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A quarterly meeting of the Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) was recently conducted at the headquarters of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority in Rayapudi to review complaints and operational issues related to ongoing development works in the capital region. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Collector and Grievance Redressal Mechanism nodal officer P. Jayashree and attended by grievance officers and member secretaries from various committees. Discussions focused on labour welfare, wage-related complaints, safety awareness for residents and students, and compliance with traffic and operational guidelines at project sites across Amaravati.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has approved a proposal to establish electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at major road junctions, municipal parking spaces and other high-footfall locations across the city. The decision was taken during a recent municipal council meeting chaired by Mayor Rayana Bhagya Lakshmi, with civic officials stating that the initiative aims to support the growing adoption of electric mobility in Vijayawada. The project will identify suitable locations across the city where EV charging infrastructure can be installed to serve private vehicle owners, commercial fleets and public transport users. Authorities indicated that the rollout will align with national and state programmes promoting electric mobility, including the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT and the FAME India scheme. The initiative is intended to strengthen urban charging infrastructure and facilitate wider EV adoption within the city's transport network.Read more

Chennai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

Chennai has introduced a premium low-floor electric air-conditioned bus service operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), marking a new category of reserved-seat urban public transport in the city. The service, launched in the past week by Tamil Nadu's Transport and Electricity Minister S. S. Sivasankar, begins operations with electric buses running on two major routes linking key transport nodes and the IT corridor. Initial services include Route P91 connecting Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus, Kilambakkam, with Thiruvanmiyur, and Route P570S between Koyambedu's Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and Siruseri IT Park. The premium buses require advance seat reservations through a mobile application and do not permit standing passengers. Authorities stated that the initiative aims to offer a more comfortable and predictable commuting option while encouraging a shift from private vehicles to cleaner public transport modes.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The government is reconsidering tenders for 1 GW of wind energy projects due to lower than expected industry interest and rising steel prices, a crucial material for project construction. MNRE is engaging with the World Bank and think tanks to create a roadmap for investment in wind energy. Alongside, the ministry is preparing a new policy to promote small hydro projects up to 25 MW. Financial assistance for solar component manufacturing, such as ingots and wafers, is also under consideration, reflecting a comprehensive approach to boost renewable energy development in India.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The Punjab government has earmarked INR 1,000 crore in the state budget to strengthen urban infrastructure through the Municipal Development Fund (MDF), marking a substantial increase from the previous allocation. The funding will be made available to urban local bodies across the state to support the creation and upgrading of civic infrastructure such as roads, water supply systems, sewerage networks, drainage, sanitation and solid waste management. State officials indicated that the enhanced allocation is intended to help municipalities address growing pressure on civic services caused by urban population growth and expanding city limits. A portion of the fund will also be used for the operation and maintenance of water supply and sewerage infrastructure to ensure continued service delivery. The initiative forms part of Punjab's broader urban development strategy aimed at improving municipal infrastructure and service efficiency.Read more

