Gurugram News Desk

27 minutes ago

The Haryana government has approved two road infrastructure projects worth a combined INR 68.69 crore in Gurugram, covering the long-pending missing link between Sectors 68 and 69 and the upgradation of the 7.1-km IFFCO Chowk-Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) corridor. Approved at a High Powered Works Purchase Committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the projects will add service roads, footpaths, cycle tracks, stormwater drainage and junction improvements. The Sector 68-69 project will provide an alternative connection towards Sohna Road and SPR, while the IFFCO-SPR upgrade will improve movement across several established residential and commercial sectors.Read more

1 hour ago

French rail manufacturer Alstom is in discussions with Indian Railways for a follow-on order of 200 electric locomotives to be manufactured at its Madhepura facility in Bihar, according to a senior company executive. The company is also exploring the use of the plant for producing other railway-related products. The development comes as Alstom moves towards completing its existing contract for 800 electric freight locomotives, which is scheduled to be completed by March 2028. The Madhepura facility was established through a joint venture between Indian Railways and Alstom in 2015, with the original agreement covering the manufacture of 800 electric locomotives. The proposed additional order would extend the manufacturing activity at the Bihar facility beyond the existing production programme.Read more

1 hour ago

Indian lenders have raised around USD 4 billion through global bond issuances in recent months, with strong demand from international investors expected to support further fundraising in the second half of 2026. The issuances between mid-June and mid-August included fundraising by HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Bank of Baroda. Citi India said investor demand allowed several lenders to secure tighter pricing than initially indicated. The fundraising comes after the Reserve Bank of India introduced measures to attract more foreign currency into the country amid pressure on the rupee.Read more

2 hours ago

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways plans to tighten accountability among highway contractors and consultants following concerns over excessive subcontracting and defective project planning. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday, 19 August, that contractors resorting to multiple layers of subcontracting could face blacklisting for two to three years. The ministry also plans to assess contractors and Detailed Project Report consultants through performance ratings and audits. Gadkari said defective DPRs and poor planning were contributing to highway accidents and fatalities. The ministry is also reviewing subcontracting provisions and considering international standards for preparing major project reports.Read more

3 hours ago

JLL has introduced a new framework for assessing Shanghai’s Grade A office buildings, identifying a category called Elevated Premium Grade A offices based on development and operational performance. The framework, outlined in the consultancy’s latest white paper, uses three traditional development criteria alongside five additional dimensions covering human-centric experience, asset management adaptability, submarket empowerment, sustainability and intelligence. JLL’s Q2 2026 data showed that these higher-performing offices recorded average rents of RMB 8.5 per sq m per day, with nearly 70% reporting stable or rising rents during H1 2026. Their leasing velocity for projects completed after 2022 was 2.7–2.9 times that of regular Grade A offices, while 94% of relocation demand represented upgrades.Read more

3 hours ago

A Vande Bharat train has crossed the Chenab Bridge in Reasi district at nearly 100 kmph for the first time, following approval to raise the maximum permissible speed on the Katra-Banihal rail section. The development marks an operational milestone for the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which connects the Kashmir Valley with the wider Indian railway network. The Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, forms a key part of the route. The higher speed is expected to reduce travel time on the Katra-Banihal section and improve the efficiency of train operations across the strategically important corridor.Read more

4 hours ago

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), in consortium with Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), has secured a large order to design and build an automated people mover (APM) system for Phase 1 of Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. L&T said the order falls in the INR 2,500 crore to INR 5,000 crore category. The contract covers the design, construction, supply, testing, commissioning and operational readiness of the fully integrated, driverless mass transit system and its associated infrastructure. The airport, once fully developed, is planned to handle up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of freight annually.Read more

5 hours ago

Land does not depreciate, does not need a tenant to exist, and rewards patience in a way flats and offices rarely do. But "investing in land" is not one strategy, it is at least four, each with its own timeline, risk and exit. This piece looks at how Indian investors currently approach land: buying and holding it raw, building on it, leasing it out, and, increasingly in cities like Mumbai, redeveloping what already stands on it.Read more

5 hours ago

Aaiji Group plans to add 1.35 million sq ft of residential and commercial real estate space in Dholera, Gujarat, by December 2026, as the developer expands its presence in the emerging industrial and economic hub. The planned development follows the company’s earlier announcement of a INR 100-crore investment by 2027 for residential and commercial projects in the region. The expansion comes amid increased infrastructure activity and investor interest linked to Dholera’s industrial development, including the growth of its semiconductor ecosystem. The company expects residential demand to emerge from engineers, technical personnel and industrial workers moving into the region, while commercial demand could increase with the development of offices, business parks, retail, hospitality and ancillary industrial services. Aaiji Group said its customer base includes buyers from across India as well as Non-Resident Indians.Read more

