24 Apr 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has reduced the minimum investment threshold for individual investors in social impact funds to INR 1,000 from INR 2 lakh, aiming to broaden retail participation in the Social Stock Exchange. The change aligns with subscription norms for zero coupon zero principal instruments under existing regulations. The regulator has also introduced provisions allowing alternative investment funds to seek ‘inoperative’ status upon fund expiry. Additional relaxations include extending registration validity for not-for-profit organisations on the SSE and lowering minimum subscription requirements. Separate amendments to REIT and InvIT regulations were also notified as part of the broader regulatory update.Read more

Ahmedabad News Desk

24 Apr 2026

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation intensified enforcement against environmental violations by penalising multiple construction sites across the city. Action was taken against projects in areas such as Gota, Bodakdev and Chandlodia for failing to comply with dust control norms, including the absence of green nets and improper material handling. Penalties ranged from INR 25,000 to INR 2 lakh, with some sites also facing additional action for encroachments and road dumping. The move forms part of a broader push to curb construction-related air pollution and enforce compliance under the city’s Good Construction Practices policy. The crackdown highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny amid rising construction activity and air quality concerns in Ahmedabad.Read more

24 Apr 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority has issued an advisory cautioning homebuyers against promotional schemes such as assured returns, fixed rental income, and pre-EMI offers, stating these lack legal validity unless explicitly included in RERA-compliant agreements. The regulator flagged a rise in misleading advertisements and warned that such practices could invite penalties under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Buyers have been urged to rely on verified project details, invest only in registered developments, and ensure all commitments are documented within legally approved agreements. The move aims to strengthen transparency and protect consumers from financial risks associated with non-binding assurances.Read more

23 Apr 2026

Motilal Oswal Alternative Investment Trust and Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company have settled a regulatory case with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) by paying INR 38.76 lakh. The settlement relates to alleged violations of alternative investment fund (AIF) norms, including the handling of defaulting investors, distribution practices and investor servicing deficiencies. Sebi observed that the AIF retained INR 8.69 crore from defaulting investors and that penal exit loads were not credited to schemes for the benefit of other investors. The regulator also flagged gaps in distributor oversight and an instance of incorrect investor classification. The entities resolved the matter through a settlement mechanism without admitting or denying the findings.Read more

23 Apr 2026

A father-son duo has been arrested in Kanpur for allegedly cheating 29 individuals of around INR 7 lakh by promising housing allotments under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The case, registered following a court directive, involves claims that the accused collected money under the pretext of securing government housing and employment. Victims reported that neither housing nor refunds were provided, prompting legal action. The incident highlights recurring instances of fraud linked to government housing schemes, raising concerns over misuse of welfare programmes and the need for stricter verification mechanisms.Read more

23 Apr 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested two senior executives of Reliance Communications in connection with an alleged bank fraud case linked to credit facilities extended by State Bank of India. The case involves a reported wrongful loss of INR 2,929.05 crore to SBI and a wider exposure of INR 19,694 crore across 17 public sector banks and financial institutions. The investigation points to fund diversion through shell entities and misuse of Letters of Credit for non-genuine transactions. The agency has indicated that the executives played key roles in managing banking operations and fund utilisation within the company.Read more

23 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has carried out another round of searches at premises linked to Kolkata-based Merlin Group as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation. The case relates to alleged irregularities in land acquisition, use of forged ownership documents and suspicious financial transactions in real estate projects. The agency is also reviewing possible connections with public officials and political figures. This follows earlier action taken in the past week, indicating a deeper probe into fund flows, project structures and ownership patterns under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.Read more

23 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has stopped the proposed demolition of 48 residential and commercial properties in the Dibiyapur area of Auraiya district and ordered maintenance of status quo. The court has asked the state government to file its response within a week after petitioners challenged the demolition action linked to a government order. The matter was brought before the court on an urgent basis as demolition was expected to begin on April 16. The next hearing is scheduled for April 29, when further directions will be considered.Read more

23 Apr 2026

The National Green Tribunal has directed strict action against a brick kiln in Rewari after it was found operating in violation of environmental norms. The tribunal instructed the Haryana State Pollution Control Board to verify whether the unit holds a valid Consent to Operate and to shut it down immediately if it is found non-compliant. The matter arose from complaints of illegal functioning despite earlier cancellation of consent and administrative action. The case highlights ongoing concerns around enforcement gaps and pollution caused by brick kilns in the region.Read more

23 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that safe road travel is a part of the right to life under Article 21, stressing that authorities must ensure safer highways and expressways. While hearing a suo motu case linked to serious road accidents, the Court issued nationwide directions aimed at reducing preventable deaths. It highlighted that highways carry a high share of fatalities despite forming a small part of the road network. The Court also ordered stricter enforcement against illegal parking, encroachments, and poor monitoring systems across states.Read more