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36 minutes ago
Mangaluru City Corporation is planning a construction and demolition (C&D) waste management unit at the Pachanady dump yard to address rising illegal dumping across the city. Waste is being disposed of in open areas and near riverbanks, raising environmental concerns. Builders will be required to use the facility by paying a fee, while stricter monitoring and penalties are being introduced. The move is part of efforts to improve waste handling and ensure accountability among developers and contractors.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal upheld the distribution of funds to dissenting financial creditors in the insolvency case of OCL Iron and Steel. It rejected a petition filed by five banks that challenged payments made to State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank. The tribunal ruled that the distribution approved by the Committee of Creditors and later by the adjudicating authority was lawful and aligned with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. It also clarified that the Monitoring Committee did not have the authority to change the approved plan.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Property purchases in Spain by US citizens rose 3% in 2025 even as overall foreign transactions declined, with American buyers increasingly active in the premium residential segment. Data released in the past week by Spain's General Council of Notaries shows foreign buyers accounted for 19% of total transactions, with US buyers contributing around 2%. While Britons remain the largest foreign group, their activity has declined over recent years, contrasting with a steady rise in US participation. Americans are paying approximately 29% above the foreign buyer average, particularly targeting high-value properties above EUR 3 million in locations such as Madrid, Valencia and Costa del Sol. Industry participants attribute this trend to a mix of strong dollar positioning, investment diversification and geopolitical considerations influencing cross-border residential demand.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Delhi government has planned the redevelopment of spaces under six flyovers through public-private partnerships to improve usability and urban aesthetics. The project will introduce green zones, murals, seating areas, lighting, and sanitation upgrades. A Ramayan-themed mural at Mangi Setu is a key highlight. Companies including EaseMyTrip Foundation, Godrej Industries Group, and Dalmia Bharat Limited will execute the work under CSR initiatives. The plan focuses on converting unused spaces into safe, organised, and accessible public areas while improving overall infrastructure quality.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Vin Group, a Vietnamese firm, plans to invest USD 6.5 billion in Maharashtra for sustainable urban development, electric mobility, tourism, renewable energy, and social infrastructure. The MoU with MMRDA and the Industries Department aims to create smart residential townships, large-scale electric transport solutions, international-standard schools and hospitals, a solar power project, and tourism facilities. Spread over 5,000 acres, the project is expected to generate around 24,700 jobs. The initiative aligns with Maharashtra's efforts to make Mumbai a globally competitive economic and urban hub.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the HPCL-Rajasthan refinery at Pachpadra later this month, bringing into operation a 9 MMTPA integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex developed at an estimated cost of around INR 80,000 crore. The project, implemented by HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd, is a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd and the Government of Rajasthan. Located in Balotra district, the facility includes petrochemical capacity of 2.4 MMTPA and is designed to process both domestic and imported crude. The refinery has evolved over more than a decade, undergoing cost revisions and policy changes, and is expected to support industrial development, employment generation and downstream sector growth across western Rajasthan.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Mumbai's proposed desalination plant at Manori has received conditional Coastal Regulation Zone clearance from the state authority and is now awaiting final approval from the central environment ministry. Planned by the BMC, the project will convert seawater into drinking water with an initial capacity of 200 MLD, expandable to 400 MLD. Estimated at around INR 11,166 crore, the project includes tunnels and distribution systems. While key approvals are in place, environmental safeguards and concerns raised by local fishing communities remain important before construction begins.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The central government has revised its Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy to increase affordable housing supply along metro and rapid rail corridors. The updated framework mandates that 65% of the built-up area be used for smaller housing units, while allowing higher density and mixed-use development. It also reduces minimum plot size and introduces faster approvals through a single-window system. The policy aims to improve land use efficiency, strengthen last-mile connectivity, and promote compact urban growth near transit networks, especially in cities like Delhi.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in Gurugram has cleared all pending complaints up to 2024, marking a significant improvement in case resolution. The authority stated that over 2,000 cases pending as of the end of the past financial year have now been resolved. In 2025 alone, more than 5,000 complaints were adjudicated, with relief provided in the form of refunds or delayed possession charges based on case merits. Gurugram RERA now leads in complaint disposal efficiency among RERA bodies, despite being among the top in complaint registrations.Read more
