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Unplanned Urbanization Spurs Water Crisis in Bengaluru, IISc Study Reveals

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An in-depth study conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) sheds light on the alarming consequences of unplanned urbanization in Bengaluru, with concrete structures engulfing 93% of the city’s landscape. Over the past five decades, the city has witnessed a staggering 1055% increase in built-up areas, accompanied by a 79% decline in water spread areas and an 88% loss of vegetation. This uncontrolled urban expansion has led to severe water scarcity, exacerbating existing challenges such as air pollution and resource inequity. According to Prof. TV Ramachandra from IISc’s Centre for Ecological Sciences, the dwindling water spread area, which has plummeted from 2,324 hectares in 1973 to just 696 hectares in 2023, is a primary contributor to the depletion of the groundwater table. The study highlights the detrimental impact of encroachment and pollution on Bengaluru’s water bodies, with 98% of lakes encroached upon and 90% receiving untreated sewage or industrial effluents. This degradation has hindered groundwater recharge, exacerbating the city’s water woes. Ramachandra also underscores the adverse effects of vanishing green cover on air quality and temperature regulation, emphasizing that the city’s current tree population is insufficient to sequester respiratory carbon. Remote sensing data reveals a stark reality: only 1.5 million trees support a population of 9.5 million in Bengaluru, indicating a critical imbalance between green cover and urbanization. To address these pressing concerns, IISc has developed the Bangalore Information System (BUiS) and Bangalore Lakes Information System (BLIS), providing researchers and policymakers with essential tools to visualize urban dynamics, tree distribution, and ecologically sensitive areas. The system aims to raise awareness about the adverse effects of rapid urbanization and facilitate informed decision-making to mitigate its impacts. As Bengaluru grapples with its evolving urban landscape, the findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable urban planning strategies to safeguard natural resources, mitigate pollution, and promote ecological resilience in the face of rapid urban expansion.  

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Tamil Nadu Farmers Profit from Government-backed Bio Fish Tanks

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In 2023, the Fisheries Department of Tamil Nadu introduced Bio Fish Tanks, revolutionizing fish farming for local farmers. These tanks, subsidized by the government, have enabled farmers like Sebastiyar from Thirukkanur Patti village in Thanjavur district to rear fish at low costs. Sebastiyar shared insights into this innovative venture, highlighting the assistance provided by the Fisheries Department in setting up bio fish tanks using tarpaulin. With adequate training, farmers optimize water usage for fish growth, a crucial aspect of sustainable farming. While Sebastiyar noted that bio fish tanks may not be universally profitable, he emphasized their suitability for small-scale businesses. Each tank can accommodate around 450 fish, but with two tanks, Sebastiyar can rear up to 1000 fish at a time. The tanks are specifically designed for Tilapia or Jalebi Fish and lobster, known for their nutritional value and economic viability. One key advantage of bio fish tanks is their protective covering, shielding fish from predators like crows and cranes, a feature not feasible in traditional water bodies. Sebastiyar’s success in fish sales underscores the practical benefits of this scheme, attracting customers from nearby villages. To participate, individuals must visit their district’s Fisheries Department office, submit necessary documents, and qualify for subsidies ranging from 40% for men to 60% for women. Through Bio Fish Tanks, Tamil Nadu’s farmers are not only boosting their incomes but also contributing to sustainable aquaculture practices, paving the way for a thriving agricultural sector.  

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Pew Report Highlights Surge in Support for Strong Leader Governance, India Among Nations Seeing Significant Uptick

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As elections loom in various nations, a recent Pew Research Center survey underscores a notable trend: a growing appeal for strong leader governance, challenging the traditional framework of representative democracy. Released on February 28, the survey reveals that support for authoritarian leadership has surged in several countries since 2017, with India among those witnessing a significant uptick. While representative democracy remains widely favored, with 77 percent across 24 democratic countries labeling it as “good,” dissatisfaction with its functioning within their own countries is evident, with a median of 59 percent expressing discontent. The survey coincides with a pivotal year for democracies globally, with elections scheduled in over 50 nations, including India’s Lok Sabha elections and the US presidential election in November. India stands out with the highest level of endorsement for a strong leader model, with 67 percent of respondents viewing it favorably, marking a notable increase of 12 percent since 2017. Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoys a commendable 79 percent favorability rating, ranking third globally. Across Europe, individuals supporting right-wing populist parties exhibit a greater inclination toward authoritarianism. In Germany, for instance, 37 percent of those favoring the Alternative for Germany party express support for non-democratic governance. Support for authoritarian leadership tends to be more pronounced among individuals with lower education and income levels, as well as those leaning ideologically rightward. Notably, poorer nations show higher support for autocratic regimes, including military rule. Mexico stands out with a remarkable 23 percent surge in support for a strong leader since 2017, alongside increased support for democracy. The United States, despite its status as the wealthiest nation, exhibits noteworthy backing for autocratic systems, with 15 percent endorsing military rule and 26 percent favoring a strong leader model. Overall, while support for authoritarianism has increased in several countries, military rule remains the least favored form of government globally, with only a median of 15 percent expressing support across surveyed nations.

