Cabinet Approves ₹4 Lakh Cr Urban Challenge Fund, ULBs to Get ₹3.6 Trillion Over 5 Years for Health & Climate Resilience

Cabinet Approves ₹29,054 Cr Khelo India Scheme with 60:40 State Funding Ratio

The Union Cabinet has revamped the Khelo India Scheme with a massive ₹29,054 crore outlay, eight times the previous allocation, and introduced a state-sharing model for sports infrastructure funding. This marks a strategic shift from fully central funding to a partnership model, with special provisions for North-Eastern, Himalayan states, and UTs.

CAG Report 2026: Only 11% Railway Stations Have All Basic Amenities, E. coli Found in Drinking Water

CAG's audit of railway stations (2019-24) reveals that only 11% of 512 inspected stations have all Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA). E. coli bacteria were found in water coolers at major stations, 89% stations lack one or more basic facilities, and funds were underutilized despite rising passenger complaints. The report was tabled in Parliament on August 12, 2026.

J&K House Committee Flags ₹1100 Cr Irregularities in Jal Jeevan Mission, Seeks Probe

The J&K House Committee report exposes gross negligence and widespread irregularities in ₹1100 crore Jal Jeevan Mission projects, including poor civil works, unauthorized pipe substitution, and false claims of tap connections. This raises serious questions about the flagship scheme's implementation and accountability, making it a critical governance issue for exams.

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.