10 Apr 2026
GQG Partners, a US-based investment firm backed by NRI investor Rajiv Jain, reduced its stake in ITC Hotels through an open market transaction in the past week. The firm sold around 1.29 crore shares, representing a 0.62 per cent stake, for approximately INR 197 crore. Following the deal, its holding declined to 1.35 per cent from 1.97 per cent. The buyers were not disclosed. The transaction comes amid active institutional participation in hospitality stocks, with ITC Hotels witnessing steady market interest and a rise in share price during the same trading session.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Singapore-listed City Developments has launched a multicurrency perpetual securities programme worth SGD 2 billion (approximately USD 1.57 billion) to strengthen its capital structure and support funding requirements. Announced on April 9, the programme allows the company to issue securities in multiple tranches and currencies, subject to regulatory approvals. Proceeds will be utilised for general corporate purposes, including working capital needs and refinancing of existing borrowings. United Overseas Bank has been appointed as arranger and dealer for the programme, while the company has applied for listing of the securities on the Singapore Exchange. The move reflects ongoing efforts by real estate developers to access flexible capital instruments amid evolving funding requirements.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Premier Energies Ltd has secured orders worth INR 2,577 crore during the fourth quarter of FY26 for supplying 1,600 MW of solar cells and modules. The contracts, awarded by a mix of domestic independent power producers, module manufacturers and EPC contractors, are scheduled for execution across FY27 and FY28. The development reflects sustained demand in India's solar manufacturing segment and growing confidence in the company's integrated capabilities. The company is also expanding its manufacturing scale, with cell capacity expected to reach 10.6 GW and module capacity already increased to 11.1 GW.Read more
10 Apr 2026
A group of institutional investors acquired a 1.6 per cent stake in Delhivery through open market transactions, with the deal valued at around INR 530 crore. The stake was sold by Nexus Venture Partners as part of its ongoing stake reduction strategy. Key buyers included BNP Paribas, SBI Mutual Fund, Edelweiss Mutual Fund, Nippon India Mutual Fund, AlphaGrep Investment Management and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. The transaction reflects continued investor interest in the logistics sector and follows multiple stake sales by Nexus over the past two years.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Mubadala Investment Company reported a 17 per cent increase in assets under management, reaching USD 385 billion in 2025, supported by strong domestic and global portfolio performance. The fund continues to play a key role in diversifying the United Arab Emirates economy beyond hydrocarbons. With 44 per cent exposure to the United States and nearly a quarter invested locally, Mubadala is also expanding its focus on artificial intelligence, robotics, and technology-led sectors while maintaining strong long-term returns above 10 per cent.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Anant Raj Ltd has entered into a supplementary agreement with Destination Properties Private Limited to advance a group housing project in the Delhi NCR region. The development will span over 5.0875 acres and forms part of the company's ongoing residential expansion strategy. The move comes at a time when residential demand in key urban markets continues to remain stable, particularly in mid to premium segments. The agreement indicates continued collaboration between the two entities and reflects Anant Raj's focus on strengthening its project pipeline in the region.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Electric mobility firm Simple Energy has expanded its retail presence with the launch of five new stores across Delhi, Nashik, Aurangabad and Siliguri, as part of its pan-India growth strategy announced on April 9. The company has strengthened its footprint in Delhi by opening outlets at two locations, while marking its entry into Nashik, Aurangabad and Siliguri with first-time stores. With this expansion, the Bengaluru-based firm now operates nearly 70 outlets across 38 cities. The company has also outlined plans to enter additional markets, including Nagpur, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar. The move reflects continued expansion of EV retail infrastructure in tier-I and tier-II cities to improve accessibility and after-sales support for customers.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at seven locations linked to Kolkata-based Merlin Group as part of a money laundering probe. The investigation relates to alleged land grabbing using forged ownership documents and raising funds by projecting false ownership claims. Authorities suspect that investors were misled into funding real estate projects built on disputed land. The case is also linked to earlier legal disputes, including a stalled INR 600 crore project and a demolition order in another development. The probe is ongoing, with officials examining financial records and land documents.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced an initiative to develop Arogya Van thematic plantations of medicinal trees across vacant land parcels along National Highways to enhance biodiversity and ecological resilience. In the first phase, 17 sites covering 62.8 hectares have been identified across multiple states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The programme will involve planting approximately 67,462 trees comprising 36 medicinal species such as neem, amla and jamun, selected based on agro-climatic suitability. Priority locations include areas near toll plazas, interchanges and wayside amenities to improve public visibility. The initiative is positioned as part of broader efforts to integrate environmental considerations into highway infrastructure development.