CAG Audit of Smart City Mission Flags ₹279 Cr Dropped Projects, Unplanned ₹190 Cr Spend in Chennai

U.P. Launches 'Jal Sarthi' App to Track Rural Water Supply Projects, Over 1.2 Lakh Downloads

Uttar Pradesh launched the 'Jal Sarthi' mobile app in May 2026 to enable real-time monitoring of rural water supply projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission. With over 1.2 lakh downloads within days, the app provides village-level data on drinking water schemes, household tap connections, and infrastructure status, promoting transparency and citizen engagement. This is a key example of state-level digital governance initiatives.

CAG Audit Flags Rs 6,603 Cr Cost Overrun and 22.72% Revenue Shortfall in Bengaluru Metro

CAG report reveals serious planning failures in Bengaluru Metro, with cost overrun of over Rs 6,600 crore and ridership far below projections. This highlights issues in urban infrastructure planning, PPP models, and accountability of public enterprises – key for UPSC GS3 and state PSC exams.

DDA Approves Master Plan Delhi 2047: Land Pooling, GDA Policy, 3,500 Hectares Unauthorised

DDA has approved the Master Plan for Delhi-2047, ending a five-year delay and setting Delhi's 20-year framework for housing, transport and green spaces. The plan focuses on land pooling, GDA policy, TOD and regularisation of unauthorised colonies amid a severe affordable housing crunch. For exams, remember the approval body, the 1957 Act, and the housing data: affordable supply fell from 62% to 11%, luxury share hit 70%.

CAG Flags E. coli Contamination in Drinking Water at 8 Railway Stations, Violates Water Quality Protocol

CAG's audit of Indian Railways' passenger amenities has revealed E. coli contamination in drinking water at 8 stations, exposing serious lapses in water quality testing and violation of the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol. This report underscores failures in public health infrastructure and accountability of railway authorities.

Railway Board Approves MRTS-Chennai Metro Merger: 2-Year Transition, 21 Stations Handed Over

After a 15-year wait since the proposal in 2011, the Railway Board has approved the merger of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). This marks a major urban infrastructure reform in Chennai, involving a two-year transition, handover of 21 stations, and creation of a special committee for oversight.

DDA Mandates Land Pooling via TPS Under Delhi Master Plan-2047; 105 Villages, 12 Lakh Homes Targeted

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is introducing mandatory Town Planning Schemes (TPS) under the Master Plan for Delhi-2047 to enforce land pooling in areas where voluntary consortium formation has failed. This move targets 105 villages across six zones, potentially unlocking land for 12 lakh homes, and shifts DDA's role from developer to facilitator.

AP Pedestrian Safety Policy 2026: SC Recognises Right to Walk, 36,526 Pedestrian Deaths in 2024, Section 198A Fine

The Supreme Court recognized the right to walk on footpaths as a fundamental right. Andhra Pradesh became the first state to notify a pedestrian safety policy, mandating audits, removal of encroachments, and a Rs 1 lakh fine under Section 198A MV Act for infrastructure failure causing death. With 1 in 5 road deaths being pedestrians (36,526 in 2024), this policy is a landmark for urban governance and social justice.

CAG Report Flags 28-42% Transition Loss, Teacher Crunch & ₹2,428 Cr Fund Gap in Samagra Shiksha (WB)

CAG audit of Samagra Shiksha in West Bengal reveals severe implementation failures: 28-42% dropout transition loss, over 500 schools with no teachers, and fund utilisation as low as 46%. Students must note the data points for prelims and the governance failures for mains.