Important News - 2025-06-15
15 June 2025
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Politics (4)
Priyanka Gandhi Accuses LDF of Politicizing Welfare Pension in Kerala
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary and Member of Parliament from Wayanad, accused the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala of politicizing the ₹1,600 monthly welfare pension for the poor. Speaking at a rally in Nilambur on June 19, 2023, during the Assembly byelection campaign, she emphasized the importance of timely and non-selective pension disbursal. She criticized the government for its handling of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and its failure to prevent the accidental death of a 15-year-old boy due to an illegal power trap. Vadra urged voters to elect United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukath to strengthen the alliance between the MP and MLA for better delivery of benefits in Nilambur, which is part of the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Senior Congress leaders, including K.C. Venugopal and Deepa Dasmunshi, accompanied her during the campaign.
West Bengal Government Secures Repatriation of Three Residents Forced into Bangladesh by BSF
Three residents of West Bengal, who were working in Mumbai, were allegedly forced into Bangladesh by the Border Security Force (BSF) earlier this week. The individuals, identified as Minarul Sheikh, Nizamuddin Sheikh, and Mostafa Kamal Sheikh, were repatriated to India on June 15, 2025, after the intervention of the West Bengal government. The incident occurred along the North Bengal and Bangladesh border. The West Bengal government, along with Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Samirul Islam, played a crucial role in their return. The Mekhliganj Police Station facilitated the repatriation process after a flag meeting with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). This incident highlights the ongoing issue of undocumented migrants being pushed back across the India-Bangladesh border, a practice that has raised concerns from the BGB.
SUCC Seeks Governor’s Intervention Over Alleged PhD Irregularities at Kannur University
The Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC) has approached Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, requesting an investigation into alleged irregularities in the conferment of a PhD degree by Kannur University to Saritha Menon, wife of CPI(M) leader M. Swaraj. SUCC chairman R.S. Sasikumar and convener M. Shajarkhan highlighted concerns over the university’s decision to grant Menon a 'mercy chance' to submit her thesis, around 16 years after her initial registration at S.N. College, Kannur. The committee alleged that this decision was selectively made to benefit a politically connected individual. They urged the Governor to review the legality of the mercy chance in doctoral research and conduct an audit of all PhD degrees awarded by Kannur University over the past decade to identify similar irregularities.
BJP Demands Resignation and Special Session After Bengaluru Stampede Tragedy
Following a tragic stampede during the celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory, which resulted in 11 deaths, the BJP has intensified its criticism of the Congress-led Karnataka government. The BJP has announced a protest in Bengaluru on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Additionally, the party has reiterated its call for a special three-day session of the State legislature to address the incident. BJP MLA K. Gopalaiah stated that all MPs, legislators, and prominent leaders would participate in the protest at Freedom Park. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok has written to the Chief Minister, urging a comprehensive discussion on public safety, crowd control, and measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Ashok highlighted the need for a thorough investigation, compensation for affected families, and plans to strengthen safety measures at public events. The BJP had previously postponed its protest scheduled for June 13 due to the Ahmedabad plane tragedy.
Awards (1)
Karnataka Law Society’s Public School Honors Top CBSE Class 10 Students in Belagavi
The Karnataka Law Society’s Public School in Belagavi organized a felicitation ceremony on Saturday to honor the top-performing students of the AISSE CBSE Class 10 Board Examinations for the academic year 2024-25. The event was attended by R.S. Mutalik, Chairman of the Governing Council of KLS IMER, and Prashant Kulkarni, Chairman of the Governing Council of KLSPS, who awarded certificates and cash prizes to the students and their parents. A total of 12 students who scored above 90% in the examination were recognized, including Chiranth Hegde, Vedika Patil, Pranav Patil (97%), and Preetam Kanetkar. Principal Shalini Sankroni extended her congratulations to the achievers for their outstanding performance.
Economy (1)
Karnataka Leads India in Wind Power Capacity Addition for FY 2024-25
Karnataka has emerged as the leading state in India for wind power capacity addition in the financial year 2024-25, with an impressive increase of 1,331.48 megawatts (MW). This achievement was highlighted during the Global Wind Day 2025 celebrations, themed “Pawan-Urja: Powering the Future of India,” held in Bengaluru. Karnataka’s total installed wind power capacity now stands at 7,351 MW, surpassing the combined capacities of countries like South Africa, Portugal, and New Zealand, and is comparable to Sweden and Australia. Tamil Nadu and Gujarat followed Karnataka with additions of 1,136.37 MW and 954.76 MW, respectively. Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George emphasized the state’s commitment to clean energy and its plans to implement 17 gigawatts (GW) of wind power projects, including over 5 GW under the Renewable Energy Cluster Programme. Infrastructure development, such as the establishment of more than 20 substations and 400 KV corridors, is underway. Additionally, India, the fourth-largest wind power generator globally, aims to increase its installed wind capacity from 51.5 GW to 100 GW, with a national goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi highlighted the importance of grid stability, competitive electricity tariffs, and domestic manufacturing for wind turbines to boost India’s green energy economy. A report titled ‘Ramping Up Local Manufacturing for Wind Turbines in India’ was also released, outlining a roadmap to achieve these targets.
