11 minutes ago

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is progressing with a road-widening project along SV Road in Andheri, where 502 structures have been marked for removal to ease congestion. The work is being executed in three phases under DCPR provisions, with the first phase largely completed. Authorities have encouraged partial voluntary demolition by property owners to speed up the process. The stretch remains a key traffic corridor in the western suburbs, and past similar drives across Mumbai indicate a continued focus on removing bottlenecks and improving road capacity.Read more

41 minutes ago

A road accident on the Kalyan-Murbad route led to the death of 11 people after an overcrowded taxi collided with a cement mixer truck. The vehicle was carrying almost double its permitted capacity, which worsened the impact and left no survivors. The crash occurred on a partially open bridge, raising concerns about road conditions and traffic management. Initial findings pointed to overspeeding and negligence. The incident has once again highlighted issues around illegal shared transport operations and weak enforcement on busy regional routes.Read more

1 hour ago

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved a revised design for the Enchakkal flyover approach roads in Thiruvananthapuram, allowing construction to resume after a prolonged halt. The updated plan replaces retaining walls with additional structural pillars to address safety concerns arising from similar failures elsewhere in Kerala. The project, valued at approximately INR 47 crore, is a key intervention along the NH-66 corridor aimed at easing congestion near the airport junction. With the southwest monsoon approaching in the coming weeks, contractors have been directed to accelerate pending works, particularly approach roads and drainage systems. The flyover forms part of broader efforts to improve urban mobility and streamline traffic flow across critical access routes in the state capital.Read more

1 hour ago

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway missing link project, which is in its final stage, may not meet its planned May 1 opening due to supply disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. Shortage of bitumen and rising input costs have slowed the final surfacing work on key bridge sections. While tunnels and major road stretches are already complete, the last phase remains pending. Authorities are working to meet internal deadlines, but uncertainty over material availability and logistics continues to affect progress.Read more

2 hours ago

A group of homebuyers in Telangana has accused a construction firm of cheating after collecting substantial advance payments for a proposed villa project in Kollur, near Hyderabad, without initiating development or securing statutory approvals. Complaints filed with the Cyberabad Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) led to the registration of a criminal case under provisions related to cheating and criminal breach of trust. Buyers claimed they were persuaded to invest in the project under a pre-launch offer, with one purchaser reportedly paying INR 1.38 crore towards a villa valued at INR 1.60 crore. Investigations revealed that the project had neither received approvals from the Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) nor the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), raising concerns over compliance and project legitimacy.Read more

2 hours ago

India's office leasing market recorded gross absorption of 21.6 million sq ft across six major cities in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 10% year-on-year increase, according to a report by Savills India. The growth was led by strong occupier demand, particularly from technology firms, flexible workspace operators, and global capability centres (GCCs). Bengaluru emerged as the leading market with 6 million sq ft of leasing activity, followed by Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR. While demand strengthened, new supply declined 28% to 7.9 million sq ft, contributing to a moderation in vacancy levels to 13.9%. Large transactions exceeding 100,000 sq ft accounted for over half of total leasing, indicating continued preference for scale among occupiers despite prevailing global economic uncertainties.Read more

3 hours ago

Shree KB Group has announced an investment of approximately INR 422 crore for the development of a retail-led commercial project, KB West Walk, in Greater Noida West. Spread across around 2.9 acres, the project will offer a total leasable area of 7.5 lakh sq ft and comprise nearly 1,290 units available for sale and lease. The investment includes about INR 122 crore towards land acquisition and INR 300 crore for construction. Expected lease rentals have been estimated at INR 250 per sq ft. The development is scheduled for completion by October 2030 and reflects continued investor interest in organised retail infrastructure in high-density residential catchments of the National Capital Region.Read more

3 hours ago

Amazon has introduced an internal initiative, Project Houdini, aimed at significantly reducing the time required to build data centres for artificial intelligence workloads. Reported in the past week, the approach shifts construction from traditional on-site methods to factory-based modular assembly, enabling faster deployment of server infrastructure. The model is expected to cut construction timelines from several weeks to as little as two to three weeks for core data hall components, while reducing labour intensity. The initiative is part of Amazon Web Services broader effort to address capacity constraints driven by surging demand for AI computing. The development reflects a wider industry trend towards prefabrication and standardisation in digital infrastructure, as technology firms scale up investments in high-performance data centres globally.Read more

