Cabinet Approves ₹1 Lakh Crore Urban Challenge Fund for Infrastructure Projects in Cities Over 5 Years

GeM Completes 10 Years: ₹20 Lakh Crore GMV, 1.37 Lakh Buyers, 25 Lakh Sellers

The Government e Marketplace (GeM) has completed 10 years as a transformative digital platform for public procurement, achieving a cumulative Gross Merchandise Value of ~₹20 lakh crore. A recent IIT Delhi study (Jul-Aug 2026) found it generated ₹86,571.69 crore in monetised benefits over the last three financial years, making it a critical engine for Viksit Bharat 2047 and Ease of Doing Business.

DDA Approves MPD-2047: Land Pooling Eased, 3,000 sq m Redevelopment Allowed for Housing

DDA has approved the draft Master Plan for Delhi-2047, easing land pooling norms and allowing redevelopment of smaller plots (3,000 sq m) under PPP. The plan aims to unlock land for housing and commercial development in the National Capital, addressing rising demand and haphazard growth.

CCEA Approves 8 Railway Multi-Tracking Projects Worth ₹20,804 Cr Under PM Gati Shakti

CCEA approved eight railway multi-tracking projects costing ₹20,804 crore across nine states, adding 1,196 km to the Indian Railways network. The projects are planned under PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and will generate additional freight capacity of 74 MTPA. For exams, remember the split: first five projects cover TN, AP, Karnataka and Telangana; the other three cover WB, Jharkhand, Odisha, MP and Chhattisgarh.

India Metro Expansion at 1,100 km: Ridership Gaps vs Urban Needs – Key Facts

India's metro network has grown fourfold to 1,100 km, but most new systems struggle with ridership (25-35% of projections) and high debt. The article examines the tension between metro as a prestige project and the need for integrated, affordable urban transit – a key GS-3 (infrastructure/urbanization) and GS-2 (governance/policy) issue for exams.

Rs 12.22 Lakh Crore Capex Target for 2026-27: Can Public Investment Crowd In Private Capex?

India's capex strategy is a key driver of growth, with effective capital expenditure reaching Rs 17.15 lakh crore for 2026-27. The article examines whether public investment can crowd in private investment, the need for quality over quantity, and the next frontiers like digital infrastructure, AI, and semiconductors.

NHAI Issues New Guidelines for High-Speed Corridors: Lane Norms, Barrier-less Tolling, and Vision 2047 Target

NHAI has issued comprehensive guidelines for the design and construction of high-speed corridors (expressways), including lane norms based on traffic volume (PCU), access control, signage, barrier-less tolling, and boundary walls. This move aims to standardize DPR preparation and aligns with India's Vision 2047 target of 50,000 km of high-speed corridors by 2036-37. Students must note the PCU thresholds, signage distances, and the RCC boundary wall height for prelims.

Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport: ₹5,640 Cr Greenfield Airport Dedicated in Andhra Pradesh

PM Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh — the state's first greenfield airport built at ₹5,640 crore under PPP. This event marks a major push for regional aviation, with the airport designed to handle 6 million passengers annually, and signals the government's focus on connecting smaller cities through expanded airport infrastructure (74 airports in 2014 → 166 now).

Centre Invokes Section 11 Emergency, Directs 112 Captive Coal Plants to Max Capacity from Oct 1

Amid an unusual September power demand surge (peak 269 GW), the government invoked Section 11 of the Electricity Act to mandate 112 captive coal plants (≥50 MW) to run at full capacity from Oct 1 to Dec 31. This emergency move aims to maximize electricity availability and is exam-relevant for its legal provision, institutional mechanism (CEA), and energy security context.