Important News - 2025-06-21
21 June 2025
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Schemes (5)
Kerala Education Minister Highlights Vacant Plus One Seats and Educational Reforms
Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty announced that 1,13,476 Plus One seats are vacant across Kerala after the main allotment process. Speaking in Kozhikode, he revealed that 71,258 seats remained unfilled in the aided sector, with 87,659 students applying for the next round of allotment. Additionally, he highlighted the availability of thousands of seats in the unaided sector. The Minister’s statement comes amidst protests by UDF-affiliated organizations demanding more Plus One seats due to insufficient availability for students. Sivankutty also discussed the revised mid-day meal scheme, emphasizing that the menu is determined based on calorie and cost calculations by a dedicated committee. He suggested leveraging local bodies, CSR funds, PTAs, alumni, and the public to introduce millet breakfasts in schools, citing that 2,200 schools have already implemented this initiative. Furthermore, he proposed establishing vegetable gardens in schools to reduce vegetable procurement costs. The Minister outlined the progress of the ‘Samagra Gunamenma Padhathi,’ with training for public sector heads of institutions set to conclude by July 15 and cluster-level training for teachers beginning on July 19. This project aims to set a 30% cut-off mark for students in classes 5 to 9 and provide targeted training to ensure syllabus quality. Additionally, special textbooks for hearing-impaired students will be released on June 30.
Karnataka to Implement AI-Driven Facial Recognition Attendance System in Schools from 2025-26
The Karnataka government has announced the implementation of a 'Mobile-based AI-Driven Facial Recognition Attendance System' in all government and aided schools across the state, starting from the academic year 2025-26. This initiative, aimed at ensuring accurate daily attendance records of students, will cover 52,686 schools, including 46,460 government and 6,226 aided institutions, benefiting a total of 52,55,738 students. The system uses an Advanced Vector-Based Facial Recognition Engine to capture and encrypt students' facial data into unique IDs, ensuring privacy and security. Additionally, it will help monitor the implementation of government schemes such as midday meals, egg distribution, and provision of shoes and socks. The Department of School Education and Literacy conducted a successful pilot project in Uttara Kannada district in 2024, leading to statewide adoption. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted this initiative in his 16th State Budget under the 'Nirantara' programme, emphasizing its role in improving transparency and efficiency in student-focused programmes.
Karnataka Proposes Rohith Vemula Bill to Safeguard Education Rights and Dignity
The Karnataka government has proposed the Karnataka Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) (Right to Education and Dignity) Bill, 2025, to be introduced in the monsoon session of the legislature. This bill aims to safeguard the right to education and dignity for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minorities. It ensures equal access to education in universities under the Department of Higher Education in the state. Violations of the law will result in one year of imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000 for the person in charge of the institution, along with the withdrawal of government financial aid. The bill also proposes compensation of up to ₹1 lakh for victims of discrimination. Additionally, the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, and the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, were discussed in the Cabinet. The former proposes three years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 for hate crimes, while the latter imposes up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹10 lakh for spreading fake news. Special courts will be established for faster trials of these offenses.
Government Sanctions ₹54 Crore for Smart Revenue Offices Project
The government has approved an administrative sanction of ₹54 crore for the Smart Revenue Offices Project, aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and services of revenue offices across various levels. The project will focus on constructing and renovating smart revenue offices, including Collectorates, revenue divisional offices, subcollector offices, taluk offices, and village offices, to ensure efficient delivery of both online and offline revenue services. The initiative is divided into five components: construction of smart village offices, renovation of other revenue offices, related works, Revenue Bhavan, and Pattaya Mission. A special working group has mandated that the project adhere to the cost estimates prepared using the PRICE software as per the Delhi Schedule of Rates, 2021. Out of the total sanctioned amount, ₹41 crore is allocated for the first three components, ₹10 crore for Revenue Bhavan, and ₹3 crore for Pattaya Mission. This project is expected to significantly improve public service delivery and operational efficiency in revenue administration.
Telangana Formulates State-Specific Guidelines for Direct Selling Sector
The Government of Telangana is developing state-specific monitoring guidelines for the direct selling sector to enhance consumer protection and regulatory oversight. This initiative, spearheaded by D.S. Chauhan, Commissioner of the Civil Supplies Department, builds upon the Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules, 2021, introduced by the Government of India. With the rapid growth of the direct selling sector, Telangana aims to establish a locally tailored framework to regulate business practices, ensure consumer safety, and prevent exploitation. A consultative meeting was recently held involving key departments such as Industries & Commerce, Commercial Taxes, Legal Metrology, Drugs Control, Excise, Preventive Medicine, and Police, along with representatives from national industry bodies like the Association of Direct Selling Entities of India (ADSEI), the Federation of Indian Direct Selling Industries (FIDSI), and the Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA). During the meeting, Mr. Chauhan emphasized that consumer safety is a constitutional responsibility and that the guidelines are designed to promote transparency, accountability, and trust in the direct selling ecosystem while strengthening regulatory oversight and safeguarding consumer rights.
