01 Jul 2025

The Indian government plans to ease rules for finance companies in GIFT City, its International Financial Services Centre, to boost financial activity and global appeal. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has proposed extending regulatory exemptions under Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013-currently given to RBI-registered NBFCs-to firms registered with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). Section 186 governs limits on inter-corporate loans, guarantees, and investments. This change would make it easier for GIFT City firms to borrow and lend across companies. Public feedback is open until mid-July. The move aims to strengthen GIFT City's competitiveness as a global financial hub.Read more

30 Jun 2025

The Gujarat government has fixed the annual house tax at INR 200 for all rural homes built under PMAY-Gramin and similar housing assistance schemes. This tax rate, which will remain unchanged for the next four years, aims to protect economically weaker households from arbitrary increases by local Gram Panchayats. The policy was formally notified by the Panchayat, Rural Housing, and Rural Development Department and is part of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's broader push for structured rural governance and affordability. Officials plan to reassess the tax structure after the four-year period, based on its ground-level impact.Read more

30 Jun 2025

JioBlackRock Broking, a wholly owned subsidiary of Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers, has received approval from SEBI to begin brokerage operations in India. This marks the third and final regulatory green light for the Jio BlackRock joint venture, following earlier approvals granted to its asset management and investment advisory arms. Formed as a 50:50 partnership between Jio Financial Services and BlackRock Inc., the venture aims to deliver a full spectrum of investment solutions to Indian investors by blending global expertise with local digital scalability. The broking arm is positioned to serve both retail and self-directed investors.Read more

30 Jun 2025

IIFL Home Finance teamed up with RG Group in Greater Noida West to host a property registration drive that saw over 100 homes registered in a single day. More than 50 buyers also secured home loans from IIFL on the spot, speeding up the process of moving into new homes. The event brought together government officials, legal support, and financing under one roof, making the experience hassle-free for buyers. Leaders from IIFL and RG Group noted the strong demand for quality housing in Delhi NCR and stressed the importance of partnerships that make home ownership easier, faster, and more transparent.Read more

30 Jun 2025

In a big push towards digitisation, Navi Mumbai's civic body has rolled out new initiatives that helped collect INR 212 crore in property tax in just three months. Under Dr. Kailash Shinde's leadership, the campaign used digital payment methods, a WhatsApp chatbot, and a revamped online portal to make payments easier. A unique touch: 200 women from self-help groups were trained to deliver bills and update records, boosting local employment. Over half the bills reached homes in just 30 days, encouraging early payments with a 10% discount. With SMS alerts, widespread publicity, and multiple payment options, NMMC is making tax payments simpler and more transparent.Read more

30 Jun 2025

Rane (Madras) Ltd finalised the sale of a 3.48-acre plot in Velachery, Chennai, to Canopy Living LLP, a joint venture between Prestige Estates Projects Ltd and Arihant Foundations & Housing for INR 361 crore. The strategic monetisation, facilitated by CBRE, is part of Rane's broader plan to reduce debt and streamline its city office operations. The remaining 1.02 acres of the 4.5-acre site will be retained by Rane (Madras) for setting up a new office.Read more

30 Jun 2025

Maharashtra's top property markets, Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Pune, saw steep declines in home sales and new launches in Q2 2025, marking a sharp market correction. Mumbai and Thane both reported a 34% drop in sales, with new supply falling by over 50%. Pune sales fell 27%, while Navi Mumbai dipped 17%. In contrast, Delhi NCR and Chennai showed growth. Analysts attribute Maharashtra's slump to past price surges, economic caution, and buyer wait-and-watch sentiment ahead of the festive season. Despite the dip, developers remain upbeat, viewing the slowdown as a step toward sustainable growth, price stability, and improved market health.Read more

29 Jun 2025

Narayana Hrudayalaya has acquired over 46,000 sq. ft. of land in Hulimavu, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, for INR 246 crore through three deals-the largest involving 93,500 sq. ft. from Kelachandra Veneer Industries. While development plans remain undisclosed, the purchase aligns with the hospital chain's expansion strategy in south Bengaluru. Founded by Dr. Devi Shetty, the company operates 18 hospitals across India and has been strengthening its presence in the city's growing healthcare corridor. The acquisition follows a prior land deal in Begur Hobli worth INR 169 crore. The area's rising real estate value and improved infrastructure make it a hotspot for institutional investments.Read more

28 Jun 2025

Private equity investments in Indian real estate touched USD 1.73 billion by mid-June this year, sharply down from USD 2.96 billion during the same period last year, signalling increased caution among global investors. Knight Frank India has attributed this slowdown to shifting global capital flows influenced by high interest rates, liquidity tightening, and growing scrutiny over post-tax returns. Western capital has notably pulled back due to the rupee's depreciation, a narrowing India-US yield spread, and India's 12.5% long-term capital gains tax. Interestingly, domestic investors have ramped up their activity, becoming a critical funding source for the sector.Read more

28 Jun 2025

Aseem Infrastructure Finance Ltd. (AIFL), an RBI-registered Infrastructure Finance Company backed by the Government of India through NIIF, has secured its first USD 80 million External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) and green loan from DBS Bank Ltd. Structured and arranged solely by DBS through its GIFT City branch, the funds will accelerate the financing of renewable energy projects across India. The transaction also marks DBS's role as the sole sustainability coordinator, reinforcing its leadership in responsible banking. India's clean energy ambitions, including the 2030 target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity, continue to attract strategic green financing.Read more