28 Apr 2026

A recent EY-HICA report has suggested that the GST Council may consider lowering tax on household insecticides from 18 per cent to 5 per cent to improve affordability and strengthen preventive healthcare against vector-borne diseases. It highlights that products like coils, aerosols, and liquid vapourisers remain essential for household-level protection in India, where disease exposure is uneven. The report notes that higher taxation impacts access for vulnerable groups and calls for alignment with essential hygiene products. It also highlights rising market demand and strong urban and rural penetration of these products.Read more

28 Apr 2026

The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh has announced a rebate on property tax for the current financial year to encourage timely payments. Residential property owners can avail a 20% rebate, while commercial properties are eligible for a 10% discount if dues are cleared by May 31. The civic body has also outlined deadlines for offline payment modes and warned of penalties after the due date. Property tax continues to be a key revenue stream, supporting essential civic services and infrastructure development across the city.Read more

28 Apr 2026

Bengaluru’s city corporations have initiated a stricter recovery mechanism for unpaid property taxes, with plans to acquire properties of chronic defaulters after repeated enforcement measures failed. The move comes amid mounting arrears exceeding INR 500 crore across more than 1,000 properties. Authorities indicated that conventional recovery methods such as notices, attachment and auctions have seen limited success, prompting civic bodies to consider purchasing defaulted properties at notified prices. The step is intended as a last-resort mechanism to recover long-pending dues, including penalties and interest. Any surplus from the transaction will be returned to property owners. The decision reflects increasing pressure on urban local bodies to improve revenue collections and enforce compliance.Read more

28 Apr 2026

CBRE reported stronger-than-expected quarterly performance as rising demand from data centres supported leasing and facilities management activity. Growth in artificial intelligence-related infrastructure has contributed to renewed momentum in the commercial real estate sector, driving higher site acquisitions, construction work, and long-term leasing commitments. The company also posted solid revenue gains across its building operations and experience segment. Profitability improved significantly compared to the previous year, while revenue exceeded market estimates. Investor sentiment remained positive, with shares moving higher in premarket trading, supported by expectations of potential interest rate cuts later in the year.Read more

27 Apr 2026

The European Union, along with partner financial institutions, has launched the Global Green Bond Initiative Fund to mobilise up to EUR 20 billion (USD 23.43 billion) in private capital for sustainable infrastructure projects across low- and middle-income countries. The fund will prioritise investment in the least developed nations, with at least 20% of allocations directed there through euro-denominated and local currency bonds. Managed by French asset manager Amundi, the initiative aims to support climate-focused projects such as renewable energy while also strengthening local capital markets and expanding the international use of the euro.Read more

27 Apr 2026

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has set a target to increase its annual investments in India to USD 10 billion by 2030, with a focus on renewable energy, urban infrastructure and financial services. Investment levels in India have already risen to around USD 5.4 billion in financial year 2024/2025, compared to about USD 1.3 billion in financial year 2021/2022. India remains IFC’s largest global market with a portfolio of nearly USD 10.3 billion as of the financial year ended June 2025. The institution is also exploring municipal bond-led urban financing models.Read more

27 Apr 2026

The redevelopment cost of Mangaluru Central railway station has been revised sharply to INR 95 crore from an earlier estimate of INR 340 crore, with the project now set to be executed under the EPC model. The revised plan focuses on core infrastructure upgrades, including platform expansion and improved passenger facilities, while deferring more capital-intensive components. Authorities are also examining additional railway capacity enhancements in the region, including new lines and a potential new station. The revision reflects a recalibration of project scope and funding priorities within Indian Railways’ broader station redevelopment programme, aimed at balancing modernisation goals with cost efficiency.Read more

27 Apr 2026

Union Bank of India reported a steady rise in profitability for the March quarter, supported by improved asset quality, even as core income and overall earnings saw a slight decline. The bank’s net profit grew by over 6 per cent year-on-year, while both gross and net NPAs continued to fall. However, lower net interest income and total income indicate margin pressure. The lender has also proposed a dividend for FY 2025–26, subject to shareholder approval. The stock reacted negatively, declining over 6 per cent in intra-day trade.Read more

27 Apr 2026

Godrej Industries Group plans to list two additional businesses over the next five years as part of a strategy to more than double its market capitalisation to over INR 5 lakh crore. The move follows the group’s recent restructuring after the family business split. The group will invest between INR 5,000 crore and INR 7,000 crore in its unlisted businesses while focusing on strengthening existing verticals rather than diversifying. Currently, its three listed entities account for over INR 1.60 lakh crore in market value, with unlisted businesses contributing an additional INR 25,000 crore. The group is also targeting significant expansion in its financial services arm, alongside maintaining steady growth across consumer, real estate and agri businesses through organic strategies and selective acquisitions.Read more

27 Apr 2026

Kotak Mahindra Prime raised INR 7 billion through a bond issuance with a tenure of three years and two months during the past week, as part of ongoing activity in India’s corporate debt market. The non-banking financial company secured bids at an annual coupon of 7.74% and invited commitment bids on the same day. The issuance, rated AAA by CRISIL and CARE Ratings, reflects strong investor appetite for high-grade debt instruments. The transaction comes alongside other issuances in the market, including a planned bond sale by Triumph Composites, indicating sustained momentum in corporate fundraising through debt instruments.Read more