Important News - 2025-06-17
17 June 2025
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NTR District Collector Reviews National Clean Air Programme for Pollution-Free Vijayawada
NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha emphasized the need for collective efforts to make Vijayawada pollution-free and achieve the goals of Aarogyandhra. Speaking at a meeting on Tuesday at the Collectorate, he reviewed the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Data from air quality monitoring stations in the city’s hotspots revealed that the PM10 level in 2024-25 was 64 µg/m³, higher than the WHO’s ideal level of 45 µg/m³. To address this, the Collector proposed measures such as constructing pavement roads, increasing green areas, using mechanical sweepers, managing solid waste, and beautifying canals. He also suggested promoting battery, electric, and solar e-rickshaws and implementing the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) for smoother traffic flow. Additionally, he called for more vertical gardens, parks, and parking slots to support the NCAP objectives.
NMMS 2024-25: 292 Students from Mysuru Selected for National Scholarship
The results of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) selection exam for the academic year 2024–25, conducted by the Union government, have been declared. A total of 292 students from Mysuru district have been selected, surpassing the allotted quota of 274 seats. These students, from classes 9 to 12, will receive an annual scholarship of ₹12,000, directly credited to their bank accounts. The selection includes 78 students from Mysuru rural, 51 from Mysuru South, and 42 from T Narasipura, along with students from Nanjangud (34), Hunsur (24), Mysuru North (22), K.R. Nagar (18), H.D. Kote (18), and Periyapatna (5). Among the selected students, 221 (75.68%) are from government schools, while 71 (24.31%) are from aided institutions. Students already receiving the NMMS scholarship and continuing their studies in classes 9 to 12 in 2025–26 can apply through the National Scholarship Portal. Details regarding bank accounts can be obtained from NMMS nodal officers or the heads of their educational institutions.
Kerala Targets 100% Antibiotic Literacy by 2025 with Statewide Campaign
Kerala is striving to achieve 100% antibiotic literacy by December 2025 as part of its ambitious Antibiotic Literate Kerala campaign. The state plans to conduct antibiotic awareness activities in all hospitals and local self-government institutions (LSGIs) by December 2024, ensuring that antibiotics are dispensed only with proper prescriptions. Health Minister Veena George emphasized the importance of this initiative during the release of a booklet on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness activities, conducted as part of World AMR Awareness Week (November 18-24, 2024). The campaign focuses on educating the public about the safe use of antibiotics, proper disposal of expired drugs, and preventing antibiotic residues in food and water. Despite efforts, AMR awareness remains at 40%, highlighting the need for greater private health sector engagement. Professional medical associations like the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Association of Physicians of India, and the Indian Medical Association have pledged to enhance private sector participation. The State Drugs Control department’s nPROUD initiative for safe drug disposal will also be scaled up across Kerala.
Awards (1)
KTU Announces 2023-24 National Service Scheme (NSS) Award Recipients
On Tuesday, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) announced the recipients of the National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for the academic year 2023-24. The announcement was made by the university's Vice-Chancellor (in-charge), K. Sivaprasad. The awards recognized several NSS units and program officers for their exemplary contributions. The awardees include Mar Baselios Institute of Technology and Science (Shiju Ramachandran), College of Engineering, Adoor (Sreedeepa H. S.), College of Engineering, Cherthala (Priyakumar T. N.), Ilahia College of Engineering and Technology (Arun Kumar M.), KMCT College of Engineering for Women (Reena Abraham), Nehru College of Engineering and Research Centre (Rejumon R.), Government Engineering College, Sreekrishnapuram (Askar Ali P.), Thejus Engineering College (Vipin Krishna R.), ACE College of Engineering (Nandu Bhadran), and Baselios Mathews II College of Engineering (Darsana S. Babu). These awards highlight the commitment of these institutions and individuals to community service and societal development.
World Affairs (1)
Israel Coordinates with India to Evacuate Citizens Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
Israel is collaborating with the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv to assist Indian citizens who wish to leave the country amidst escalating tensions and airstrikes between Iran and Israel. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated that evacuation options, including land and sea routes, are being organized through Israel’s Ministry of Transport. Land routes via the Allenby Bridge/King Hussein Bridge to Jordan and the Eilat-Taba border crossing to Egypt are operational, while cruise ships to Cyprus from Israeli ports at Haifa and Ashdod are also being considered. India has not yet announced a large-scale evacuation plan but is advising citizens to avoid major cities likely to be affected by military actions. The conflict escalated after Israel launched pre-emptive strikes on Iranian nuclear installations on June 13, prompting retaliatory attacks from Iran. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concerns over the situation during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the region. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemned the attacks, stressing the importance of protecting nuclear facilities. Ambassador Azar also appreciated India’s decision to refrain from endorsing a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation statement condemning Israel’s actions.
Defence (1)
U.K. Royal Navy F-35B Jet Grounded in Thiruvananthapuram Due to Technical Glitch
The Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet of the U.K. government, which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14 due to a technical snag, remains grounded for the third consecutive day. The jet encountered technical glitches and was forced to land after running low on fuel amidst rough weather in the Indian Ocean. Operating from the U.K. aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, the jet was conducting routine flying outside the Indian Air Defence Identification Zone, with Thiruvananthapuram designated as the emergency recovery airfield. A Royal British Navy helicopter, MJS-101, arrived on June 18 with supporting staff to assist the pilot and address the technical issues. The crew has been stationed at the airport's emergency medical centre, with food and accommodation arranged by the airport authorities. Contrary to earlier reports, the pilot was not seated near the jet but inside the apron office nearby.
