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| Jan 01, 1970 | Daily Report |
| RISING BHARAT | News Count (103005) | |
2711. Railway Minister Highlights Major Infrastructure Boost for Jammu & Kashmir in Budget 2025-26
- On February 3, 2025, the Union Railway Minister announced a budget allocation of ₹844 crore for Jammu & Kashmir’s railway infrastructure. Addressing the media via a video conference from Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, the minister highlighted the government’s commitment to improving rail connectivity in the region.
- He confirmed that all testing for the Katra-Srinagar railway line has been completed, with commercial operations set to begin soon. The redevelopment of Jammu Railway Station is also underway, ensuring direct connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The minister further emphasized the completion of 344 km of railway electrification, making J&K 100% electrified since 2014.
- Additionally, four major railway stations—Budgam, Jammu Tawi, Katra, and Udhampur—are being developed as ‘Amrit Stations’ at a total cost of ₹292.5 crore to enhance passenger amenities. Since 2014, 135 km of new railway tracks have been constructed in J&K, significantly improving accessibility. The minister reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to modernizing railway infrastructure, boosting regional connectivity, and driving economic growth in the Union Territory.
2712. Arunachal Pradesh gets 46 new sanitation vehicles flagged off in Itanagar to boost waste management
- On February 3, 2025, Arunachal Pradesh’s Urban Affairs Minister, Balo Raja, flagged off 46 new municipal garbage vehicles at the Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre in Itanagar. The initiative, undertaken under the Swachh Bharat Kosh (SBK), aims to improve waste collection and disposal efficiency in urban towns across the state.
- The event was attended by Itanagar MLA and Advisor to the Urban Affairs Minister. Minister emphasized that these new vehicles would significantly strengthen sanitation infrastructure, contributing to cleaner and healthier cities. He also urged citizens to actively participate in waste segregation and disposal to maintain urban cleanliness.
- The initiative aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The Urban Minister thanked Chief Minister for his commitment to urban development and reiterated the government’s vision for a cleaner and greener Arunachal Pradesh.
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2713. Tripura CM unveils grand 40-foot Saraswati idol in Agartala on Basant Panchami
- On February 3, 2025, Tripura Chief Minister unveiled a grand 40-foot idol of Goddess Saraswati in Ward 40 of the Agartala Municipal Corporation, marking the Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja celebrations. The event drew thousands of visitors and has become a key cultural highlight in the state.
- Addressing the gathering, CM emphasized the importance of unity and well-being, aligning with the vision of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat." He praised the organizers for their efforts, including honoring senior citizens and organizing a fair for children. The puja has been celebrated in Ward 40 since 2021 and continues to grow in scale and significance.
- The occasion also saw greetings from national leaders, including Prime Minister and President, who extended their wishes for wisdom, prosperity, and India’s advancement as a global knowledge hub. The festival, which marks the arrival of spring, also signals the beginning of Holi preparations.
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2714. Big push for self-reliance and modernisation
- On 3 february 2025 , The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated a record Rs 6.81 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), marking a 9.53%increase from the previous fiscal year and constituting 13.45% of the total Union Budget—the highest among all ministries.
- The comprehensive allocation underscores the government's commitment to developing technologically advanced and self-reliant armed forces, aligning with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.
- The budget is distributed across various sectors, including capital outlay, revenue expenditure, and defense pensions, to ensure a balanced approach to modernisation
2715. Centre sanctions Rs 86 crore for 2 rivers of sorrows in Manipur
- On February 2, 2025, Manipur Chief Minister announced that the central government has sanctioned ₹86 crore for the protection, preservation, and beautification of the Imphal and Kongba Rivers, often referred to as the “rivers of sorrow” due to their monsoon-induced flooding. The project aims to enhance flood management and restore these vital water bodies.
- The approval follows Chief Minister’s recent meetings with central leaders in Delhi. He emphasized that further steps would be taken soon to implement the project. Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing rejuvenation of Waithoupat Lake and the Yaral-pat wetland, the latter of which is being restored with a ₹650 crore budget.
- CM also raised concerns about environmental degradation, large-scale deforestation, and the resulting water shortages, noting that Manipur faced three major floods in 2024. To address water scarcity, the state government has installed over 500 groundwater drilling pumps under the Minor Irrigation Department. The Chief Minister urged public cooperation in safeguarding the indigenous population and supporting ongoing development projects.