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Real estate firm Dalcore has announced an investment of INR 500 crore to develop a branded luxury housing project in Gurugram in partnership with London-based design brand YOO. The project, named The Falcon, has been launched in the past week on a 2-acre land parcel along Golf Course Road and will comprise a single 165-metre-high tower. With a built-up area of approximately 5 lakh sq ft, the development will include 96 units, comprising 93 apartments and three penthouses. Apartment prices are expected to start from INR 10 crore, with the developer targeting total revenues of around INR 1,450 crore. The project marks Dalcore's entry into the residential segment and introduces YOO-branded residences to North India, reflecting growing demand for design-led premium housing offerings in key urban markets.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has recommended introducing project-wise insolvency in the real estate sector to better safeguard homebuyers and ensure timely project completion. The proposal suggests treating each project as a separate unit during insolvency proceedings instead of including the entire developer entity. This is expected to prevent financially stable projects from being impacted by stressed ones. The recommendation comes in response to delays and fund diversion issues seen in past cases and aims to improve resolution efficiency and protect buyer interests.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Signature Global Ltd reported a decline in both quarterly and annual pre-sales, reflecting a slowdown after a strong previous year. Sales bookings dropped to INR 1,540 crore in the last quarter, while annual bookings fell to INR 8,220 crore from a record high. The company continues to focus on the Gurugram residential market but has now entered the commercial real estate segment through a joint venture with RMZ Group. The move signals diversification amid changing market conditions, while the firm maintains focus on execution, capital discipline, and long-term value creation.Read more
10 Apr 2026
NILE Hospitality has announced the signing of a 75-key Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Dibrugarh, Assam, marking its continued expansion in emerging hospitality markets. The project is expected to improve the city's organised hotel supply and cater to rising demand from business and agricultural sectors. Dibrugarh, known as a key commercial centre in eastern India, has been witnessing steady growth in domestic travel and trade activity. The upcoming hotel is likely to bring branded accommodation and standardised services to the region, aligning with broader trends of hotel chains entering tier-II and tier-III cities.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reduced the number of trees affected in the Malabar Hill reservoir project from 389 to 76 after revising its plan. The move follows strong opposition from residents and environmental groups over the impact on green cover near Hanging Gardens. The civic body has now adopted a phased repair approach for the ageing reservoir and proposed a 52 MLD alternative tank to maintain water supply during the work. While the revision addresses key concerns, residents continue to question the need for additional construction in the area.Read more
10 Apr 2026
BEML Ltd has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd to collaborate on metro rail projects across domestic and international markets. The agreement, signed in the past week, establishes a framework for jointly identifying and executing metro infrastructure opportunities by combining BEML's rolling stock manufacturing capabilities with DMRC's expertise in project execution and operations. The partnership comes as BEML expands its global presence, following a recent overseas metro rolling stock order worth around USD 60 million in Africa. The collaboration also includes a focus on developing indigenous technologies such as propulsion systems and tunnel boring machines to support future urban transport projects.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Max Healthcare Institute Ltd has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire a 58.4 per cent controlling stake in Kalinga Hospital Ltd for an equity value of INR 300 crore, including a control premium. The move marks the company's entry into Bhubaneswar and strengthens its presence in eastern India. Kalinga Hospital, a 250-bed NABH-accredited facility, operates on a 10-acre campus with significant expansion potential. The hospital offers multiple super speciality services and can scale up to over 1,000 beds in the future, supporting long-term growth plans.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Ashiana Housing Ltd has reported a sharp increase in sales bookings during the fourth quarter of the last financial year, with pre-sales more than doubling to INR 1,289.70 crore compared to INR 574.73 crore in the corresponding period a year earlier. The Delhi-based developer also recorded its highest-ever annual sales bookings at INR 2,421.47 crore, up from INR 1,936.75 crore in the previous financial year. The company sold 26.73 lakh sq ft of area during the full year, reflecting improved demand across its residential portfolio. Ashiana Housing operates across key markets including Delhi-NCR, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Jharkhand, with a focus on senior living and group housing projects.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The underpass project near Bharat Mandapam in Delhi has received key approval from Indian Railways, allowing construction to move ahead after a long delay. The Bhairon Marg underpass, part of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor, had been stalled due to technical and coordination issues. With a revised plan now cleared, work is expected to restart with a completion target set for December 2026. The project is aimed at easing congestion in central Delhi and improving connectivity around Pragati Maidan, ITO and nearby high-traffic stretches.Read more