16 Mar 2026

A group of investors has alleged financial fraud amounting to approximately INR 1.56 crore in connection with a commercial investment scheme linked to the World Trade Centre (WTC) GIFT City Tower-C development in Gujarat. The complaint, registered by the Gujarat CID (Crime) in the past week, claims investors were persuaded in 2021 to purchase commercial units in the project with assurances of a 1% monthly return, a buyback guarantee after two years, and a 12% bonus. According to the complaint, investors initially received monthly payouts for nearly a year, which reinforced confidence in the scheme. However, payments reportedly stopped in 2022, and cheques issued for repayment of the principal and bonus were later dishonoured. Investigators are now examining financial transactions, agreements and the involvement of company representatives connected to the project.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Puravankara Limited's associate, KVN Property Holdings LLP, has obtained registration from the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (KRERA) for the new residential project Northern Lights by Puravankara KVN in the Hitech, Defence and Aerospace Park area of North Bengaluru. The approval covers all three phases of the development and clears an important regulatory step required to start marketing and sales. The project is expected to be officially launched soon, adding to the company's expanding housing portfolio in Bengaluru, a city that continues to see strong demand for residential space.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Housing sales across the primary residential markets of India's 50 major cities declined by 3 per cent in 2025 to about 6.14 lakh units, even as the overall transaction value increased 16 per cent to INR 8.46 lakh crore, according to a joint report released by industry body CREDAI and research firm Liases Foras. The report attributes the increase in sales value to rising demand for premium and luxury housing segments, which have gained prominence in recent years. Homes priced above INR 1 crore accounted for a significant share of total sales value, reflecting changing buyer preferences and higher property prices. The study also noted that metropolitan regions continue to dominate housing sales, although Tier II cities are gradually emerging as important markets supported by infrastructure development and expanding employment hubs.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The Telangana government has distributed house site pattas and sanctioned homes under the Indiramma Housing Scheme to 412 families affected by demolitions on Bhoodan land in Velugumatla village in Khammam district. The beneficiaries were identified after a verification survey conducted following an eviction drive. Out of the total beneficiaries, 311 landless families will receive house sites and homes in Velugumatla, while 101 families will construct houses in their native villages. The government also plans to build a planned residential colony with civic amenities and complete the housing construction by December 9.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Delhi-NCR based real estate developer Gaurs Group reported sales bookings worth INR 5,347 crore during the first nine months of FY2025-26, marking a 12 per cent increase compared with INR 4,786 crore recorded during the same period of the previous fiscal. The company sold around 5.92 million square feet of property across 2,578 units between April and December of the ongoing financial year, with residential developments contributing nearly 95 per cent of total bookings. Company officials attributed the performance to sustained demand for planned residential developments in the National Capital Region. Gaurs Group, which is currently unlisted but is considering a future initial public offering, has developed more than 100 million square feet of real estate and delivered over 75,000 homes across 70 projects. The company continues to expand its development pipeline, particularly along the Yamuna Expressway corridor.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Asas Makeen Real Estate Development and Investment Co has entered into a development agreement with Awa'id Al-Hada Co to build a residential villas project in the Al-Hada district of Riyadh. The contract is valued at SAR 63.1 million. Under the agreement, Asas Makeen will act as the project's real estate developer and will oversee the planning, management, and execution of development works. The partnership reflects continued residential development activity in Riyadh as the Saudi capital expands housing supply amid population growth and urban expansion driven by the country's broader economic diversification plans.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

A Liberia-flagged oil tanker, Shenlong, carrying Saudi Arabian crude oil arrived in Mumbai after safely crossing the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route that has been under heightened security concerns. The vessel transported about 135,335 metric tonnes of crude and docked at the Jawahar Dweep terminal off Mumbai's coast for unloading. The shipment is considered significant as it was among the first crude deliveries to India through the strait after regional tensions disrupted shipping activity. The cargo will be processed at refineries in eastern Mumbai, supporting India's energy supply that relies heavily on West Asian crude imports.Read more

Indore News Desk

16 Mar 2026

Property guideline rates in Indore are likely to increase significantly as the district administration prepares a revision for the upcoming financial year. Authorities have proposed merging 533 property registration locations to reduce discrepancies in valuation and simplify the registration process. The change may lead to rate increases in nearly 3,000 locations, with some areas seeing hikes of up to 200%, especially in developing outskirts and villages along infrastructure corridors. Officials say the move will help prevent revenue loss and improve transparency, though the city has already seen a nearly 10% decline in property registrations due to rising prices.Read more

16 Mar 2026

New Zealand's housing market recorded moderate price growth recently, with the median home price rising on a monthly and annual basis, according to data released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand. Sales activity also increased compared to the previous month, although annual growth remained marginal. Major regions such as Auckland saw their strongest February sales levels in about five years. Despite stable demand, homes are taking longer to sell as buyers and sellers wait for favourable prices. Market observers are also watching interest rate trends and global developments that could affect buyer confidence.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Godrej Properties has acquired a 44-acre land parcel in Coimbatore to develop a premium plotted residential project with an estimated revenue potential of around INR 450 crore. The project will offer housing plots with a developable potential of about 1.1 million square feet. The company secured the land through an outright purchase but has not disclosed the acquisition cost. The development is part of the company's strategy to expand plotted developments in high-growth cities across India. Coimbatore's stable economic base and strong end-user demand have been key factors influencing the company's entry into the market.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Radisson Hotel Group has signed four new Park Inn & Suites properties in Roorkee, Meerut, Asansol, and Airoli, aiming to meet the growing demand for quality midscale hospitality in emerging cities. The properties are expected to open within the next three years. Radisson operates over 200 hotels in India, with more than half in tier II and III cities. Hilton has also expanded in India by opening its first Hilton Garden Inn in Goa at Calangute, marking the brand's debut in the state. Both moves highlight strategic growth in response to evolving business, leisure, and social event travel demands.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

