13 Jan 2026

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has taken action against 27 restaurants across India for illegally levying service charges by default. Following consumer complaints, the authority found that several eateries were automatically adding a service charge, usually around 10 per cent, without customer consent. The CCPA has imposed penalties of up to INR 50,000, ordered refunds to affected customers, and directed restaurants to modify their billing systems. The move follows a Delhi High Court ruling that upheld the illegality of mandatory service charges. The action reinforces consumer rights and sends a clear message to restaurants and hotels to comply with billing guidelines, as regulatory scrutiny of unfair trade practices in the hospitality sector continues to tighten.Read more

13 Jan 2026

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has called for wider adoption of precast and steel-based construction to reduce dust pollution from building activity in urban areas. Speaking in Mumbai, he said traditional reinforced concrete construction is a major source of air pollution and suggested cleaner, faster alternatives already common globally. Goyal said he may explore incentives with the Maharashtra government to encourage developers to shift to precast and steel systems, despite higher upfront costs. These methods reduce on-site dust, speed up project execution, and minimise disruption in dense cities. He also stressed industry-led adoption over blanket bans, noting that cleaner construction can support sustainable urban growth, redevelopment, and better living conditions in fast-growing metropolitan regions.Read more

13 Jan 2026

The Punjab government has launched a fresh round of mining site auctions and notified major reforms under the amended Punjab Minor Mineral Rules to improve transparency and boost revenue. In the first phase, 29 commercial mining sites were auctioned through online bidding, generating INR 11.61 crore. The new framework replaces volume-based allotments with competitive price bidding, upfront payments, advance royalty collection, and longer five-year lease tenures. Responsibility for environmental clearances has been shifted to bidders to reduce delays. With nearly 100 more sites to be auctioned, the reforms aim to curb illegal mining, ensure steady supply of construction materials, and support housing, infrastructure, and real estate development across Punjab.Read more

13 Jan 2026

The central government has announced plans to set up the seventh National Postal Training Centre in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, with an investment of INR 111 crore. The facility will strengthen India Post's training network, which currently trains around 2,000 personnel annually across six centres nationwide. The Shivpuri centre is expected to be completed within 8 to 12 months and will support capacity building while boosting local development. Alongside the announcement, renovated post offices were inaugurated and new Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48 services were launched. The project is likely to drive demand for institutional infrastructure, housing, and support services, positioning Shivpuri as an emerging administrative hub.Read more

13 Jan 2026

The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated urgent measures to curb rising dust pollution from construction activities in the city, a growing concern for public health and urban liveability. Enforcement teams have been directed to monitor active worksites, ensure proper use of dust suppression methods, and penalise non-compliant builders. Measures include regular spraying of water, enforcing protective fencing around sites, covering construction materials, and keeping transport vehicles dust-tight. The focus is on reducing particulate matter that impacts air quality, especially during the dry season when dust levels tend to spike. PMC's action reflects broader efforts by civic bodies to address pollution at its source and balance development activity with environmental and health safeguards for residents.Read more

13 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra government has announced a new incentive to boost urban redevelopment in Nashik, offering developers additional floor space index (FSI) for eligible projects. The move is aimed at reviving ageing residential and mixed-use buildings by improving project viability and attracting private investment. Incentive FSI allows higher construction in return for better infrastructure, open spaces, parking and public amenities. With many old structures in Nashik needing upgrades, the policy seeks to support safer housing, efficient land use and improved living conditions. The initiative reflects the state's push to extend redevelopment support beyond major cities, positioning Nashik for renewed urban growth and modern housing supply.Read more

13 Jan 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has urged stronger global cooperation to help developing countries expand renewable energy without slowing economic growth. Speaking at the 16th IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi, he said India alone will require around USD 300 billion in investments by 2030 to meet its clean energy targets. He highlighted India's stable policies, large-scale renewable projects, and growing focus on storage, green hydrogen, and grid infrastructure. Joshi stressed the need for technology transfer, affordable finance, and capacity building for emerging economies. He also cited schemes like rooftop solar and farm solarisation, noting that renewable energy growth is creating jobs, infrastructure demand, and wider economic opportunities.Read more

13 Jan 2026

Around 16,000 families in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra are set to receive permanent land titles, the state's Revenue Minister has announced, marking a major step toward formalising land ownership for rural and semi-urban residents. The move aims to replace long-standing informal or undocumented land rights with legally recognised titles, providing greater security and enabling better access to financial services, credit and government schemes tied to documented landholding. This initiative underscores the state government's focus on streamlining land records and empowering citizens through clear property rights. Issuance of permanent titles is expected to strengthen residents asset security, reduce disputes, and boost confidence among stakeholders in the local real estate and agricultural sectors.Read more

Delhi News Desk

12 Jan 2026

The Delhi government has transferred execution responsibility for the Munak Canal elevated road project to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), while funding, land acquisition, and coordination will remain with the Public Works Department (PWD). The 20 kilometre elevated corridor from Inderlok to Bawana is expected to reduce travel time by up to 40% and ease congestion at key junctions. Estimated at around INR 4,700 crore, the project will take approximately three years to complete after tendering. It will connect with major roads, including Urban Extension Road II, strengthening citywide transport infrastructure.Read more

12 Jan 2026

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the need for stronger coordination between the Centre and states to accelerate transport sector reforms. At the annual meeting of transport ministers and secretaries from all states and Union Territories in New Delhi, discussions focused on digitisation of services, road safety measures, regulatory updates, and ease of doing business. Officials reviewed platforms like Vahan and Sarathi, accident reporting systems, vehicle standards, emissions norms, and driver training initiatives. Gadkari emphasised that close consultation is key to achieving safer, more efficient road transport outcomes.Read more