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2716. Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary sees 50 per cent increase in water bird population
- On February 3, 2025, a recent survey at Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary reported a 50% increase in the population of water birds, reaching 10,933 individuals across 56 species. The Asian Water Bird Census recorded a sharp rise from 7,225 birds in 2024, highlighting improved conservation efforts.
- The census, conducted on January 18 by 12 enumeration teams, covered nine wetlands, with the Tamuliduva wetland contributing the highest biodiversity. The findings revealed that 80% of the recorded birds were migratory species, while 20% were resident avian species. The results were made public on World Wetland Day, celebrated at Pobitora with the theme "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future."
- Spread over 38.81 sq km, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the world’s highest density of one-horned rhinoceroses and diverse wildlife, including 375 bird species. The sanctuary attracted 51,293 tourists during the 2023-24 season, including 2,029 foreign visitors. The increasing bird population further strengthens Pobitora’s status as a crucial wetland ecosystem for avian diversity.
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2717. North East industrialists hail Finance Minister for laying out visionary roadmap for economic growth
- On February 2, 2025, industrialists from the North Eastern States praised Union Finance Minister for presenting a budget that prioritizes infrastructure, tourism, MSMEs, and ease of doing business. They highlighted that the ₹1.5 lakh crore interest-free capital expenditure loan for states and urban redevelopment initiatives will drive large-scale economic growth in the region.
- The budget’s focus on the tourism and hospitality sector was widely welcomed. The expansion of the UDAN scheme, performance-linked incentives for tourism development, and MUDRA loans for homestays were recognized as crucial measures to boost North East’s tourism industry. Business leaders also applauded the streamlined e-visa process, which is expected to attract more domestic and international visitors.
- Other key highlights include ₹20,000 crore allocated for research and development in healthcare, removal of customs duties on 36 critical life-saving drugs, and fiscal incentives for telemedicine and digital health solutions. The budget also supports the education sector by expanding IITs, adding 10,000 new medical seats, and providing broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools in rural and remote areas. These initiatives are expected to enhance economic growth and improve public services across the Northeast.
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2718. Budget 2025: Rs 5,915 crore boost for Northeast with 47.6 per cent increase in MDoNER allocation
- On February 1, 2025, the Union Budget 2025-26 allocated ₹5,915 crore to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), marking a 47.6% increase from the ₹4,006 crore in the revised estimates for FY 2024-25. The increase highlights the BJP government’s focus on boosting infrastructure, connectivity, industry, and social welfare in the Northeast.
- Key initiatives include expanded air connectivity under the UDAN scheme, a 12.7 lakh metric ton per annum urea plant in Assam, enhanced support for MSMEs, and increased credit access for exporters. Additionally, targeted agricultural reforms under PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and Aatmanirbharta in Pulses Mission aim to benefit farmers in the region.
- The budget also prioritizes tourism, digital innovation, and policy reforms, with a special focus on Buddhist tourism circuits, geospatial modernization, and the expansion of India Post’s financial services. The introduction of a ‘Grameen Credit Score’ for rural lending and FDI expansion in the insurance sector is expected to drive financial inclusion and economic growth in the Northeast.
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2719. Centre Assumes Full Financial Responsibility for J&K Police over Rs 17000 Cr Police Budget in Jammu and Kashmir
- On February 1, 2025, the Union Government allocated ₹9,325 crore to the Jammu & Kashmir Police in the Union Budget 2025-26. This includes ₹8,897.72 crore for revenue expenditure and ₹428.01 crore for capital expenditure, covering law enforcement, administrative costs, and traffic management responsibilities.
- Since the 2024-25 financial year, the J&K Police budget has been integrated into the Union Budget under the Home Ministry. In July 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Centre would assume full financial responsibility for J&K Police, committing ₹12,000 crore for salaries, pensions, and operational expenses.
- The move aims to relieve the financial burden on the Union Territory, allowing the J&K administration to focus on development projects. However, opposition parties view it as an extension of central oversight under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019, which grants the Union government control over public order and policing in the region.
2720. Ladakh Receives Rs 4,692.15 Crore for 2025-26
- On February 1, 2025, the Union Government allocated ₹4,692.15 crore for the Union Territory of Ladakh as part of the Union Budget 2025-26. This funding aims to support the region’s administrative and infrastructural development.
- Of the total allocation, ₹2,450 crore has been designated for revenue expenditure, covering operational and governance costs, while ₹2,242.15 crore has been allocated for capital expenditure, focusing on infrastructure projects and developmental activities.
- The budgetary support reflects the Centre’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Ladakh’s economic and administrative framework following its creation as a Union Territory in 2019.