India Observers

  The age-old Cauvery water dispute, which has persisted since the British era, remains a contentious issue between the Indian states of  Karnataka and Tamil Nadu . Dating back to 1924, an agreement permitted Mysore, now Karnataka, to construct a dam for the storage of Cauvery River water. However, the introduction of a review clause after 50 years initiated a series of disputes. In 1990, the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was established to address this protracted conflict, involving not only Karnataka and Tamil Nadu but also Kerala and Puducherry. The tribunal issued temporary orders mandating Karnataka to release a specified volume of water to Tamil Nadu on a monthly or weekly basis. The latest development centers on the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directing Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for a 15-day period. Karnataka, citing its own acute water shortage, has expressed its inability to comply. Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Sidd...

  The Karnataka government is exploring the idea of launching its own airline to bolster regional connectivity within the state. This initiative, led by   Karnataka   Minister for Large and Medium Industries & Infrastructure Development, M.B. Patil, signifies a shift in the management of airports within the state. Previously under the authority of the airport authority, the state government now aims to manage all future airports, with the Shivamogga airport already under their control. The proposed state-owned airline aims to stimulate economic growth in several districts and complement the ongoing construction of the Vijayapur Airport, scheduled for inauguration by April 2024. In addition to the aviation venture, the Karnataka government is pursuing various infrastructure and development projects. Plans include establishing an expansive eco-tourism park, an Aero City ‘Business Park’ near Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, and the Bengaluru Suburban Projec...

  Karnataka’s new Congress government has announced a plan to offer free bus rides for   women . Starting from June 11, the scheme will benefit women residing in Karnataka, including female students and those who speak languages other than English. Initially, for the first three months, beneficiaries will need to provide a government-issued photo ID and proof of address. During this period, bus drivers will issue tickets without any fare. After the initial three months, individuals in need of assistance will be required to apply for Shakti smartcards through the government’s Seva Sindh website. These smartcards, named after the program, will serve as identification for availing the free travel benefits. It is estimated that around 40 million women in Karnataka commute by government  buses  each day, and the introduction of this free travel plan is expected to increase that number by 10%. The annual cost to the government for implementing this plan is projected to be ...

 PM is launching Shivamogga Airport (₹450 Cr) plus 2 new Railway Projects (₹990 Cr) in Karnataka today. These projects will boost commerce, connectivity & tourism. Today in Karnataka, PM Narendra Modi will open the Shivamogga Airport. The airport, which is being constructed at a cost of Rs 450 crore, will provide better air connectivity for the residents of central Karnataka.  Also, the functioning of the airport will support regional growth in a number of industries, including tourism, the emergence of the IT sector, and more.  PM Modi stated on Twitter that “the airport in Shivamogga will improve business, connectivity, and enhance tourism.”  “The Passenger Terminal Building of the Airport can accommodate 300 travelers per hour and will act as a gateway to Malnad region,” said Member of Parliament B Y Raghvendra. Raghvendra emphasized the importance of the airport for the area once more, saying,  “This Airport will accommodate the supply of not just the c...