4 hours ago

Gujarat-based logistics and chemical trading firm A1 Ltd has achieved a significant operational milestone, with over 90 per cent of its vehicle fleet now debt-free and full repayment of vehicle-related liabilities targeted within the current financial year. The development, reported in the past week, coincides with the company's expansion of logistics capacity through the addition of 10 multi-axle tankers, taking its total fleet size to 71 vehicles. The move is aimed at meeting rising customer demand, improving delivery timelines, and reducing reliance on third-party logistics providers. The combined strategy of deleveraging and fleet expansion reflects a focus on strengthening operational efficiency and asset ownership within the company's logistics framework.Read more

4 hours ago

The United States has initiated a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. The enforcement, which began in the past week, applies to vessels entering or leaving Iranian coastal infrastructure across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, while allowing transit through the Strait of Hormuz for non-Iran-bound traffic. The move follows the collapse of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries and is aimed at restricting Iran's oil exports and economic activity. The development has triggered concerns over global energy supply disruptions, with oil prices reacting sharply and maritime traffic facing increased scrutiny. The blockade is expected to have implications for international shipping, logistics, and trade flows, particularly across Asia-bound energy corridors.Read more

5 hours ago

Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has raised concerns over escalating labour unrest in the industrial clusters of Manesar and Noida, calling for immediate corrective measures including fair wage practices and improved grievance redressal systems. The union stated that worker dissatisfaction stems from wage disparities, rising living costs, and increased contractualisation. It also cautioned against external influences aggravating tensions. The unrest, which intensified in the past week, has led to incidents of violence, property damage, and police intervention in parts of Noida and Haryana. BMS has urged industry stakeholders and the government to restore normalcy through structured dialogue while ensuring strict action against both labour law violations and acts of violence.Read more

5 hours ago

The Union government has announced a tax exemption on compensation received by landowners whose land is acquired for national highway projects, removing the liability of income tax and stamp duty on such transactions. The decision, reported in the past week, is expected to provide financial relief to affected individuals, particularly farmers and rural landholders. The move aligns with provisions under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, and forms part of broader efforts to ease land acquisition challenges in infrastructure development. By ensuring that compensation remains fully accessible to beneficiaries, the policy aims to reduce disputes, improve acquisition timelines, and support the execution of highway projects across the country.Read more

6 hours ago

The Maharashtra government is implementing infrastructure projects worth approximately INR 6,500 crore across Gadchiroli district, covering over 140 initiatives spanning roads, irrigation, healthcare, and urban development. Reported in the past week, the programme is aimed at improving connectivity, strengthening public infrastructure, and supporting economic activity in a region historically affected by limited development. Road projects alone account for over INR 3,000 crore, focusing on linking remote areas, while irrigation schemes and healthcare upgrades are being undertaken to improve agricultural output and access to services. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to integrate Gadchiroli into the state's economic framework, alongside parallel plans to develop the district as a mining and industrial hub supported by enhanced infrastructure and connectivity.Read more

6 hours ago

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has signed a 165-key greenfield Vivanta hotel at Bhogapuram International Airport in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, expanding its presence in an emerging aviation-linked corridor. The project is positioned to cater to corporate, MICE, and transit demand, supported by infrastructure development and tourism initiatives in the Visakhapatnam Bheemili Bhogapuram region. With this addition, IHCL's portfolio in Andhra Pradesh will increase to nine hotels, including four currently under development. The signing reflects continued hotel development activity in airport-driven micro-markets, where connectivity upgrades and regional growth corridors are shaping demand for organised hospitality assets.Read more

7 hours ago

Indian Railways, in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), has operationalised a Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal in Jammu, aimed at improving fuel transportation and logistics efficiency in the region. Commissioned in the past week, the facility has been developed under the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal policy to enhance freight handling capacity and reduce dependence on road transport. The terminal is expected to facilitate the movement of petroleum products, ensuring streamlined supply to Jammu and surrounding areas. The initiative forms part of the broader push to modernise rail-based logistics infrastructure, promote private sector participation, and improve multimodal connectivity. The development is also aligned with national infrastructure priorities focused on cost efficiency and faster cargo movement.Read more

