Important News - 2025-05-28
28 May 2025
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Elections (1)
Historical Contests in Tamil Nadu's Rajya Sabha Elections
The biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha in Tamil Nadu have historically seen intense contests, although such scenarios have become rare in recent times. In March 1956, the first major contest occurred with 10 candidates vying for six seats. Notable figures like V.K. Krishna Menon and P. Narayana Nair were elected in the first count, while A. Ramaswami Mudaliar emerged as the only successful independent candidate in the second count. In March 1964, the ruling Congress faced a setback when K. Rajaram Naidu lost, while other candidates, including S.S. Vasan, won. The 1968 elections saw the DMK, with a majority in the State Assembly, sending two members to the Rajya Sabha, while its allies and the Congress secured one seat each. The 1970 elections were particularly significant due to the involvement of C. Subramaniam, supported by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who ultimately lost. The 1983 and 1986 elections also witnessed notable contests, with P. Ramamurti and T.R. Baalu being key figures. In later elections, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi’s victory in 2009 was a highlight, as she secured the sixth seat with support from the Congress and smaller parties.
Politics (5)
Kozhikode Corporation Seeks NHAI Intervention to Tackle Waterlogging Amid NH 66 Widening
The Kozhikode Corporation has decided to approach the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to address waterlogging issues in areas under its jurisdiction where the widening of National Highway 66 is underway. The issue was raised by S. Jayasree, chairperson of the standing committee on health, during the Corporation council meeting on May 28, 2025. She highlighted the severe problems faced by residents in low-lying areas like Olavanna, Palazhi, and Malapparamba due to heavy rainfall. Opposition members, including K.C. Shobitha and K. Moideen Koya, criticized the submission for not following the proper format and for failing to acknowledge the roles of the Central and State governments in the highway construction. They argued that the State government shares responsibility for the current situation. Mayor Beena Philip assured that steps would be taken to address the waterlogging issue and that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways would be informed. Additionally, Ms. Shobitha called for mandatory electrical inspections in Corporation-owned buildings and urged the State government to strengthen the Fire and Rescue system in Kozhikode. The meeting also saw tensions between the ruling and Opposition members over the agenda items, with the Opposition staging a protest over the rushed passing of items without discussion.
Congress Delays Karnataka Legislative Council Nominations Amidst Lobbying
The Congress party in Karnataka is facing challenges in reaching a consensus on the selection of candidates for four vacant seats in the Karnataka Legislative Council. Senior party leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala, have been involved in discussions to finalize the nominees. However, the decision has been postponed as nearly two dozen candidates, including journalists, have been actively lobbying for the positions. Additionally, Mr. Surjewala has reportedly reprimanded some party Council members, such as Ivan D’Souza, Minister N.S. Boseraju, H.P. Sudham Das, and Salim Ahmed, for their inadequate performance. These members were also instructed to lodge a complaint with Governor Tawaarchand Ghelot against BJP MLC Ravi Kumar for his controversial remarks about Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Tarannum. The final decision on the nominations is expected after further consultations with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Kerala Proposes New Law for Regulated Culling of Wild Boars to Address Human-Wildlife Conflict
The Kerala government is considering the introduction of a new law to allow regulated and scientific culling of wild animals, particularly feral boars, which pose a threat to human lives, residential areas, and agricultural lands. The Kerala Cabinet has tasked the Principal Secretary of Forests and the Principal Secretary of Law to draft a proposal for the Bill, which will be presented in the next Assembly session. As an interim measure, the Cabinet has authorized local self-government institution heads or their deputies to act as honorary chief wildlife wardens. These wardens will oversee the culling of wild boars by licensed shooters, with the process being monitored by wildlife enforcers and independent government witnesses. The government has also sought the Advocate General’s opinion on whether the proposed law would conflict with the Indian Wildlife Act, 1972. Additionally, the state plans to request the Centre’s permission to declare wild boars as vermin, which would remove their protection under Schedule III of the Act. The issue of human-wildlife conflict, particularly involving wild boars, has become a significant political concern, especially with local body polls in 2025 and Assembly elections in 2026 approaching. The problem has led to substantial crop losses, estimated at 9,000 hectares since 2020, and has severely impacted the rural economy. Wild boars have also been responsible for numerous attacks on humans, including schoolchildren and farmers, further exacerbating public discontent.
Himanta Sarma Accuses Gaurav Gogoi of Pakistan Links Amid Political Tensions
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intensified his criticism of Congress MP and newly appointed State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on May 28, 2025, following Gogoi's admission of visiting Pakistan in 2013. Gogoi clarified that his visit was to meet his British wife, Elizabeth Colburn, who was working on an international climate change project in Pakistan, unrelated to espionage. Sarma accused Gogoi of maintaining ties with the Pakistani establishment and alleged that both Gogoi and his wife were involved in anti-India activities. He claimed that only 10% of the information had been revealed and promised to disclose more after a Special Investigation Team completes its inquiry by September. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ripun Bora received a notice from the Crime Investigation Department for countering Sarma's allegations, calling it an attempt to harass and intimidate him.