World Affairs (1)
Congress Urges MEA to Coordinate Evacuation of Indian Students in Iran Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
On June 15, 2025, the Congress party raised concerns over the safety of more than 1,500 Indian students in Iran amidst escalating tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian soil. The party criticized the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for its passive approach and urged the establishment of a coordinated evacuation mechanism. The Indian Embassy in Tehran issued advisories asking Indian nationals to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movements, and stay connected through social media channels. However, students reported feeling abandoned, with no immediate response from the embassy. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera highlighted the government's delayed responses in past crises, such as Sudan and Ukraine, and emphasized the need for real-time communication and logistic support. Meanwhile, Israel's Operation Rising Lion targeted Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, leading to retaliatory missile strikes by Iran. The Congress condemned Israel's actions, calling for India to utilize diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions.
Schemes (1)
‘Dharti Aaba’ Campaign to Empower Tribal Villages with Government Welfare Schemes
The ‘Dharti Aaba Jan Jatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ initiative is set to conduct special awareness and facilitation camps from June 15 to 30, 2023, in 11 tribal villages of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. These villages, where the Scheduled Tribes (ST) population exceeds 50%, include Bedaguli, Kannegala, Yanagahalli, Mel Mal, Thondavadi, Somanapura, Madduru, Agar, Biligiriranganabetta (B.R. Hills), D. Kandahalli, and Palya. The campaign aims to empower tribal communities by providing essential documentation support and raising awareness about various government welfare schemes. Seventeen government departments are collaborating to implement around 25 key welfare schemes during the campaign. Services offered include Aadhaar enrolment, Jan Dhan bank account opening, Kisan Credit Cards, insurance schemes like Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Ayushman Bharat Health Card (ABHA), TB Mukt Bharat initiative, Indradhanush Mission, domicile, caste, and income certificates, MGNREGA job cards, social security pensions, PM Vishwakarma, MUDRA loans, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, ICDS services, and vaccination records. Nodal officers have been appointed at district and taluk levels to ensure effective service delivery. Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag has urged eligible tribal residents to attend the camps and utilize the services provided.
Miscellaneous (4)
Two Killed, Seven Injured in Electrocution Accident at Ganesh Idol-Making Unit in Korutla
On Sunday, a tragic accident occurred at the Balaji Ganesh idol-making unit in Korutla, Jagtial district, resulting in the death of two individuals and injuries to seven others. The incident took place when a 13-foot-tall Ganesh idol being shifted from the workshop to a nearby shed accidentally touched overhead power transmission lines, causing electrocution and a fire. The deceased were identified as Vinod, the owner of the unit, and Saikumar, a worker. The injured labourers were initially taken to the Government Area Hospital in Korutla and later transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Jagtial for advanced medical care. Vinod is survived by his wife and two daughters.
St. Xavier’s College and ITE College East Collaborate on Beach Clean-Up in Kerala
St. Xavier’s College in Thumba organized a beach clean-up initiative at St. Andrews Beach on Sunday, in collaboration with students from ITE College East, Singapore. This activity was part of an international cultural exchange program held from June 14 to 21, organized by Xavier Outreach Services and the Department of English and Media Studies at St. Xavier’s College. The program saw the participation of students from the School of Health Sciences, ITE College East, who traveled to Kerala to engage in nature conservation efforts, including collecting, sorting, and disposing of plastic and other waste materials found on the beach. The Singapore student team was led by Chris Gomez and Shenikal Shang, while faculty members from St. Xavier’s College, including Shibu Joseph, Biju Joy, and Dominic Joseph, also participated. Approximately 50 students from both institutions took part in the event.
Investigation Launched into Tragic Deaths of Two Children in Mylavaram
An investigation has been initiated into the tragic deaths of two children, V. Lakshmi Hiranya (9) and her brother V. Leela Sai (7), whose decomposed bodies were discovered inside their locked house in Mylavaram on Friday night. The children’s father, Raja Shekar, a catering-unit employee in Mylavaram, is suspected to have written a note indicating his intention to end his life, and a search for him is currently underway. Their mother, Chandrika, who works in Bahrain, has returned to Mylavaram and received the bodies after a post-mortem examination on Saturday. The siblings were students at a residential school in G. Konduru. Krishna district Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairperson K. Suvartha has urged parents who are unable to care for their children to seek assistance from the CWC. (Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts can call ‘100’ for help.)
98.52% Students Secure Plus One Admissions in Final Allotment Phase
The General Education Department has released the third and final allotment for Plus One higher secondary admissions through the single-window system. A total of 3,12,908 students have secured admissions across the three allotments, with 87,928 fresh allotments and 57,572 students securing higher options in the third round. The overall allotment percentage stands at 98.52%. Malappuram recorded the highest number of fresh allotments (20,342) and students securing higher options (13,223). After this round, 4,688 seats remain vacant, with Pathanamthitta having the highest vacancies (890). Additionally, 2,889 sports quota seats and 359 model residential school quota seats are still available. Admissions for the third allotment will commence on June 12 at 10 a.m. and conclude on June 13 at 5 p.m. Students who missed earlier opportunities can apply for supplementary allotments, with Plus One classes set to begin on June 18.
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