Important News - 2025-07-13
13 July 2025
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Festivals (1)
National Percussion Festival Concludes with Grand Finale in Kerala
The National Percussion Festival, organized by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, concluded on Sunday with a grand finale that captivated percussion enthusiasts. Held over three days, the festival featured performances by over 1,000 artists, including renowned percussionists like Peruvanam Kuttan Marar and Kalloor Ramankutty. The final day included a stunning Pandi Melam performance by 130 percussionists and a thayambaka performance led by 68 percussionists under 22 masters. A panel discussion titled “Thaalagopurangal: Rhythm and Cultural History” moderated by N.P. Vijayakrishnan was also a highlight. The festival, titled ‘Thathinthakathom,’ was a tribute to tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and attracted nearly 5,000 attendees. Higher Education Minister R. Bindu attended the valedictory function, marking the event as a significant cultural milestone in Kerala.
Heritage (2)
Man Arrested for Stealing from Hundi at Arunachaleswara Temple in Tiruvannamalai
A 41-year-old man, P. Sabarinathan, was arrested for stealing ₹5,000 from a hundi at the Arunachaleswara Temple in Tiruvannamalai town on Sunday. Sabarinathan, a native of Tiruvarur, had been on a pilgrimage to various temples in Tamil Nadu for several weeks. Upon visiting the Arunachaleswara Temple, he noticed the hundis were overflowing with cash due to the large crowds. Pretending to make a donation, he stole the money but was immediately caught by vigilant devotees. The temple authorities and police were alerted, and the stolen cash was recovered. Sabarinathan was arrested and is currently lodged in the sub-jail in Tiruvannamalai. An investigation is ongoing.
Srisailam Temple Cancels Free Sparsha Darshan Due to Heavy Devotee Rush
The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam has witnessed a significant surge in the number of devotees over the past two days, following the lifting of the crest gates of the Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy Srisailam Project. The temple authorities have decided to cancel the free sparsha darshan facility for the entire week starting from July 15 to 18, 2023, due to the heavy rush. The lush green Nallamala forest has become more scenic after the opening of the Srisailam crest gates, attracting a large number of tourists from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. These tourists, along with devotees, have contributed to the weekend rush at the temple. The free sparsha darshan, which allows devotees to touch the Shiva Lingam and receive blessings, was previously available from Tuesday to Friday every week. However, due to the overwhelming number of visitors, only 'alankara darshan' will be allowed for 'sarva darshan' devotees during this period. The temple authorities have urged all visitors to cooperate with the management to ensure a hassle-free darshan experience.
World Affairs (1)
Kerala CM Urges PM Modi to Intervene in Nimisha Priya’s Death Row Case in Yemen
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene with Yemeni authorities to save Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who is on death row in Yemen. In his letter dated Sunday, Mr. Vijayan emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the case, requesting immediate action to prevent Nimisha's execution, scheduled for July 16, 2025. He also attached a previous letter addressed to the Union Minister for External Affairs on March 24, 2025, highlighting the desperate appeals of Nimisha’s aged mother. Nimisha Priya, hailing from Kollengode in Kerala’s Palakkad district, was convicted in 2020 for the murder of her Yemeni business partner in 2017, which she claims was an act of self-defense following severe abuse. According to Yemeni law, clemency can only be secured through blood money, making diplomatic intervention crucial.
Schemes (3)
Congress Government Launches Micro-Industries and Interest-Free Loans for Women's Economic Empowerment
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced the establishment of micro-industries in every Assembly constituency to promote the economic empowerment of women. Speaking at a public meeting in Luxettipet town, Mancherial district, he emphasized the Congress government's commitment to reviving the interest-free loan scheme for women's self-help groups (SHGs). The government has already distributed interest-free loans worth ₹21,600 crore to women's SHGs in the first year. Additionally, a 1MW solar power plant, costing ₹3 crore, was inaugurated for Indira Mahila Shakti women SHGs in Andugulapet village. The government is also considering a special development plan for Adilabad district. Furthermore, 150 buses have been leased to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) by women's SHGs, with plans to lease 450 more soon.
Andhra Pradesh Rejects Power Tariff Hike; Focuses on Green Energy and Welfare Schemes
Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar has ruled out any increase in power tariffs, reaffirming the NDA government’s commitment to public welfare. Speaking during the ‘Suparipalanalo Tholi Adugu’ door-to-door outreach program in Kadapa district, Ravi Kumar criticized the previous YSRCP government for leaving the power sector burdened with a debt of over ₹1.30 lakh crore. He highlighted the TDP government’s achievement of adding 7,000 MW of solar power during 2014-19, contrasting it with the YSRCP’s failure to generate any solar power during its tenure. The Minister emphasized the coalition government’s focus on green energy projects, particularly in the Rayalaseema region, to attract investments and create employment opportunities. He urged residents to benefit from Central schemes like PM Suryagarh and PM Kusum. During a review meeting with Badvel TDP in-charge Ritesh Reddy, Ravi Kumar discussed the progress of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), including the construction of substations, agricultural power connections, and transformer distribution. He stressed the importance of uninterrupted power supply, directing officials to ensure nine-hour daytime electricity for farmers and 24-hour power for households and industries. The Minister also highlighted the fulfillment of manifesto promises, such as the Deepam scheme providing free gas cylinders, ₹10,000 crore deposited under Thalliki Vandanam, free bus travel for women starting August 15, and ₹20,000 for farmers under Annadata Sukhibhava.