7 hours ago

The Haryana government has amended its Affordable Housing Policy, 2013, introducing mandatory provision of one car parking space per dwelling unit across projects. The revision, notified in the past week, also increases allotment rates across cities including Gurugram, Faridabad and Sohna. Parking costs have been capped at 10% of the flat price, with developers required to demarcate spaces at the approval stage. The changes will apply to upcoming allotments and partially to ongoing projects, subject to buyer consent. Projects with occupation certificates remain exempt. The revision reflects a broader recalibration of policy norms to address infrastructure gaps in high-density housing while accommodating rising construction and land costs across the state's affordable housing segment.Read more

8 hours ago

Retail real estate leasing across India's top seven cities stood at approximately 4.3 million sq ft in the second half of 2025, reflecting stable occupier demand amid evolving market conditions, according to an Anarock report. High-street locations led leasing activity, supported by limited availability of quality mall space and continued retailer expansion. Mid-sized store formats between 1,000 sq ft and 5,000 sq ft dominated transactions, indicating a preference for flexible and cost-efficient retail footprints. Rental growth was observed in prominent high-street micro-markets, while mall rentals remained largely stable with selective increases in premium Grade A developments. Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad accounted for a significant share of upcoming supply, highlighting the concentration of new retail development in these regions.Read more

8 hours ago

A newly constructed air traffic control (ATC) tower at Vijayawada Airport is nearing operationalisation after completing a month-long trial run, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) seeking approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Built at a cost of INR 90 crore, the facility is expected to enhance air traffic management capacity and improve operational efficiency at the airport. The G+2 structure, developed over approximately two and a half years, has already handled live air traffic during the trial phase without disruptions. Once commissioned, the new tower will replace the existing facility and support increasing flight movements amid rising passenger demand and network expansion. The development forms part of broader infrastructure upgrades underway at Vijayawada Airport.Read more

9 hours ago

The tender process for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Nagpur Metro Phase III has progressed to the evaluation stage, with two firms submitting bids for the consultancy assignment. Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) has initiated technical scrutiny of the proposals, after which financial bids will be opened before awarding the contract. The DPR will define the scope of the proposed Phase III expansion, which is expected to be the largest addition to the Nagpur Metro network, covering multiple new corridors including Inner Ring Road, Sitabuldi Koradi, Butibori extension, and New Nagpur connectivity. Once a consultant is appointed, groundwork for surveys and planning is expected to commence next month, forming the basis for subsequent state and central approvals.Read more

Ludhiana News Desk

9 hours ago

The Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) has confirmed that the draw of lots for 179 flats under its Atal Apartment scheme will be conducted on April 14 in Ludhiana. The allocation includes 43 High Income Group (HIG) and 136 Middle Income Group (MIG) units, with over 1,500 applications received for the remaining inventory. The draw will be held at Nehru Sidhant Kendra, following scrutiny of applications and publication of the final applicant list. The project, located at Karnail Singh Nagar on Pakhowal Road, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed later in the year. The scheme remains LIT's only active housing project, reflecting continued demand for state-led residential supply in the city.Read more

10 hours ago

The Delhi government has proposed a 19.2 km elevated road corridor along the Yamuna, stretching from Wazirabad to the DND Flyway, as part of a broader push to improve urban mobility and reduce congestion. The plan, reviewed in the past week, includes phased development of the corridor alongside metro expansion and multiple flyover projects. A 2.62 km flyover between Tripolia Gate and Barfkhana has also been proposed. The initiative is being considered alongside ongoing Delhi Metro Phase IV works, where over 100 km of network is under construction. The combined approach seeks to enhance north-south connectivity, reduce travel time across key traffic corridors, and strengthen integration between road and rail-based transport infrastructure in the capital.Read more

10 hours ago

The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has raised concerns over the increasing use of residential properties for commercial activities across the city, as a nationwide inquiry ordered by the Supreme Court comes into effect. Mayor Mrigen Sarania acknowledged the prevalence of mixed-use buildings, particularly where ground floors are used commercially while upper floors remain residential. The development follows a directive requiring civic bodies in all state capitals to survey and report unauthorised commercial use of residential premises by mid-May. The issue highlights challenges in enforcing zoning regulations in rapidly expanding urban centres such as Guwahati, where commercial spillover into residential neighbourhoods has intensified. Municipal authorities are expected to undertake detailed mapping of such violations and submit compliance reports as part of the court-monitored exercise.Read more