A special CBI court in Mumbai has transferred a cheating case involving around INR 140 crore against Guruashish Construction Pvt Ltd and its directors Rakesh Wadhawan and Sarang Wadhawan to a magistrate's court after corruption charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act were dropped. The decision followed a Central Bureau of Investigation probe which found no involvement of public servants in the alleged fraud related to a loan from Union Bank of India. Since special CBI courts handle cases involving public officials, the matter will now proceed before a magistrate's court for further trial under criminal law provisions.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Visakhapatnam Port Authority has achieved a milestone, handling over 85 million tonnes of cargo in 345 days, the highest in its 92-year history. The port aims to reach 90 million tonnes this year and 100 million tonnes in 2026-27, reflecting strong operational growth. Alongside cargo achievements, the VPA has launched a major three-year dredging and beach nourishment project worth nearly INR 83 crore to support coastline conservation and prevent erosion at key areas, including RK Beach, in coordination with the state government.Read more

16 Mar 2026

India's Tier II and Tier III cities are expected to lead the next phase of growth in the residential property market as affordability pressures in major metropolitan regions begin to affect housing demand, according to a report by real estate consultancy Square Yards. The report noted that a sharp rise in property prices between 2022 and 2024 has reduced home affordability in large urban centres such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. Limited supply of affordable and mid-income housing in these markets has further constrained buyer participation. In contrast, smaller cities are witnessing stronger price-to-income alignment and lower entry ticket sizes, creating a more accessible homeownership environment. The consultancy expects housing demand in the coming years to be more geographically diversified and driven largely by end-user demand linked to employment growth beyond metropolitan areas.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Maharashtra is reviewing the inclusion of first floor slum residents in the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) schemes, addressing a long-standing gap where only ground floor occupants are currently eligible. State minister Shambhuraj Desai said the matter will be discussed with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers. Lawmakers highlighted that many families have lived on first floors for decades, and excluding them could affect the city's slum free objectives. Officials also noted that agreements between builders and these residents are not legally enforceable under current rules.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Real estate developer DLF Ltd has reported property sales worth about INR 5,250 crore to non-resident Indian (NRI) buyers during the first nine months of FY2025-26, accounting for roughly one-third of its total sales bookings during the period. According to the company's investor presentation, DLF recorded overall pre-sales of INR 16,176 crore between April and December of the current financial year, with NRI buyers contributing around 32.5 per cent. The share of overseas buyers has increased significantly in recent years, supported by demand for premium residential projects launched by the developer in markets such as Gurugram, Mumbai and the Chandigarh tri-city region. Industry estimates suggest NRI buyers typically account for about 10-15 per cent of housing sales in major Indian property markets, indicating a comparatively higher share in DLF's projects.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Texton Property Fund Ltd recorded a 31.06% decline in half-year headline earnings per share, bringing EPS down to 7.09 cents for the six months ended December 2025. The board chose not to declare an interim dividend, continuing its cautious financial strategy. Market pressures, including slower leasing activity and higher interest rates, have constrained rental income growth, affecting profitability. The company's approach reflects ongoing efforts to maintain liquidity and a strong balance sheet while navigating the challenges of the property sector, focusing on long-term stability rather than short-term payouts.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised the FASTag Annual Pass fee to INR 3,075 for the financial year 2026-27, increasing the charge by INR 75 from the current INR 3,000. The revised rate will come into effect from April 1 and applies to eligible non-commercial vehicles using national highways and expressways. Introduced in August 2025, the annual pass allows private vehicle owners to make toll payments through a one-time annual fee covering either one year of usage or up to 200 toll plaza crossings. The facility is currently available across approximately 1,150 toll plazas on national highways and national expressways and has been adopted by more than 56 lakh users. The revision has been implemented in accordance with the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008.Read more

