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

A PMLA court in Gurugram has framed charges against the promoters and key officials of SRS Group in a money laundering case worth around INR 2,200 crore. The Enforcement Directorate found that the group collected funds from homebuyers and investors with promises of high returns, but diverted the money through shell companies into unrelated ventures. Earlier, a provisional attachment of INR 2,215 crore was issued, and several accused were declared fugitives under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. One accused was recently deported to India, and the trial is now set to begin.Read more

The Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (Goa-SEIAA) has issued new guidelines requiring the Town & Country Planning Department (TCP) and the Planning & Development Authority, North Goa and Planning & Development Authority, South Goa (PDAs) to inform it whenever they approve a building project with a built-up area exceeding 20,000 sqm. The authority will then notify the TCP or concerned PDA if it grants environmental clearance (EC) for such projects. Earlier this year a meeting highlighted that building plan approvals were being granted without prior EC, prompting the change. The new process ensures environmental assessments are completed before major construction begins.Read more

A joint committee led by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) must prepare a detailed action plan to stop untreated sewage from entering the Bhima River. The tribunal's earlier directive pointed out that responsibilities were being shifted between authorities. During a site visit the committee found untreated sewage flowing from the Satkarsthan Gram Panchayat area into the river. The NGT has asked for environmental-damage compensation from the local bodies and set deadlines for PMRDA and others to respond fully.Read more

Actor Saira Banu Khan has formally settled her long-standing property dispute with Mumbai builder Sameer Bhojwani, leading the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) to close the cheating and forgery case filed in 2018. The dispute involved a 2,412 sq yd plot in Bandra's Pali Hill area, near her residence. Banu stated in an affidavit submitted in 2022 that the matter stemmed from misunderstandings and had been amicably resolved. Following her statement, the EOW filed a closure report that was accepted by a magistrate. Another unrelated case against Bhojwani remains pending.Read more

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) this week dismantled 14 illegal constructions surrounding Bhoja Talav along the Narol-Aslali Highway in Vatva, freeing approximately 12,540 sq m of lake-land from encroachment. At the same time in Lambha ward, two unused public toilet blocks and five compound walls in Saijpur-Gopalpur were removed. In Jamalpur, a structure on a leased plot whose lease expired in 2009 was demolished under police protection as the occupant was reportedly a history sheathe. Meanwhile, the AMC's solid waste management team inspected 289 units city-wide, issued littering notices in 116 cases, and seized 6 kg of banned plastic.Read more

Haryana Chief Minister emphasised that Gurugram, one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, must have efficient civic services. He instructed officials to prepare detailed reports on water supply, sewerage systems, and sewage treatment plants, while ensuring timely resolution of grievances. Seventeen complaints were addressed in a review meeting, with 15 resolved immediately and two pending further action. He also directed strict measures against illegal water supply operations and builders failing to provide basic amenities. The directives aim to strengthen governance and infrastructure in the rapidly expanding city.Read more

Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has been declared the top performer in the Local Self-Government category of the Sixth National Water Awards � 2024, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The recognition highlights the corporation�s commendable efforts in water conservation and management. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in New Delhi later this month, where the President of India will felicitate the winners.Read more