19 Jul 2026

Delhi's decision to increase the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and expand Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) norms has renewed discussions around the city's ability to accommodate higher-density development while maintaining urban liveability. The policy is intended to optimise land use and address housing demand, but urban planners and architects have highlighted the need for parallel investments in infrastructure, including water supply, sewage networks, transport systems and public spaces. They argue that higher density can only be sustained through integrated planning rather than isolated high-rise construction. Mixed-use developments with residential, commercial and open spaces are increasingly being cited as examples of how vertical growth can be combined with supporting infrastructure to create more balanced urban environments.Read more

19 Jul 2026

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space have partnered to establish the ASCENT (Advanced Space Capability, Engineering & New-space Technologies) Centre at the MAHE campus in Manipal. The facility, expected to open in late 2026, will support satellite development, space systems engineering, applied research, and student-led missions. Equipped with advanced testing infrastructure, the centre aims to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, develop mission-ready talent, and contribute to India's growing commercial space ecosystem through research, innovation, and technology development.Read more

19 Jul 2026

Himachal Pradesh has inaugurated a 500-kilowatt ground-mounted solar power project in Mamlig Gram Panchayat of Solan district under the Green Panchayat scheme. Built at a cost of INR 2 crore, the project is expected to generate around eight lakh units of clean electricity annually. A key feature is its revenue-sharing model, under which earnings will be distributed among the gram panchayat, welfare initiatives, the state government, HIM URJA, and project maintenance. The initiative is aimed at promoting clean energy, strengthening rural finances, and supporting sustainable development across the state.Read more

19 Jul 2026

NABARD has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Rajasthan's rural development through infrastructure, agriculture and financial inclusion initiatives. At its Foundation Day event in Jaipur, state officials highlighted the institution's contribution to rural growth and its role in achieving Rajasthan's long-term development goals. The bank also emphasised women-led financial inclusion, support for small and marginal farmers, and climate-resilient agriculture. During the programme, NABARD released publications on its work in the state, honoured key rural institutions and sanctioned grants for projects promoting sustainable farming.Read more

19 Jul 2026

HCL Technologies (HCLTech) has approved an investment of up to INR 3,500 crore to establish AI-focused data centres in India as part of its expansion into the full-stack artificial intelligence market. The company plans to make the investment through newly formed subsidiaries and aims to develop up to 50 MW of AI data centre capacity. The move comes as India's data centre industry continues to expand due to rising AI adoption, data localisation requirements and increasing demand for high-performance computing infrastructure across businesses and government organisations.Read more

18 Jul 2026

Himachal Pradesh has moved closer to the implementation of the 422 MW Kishau multipurpose hydro project after the state government reviewed the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) circulated by the Centre. The state has said it supports the project while ensuring its rights remain protected. Under the revised understanding, Himachal is expected to earn around INR 600 crore annually without making any financial investment. The government has also secured water rights in the Yamuna basin and said it successfully revised the earlier draft agreement to safeguard the state's long-term interests.Read more

18 Jul 2026

Aditya Birla Renewables Ltd. (ABReN), a subsidiary of Grasim Industries, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Spring Energy from Shell in a transaction valued at INR 17,200 crore (approximately USUSD 1.8 billion), marking one of India's largest renewable energy acquisitions. The deal will add around 5 GW of contracted renewable energy capacity to ABReN's portfolio, taking its total capacity to 9.3 GW. The acquisition will be funded through a mix of debt, equity from Grasim Industries and investment from funds managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (BlackRock). Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close before the end of calendar year 2026.Read more

18 Jul 2026

PanIIT Alumni India, the apex body representing alumni from all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), has elected Dr Amitabh Ranjan as Vice Chairman and Rajeev Singh as General Secretary for the 2026–28 term. The appointments strengthen the organisation's Executive Council, which represents a global network of more than five lakh IIT alumni. Dr Ranjan, currently Registrar at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), brings experience in public administration and governance, while Rajeev Singh, Chief General Manager at Engineers India Ltd, has played an active role in PanIIT's initiatives over the years. The organisation said the new leadership will support its focus on alumni engagement, technology, entrepreneurship and public policy.Read more

18 Jul 2026

Residents of Aura Homes in Zirakpur have raised concerns over persistent waterlogging and the non-completion of several promised amenities, alleging that the issues have continued for years despite repeated assurances. Homebuyers claim that critical infrastructure, including the internal drainage system, clubhouse and landscaped park, remains unfinished even after most units in the project were sold. The residents have approached the Punjab Urban Planning Development Authority (PUDA) and local civic authorities, seeking inspections, completion of pending works and action against the developer. The incident has also highlighted the importance of timely project delivery and regulatory compliance in residential developments.Read more

17 Jul 2026

Larsen & Toubro has proposed an expansion of approximately INR 1,100 crore at its Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai, adding new fabrication units, assembly shops, paint and blasting bays, warehousing, office and residential buildings, and a skill development centre. The project, to be developed on the company's existing 892.11-acre site, aims to help the yard reach the ship-building, repair and modular fabrication capacity permitted under earlier environmental clearances. Work is expected to begin in October 2025 and be completed over three years.Read more