Important News - 2025-05-31
31 May 2025
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Economy (1)
South Western Railway Launches 'Margadarshak' Digital Navigation System
The South Western Railway (SWR) has introduced a new digital navigation system called 'Margadarshak' to enhance passenger convenience at railway stations. This system was launched at the SSS Hubballi Railway Station and features a 43-inch multilingual touchscreen kiosk located near the station entrance. The kiosk functions similarly to Google Maps, providing an interactive map that helps passengers locate various facilities such as platforms, footbridges, escalators, drinking water points, waiting halls, and catering stalls. Passengers can also access the service on their smartphones by scanning QR codes placed throughout the station, allowing them to receive personalized, step-by-step directions to their desired locations within the premises. The Margadarshak system offers 24/7 self-service, supports Kannada, English, and Hindi, and includes a virtual tour of the station. It is designed to reduce confusion, save time, and significantly improve the passenger experience. The system also features a 360-degree 3D view and voice assistance for real-time navigation. Plans are underway to extend this facility to other key stations, including Dharwad, Belagavi, Ballari, Gadag, Koppal, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, and Vasco.
Elections (1)
Three-Way Contest for Kaliganj Bypoll in West Bengal on June 19
The Kaliganj bypoll in Nadia district, West Bengal, is set to witness a three-way contest following the Communist Party of India (Marxist) extending its support to the Congress candidate, Kabil Uddin Shaikh. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Ashis Ghosh, a former mandal president and local panchayat member, as its candidate. The election was necessitated by the demise of Trinamool Congress MLA Nasir Ahmed, whose daughter, Alifa Ahmed, has been nominated by the Trinamool Congress to contest the seat. Alifa Ahmed emphasized the party's commitment to women empowerment, noting that Trinamool fielded 38% women candidates in the last Lok Sabha elections. The voting is scheduled for June 19, with results to be declared on June 23. The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, has announced the deployment of 20 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure security during the bypoll. In the previous Assembly elections, Trinamool secured 53% of the vote share, BJP 31%, and Congress 12%.
Schemes (5)
G. Chinna Reddy Advocates for Farmer Welfare Department in Agriculture Sector
G. Chinna Reddy, Vice-Chairman of the Telangana State Planning Board, has proposed the creation of a dedicated 'Farmer Welfare Department' within the Agriculture Department, modeled after the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare. He emphasized the need for enhanced support for farmers, including reservations in education, healthcare, and other sectors for their families. Speaking at a training session for government junior assistants at MCRHRD, Mr. Reddy highlighted the importance of integrating technology, such as artificial intelligence, to improve agricultural practices and accurately identify crop diseases. He also criticized the previous BRS government for removing the Farmer Welfare Department from the Agriculture Department and noted its absence in the current Congress-led administration. Mr. Reddy suggested renaming the department to 'Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department' and advocated for providing educational and medical subsidies for farmers' children. The event was attended by Capt. Panduranga Reddy, Head of the Centre for Telangana Studies, and B. Srinivas, among others.
Government Introduces Revised Age-Based Film Certification Categories Under U/A Rating
The Union government, through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has introduced revised age-based film certification categories under the U/A rating to promote age-appropriate viewing. The new categories, notified on Saturday, include ‘U/A 7+’, ‘U/A 13+’, and ‘U/A 16+’, replacing the earlier singular U/A classification for children under 12 years. These changes, governed by the Cinematograph Act, 1952, aim to modernize and streamline the certification process in alignment with contemporary social values. The ‘U/A 7+’ rating applies to content suitable for children aged seven and above with parental guidance, ‘U/A 13+’ for those aged thirteen and above, and ‘U/A 16+’ for those aged sixteen and above. This amendment updates the 1991 rules and builds on the 2023 framework introduced by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Historically, Indian film certification included ‘U’ for unrestricted public exhibition, ‘A’ for adults only, and ‘U/A’ for children under 12 with parental guidance, introduced in 1983.
Telangana Launches Sentence Planning Initiative for Prisoner Rehabilitation
The Telangana Prisons Department has introduced a new initiative called ‘sentence planning’ to transform the approach to incarceration from punishment to rehabilitation. Launched at the State Institute of Correctional Administration (SICA) Conference Hall on Friday, the program aims to create a structured and personalized strategy for inmates. Director-General (DG) of Prisons and Correctional Services, Soumya Mishra, emphasized that the initiative focuses on rehabilitating prisoners and preparing them for reintegration into society. The program involves detailed assessments of inmates to identify their risks, needs, and rehabilitation requirements. Based on these assessments, tailored interventions such as education, vocational training, psychological counselling, and behavioural therapy will be provided. Senior prison officials, including Deputy Superintendents, Superintendents, Inspector Generals Y. Rajesh and N. Murali Babu, and DIGs D. Srinivas (Hyderabad Range) and M. Sampath (Warangal Range), participated in the discussions. The initiative also highlights the importance of inter-departmental collaboration, accountability, and empathy in correctional work.
SCCL Expansion and Tribal Welfare Schemes Highlighted by Deputy CM Bhatti
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who also holds the portfolios of Energy and Finance, announced plans to expand the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) on a global scale. Speaking at the inauguration of the SCCL General Manager’s office and a workshop in Kothagudem on Saturday, he revealed that experts have been appointed to gather information and make recommendations for this expansion. SCCL, with over a century of experience in coal mining, is being considered for profitable ventures in technical and mineral excavation. New mines are set to extract 22 million tonnes of coal over the next 30 years. Vikramarka emphasized the safety and welfare of SCCL workers, noting that the company provides ₹1 crore accident insurance cover and compassionate appointments. Additionally, he criticized the previous BRS government for failing to utilize SC/ST Sub-Plan funds, stating that the current Praja government has allocated ₹17,169 crore for tribal welfare this fiscal year, along with ₹1,296 crore carried forward from previous years. He also highlighted the Indira Saura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme, which aims to provide irrigation facilities to 6.7 lakh acres of tribal land, and the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme, which allocates ₹1,000 crore for tribal development.