₹30 Lakh Scholarships Awarded to 400 Brahmin Students in Vizianagaram
On Sunday, the Brahmana Samskshema Samakhya organized a program in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, where ₹30 lakh worth of scholarships were distributed to nearly 400 meritorious Brahmin students. The event was attended by Rambhatla Venkata Rao, Vice-Chancellor of India International University of Legal Education–Goa, who emphasized the importance of timely financial assistance in enabling students to pursue higher education and achieve success. He praised the efforts of Samakhya honorary president D.V. Srikanth, president V.V. Ramana Murthy, and programme chairman Dhavala Venkata Rao for their consistent support to the Brahmin community over the years. Senior auditor Ramjee, vice-president Bhradwaja Chakravarthy, and other members were also present at the event.
Politics (1)
Ramesh Chennithala Demands Probe into Alleged Irregularities in Anert Solar Projects
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has raised serious allegations of massive irregularities in the implementation of solar power projects by the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert) under the Thiruvananthapuram Smart City project. He has called for a forensic audit of Anert’s finances over the past five years and a simultaneous probe by a committee of the Kerala State Legislative Assembly to investigate the alleged corruption. Chennithala highlighted significant price discrepancies in solar projects of comparable capacity implemented by different private firms. For instance, a 60 kW project at the Directorate of Technical Education cost ₹38.39 lakh, while a similar project at the Institute of Land and Disaster Management cost ₹25.2 lakh, a difference of ₹13.19 lakh. Similarly, a 50 kW project at the Public Works Department cost ₹33.31 lakh, whereas a similar project at the Directorate of Backward Classes cost ₹19.06 lakh, a difference of ₹14.25 lakh. Chennithala also pointed out irregularities in appointments, including the case of a former executive assistant of Anert CEO Narendra Nath Veluri, who was employed by a major consultant of Anert at a high salary and reassigned to Anert on deputation the next day. He accused Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty and the Anert CEO of involvement in these irregularities and demanded a clarification from the Minister. Earlier this month, Chennithala had also called for an investigation into alleged irregularities in the ₹240 crore tender for the installation of solar pumps under the PM Kusum scheme.
Ranks & Reports (1)
Kerala Studies 2.0 Reveals Decline in Illnesses but Rise in Healthcare Costs
A recent study titled 'Kerala Studies 2.0', released by the Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) on July 13, highlights significant changes in Kerala's socio-economic and health landscape between 2004 and 2019. The study reveals that the number of people falling sick per 1,000 population decreased from 79 in 2004 to 74 in 2019, attributed to fewer infectious disease outbreaks. However, the cost of medical treatment per episode surged from ₹17 in 1987 to ₹234 in 2019, with annual per capita medical expenses rising from ₹89 to ₹678. This increase is linked to the rise in lifestyle diseases and higher life expectancy. The study also notes improved public health facilities, which helped stabilize treatment costs between 2004 and 2019. Additionally, Kerala is transitioning into a middle-class-dominated society, with a 356.6% increase in the cost of consumer durables and a rise in households with air-conditioners from 1% to 10%. The study was conducted by a team led by public health expert K.P. Aravindan and data collection was overseen by T.P. Kunhikannan, former State president of KSSP. Former Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac released the report by handing over a copy to science activist K. Sreedharan.
Miscellaneous (3)
Kolkata Police Forms SIT to Investigate Rape Case at IIM-C Campus
On July 11, 2025, the Kolkata Police formed a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged rape of a mental health counsellor by a student at the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C). The accused, Premanand Mahaveer Toppanavar, a 26-year-old student, was arrested on July 10, 2025, and charged under sections 64 (punishment for rape) and 123 (causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. The survivor alleged that she was raped after losing consciousness following a meeting with the accused at the Lake View hostel on the IIM-C campus. The Kolkata Police have requested CCTV footage from the institute, and the West Bengal Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident. This case follows another alleged sexual assault at the South Calcutta Law College, raising concerns about women's safety in educational institutions.
Delivery Executive Assaulted for Obeying Traffic Rules in Bengaluru
The Basaveshwara Nagar police have registered a case of assault against three individuals who allegedly attacked a 35-year-old delivery executive, Prema Ram, for not making way at a traffic signal on Saturday night. The incident occurred around 11.50 p.m. at the Modi signal in Rajajinagar. Prema Ram, who was returning home after work, had stopped his scooter and waited for the signal to turn green, adhering to traffic rules. The accused, who were riding triple on a scooter, approached from behind and demanded he move. When Prema Ram refused, citing the short duration of the signal, the trio, reportedly intoxicated, physically assaulted him, leaving him with facial injuries. Passersby intervened by shouting for the police, prompting the attackers to flee. The Hoysala patrol arrived shortly after and took Prema Ram to KC General Hospital for treatment. He later filed a complaint with the Basaveshwara Nagar police, who are now investigating the incident using CCTV footage.
Tragic Drowning of Three Students in Tungabhadra River at Mantralayam
On Saturday evening, three young students tragically drowned in the Tungabhadra River near Mantralayam. The victims, Sachin (20), Pramod (20), and Ajith (19), were part of a group of seven students who had visited Mantralayam for a pilgrimage. They had traveled by train on Friday morning and visited several temples, including the Manchalamma temple and Raghavendra Swamy’s Brindavanam. After vacating their lodging at 4 p.m., they went to the Tungabhadra riverbank before heading to the railway station. Sachin slipped into the water, and his friends attempted to rescue him but were also swept away by the strong current. A fourth student, Raghunath, tried to help but was rescued by locals. The bodies were recovered on Sunday morning, and post-mortems were conducted before being handed over to the families.
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