16 Mar 2026

India's real estate sector is steadily moving from traditional practices to a technology-driven ecosystem, with the PropTech segment projected to reach about USD 3.79 billion to USD 4.29 billion by 2030. In this evolving environment, PropTech Pulse has positioned itself as a knowledge-focused digital platform aimed at improving transparency and decision-making in property transactions. The platform combines data tools, market insights, verified listings, and financing assistance to support developers, investors, lenders, and homebuyers. By prioritizing access to verified information and educational resources, the platform seeks to address long-standing trust issues that have affected India's property market for decades.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Services on a newly opened stretch of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation network were disrupted after signalling cables were stolen from the track section between Bhalswa and Majlis Park. Nearly 1,000 metres of cable were removed, affecting the signalling system and forcing trains to run at restricted speeds, leading to delays for commuters. The corridor had become operational only days earlier as part of the Delhi Metro expansion. Police arrested one suspect and recovered burnt cable pieces during the investigation, while authorities began restoration work and increased surveillance along vulnerable sections of the route.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Nanded in Maharashtra's Marathwada region is set to become a significant hub for helicopter manufacturing with a planned investment of INR 4,250 crore. Announced by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan this week in the state assembly, the project will include production, assembly, and spare parts units, along with engineering, maintenance, and repair services. It is expected to generate 1,800-2,000 direct jobs and numerous indirect employment opportunities. The project aligns with India's national focus on domestic aerospace manufacturing and regional industrial development, aiming to strengthen supply chains and local economic growth.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Star Air has expanded its regional aviation network by improving connectivity to Kolhapur in Maharashtra and Belagavi in Karnataka. The airline has launched a daily direct flight between Belagavi and Mumbai while strengthening Kolhapur's air links with cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kishangarh, and Indore. The move is aimed at improving access to important industrial and business centres in western and southern India. Along with the new routes, Star Air plans to increase its weekly flight operations from 455 to around 550 flights in the summer schedule to meet the growing demand for regional air travel.Read more

16 Mar 2026

ACME Solar Holdings subsidiary has secured two long-term power purchase agreements with SJVN for 450 MW of dispatchable renewable energy. The projects, awarded through tariff-based competitive bidding, will connect to ISTS substations and utilize night-time solar capabilities in Rajasthan. ACME Solar will provide four hours of guaranteed peak power during non-solar periods with high availability. This latest agreement adds to 1,690 MW of PPAs signed in the current financial year, taking the company's total signed capacity to 6,270 MW.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Maharashtra is expected to contribute USD 1.5 trillion toward India's USD 5-trillion economy target by FY27, driven by infrastructure expansion, industrial growth, and strong investments. Key projects like the Mumbai Coastal Road, Atal Setu, and Navi Mumbai International Airport are enhancing connectivity and employment opportunities. Investments of nearly INR 2.96 lakh crore this year are projected to create around 3 lakh jobs. The state's focus on infrastructure, housing, and industrial development is transforming Mumbai into a competitive urban hub, supported by MoUs worth INR 30 lakh crore at international forums.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Stratus Properties Inc has decided to move ahead with a plan to sell its assets and distribute the net proceeds to shareholders after completing a review of strategic alternatives. The decision was announced by the company's board of directors after evaluating various possible options for the business. As part of the process, the company intends to complete the sale of its assets and finalize liquidating distributions. It will also seek the necessary consents to proceed with the plan. The move signals a shift toward winding down operations while returning value to stockholders.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) plans to generate around 20,000 affordable homes in Mumbai through large-scale cluster redevelopment projects covering nearly 800-1,000 acres across the city. The initiative forms part of the authority's strategy to increase housing supply for economically weaker sections (EWS) and lower income groups (LIG) while redeveloping ageing housing layouts built several decades ago. According to MHADA vice president and chief executive officer Sanjeev Jaiswal, the redevelopment of large residential clusters is expected to produce about 10 lakh sq m of housing stock over the next six to seven years, primarily in the 500-700 sq ft segment. Several MHADA layouts and older urban neighbourhoods, including Motilal Nagar, SVP Nagar, GTB Nagar in Sion, Abhyudaya Nagar, Kamathipura, and Mandvi Reclamation, are among the projects in various stages of planning, tendering, or implementation.Read more

Delhi News Desk

16 Mar 2026

The Delhi government is preparing to introduce a Green Budget for the financial year 2026-27 to integrate environmental priorities into its fiscal planning. The initiative aims to track public spending related to pollution control, clean energy, water conservation and biodiversity protection across various departments. By mapping such expenditures, the government intends to improve transparency and ensure that sustainability initiatives receive focused funding. The move comes as Delhi continues to face severe air pollution and rising urban pressures. Officials believe the framework will help guide future investment decisions and strengthen the city's long-term environmental planning.Read more

16 Mar 2026

VOC Port Authority has proactively expanded container storage by 90,000 square meters to manage potential disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis. While the additional space remains unused for now, the port continues smooth operations. The government's focus on developing India as a shipbuilding and ship recycling hub is expected to strengthen resource efficiency. VOC Port, one of India's oldest ports with significant cargo handling capacity, anticipates robust container traffic growth in the coming years.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Bharat Forge's aerospace division has inaugurated a new landing gear components machining facility in Mundhwa, Pune, developed in partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS. The plant will manufacture high-precision landing gear components used in civil and military aircraft programs. With this development, Bharat Forge becomes one of the few companies in India with OEM-approved capabilities to machine such critical aerospace parts at scale. The facility expands the company's aerospace portfolio and supports India's growing role in global aviation supply chains as aircraft production and demand for specialised components continue to increase.Read more