Kerala HC Upholds Amendment Limiting Terms in Cooperative Society Committees
A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court, on Monday, upheld a key amendment to the Kerala Cooperative Society Act that restricts members of managing committees of credit societies, including the State Cooperative Bank, Service Cooperative Banks, and Primary Agricultural Societies, from contesting for their respective committees for more than three consecutive terms. Earlier this year, the court had stayed a single judge’s order that had declared the amendment unconstitutional, following an appeal by the State government. The Division Bench justified its decision by highlighting the potential for irregularities when individuals hold the same position for extended periods, particularly in financial institutions within Kerala’s cooperative sector, which manage significant funds. The amendment was introduced in response to instances where cooperative institutions, unable to repay customers’ fixed deposits, had members serving beyond three consecutive terms.
Festivals (1)
First Edition of Namma Art Bengaluru Inaugurated by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat
The inaugural edition of ‘Namma Art Bengaluru,’ a national-level art fair organized by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat (CKP) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, was inaugurated on May 28, 2024. The event aims to provide a platform for artists from Karnataka and other states to showcase their work and gain exposure. H.K. Patil, Minister of Tourism, Law, and Parliamentary Affairs, inaugurated the fair and emphasized Karnataka’s commitment to preserving handcrafted sculptures for future generations. The inauguration featured a live painting demonstration by renowned speed painter Vilas Nayak, who created an artwork depicting a Yakshagana performer and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi, in just 8 minutes. The fair, which runs until June 1, 2024, at the CKP campus, features over 100 participants from eight states, offering a diverse collection of art. Visitors, including art enthusiasts like Keerthi Patil and student Aayana Dwivedi, expressed their excitement about the event, which is expected to become an annual tradition.
Economy (1)
Kerala State Electricity Board Reports ₹86.67 Crore Loss Due to Rain Damage
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has reported a financial loss of ₹86.67 crore due to extensive damage to electrical installations caused by heavy rains and strong winds. According to the latest update, 2,317 high-tension posts and 14,047 low-tension posts were destroyed during the extreme weather conditions. This resulted in power outages affecting over 46.12 lakh consumers across the state. As of now, power supply has been restored to 40.05 lakh consumers. The damage was primarily caused by uprooted trees and broken branches that brought down overhead power lines and electric posts. In response, a review meeting was convened by Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty on Tuesday, where he directed the Chief Secretary to instruct District Collectors to remove fallen trees and cut down those posing a risk. Additionally, the KSEB was instructed to stock essential materials like electric posts, cables, solar net meters, transformers, and ring main units (RMU) in adequate quantities. To address the staff shortage, retired personnel will be temporarily included in repair teams to expedite the restoration process.
Schemes (1)
Government Approves 2,219 Additional Posts in Schools for 2024-25 Academic Year
The government has approved the creation of 915 additional posts in 552 government schools and 1,304 posts in 658 aided schools for the 2024-25 academic year. This decision, which will be effective retrospectively from October 1, 2024, brings the total number of sanctioned teaching and non-teaching posts to 2,219 in 1,210 government and aided schools. Staff who have lost their positions will be reassigned to the new posts in government schools before any new appointments are made. In aided schools, appointments to the additional posts must comply with Section 7(2) of Chapter XXI of the Kerala Education Rules. Officials have been instructed to ensure that no one continues to hold or receive a salary for posts that have been reduced. A separate announcement regarding Malappuram is expected to be made later.
Miscellaneous (3)
City Police to Reintroduce Vehicle Towing System for Traffic Decongestion
The City Police Commissioner, B. Dayananda, announced on Wednesday that the vehicle towing system will be reintroduced in the city to address traffic congestion and haphazard parking issues. The system will utilize department-owned vehicles and staff, along with home guards and police personnel, to ensure effective implementation. This decision was made to avoid the complications that arose from the previous system, which involved external contractors. The initiative is part of broader traffic decongestion efforts aimed at improving road conditions and reducing traffic snarls.
Bengaluru Universities Witness Rising Interest in Life Sciences and Traditional Courses
In Bengaluru, while the Commerce stream remains the most popular choice for undergraduate admissions, there has been a noticeable surge in interest in Life Science subjects such as Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and Forensic Sciences. According to college managements, this renewed interest is driven by factors like peer pressure, Bengaluru's emergence as a biotechnology hub, and a growing preference for pure science studies. Christo V. Joseph, Director of Garden City University, highlighted the increasing job opportunities in the city's biotech sector and the industry-integrated approach of universities, which allows students to gain practical lab experience during their studies. Additionally, traditional courses like BBA, BCA, and BCom continue to attract a large number of students, with post-pandemic trends leaning towards fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and General AI. Melwin Colaco, Registrar of St. Joseph’s University, noted that Commerce graduates are finding jobs quickly, further boosting the demand for these courses. Meanwhile, there has been a rise in interest in Media Studies, Law, and Economics, according to Anil Joseph Pinto, Registrar of Christ University. The State government has announced a 5% fee hike for degree courses in government colleges, with private universities also increasing fees by an average of 5% due to rising living costs and inflation.
Kerala HC Upholds Expulsion of 19 Students in Sidharthan Death Case
The Kerala High Court has upheld the expulsion of 19 students from the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Wayanad, following their involvement in the alleged ragging case that led to the death of Sidharthan J.S. in February 2024. The court’s decision came after an appeal by Sidharthan’s mother, M.R. Sheeba, against a single judge’s order that had annulled the expulsion and directed the readmission of the students to the Mannuthy campus. The expulsion was initially based on an inquiry conducted by the anti-ragging committee. The single judge had quashed the interim and final reports of the anti-ragging squad and ordered a fresh inquiry, allowing the students to continue their studies pending the outcome. However, the Division Bench stayed this verdict, leading to the confirmation of the expulsion.
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