10 minutes ago

The Odisha government has placed its flood management machinery on high alert as the Mahanadi river system is expected to witness a medium flood following heavy inflows from upstream catchment areas. Authorities have activated emergency response measures, mobilised rescue teams and directed district administrations to closely monitor vulnerable locations. The state is also coordinating reservoir management and relief operations to minimise the impact on people living in low-lying areas along the Mahanadi basin.Read more

40 minutes ago

Canadian convenience store operator Couche-Tard has announced plans to acquire Polish retailer Zabka in a deal valued at around USD 8.7 billion, making it the company’s largest acquisition to date. The transaction will significantly strengthen Couche-Tard’s presence in Central and Eastern Europe and nearly double its store network across the region. Backed by shareholders representing around 57% of Zabka’s share capital, the deal is expected to close by December 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. The Zabka brand and franchise model will continue unchanged after the acquisition.Read more

1 hour ago

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has closed its preliminary inquiry into allegations against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan in connection with the Punarjani rehabilitation initiative launched after the 2018 floods. The agency stated that it found no evidence to substantiate allegations of misuse of foreign contributions or financial irregularities under the project. The closure brings an end to the vigilance examination initiated following complaints regarding the implementation of the rehabilitation programme.Read more

1 hour ago

NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have announced the successful launch of an integration between the Maldives' Favara instant payment system and India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Following the launch on Thursday, individuals in the Maldives can transfer funds in real time to UPI-enabled bank accounts in India. The service has begun with two participating banks, Bank of Maldives Plc and Maldives Islamic Bank Plc. Subsequent phases will introduce QR-based merchant payments and other cross-border digital payment services between the two countries.Read more

2 hours ago

A farming family from Penumaka village has voluntarily offered 5 acres of land under the Amaravati land pooling scheme for the development of Andhra Pradesh's capital city. The family submitted its consent documents to the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) at its Rayapudi headquarters in the presence of senior officials. The move comes as the state government continues efforts to accelerate Amaravati's development through voluntary land pooling. The family also appealed to other landowners in the capital region to cooperate with the authorities during the ongoing land pooling process.Read more

2 hours ago

The Maharashtra forest department has disputed Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao’s claim that the ongoing INR 2,800 crore Transferable Development Rights (TDR) dispute arose because the department failed to challenge a Bombay High Court order within the prescribed time. Senior officials said the proposal to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) remained pending with the state Law and Judiciary Department for nearly two months before the department decided to proceed independently. The dispute relates to a decades-old ownership battle over nearly 193 acres of land in Thane and has also attracted political attention due to the land's high value.Read more

3 hours ago

Razorpay, an Indian omnichannel payments platform for businesses, has been included in the 2026 edition of the World's Top Fintech Companies list compiled by CNBC and Statista, marking its fourth consecutive appearance. The company is one of eight Indian firms featured this year and has been recognised in the Payments category. The ranking evaluated more than 3,500 companies across over 50 countries and territories, with 500 companies making the final list. Razorpay serves businesses across India, Malaysia and Singapore, and was founded in 2014 by IIT Roorkee alumni Shashank Kumar and Harshil Mathur.Read more

3 hours ago

The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) has strengthened road safety and traffic management measures across Amaravati Capital City by directing all implementing agencies to follow stricter rules for construction vehicles. A review meeting involving transport, engineering and project officials focused on enforcing speed limits, preventing overloading, improving traffic signage and increasing driver awareness. The authorities also decided to bring all project vehicles under the APCRDA QR Code Identification System to improve monitoring and accountability as infrastructure works continue across the capital city.Read more

4 hours ago

Shadowfax Technologies reported a strong financial performance for the first quarter of FY27, with net profit rising more than eight times year-on-year to INR 65.40 crore, supported by robust revenue growth and a sharp increase in delivery volumes. The third-party logistics company also expanded its operational footprint by adding capacity and increasing service coverage across the country. Growth in both express parcel and hyper-local deliveries helped drive performance, while the company continued investing in infrastructure to support future expansion and strengthen its position in India's fast-growing logistics sector.Read more

4 hours ago

Realia Business SA has approved two related-party construction contracts with FCC Construcción, dated 29 July 2026. The first contract was awarded for EUR 27.91 million, and the second for EUR 39.00 million, taking the combined value of the two contracts to approximately EUR 66.91 million. The approvals were disclosed by Realia on Thursday. Further details on the scope, location or nature of the underlying projects were not provided in the disclosure.Read more

