India to Undergo Urban Makeover with ADB’s $10 Billion Investment
India’s cities are set for a transformation as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) launches a $10 billion plan to upgrade urban infrastructure. This long-term investment will target clean water, smart mobility, waste management, and climate-resilient urban planning. The initiative focuses on tier-2 and tier-3 cities, aiming to create greener, more livable spaces. By partnering with state governments and urban bodies, ADB seeks to improve basic services and reduce urban inequality. With climate adaptation and sustainability at its core, the plan will also generate employment and support India’s broader push toward modern, inclusive cities.
C CARES 2.0 Launches to Digitally Empower India’s Coal Workforce
India’s coal workers will now access digital tools for welfare and training through the upgraded C CARES 2.0 platform, launched by the Union Coal Minister. The system offers features like digital health tracking, e-learning modules, grievance redressal, and benefits management. It aims to improve transparency and efficiency in worker support, while promoting digital inclusion in the coal sector. C CARES 2.0 reflects a shift toward tech-enabled governance even in traditional industries. This digital reform empowers lakhs of coal workers and prepares them for a more technology-driven future in India’s evolving energy economy.
DHRUVA Policy Launched to Digitally Map Every Indian Address
India has introduced the DHRUVA policy, a bold step to create a national digital address system. DHRUVA stands for Digital Households and Real-Time Unique Address, aiming to assign precise, geotagged addresses to every home and business. This initiative will enhance service delivery across sectors—from e-commerce and emergency response to banking and governance. By standardizing addresses and integrating them with digital maps, the government envisions a future of smarter urban planning and efficient logistics. DHRUVA also supports rural inclusion, ensuring even remote areas are digitally identifiable and better connected to public and private services.
Retired NPS Subscribers to Receive Unified Pension Services by June 3
Retired central government employees enrolled in the National Pension System (NPS) will be integrated into the Unified Pension Services (UPS) framework by June 30, 2025. This change will offer retirees easier access to pension details, faster claim processing, and improved coordination across departments. The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to modernize pension administration and make retirement benefits more efficient and transparent. Retirees are urged to update their information promptly to ensure smooth migration. UPS is expected to bring all post-retirement services under one digital umbrella, ensuring greater convenience and peace of mind for pensioners.
India Rolls Out New EV Guidelines to Boost Green Manufacturing
The Indian government has released a new set of guidelines to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and ease of doing business. The policy includes incentives for manufacturers, streamlined approval processes, and mandates for local battery production. It encourages both domestic startups and global firms to invest in India’s EV ecosystem. By supporting R&D and simplifying imports tied to future local production, the policy aims to position India as a global EV manufacturing hub. These guidelines align with India’s climate goals and represent a major push toward eco-friendly transportation and energy independence.