NITI Aayog's CWMI Warns of Urban Water Crisis; Mihir Shah Committee Flags Supply-Focus Policy Gap

Water Reuse Policy: CEEW Report Highlights ₹3 Lakh Crore Investment & 1 Lakh Jobs Potential by 2047 to Address Urban Scarcity

With India's per capita water availability nearing the scarcity threshold, a CEEW analysis proposes a circular water economy. Treated wastewater reuse can address urban deficits, generate ₹3 lakh crore in investment, and create 1 lakh jobs by 2047, necessitating policy, finance, and technological reforms.

Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Draft Targets ICE Two/Three-Wheeler Ban by 2027; BEE CAFE-3 Norms Drafted

This news is critical for aspirants as it highlights a major shift in India's EV transition strategy from subsidy dependence to regulatory mandates. Delhi's draft EV Policy 2.0 proposes banning new ICE two/three-wheelers from 2027, setting a precedent for other states. Concurrently, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency's CAFE-3 draft norms aim to push passenger car electrification, with debates on hybrid credits.

Delhi Heat Crisis: Urban Heat Island Effect Costs India $100 Billion Annually, Requires High-Albedo Materials & Ventilation Corridors

Delhi's escalating heat crisis, driven by the Urban Heat Island Effect, is causing significant economic losses and ecological damage. This is a critical case study for GS-3 (Environment & Disaster Management) and GS-1 (Urbanization), highlighting the need for integrated urban planning, material science, and social protection policies.

India Requires 500 New Cities & 230 Mn Homes by 2047; Urgent Water Governance Reform for Peri-Urban Zones

This article highlights the critical governance gap in India's peri-urban zones, the 'missing middle' between rural and urban areas, which is rapidly expanding. It presents a five-point action plan to address water and sanitation crises, crucial for meeting the nation's projected need for 500 new cities by 2047.

Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Mandates Electric Two-Wheeler Registrations from April 2028, Opposed by Industry Citing 65% Market Disruption and China Supply Chain Risks

The Delhi government's draft EV Policy 2.0 proposes banning new ICE two-wheeler registrations from April 2028, aiming for complete electrification. However, industry bodies like SIAM oppose this mandate citing livelihood threats for 65% of buyers, supply chain dependence on China for 90% of battery components, and insufficient local ecosystem readiness.

India's Water Governance: Jal Shakti Ministry, NITI Aayog Index, Atal Bhujal Yojana & Jal Jeevan Mission Until 2028

India faces a water paradox: high rainfall but severe stress due to governance challenges. This article analyzes the institutional framework (Jal Shakti Ministry, Central Water Commission, CGWB) and national missions (Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana) aimed at sustainable water management. Understanding this governance structure is crucial for exams focusing on environment, federalism, and development schemes.

PRAGATI Reviews ₹30,000 Cr Projects; Ken-Betwa River Link Model for Inter-State Water Dispute Resolution

At the 51st PRAGATI meeting, the PM reviewed ₹30,000 Cr infrastructure projects and set the Ken-Betwa river inter-linking project as a model for resolving inter-state water disputes through cooperation and tech-based monitoring. The meeting emphasized mission-mode execution for projects and schemes like Swachh Bharat 2.0 and rooftop solar.

FAC Grants Stage-I Approval for Kente Extension Coal Block (1742.6 Hectares) with 4.48 Lakh Tree Felling in Hasdeo Arand, Chhattisgarh

The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has granted in-principle clearance for a major coal mine project in the ecologically sensitive Hasdeo Arand forests of Chhattisgarh, overriding its 'no-go' zone classification. This decision, involving diversion of 1,742.6 hectares and felling of 4.48 lakh trees, highlights the persistent tension between energy security and forest conservation, a critical theme for Environment & GS-III mains.