Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently reviewed key development projects in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the need to speed up initiatives in infrastructure, health, education, and public facilities. He set timelines for important projects, including the Gwalior Elevated Road, railway station renovation, and Agra-Gwalior Expressway. Scindia also acknowledged the efforts of various central and state ministers in driving these projects. The review emphasized coordinated work between the central and state governments to transform Gwalior into a modern, well-planned city while maintaining high standards of quality.Read more

On the occasion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, Varanasi saw the launch and foundation-laying of development projects worth INR 111 crore. The projects, announced by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, include road repairs, drainage improvements, restoration of 75 traditional wells, construction of a shelter home, and initiatives for animal welfare. Cultural programs, including performances by renowned folk artists, and religious ceremonies were part of the celebrations. The BJP government also started a fortnight-long civic service drive, aiming to enhance cleanliness and public welfare across the city.Read more

Union Minister Shri Ajay Tamta visited Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to review the construction of the four-lane road at Nauni Junction. He checked progress at Nauni Chowk Junction, assessed land acquisition, and discussed the difficulties raised by local residents. The minister took note of the road damage caused by recent heavy rains and instructed officials to carry out immediate repairs, especially on sections connecting to Shimla. Senior district officials and the National Highways Authority of India briefed him on technical details and local challenges linked to the project.Read more

The Goa government has approved a plan to redevelop the Mapusa bus stand through a public-private partnership at an estimated cost of about INR 192 crore. Spanning over 27,000 square metres, the project will include more than 700 parking slots, air-conditioned waiting lounges with WiFi, automatic ticket machines, restaurants and other passenger amenities. The development will follow a design-build-finance-operate-transfer model with phased timelines for core transport and commercial components.Read more

The Competition Commission of India has granted in-principle approval for PNC Infratech Ltd. to acquire a controlling stake in Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. (JAL), provided it emerges as the successful bidder in the ongoing insolvency proceedings. JAL's total debt claims exceed INR 57,185 crore, and the company owns major assets including real estate projects, cement plants, hotel properties, toll roads, and subsidiary investments. The approval follows a Supreme Court directive requiring CCI clearance before the Committee of Creditors can vote on any resolution plan. Other bidders, including the Adani Group and Dalmia Bharat, have also received regulatory approval.Read more

The Noida Authority has begun a large-scale topographic survey to expand land reserves and support future development. Covering areas along the Yamuna and Noida expressways, the Hindon River, Sector 150, and internal drains, the study will map elevation, depth, size, and location of land parcels. This will help identify vacant plots, detect encroachments, and flag zones unsuitable for construction due to water bodies or flood risks. Sector 147 is a priority, with readiness for development under review. Findings will guide the allocation of land for residential, commercial, or institutional use while protecting ecologically sensitive areas, ensuring Noida's growth is structured, transparent, and sustainable.Read more

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear over two dozen review petitions challenging its May verdict that barred retrospective environmental clearances for projects violating environmental laws. Several firms, including public sector entities like Steel Authority of India Ltd, have requested clarifications or modifications. The court has scheduled the hearing for October 7. The May ruling highlighted the constitutional obligation of both the government and citizens to protect the environment and emphasized the right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere under Article 21.Read more

The Indian government is planning a INR 5,000 crore scheme to promote sustainable practices in the steel sector. Targeting both primary and secondary steel makers, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by incentivizing the adoption of cleaner technologies and alternative materials. Companies will be rewarded based on the reduction in emissions compared to previous years. This step aligns with India's commitment to the Paris Agreement and its net-zero ambitions. The domestic steel industry, which contributes 12 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions, stands to be a major focus of decarbonisation efforts.Read more

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) recently conducted a demolition drive against unauthorised construction in the Koparkhairane area after prior notices were ignored. The action, directed by the Municipal Commissioner and guided by senior officials of the Anti-Encroachment Department, targeted a property belonging to a local resident. Partial demolition was carried out under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, and a fine of INR 25,000 was imposed. The operation involved multiple officials, police support, machinery, and labour, highlighting the city's commitment to curbing illegal developments.Read more

India has rolled out its first national geothermal energy policy to boost clean power generation from underground heat sources. The move opens doors for oil, gas and mineral companies to form joint ventures with renewable developers. With 381 hot springs and 10 geothermal provinces identified, states like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat are set to lead initial projects. Global leaders such as the US, Indonesia and the Philippines have already established capacity, and companies in sectors like AI are also exploring geothermal for low-carbon electricity. Indian firms including ONGC have earlier piloted geothermal studies in Ladakh.Read more