Important News - 2025-05-29
29 May 2025
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Politics (6)
Deputy CM Directs Crackdown on Spurious Seeds in Khammam
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has issued strict directives to officials in the erstwhile Khammam district, which borders Andhra Pradesh, to take decisive action against the sale of spurious seeds. He emphasized the need for a coordinated effort with Andhra Pradesh authorities to intensify the crackdown. During a review meeting on Kharif preparations and the implementation of various state government welfare schemes held in Khammam on Thursday, he urged the police to take stringent measures against those involved in the illegal seed trade. Additionally, he highlighted the upcoming Telangana Formation Day celebrations on June 2 and announced the organization of Revenue Sadassulu in all mandals from June 3 to 20. The meeting was attended by Ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Khammam MP R. Raghuram Reddy, Collector Muzammil Khan, and other officials.
Internal Conflict in Karnataka Congress Government Over Transfers Sparks Political Tension
Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, recently wrote a strongly-worded letter to the Chief Secretary expressing his displeasure over the transfer of officials in his department without his consent. This action has sparked significant political tension, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) interpreting it as a sign of increasing internal conflict between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar. Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashok, shared the letter on social media, stating that it indicates an impending escalation in the power struggle within the Congress government. BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra also commented, suggesting that the transfer issue is merely a precursor to a major political development in the state in the coming days.
Supreme Court Grants Arrest Protection to Retired IPS Officer in Telangana Phone Tapping Case
The Supreme Court of India, on Thursday, granted protection from arrest to retired IPS officer T. Prabhakar Rao, the prime accused in the telephone tapping case. Rao had been residing in the USA after leaving Hyderabad, where the case was registered by the Punjagutta police in Telangana over a year ago. A bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma issued interim orders in Rao's Special Leave Petition, stating that no coercive action would be taken against him until the next hearing. The court also directed that his passport be made available exclusively for traveling to India, and Rao was instructed to appear before the investigating officer within three days of receiving his travel documents. Additionally, he was required to submit an affidavit of undertaking. Rao had fled to the USA on March 11, 2024, after an FIR was filed alleging that a group of police officers, including him, had illegally intercepted communications and destroyed evidence to erase traces of their actions. The investigation revealed that the phone calls of politicians, bureaucrats, and others were tapped to appease political leaders at the time. Rao was named as the primary accused, and four other police officers were arrested in connection with the case. The sixth accused is Shravan Rao, the CEO of a Telugu TV news channel. Earlier, Rao's passport was impounded and later revoked by the Union of India, while INTERPOL issued a Red Corner Notice against him. A local court had also warned that Rao would be declared a proclaimed offender if he failed to appear by June 20. Rao had previously sought anticipatory bail from the Telangana High Court, which was rejected, prompting him to approach the Supreme Court. The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, and senior counsel Siddartha Luthra, assisted by Telangana Public Prosecutor Palle Nageshwar Rao, had strongly opposed the bail plea.
Congress MLCs Seek Governor's Intervention Against BJP Leaders for Derogatory Remarks
On Thursday, Congress MLCs met with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, urging immediate constitutional and legal action against BJP MLC N. Ravikumar for his alleged derogatory remarks against IAS officer and Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum. They also sought action against Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, for his alleged offensive comments against Minister Priyank Kharge. Ravikumar had expressed regret for his remarks, which accused Taranum of taking orders from Kharge and questioned her nationality, leading to widespread criticism. In a petition, the Congress MLCs requested the Governor to take suo motu cognisance of the issue, formally condemn the statements, and recommend disciplinary actions, such as censure or suspension, to uphold constitutional values of secularism and administrative neutrality. Additionally, they demanded Narayanaswamy’s resignation for his unparliamentary remarks, emphasizing the need to maintain dignity in public discourse and preserve democratic institutions.