5 hours ago

ITC Ltd reported a 15.6 per cent year-on-year decline in its consolidated net profit for the first quarter of FY27 as a sharp rise in expenses weighed on earnings despite strong revenue growth. The company recorded double-digit growth in revenue from operations, supported by robust performance across its businesses and group companies. ITC also highlighted continued resilience in rural and urban demand but cautioned that imported inflation, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, monsoon variability and emerging El Niño conditions remain key risks for the Indian economy and business environment.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has barred Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) from the securities market for two months and its Chairman Emeritus Subhash Chandra and Managing Director & CEO Punit Goenka for one year over the unauthorised pledge of the company's Hyderabad land to secure loans taken by promoter-linked Essel Group entities. In addition to the market restrictions, Sebi imposed cumulative penalties of INR 1.48 crore on the company and the two executives. The regulator found that ZEEL failed to obtain mandatory approvals and did not disclose the related-party transaction in its financial statements, despite senior management being aware that the property had been pledged as collateral.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has operationalised the country's first fully barrier-less tolling corridor on the Gurugram–Jaipur stretch of NH-48 under the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system. Effective from August 1, 2026, all toll plazas on the corridor have transitioned to the technology-driven system, enabling uninterrupted vehicle movement through FASTag and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). The initiative aims to reduce congestion, improve travel efficiency, strengthen toll compliance and support India's next phase of intelligent highway infrastructure.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved a revised policy for awarding waterfront and associated land to port-dependent industries at major ports, replacing key provisions of the 2016 framework. The policy allows concession renewals of up to 30 years for eligible existing operators, creates a structured process for capacity expansion, and introduces a framework for government organisations to receive waterfront land without competitive bidding under specified conditions. It also includes provisions to address regulatory changes and unforeseen events, with the government expecting the reforms to improve cargo handling, strengthen supply chains and encourage fresh investment in port-led industrial development.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Ministry of Tourism has entered into a two-year strategic partnership with IndiGo to strengthen the promotion of India as a preferred global tourism destination under the Incredible India brand. The non-exclusive and non-financial collaboration will leverage IndiGo's extensive domestic and international network to showcase India's tourism offerings through digital, print, airport branding, in-flight platforms and global travel events. The initiative follows a similar agreement signed with Air India in the past week, reflecting the government's broader strategy to enhance India's visibility across key domestic and international tourism markets.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Taylor Wimpey has reduced its shareholder distribution policy and narrowed its UK home completions guidance as affordability concerns and economic uncertainty continue to affect the housing market. The company is slowing construction activity and reducing land acquisitions in response to weaker buyer demand. While it returned to profit during the first half compared to the previous year, it expects market conditions to remain challenging, with home prices staying below last year's levels and construction costs continuing to rise. The move reflects the cautious approach being adopted by major UK housebuilders.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a nationwide initiative to upgrade public toilet facilities at toll plazas across the National Highway network. The programme aims to improve commuter convenience by renovating existing sanitation blocks and building new ones using standardised indigenous designs with sustainable infrastructure. The initiative also introduces a performance-based maintenance model supported by Internet of Things (IoT)-based live monitoring systems to ensure high standards of cleanliness, functionality and long-term upkeep of the facilities.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has clarified that off-market sales of unlisted equity shares by an existing shareholder through privately negotiated transactions will not be considered a deemed public issue, provided the number of buyers does not exceed 200 in a financial year. The clarification came in response to IDBI Bank's request regarding its proposed sale of unlisted equity investments. Sebi said such transactions are secondary share transfers and do not amount to a company offering securities to investors. The regulator also clarified that contractual rights such as the right of first refusal can be honoured during such transfers.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Aurionpro Solutions has secured an additional INR 50 crore contract from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to expand the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system on Mumbai Metro Line 5. The order will strengthen the metro's ticketing and passenger management infrastructure by deploying advanced fare collection technologies across additional stations. The contract reinforces Aurionpro's role in Mumbai's expanding metro network while supporting the city's efforts to enhance commuter convenience through digitally integrated public transport systems.Read more

03 Aug 2026

LIC Housing Finance reported a 9% year-on-year increase in its net profit for the first quarter of FY27, supported by lower expenses and an improvement in asset quality. While the company's total income and interest income declined compared to the corresponding period last year, its gross and net non-performing assets (NPAs) showed further improvement. The latest quarterly performance reflects continued focus on maintaining asset quality and cost control, even as revenue remained under pressure amid the evolving lending environment.Read more

