Important News - 2025-06-18
18 June 2025
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Heritage (1)
AIADMK Credits Itself for 2018 Keeladi Excavation and Museum Funding
The AIADMK has claimed responsibility for the Keeladi excavation project conducted between April and August 2018. According to former Revenue Minister R.B. Udhayakumar, the excavation was carried out during the tenure of former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who sanctioned ₹55 lakh for the project. The excavation unearthed 5,820 antiquities, and subsequently, ₹12.21 crore was allocated for establishing a world-class site museum. Udhayakumar challenged the ruling DMK to verify the facts with Principal Secretary (Finance) T. Udhayachandran, who oversaw the excavation. He also stated that the Union government sought additional information for corroboration, and the AIADMK would protest if the Keeladi report was rejected.
Politics (4)
Government Proposes Amendments to Nuclear Energy Laws to Boost Private Investment
The Union government is considering introducing legislation to amend the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament in June 2025. This move, announced by Minister of State for Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh on June 18, 2025, aims to facilitate private investment in nuclear energy. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier highlighted the need for these amendments in her Union Budget speech, proposing a ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ to involve the private sector in developing nuclear reactors. The current laws pose significant barriers: the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act imposes unlimited monetary liabilities on equipment manufacturers in case of nuclear accidents, while the Atomic Energy Act restricts private and foreign investment in nuclear power plants. India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32 and achieve 100 GW by 2047, aligning with its goals of energy sufficiency, net-zero emissions by 2070, and becoming a developed nation by 2047. Despite decades of investment, nuclear power contributes only 1.6% to India’s energy mix due to public safety concerns, high costs, and government monopoly. The Budget also proposed a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with plans to operationalize at least five by 2033.
Telangana’s Dual Strategy to Counter Andhra Pradesh’s Banakacharla Project
The Telangana government has decided to adopt a dual approach to counter Andhra Pradesh’s plans to construct the Banakacharla project, which aims to divert Godavari water to the Krishna and Penna basins. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced that the state will first engage in a political battle against the project, followed by legal action if necessary. The project, which plans to divert 400 tmc ft of water, is seen as detrimental to Telangana’s interests. Reddy criticized former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (BRS) for allegedly supporting the project during his tenure and accused him of neglecting Telangana’s irrigation needs. The state has submitted representations to various ministries, including Jal Shakti and Environment, and statutory bodies like the river management board. Reddy also advised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to issue a No Objection Certificate for Telangana’s rightful share of water. The controversy involves key projects like Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation, Pothireddypadu, and Muchumarri, which have allowed Andhra Pradesh to draw significant water from the Krishna and Godavari rivers. Reddy also expressed distrust towards Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy for skipping a crucial meeting on the issue.
K.S. Eshwarappa Demands BJP Purification Before Rejoining Party
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, K.S. Eshwarappa, has declared that he will not rejoin the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) until the party undergoes a process of 'purification'. Eshwarappa criticized the Karnataka BJP for deviating from the ideology of Hindutva and accused it of being dominated by a single family. He made these remarks during an event in Shivamogga on Wednesday, where he inducted several workers from various parties, including the BJP, into his forum, the Rashtra Bhakhtara Balaga. Eshwarappa emphasized that while he has no intention of joining any other party, he will not return to the BJP until his concerns are addressed. He also clarified that his relationship with former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa remains cordial, noting their long-standing personal bond despite political differences. Eshwarappa was expelled from the BJP in 2024 after he decided to contest the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat as an Independent candidate.
KTR Refuses to Submit Mobile Phone to ACB in Formula E Race Case
In Hyderabad, BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) has refused to submit his mobile phone to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Formula E race case. KTR cited privacy concerns and constitutional rights as the basis for his refusal. He mentioned that he had replaced his old mobile phone in the first quarter of 2024 and had not used any other electronic devices during the period relevant to the investigation. KTR appeared before the ACB on June 16, 2024, and responded to all queries. He argued that the ACB’s notice, which demanded his mobile phone used between November 1, 2021, and December 1, 2023, along with other electronic devices, lacked a specified reason or purpose. KTR emphasized that all official records related to the Formula E case were available with the State Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department, and decisions were made in his official capacity as Minister. He also stressed the need for strict protocols, as outlined by the Supreme Court, to prevent data tampering or misuse. KTR referenced a Supreme Court case where interim relief was granted to a petitioner, preventing the Enforcement Directorate from accessing their mobile phone contents.
Schemes (3)
Higher Secondary Curriculum Revision and ‘Koodeyundu Karuthekan’ Program Announced for 2024
The Higher Secondary curriculum revision is set to be implemented next year, as announced by Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty. He made this announcement during the inauguration of ‘Varavelppu,’ the Plus One Praveshanolsavam, at the Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School in Thycaud. The Minister highlighted the launch of ‘Koodeyundu Karuthekan,’ a comprehensive program designed to equip students, teachers, and parents to face challenges effectively. This initiative includes counseling services, personality development classes, cybersecurity awareness, and life skill training. Additionally, teachers will receive training to better understand students' emotional needs, and parents will be guided to support their children’s growth. The government aims to create a nurturing school environment that fosters social, emotional, and mental development. On Wednesday, 3.15 lakh students began their Plus One classes, with all students expected to secure admissions after the supplementary allotment process. The event was presided over by Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G.R. Anil, with MLA Antony Raju as the chief guest.
