Great Nicobar Island Strategic Project: ₹92,000 Cr Infrastructure Plan Triggers Resettlement Census for Indigenous Communities

SC-NBWL Clears 1,800 MW Hydropower Project in Panna-Ranipur Tiger Corridor Despite DFO Concerns

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended clearance for a 1,800 MW pumped storage hydropower project in the Panna-Ranipur tiger corridor, overruling objections from a Madhya Pradesh forest officer who warned of corridor fragmentation. The project requires 411.48 hectares of forest land and will be allowed with mitigation measures including three wildlife overpasses. This decision highlights the tension between renewable energy expansion and wildlife conservation.

IYRP 2026: Rangelands Covering 50% Earth; Need for Portable Governance for India's Pastoralists

2026 is International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). The article examines challenges pastoral communities face due to fixed-address welfare delivery, highlights Forest Rights Act recognition of grazing rights, and advocates for 'portable governance' to ensure continuity of education, health, and veterinary services despite seasonal mobility.

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.

Delhi Master Plan 2047 Prioritizes Right to Walk: 42% Non-Motorized Trips, 14 Walk Plans Proposed

Delhi Master Plan 2047 emphasizes the 'Right to Walk' with pedestrian-only zones, safe pathways, and improved public transport integration. Key stats: 42% of trips are non-motorized, average walk 1.6 km/day. DDA has prepared 14 Walk Plans for 24 priority areas.

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.