The commerce and industry ministry will allocate a major part of the second INR 10,000 crore Fund of Funds Scheme (FFS) for startups to budding entrepreneurs in sectors such as new-age technology, artificial intelligence, and machine building, an official said. In the Budget, the government announced a new FFS with a corpus of INR 10,000 crore. In 2016 also, the government had launched a similar scheme. The 2016 scheme was set up to catalyse venture capital investments and is operationalised by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which provides capital to Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi)-registered AIFs, which in turn invest in startups. - PTI

Rajasthan’s Data Centre Policy 2025 is expected to attract INR 20,000 crore in investments over the next five years, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced. The policy offers incentives like 50% cost reimbursement on employee efficiency upgrades and green initiatives. It also provides regulatory exemptions and aims to position Rajasthan as a hub for greenfield data centres.

After a five-year halt, construction has resumed on the INR 65,000 crore Amaravati capital project in Andhra Pradesh. Designed by Foster and Partners, the 217 sq. km city aims to become a global urban hub. The Centre has committed INR 15,000 crore, with additional funding from HUDCO and international lenders like the World Bank and ADB.

Equity investments in Indian real estate surged 74% year-on-year to USD 2.9 billion in Q4 FY25, driven by robust developer activity and rising REIT and institutional investor interest, CBRE reported. The sharp rise from USD 1.7 billion last year reflects strong demand, investor confidence, and resilience in the sector despite global uncertainties.

Aparna Serenity’s builder in Hyderabad approached Telangana RERA, alleging two residents made unauthorised structural changes that could affect the building’s integrity. The builder cited violations of the sale agreement and GHMC rules, seeking interim relief under Section 36 of the RERA Act. The residents have not submitted a formal response despite multiple opportunities.

Karnataka Slum Development Board will allot 42,345 houses in May under the ‘Housing for All’ scheme. Of these, 1,008 homes in Hubballi will be distributed in the first week. Built under PMAY, each house costs INR 7.5 lakh, with central and state subsidies provided. The three-phase project aims to deliver over 1.8 lakh houses.

Adani Group-led NMDPL clarified that over 94,500 tenants in Dharavi have been assigned unique IDs, with surveys completed for 70,000 homes. Rejecting allegations of coercion, the SPV stated no wrongful affidavits were collected and assured that all eligible residents will be rehabilitated under the Maharashtra-backed Dharavi redevelopment plan.

ORERA cancelled the registration of a housing project in Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar, as its approach road encroached railway land. A second project by the same developer was given two months to obtain a railway NOC. Homebuyers now fear losing access to their homes, while experts blame poor planning and regulatory oversight for the crisis.

Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu plans to acquire an additional 30,000–40,000 acres for Amaravati’s expansion, including an international airport and infrastructure. This follows the revival of the capital project after Naidu’s return to power. Earlier, 34,241 acres had been acquired under his 2014–2019 tenure for developing Amaravati as the state’s capital city.

HDFC Capital Advisors has announced a INR 1500 crore investment platform with Delhi-based Eldeco Group to develop 18 residential projects across Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. The projects, covering over 10 million sq ft, are expected to generate a combined revenue of nearly INR 11,000 crore. Locations include Panipat, Sonipat, Rudrapur, Ludhiana, Kasauli, and Rishikesh. HDFC

The Department of Town and Country Planning in Gurugram has instructed a developer to rebuild a collapsed boundary wall in a residential society. The directive follows safety concerns raised by residents over poor construction and maintenance.

Telangana RERA has suspended Jayathri Infrastructures’ project over multiple consumer complaints. The regulator froze the project's bank account and prohibited further sales, citing issues like construction delays and non-compliance with approved plans.

The Centre has introduced new rules for managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste. The policy mandates recycling, imposes penalties for violations, and aims to reduce landfill burden and promote sustainability in the infrastructure sector.

Councillors in Gurugram have urged the MCG to recover funds from builders for deficient infrastructure in licensed colonies. They claim developers failed to meet promises on roads, drainage, and other essential amenities.

Allottees in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, Bengaluru, are seeking compensation due to poor infrastructure. Despite receiving plots, residents face lack of roads, water, and power. They’re pressing authorities for timely development and redressal.

Lulu International Shopping Malls has acquired Manjeera Mall in Hyderabad as part of its India expansion strategy. The group plans to redevelop and relaunch the mall under its global retail brand, enhancing local commercial activity.

US nationals are now paying the highest average prices for properties in Spain, according to new data. Their preference for luxury homes and a strong dollar are driving up demand, especially in coastal and tourist areas.

Britain’s housing market has cooled following the expiry of tax incentives. A drop in buyer demand and overall market activity is being attributed to higher interest rates and reduced affordability amid economic uncertainty.

Qatar Investment Authority is reportedly exploring a stake purchase in Kering’s premium Milan property. The move reflects continued Middle Eastern investment in high-value European real estate, particularly in fashion and luxury hubs.

The Ascott Limited plans to double its India portfolio to 12,000 units by 2028. The expansion focuses on serviced residences and co-living offerings in metro cities, driven by growing demand for flexible long-term accommodation.

NaBFID has signed a memorandum of understanding with the New Development Bank to co-finance sustainable infrastructure in India. The collaboration aims to support climate-resilient projects through international funding and technical expertise.

The Rajasthan High Court has directed the formation of a committee to hear the concerns of owners of 19 buildings in Jaipur’s Walled City. This step ensures due process in regulatory matters related to heritage conservation and urban planning.

The National Green Tribunal has ordered the Haryana government to stop illegal mining in forest areas of Gurugram until August 7. The interim ban follows environmental violations and multiple complaints about unregulated activities in protected green zones.

The Ranchi Municipal Corporation has extended the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0 till 2029. The move aims to increase affordable housing access, allowing more beneficiaries to apply under the central scheme for urban home ownership.

Residents of Jaipur are demanding compensation from the JDA after around 80% of their properties were demolished during an anti-encroachment drive. Locals claim the action was unjust and are appealing for fair redressal and housing support.

The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority has approved a standard operating procedure to regulate the setup of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants. The move aims to streamline approvals and ensure environmental and safety standards, promoting efficient construction practices across the city.

Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against a finance company for allegedly cheating over 300 investors of INR 97 crore by promising high returns. The firm’s directors are under investigation, and the Economic Offences Wing is handling the case.

TGRERA has halted work on the ‘Jaya Diamond’ project by Jayathri Infrastructures in Hyderabad after multiple complaints. The authority froze the project's bank account and barred the developer from advertising or selling units due to prolonged construction delays.

Phoenix Mills reported a 19% drop in retail consumption during the March quarter due to seasonal softness. While its hospitality and residential arms remained steady, the company is focused on monetising assets to support upcoming mall and residential launches.

The Enforcement Directorate raided the premises of a Noida-based realty group in connection with a money laundering case. The investigation focuses on alleged irregularities and fund diversions in housing projects involving shell companies and unaccounted transactions.

A Mysuru apartment’s rooftop garden has ignited nationwide discussion on urban sustainability. While some hail it as a green model, others raise concerns about structural safety and fire hazards, highlighting the balance needed between eco-friendly initiatives and regulatory compliance.

RenewSys India has leased over 7 lakh sq ft of industrial space in the Palghar district near Mumbai at a monthly rent of INR 1.43 crore. The move supports its solar module expansion plan and is among the largest industrial leases in recent months.