16 Mar 2026

UK-based real estate services firm Savills has announced plans to acquire US real estate investment bank Eastdil Secured in a deal valued at about USD 1.1 billion, including debt. The move is aimed at strengthening Savills presence in North America, a key global property market. Eastdil Secured derives most of its revenue from the region while also maintaining operations across Europe and Asia Pacific. Savills expects the acquisition to improve earnings per share by the late decade and generate annual revenue synergies of at least GBP 60 million. The deal will involve debt financing and issuance of new Savills shares.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified enforcement against property tax defaulters in Mumbai, initiating attachment proceedings against 6,922 properties with cumulative dues amounting to approximately INR 6,089 crore for the financial year 2025-26. The action forms part of the civic body's ongoing tax recovery drive as the financial year approaches closure. Authorities have already seized 483 properties and proposed auction proceedings for 210 properties where dues remain unpaid despite repeated notices. Following the enforcement action, 2,888 property owners cleared outstanding taxes totalling more than INR 784 crore. As of early this week, the civic body had collected around INR 6,024 crore, representing about 82% of its property tax target for the current fiscal year. Municipal officials have warned that stricter measures, including seizure and auction of properties, will continue against defaulters who fail to settle dues before the financial year-end.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Shares of UI Boustead REIT declined on their debut on the Singapore Exchange, opening below the IPO price despite strong investor interest during the offering stage. The industrial and logistics real estate investment trust raised about SGD 973.6 million, equivalent to roughly USD 763.49 million, making it Singapore's largest IPO so far this year and the biggest REIT listing since mid-2025. The trust owns 23 properties valued at around SGD 1.9 billion across Singapore and Japan. Key tenants include GlaxoSmithKline and Razer. Market weakness and a slightly softer benchmark index contributed to the subdued trading debut.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several infrastructure projects worth around INR 11,000 crore in Kerala. The initiatives include a major polypropylene unit at the Kochi refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, a floating solar power plant, and upgrades to road and rail infrastructure. The projects are aimed at strengthening petrochemical manufacturing, expanding renewable energy capacity and improving transport connectivity. These developments are expected to support industrial activity, improve logistics movement and add to Kerala's long-term infrastructure capacity.Read more

Chennai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

Southern Railway has started the process of leasing out a newly built multi-level parking facility at Chennai Egmore railway station through an online auction. The parking area is located inside a Multi-Functional Complex on the Gandhi-Irwin Road side of the station and includes the second, third and fourth floors of the structure. The selected licensee will manage vehicle movement, parking operations, maintenance and manpower at the site. Railways have also allowed the possibility of introducing services such as EV charging stations and pay-and-use facilities with prior approval. The move is part of ongoing efforts to improve passenger amenities and traffic management at the busy station.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

A sessions court in Mumbai has granted anticipatory bail to a developer and three relatives in connection with a cheating and criminal breach of trust case linked to a redevelopment project in Mazgaon, south Mumbai. The case was filed after a complainant alleged that the developer had failed to provide an alternate shop promised under a redevelopment agreement, leading to a dispute over the implementation of the project. While hearing the anticipatory bail plea, the court observed that significant payments had already been made to the complainant's family and noted that the dispute largely stemmed from contractual obligations within the redevelopment arrangement. Considering the nature of the allegations and the financial transactions involved, the court held that custodial interrogation was not necessary at this stage and granted the accused protection from arrest subject to conditions.Read more

16 Mar 2026

India's retail inflation is expected to have moved above 3% in February, mainly due to a gradual increase in food prices and the fading of the favourable base effect seen in previous months. Economists estimate that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose slightly compared with the 2.75% inflation recorded in January. Despite the increase, inflation is still expected to remain below the Reserve Bank of India's medium-term target of 4%. The data is being closely tracked as it provides signals on price trends, food cost pressures, and possible implications for future monetary policy decisions.Read more

16 Mar 2026

Singapore-based logistics and investment firm GLP is exploring a potential initial public offering in Hong Kong that could value the company at around USD 20 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. The listing may take place later this year or beyond, though the size and timeline of the offering have not yet been finalised. If completed, the move would mark the company's return to public markets nearly a decade after it was taken private from the Singapore exchange. The IPO could also strengthen Hong Kong's equity capital market, which has seen strong activity in recent months.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

