13th MARCH 2026 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS
PM Modi Launches Various Projects for Kokrajhar
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Assam for a two-day visit, landed at Guwahati Airport this afternoon. He was warmly welcomed by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, his cabinet ministers, and senior officials of the state government.
- Following the cancellation of his visit to Kokrajhar due to heavy rains, he virtually launched various projects worth over ₹4,570 crore from Guwahati.
- In Assam, Prime Minister Modi flagged off three key train services: the Kamakhya-Murkongselek Amrit Bharat Express, the Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Express, and the Narangi-Agartala Express.
- To strengthen railway maintenance operations and enhance operational efficiency, he laid the foundation stone for a comprehensive workshop to be established at Bashbari in the district.
- The Prime Minister also virtually participated in the *Bhoomi Pujan* (groundbreaking) ceremony for *Assam Mala 3.0*, a major road infrastructure project.
- Under this scheme aimed at improving inter-state connectivity and strengthening the linkages between National Highways and rural roads more than 900 kilometers of roads are set to be constructed.
- Furthermore, he virtually participated in the *Bhoomi Pujan* ceremony for four flyovers and two bridges to be constructed in the Bodoland Territorial Council area, involving an investment of approximately ₹1,100 crore.
- This data for the second month of the year was released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, calculated under a new methodology based on the year 2024.
- Rising food prices are identified as the primary factor behind the increase in inflation during the month of February. Food inflation, which stood at 2.13 percent in January, rose to 3.47 percent in February.
- Specifically, inflation within the 'Food and Beverages' category stands at 3.35 percent. Among vegetables, the prices of tomatoes (45.29 percent) and cauliflower (43.77 percent) have witnessed sharp increases.
- Similarly, the price of coconuts has risen by 46.16 percent. Conversely, the prices of garlic, onions, and potatoes declined slightly during February. Furthermore, statistics indicate that prices also fell for certain pulses—specifically *Toor* dal—and fruits, such as lychee.
- Excluding energy and food items, 'Core Inflation'—or underlying inflation—remains stable at 2.4 percent.
- The impact of inflation was felt more acutely in rural areas than in urban centers. While urban inflation rose from 2.75 percent to 3.02 percent, rural inflation witnessed a significant increase, climbing from 2.73 percent to 3.37 percent.
- Certain candidates who successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination had applied for appointments under the 'Non-Creamy Layer' reservation quota within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
- However, officials from the Department of Personnel and Training included them in the 'creamy layer' list, citing that their parents earned high salaries while working in government institutions, public sector undertakings, and banks. Consequently, they were rendered ineligible to avail themselves of the benefits provided under the OBC reservation quota.
- Challenging this action, the petitioners filed petitions before the Central Administrative Tribunal and various High Courts. Upon hearing their cases, the courts delivered verdicts in favor of the petitioners.
- Aggrieved by these court orders, the Union Government filed an appeal petition in the Supreme Court. This case came up for hearing before a bench led by Justice B.S. Narasimha at the Supreme Court.
- In their order, the Justices clarified and directed that, "In determining whether an individual falls under the OBC 'creamy layer' or the 'non-creamy layer,' factors such as the parents' designation, social status, and service status must also be taken into consideration. Classifying an individual as belonging to the 'creamy layer' solely on the basis of income is not a proper practice."