State Extends Medisep Health Insurance Scheme for Three Months
The State government has issued a Government Order (GO) to extend the Medical Insurance Scheme for State Employees and Pensioners (Medisep) for an additional three months, until September 30, 2024. The extension maintains the original terms and conditions outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Oriental Insurance Company, which implements the scheme. The three-year policy period of Medisep is set to conclude on June 30, 2025, and a six-member expert committee has been formed to review and recommend revisions to the scheme. The government has temporarily extended the contract with the insurance company for three months to allow time for evaluating the committee's recommendations and initiating a new tender for the revised scheme. The premium for the extended period has been set at ₹1,593 per family for three months, inclusive of GST, with the government covering the additional cost from the corpus fund to avoid extra expenses for beneficiaries or the State exchequer. The scheme, launched in July 2022, provides a basic insurance cover of ₹3 lakh at a monthly premium of around ₹500, covering over 30 lakh individuals, including 5.45 lakh government employees, 5.89 lakh pensioners, and their dependents. The expert committee has proposed increasing the basic insurance coverage to ₹5 lakh, reducing the policy period to two years, and expanding the scheme to include employees and pensioners in public sector undertakings, corporations, autonomous bodies, statutory bodies, and the cooperative sector.
New TGSRTC Bus Station Launched in Madhira, Khammam, Under Mahalakshmi Scheme
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar laid the foundation stone for a new Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) bus station in Madhira, Khammam district, on Wednesday. The project, estimated to cost ₹10 crore, will span 2 acres and 24 guntas and feature 10 platforms, waiting halls, and toilet facilities. The new bus station aims to enhance multi-modal connectivity by linking it to the railway station. During the event, the ministers flagged off several new TGSRTC buses and traveled briefly in one of them. The existing bus station, operational for over 35 years, necessitated an upgrade. Prabhakar emphasized the Congress-led government’s commitment to strengthening public transport, citing the recent launch of the Mahalakshmi scheme. He criticized the previous government for neglecting TGSRTC, alleging mismanagement of employee funds and a lack of new bus acquisitions or recruitments over the past decade. Khammam district operates seven TGSRTC depots, managing a fleet of 548 buses daily, including Lahari, Rajadhani, Super Luxury, Deluxe, Mahalakshmi Express, and Pallevelugu services. The Madhira depot, established in 1987, currently runs 70 buses with 218 staff, covering 29,430 kilometers daily and serving over 20,000 passengers.
Miscellaneous (4)
TrEST Research Park and GEC Palakkad Sign MoU for Satellite Innovation Hub
The Trivandrum Engineering Science and Technology (TrEST) Research Park signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government Engineering College, Palakkad, on Wednesday to establish a TrEST satellite centre on the college campus. The agreement was formalized by K.R. Remesh Babu, Principal of the college, and Rajasree M.S., CEO of TrEST, in the presence of Higher Education Minister R. Bindu. The satellite centre will function as a regional innovation hub, facilitating collaboration between students and industry partners on real-world projects. It will also promote joint research initiatives and the development of indigenous technology solutions.
SHRC Uncovers Inhumane Conditions and Legal Violations in Five Rehabilitation Centers
On Wednesday, officials from the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) conducted inspections at five rehabilitation centers located in and around the city. The inspections revealed significant lapses, including allegations of illegal detention, physical torture, and inhumane treatment of residents. The centers inspected were Mother Ammu Foundation, Belaku Social Service in Dasanapura, Unity Social Service in Makali, Sanjeevini Trust in Kempapura, and Goodlife Trust in Kachohalli, Magadi Road. The findings indicated that residents were subjected to physical abuse, with some found beaten up and others bedridden with untreated wounds. Medical facilities were absent, and families were not informed about the residents' conditions. In one center, residents were forcibly admitted by family members to resolve civil disputes, while another center housed a majority of residents from Kerala. The inspections also highlighted a lack of basic facilities, staff shortages, and inadequate monitoring by the district administration. The SHRC has directed the jurisdictional police to investigate the lapses and take legal action, while also seeking immediate corrective measures from the district administration.
Karnataka Reforms COVID-19 Death Audit Committee to Enhance Analysis and Guidelines
The Karnataka State government has reconstituted its COVID-19 death audit committee to analyse the causes and factors leading to COVID-19 deaths in the state. A Government Order issued on June 17 established the new committee under the chairmanship of B.L. Shashibhushan, director of the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Chest Diseases. The committee includes a member secretary and 14 members from the Health and Medical Education departments, as well as representatives from various hospitals. Its mandate is to examine factors such as causes, symptoms, comorbidities, vaccination status, duration of hospitalisation, and delays in registration and reporting of COVID-19 deaths at the state level. Additionally, the committee will provide recommendations to improve treatment protocols and ensure effective implementation of government-issued guidelines.
Kerala Mountaineer Trapped on Mount Denali Seeks Rescue Amid Severe Snowstorm
Sheikh Hasan Khan, a 38-year-old mountaineer from Kerala, has sent an SOS message after being trapped in a severe snowstorm on Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America. Khan, who is on a mission to scale the highest peaks of all seven continents, was attempting to hoist the national flag as a tribute to the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor when extreme weather conditions halted his progress. He and his fellow climber from Tamil Nadu are stranded at Camp 5, approximately 17,000 feet above sea level, with limited food and water. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, State president of the Bhartiya Janata Party, has alerted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Indian Embassy in Washington DC for immediate intervention. Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony and Kerala Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar have also sought urgent assistance. Khan, an accomplished mountaineer who has already climbed Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro, had previously conquered Mount Denali in June 2023 and is now aiming to complete the Seven Summits challenge by scaling Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko. His parents in Poozhikkad, Kerala, are anxiously awaiting news of his safety.
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