16 Mar 2026

Western Railway is planning to monetise elevated decks being built above platforms at several suburban stations in Mumbai as part of ongoing station improvement works. The decks are being developed by the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation to ease congestion and improve passenger circulation at busy stations. Railway authorities are now examining ways to lease these newly created spaces for retail outlets, kiosks and passenger facilities to generate non-fare revenue. Officials say the commercial use will be planned carefully so that commuter movement remains unaffected while the additional space contributes to station maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has informed Parliament that the proposed scheme to incubate eight new cities across India will not be implemented. The programme was linked to an INR 8,000 crore challenge fund recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, but its award period will end on March 31, 2026, making implementation difficult. The ministry also noted that proposals submitted by states did not adequately address the large investment requirements and revenue models needed for new cities. Funds earlier earmarked for the scheme have now been reallocated, while the government is shifting focus to developing seven City Economic Regions.Read more

Pune News Desk

16 Mar 2026

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has earmarked INR 954 crore in its draft budget for FY2026-27 to fund infrastructure development in villages merged into the city's municipal limits in recent years. The allocation is aimed at addressing gaps in civic amenities such as roads, sewage networks and water supply in peripheral areas incorporated into the PMC jurisdiction through administrative expansion. The funding forms part of the civic body's proposed INR 13,995 crore municipal budget presented earlier this week by municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram. Officials said the investment is intended to standardise urban infrastructure across the expanded city and respond to demands from residents and elected representatives in newly incorporated areas who have raised concerns over inadequate services. The initiative also follows the transfer of planning authority for several merged villages from PMRDA to PMC.Read more

16 Mar 2026

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) recently took action against two commercial properties in the Keshavpuram area due to unpaid property tax exceeding INR 1.33 crore. Located in Paschim Vihar and GT Karnal Industrial Area, the properties had ignored repeated notices to clear dues. The civic body acted under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act. Property owners were advised to utilize the Sumpattikar Niptaan Yojana (SUNIYO) scheme, which allows waiver of penalties and interest on dues up to financial year 2020-21 if principal amounts for current and past five years are paid before the scheme deadline.Read more

15 Mar 2026

The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority (HRDA) to withdraw permissions granted for plotting and group housing developments on agricultural and orchard land in Haridwar district. The directive was issued by a division bench while hearing a public interest litigation alleging that the authority had allowed residential development on farmland despite earlier court restrictions. The court instructed HRDA to revoke the approvals within a week, warning that failure to comply would invite contempt proceedings. The case relates to a petition filed in 2023 that cited earlier High Court and Supreme Court rulings prohibiting such development in the state due to the limited availability of agricultural land. The High Court also noted that the state government had not sought modification of the earlier order after the Supreme Court declined to interfere with it in 2024.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Chinese banks are increasing lending to technology and innovation-focused companies as the government pushes for stronger development in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. The shift follows policy signals from the country's leadership to prioritize technology-led growth over the next five years. Lending to small and medium-sized tech firms has grown significantly, while loans to the real estate sector have declined. The change is also influenced by the property market crisis and tighter global funding conditions for Chinese technology firms. Analysts say the policy-driven push could support innovation but may also bring risks due to the early-stage nature of many tech startups.Read more

15 Mar 2026

Rajasthan has received central approval for four ropeway projects out of 16 proposals submitted to improve connectivity to tourist and religious destinations across the state. Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari informed the state Assembly that the remaining proposals are still under consideration by the Centre. The projects were proposed under the Parvatmala Scheme to improve access to difficult terrain and reduce travel time to hilltop temples and heritage sites. However, certain proposals, including one near the Rameshwar Mahadev Temple, face environmental restrictions due to their location inside the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve.Read more

Ghaziabad News Desk

15 Mar 2026

The property tax revision implemented by the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) has triggered widespread protests across the city, prompting Mayor Sunita Dayal to assure residents that the increased tax rates may soon be rolled back. The controversy stems from a revised tax framework introduced from April 2025, which in some cases increased annual property tax liabilities by three to four times. Residents and trader groups across areas such as Indirapuram, Sidharth Vihar and Vijay Nagar have reported sharp increases in tax bills, leading to demonstrations and political pressure on the civic administration. While the mayor stated that the state government had indicated that the hike would not be implemented, GMC officials said they had not yet received any formal directive to withdraw the revised tax structure. The issue has created administrative uncertainty even as the municipal corporation continues issuing tax notices under the updated regime.Read more