Current Affairs - State

Himachal Pradesh Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania has announced that Zero Hour will be introduced in the state assembly after establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs). This move aims to allow urgent public interest issues to be raised and discussed, with the Speaker having discretion over the issues addressed and responses provided. This development is expected to enhance the assembly's functioning and promote more effective representation of public interests.

The Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2024, was passed to prevent unauthorized developments and ease property registration for small landowners. The law aims to regulate illegal colonies, imposing strict penalties for violations, and is considered crucial for public welfare by the Chief Minister. This legislation demonstrates Punjab's efforts to address the issue of illegal colonies and promote orderly development.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has inaugurated a significant Rs 1,347 crore water supply project aimed at providing drinking water from the Sone River to Aurangabad, Dehri, and Sasaram. This project is expected to be completed in two years. Alongside this, Kumar has also launched several other projects, including a state industrial training institute and tech labs, and has allocated funds to various self-help groups. This initiative highlights the state’s commitment to improving infrastructure and public services.

The West Bengal Assembly passed the groundbreaking Aparajita Woman and Child Bill, making significant amendments to central laws related to rape and sexual crimes. This bill introduces severe penalties, including the death penalty for rape cases that result in death or leave the victim in a vegetative state. Additionally, it mandates life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for other rape convictions. West Bengal is the first state in India to take such a decisive step in amending central laws concerning rape, gang rape, and sexual crimes against children, setting a precedent for others to follow.

Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to establish itself as a technological powerhouse by investing $4 billion in developing global technology hubs. The five selected cities - Noida, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj - will specialize in various areas such as IT, AI, drones, robotics, and Engineering Research and Development (ER&D), positioning Uttar Pradesh as a key player in India's technological growth.