03 Aug 2026

HSBC has agreed to sell its Australian home and personal loan portfolio valued at AUD 36 billion (USD 25.3 billion) to Blackstone in what is being described as the world's largest home loan portfolio transaction. The deal forms part of HSBC's ongoing global restructuring strategy aimed at exiting non-core retail businesses and strengthening its corporate and institutional banking operations. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. Blackstone will manage the portfolio through multiple investment funds, with Pepper Money overseeing loan servicing in Australia.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government has submitted proposals worth INR 234 crore to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for the development of two plug-and-play industrial parks under the Central government's Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA). The proposed projects include a 150-acre industrial park in Solan district and a 75-acre park in Una district, with a combined estimated investment of INR 234 crore. If approved, the projects will be implemented jointly by the state government and the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC). The initiative aims to strengthen industrial infrastructure, improve ease of doing business, attract investments and support employment generation across the state.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Western Railway is set to significantly accelerate the reconstruction of the Bandra-Khar flyover as part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) aimed at adding a sixth suburban rail line between Mumbai Central and Borivali. By adopting an intensive construction approach, authorities expect to rebuild the flyover in about 45 days instead of the previously estimated 90 days. The move is expected to minimise traffic disruption while helping maintain momentum on one of Mumbai's key rail capacity enhancement projects.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts reported a strong financial performance for the first quarter of FY27, with its consolidated net profit rising more than five times year-on-year to INR 48.8 crore. The growth was supported by higher revenue from operations, reflecting continued demand for luxury hospitality services. While total expenses also increased during the quarter, the company's revenue growth outpaced the rise in costs. The latest results come as India's luxury hospitality sector continues to benefit from strong domestic travel, premium tourism and business travel demand.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Maharashtra has approved the construction of 1,60,463 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0 after more than 4.21 lakh beneficiaries registered on the unified web portal. During a review meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed implementing agencies to speed up project execution while maintaining quality standards. The state also reviewed its housing stock management strategy and the proposed Housing Stock Portal, which aims to integrate available housing across multiple agencies and improve allotment for eligible beneficiaries, including several special categories.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) has allotted 108 returnable plots to 95 farmers from Undavalli village who had contributed land for the Amaravati capital city project. The allotment was carried out through a transparent online e-lottery process in the presence of the beneficiaries, with provisional certificates distributed after the draw. The plots were allotted under the Negotiated Settlement Policy and as compensation for land acquired for the Seed Access Road. Farmers were also advised to complete the registration process, with survey and GIS teams set to assist in identifying their allotted plots.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Builders FirstSource has lowered its 2026 revenue forecast after reporting weaker-than-expected second-quarter results, reflecting continued pressure in the US residential housing market. Lower housing starts, high home prices and elevated interest rates have affected demand for building materials, resulting in lower sales and earnings. The company has also revised its annual sales guidance to account for pricing challenges, commodity cost pressures and margin constraints. Despite these challenges, Builders FirstSource expects productivity initiatives to generate cost savings during 2026 as it continues to manage a difficult market environment.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has crossed a major construction milestone on the Orange Gate–Marine Drive underground road tunnel, with more than 650 metres excavated using a tunnel boring machine (TBM). Part of the INR 8,056 crore project, the twin-tube corridor is being developed to create a high-speed underground connection between the Eastern Freeway and Marine Drive. Once completed, the tunnel is expected to cut travel time across South Mumbai by up to 20 minutes while easing congestion on existing surface roads.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks to strengthen their counterfeit currency detection systems after finding that some lenders were not adequately identifying and reporting fake Indian currency notes (FICNs). Banks have been instructed to install note authentication and sorting machines at branches located in districts along international borders, enhance staff training, and improve monitoring of counterfeit notes. The RBI has also set a deadline of October 31, 2026, for completing the training of all cash handling staff and asked banks to use counterfeit note data to identify hotspots and strengthen preventive measures.