Maharashtra’s Mahayuti government faces a tight budget balancing act between managing a soaring debt and fiscal deficit while maintaining welfare schemes. Despite expanding farmer aid, increasing the Ladki Bahin stipend seems unlikely. The state aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3% of GSDP, focusing on revenue growth despite global economic challenges.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin has decided to send senior DMK leaders to meet with chief ministers and politicians from seven states to oppose the Centre’s proposed population-based delimitation exercise. Stalin has also instructed DMK MPs to raise key issues including opposition to Hindi imposition and the National Education Policy during the Parliament session.
CPM’s state conference unanimously re-elects M V Govindan as Kerala unit secretary, with no factional dissent. CM Pinarayi Vijayan defends proposals for accepting private capital for Kerala’s development, adopted in the conference, emphasizing continuous LDF governance has improved conditions significantly.
Vizianagaram MP K Appala Naidu has pledged Rs 50,000 for every third baby girl born in his constituency, aiming to support the raise in population and promote gender equality. Inspired by CM Chandrababu Naidu and influenced by women in his life, he announced the offer during Women’s Day celebrations, emphasizing the importance of empowering women.
The Uttarakhand high court has prevented police from taking coercive actions against journalist Sudhanshu Thapliyal, who was detained for a Facebook post criticizing the lack of arrests in a fatal accident case. Thapliyal stressed his duty to highlight injustices. Journalists and associations condemned his detention, calling for an impartial investigation into the arrest.
Communal clashes broke out in Mhow, near Indore, following India’s ICC Champions Trophy victory celebrations. Violence erupted after stone-pelting during a procession, leading to arson and injuries. Police intervened with lathicharge and teargas, restoring order by midnight. Additional forces were deployed to control the situation.
A Rajasthan police constable, Bhagaram, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 27-year-old pregnant woman in a Jaipur hotel while her three-year-old son was in the room. He had enticed her by claiming to take her statement about her husband’s dispute, threatening her with her husband’s imprisonment if she resisted.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) issued show-cause notices to Bikram Singh Majithia and other members for public criticism of the SGPC’s removal of two jathedars. SAD’s Balwinder Singh Bhunder emphasized the importance of party discipline. The dissent has triggered internal conflicts and further scrutiny by the disciplinary committee, with potential actions pending their responses.
Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) has urged married church members to have more children to counter falling birth rates and the influx of illegal immigrants, particularly Buddhist Chakmas from Bangladesh. The call to action highlights concerns that a declining population could adversely impact Mizo society, the state, and the church.