Politics (2)
Kerala Government to Address Vacant Plus One Seats Post-Admission; Praveshanolsavam Announced
The Kerala government, led by Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty, will assess and decide on the allocation of vacant seats following the completion of this year's Plus One admissions. The Minister highlighted that the admission process was conducted smoothly, with no protests, as the government ensured that temporarily sanctioned batches from previous years were included in the seat matrix. A record 2.40 lakh students have secured permanent admissions across various quotas, including merit, sports, and community quotas. Additionally, the government announced the first-ever Praveshanolsavam ceremony to mark the commencement of Plus One classes, which will be inaugurated at the Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School in Thycaud. The Save-a-Year (SAY) examinations are scheduled from June 23 to 27, with 1.19 lakh students participating across 572 centers in Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Gulf countries.
BJP Protests in Mysuru, Demands Resignation of Karnataka CM Over Bengaluru Stampede
On Tuesday, members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a protest in Mysuru, Karnataka, holding the state government accountable for the stampede that occurred outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations. The tragic incident, which took place during the post-match celebrations, resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, predominantly youth, and left several others injured. BJP leaders strongly criticized the Siddaramaiah-led government, alleging gross negligence in crowd management and demanding accountability. The protesters called for the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara, holding them morally responsible for the incident. Prominent BJP leaders, including MLA T.S. Srivatsa and former MLA L. Nagendra, led the protest.
Census (1)
State Government Announces Fresh Caste Census for Inclusive Development
Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah announced that the State government has decided to conduct a fresh caste census to ensure inclusivity and gain the confidence of all sections of society. Speaking in Mysuru on Tuesday, Yathindra dismissed the BJP's claims that the government was engaging in wasteful expenditure, emphasizing the necessity of the census for both the State and society. He criticized the Opposition for previously opposing the implementation of the decade-old caste census report, stating that a fresh survey is essential to address community concerns and ensure transparency. Yathindra also refuted allegations that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was using the census to consolidate his position, asserting that the Congress party remains committed to empowering backward classes socially, educationally, and economically. He highlighted that the High Command is actively supporting the initiative and expressed confidence in completing the survey within 90 days, citing successful examples from Telangana and Bihar. The government plans to engage companies to conduct the exercise fairly and transparently.
Economy (1)
IATO Delegation Meets J&K CM to Boost Tourism Post-Pahalgam Incident
On June 17, 2025, a 30-member delegation from the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), led by its President Ravi Gosain, met with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss strategies for reviving tourism in the state, which had been adversely affected by the Pahalgam terror attacks. The meeting was part of IATO's three-day 'Rubaroo Jammu and Kashmir' campaign. During the discussions, Mr. Abdullah assured the delegation of the safety and security measures in place for tourists and encouraged them to promote Kashmir as a safe travel destination. Also present at the meeting were Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department, and Raja Yaqoob Farooq, Director Tourism – Kashmir. The delegation expressed satisfaction with the government's safety arrangements and noted that their three-day assessment confirmed the state's safety. The IATO had earlier reported a 40% cancellation rate in tours following the Pahalgam incident. The visit aimed to restore confidence and boost tourism, with the IATO expressing optimism about the normalization of tourist flow in the near future. Established in 1982, the IATO represents over 1600 members across all segments of the tourism industry.
Miscellaneous (2)
Heavy Rainfall and Infrastructure Damage Wreak Havoc in Kozhikode District
Heavy rainfall and strong winds have caused widespread damage in Kozhikode district, Kerala, on June 17, 2024. Upland areas were particularly affected, with an orange alert issued for the Korapuzha river at Kunnamangalam station due to rising water levels. The district has also witnessed flooding in multiple rivers, prompting authorities to urge public vigilance. Strong winds uprooted trees in the city, though waterlogging on major roads has receded. Tragically, a three-year-old girl, Nakshatra, drowned in a canal at Punathilthazham while playing. Traffic on the Wayanad Ghat Road was restored after a precarious tree was removed by the Forest Department with assistance from police, revenue officials, and the Fire and Rescue Services. Infrastructure damage was also reported, including the collapse of a well near Valayam, the retaining wall of National Highway 66 at Puthuppanam, and a temporary service road at Perumalpuram, where a bus became trapped. The Vilangad region, which experienced a major landslide in July 2024, continues to face minor landslips and flash floods, leading to the relocation of residents.
Flooding in Kodagu Disrupts Road Connectivity to Karadigodu, NDRF Deployed
Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in the Cauvery River, leading to the disruption of road connectivity to Karadigodu village in Ammathi hobli, Kodagu district. The Holakere Road has been cut off, isolating the village. Revenue Department officials conducted an on-ground assessment and issued an advisory urging residents to avoid flood-prone areas. Affected residents have been advised to relocate to nearby relief centres. Authorities have arranged an alternative route to ensure public safety. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in Kodagu to assist in relief and rescue operations. The NDRF team recently visited Harangi Dam and flood-prone areas in Kushalnagar to assess flood risks and review preparatory measures. Since the devastating floods and landslides in Kodagu in 2018 and 2019, the NDRF has been deployed in the district every monsoon as a precautionary measure.
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