Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has filed a contempt petition with the Supreme Court against Delhi Airport Metro Express (DAMEPL) and other parties for failing to comply with a court order to refund over INR 4,500 crore, including interest, which had been deposited in an escrow account. This follows the apex court's cancellation of an INR 8,000 crore arbitration award in favour of DAMEPL. Despite the directive, no refund has been processed so far, prompting DMRC to take legal action for non-compliance.Read more

The Centre's air quality panel has imposed stricter pollution control measures for Delhi-NCR under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), effective from 8 am on Monday. These measures include a ban on truck entry, except for essential goods and eco-friendly vehicles, and a temporary halt on public construction projects. The CAQM also suggested work-from-home options for central government employees and noted that state governments could close colleges, limit non-essential commercial activities, and enforce odd-even vehicle rules to manage the worsening air quality.Read more

The City Corporation's Thanal Housing project is set to provide secure housing for 136 disabled families from Vikalanga Colony in Muttathara, marking a milestone in improving living conditions for the community. Revised as a two-storey design after addressing objections and obtaining Airport Authority clearance, the INR 20 crore project will begin construction in January, led by Uralungal Labour Construction Co-operative Society (ULCCS). Additionally, 102 displaced fishermen families from Valiyathura will be housed in a new 400-flat complex under the 'Punargeham' project. These initiatives aim to uplift vulnerable communities by offering dignified housing and improved living standards, showcasing the state's commitment to social welfare.Read more

Landowners in Balaramapuram are frustrated by delays in compensation for properties acquired for the Karamana-Kaliyikkavilai road widening project. While the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) is set to release INR 102 crore, financial delays have stalled progress, leaving 80 landowners unpaid. Despite INR 40 crore already disbursed, the total compensation needed is INR 97 crore. The project, aimed at creating a 30.2-metre-wide four-lane road, faces uncertainty as landowners threaten protests. The district administration cites financial constraints as the primary cause of delays, prompting calls for swift action to ensure timely compensation and the project's completion for regional connectivity.Read more

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has launched the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI) and the GIFT International Fintech Innovation Hub (GIFT IFIH), supported by the Asian Development Bank. These initiatives aim to position GIFT City as a global leader in fintech education, innovation, and startups. The GIFT IFI will provide industry-aligned training, while the GIFT IFIH will support fintech startups with resources and mentorship. The programmes, led by Ahmedabad University, IIT Gandhinagar, and UC San Diego, will commence in January 2025, fostering talent and accelerating fintech solutions to reshape the financial landscape.Read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil development projects worth over INR 6,640 crore on the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, marking Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in Jamui, Bihar. The initiatives, including housing, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, aim to uplift tribal communities. Highlights include 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, 23 mobile medical units, 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and housing for over 116,000 families under tribal-focused schemes. Modi will also inaugurate museums and research institutes dedicated to tribal heritage. These efforts emphasise the government's commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth, integrating tribal communities into India's development framework.Read more

Earlier this month, the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTP) conducted a two-day demolition drive across unauthorised colonies in Gurugram, removing illegal structures spanning 30 acres. The operation focused on Gwal Pahari, Bhondsi, and Alipur villages. Key actions included the demolition of colonies, under-construction buildings, boundary walls, and road networks. DTP Enforcement head Manish Yadav emphasised the importance of verifying property legality before making investments, highlighting the drive's role in sending a strong message to those involved in illegal construction.Read more

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated "Muthalvar Padaippagam," a new initiative supporting youth and women empowerment. This flagship program aims to provide coworking and learning spaces, focusing on opportunities for competitive exam candidates and entrepreneurs. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) awarded the facilities management contract to DRA Homes, with Managing Director Ranjeeth Rathod receiving recognition at the event. DRA Homes' experience in co-living management, through its subsidiary Truliv, played a crucial role in this selection. Rathod expressed gratitude, emphasizing DRA's commitment to supporting the project's goals. Developed for INR 2.85 crore, the Kolathur facility accommodates 40 coworkers and 50 students, aiming to foster inclusive growth.Read more

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is launching a pilot project using drones to monitor building plan compliance and detect unauthorised constructions. This initiative, which will begin in Zone II (Madhurawada, Kommadi), aims to streamline the identification of structural violations and could potentially increase GVMC's revenue by INR 100 crore through better property reassessment and taxation. Drones will replace traditional methods, offering precise geo-referenced data and real-time aerial footage to identify violations. The project also introduces a Vacant Land Tax (VLT) scheme to encourage landowners to utilise vacant plots, further boosting municipal revenue.Read more

Earlier this month, the Indore district administration launched a crackdown on illegal and unauthorised colonies, identifying around 100 cases and taking legal action against four colonisers. Following instructions from collector Asheesh Singh, the revenue department thoroughly investigated complaints, revealing that these colonies were built without necessary approvals. As part of preventive measures, the administration decided to mark these plots as 'illegal' in their records, ensuring transparency. Legal actions, including lodging FIRs, have been initiated against the involved colonisers. This action aims to deter future violations and maintain the city's urban planning standards.Read more