19 Sep 2025

The Madras High Court has upheld the prohibition on commercial ventures such as resorts and hotels within the Segur Plateau Elephant Corridor in the Nilgiris. It supported the findings of a Supreme Court-appointed inquiry committee, allowing landowners to pursue eco-friendly agriculture while preventing barriers that obstruct elephant movement. The court directed the state to classify adjoining revenue lands as reserved forests and to initiate the acquisition of private lands within the corridor with compensation, starting within six months, aiming to protect elephant migration paths while safeguarding property rights.Read more

18 Sep 2025

The Income Tax Department's Mumbai investigation wing has launched survey operations at Marico's offices, factories, and dealer premises over allegations of tax evasion. Officials are reviewing financial documents, overseas transactions, and questioning senior employees. Staff devices have also been seized for examination. Marico, which reported a turnover of USD 1.3 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year from India and international markets, has not released a public response. Market reports showed Marico's shares falling by over 1 per cent intraday after news of the tax survey emerged.Read more

18 Sep 2025

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has begun resolving long-pending land disputes that have stalled registrations for more than 800 industrial and institutional plots. Many of the delays date back to 2013, with road construction halted at nearly 590 points due to withheld or disputed land. Officials report over 150 disputes already settled, with more nearing resolution. Plot registration and possession will only proceed once road networks are completed, though no deadline has been fixed. YEIDA has also set a target to operationalise over 100 industries by year-end; currently, only 15 are active while more than 400 remain under construction.Read more

18 Sep 2025

The Delhi High Court has upheld the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's (MCD) decision to levy higher property taxes on hotels rated three-star and above. The court rejected arguments from hotel associations claiming the star-rating system lacked statutory backing. It noted that luxury hotels voluntarily seek star accreditation and benefit from a premium market position. The ruling reinforces the principle that property taxes should reflect the economic capacity of owners and validates the MCD's approach to equitably distributing fiscal responsibility across hotel categories.Read more

18 Sep 2025

Indiabulls Asset Management Company, now operating as Groww AMC, has resolved a long-standing regulatory case with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) by paying INR 1.43 crore. The case relates to alleged violations of Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) regulations dating back to 2017, including pledging scheme assets for loans, not adhering to investment concentration limits, and misrepresenting financial information. The settlement was reached without admitting or denying the findings, allowing the company and its schemes to move past regulatory scrutiny while complying with SEBI's requirements.Read more

18 Sep 2025

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to dismantle the promenade built along Aksa beach in Malad West, citing violation of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms. The structure, built in 2023 at a cost of INR 11.83 crore, was constructed despite earlier rejections and conditional approvals by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA). Activists flagged that the walkway was obstructing tidal flows and natural sediment deposits, causing erosion and damage to the beach.Read more

18 Sep 2025

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently reviewed key development projects in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the need to speed up initiatives in infrastructure, health, education, and public facilities. He set timelines for important projects, including the Gwalior Elevated Road, railway station renovation, and Agra-Gwalior Expressway. Scindia also acknowledged the efforts of various central and state ministers in driving these projects. The review emphasized coordinated work between the central and state governments to transform Gwalior into a modern, well-planned city while maintaining high standards of quality.Read more

18 Sep 2025

On the occasion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, Varanasi saw the launch and foundation-laying of development projects worth INR 111 crore. The projects, announced by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, include road repairs, drainage improvements, restoration of 75 traditional wells, construction of a shelter home, and initiatives for animal welfare. Cultural programs, including performances by renowned folk artists, and religious ceremonies were part of the celebrations. The BJP government also started a fortnight-long civic service drive, aiming to enhance cleanliness and public welfare across the city.Read more

18 Sep 2025

Union Minister Shri Ajay Tamta visited Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh to review the construction of the four-lane road at Nauni Junction. He checked progress at Nauni Chowk Junction, assessed land acquisition, and discussed the difficulties raised by local residents. The minister took note of the road damage caused by recent heavy rains and instructed officials to carry out immediate repairs, especially on sections connecting to Shimla. Senior district officials and the National Highways Authority of India briefed him on technical details and local challenges linked to the project.Read more

18 Sep 2025

The Goa government has approved a plan to redevelop the Mapusa bus stand through a public-private partnership at an estimated cost of about INR 192 crore. Spanning over 27,000 square metres, the project will include more than 700 parking slots, air-conditioned waiting lounges with WiFi, automatic ticket machines, restaurants and other passenger amenities. The development will follow a design-build-finance-operate-transfer model with phased timelines for core transport and commercial components.Read more