Delhi Slum Rehabilitation Policy 2026: Eligibility Cut-off Shifted to Jan 1, 2025 to Benefit 4 Lakh Families

Delhi Slum and JJ Cluster Rehabilitation Policy 2026 Finalized with Jan 1, 2025 Eligibility Cut-off to Benefit 4 Lakh Families

The Union Home Minister has announced the finalization of Delhi's 2026 slum rehabilitation policy, mandating a strict 45-day deadline for tenders and setting a January 2025 eligibility cut-off. This policy, crucial for UPSC aspirants, exemplifies center-state coordination on urban poverty, a recurring theme in Governance and Social Justice sections of the Mains GS-II paper.

NCRB 2024 Report: 1.99 Lakh Traffic Deaths, 3.14% GDP Loss, Speeding Causes 58% Road Fatalities

The NCRB's 2024 report reveals a grim toll of 1.99 lakh traffic deaths, costing India 3.14% of its GDP. Speeding is the primary killer, accounting for 58% of road fatalities, with national highways being disproportionately dangerous despite their limited length.

Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Reinstates 'Tender Premium' Ban, Plugging ₹16,839 Cr Loophole for Phase 2 (2024-28)

The government has reinstated a crucial financial safeguard in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), banning the use of central funds to pay 'tender premiums' (inflated bid amounts). This closes a loophole that, between 2022-2025, led to cost escalations of ₹16,839 crore across 14,586 projects. This is vital for exam aspirants as it highlights governance, financial accountability in flagship schemes, and the impact of rule changes on public expenditure.

Gujarat HC Suo Motu Cognisance After Maternal Deaths Promises Rs 13.5 Cr Road Under Mukhya Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Two maternal deaths in a remote tribal village in Gujarat due to lack of road access prompted the Gujarat High Court to take suo motu cognisance. The state government promised an Rs 13.5 crore road under Mukhya Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, but forest clearance delays persist, highlighting critical gaps in rural infrastructure and governance.

Great Nicobar Island Strategic Project: ₹92,000 Cr Infrastructure Plan Triggers Resettlement Census for Indigenous Communities

The Andaman & Nicobar administration has initiated a resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) census for the ₹92,000 crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, which includes an international container port, airport, and township. This move directly impacts indigenous Nicobarese tribes and a fragile island ecology, pitting strategic and economic development goals against environmental and tribal rights concerns.

NEET Shifts to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) from 2027; Aadarsh Pariksha Kendra Model Highlighted Amid Infrastructure Concerns

India is planning a major transition of the high-stakes NEET exam to a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format from 2027 to address security vulnerabilities. However, the core challenge lies not in software but in building a robust, standardized national examination infrastructure, as highlighted by Bihar's Aadarsh Pariksha Kendra initiative.

National Policy Focus on Early Childhood Brain Development Links Nutrition, Care & Learning Under NEP 2020 for Viksit Bharat 2047

This analysis underscores the critical link between early childhood nutrition, responsive caregiving, and learning outcomes, positioning it as a core human capital investment for India's development goals. It reviews India's policy framework and proposes administrative priorities for convergence between health, nutrition, and childcare sectors.

Delhi Metro Phase V(B) Expansion: 7 Corridors (97.16 km) Approved at ₹48,204.56 Cr for 2029 Targets

The Delhi government has approved the DMRC's Phase V(B) expansion plan, involving 7 new metro corridors spanning 97.16 km at a cost of ₹48,204.56 crore. This project aims to improve connectivity in Outer Delhi and rural belts like Narela and Najafgarh, targeting completion of four priority corridors by 2029. It represents a major urban infrastructure push for balanced development in the National Capital Region.