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at multiple premises linked to the Imperia Group in Delhi-NCR as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation into an alleged homebuyers' fraud. During the operation, the agency seized cash worth INR 50.50 lakh, three luxury vehicles and various documents and digital records. The probe centres on allegations that funds collected from homebuyers for residential projects were diverted, resulting in delays and financial losses for buyers across several housing developments.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Rightmove has lowered its revenue growth forecast for FY2026 after continued weakness in the UK new home market affected business expectations. The company said lower housing construction activity, increased competition from the resale market and cautious buyer sentiment have weighed on the sector. While revenue growth guidance has been revised downward, Rightmove has maintained its operating profit outlook and plans to return around GBP 400 million to shareholders over the next 12 months. The company is also facing legal costs linked to an ongoing competition lawsuit filed by estate agents.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has made the submission of valid fire safety certificates compulsory for obtaining building plan approvals in the city, strengthening compliance with fire safety regulations. The requirement applies to commercial and public-use buildings, while smaller structures will need affidavits and undertaking documents instead. The directive, issued in accordance with the Fire Safety and Emergency Services Act, 2022, requires applicants to secure a valid fire no-objection certificate (NOC) before construction begins. Existing buildings that are not covered under mandatory fire NOCs must also obtain fire safety certification following inspection by the Fire Department. The move is intended to improve fire safety standards across a broad range of building categories in Lucknow.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Real estate developers in West Bengal have urged the state government to withdraw the temporary restriction on high-rise construction as the deadline for structural safety audits expires. Industry representatives have argued that the blanket curb has delayed projects, disrupted construction schedules and affected employment across the sector despite many developments already complying with prescribed safety standards. The appeal follows the state government's decision to suspend approvals for taller buildings after concerns over structural safety. Developers have requested that projects meeting regulatory requirements be allowed to resume while authorities continue to scrutinise non-compliant buildings, warning that prolonged restrictions could have wider economic implications for the state's housing and construction industries.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Sanmar Group has invested INR 100 crore in Chennai-based Aham Housing Finance, acquiring a controlling stake in the affordable housing lender. The capital infusion is expected to strengthen Aham's balance sheet, support branch expansion and enhance lending operations across underserved markets. The transaction marks Sanmar's entry into the housing finance sector as the diversified conglomerate broadens its presence in financial services. Aham Housing Finance will continue focusing on home loans for low- and middle-income households, particularly in semi-urban and rural regions.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Bihar government has relaxed restrictions on the sale, purchase and transfer of land in proposed Greenfield Satellite Township areas after the final publication of their development plans. The move is aimed at providing relief to landowners while ensuring planned urban development is not affected. The revised policy allows land transactions under defined conditions and is expected to improve investor confidence without disrupting township projects. The state has been planning 11 Greenfield satellite townships to support urban expansion, ease pressure on existing cities and create modern, well-planned urban centres.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Buying a home involves far more than paying the quoted property price. In 2026, homebuyers must account for several additional expenses, including stamp duty, GST on under-construction homes, loan processing fees, legal documentation, maintenance deposits, parking charges and interior fit-outs. While these costs vary across states and projects, they can significantly increase the overall investment required. Industry estimates suggest that buyers should budget an additional 15–20% over the advertised property price to comfortably cover these mandatory and optional expenses before taking possession of a home.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Mortgage rates in the United States increased for the second consecutive week, with the average 30-year fixed-rate home loan reaching 6.76% in the week ended 24 July, close to its highest level in a year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The rise follows higher US Treasury yields and renewed inflation concerns linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Rates on 15-year fixed mortgages climbed to 6.15%, while five-year adjustable-rate mortgages increased to 5.98%. Higher borrowing costs also weighed on housing demand, with overall mortgage applications falling 6.4% during the week as refinancing and home purchase activity weakened amid ongoing affordability pressures.Read more

