Important News - 2025-06-16
16 June 2025
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Politics (3)
CPI(M) and Congress Clash Over Office Control in Kottayi, Kerala
Tensions escalated between workers of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the Indian National Congress (Congress) in Kottayi, Kerala, on Monday, following the defection of a Congress mandalam president to the CPI(M). The conflict arose over the control of the Congress office, as former Congress leader Mohan Kumar, along with 13 other party workers, joined the CPI(M) and attempted to take over the office. Mohan Kumar had reportedly settled the rent arrears and signed a new agreement with the building owner in his name, claiming ownership of the office. However, Congress workers resisted, asserting that the office had been functioning for nearly a century and that the lease agreement traditionally remained in the name of the mandalam president. The situation turned violent, prompting the police to intervene with a lathicharge to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to one CPI(M) worker. The office was subsequently sealed, and the matter was referred to the Revenue Divisional Officer for resolution.
Palaniswami Criticizes Stalin Over Farmer Protests and Water Project
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday for the police's action against protesting farmers in Thanjavur. Palaniswami questioned the government's approach, labeling it as 'fascist' in a social media post. Meanwhile, AMMK General Secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran urged Stalin to engage in discussions with sugarcane farmers to address their concerns. Additionally, O. Panneerselvam, coordinator of the ADMK Workers’ Rights Retrieval Committee, expressed disappointment over the government's reported decision to abandon the Krishna water pipeline project from Andhra Pradesh and called for its revival.
Indore Congress Councillor Anwar Qadri Booked in Religious Conversion Case
Anwar Qadri, a Congress councillor from Indore, has been implicated in a case involving alleged religious conversions. This follows accusations by two men, Sahil Sheikh and Altaf Shah, who were arrested in separate rape cases. Both men claimed in a viral video and during police interrogation that Qadri paid them to befriend and marry Hindu women. The Indore Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Rajesh Dandotiya, stated that Qadri’s name has been added to the FIRs filed by the two women accusing Sheikh and Shah of rape on the pretext of marriage. The police have invoked sections related to criminal conspiracy and the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, against Qadri. The BJP has criticized the Congress, accusing Qadri of funding 'love jihad,' while the Congress has dismissed the allegations as a BJP conspiracy. Qadri remains at large as police continue their search.
Schemes (3)
EPFO Warns Subscribers Against Using Private Agents for PF Services
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued a warning to its subscribers, urging them to avoid relying on private agents for services related to their Provident Fund (PF) accounts. The EPFO highlighted that many cybercafe operators and fintech companies have been charging exorbitant fees for services that are officially free. In a statement, the EPFO clarified that these third-party entities often use the EPFO’s online grievance portal, which members can access themselves at no cost. The organisation also cautioned that engaging with unauthorized agents could expose members’ financial data to security risks. To enhance service delivery, the EPFO has implemented several reforms, including simplifying the online profile correction process through Aadhaar authentication and removing the requirement for uploading a cheque leaf or attested bank passbook for faster claim settlements. Additionally, the EPFO has a robust grievance redressal system, with 98% of grievances resolved within timelines in FY 2024-25.
B-SMILE Announces Global Tenders for Bengaluru North-South Twin Tunnel Project
Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited (B-SMILE), a newly established special purpose vehicle, is preparing to issue global tenders for the construction of North-South twin tunnel roads in Bengaluru, connecting Hebbal and Silk Board. The project, approved on June 5, will be executed under the Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, with 40% Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the government. The 16.74 km long corridor, estimated to cost ₹17,780 crore, will receive ₹9,303 crore as VGF. The State Cabinet has approved a ₹19,000 crore loan guarantee for the project. B-SMILE is in discussions with lending agencies, including HUDCO, which is also funding the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR). To expedite the process, the project will be divided into two packages of approximately 8.4 km each, with construction starting simultaneously from both ends. The tunnels, each three lanes wide, will be completed in 50 months and are expected to open by 2029-30. Toll collection, estimated at ₹19 per km, will be automated using number plate recognition software.
Union Government Urged to Boost Skilling Initiatives and Federal Support
Minister for General Education and Labour V. Sivankutty has called upon the Union government to enhance its support for skilling initiatives in states, emphasizing the need for cooperative federalism. Speaking at the Kaushal Manthan regional workshop in Hyderabad on Tuesday, organized by the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Mr. Sivankutty highlighted Kerala’s commitment to the national skilling agenda. He urged for increased central funding, structured incentives, and national recognition frameworks to attract talent in the training sector. The Minister also requested support for establishing a national-level Institute for Metro and Rail Technology in Kochi, financial aid for the Indian Institute of Foreign Languages in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, and the creation of a centre of excellence in AI to position India as a global leader in AI skilling. He expressed concerns over the limited assistance provided by the Union government in the past four years, which included schemes like PMKVY, SANKALP, PMNAPS, and STRIVE, and proposed increasing the Union government’s contribution in ITI hub-and-spoke schemes from 50% to 80%.