10 Apr 2026
ITC Hotels Limited has expanded its Welcomhotel brand footprint with new property signings in Bhubaneswar and Shirdi, taking the portfolio beyond the 50-hotel mark. The agreements, finalised in the past week with Sandy Resort Private Limited, cover a 73-room hotel in Shirdi and an 84-room property in Bhubaneswar. With these additions, the Welcomhotel portfolio now includes 51 properties with over 5,500 keys, comprising 30 operational hotels and 21 under development. The expansion strategy focuses on pilgrimage and leisure destinations, with recent signings across multiple cities and additional projects planned in locations such as Gangtok, Bhopal and Gwalior.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Heimstaden AB has signed an agreement to divest a residential development project located at Else Sorensens Vej in Rodovre, Denmark, to global real estate investor Tishman Speyer. The transaction reflects Heimstaden's ongoing strategy to optimise its development portfolio and recycle capital, while Tishman Speyer continues to expand its presence in the Nordic residential market. The project is part of a growing suburban housing cluster near Copenhagen, a region that has seen steady demand due to urban spillover and infrastructure connectivity. The deal aligns with broader investment activity in Europe's residential development sector.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Noida Authority has lifted restrictions on four stalled Sports City projects, permitting developers to submit revised layouts for approval and restart long-delayed construction. The decision follows compliance with a Supreme Court directive issued late last year, which mandated a structured revival framework for the projects. Spread across nearly 800 acres, the developments collectively account for around 32,000 residential units and were halted in 2021 after regulatory and audit-related irregularities were flagged. Developers, including Lotus Greens, Logix Infra, ATS Homes and Xanadu Estate, must now present updated plans aligned with original policy requirements, particularly the provision of sports infrastructure. The move is expected to facilitate completion of pending units, enable registrations, and address concerns of thousands of homebuyers affected by prolonged delays.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Embassy Office Parks REIT has approved the issuance of commercial papers worth INR 1,100 crore in two tranches to refinance existing borrowings and meet working capital requirements. The decision was cleared by the debenture committee of Embassy Office Parks Management Services in the past week. The fundraising will be undertaken through two issuances of INR 650 crore and INR 450 crore, with tenures of 347 days and 342 days respectively. The issuance forms part of a broader debt programme allowing the REIT to raise up to INR 10,500 crore through multiple instruments. The commercial paper programme has received top short-term credit ratings of A1+ from CRISIL and CARE, indicating strong repayment capacity and low credit risk.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCIL) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Colombo Dockyard PLC to collaborate on ship repair, maintenance and shipbuilding projects, strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The agreement, signed in the past week, will enable dry-docking and repair services for DCIL's fleet while jointly exploring the construction of specialised dredgers and offshore support vessels. The partnership combines DCIL's dredging expertise with Colombo Dockyard's shipbuilding infrastructure and includes provisions for technical collaboration and knowledge sharing. The move is expected to support operational efficiency and expand capabilities across maritime services, reflecting increased cross-border cooperation in the ports and shipping sector.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) halted a demolition drive targeting an unauthorised residential colony in Chinhat after facing resistance from builders and their associates. The enforcement action, carried out in the past week near the Kisan Path corridor, was aimed at clearing illegal plotting spread across nearly seven acres. Officials withdrew from the site after disruptions escalated into stone-pelting, raising safety concerns. The authority has stated that the drive will be resumed with police protection. The incident highlights operational challenges faced by planning authorities in enforcing development regulations amid on-ground opposition. It also reflects ongoing efforts by the LDA to curb unauthorised colonies and ensure compliance with approved layout plans in expanding urban zones of Lucknow.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Global property consultancy Savills has acquired a majority stake in hospitality advisory firm Hotelivate to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The transaction, announced in the past week, will integrate Hotelivate's regional expertise with Savills global platform to expand advisory services across hotel investments and asset management. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. Hotelivate operates across South Asia, advising on hotel development, transactions and feasibility. The acquisition aligns with Savills strategy to scale its hospitality vertical and enhance client coverage in high-growth markets such as India and neighbouring countries.