Karnataka government wants to "rehabilitate" transgender beggars
What's the story
The government of Karnataka announced the formation of 'vigilance-squads' who will arrest transgender women begging on Bengaluru streets in order to "rehabilitate" them. Minister for Social Welfare said the government was planning to seek residents' help in alerting the Central Relief Committee helpline (10581). What is included in the "rehabilitation" was not specified. Read on to know what else is making news in Bengaluru.
Demonetization
Three demonetization-related rackets busted in one week
There has been a spontaneous spurt in the amount of illegal currency exchanging rackets in Bengaluru, due to the deadline for NRIs to deposit their currency approaching soon (31st March). Last week, the Central Crime Branch unearthed 3 scams, arrested 7 people and seized Rs. 8crore from those attempting to exchange their old currencies. Those arrested were trying to involve NRIs for the same.
Education
8 lakh students to appear for SSLC exams starting Thursday
8 lakh students will be appearing for the SSLC exams scheduled to begin on Thursday across 2,770 centres in Karnataka. Students have been advised to be present inside examination halls before 9:30 am; those failing to do so would miss out on reading the question paper. Albeit latecomers will be allowed 15 minutes extra time, no one would be given entry post 9:45 am.
BMRCL
Government gives 2020 as deadline for Namma Metro Phase-2
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has given a deadline of 2020 to complete the 72-kilometre long Namma Metro Phase-II project. The BMRCL would build the Metro Phase-II with a length of 72 kilometres at the cost of approximately Rs. 26,405 crore. The Corporation wants to build 61 metro stations and 12 underground stations on this stretch.
Climate
Bengaluru's temperature expected to rise consistently
According to a study published in the US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru, along with 44 other cities globally, will face the worst stress caused by heat due to global warming. In the future, Bengaluru's average number of hot days annually is expected to increase by double. Some other Indian cities in the category are Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai etc.
Crime
Bengaluru going back to days of Rowdy Raj: BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday said that Bengaluru was relapsing to the olden days (in the 1980s) of Rowdy Raj. Party member and former minister S Suresh Kumar said there was a pressing need to renovate the police force. He further added that the rising nuisance caused by rowdies has ruined Bengaluru's image of being one of India's safest cities.