Important News - 2025-06-19
19 June 2025
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Schemes (3)
Cabinet Approves Health Insurance for Contract Employees and Mobile Health Clinics in Karnataka
The State Cabinet has approved a health insurance scheme for three lakh contract and outsourced employees across various departments, along with their dependents, under the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust. This initiative provides cashless health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year. Employees are required to contribute ₹100 annually as a premium, with the government covering the remaining costs. The Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust, established in 2009, aims to offer cashless healthcare services. Additionally, the Cabinet approved a ₹17.97-crore proposal to introduce mobile health clinics in remote areas of the State, ensuring access to primary healthcare for residents in isolated regions. Other decisions included declaring Mugli-Apsarakonda Marine Sanctuary as Karnataka’s first marine sanctuary, covering 5,959 hectares near Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district, and clearing a revised expenditure of ₹742 crore for the Anubhava Mantapa project in Basavakalyan, Bidar district. The Cabinet also approved a ₹35.07-crore proposal to establish a processing unit for mango and other horticultural crops in Yalavatti village, Haveri district, and renamed Basapura village to Gerugudda Basapura.
CM Revanth Reddy Seeks Expedited Approval for Hyderabad Metro Phase-II
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of Telangana has urged the Union Urban Affairs Ministry to expedite the approval process for Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-II. During his visit to New Delhi on Thursday, CM Reddy met Union Urban Development Minister Manoharlal Khattar at his residence to discuss the project. He emphasized the importance of the 76.4 km Metro Phase-II in accelerating the rapid development of Greater Hyderabad. The State Government has proposed the project as a joint venture with the Central Government, with an estimated cost of ₹24,269 crore. CM Reddy highlighted that the project would alleviate traffic congestion, ensure faster travel, and contribute to the sustainable development of the city. The State Government has already submitted a revised detailed project report, incorporating suggestions from the Union Urban Development Ministry, and sought Minister Khattar's assistance in securing swift permissions from relevant ministries.
CSDC Expands Training Programs to Bridge Chemical Industry-Academia Gap
The Chem Skill Development Centre (CSDC), established to address the gap between chemical industry expectations and academic curricula, has announced the expansion of its training programs. Initially focused on chemistry graduates and postgraduates, CSDC will now also train students from all engineering disciplines aspiring to enter the chemical industry. Founded as a joint initiative by the Chemical Industries Association, Indian Chemical Council, and Manali Industries Association, CSDC’s training modules were developed by experienced chemical engineers with over 40 years of industry expertise. Since its inception in 2021, around 1,200 students and 400 engineers have benefited from the program. The curriculum includes specialized topics such as heat transfer, mass transfer, process calculations, and process technology, tailored to meet industry needs. Notably, the program has been integrated into the syllabi of prominent institutions like SRMIST, AC College of Technology, and KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology. Additionally, CSDC has conducted specialized courses for experienced engineers and operators in industrial hubs like Manali, Cuddalore, and Ranipet, focusing on process plant design and industry developments.
Festivals (1)
CM Pinarayi Vijayan Inaugurates 30th Reading Day Celebrations, Launches National Campaign
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized that reading remains a vital habit, evolving with the times, during the State-level inauguration of the 30th Reading Day celebrations organized by the P.N. Panicker Foundation on Thursday. He highlighted the shift from physical books to digital platforms and podcasts, while stressing that books remain the foundation of knowledge. Vijayan praised P.N. Panicker, a key figure in the library movement in Kerala, for his contributions to literacy, including setting up the Sanadanadharmam library and promoting libraries across the State. The event marked the launch of a month-long national campaign to foster a reading culture, including the ambitious 'One lakh Vaayanasadhas' project, aiming to establish 1,00,000 reading forums nationwide. The celebrations, which include activities across all States, will continue till July 18. Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty presided over the event, with P.N. Panicker Foundation vice chairman N. Balagopal also speaking.
Politics (3)
D.K. Suresh Elected Unopposed as BAMUL President, Eyes Expansion in Milk Cooperative Sector
D.K. Suresh, brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and a former Member of Parliament, has been elected unopposed as the president of the Bangalore Milk Union Ltd. (BAMUL). This development is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the brothers' influence in the milk cooperative sector, potentially positioning D.K. Suresh for future leadership roles, such as president of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). Additionally, Kudur Rajanna was elected unopposed as the vice-president of BAMUL. Speaking to the media after the election results, Mr. Suresh highlighted that all 16 directors (14 elected and 2 nominated) of the union had unanimously elected him and Mr. Rajanna. He emphasized that his nomination was supported by all MLAs within the BAMUL jurisdiction, including his brother, Mr. Shivakumar. Mr. Suresh also outlined his future plans, including the expansion of environment-friendly milk packets, which were recently introduced in the Kanakapura Milk Union, to the entire state. He stated that this initiative would be discussed in detail in the next board meeting and implemented in a phased manner. His current focus remains on expanding the union's production scale and supporting the farmers associated with it.
Karnataka Proposes New Crowd Control Bill After Bengaluru Stampede
Following a tragic stampede on June 4, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 11 cricket fans outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Karnataka government has proposed a new legislation aimed at crowd control during events and mass gatherings. The draft of the Karnataka Crowd Control (Managing Crowd at Events and Venues of Mass Gathering) Bill, 2025, discussed in the State Cabinet meeting, holds event planners accountable for compensating individuals injured or families of those deceased during such events. In cases of non-payment, the government may auction the event planner’s property to recover the compensation amount. The Bill also mandates that event organizers seek prior permission from the jurisdictional police station, providing details of the expected number of participants. Violations could result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, or both. However, religious events such as ‘jatra’, ‘rathotsava’, ‘pallakki utsava’, ‘teppada teru’, and ‘urs’ are exempt from these provisions. The final decision on the Bill will be made in the next Cabinet meeting.