Ghaziabad News Desk

11 hours ago

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a redevelopment plan worth approximately INR 2,200 crore for Ghaziabad, centred on an international cricket stadium and a 380-acre aerocity township in Raj Nagar Extension. Led by the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA), the project includes a 37-acre stadium with a seating capacity exceeding 30,000 and an integrated urban hub featuring hotels, retail, business spaces, and residential complexes. The proposal, first conceptualised over a decade ago, has gained momentum in the past week following administrative clearances. The development also includes an international convention centre, sports academy, and green infrastructure. Positioned near the airport, the project aims to combine sports, tourism, and commercial activity within a single planned ecosystem.Read more

12 hours ago

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has revised its enforcement approach to ensure that homebuyers are not penalised for environmental violations committed by developers in residential and commercial projects across Punjab. Under fresh directions issued in the past week, the Board has allowed execution of sale deeds and provision of electricity connections for individual buyers in projects that have breached pollution control norms. The move follows public complaints and recommendations of a committee constituted earlier this year, which found that earlier restrictions had caused significant hardship to buyers who were unaware of such violations. While relief has been extended to purchasers, the PPCB has maintained that strict legal and regulatory action will continue against non-compliant developers until full adherence to environmental norms is achieved.Read more

13 hours ago

Regional airline Star Air has announced the launch of scheduled services connecting Mundra, Gujarat, with six cities across western and northern India, with operations set to commence later this month. The expansion will include 38 direct weekly flights and additional one-stop services, collectively adding over 17,000 seats per month. Key destinations include Mumbai, Hindon (Delhi-NCR), Goa (Mopa), and Surat, alongside indirect connectivity to Kolhapur and Bhuj. The move is aimed at strengthening air access to Mundra, a major port and industrial hub, where direct connectivity has remained limited. Operated using Embraer E175 aircraft, the new routes are expected to support business travel, logistics movement, and regional economic activity, particularly in Gujarat's Kutch region.Read more

14 hours ago

The Chandigarh administration has approved an increase in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for group housing projects, aimed at reducing per-unit housing costs and improving affordability in the city. The decision, cleared in the past week, allows higher construction density, including permission for additional floors in select developments such as the Sector 53 housing scheme. The revised FAR, increased from earlier limits, is expected to enable developers to build more units on the same land parcel, thereby distributing land costs across a larger inventory. The move aligns with the Chandigarh Master Plan framework and follows concerns over high housing prices and limited supply. The policy also introduces caps on ground coverage and building height to maintain planning controls while facilitating higher-density development.Read more

Hyderabad News Desk

15 Apr 2026

The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has directed builders and developers to implement stringent safety and environmental measures at construction sites across its jurisdiction in Hyderabad. The instructions, issued during a stakeholder meeting in the past week, emphasise compliance with statutory norms, including worker safety, dust and pollution control, and adherence to sanctioned building plans. The civic body has also mandated proper disposal of construction debris through authorised agencies and reinforced conditions around occupancy certificate approvals. The move comes amid increasing construction activity in the IT corridor and surrounding areas, with authorities seeking to ensure that urban expansion does not compromise public safety or environmental standards. The directive applies to both ongoing and upcoming projects and involves coordination with industry bodies.Read more

Gurugram News Desk

15 Apr 2026

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has initiated a major drainage infrastructure project to address chronic waterlogging along the Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road, a critical arterial corridor in Gurugram. The proposed intervention involves constructing a continuous surface drainage network spanning approximately 7.5 km between Mahavir Chowk and the Kapashera border. The project, planned in the past week, aims to streamline stormwater flow and mitigate monsoon-related flooding that has affected mobility and adjacent urban areas for several years. The initiative forms part of GMDA's broader efforts to upgrade ageing infrastructure in older parts of the city, where rapid urbanisation and inadequate drainage systems have led to repeated disruptions. Implementation is expected to improve road usability and reduce flood-related damage.Read more