Politics (4)
AIOBCSA Demands Inclusion of Telangana BC Bills in Ninth Schedule of Constitution
The All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA) organized a protest at the Arts College in Osmania University on Saturday, demanding the inclusion of Telangana’s Backward Classes (BC) reservation bills in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. The demonstration, titled ‘BC Satyagraha’, is part of a broader campaign advocating for 42% reservations for BCs in the state. AIOBCSA national president G. Kiran Kumar emphasized that the demand stems from a century-long social justice movement led by bahujans and is crucial for ensuring fair representation of BCs in governance. The association criticized the Telangana government for its inaction on the issue. AIOBCSA national secretary B. Mahesh Goud highlighted the unity and determination of students across Telangana, warning that the agitation could escalate to Delhi if necessary. The protest saw participation from various public figures, including retired IAS officer T. Chiranjeevulu, retired DGP Poornachandra Rao, and other social justice activists. The AIOBCSA plans to continue the campaign with similar protests in various districts across Telangana in the coming days.
Raj Bhavan Denies Seeking Central Forces for Governor’s Security Amid Protests
Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Kerala, issued a statement on Saturday dismissing media reports that it had sought protection from Central forces for Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The reports had emerged in the context of protests against the Governor by certain youth and student organizations. Raj Bhavan clarified that there was no such proposal or plan, and it firmly denied any direct or indirect threat to the Governor. The statement emphasized that the Governor has full confidence in the Kerala Police, praising their commitment to duty and efficiency in maintaining security. Raj Bhavan also criticized the media for spreading baseless stories and urged them to refrain from misleading the public with speculative reports.
Karnataka Bike Taxi Riders Protest Ban, Demand Policy Framework
On Saturday, over 5,000 bike taxi riders from various districts of Karnataka, including Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Davangere, Tumakuru, Bengaluru South, and Shivamogga, gathered in front of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru to stage a peaceful protest against the ban on bike taxi services. The protestors demanded the formulation of a proper policy framework to regulate and allow the operation of bike taxis in the state. They highlighted that the ban has left approximately 6 lakh riders unemployed, severely impacting their livelihoods. Many riders, such as Asif Ali and Ravi, shared personal stories of financial hardship, with earnings dropping significantly since the ban. The protestors emphasized that bike taxis are a crucial part of the state’s transport system and provide employment to thousands. They also pointed out that 19 other states in India already have policies in place for bike taxis, enabling them to operate safely and efficiently. The riders urged the government to address safety and regulation concerns while allowing them to resume work. A Karnataka High Court hearing on this issue is scheduled for June 24, and the riders are hopeful for a favorable outcome.
MEA Clears Priyank Kharge's U.S. Visit After Initial Denial and Delay
Karnataka’s Minister for Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, has finally received clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for his official visit to the United States. This decision comes after the MEA initially denied his application on May 15, 2024. Kharge had planned to travel from June 14 to June 27 to participate in two major global forums and hold 25 official meetings with top companies, universities, and institutions to promote collaborations and investments. After being denied permission, Kharge sought an explanation and criticized the decision. On June 16, the MEA reversed its stance and granted clearance, 36 days after his initial application and five days after his scheduled departure. Kharge questioned the delay and the motives behind the initial rejection, suggesting possible political interference. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the timing of the clearance, as the key events he was to attend were either over or nearing completion.
Awards (1)
Meenakshi Raghavan Nambiar Trust Awards ₹20 Lakh Scholarships to 34 Students
On June 21, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, a judge of the Kerala High Court, distributed scholarships worth ₹20 lakh to 34 students at a function held in Kozhikode. The scholarships were instituted by the Meenakshi Raghavan Nambiar Trust, established by former High Court judge R. Basant and his siblings in memory of their mother. The trust annually provides financial assistance to students from economically disadvantaged sections of society. During the event, two teachers were also honoured with outstanding awards. The function was attended by R. Jeswant, chairman of the Trust; Raghenth Basant, managing trustee; and patrons Sabita Sreekumaran and Mr. Basant.
Heritage (1)
Revival of Kathakali Legacy at Cheliya Kathakali Vidyalayam
Four years after the passing of Padma Shri Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair, his great-nephew Kalamandalam Premkumar is reviving his legacy at the Cheliya Kathakali Vidyalayam in Koyilandy. Founded 42 years ago by the maestro, the school offers free training in Kathakali and Bharatanatyam to over 300 students, including disciplines like Kathakali Sangeetham, Chenda, Maddalam, Keralanadanam, and Chutti (Kathakali makeup). The school, which receives financial assistance from the Union government, has seen an increasing number of girls enrolling, breaking the male-dominated tradition of Kathakali. To counter the declining presence of Kathakali in Malabar, the school organizes the annual Kathakali Padana Shibiram (Kathakali learning workshop) during April and May. Students like Thanmayi Renjith and Anagha M.S. have been inspired to pursue the art form, despite its intricate and challenging nature. Guru Chemancheri, who passed away in March 2021 at the age of 104, is remembered for his extraordinary contributions to Kathakali.
Miscellaneous (1)
Man Arrested for Sexual Harassment on Kerala State Bus
A 29-year-old man named Savad, hailing from Vadakara in Kozhikode, was arrested for allegedly misbehaving with a woman on a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus bound for Malappuram. The incident occurred on June 14, 2024, in Thrissur. According to the victim's complaint, the accused touched her with sexual intent and behaved inappropriately. When she protested, Savad alighted the bus midway and fled. The East Police launched a manhunt and arrested Savad from Tamil Nadu on Friday, June 21, 2024. He was charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 75 (sexual harassment). Notably, Savad had been previously arrested and jailed in 2022 for a similar offense in Ernakulam district, where he was accused of flashing and misbehaving with a woman on a moving bus. His release on bail in the earlier case had sparked widespread criticism after he was accorded a reception by the All Kerala Men’s Association.
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