12 Die in Cuttack ICU Fire; Repeated Incidents Highlight Need for Criminal Accountability in Hospital Fire Safety

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.

NICU Fires in Amravati & Chhindwara: 6 Newborns Affected; Mandatory Fire Safety Certification, RACE Protocol Urged

Recent back-to-back NICU fires in Amravati (Maharashtra) and Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) have killed/injured 6 newborns, highlighting a growing trend of ICU fire accidents in India. The article calls for mandatory fire safety certification, adoption of the RACE evacuation protocol, regular power audits, and addressing overlooked electrical harmonics – critical issues for disaster management and healthcare infrastructure.

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.

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.

MPD-2047 Allows High-Rises, 60% Commercial Sale to Boost Delhi Slum Rehabilitation

Delhi's new Master Plan 2047 slum rehabilitation framework offers developers higher FAR (500) and 60% commercial sale share to attract PPP investment. The DUSIB Act amendment extends eligibility cut-off to 2025, aiming to speed up rehabilitation of 750 slums, but only 4,700 flats have been built so far. This is a key exam topic on urban governance, PPP models, and Delhi-specific policies.

Delhi Master Plan 2047 Notified: 40 Lakh Affordable Flats Planned by DDA to Address Housing Shortage

The Centre has notified the Master Plan for Delhi-2047, aiming to build 40 lakh new flats, mostly affordable, to tackle the capital's worsening housing shortage. The plan, approved by DDA, is critical for aspirants as it links urban planning, population pressure, and policy response for Prelims and Mains.

₹13,427 Cr Approved for 11.18 Lakh PMAY-G Houses in Bihar; 2.35 Lakh Grih Pravesh Completed

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced approval for 11,18,937 pucca houses under PMAY-G for Bihar with ₹13,427 crore allocation. The 'Grih Pravesh' of 2.35 lakh houses completed in FY 2026-27 was also celebrated, highlighting the government's focus on rural housing as a tool for dignity and poverty alleviation.

Andhra Pradesh Notifies First Pedestrian Safety Policy: 35,221 Deaths in 2023, 2m Footpaths, ₹1 Lakh Penalty

Andhra Pradesh becomes first state to notify a comprehensive Pedestrian Safety and Universal Accessibility Policy, 2026, following Supreme Court directions. The policy mandates 2m footpaths, at-grade crossings, penalties up to ₹1 lakh for non-compliance, and aims to reduce pedestrian fatalities which accounted for 20.4% of road deaths in 2023.