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Nepal’s Political Landscape Shifts as Maoist Centre-Nepali Congress Coalition Crumbles

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The political landscape in Nepal witnessed a seismic shift as the coalition government between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) and the Nepali Congress, led by Sheh Bahadur Deuba, collapsed. Former Finance Minister Surendra Pandey announced on Facebook that Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal would swear in a new council of ministers on Monday, ushering in a fresh coalition government. The new coalition, dubbed the Left Alliance, will comprise four political parties: the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) under Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal’s leadership, the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and the Janata Samajbadi Party. Prime Minister Dahal, known for his political maneuvering, is set to retain his position, with ministers recommended by the coalition parties expected to join the new cabinet. The collapse of the Maoist Centre-Nepali Congress coalition was precipitated by a dispute over the chairmanship of the National Assembly. The Maoist Centre’s decision to contest for the position sparked tensions with the Nepali Congress, leading to the dissolution of the fragile alliance. Despite previous assurances from Prime Minister Dahal to support the Nepali Congress in the National Assembly chairmanship election, the Maoist Centre opted to field its candidate, exacerbating the rift between the two parties. The upcoming election for the National Assembly Chairman, scheduled for March 12, has intensified political tensions, with parties vying for control over key positions in Nepal’s legislative bodies. As Nepal navigates through this period of political turbulence, the realignment of alliances and the pursuit of power dynamics within the government underscore the challenges of maintaining stability in the Himalayan nation.

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Government Employees Prepare for Indefinite Strike Demanding Restoration of Old Pension Scheme

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A consortium of trade unions and associations representing approximately 28 lakh Union government employees, including those from the Railways and Central Public Sector Undertakings, along with over three crore employees and teachers from state governments, is gearing up for an indefinite strike starting May 1. The primary demand behind the strike is the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in place of the current National Pension Scheme (NPS). The decision to proceed with the strike was unanimously taken by the steering committee of the Joint Forum For Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS), which plans to serve strike notices to respective administrations on March 19. Shiv Gopal Mishra, the Convener of JFROPS and General Secretary of All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF), stated that talks with the Centre regarding the issue had collapsed, leading to the decision for the strike. Despite repeated protests, letters to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, and discussions in Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) meetings, the government has neglected their demands. Ahead of the strike call, strike ballots were conducted in Railways, various departments, and PSUs under the Centre, with unions claiming nearly 100% support from employees. General Secretary of All India Defence Employees Federation, C. Srikumar, expressed discontent over the government’s insensitivity towards their genuine grievances. He noted the disparity in treatment, citing the recommendation of defined and guaranteed pension for judges by the Judicial Pay Commission while government employees continue to face the uncertainty of the National Pension Scheme. Mishra emphasized that the strike was necessitated by the government’s indifference to their demands, and all unions except the pro-government Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will participate. Regarding the timing of serving the strike notice amidst the possibility of the model code of conduct for general elections, Mishra highlighted the importance of the OPS issue and urged for its discussion during elections, even if the model code of conduct is in effect. He expressed hope that the government would address their demands, considering the significant impact on millions of lives.

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PM Modi Confident of BJP’s Victory in Upcoming Lok Sabha Polls, Eyes Third Term

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed unwavering confidence on Monday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would secure victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, paving the way for the commencement of his government’s third term in June. During the launch event of more than 2,000 railway infrastructure projects valued at over Rs 41,000 crore, PM Modi highlighted the rapid pace of development projects initiated across the nation under his administration. He emphasized the transformative changes witnessed in the railways, including the introduction of Vande Bharat trains, symbolizing the progress made by India in the past decade. PM Modi’s optimism about the BJP’s electoral prospects was palpable as he reiterated his earlier prediction of winning a significant number of seats in the Lok Sabha. He projected that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure over 400 seats, with the BJP alone clinching at least 370 seats. PM Modi underscored that his government’s third term would witness significant decisions and lay the foundation for India’s prosperity over the next millennium. Addressing the youth directly, PM Modi assured them that their aspirations were integral to his vision for the nation. He emphasized that India now aspires for greatness and tirelessly strives to realize its ambitions, with the synergy of the youth’s dreams and hard work alongside his unwavering determination, ensuring a prosperous future for the country. In his speech, PM Modi painted a picture of a resurgent India poised for remarkable economic growth, firmly asserting that his tenure would usher in an era where India emerges as the world’s third-largest economic power. He reaffirmed his commitment to building a developed India, asserting that the aspirations of the nation’s citizens would be met under his leadership.

