Uttar Pradesh is preparing to launch FASTPAS, a new online system designed to simplify and speed up building plan approvals across the state. The platform has been tested over the past two months and is expected to go live in about a month. It replaces the older OBPAS system and offers larger file uploads, better GIS-based tools, and integrated access to multiple clearance authorities. The system is being fully developed with state funds, giving the government full control over data. FASTPAS also supports features linked to the state's updated building bylaws.Read more

A Delhi court has placed Swaraj Singh Yadav, director of Ocean Seven Buildtech Pvt Ltd, in 14-day Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in connection with an alleged money-laundering case linked to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The ED has accused him of cancelling PMAY-allotted flats priced at about INR 26.5 lakh and reselling them for around INR 40-50 lakh each. Investigators claim nearly INR 222 crore was diverted through associated firms and personal purchases. The court agreed that custodial interrogation was needed to trace funds, understand the money trail and identify other involved individuals.Read more

The Odisha government is working on a new Land Management Act that will replace several old revenue laws and make land record management easier for citizens. The proposed law will allow people to handle mutation and related services through local tehsildars, who will also receive more authority through amendments to the Survey and Settlement Act. A detailed report on Puri's complex land ownership structure has been sought to guide further reforms. The move is aligned with the state's broader push to simplify land classifications and improve transparency.Read more

Haryana has transitioned to fully paperless property registration, eliminating the need for physical documents in all tehsils. The Financial Commissioner, Sumita Misra, reviewed the system's progress and directed measures to speed up approvals, safeguard data, resolve technical issues, and enhance citizen support through dedicated help desks and a state helpline. Early results show rapid adoption, with applications and approvals more than doubling compared to the previous period. Training for staff and public outreach are being emphasized to ensure smooth implementation and wider citizen awareness.Read more

The Rajasthan High Court has asked the state government to file a detailed reply by December?9 on the issue of 86 unauthorised colonies developed on land acquired by the Rajasthan Housing Board (RHB). Despite earlier High Court orders and a rejection of the government's appeal by the Supreme Court, neither the RHB nor Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has reclaimed possession or removed encroachments. The petition filed by Public Against Corruption highlighted that influential individuals continue to occupy and construct on the land illegally, calling for strict action.Read more

The Telangana High Court has allowed the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) to proceed with the e-auction of 4.19 acres of Budwel land in Rajendranagar, which had been set aside earlier this year. The division bench suspended the single-judge order that had favoured private claimants, directing the Rangareddy district collector to decide on ownership claims by mid-December. While HMDA can continue with the auction, it cannot declare the highest bidder until after December 31. The case has been scheduled for its next hearing in January 2026.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches in 14 premises across Mumbai and Thane this week in connection with a money-laundering probe linked to Rajendra Lodha, former director of Lodha Developers Ltd (now Macrotech Developers Ltd). He is accused of defrauding the company of about INR 85 crore between 2013 and 2025 through unauthorised land deals, undervalued plot sales, bogus acquisitions and misuse of development rights. The raids were aimed at tracing proceeds of crime and identifying assets acquired through diverted funds.Read more

Vedanta's proposed demerger is under review by the NCLT, which has reserved its order after a brief hearing. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas flagged concerns over financial risks, alleged misrepresentation of hydrocarbon assets, and incomplete disclosure of liabilities. Vedanta stated it has followed all regulatory norms, with SEBI approving the revised plan. The restructuring aims to create independent, sector-focused entities while streamlining operations and enhancing shareholder value. The original plan to carve out the base metals business has been revised, retaining it within the parent company.Read more

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended conditional approval to cut 1,571 trees in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) for the doubling of the Agra-Bandikui railway line. The proposal includes planting 16,230 trees across 25 hectares, maintaining them for ten years, and fencing the plantation sites. The Supreme Court will hear the matter shortly. The TTZ covers 10,400 sq km around Agra and adjoining districts, established to protect the Taj Mahal. The CEC emphasized strict environmental safeguards and penalties for non-compliance to minimize ecological impact.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has issued a public notice concerning the control, care, and feeding of stray dogs across its jurisdiction. Following recent Supreme Court directions, the civic body reminded citizens that while the sterilisation and vaccination of strays are ongoing under the Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, residents must also comply with feeding regulations. The NMMC clarified that feeding will only be allowed at designated spots and specific times to prevent inconvenience to the public, in line with animal welfare guidelines.Read more