6 hours ago

Malaysia is positioned to benefit from Southeast Asia’s shift towards structural economic and real estate growth, driven by supply-chain diversification, geopolitical fragmentation and rising investment in digital infrastructure, according to JLL’s latest research report, Planning for a Multipolar World: Southeast Asia – Poised for Growth. The report highlights the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, Johor’s expanding data-centre ecosystem, Penang’s Silicon Island and Greater Kuala Lumpur’s expanding connectivity as key areas of opportunity. JLL said Malaysia’s established business framework, skilled workforce, utilities infrastructure, investor protections and incentives could support international investment. The report also identifies industrial and logistics platforms, data centres, asset repositioning and cross-border corridors as key opportunities, while emphasising that investors will need to adopt a selective, corridor-focused approach rather than relying on broad regional exposure.Read more

6 hours ago

IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance Company Limited (IFFCO-TOKIO GIC) has settled more than 100 flood-related insurance claims covering motor and non-motor policies in Gujarat and Maharashtra, as the insurer accelerates assistance to customers affected by the recent flooding. The company said it has introduced a quick claims settlement process and deployed dedicated teams to expedite surveys, damage assessments and settlements. The insurer is advising policyholders to prioritise personal safety, avoid flooded areas and waterlogged roads, and take precautions around electrical infrastructure. Customers have also been advised to document damage through photographs or videos where possible, retain relevant bills and other evidence, and notify the insurer promptly. The company has provided its customer support number and asked policyholders requiring assistance to contact their nearest IFFCO-TOKIO office.Read more

7 hours ago

B-Right Real Estate Group has outlined a Mumbai-focused development roadmap targeting approximately 4.7 million sq ft of real estate development by 2033. The company, founded in 2007, has built its business around redevelopment and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects across the city. At its Vision 2033 event in Mumbai on August 16, the group identified financial discipline, governance, design, neighbourhood development and stakeholder coordination as key areas for its future operations. Its upcoming portfolio includes Grandeur in Mulund West, Shivaji Nagar in Borivali West, SKY54 in Malad East, Ultra City in Goregaon West and Godavari in Chembur. The company is also expanding the involvement of the next generation, with Rudra Shah taking a greater role in project execution and technology.Read more

8 hours ago

VinFast India has partnered with Federal Bank to provide inventory financing solutions for its authorised dealer network as the company expands its presence in the Indian electric vehicle market. The financing arrangement is intended to help dealers manage working capital, maintain vehicle inventory and meet customer demand. VinFast said the partnership will also support the expansion of its retail network across the country. The Vietnamese automaker plans to establish 75 dealerships in India by the end of the year, with the financing support aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of its dealer partners.Read more

9 hours ago

The Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TG RERA) has directed a promoter to refund INR 42 lakh, along with applicable interest, to two buyers who had invested in an unregistered plotted development. The regulator’s order followed complaints filed by the buyers over the project and the amounts they had paid. TG RERA found that the development had not been registered under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, prompting it to order repayment of the buyers’ investment with interest. The case adds to regulatory action in Telangana against developers marketing or accepting payments for projects without the required RERA registration. The order provides relief to the two complainants while reinforcing the requirement for eligible real estate projects to obtain registration before being offered to buyers.Read more

10 hours ago

Fairmont Mumbai and Le Florence India will host Longevity Summit India 2026: India Vows for Longevity on 15–16 August, bringing together scientists, clinicians, wellness specialists, entrepreneurs, technology professionals and hospitality leaders to discuss preventive healthcare, healthy ageing and human performance. The two-day summit will examine developments across longevity science, personalised medicine, wellness, technology and hospitality, alongside emerging models for senior living. A dedicated session will examine the changing role of senior living in supporting healthy ageing, culminating in the unveiling of Shremoha, a premium senior independent living platform being developed through a strategic partnership between Shrem Group and Emoha. The platform is intended to combine hospitality, wellness, community and personalised care within longevity-focused living environments.Read more