Elections (1)
Intense Campaigning for June 19 Nilambur Assembly By-Election
The campaign for the June 19 Assembly by-election in Nilambur, Kerala, intensified on Monday, with major political fronts, including the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), making vigorous efforts to secure victory for their candidates. Key contestants include CPI(M) State secretariat member M. Swaraj (LDF), Congress general secretary Aryadan Shoukath (UDF), former Kerala Congress leader Mohan George (BJP), and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) State convener P.V. Anvar, who is contesting as an Independent. The by-election was necessitated by Mr. Anvar’s resignation as LDF’s Independent MLA in January 2023. Campaign activities included rallies, roadshows, and door-to-door campaigns, with significant participation from party leaders and supporters. The electioneering will conclude on Tuesday evening, 48 hours before polling.
Heritage (1)
Progress in Mullassery Canal Restoration and Flood Prevention Efforts in Kochi
On June 16, 2025, the Ernakulam district administration informed the Kerala High Court that the restoration work of the Mullassery Canal was progressing, though with some delays. Senior Government Pleader S. Kannan made this submission before Justice Devan Ramachandran during the hearing of petitions aimed at preventing flooding in Kochi city. The court acknowledged that the city had avoided flooding over the past two days despite heavy rainfall, attributing this to ongoing efforts. However, the court emphasized the need for continued and unimpeded measures to prevent future inundation. Additionally, the Kochi Corporation reported that desilting work in the city was nearing completion, while the Railways granted permission to desilt 23 culverts, with 15 already cleaned.
Miscellaneous (4)
Government Arts and Science Colleges Reopen with Focus on Student Integration and Exam Preparation
Government arts and science colleges reopened on Monday for second and third year students, with some colleges also welcoming first year students. At the government college in Perumbakkam, which caters to around 35,000 students primarily from modest families in slum clearance board apartments, the reopening was met with enthusiasm. The co-education college, with 1,340 students across nine departments, reported that 65% of its students are girls. Students like Rupika Devi, a third-year B Com CS student, are preparing for professional exams such as company secretaryship, while others like K. Saranya, a second-year BA Tamil student, are gearing up for the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission exams. Transportation challenges, particularly with MTC buses, were highlighted as a concern affecting students' punctuality. Meanwhile, Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Arts and Science College organized a welcoming event for first-year students, featuring activities like dance, karate, singing, and games to foster integration.
Heavy Monsoon Rains Disrupt Life in Kerala, IMD Issues Alerts
The southwest monsoon, after a period of intense rainfall, is expected to enter a short lull phase, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin issued on June 16. However, the recent heavy rains, driven by strong westerlies, disrupted normal life across Kerala, particularly in central and northern regions. Thennala in Malappuram recorded 21 cm of rainfall in 24 hours, while Vadakara in Kozhikode and other areas like Bayar, Vythiri, and Taliparamba also experienced significant rainfall. Rising water levels in rivers prompted the Irrigation Department and Central Water Commission (CWC) to issue orange and yellow alerts for rivers such as Uppala, Nileshwaram, Mogral, and Manimala, urging caution for residents. Gusty winds, with speeds up to 80 kmph in Idukki, caused widespread damage, though disrupted train services between Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram were restored by Monday morning. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Kannur and Kasaragod on Tuesday, with yellow alerts for other districts except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam.
AHSTA Seeks Extension for Plus One Admissions Amid Rain Disruptions
The Aided Higher Secondary Teachers’ Association (AHSTA) has requested an extension of the Plus One single-window admissions deadline by at least one day. The admissions were originally scheduled for Monday and Tuesday but were disrupted due to heavy rains across the State. The association highlighted issues such as waterlogging in coastal and low-lying areas, uprooted trees in the western region, and travel difficulties caused by the weather. Additionally, Monday was a holiday in many districts, further complicating the process. The AHSTA emphasized that students need extra time to complete admissions, especially those requiring transfer certificates (TC) from their current schools or seeking higher options in the third phase. The association also pointed out potential delays in updating student admission details online due to internet connectivity issues and requested more time for schools to submit these details to the server before the scheduled deadline on Tuesday.
Life Sentence Awarded for Impregnating Minor in West Godavari POCSO Case
A POCSO court in West Godavari district has sentenced Kandella Ramesh, aged 34, to life imprisonment for impregnating a 16-year-old minor girl in a case reported in July 2020 under Veeravasam police limits. The court also imposed a fine of one lakh rupees, with Rs. 80,000 allocated as compensation to the victim. The case was initiated based on a complaint filed by the victim’s father. West Godavari Superintendent of Police Adnan Nayeem Asmi confirmed the conviction, emphasizing the gravity of the crime and the court’s decision to ensure justice for the victim.
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