15 Apr 2026

The district administration in Beed has intensified efforts to expedite land acquisition for the Beed Parli Vaijnath railway corridor, with the district collector conducting a multi-location inspection across key tehsils. The review, carried out in the past week, focused on resolving pending land acquisition issues and technical constraints that have slowed project progress. Covering villages in Wadwani, Dharur and Parli tehsils, the inspection involved direct engagement with affected landowners and coordination with railway and state officials. The corridor is part of a broader rail infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity between Marathwada and major economic centres such as Mumbai and Pune. The intervention is expected to facilitate smoother execution by addressing stakeholder grievances and unlocking stalled land parcels critical to project completion.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has submitted a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Bhakti Shakti Chakan metro corridor, increasing the project cost to INR 12,937 crore from an earlier estimate of INR 10,383 crore. The revised plan, reported in the past week, extends the corridor length to approximately 47.2 km and increases the number of stations from 31 to 34. Key modifications include alignment changes across industrial zones such as Bhosari MIDC and Landewadi, along with a proposed 17 km integrated double-decker structure in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The proposal has been submitted to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) for review and will require state-level approval before progressing towards implementation.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Liquidators of China Evergrande Group have entered into an exclusivity agreement with a selected bidder to sell their 51.016% stake in Evergrande Property Services, according to a recent exchange filing. The parties will undertake exclusive negotiations for a period of 30 business days, although the identity of the bidder and transaction value have not been disclosed. The development comes as the group continues to address its prolonged debt crisis, having defaulted on over USD 300 billion in liabilities since 2021. The services arm, which was valued at over HKD 94 billion at listing in 2020 and peaked near HKD 200 billion in 2021, currently has a market capitalisation of approximately HKD 13.19 billion. The transaction forms part of ongoing efforts to monetise assets under liquidation proceedings.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Arisinfra Solutions Ltd has entered into a five-year agreement with Capacite Infraprojects Ltd for the procurement of construction materials valued at a minimum of INR 800 crore. Reported in the past week, the arrangement will see Capacite source materials through Arisinfra's digital platform across multiple infrastructure, commercial, and real estate projects. The partnership formalises and expands an existing relationship under which transactions exceeding INR 600 crore have already been executed across more than 15 project sites. Covering over 100 material categories, the agreement reflects a structured, long-term procurement model supported by a large supplier network. The development highlights the growing role of technology-led platforms in managing construction supply chains and improving efficiency in material sourcing.Read more

15 Apr 2026

India's hospitality sector is projected to expand to approximately USD 31 billion by 2029 from around USD 24.6 billion in 2024, driven primarily by domestic tourism growth, according to a CBRE report. The consultant noted a 40% year-on-year rise in domestic travel, with visits reaching 4.1 billion in 2025. Listed hotel operators are expected to add more than 70,000 keys by 2030, indicating continued capacity expansion. The sector recorded stable performance metrics in the past year, with occupancy levels at about 64%, alongside increases in revenue per available room and average daily rates. CBRE indicated that investment activity is likely to remain steady through 2026, supported by sustained travel demand and institutional interest in scalable hospitality platforms.Read more

15 Apr 2026

NASSCOM has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on workplace misconduct following allegations of sexual harassment at Tata Consultancy Services Nashik office. The case involves complaints by eight female employees, leading to a police investigation and multiple arrests. The company's leadership has initiated an internal probe, while authorities have constituted a special investigation team. Nasscom stated that such incidents are treated with seriousness and described them as isolated rather than systemic across the industry. The development has drawn attention to workplace safety frameworks, compliance mechanisms, and grievance redressal processes within India's technology sector, particularly in large IT services firms operating across multiple locations.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Ltd has commissioned a high-speed Kinley water production line at its Avinya manufacturing facility in Siddipet district, Telangana, as part of its ongoing capacity expansion. The plant, spread across 49 acres with a planned investment exceeding INR 2,000 crore, is among the company's most advanced facilities and currently operates seven production lines. The newly added line is capable of producing Kinley PET bottles at significantly higher speeds, enhancing output and operational efficiency. The development strengthens HCCB's manufacturing footprint in southern India and supports its packaged drinking water segment under the Kinley brand. The investment also reflects continued infrastructure scaling within the beverage manufacturing sector to meet growing consumption demand.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Swedish green steel developer Stegra has secured EUR 1.4 billion (USD 1.7 billion) in fresh funding from an investor consortium led by the Wallenberg group, providing financial support to complete its hydrogen-based steel plant in northern Sweden. The funding, which remains subject to lender approvals and documentation finalisation, comes amid delays and cost pressures affecting green hydrogen-based industrial projects across Europe. The consortium includes Temasek and IMAS Foundation, linked to the IKEA ecosystem. The project timeline remains under review, with production previously expected by 2027. As part of the transaction, investors plan to nominate Leif Johansson as chair of the board. The development highlights continued institutional interest in large-scale decarbonised industrial infrastructure despite execution and financing challenges.Read more