03 Aug 2026

TATA Starbucks is looking to strengthen its presence across both metropolitan markets and emerging high-growth cities as it continues its long-term expansion strategy in India. The company recently opened its first Starbucks Reserve store in South India, taking the total number of Reserve stores in the country to six. With more than 500 stores across over 80 cities, India has become one of Starbucks' fastest-growing markets globally. The company also reported 11 per cent year-on-year revenue growth in the first quarter of FY27, supported by strong same-store sales and continued customer demand.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Mumbai's luxury housing market recorded its strongest-ever first-half performance, with sales of homes priced at INR 10 crore and above reaching a record INR 18,512 crore during the first six months of 2026, according to a report by India Sotheby's International Realty and CRE Matrix. The growth was supported by higher transaction volumes and a steady rise in property prices. Demand remained concentrated in established premium locations, while the INR 20-40 crore segment continued to witness healthy traction. Worli emerged as the top-performing luxury micro-market during the period.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay reviewed the progress of Chennai Metro Rail's Phase I and Phase II projects, inspecting key construction sites, operational facilities and the city's upcoming driverless metro corridor. During the visit, he travelled on the operational metro network, reviewed work on major infrastructure projects and assessed preparedness for future services. The inspection also covered last-mile connectivity, feeder transport and passenger facilities. The review comes as Chennai Metro continues work on its 118.9-km Phase II expansion, one of the country's largest urban transport infrastructure projects.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Bank of England has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.75 per cent after inflation in the UK slowed more than expected in June, giving policymakers time to assess the economic impact of rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While most members of the Monetary Policy Committee supported maintaining rates, a few favoured a hike due to concerns over higher energy prices triggering fresh inflation. The central bank said future policy decisions would depend on how the energy shock affects inflation, wages and overall economic activity.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Chennai-based real estate developer Casagrand has entered the international property market with the launch of two residential developments in Dubai, together carrying an estimated gross development value of around INR 1,000 crore. The projects, located on Dubai Islands, represent the company's first overseas venture and form part of a broader strategy to establish a long-term presence in the UAE. The expansion reflects the growing interest of Indian developers in tapping global residential markets with strong investor demand.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to submit details of inspections conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at canteens and food establishments operated by government and semi-government institutions. The direction came while the court reviewed food safety enforcement practices, observing that regulatory standards should apply equally to both public and private establishments. The matter is expected to influence future monitoring and compliance mechanisms for institutional kitchens and public food facilities across the state.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Suraksha Group has completed construction of 7,913 apartments across 84 residential towers at Jaypee Wish Town in Noida, marking significant progress since taking over Jaypee Infratech through the insolvency process. The company has already secured occupancy certificates for 4,213 homes and has sought approvals for another 2,229 units. As part of its resolution plan, Suraksha Group is working to complete around 20,000 stalled homes while upgrading township infrastructure. The company said it is coordinating with authorities to obtain approvals and hand over homes to long-waiting buyers.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has introduced the operational framework for GARUDA, a green channel mechanism aimed at simplifying and accelerating the launch of Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) schemes. The framework allows regular AIF schemes to be launched after a shorter processing timeline while creating a separate, simplified route for Accredited Investor-only funds, Large Value Funds and Angel Funds. Sebi has also strengthened disclosure requirements by defining the responsibilities of merchant bankers and AIF managers, while making it clear that filing a scheme document does not amount to regulatory approval.Read more

03 Aug 2026

India recorded 5,13,563 road accidents in 2025, resulting in 1,83,382 deaths, with over-speeding emerging as the leading cause, according to information shared in Parliament. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also provided updates on road safety, national highway maintenance, EV adoption, highway asset monetisation, and project awards. During the first half of 2026, more than 2.85 lakh road accidents were reported. The government said it is continuing highway maintenance, expanding road infrastructure, and increasing the share of electric vehicles while taking action against contractors for poor-quality work.Read more

03 Aug 2026

IRB Infrastructure reported a 51% year-on-year increase in its consolidated net profit for the first quarter of FY27, supported by higher revenues and steady toll collections. The company also announced an interim dividend of INR 60 crore for shareholders. Toll revenue grew 14% during the quarter, reflecting continued traffic growth across its operational road assets. The company said it remains focused on expanding its infrastructure portfolio and reiterated its long-term target of increasing its asset base to INR 1,40,000 crore by 2030.Read more

03 Aug 2026

CGH Earth is planning a major expansion as it aims to double its room inventory to 1,000 keys and increase its annual revenue to INR 1,000 crore by FY30. The hospitality company is focusing on an asset-light growth strategy by adding properties through management contracts and leases while investing around INR 100 crore. With projects underway in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and discussions progressing in Rajasthan, the company plans to strengthen its presence beyond southern India by developing hotels in heritage, wildlife and nature-based destinations.Read more

03 Aug 2026

Real estate developers Brigade Enterprises and Prestige Estates Projects have expanded their residential development pipelines through separate land acquisitions in Bengaluru and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Brigade has acquired a two-acre land parcel in East Bengaluru for a premium residential project with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of around INR 475 crore. Meanwhile, Prestige Estates has entered into a joint development agreement for a 14.6-acre land parcel in Thane, where it plans to develop a large mixed-use residential project with a projected GDV of approximately INR 4,500 crore.Read more

03 Aug 2026

The upcoming Gurugram Metro corridor will provide a direct interchange with Delhi Metro's Yellow Line at Millennium City Centre, significantly improving connectivity between the city's new metro network and the National Capital Region. The corridor will also include five interchange stations linking commuters to the Rapid Metro, railway network, bus services and the proposed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). Officials say the integrated network is expected to reduce travel time, encourage public transport use and support seamless multimodal mobility across Gurugram.Read more