11 hours ago

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has completed the digitisation of enumeration forms collected under the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with draft voter lists scheduled for publication on August 24, 2026. In the Airoli Assembly constituency, 2,78,228 of 4,97,380 registered voters had submitted enumeration forms and completed the digitisation process by August 17. In Belapur, 2,56,986 of 4,22,317 voters had submitted their forms, with digitisation also completed. Voters will have until September 23 to submit claims or objections regarding the draft rolls. The period for disposal of these claims and objections will run until October 22, while the final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on October 27.Read more

12 hours ago

India’s hospitality market is seeing greater interest in experiences that extend beyond conventional luxury, with travellers increasingly seeking privacy, local identity, cultural connections and closer engagement with nature. Harkaran Singh Grewal (Gary), Co-Founder and Director of EuMo DesignIntelligence, and its spatial design practice EuMo Spatial, advocates an environment-first approach that integrates natural surroundings into hospitality projects rather than removing them to accommodate development. The firm also works with collapsible infrastructure, allowing resorts and associated elements to be dismantled, transported and reassembled in different locations. EuMo’s approach covers architecture, interiors, individual design elements and environmental evaluation, while its work in luxury tenting has sought to reduce heavy construction. Industry growth, however, will also depend on government infrastructure, civic environments and the wider destination experience beyond individual resorts.Read more

13 hours ago

Uttar Pradesh has received a fresh investment boost from Japanese companies, with projects worth INR 3,191 crore getting underway in the state. The developments are part of a broader effort to deepen industrial ties between Uttar Pradesh and Japan and attract manufacturing, technology and other businesses to the state. The Yamuna Expressway region, particularly the YEIDA area, is emerging as a key location for this investment push. Alongside the newly launched projects, the state is also promoting a proposed 500-acre Japanese City, aimed at creating a dedicated ecosystem for Japanese businesses and their employees.Read more

14 hours ago

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) conducted a special cancer screening campaign across its jurisdiction from August 3 to 11, 2026, using a government-provided mobile cancer screening van. The initiative was carried out through NMMC’s urban primary health centres as an extension of the National Non-Communicable Disease Screening Programme, under which residents aged 30 years and above are routinely screened for conditions including hypertension, diabetes and three major cancers. During the special campaign, 1,292 residents underwent screening for oral, breast and cervical cancer at locations across Navi Mumbai. The civic body has urged residents who could not participate in the mobile drive to use free screening services available at NMMC hospitals and urban primary health centres.Read more

15 hours ago

China Evergrande Group founder Hui Ka Yan has been sentenced to life in prison by a court in Shenzhen after pleading guilty to eight charges including misuse of funds, fundraising fraud, illegally taking public deposits, securities-related fraud and bribery. The court also ordered the confiscation of his personal property. Evergrande was fined 8.82 billion yuan, equivalent to about USD 1.31 billion, while its main subsidiary Hengda was fined 7 billion yuan. The ruling comes after the developer defaulted on most of its liabilities of around USD 300 billion, triggering a prolonged crisis in China's property sector.Read more

16 hours ago

AFC Furniture Solutions has appointed Papun Senchoudhury as Business Consultant at its head office in New Delhi, strengthening its leadership team as the office furniture manufacturer expands its B2B operations. Senchoudhury brings more than two decades of experience across sales, marketing and business operations in the office furniture sector. Before joining AFC, he served as Managing Director of Haworth India Pvt. Ltd., where he led the company’s India operations, and previously held senior leadership roles at Blow Plast Ergonomics. In his new role, he will work with AFC’s leadership and Sales & Marketing teams on its B2B growth strategy, enterprise relationships and domestic and international expansion. The company said the appointment comes as it expands its workplace solutions portfolio and manufacturing capabilities.Read more

17 hours ago

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has organised a two-day exhibition at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha, Vashi, to mark Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on 14 August. The exhibition, being held on 13 and 14 August 2026, has been created by the Union Ministry of Culture and is being organised under the guidance of municipal commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde. The display documents the suffering, sacrifice and struggles experienced by Indians during the Partition of 1947. Maharashtra forest minister Ganesh Naik and several civic and public representatives have visited the exhibition. Separately, the civic body will organise ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Tiranga’ exhibitions at its headquarters in CBD Belapur from 15 to 17 August as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign being observed from 9 to 17 August.Read more