Telangana to Undertake Desilting of SRSP and Kadem Projects to Boost Storage Capacity
Minister for Civil Supplies and Irrigation, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, announced that desilting and dredging works will be undertaken at the Sriramsagar Project (SRSP) and Kadem projects to restore their original storage capacity. The projects will utilize modern techniques to enhance efficiency. This announcement was made during a review meeting in Karimnagar, attended by IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu and Transport and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Indiramma Housing Scheme, Bhu Bharati initiative, paddy procurement, and preparations for the Kharif season. Reddy emphasized the involvement of MLAs and MPs in planning water release for the Kharif season and highlighted Telangana's record paddy production of over 130 lakh metric tonnes in the Yasangi season. Additionally, Rs 13,000 crore has been disbursed to farmers for paddy procurement, a significant increase from Rs 3,500 crore in 2023. Reddy also directed the Jagtial Collector to expedite forest clearance for the Rollavagu project and ensure the timely completion of the Narayanapuram reservoir, Kondagattu lift irrigation scheme, and Kalikota Suramma projects. He urged cooperation with the judicial commission investigating the Medigadda barrage incident, stating that appropriate action will follow the commission's report.
BRS Questions Rising Costs and Delays in Young India Integrated Schools Project
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has raised concerns over the escalating costs of the proposed Young India Integrated Schools, questioning the State Government's policy and timeline for their establishment. During a press conference on Thursday, BRS legislators P. Sabitha Indra Reddy and S. Vanidevi highlighted the success of residential schools under the BRS government, with over 6,650 students securing admissions to prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, IIMs, IIITs, and medical colleges in the last decade. They criticized the repeated increases in the cost per school, from ₹80 crore to ₹200 crore, without any construction progress or clear plans. Sabitha Indra Reddy also pointed out discrepancies in budget allocations, noting that the Congress Government had initially promised ₹11,000 crore but allocated only ₹4,000 crore. Former minister T. Harish Rao accused the government of inflating costs to secure commissions, drawing parallels with past projects like Jalayagnam.
World Affairs (1)
India Hopes for Merit-Based U.S. Visa Process for Students Amid Global Screening Updates
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India stated on May 29, 2025, that issuing visas is a sovereign function of the U.S. government, but expressed hope that Indian students would be considered on merit for timely admission to U.S. universities. This statement followed reports of a temporary pause in scheduling new visa appointments by U.S. missions globally, pending updated guidance on enhanced screening of applicants' social media profiles. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the welfare of Indian students, noting that over 3,30,000 Indian students were studying in the U.S. in 2023-24, constituting nearly 30% of the 1.1 million international students. The issue arose during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's three-day visit to Washington, where discussions also covered technology, trade, and talent as key pillars of the India-U.S. partnership. Additionally, defense and energy cooperation, as well as initiatives like the Quad, IMEEC, and I2U2, were discussed. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in Washington in June, with India set to host the Quad summit in November 2025.
Defence (1)
Revanth Reddy Seeks Explanation from Modi on Halt of Military Operations Against Pakistan
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has demanded an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the premature cessation of military operations against Pakistan and the alleged downing of Rafael jets during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the Jai Hind Yatra in Hyderabad, organized by the Congress to support the Defence forces, Reddy questioned the government's decision to declare a ceasefire after only four days of military strikes without convening an all-party meeting. He also criticized the Modi government for allegedly halting the war effort at the behest of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it a betrayal of national interest. Reddy compared the current leadership with the decisive actions of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, particularly her role in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Additionally, he condemned the BJP's Tiranga Rally, stating that war and national security should not be politicized, and criticized the Centre's inaction following the death of Colonel Santosh Kumar in a skirmish with Chinese forces. The rally was attended by senior Congress leaders, including Uttam Kumar Reddy, D Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar, and AICC in charge Meenakshi Natarajan.
Appointments (1)
Justice V. Kameswar Rao Appointed Acting Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court
On Thursday, the President of India appointed Justice V. Kameswar Rao, a senior judge of the Karnataka High Court, as the acting Chief Justice. This appointment is effective from the date when Chief Justice N.V. Anjaria steps down following his elevation as a judge of the Supreme Court. Justice Rao, born on August 7, 1965, holds a law degree from Delhi University and was enrolled as an advocate in 1991 with the Bar Council of Delhi. He practiced in the Supreme Court and various High Courts before being designated as a senior advocate by the Delhi High Court in 2010. He was elevated as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court on April 17, 2013, and became a permanent judge on March 18, 2015. Justice Rao was transferred to the Karnataka High Court, assuming office on June 1, 2024. He currently serves as the Executive Chairperson of the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority.