Delhi News Desk

15 Apr 2026

A double-decker flyover being developed along the Delhi Metro's Pink Line corridor is expected to be completed by the end of the year, forming part of the capital's integrated transport infrastructure strategy. The project combines a metro viaduct on the upper deck with a road flyover beneath, aimed at optimising land use in densely built urban areas. The structure is being constructed along key stretches of the Maujpur Majlis Park corridor under Phase IV of the Delhi Metro expansion. Once operational, the project is expected to ease congestion on arterial roads while supporting increased metro connectivity across north and north-east Delhi. The flyover is among several such integrated structures planned to improve multimodal transport efficiency and reduce pressure on existing road networks.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Mindspace Business Parks REIT has acquired a 51% stake in a Chennai-based commercial asset for around INR 1,500 crore, valuing the property at approximately INR 3,000 crore. The investment involves Radial IT Park Pvt Ltd, which owns a 2.6 million sq ft office development in the city. The remaining 49% stake will be acquired by 360 One Real Assets Advantage Fund and its affiliates. The seller is a subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment. The acquisition forms part of Mindspace REIT's portfolio expansion strategy and strengthens its presence in Chennai's office market. The asset is positioned within a key commercial corridor and is backed by long-term leases and established occupiers.Read more

15 Apr 2026

International Monetary Fund has projected India's GDP growth at 6.5% for both 2026 and 2027, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The estimate, published in its latest World Economic Outlook, reflects an upward revision driven by strong economic momentum from 2025 and a reduction in additional US tariffs on Indian goods. These factors are expected to offset the adverse impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, global growth is projected to moderate to 3.1% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, compared to 3.4% in 2025. The outlook indicates a stable growth trajectory for India within a gradually slowing global economy.Read more

15 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced a revised fee framework for overloaded trucks on national highways, linking penalties to the percentage of excess load carried. The updated rules, notified under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2026, will come into effect from mid-April. Under the new structure, no penalty will apply for up to 10% excess load, while fees will be charged at twice the base rate for overloading between 10% and 40%, and four times the base rate beyond 40%. Overloading will be assessed using certified weighment systems at toll plazas, with exemptions in locations lacking such infrastructure. All penalties will be collected digitally through FASTag, aligning with broader efforts to standardise toll operations.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Shri Narendra Modi and Donald Trump held a discussion on the West Asia crisis, focusing on ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open amid rising global energy concerns. The conversation, held in the past week, also covered progress in India US bilateral ties. US officials indicated that several big-ticket agreements, particularly in the energy sector, are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. The development comes against the backdrop of tensions involving Iran and disruptions to global shipping routes. Both countries are also preparing for upcoming diplomatic engagements, including a planned visit by senior US officials to India, signalling continued efforts to stabilise and strengthen bilateral relations.Read more

15 Apr 2026

At least 13 workers were killed and 21 injured following a boiler-linked explosion at a power plant operated by Vedanta Ltd in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred at the Singhitarai facility and involved personnel from a subcontractor handling operations at the unit. The blast, caused by a high-pressure steam tube failure, led to severe burn injuries among workers. Multiple investigations have been ordered, including a magisterial probe, while the state government announced compensation for victims. The plant, part of a 1,200 MW thermal power project, has one operational unit and another under development. The incident has raised concerns around industrial safety compliance at large-scale energy infrastructure projects.Read more