21 Aug 2026

The Uttar Pradesh urban development department is considering a comprehensive land audit across 17 municipal corporation cities to identify government and public land parcels that have been encroached upon. The proposed exercise comes after the state notified 35 new urban local bodies over the past three years and expanded the jurisdiction of another 62 civic bodies, creating the need to reassess land records and boundaries. The audit will examine parcels that were earlier under gram sabha administration or belonged to other government agencies, along with nazul land requiring demarcation. Officials plan to cross-check details against revenue department records before local bodies initiate action to reclaim illegally occupied plots. The exercise is intended to establish clearer land records within expanding urban areas and support subsequent enforcement by the concerned civic authorities.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur has directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to speed up ongoing road repairs in Shimla district's Jubbal-Kotkhai area to ensure the smooth movement of apple-laden vehicles during the ongoing apple season. He asked officials to prioritise damaged roads, open completed stretches without delay and remove debris and other obstructions. The minister also called for coordination between departments and regular monitoring of critical routes. The directions come as road conditions remain important for transporting apple produce from the state's major growing areas to markets.Read more

21 Aug 2026

The Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) has opened a one-time settlement window for more than 60,000 property tax defaulters, allowing them to clear outstanding dues without paying the applicable 12% annual penalty. The concession covers property tax liabilities outstanding as of 1 April 2026 and is available until 15 December 2026. Eligible taxpayers must indicate their intention to participate by 14 November. GMC estimates that penalties worth around INR 120 crore could be waived through the exercise. Property tax in the municipal area includes house, water and sewer taxes, while rates differ according to property use and the width of the road on which a property is situated.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Jassper Shipping has announced plans to invest USD 50 million in growth capital to expand its project logistics and bulk cargo operations, with the investment programme to be deployed over the next three years. The company plans to strengthen its fleet, logistics infrastructure and specialised handling capabilities to support large industrial and infrastructure projects in India and international markets. Its expansion strategy includes acquiring specialised vessels and heavy-lift equipment, developing warehousing and logistics facilities, and increasing its ability to handle oversized and complex cargo. The company is also targeting opportunities linked to renewable energy, power, infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, and other project-led industries.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Cairo for Housing and Development reported consolidated attributable profit of EGP 48.6 million for the second quarter of 2026, along with consolidated revenue of EGP 91.6 million. The company also reported standalone profit of EGP 30.7 million for the quarter. The results provide an update on the Egyptian real estate company's financial performance during the quarter, with consolidated earnings higher than its standalone profit due to the contribution of its consolidated operations. The company is listed on the Egyptian Exchange under the ticker ELKA.CA.Read more

21 Aug 2026

National highway developers have urged the government to strengthen the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) annuity model, arguing that changes are needed to make projects more financially viable and prevent future tenders from receiving no bids. Industry concerns centre on traffic-risk allocation, financing conditions and the ability of developers to secure adequate returns over the concession period. The push comes as the government seeks to revive private participation in highway development through a revised BOT framework. Builders have called for a model that distributes project risks more predictably between the public and private sectors.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Construction company Annu Projects Ltd has fixed the price band for its INR 175 crore initial public offering at INR 94-99 per share. The IPO will comprise a fresh issue of 17.683 million equity shares and is scheduled to open for subscription on August 25 and close on August 28. The company plans to use INR 115 crore of the proceeds for working capital and INR 15 crore for purchasing machinery and equipment. As of June 30, 2026, its order book stood at INR 1,005.05 crore.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), the Tata Group-owned hospitality company, has opened the 181-key Taj Palace in Lucknow, marking the launch of its second Taj hotel in the Uttar Pradesh capital. The hotel was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday. IHCL said the opening reflects Lucknow's growing importance as an economic and tourism centre, supported by infrastructure development, investment and rising visitor activity. The company currently operates a portfolio of 60 hotels across more than 20 cities in Uttar Pradesh, further expanding its hospitality presence in the state.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Mumbai’s prime residential market recorded a 1.4% increase in capital values between January and June 2026, while prime rental values rose 1.2%, according to Savills India’s latest market report. The movement reflects continued growth in the city’s premium housing segment during the first half of the year. The report tracks prime residential markets and assesses changes in capital and rental values across key locations. Mumbai’s performance came amid continued demand for high-end homes, with the city remaining among the major prime residential markets covered by the global property consultancy. The findings indicate moderate price and rental growth in the segment during H1 2026.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Lincoln Property Company, Saber-Hightower and Waterfall Asset Management have acquired a USD 450 million mixed-asset portfolio spread across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The portfolio covers around 4 million square feet of existing properties and development sites spread across 300 acres. The acquisition is led by iPark 84, a 270-acre business park in East Fishkill, New York, with approximately 1.8 million square feet of existing space. The portfolio also includes development opportunities and is positioned around established infrastructure, industrial occupiers and available power capacity.Read more

