07 Feb 2026

The Competition Commission of India has granted approval for AXDI LDII SPV 1 Ltd to acquire a 10.04 per cent shareholding in Aadhar Housing Finance, signalling regulatory clearance for a key investor transaction in the housing finance sector. The acquisition, involving a special-purpose vehicle incorporated in the Abu Dhabi Global Market, will see the stake purchased from BCP Topco VII Pte Ltd, the promoter of the company. In a parallel development, an open offer for equity shares in Aadhar Housing Finance was launched under Securities and Exchange Board of India regulations by BCP Asia II Holdco VII and affiliated Blackstone entities acting in concert, although no public shares had been tendered into the offer as of early February. The CCI's approval is a significant regulatory milestone for the investment.Read more

07 Feb 2026

Housing price growth across India's top eight residential markets slowed sharply to an average of 6% in 2025, compared to 17% in 2024, reflecting a phase of market normalisation, according to PropTiger. While Bengaluru and Hyderabad continued to record relatively stronger price appreciation, most other cities witnessed muted growth or consolidation after steep increases in the previous year. The report highlighted disciplined supply additions, stable inventory levels and a cautious buyer sentiment amid economic uncertainty. Residential sales declined 12% year-on-year to their lowest level since 2022, while new supply also moderated. Despite slower momentum, PropTiger noted that developers largely protected pricing integrity, indicating a balanced market entering 2026 rather than a sharp correction.Read more

06 Feb 2026

India's capital markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has proposed a set of regulatory changes aimed at strengthening the infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) framework and improving capital mobilisation. The key proposal would allow InvITs to continue holding infrastructure assets beyond the original concession period, addressing a long-standing structural constraint under existing norms. SEBI has also suggested easing borrowing restrictions, expanding permissible investment avenues for REITs and InvITs into lower-risk liquid mutual fund schemes, and broadening the definition of strategic investors. Together, these measures are intended to enhance operational flexibility, attract long-term institutional capital, and support sustainable infrastructure financing. The regulator has invited public comments on the proposals, signalling a consultative approach as it looks to deepen India's listed infrastructure investment ecosystem.Read more

06 Feb 2026

JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd reported a 23.66 per cent drop in consolidated net profit to INR 57.04 crore for the December quarter, mainly due to exceptional expenses linked to new labour laws. Despite this, profit before exceptional items and tax rose 5.55 per cent, indicating stable core operations. Revenue from operations grew over 6 per cent, while sales volumes increased more than 8 per cent to 3.28 million tonnes. The company maintained a positive outlook for the cement sector, citing infrastructure and housing demand.Read more

06 Feb 2026

Markets regulator Sebi has proposed allowing alternative investment funds (AIFs) to retain limited funds beyond the expiry of their scheme life to ease the winding-up process and enable smoother surrender of registration. In a consultation paper released earlier this week, the regulator said the move aims to make the exit framework for AIFs more predictable and operationally efficient. Sebi noted that AIFs often need to retain small amounts to meet residual operational expenses such as legal fees, audit costs and regulatory filings, which makes achieving a nil bank balance within the permissible fund life difficult. Separately, Sebi has proposed permitting certain AIFs with no active investments to seek an inoperative status, with proportionate compliance requirements. Public comments on the proposals have been invited until February 26.Read more

06 Feb 2026

A recent aviation whitepaper highlights India and the Asia-Pacific region as the main drivers of global air traffic growth over the next two decades. The study projects that eight of the world's 10 fastest-growing aviation markets will come from emerging economies in this region. International passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific has already grown faster than the global average, supported by route expansion, rising incomes and improving connectivity. India is positioned as a key contributor, alongside China and Southeast Asian nations, while air cargo and airline consolidation continue to shape the sector.Read more

06 Feb 2026

Alphabet is expanding its footprint in Bengaluru by leasing one office tower in Alembic City and holding options for two more, potentially accommodating 20,000 additional staff. The company currently operates from three offices in the city and launched one of its largest offices worldwide there in 2025. This expansion aligns with India's growing tech prominence and the increasing relocation of U.S. companies' critical work due to stricter immigration rules. Alphabet's broader plans include a USD 15 billion AI data centre in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting long-term investment in the country.Read more

Pune News Desk

06 Feb 2026

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has placed before its standing committee a proposal to raise property tax by 10 per cent for the upcoming financial year, prompting widespread criticism from citizens' groups and activists. The proposal, intended to bolster civic revenue amid rising expenditure and slow growth in income, will be considered by the committee in the coming days, with final approval required from the full civic body before mid-February. Critics argue that increasing tax for compliant property owners is unjust when substantial dues, reportedly around INR 7,000 crore, remain uncollected from major defaulters, including commercial entities, government departments and disputed claims. Opponents have urged the administration to prioritise recovery of outstanding taxes and to explore alternative revenue avenues rather than imposing a higher tax burden on ordinary taxpayers. The issue has become contentious in the run-up to key municipal budget decisions.Read more

06 Feb 2026

India and Bhutan are advancing their collaboration in the hydropower sector, focusing on key projects like Punatsangchhu-I (1,200 MW) and Punatsangchhu-II (1,020 MW) as well as the Sankosh Hydropower Project. Discussions with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal included commercial optimisation, early commissioning timelines, and long-term transmission planning through 2040. The two nations also addressed smoother approval mechanisms for power scheduling, especially during Bhutan's lean months. This step reinforces their ongoing energy partnership, aimed at improving efficiency, supporting regional electricity trade, and meeting increasing power demands in both countries.Read more

06 Feb 2026

Yes Bank has received regulatory approval for Vinay Muralidhar Tonse to take over as managing director and CEO for a three-year term. Tonse, formerly in charge of retail operations at State Bank of India, will succeed Prashant Kumar, whose extended tenure ends on April 6. Kumar was appointed in 2020 after the bank's rescue amid severe asset quality stress linked to shadow lenders and real estate exposure. The leadership change follows Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation's acquisition of a 24 percent stake last year, strengthening Yes Bank's ownership base.Read more