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has intensified enforcement of its Good Construction Practice Policy by sealing three construction sites in the Gota area in the past week for failing to implement mandatory dust mitigation measures. The projects Evera, S Plus and Solo Bliss 2 were found non-compliant with requirements such as green netting and barricading to control particulate emissions. One of the sites was additionally fined INR 1 lakh for spilling construction material onto a public road, creating a traffic hazard. The crackdown extended to other parts of the city, with additional penalties imposed in Bodakdev and Thaltej for pollution and safety violations. The drive also included removal of encroachments along a key service road to ease traffic movement.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Prestige Estates Projects Ltd recorded a strong performance in the past financial year, supported by steady housing demand across key cities. The company's pre-sales rose significantly, driven by both new project launches and existing inventory. Major markets such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR played an important role in overall sales. The developer also highlighted a large upcoming project pipeline, indicating continued growth visibility. The broader residential market trend shows buyers preferring established and credible developers, which has supported the company's performance despite some moderation in overall demand.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has made it mandatory for developers and plot owners to earmark space for rooftop solar panels in building plans submitted for approval, with non-compliant proposals liable for rejection. The directive, introduced in the past week, applies across residential, commercial and industrial developments and is linked to the PM Surya Ghar scheme. Applicants are also required to deposit a refundable fee based on plot size, ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 2 lakh, which is returned after installation is verified. The move forms part of a broader push to increase renewable energy adoption and reduce dependence on conventional power sources, with the authority targeting a defined share of solar energy in the city's overall consumption mix.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Wonder Cement has strengthened its renewable energy strategy through multiple long-term solar power purchase agreements with Sunsure Energy. The partnership will enable the company to source a significant portion of its electricity from clean energy for its facilities in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. This move is expected to reduce around 33,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and lower dependence on conventional grid power. The development reflects a broader shift within the cement sector towards sustainability, with companies increasingly adopting renewable energy solutions to manage costs and meet environmental targets.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has increased development charges, building permit fees, and mandatory inspection costs for the current financial year, with revised rates coming into effect from the start of the month. The revision, implemented under state government directives, involves an average increase of around 4% across multiple approval stages. The changes also include higher infrastructure-linked levies such as metro and elevated road cesses. The move is expected to raise input costs for developers, which industry stakeholders indicate may be passed on to homebuyers, affecting overall housing affordability in Ghaziabad and adjoining National Capital Region markets.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Kalaburagi district has achieved its highest-ever property tax recovery of 89.8%, reflecting a strong improvement in collection efficiency. The district saw a steady rise in revenue, reaching around INR 33.4 crore in the latest fiscal from INR 25.8 crore in the previous year. Focused administrative action, strict monitoring, and doorstep collection efforts played a key role. A large number of gram panchayats recorded full or near-full recovery. Contributions from industries also supported the overall collections, strengthening local finances despite delays in external funding.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Malkapur Municipal Council in Satara district has become the first C-class urban local body in Maharashtra to issue Transferable Development Rights (TDR) certificates for acquiring private land for public infrastructure. The certificates were distributed to six landowners in the past week for approximately 19,000 sq ft of land earmarked for a Development Plan (DP) road project aimed at easing traffic congestion. The move introduces a mechanism typically used in larger cities, allowing the council to secure land without direct monetary compensation. Landowners can monetise these certificates by selling them to developers, who can use them to increase permissible built-up area. The initiative comes amid rising land values and growing infrastructure requirements in the town, which lies along a key highway corridor.Read more
10 Apr 2026
SpiceJet has issued a travel advisory warning of potential flight disruptions at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, due to adverse weather conditions affecting operations. The advisory, released in the past week, highlighted the likelihood of delays and schedule changes for both arrivals and departures. Thunderstorms, rainfall and reduced visibility have impacted aircraft movement and air traffic management at the airport. Passengers have been advised to monitor flight status regularly and allow additional time for travel. The development reflects recurring weather-related operational challenges at key aviation hubs, particularly during periods of unstable atmospheric conditions.Read more
10 Apr 2026