Eatala Rajender Defends KLIP Cabinet Clearance, Highlights MP Achievements
BJP MP and former Finance Minister Eatala Rajender reiterated his stance on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) receiving Cabinet approval during the KCR regime, challenging critics to prove him wrong. Speaking at a press conference on June 22, 2024, Rajender emphasized that no project could proceed without Cabinet clearance and accused Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of targeting him unfairly. He offered to provide official documents as evidence and highlighted his opposition to irrigation projects benefiting Andhra Pradesh during the Y.S. Rajashekara Reddy government. Rajender also detailed his achievements as MP, including ongoing national highway works, MMTS phase two completion, and proposed flyovers in Medchal and Shamirpet. He demanded that ₹300 crore compensation for the Secunderabad Cantonment Board be used for housing the poor. Senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, attended the event to review progress and showcase Modi government initiatives.
Defence (1)
U.K. F-35B Fighter Jet's Departure Delayed Due to Emergency Landing Damage
The departure of the Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet, which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, has been further delayed due to significant damage sustained during the landing. The U.K. government has requested additional time and access to an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility to address the technical issues. Currently, four crew members remain at the airport, with an expert team from the U.K. expected to arrive soon to assist in the repairs. It is estimated that at least one week will be required to fix the problems, and the aircraft may be moved to Air India's MRO facility for repairs. The jet, operating from the U.K. aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, was conducting routine flights outside the Indian Air Defence Identification Zone when it encountered adverse weather conditions in the Indian Ocean, leading to low fuel and the subsequent emergency landing.
Elections (1)
Bye-Elections 2025: Voting Concludes in Five Assembly Constituencies Across Four States
Bye-elections were conducted in five Assembly constituencies across four states on June 19, 2025. These included Kadi (SC) and Visavadar in Gujarat, Nilambur in Kerala, Ludhiana West in Punjab, and Kaliganj in West Bengal. The Nilambur constituency recorded the highest voter turnout at 73.26%, while Ludhiana West had the lowest at 51.33%. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 23. The by-elections were necessitated by various reasons: the death of sitting BJP MLA Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki in Kadi, the resignation of Bhayani Bhupendrabhai Gandubhai from the Aam Aadmi Party and his subsequent joining of the BJP in Visavadar, the resignation of P.V. Anvar in Nilambur, the death of AAP member Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in Ludhiana West, and the death of Trinamool Congress MLA Nasiruddin Ahamed in Kaliganj. The Election Commission of India implemented several new initiatives for these polls, including a mobile deposit facility for electors, upgraded voter turnout sharing processes, webcasting at all polling stations, and individual mock poll training for Presiding Officers. Additionally, a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the Electoral Rolls was conducted before the by-elections for the first time in nearly two decades.
Miscellaneous (3)
Air India CEO Confirms Maintenance Checks on Crashed Dreamliner Amid Fleet Safety Inspections
Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson addressed the recent Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on June 19, 2025, stating that the aircraft was well-maintained and had undergone its last major check in June 2023, with the next scheduled for December 2025. Both engines were also recently inspected, with the right engine overhauled in March 2025 and the left engine inspected in April 2025. The crash resulted in the loss of 241 passengers and crew members, along with 34 people on the ground. Wilson expressed deep sorrow and assured that Air India is committed to supporting the affected families and cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the tragedy. Following the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered enhanced safety inspections on Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, which includes 26 787-8s and seven 787-9s. As of now, 26 aircraft have been cleared for service, while the remaining are undergoing planned maintenance. Air India has decided to temporarily reduce its international wide-body fleet operations by 15% from June 20 to mid-July 2025 to accommodate additional safety checks and address potential disruptions.
Madras High Court Rules Only Transferor Can Cancel Gift Deeds Under 2007 Act
The Madras High Court ruled on Thursday that revenue authorities cannot cancel gift deeds under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act of 2007 if the application for cancellation is filed by someone other than the transferor. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh emphasized that only the person who transferred the property through a gift deed, settlement, or similar mode can seek its cancellation, provided there is a specific condition in the deed requiring the children to maintain the parents. The court set aside a February 15, 2019, order by the Kallakurichi Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) that canceled a 1997 gift deed executed by a father in favor of his son. The mother had sought cancellation after the father's death, citing the son's failure to care for her. The judge noted that the deed did not include any condition for parental maintenance and highlighted that similar rulings had been made by the Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Calcutta High Courts. However, one Division Bench of the Madras High Court had previously held that the condition for maintenance need not be explicitly stated. Justice Venkatesh disagreed, stating that courts cannot imply conditions not explicitly mentioned in the law or the deed.
Tamil Nadu Introduces Transit Pass System for M-sand and Gravel Transportation
Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar has instructed quarry and crusher unit owners in Tamil Nadu to obtain necessary permissions from the Department of Geology and Mines for the storage and transportation of M-sand and gravel. This directive is in accordance with the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Illegal Mining Transportation and Storage of Minerals and Mineral Dealers Rules, 2011. Starting June 12, a transit pass system will be implemented for the transportation of these materials. Quarry and crusher units are required to register and provide details on the official website, www.mimas.tn.gov.in. Upon successful registration, a free transit pass will be issued, which can be used for the transportation of M-sand and gravel. For further information, applicants can contact the Department of Geology and Mining office located on the Collectorate premises.
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