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Karnataka Government to Decentralize Bengaluru’s Governance via Multiple Corporations
During the debate on the Bill, he remarked, “Bengaluru, in its current form, poses significant governance challenges, a fact even acknowledged by the opposition. The city has surpassed the original boundaries established by its founder, Kempe Gowda, and this growth cannot be undone. The Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024 is designed to tackle these issues.”
“We are not breaking apart Bengaluru; we are enhancing it for the future. Our goal is to preserve the city’s esteemed reputation. Bengaluru is a global hub that draws people from across the globe,” he added. Previously, Bengaluru district was divided into three districts, while Udupi was formed from Dakshina Kannada, and Gadag and Haveri were also established. The division of the BBMP is intended to improve governance. However, some have raised concerns that this decentralization may complicate grant allocations. According to the 75th Amendment, local body funds cannot be redirected. The Bill includes provisions for the government to financially support weaker local bodies, assured the deputy chief minister.
“We strive to chart a new course for Bengaluru, aspiring to elevate it as a global city through this legislation. This Bill is of great importance. With the city experiencing rapid growth, managing it effectively with just one commissioner and one chief engineer is increasingly challenging. To address future demands, we propose the creation of seven corporations and have introduced several modifications regarding city planning.”
“This Bill empowers MLAs significantly. It establishes Ward Committees and integrates MLAs and MPs into the corporations, with the Chief Minister serving as the president and district ministers as vice-presidents,” Shivakumar stated.
“The Greater Bengaluru Authority will include CEOs, commissioners, and managing directors from various departments such as the police, BWSSB, BMTC, BMRTC, disaster management, the fire department, traffic police, the slum development board, BESCOM, BMLTA, and BDA. Each of these bodies will be assigned specific responsibilities,” he explained.
“The legislation allows for the establishment of up to seven corporations within Bengaluru, with decisions regarding their formation made in consultation with MLAs. Each corporation will need a minimum population of 1 million and a revenue collection of at least ₹300 crore. All corporations will be named after Bengaluru, with secondary names denoting their respective regions. The Bill also ensures that assembly constituencies remain intact across corporations. Each corporation’s tenure is set at five years, comprising approximately 100 to 150 members. The terms for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor have been extended to two and a half years,” Shivakumar concluded.
Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.
The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.
Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.
Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.
The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.
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Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.
The investigation is underway.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.
Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.
“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.
Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.
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He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.
PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”
Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.
Gandhidham: India has taken a major step towards green shipping with the foundation stone laid for the country’s first port-based e-methanol production facility at Kandla in Gujarat.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) on Saturday.
The Rs.2,300-crore project is a joint initiative of the Deendayal Port Authority and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. The plant will produce 150 tonnes of e-methanol every day using renewable power, water and biogenic carbon dioxide.
E-methanol is considered a cleaner alternative fuel for the shipping sector. The facility will supply green fuel to ships operating on the Asia-Europe trade route.
The project will be developed in two phases. The first phase will have a production capacity of 50 tonnes per day and involve an investment of Rs.1,200 crore. It is expected to be completed by January 2027.
The second phase will add another 100 tonnes per day at an estimated cost of Rs.1,100 crore. It is targeted for completion by March 2027.
The Deendayal Port Authority will hold a 76 per cent share in the project, while Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd will have a 24 per cent stake. DPA will provide Rs.567.32 crore as equity, along with 75 acres of land, desalinated water and renewable energy support.
The project is expected to create more than 3,500 direct and indirect jobs. It will also support activities such as transportation, storage and supply of green fuel around Kandla.
Speaking at the event, Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat’s coastline would play an important role in supplying green energy to the world. He described Kandla as a future gateway for India’s green energy exports.
Sarbananda Sonowal said the project marked another step in India’s growing maritime ambitions. He said Kandla could develop into a major green-fuel hub on the Singapore–Rotterdam shipping route.
Himanta Biswa Sarma said Assam would contribute to India’s clean energy transition through its natural resources and industrial strength. He described the project as an example of cooperation between Assam and Gujarat.
The facility is expected to support India’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. It is also linked to the government’s focus on energy self-reliance and the Make in India initiative.
The government is also working to strengthen India’s maritime sector. It has set a target of adding 100 new ships to the country’s merchant fleet over the next five years.
Several other maritime projects are also being developed in Gujarat, including a Rs.1,520-crore shipbuilding project at Vadinar and a proposed shipbuilding and repair cluster at Kuchhadi in Porbandar.
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Kutch MP Vinod Chavda, Gandhidham MLA Maltiben Kishor Maheshwari, Assam government representatives, officials of Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd and DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh were among those present at the foundation stone ceremony.
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