares NTR's birth anniversary on May 28 as a state function to honor his contributions.
Heavy rain and strong winds in Vemulawada led to waterlogging, disrupting temple activities and causing traffic chaos on Tuesday evening.
Heavy rains in Kodagu led to fatalities, infrastructural damage, and power disruptions, prompting emergency measures by authorities.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy instructed district collectors to provide regular updates on procurement to counter negative campaigns and ensure transparency, with the state achieving a record paddy production of 2.75 crore metric tonnes.
CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby alleges that the ED is being used by the BJP to target opposition leaders and governments.
The first DRUCC meeting for 2024–26 emphasized improving railway services, extending train routes, and enhancing passenger amenities across the Guntur Division.
S. S. Priyavathana, a visually impaired B.A. Music graduate, was appointed as the Odhuvar of Pamban Swamy Temple following a selection process and approval by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.
The 65th annual fruit show in the Nilgiris showcased Tamil Nadu's pomological diversity and supported local farmers through exhibits and value-added product displays.
CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam criticized the RSS-BJP government as a full-fledged fascist regime, citing historical influences and emphasizing Left unity during the CPI’s centenary celebrations in Thrissur.
The Kerala state-level school academic master plan for 2025-26, focusing on quality education and student safety, will be released by June 15.
The BJP expelled rebel MLAs S.T. Somashekar and Arabail Shivaram Hebbar for six years due to their anti-party activities, aiming to strengthen the party ahead of local body elections.
TMC leader P.V. Anvar's 48-hour ultimatum for political accommodation has intensified tensions within the UDF ahead of the Nilambur Assembly by-election on June 19.

🎯 MCQs with Explanations

Which temple was affected by the heavy rainfall in Vemulawada?
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple
Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Jagannath Temple
Explanation: The Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple was affected by the heavy rainfall, causing waterlogging and inconvenience to devotees.
Who accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of being an \'extended department\' of the BJP?
Narendra Modi
Amit Shah
M.A. Baby
P.A. Mohamed Riyas
Explanation: M.A. Baby, the CPI(M) general secretary, made the accusation against the ED.
How many electricity poles in Kodagu were damaged due to the recent rains?
500
621
74
112
Explanation: 621 electricity poles in Kodagu were damaged due to the heavy rains.
Which party did S.T. Somashekar and Arabail Shivaram Hebbar join through Operation Lotus in 2019?
Congress
BJP
JD(S)
AAP
Explanation: S.T. Somashekar and Arabail Shivaram Hebbar joined the BJP through Operation Lotus in 2019.
Which department organizes the annual fruit show in Tamil Nadu?
Agriculture Department
Horticulture Department
Tourism Department
Forest Department
Explanation: The Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department organizes the annual fruit show.
Who among the following was expelled by the BJP for anti-party activities in 2023?
B.S. Yediyurappa
S.T. Somashekar
Basavaraj Bommai
D.K. Shivakumar
Explanation: S.T. Somashekar was expelled by the BJP for anti-party activities.
What is the focus of the bridging program in the academic master plan?
New sports activities
Environmental cleanliness
Smooth transition to new academic content
Teacher training
Explanation: The bridging program aims to ensure a smooth transition for students by revisiting the previous year\'s content and preparing for the new academic year.
Who issued the government order for NTR\'s birth anniversary celebration?
K. Chandrasekhar Rao
N. Chandrababu Naidu
K. Vijayanand
Jagan Mohan Reddy
Explanation: Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand issued the government order for the celebration.
Which village in Kodagu witnessed the death of P.C. Vishnu due to a tree collapse?
Arji
Banangala
Koralalli
Padakallu
Explanation: P.C. Vishnu died in Banangala village after a tree collapsed on him.
At which event did Binoy Viswam criticize the RSS-BJP government?
CPI’s birth centenary celebrations
BJP’s national convention
Congress session in Ahmedabad
RSS’s annual meeting
Explanation: The criticism was made during the inauguration of the CPI’s birth centenary celebrations in Thrissur.
On which date is NTR\'s birth anniversary celebrated as a state function?
May 1
May 15
May 28
June 1
Explanation: The government has declared May 28 as the date for celebrating NTR\'s birth anniversary.
What did the Chief Minister direct district collectors to do regarding the procurement process?
Provide regular updates
Stop procurement
Increase procurement prices
Reduce procurement
Explanation: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed district collectors to provide regular updates on the procurement process to counter misinformation.
What was the impact of the gusty winds in Vemulawada on Tuesday evening?
Increased tourism
Disrupted power supply
Improved air quality
Boosted local businesses
Explanation: The gusty winds in Vemulawada disrupted the power supply in several parts of the town.
Which political party’s leaders were implicated in the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank loan scam?
BJP
CPI(M)
Congress
AAP
Explanation: The ED filed a case against CPI(M) leaders in connection with the scam.
When is the Nilambur Assembly by-election scheduled to take place?
June 15
June 19
June 25
June 30
Explanation: The Nilambur Assembly by-election is scheduled for June 19.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Important News - 2025-07-08