LondonMetric has acquired Urban Logistics REIT in a GBP 924 million all-share deal. The merger combines two major players in the UK logistics real estate market, enhancing their portfolio strength and tenant diversity. The move comes amid rising investor interest in last-mile delivery and warehousing assets.

With the Smart Cities Mission nearing its closure, the future of integrated command and control centres (ICCCs) remains uncertain. These centres, set up to manage city operations digitally, face operational challenges due to lack of clarity on funding and long-term management beyond the mission period.

The Karnataka government will enforce the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act from May 15, restructuring the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The move will decentralise governance through 243 wards and five zonal committees, aiming to improve local administration and urban service delivery.

With the Smart Cities Mission nearing its closure, the future of integrated command and control centres (ICCCs) remains uncertain. These centres, set up to manage city operations digitally, face operational challenges due to lack of clarity on funding and long-term management beyond the mission period.

The Karnataka government will enforce the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act from May 15, restructuring the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The move will decentralise governance through 243 wards and five zonal committees, aiming to improve local administration and urban service delivery.

Ahead of the monsoon, MHADA has urged landlords and residents of over 13,000 dilapidated buildings in Mumbai to undertake urgent redevelopment. The housing authority has warned of safety hazards and offered assistance under DCR 33(7) provisions to fast-track the process. Failure to act could lead to forced evacuations.

The Noida Authority is set to inaugurate two major infrastructure projects within two months. These include a six-lane elevated road and an underpass aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity in the region. Final touches are being made before opening to the public.

Ahead of the monsoon, MHADA has urged landlords and residents of over 13,000 dilapidated buildings in Mumbai to undertake urgent redevelopment. The housing authority has warned of safety hazards and offered assistance under DCR 33(7) provisions to fast-track the process. Failure to act could lead to forced evacuations.

The Noida Authority is set to inaugurate two major infrastructure projects within two months. These include a six-lane elevated road and an underpass aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity in the region. Final touches are being made before opening to the public.

CBRE South Asia estimates that retrofitting Grade A offices across Indian cities could unlock asset values between INR 1.21 - 1.6 lakh crore. This move would increase energy efficiency and appeal to ESG-conscious investors, particularly in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

The Delhi High Court has issued an order restraining WTC Noida from using the registered trademarks of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). The interim injunction came in response to WTCA's complaint, alleging unauthorized use of its trademarks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in July 2025.

The Belagavi Cantonment Board has submitted a revised draft of its building bylaws to the Ministry of Defence for approval. Once cleared, these bylaws will guide new constructions and renovations in the cantonment zone, replacing the outdated 1924 regulations currently in use.

ICICI Venture will shift its private equity real estate fund management business to ICICI Prudential AMC. This move aims to consolidate ICICI Group's asset management activities under one roof and streamline fund operations, subject to regulatory approvals.

Indore Municipal Corporation will construct 1,000 affordable housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Sidhora. The civic body has identified around 4 acres of land and is finalising approvals for the project. These homes will cater to the economically weaker section and low-income groups.

Amrita Puri and her family have acquired a 5,446 sq ft luxury apartment on the 49th floor of Mumbai's Lodha World Towers for INR 37 crore. The April 2025 transaction included four parking spaces, a stamp duty of INR 2.22 crore, and registration fees of INR 30,000. Lower Parel remains a sought-after locale for elite buyers.

The Uttar Pradesh government is considering increasing the property registration rebate for women buyers from INR 10 lakh to INR 1 crore. The proposal aims to boost female property ownership and reduce stamp duty costs. If implemented, it could significantly enhance women's participation in real estate investments across the state.

The Noida Authority plans to issue notices to 250 illegal farmhouses located on Yamuna floodplains. The move follows a National Green Tribunal directive to prevent encroachment in eco-sensitive zones. Owners may face demolition or legal action if they fail to comply with land-use regulations and evacuation notices.

A PIL filed in Bombay High Court seeks heritage tag for Savarkar Sadan in Dadar, the residence of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The petition argues that the building holds immense historical significance and should be preserved under heritage regulations to safeguard its legacy.

Over 25,000 buildings across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are eligible for redevelopment, potentially unlocking INR 30,000 crore in value, according to CREDAI-MCHI. The association notes the massive redevelopment opportunity could address ageing structures and boost infrastructure across suburbs and urban pockets.

Amazon has extended its commercial lease with Godrej Green Homes in Vikhroli, Mumbai, agreeing to a monthly rent of INR 1.73 crore. The lease renewal covers 246,244 sq ft of office space, reaffirming Amazon's operational presence in Mumbai's eastern suburbs.

Odisha RERA has urged the state government to act against developers violating regulations by launching and advertising projects without registration. Highlighting multiple cases, RERA emphasised the need for strict enforcement to protect homebuyers and maintain transparency in the sector.

The Noida Authority has asked the Gautam Budh Nagar administration to recover INR 277 crore from a defaulting real estate developer. The authority has also revoked the lease of the project over non-payment and is seeking recovery under the Revenue Recovery Act.

The Reserve Bank of India has eased rules for Foreign Portfolio Investors in the debt market, aiming to enhance capital flows and broaden market participation. FPIs can now invest in specified securities without needing to maintain a minimum residual maturity.

Prosus CEO Bob van Dijk revealed the company has invested USD 8.6 billion in Indian ventures to date. The Dutch investment firm, which holds stakes in several Indian startups including Swiggy and Byju's, sees India as a long-term growth market.

The National Stock Exchange has approached the government for help to break the ongoing IPO approval deadlock with SEBI. The delay in greenlighting the IPO is reportedly linked to pending regulatory issues from past misconduct cases.

The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth INR 2,348 crore in a money laundering probe against the WTC Group. The action is linked to alleged fraudulent activities involving investor funds and misappropriation of money through shell entities.

Zara has inaugurated its largest global store in Antwerp, Belgium, occupying a prime corner on the city's upscale Meir shopping street. Spanning multiple floors, the store integrates advanced retail technology and sustainability features. The move signals Inditex's continued investment in flagship experiences to strengthen brand presence across key European markets.

Muscat Grand Mall has unveiled plans for Little India, a retail and cultural hub aimed at celebrating Indian heritage through shopping, food, and entertainment. Designed as a one-stop destination for Indian products and experiences, the initiative targets Indian expats and tourists while fostering cross-cultural engagement in Oman's retail landscape.

Minimalist Hotels has announced a multi-city expansion strategy, aiming to introduce its design-forward boutique hotels in several Indian cities. Known for clean, functional aesthetics and compact luxury, the brand will focus on urban business and leisure travellers. The upcoming locations and timelines are expected to be revealed in phased rollouts.

Interior design tech startup Flipspaces has raised USD 3.5 million in a fresh funding round led by a consortium of investors, including current stakeholders. The funds will be used to scale up operations in India and the US, enhance its SaaS-based design product offerings, and deepen market presence across key geographies.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has issued notices to the state government over its land allotment to the Lulu Group. The petition challenges the legality and transparency of the allotment process. The court has sought the government's response, raising concerns over policy compliance and the rationale behind land transfers.

Noida Authority plans to use drone surveillance to detect and act against illegal constructions along river floodplains. The initiative follows rising unauthorised development in ecologically sensitive areas. The drone survey will aid in identifying encroachments and support stricter enforcement measures to protect environmental zones and ensure legal land use.