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a city-wide survey to identify residential buildings being used for commercial purposes without approval, in compliance with a recent Supreme Court directive. The exercise will cover colonies, apartment complexes and housing societies across the city, with ward-level teams tasked with mapping violations such as offices, shops, clinics and guesthouses operating in residential zones. The court, while hearing a case related to an illegal commercial structure in Chennai, directed municipal bodies in state capitals to conduct detailed inspections and submit reports. The move addresses long-standing concerns over land-use violations that have led to congestion, infrastructure strain and disruption in residential neighbourhoods.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works has deployed what it describes as India's largest and deepest backhoe dredger, River Pearl 47, at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), under an ongoing contract awarded by Dredging Corporation of India. The deployment, announced in the past week, forms part of a technically complex dredging programme involving removal of rock pinnacles and seabed obstructions. The vessel is designed for high-precision excavation across varying depths and challenging seabed conditions. The move strengthens India's domestic dredging capability and reflects increasing reliance on specialised marine equipment for port deepening, maintenance, and infrastructure expansion at major maritime gateways.Read more
10 Apr 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated the strategic importance of India's maritime sector in supporting economic growth, trade and logistics connectivity, marking National Maritime Day in the past week. In a public message, he acknowledged the contribution of stakeholders across shipping and port ecosystems, noting their role in strengthening the country's economic framework. The statement also reaffirmed the government's commitment to further developing maritime infrastructure and leveraging the sector's potential for future growth. The remarks come amid ongoing policy emphasis on port modernisation, coastal infrastructure, and expansion of shipping capacity as part of India's broader infrastructure and logistics strategy.Read more
09 Apr 2026
The Himachal Pradesh government has revised and reduced recently proposed vehicle entry tax rates for out-of-state vehicles after protests along its borders with Punjab and Haryana. The decision, notified in the past week, introduces a uniform INR 100 levy for passenger vehicles with up to 12+1 seating capacity, while fixing rates for commercial vehicles at INR 320 for light categories and INR 570 for larger trucks. The rollback follows sustained agitation by transporters and political representatives who had opposed earlier steep increases. The move aims to ease commuter burden and restore cross-border movement while retaining a revised taxation framework intended to support state revenues and infrastructure funding under the Himachal Pradesh Tolls Act, 1975.Read more
09 Apr 2026
The Vijayapura airport project in Karnataka is nearing operational readiness, with authorities awaiting a Supreme Court verdict on environmental clearance issues that have delayed its launch. The airport, developed by the state government, has completed construction and applied for operational approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The delay stems from a broader legal challenge concerning projects initiated without prior environmental clearance, which led to restrictions affecting several infrastructure developments. The state has invested additional funds to upgrade facilities, including approach roads and safety systems, and has initiated discussions with airlines for connectivity. Once clearance is granted, the airport is expected to begin operations, improving regional connectivity across north Karnataka and supporting economic activity in the surrounding districts.Read more
09 Apr 2026
The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has reduced landing and parking charges by 25% at major airports across India, offering relief to airlines. The decision, implemented in the past week, applies to all domestic flights and will remain in effect for three months. The move follows a directive from the government in response to the ongoing West Asia crisis, which has impacted airline operations and costs. The reduction is expected to ease financial pressure on carriers and support stability in domestic aviation operations during this period of uncertainty.Read more
09 Apr 2026
The Karnataka government has proposed amendments to the 2003 building bye-laws in Bengaluru, allowing deviations of up to 15% from approved plans, compared to the earlier 5% limit. The draft framework, open for public feedback until the end of April, introduces a compounding fee mechanism to regularise such deviations and enable issuance of occupancy certificates. The move is intended to address a large number of buildings unable to secure approvals due to minor violations. However, urban planners and civic experts have raised concerns regarding enforcement, safety, and legal compliance, warning that the proposal may legitimise unauthorised construction practices while altering long-standing planning norms.Read more
09 Apr 2026
Vietnam is expected to see foreign investment inflows of up to USD 6 billion after securing an upgrade to emerging market status by FTSE Russell. The move is likely to improve liquidity and restore investor confidence following sustained foreign outflows in recent years. The inclusion will be carried out in phases starting September, with both passive and active investments anticipated. Ongoing market reforms, including easing access for foreign investors and improvements in clearing systems, have supported the upgrade. The government is now targeting a further upgrade by MSCI, potentially ahead of its initial 2030 timeline.Read more