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Farmer Leaders Reject Centre’s Proposal, Continue ‘Delhi Chalo’ Agitation

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Farmer leaders involved in the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation have rejected the Indian government’s proposal to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at minimum support prices (MSP) for five years. They have announced their intention to march towards the national capital on Wednesday, emphasizing that the proposal does not address their demands for MSP based on the ‘C-2 plus 50 per cent’ formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission report. The rejection came after discussions within farmer forums, with leaders asserting that the proposal is not in the interest of farmers. They highlighted concerns about the limited scope of the proposal, which focuses on diversification rather than providing MSP for all crops. Additionally, farmer representatives expressed skepticism about the government’s calculations regarding the financial burden of implementing MSP guarantees. Emphasizing their commitment to peaceful protest, the farmer leaders reiterated their demand for MSP on all 23 crops and criticized the government’s failure to address their longstanding grievances. They called for solidarity among farmers and extended an open invitation to join the agitation. The rejection of the proposal underscores the ongoing impasse between the government and farmers regarding agricultural reforms. Despite assurances from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, farmer leaders expressed frustration over the lack of progress in resolving issues related to barricades and security measures along state borders. Amid concerns about internet shutdowns affecting students and allegations of excessive force by security personnel, farmer leaders reiterated their commitment to non-violent protest. They urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue and address their demands promptly to avoid further escalation of tensions. The ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation, initiated to press for various demands including MSP guarantees, pension for farmers, and justice for victims of past violence, continues to draw attention to the challenges facing India’s agricultural sector. As farmer leaders stand firm in their demands, the path forward remains uncertain, with implications for both farmers’ livelihoods and the government’s handling of agrarian reforms.    

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Chhattisgarh Government Reinstates E-Permits for Coal Transportation, Ending Controversial Manual System

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The Chhattisgarh government has announced the reinstatement of e-permits for coal transportation, marking the end of a controversial manual system that had resulted in extortions and legal troubles for officials. This decision comes following the revelation of irregularities and corruption in the previous manual process. Under the previous Congress regime, changes were made to the clearance norms for coal transportation, which led to the implementation of a manual system for issuing no-objection certificates (NOC) for coal transportation. However, the lack of a proper procedure for this manual system created loopholes that were exploited for corrupt practices. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressed the Assembly, highlighting the drawbacks of the offline process, including delays and corrupt practices. He emphasized that the restoration of e-permits will streamline coal transportation, benefiting both the industry and the government. The manual system had facilitated extortion of illegal coal levy, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) estimating the scam to be over Rs 450 crore. The ED’s investigation revealed the involvement of senior bureaucrats, businessmen, politicians, and middlemen in the extortion racket. Thirty-five individuals, including sitting legislator Devendra Yadav, suspended IAS officers Sameer Bishnoi and Ranu Sahu, and other prominent figures, have been named as accused in the coal levy scam. The majority of the accused, including the two IAS officers, have been arrested, underlining the severity of the corruption allegations. Chhattisgarh, being a significant coal-producing state, recorded substantial coal output last year, further emphasizing the importance of ensuring transparent and efficient transportation processes. The reinstatement of e-permits is expected to not only expedite coal transportation but also curb corrupt practices, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for both the coal industry and the state’s governance.  

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PM Modi Claims BJP Govt Generated 1.5 Times More Jobs Than Predecessor

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his government has created 1.5 times more employment opportunities in its tenure compared to the preceding administration’s 10 years. Speaking at a Rozgar Mela program where over one lakh youngsters received recruitment letters for government jobs via video conference, Modi criticized the former government for prolonged recruitment processes, which he argued fostered corruption. Modi highlighted his government’s commitment to transparency and expeditious recruitment procedures, aiming to provide equal opportunities for all based on merit and hard work. He emphasized the belief among young Indians that they can secure positions within the government system through talent and dedication. The prime minister pointed to initiatives such as the rooftop solar power scheme for one crore homes and substantial investments in infrastructure as significant contributors to job creation. India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, with over 1.25 lakh startups, was also lauded by Modi for generating employment across the country, even in smaller cities. Additionally, Modi outlined government support for startups, including tax rebates and a Rs 1 lakh crore fund for research and innovation, aiming to further stimulate job growth. Critiquing previous administrations for neglecting the railway sector and failing to meet public expectations, Modi underscored ongoing transformations in the industry. He inaugurated the phase I foundation stone of the integrated complex “Karmayogi Bhavan,” aimed at fostering collaboration and synergy among various components of ‘Mission Karmayogi.’ The newly recruited individuals will join various ministries and departments, marking a step forward in the government’s efforts to address unemployment and promote inclusive growth.  

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Champai Soren-Led JMM-Congress Government Triumphs in Jharkhand Assembly Trust Vote

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The Champai Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress coalition government emerged victorious in the trust vote held in the Jharkhand assembly. The ruling alliance secured 47 votes, including that of a nominated member, out of the 81-member House, while the opposition NDA alliance received 29 votes. The floor test became necessary following the recent swearing-in of the new government under Champai Soren, succeeding Hemant Soren, who resigned after facing arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering land scam case. Present in the House during the proceedings, Soren accused the Jharkhand governor CP Radhakrishnan of involvement in his arrest, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the incident in the country. Addressing the assembly, Soren emphasized the safety concerns of tribals and Dalits under the current regime, vowing to return stronger and thwart opposition conspiracies. Despite being in custody for a money laundering case, Soren asserted his determination to serve the people of Jharkhand. During the floor test debate, Soren accused the BJP of utilizing central agencies to target his predecessor, framing him in the case. He labeled the BJP’s actions as attempts to destabilize a democratically elected government. Reacting to the government’s triumph in the trust vote, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed confidence in the coalition’s strength, citing the support of 47 MLAs and declaring the failure of any opposition tactics.

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