central empowered committee

The Supreme Court has intensified vigilance in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary following severe criticism of state governments over rampant sand mining. Justices directed UP, Rajasthan, and MP to install Wi-Fi CCTV cameras and develop a uniform SOP to combat illegal mining. The court warned of paramilitary deployment and mining bans if states fail to act.

A decomposed tiger carcass was discovered in a private forest near Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in Sacorda. Forest officials, alerted by a nature enthusiast, found the remains scattered, suggesting the animal died over two weeks ago. Scavengers are suspected, but the exact cause of death awaits a forensic report.

Patna Municipal Corporation is set to issue municipal bonds worth up to Rs 200 crore, a move approved by the urban development department. This will fund major urban redevelopment projects, including the New Market area, with potential central government incentives. The initiative aims to enhance civic services and financial discipline in the city.

In a significant policy shift, Uttar Pradesh has relaxed tree management regulations within the Taj Trapezium Zone. This change brings relief to farmers located more than 5 kilometers away from the iconic Taj Mahal, where they can now engage in routine tree pruning and felling with an easier approval system.

Delhi's 10th Yamuna bridge project, intended to save commuters time, has instead wasted years due to poor planning, piecemeal clearances, and serial delays. Issues like unacquired land, tree permissions, and engineering challenges, compounded by the pandemic, have significantly inflated public costs beyond official figures.

The Union government clarified in Parliament that smart prepaid electricity meters are optional, not compulsory under the Electricity Act, 2003. Consumers can voluntarily opt for prepaid meters without a security deposit. While promoting smart meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, the government emphasizes incentivizing adoption over enforcement.