21 Aug 2026

A Mohali court has rejected the bail plea of Punjab-based builder Ajay Sehgal in a money laundering case linked to the Suntec City project. Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Singh held that Sehgal had not met the statutory conditions for bail under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Enforcement Directorate alleged that proceeds of crime were generated, routed and siphoned off to conceal their origin. The court also noted the possibility of Sehgal absconding or tampering with evidence. The defence disputed the allegations, questioned the identification of any specific laundering transaction and cited the absence of a chargesheet in the underlying police case.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

21 Aug 2026

Mumbai’s struggle to preserve its limited open spaces is becoming increasingly visible as redevelopment, infrastructure projects, commercial activity and planning changes compete for land in the city. Recent reports by the Free Press Journal, Hindustan Times and The Times of India have highlighted concerns over public grounds, gardens, playgrounds and other ecological assets. A recent study by the Urban Design Research Institute and NAGAR found that public open space varies sharply across Mumbai’s 24 wards, from 9.4 sq m per resident in A Ward to just 0.5 sq m in B Ward. Separately, civic data cited by Hindustan Times shows that many of the 2,360 plots reserved for gardens, parks and playgrounds remain undeveloped or inaccessible. Architects, planners and residents have raised concerns that continued development pressure, coupled with delays in implementing an effective open spaces policy, could further reduce access to public land.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath and entrepreneur Sreeram Reddy Vanga have invested a combined INR 250 crore in hyperscale data centre operator CtrlS Datacenters. Kamath has invested INR 200 crore, while Vanga has contributed INR 50 crore. Announced on Wednesday, 19 August, the capital will support CtrlS’s infrastructure expansion and capacity build-out across India as demand for AI, cloud computing and digital workloads increases. CtrlS operates 19 data centres across nine Indian markets with more than 370 MW of capacity and has another 4.4 GW of projects at various stages of execution.Read more

Mumbai News Desk

21 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has raised serious concerns over the inclusion of public land used as the clothes-drying area at Mumbai’s historic Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat in a slum rehabilitation scheme. The court has sought an explanation from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on how the scheme was permitted on the land and whether the rights of the traditional washermen community were adequately considered. The matter brings renewed scrutiny to the redevelopment of valuable public land in Mumbai and the legal safeguards governing its use.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Supreme Infrastructure India Limited is looking to expand its building construction and housing activities, using its experience in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), commercial buildings and institutional projects. The company has identified RCC frame structures and building projects as key areas for its next phase, alongside its wider infrastructure business. Its partnership with Brookfield for a Global Capability Centre in Powai is among the projects highlighting this capability. The company is also looking at opportunities in housing, redevelopment and urban development, with land assets and construction experience forming part of its approach to building a larger real estate pipeline.Read more

21 Aug 2026

New Zealand-based Fletcher Building has warned that continued economic, political and geopolitical uncertainty is likely to affect its first-half fiscal 2027 earnings, with a meaningful recovery in underlying volumes not expected until calendar 2027. The construction materials company returned to an annual group net profit of NZD 228 million, compared with a loss of NZD 419 million in the previous year. The improvement was supported by the sale of its Construction division and non-core assets. Revenue from its materials and distribution segment also increased nearly 10 per cent to NZD 5.92 billion.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Palghar Collector Indu Rani Jakhar has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to remove unauthorised constructions and encroachments along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway within 15 days. The district administration has also asked the police to provide security during the clearance drive and NHAI to submit an Action Taken Report. A recent survey identified 114 encroachments covering 73,831 square metres of built-up area along the highway in Palghar district. The identified violations include hotels, eateries, shops, parking areas, puncture shops and tea stalls.Read more

21 Aug 2026

The Telangana government is targeting completion of the 3,245-acre Zahirabad Industrial Smart City by March 2028, with the project expected to attract around INR 15,000 crore in investment and generate nearly two lakh direct and indirect jobs. Telangana IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu announced the timeline during a National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust meeting. The state holds a 51% stake through its land contribution, while the Centre is supporting infrastructure development. Water-supply tendering has been completed and other essential infrastructure is being developed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction model.Read more

