DGCA Enforces Zero-Tolerance Policy for NSOPs, 50% Staff Vacancy Highlighted by Parliamentary Panel

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Aviation-Model Reforms: National Bus Terminals Authority, Digital Grid & All India Permit

A Parliamentary panel has proposed sweeping reforms for bus transport, including a National Bus Terminals Authority, a National Bus Digital Grid for live tracking and booking, and an All India Passenger Permit to streamline regulation. The reforms aim to modernize bus transport, which carries more daily passengers than railways, and address issues like private bus access to terminals and passenger safety.

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.

Delhi Master Plan 2047 Tabled at DDA: 5-Year Delay, Yamuna O-Zone Policy & 1,511 Colonies Regularisation

The Delhi Master Plan 2047, delayed by 5 years, is finally tabled at DDA for approval. The plan addresses Yamuna O-Zone regulation, regularisation of 1,511 unauthorised colonies, and new TOD and slum rehabilitation policies. This is critical for understanding urban governance, environmental regulation, and Delhi's development trajectory — a hot topic for UPSC Prelims and Mains.

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%.

DDA Revamps Land Pooling Policy Under MPD-2047 to Unlock 20 Lakh Homes in Delhi

DDA has overhauled its land pooling policy under the newly approved Master Plan for Delhi 2047, aiming to unlock 20 lakh homes by involving private landowners. The revamped framework removes the earlier requirement of forming a consortium of 70% contiguous land, allowing landowners with just 20 hectares to approach DDA directly. This is a strategic shift from costly land acquisition to private-sector-led development, critical for addressing Delhi's housing crisis.

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.

Centre Orders States to Appoint District Nodal Officers for PNG Adoption, Prohibits Dual LPG-PNG Connections Under 2026 Orders

The Centre is pushing states to accelerate PNG adoption by appointing district nodal officers, following LPG supply disruptions during the West Asia crisis. New regulatory orders under the Essential Commodities Act prohibit households from retaining both LPG and PNG connections where piped gas is available, aiming to reduce import dependence and enhance energy resilience.