Current Affairs - State

The Union Cabinet approved three metro rail projects worth Rs 30,765 crore on Friday, including two corridors of Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-3 (BMRP) worth Rs 15,611 crore, set to be operational by 2029, and the Swargate-to-Katraj Underground Line Extension of the existing PCMC-Swargate Metro Line of the Pune Metro Phase-I project worth Rs 12,200 crore operational by 2029. Additionally, the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project Corridor was approved with an estimated cost of Rs 12,200 crore to be funded by various sources, including the Government of India, Maharashtra, and private investments. This development aims to enhance urban connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and promote economic growth in Karnataka and Maharashtra, addressing the need for efficient and reliable public transportation systems in these regions.

ULFA (Independent), an outlawed group, has claimed responsibility for placing 24 bombs across Assam. These bombings occurred in various districts, including Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Darrang, Golaghat, and Tinsukia. As of now, no bombs have been recovered by the security forces. Bomb disposal squads are actively searching for explosives in the affected areas, and security forces, including police and military, are on alert. The group's email asserts that the lack of explosions was due to "technical failure," but this claim has not been officially confirmed by the government or other authorities.

The Election Commission plans to hold 47 by-polls in one go due to logistical reasons, as stated by Chief Election Rajiv Kumar. The decision to hold the elections in one phase was influenced by recent landslides and floods, particularly in Kerala’s Wayanad, where the Lok Sabha seat is affected. The bypolls are scheduled to take place within six months, following a period during which vacancies arose from resignations and disqualifications, such as those in Uttar Pradesh. The Commission is waiting for improved weather conditions to proceed with the elections across the affected areas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the announcement of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly election, which was a significant development following the revocation of Article 370. He emphasized it as a crucial step towards strengthening democracy and fostering development in the region, emphasizing a new era of governance under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Additionally, Shah welcomed polls in Haryana, attributing the last decade's progress to the BJP government's initiatives, including job creation and welfare schemes. The elections in Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana are significant milestones in the political landscape of India, reflecting the government's efforts to consolidate its position in these states.

In Maharashtra, the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides financial assistance of Rs 1500 per month for a year to single women aged 18-40, has faced criticism over its high publicity costs. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has raised concerns that Rs 199.81 crore is being spent on promoting this scheme, despite only a few women receiving the first instalment. The state government's spokesperson defended the expenditure as necessary for public awareness, citing past practices where similar sums were allocated for schemes like Maharashtra's Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Maharashtra Nirmulan Vikas Yojana. Wadettiwar's comments highlight the tension over government resource allocation, questioning the prioritisation of funds for advertising rather than direct aid.