15 Apr 2026

A Kerala murder convict who escaped custody last year has been arrested in Mumbai after months on the run. The accused, Vinish, had fled from a hospital where he was undergoing treatment and travelled across cities before reaching Mumbai. To avoid detection, he lived as a ragpicker, frequently changing locations and blending into crowded areas. Acting on a tip-off, the Railway Protection Force tracked and apprehended him near CSMT after a brief chase. Kerala Police have taken custody following legal formalities, bringing an end to a multi-agency search operation that lasted several months.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has approved a 1:1 bonus share issue, offering one additional share for every existing share held. The move will be funded by capitalising INR 6,325 crore from reserves and is aimed at improving stock liquidity and increasing investor participation. The development also comes as the government, which holds a 96.5% stake, looks at potential future stake sales under its disinvestment plans. LIC, which went public in 2022, continues to focus on strengthening its market presence through capital restructuring and enhanced accessibility for investors.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Gold ETFs saw strong inflows of INR 31,561 crore in the March 2026 quarter, nearly six times higher than last year, driven by global uncertainty and rising gold prices. Investor demand remained robust despite a moderation in monthly inflows after a strong start to the year. The category's assets under management surged to INR 1.71 lakh crore, with a sharp rise in investor participation. Gold ETFs continue to attract interest as they offer a simple, transparent and liquid way to invest in gold without physical ownership, making them a preferred option for diversification and risk management.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Efforts to regularise more than 450 unauthorised colonies in Indore have encountered significant administrative and regulatory challenges, with multiple government departments raising objections during the review process. While the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has previously legalised over 200 colonies in earlier phases, the remaining settlements face issues related to land ownership, zoning restrictions, and lack of mandatory approvals. A substantial number of these colonies are situated on land falling under urban land ceiling provisions, green belts, or areas controlled by agencies such as the Indore Development Authority and Housing Board, making them ineligible under existing policy. The absence of approved layouts and pending development charges has further slowed progress, leaving residents without access to formal infrastructure, institutional finance, and civic services.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Bank of Baroda has partnered with Reliance Jio to expand mobile banking access for feature phone users through the bob World Lite app on JioPhone Prima 4G. Designed with a simple interface, low data usage and keypad navigation, the app enables secure access to essential banking services without a smartphone. Users can access UPI features such as money transfers, bill payments and recharges. The initiative supports financial inclusion by reaching underserved segments and aligns with government efforts to promote digital payments. It also allows both Bank of Baroda and other bank customers to access basic banking services easily.Read more

15 Apr 2026

The second phase of Amaravati's land pooling scheme has gathered pace following amendments to the Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Act (APSRA), which have reaffirmed Amaravati as the state's capital. The Andhra Pradesh government is seeking to pool an additional 16,666 acres across multiple villages in the capital region to support infrastructure projects, including a greenfield airport and industrial developments. Participation from landowners, initially limited due to concerns over political uncertainty and delays in earlier commitments, has shown signs of improvement. The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has undertaken outreach measures to rebuild confidence among farmers, while also initiating land acquisition in cases where voluntary pooling has not progressed. The scheme forms a key component of the state's strategy to advance capital region development.Read more

15 Apr 2026

The Goa government has approved the conversion of more than 18,000 sq m of land in Bardez taluka into settlement zones under provisions of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act. The approvals, granted in the recent past, form part of a broader set of applications processed under Section 39A, which allows changes to zoning classifications in the Regional Plan. The move reflects continued demand for land-use changes in North Goa, particularly in areas witnessing residential and tourism-led development. Bardez remains among the leading talukas in such applications, with multiple proposals involving agricultural and other land categories. The approvals come amid wider scrutiny of zoning changes and their implications for planning controls, environmental considerations, and urban expansion in the state.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Air India has received its first refurbished Boeing 787-8 aircraft, marking progress in its wide-body fleet upgrade programme. The aircraft, refurbished in the United States, features new cabin interiors, upgraded seating and enhanced in-flight entertainment systems. The airline is retrofitting 26 Boeing 787-8 planes as part of a broader modernisation plan covering both 787 and 777 fleets. Backed by a USD 400 million investment, the initiative aims to improve passenger experience on long-haul routes. Despite earlier delays due to supply chain challenges, the upgraded aircraft is set to enter service soon after regulatory approvals.Read more