Economy (1)
Kerala Tourism Faces Monsoon Challenges Amid Heavy Rains and Landslide Concerns
The tourism sector in Kerala is facing significant challenges ahead of the peak monsoon season, as heavy rains have already disrupted the usual influx of tourists during the summer vacation. Historically, this period, just before school reopening, saw a surge in tourists, with monsoon and wellness tourism gaining popularity. However, the catastrophic landslides in Wayanad last year severely impacted the sector, leading to a sharp decline in tourist visits to hill stations during the monsoon. To counter this, the Kerala government launched campaigns like ‘Revisit Wayanad’ and ‘Ente Keralam Ennum Sundaram’ (My Kerala is Ever Beautiful) to attract tourists back. This year, the monsoon has been particularly intense, with the state receiving 250 mm of rain in just four days, and weather forecasts predict an above-normal rainy season with surplus rain in June, further pressuring the hospitality sector. Additionally, ‘Operation Sindoor’ has caused uncertainty among inbound tourists due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to cancellations. Domestic tourists are also avoiding hill stations and backwaters, fearing being stranded during heavy rains. Experts suggest that the government should identify landslide-prone areas, issue travel guidelines, and promote safe destinations to restore tourist confidence. In 2024, the growth of domestic tourism in Kerala was only 1.7%, a sharp decline from the 15.92% growth in 2023, and significantly lower than the pre-pandemic average of around 10%.
Miscellaneous (2)
GHMC Intensifies Measures for Public Safety Ahead of Monsoon Season
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has ramped up its efforts to ensure public safety by identifying and addressing dilapidated structures and unregulated cellar excavations across Hyderabad. As part of its monsoon preparedness initiative, the GHMC Commissioner and Chief City Planner convened a review meeting on Wednesday with Town Planning officers to assess ongoing survey activities and issue new directives for swift action. According to the latest data, GHMC has identified 428 dilapidated structures, of which 131 have already been repaired or vacated, while follow-up actions are in progress for the remaining 297. These actions include issuing notices, conducting structural safety assessments, and counselling residents to vacate unsafe buildings. Additionally, GHMC has identified 62 ongoing cellar excavations and has begun inspecting sites, verifying permits, and issuing notices where necessary. The Commissioner has directed Town Planning Officers to extend the survey to all city circles to ensure comprehensive reporting. Starting May 30, 2025, no new cellar excavations will be permitted within GHMC limits until the end of the monsoon season. For existing excavation sites, builders and property owners are required to implement safety measures such as soil strengthening, retaining wall construction, barricading, and preventing water stagnation. In cases of buildings deemed extremely hazardous, GHMC has mandated immediate evacuation and the painting of warning stencils to alert the public.
Kerala Faces Severe Devastation Due to Heavy Rainfall and Gusty Winds
Heavy rainfall and gusty winds have caused widespread devastation across Kerala. On Thursday morning, a powerful whirlwind struck Valiyannur in Kannur, damaging houses and crops. The storm, which moved from Munderi to Elayavoor South, resulted in roofs being blown off, trees uprooted, and roads blocked, severely impacting Mattannur. Elayavoor, already affected by a whirlwind the previous day, faced further destruction. Tragically, a 19-year-old youth, Sreejith Manoj from Kurichy in Kottayam, lost his life when a tree fell on a parked vehicle at the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Kumily, Idukki. Seven people narrowly escaped injury when a tree fell on a cluster home in Wallardie, near Vandiperiyar, Idukki. In total, 112 houses were destroyed due to rain-related incidents in the hill district. In Kottayam, rising river levels have inundated several houses in northern and upper Kuttanad villages, leading to emergency evacuations. The district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta on Friday. Water levels in major reservoirs have risen sharply, prompting officials to open the shutters of the Moozhiyar dam and Maniyar barrage. In Kannur, 14 of the 16 spillway shutters of the Pazhassi dam were opened due to increased water inflow. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, warning of extreme heavy rainfall, and an orange alert for the remaining districts forecasting very heavy rains on Friday. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has advised caution for people living near the Manimala, Meenachil, Korappuzha, Achencoil, and Kabani rivers due to rising water levels. Coastal communities have been warned to remain vigilant as high-energy swell waves of 3.5 to 3.7 meters are forecast by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) until Friday. The State administration has shifted 1,329 people from 395 families to 51 relief camps across various districts.
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