Karnataka Appoints Nodal Officers to Oversee CSR-Funded Public Schools
The Karnataka State government has appointed nodal officers to oversee the construction of Karnataka Public Schools (KPSs) funded by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions. Commissioner for Industrial Development Gunjan Krishna has been designated as the coordinating officer, while Karnataka State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation Managing Director Khushboo G. Chowdhary will serve as the CEO. Their primary role is to collaborate with corporations to mobilize CSR funds for the KPSs. This decision follows concerns over the slow progress in establishing 2,000 KPSs across the state and reports of CSR funds being diverted to NGOs in other states. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasized the need to utilize the ₹8,000 crore available CSR funds within Karnataka, particularly for building schools. He also suggested that corporates could directly construct schools and brand them with their names, with the government providing land and designs. District administrations have been instructed to engage with local corporates to discuss CSR fund allocation and set targets for constructing model public schools in each taluk.
Infrastructure (1)
NHAI Reluctant to Take Over Vyttila and Kundannoor Flyovers Due to Safety Concerns
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has expressed reluctance to take over the maintenance of the Vyttila and Kundannoor flyovers from the Public Works Department (PWD). These flyovers, constructed by the PWD and commissioned in 2021, are experiencing settling issues, prompting the PWD to undertake necessary repairs. The NHAI has cited safety concerns and the need for additional improvements, including the repair of expansion joints and addressing inadequate lighting on the approaches to the flyovers. The Vyttila Vikasana Samithi has highlighted safety issues due to poor lighting, leading to frequent accidents. The PWD has also been urged to reduce the size of medians and roundabouts beneath the flyovers to streamline traffic. Despite these issues, the NHAI has not yet taken possession of the flyovers, and the PWD has not responded to the NHAI's communications regarding the matter. The flyovers are part of the Edapally-Aroor NH Bypass project, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the area.
Sports (1)
Karnataka High Court Overturns Four-Year Doping Ban on Basketball Player Shashank Rai
The Karnataka High Court has overturned a four-year ban imposed on national-level basketball player Shashank J. Rai, citing procedural lapses and a lack of fair hearing by anti-doping agencies. The ban, imposed in October 2022, followed a positive dope test for the substance 19-Norandrosterone (19-NA). Rai, also a Deputy Range Forest Officer, argued that the substance originated from his regular consumption of pork, supported by biochemical evidence. The court criticized the Anti-Doping Appellate Authority (ADAA) for failing to investigate this claim or adhere to procedural norms under the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022. The court emphasized the importance of fairness and procedural integrity in anti-doping cases, noting that Rai's professional reputation suffered due to the flawed process.
Politics (1)
BRS Leader Accuses Congress Government of Discriminating Against Dalit Students in Residential Schools
In Hyderabad, BRS leader and former IPS officer R.S. Praveen Kumar has accused the Congress Government of discriminating against Dalit (Scheduled Caste) students in social welfare residential schools. He alleged that IAS officer Alugu Varshini, who is in charge of these institutions, made derogatory remarks suggesting that there was no issue with students cleaning their own toilets. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Kumar questioned Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s claim of being a champion of Dalit rights, asking whether Reddy or his Cabinet members clean toilets in their homes. Kumar, who previously served as the Secretary of residential educational institutions, criticized the government for appointing an officer who is unresponsive to parents' concerns. He also highlighted the closure of the Sainik School for girls and the alleged pressure on Inter second-year students at Gowlidoddi residential school to pursue education elsewhere. Additionally, he questioned why the Chief Minister had not announced a cash reward for Agasara Nandini, who won a medal at the Asian Athletic Championships.
Defence (1)
Indian Coast Guard Rescues Heart Attack-Stricken Captain at Sea
On May 30, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully conducted a life-saving medical evacuation mission at sea. The operation involved rescuing a captain suffering from a heart attack from a Bahamas-flagged vessel. The incident occurred approximately at 0110 hours, and the ICG station in Kakinada coordinated the operation. The captain was evacuated from the vessel MV SWBLY and promptly transported to Apollo Hospital in Kakinada for medical treatment. The ICG highlighted the mission as part of its commitment to humanitarian aid and ensuring safe seas. The operation was documented on the ICG's social media platform, showcasing their swift response and dedication to protecting lives at sea.
Miscellaneous (1)
Marine Debris Crisis in Kozhikode Coastal Areas Amid Monsoon Onset
The coastal areas of Kozhikode district, particularly in Purankara near Vadakara and Thoppayil beach, are facing a severe pollution crisis due to the accumulation of marine debris. The debris, which includes plastic waste, medical waste, broken fishing nets, and other decayed materials, has been washed ashore following the onset of the monsoon. Despite the alarming situation, the authorities have not yet initiated an action plan for its removal. This has left around 20 families in distress, with the stench making daily life, including cooking, extremely difficult. The situation is exacerbated by the delay in seawall construction, which has been pending for several years, and the adverse weather conditions that threaten further sea erosion. The Suchitwa Mission has proposed a coastal clean-up drive with the support of local administrators, governmental, and non-governmental organizations to address the crisis.
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