21 Aug 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached properties and other assets worth INR 71.60 crore in a money laundering investigation involving Gurugram-based 32nd Avenue Group. The action, taken on 19 August under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, follows multiple FIRs registered by Delhi and Gurugram police against the group and its promoter-directors. The ED said investors were allegedly induced to purchase commercial units through promises of assured leases, fixed rental income and buy-back arrangements. The attachment covers 76 immovable and 38 movable properties across Gurugram, Goa and Maharashtra, including commercial units, land, bank balances and an inland vessel.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Vietnam's government has proposed changes to land acquisition rules to speed up housing and infrastructure development and support its target of achieving annual economic growth of at least 10% through 2030. Under the proposed amendments, authorities could acquire land and allow construction to begin before compensation and resettlement arrangements are fully completed. The changes follow delays to major projects caused by disputes between residents and developers over compensation. The government also plans to prioritise affected residents for new residential land in the same location and introduce clearer acquisition criteria and more transparent, data-based land valuation.Read more

21 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has lifted the freeze on allotment of state-owned land to cooperative housing societies, which had been in place since 2010. Under the revised policy, at least 20% of members in societies receiving government land will have to be from backward classes and 5% will have to be persons with disabilities. The government has also replaced the earlier lottery-based system with a public auction and bidding process. Land will be offered on a 30-year lease, with different base prices for Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra.Read more

21 Aug 2026

The Union government is considering allowing newly completed highway stretches to carry normal traffic for two to three months before their formal inauguration, following instances of cracks, potholes, rutting, drainage problems and other premature defects appearing soon after opening. The proposal was discussed during a review of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway last week, chaired by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Officials said extended trials could help identify deficiencies under actual traffic and weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon, allowing contractors to rectify problems before a formal launch and the commencement of toll collection.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Kolte-Patil Developers has appointed Hrishikesh Parandekar as its Chief Executive Officer, with the appointment taking effect from August 24, 2026. Parandekar brings more than three decades of experience across real estate, investments and strategic leadership. He has previously held senior positions at Alpha Alternatives, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, Karvy Group, Ambit Holdings and Sugee Group. In his new role, he will focus on business expansion, operational performance and institutional strengthening. Kolte-Patil has developed more than 68 projects across Pune, Mumbai and Bengaluru, covering over 33 million square feet of saleable area.Read more

21 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh has entered into a three-year strategic agreement with the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) to strengthen freight movement, multimodal connectivity and logistics infrastructure across the state. The non-financial MoU, signed by Invest UP and DFCCIL, is aimed at improving access to dedicated freight corridors, supporting industrial development and identifying opportunities for logistics parks and freight-linked investments. The partnership is expected to help businesses use the state’s freight infrastructure more efficiently while supporting faster movement of goods and strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s position as a logistics and manufacturing hub.Read more

21 Aug 2026

By 2035, India's urban population is projected to reach 675 million, up from 483 million in 2020, an addition roughly equal to the current population of the United States, absorbed into cities over a single decade. That scale of change does not arrive overnight, and much of it is already visible: metro lines under construction, heat action plans now standard in two dozen cities, and smaller towns quietly overtaking the metros in consumer growth. This piece traces eight shifts already underway that will define what an Indian city looks like a decade from nowRead more

21 Aug 2026

US single-family homebuilding declined sharply in July as elevated mortgage rates and a growing inventory of unsold new homes weighed on construction activity. Single-family housing starts fell 9.9% from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 808,000 units, while the segment was down 15.7% from a year earlier. Permits for future single-family construction increased 2.5% during the month. Total housing starts, including multifamily properties, also declined, while overall residential building permits increased. The figures highlight continued pressure on the US housing market, where affordability remains a concern.Read more

Delhi News Desk

21 Aug 2026

Delhi is likely to see the addition of around 6,000 luxury hotel rooms by 2030, as new hospitality projects expand the city’s premium accommodation capacity. The upcoming supply is expected to include luxury and high-end properties across key locations in Delhi-NCR. The increase in room inventory comes amid rising demand for quality accommodation from business travellers, tourists, corporate events and international visitors. The planned additions are expected to strengthen Delhi’s hospitality infrastructure and support the capital’s position as a major destination for business, tourism, conferences and large-scale events.Read more

21 Aug 2026

A two-day conclave of senior Income Tax Department officials in Jaipur focused on improving taxpayer services, reducing litigation and strengthening the department’s infrastructure and future functioning. The meeting, chaired by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman Ravi Agrawal, brought together Principal Chief Commissioners, Principal Directors General and other senior officials from across the country. Discussions covered e-HRMS, service matters, reservation policy, TDS administration, capacity building, systems, expenditure planning and coordination with other agencies. Officials also discussed infrastructure requirements at Income Tax offices and identified key priorities for the department.Read more