05 Feb 2026

NBCC has signed an agreement with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan to carry out construction, renovation and repair works at KVS schools across India, with project values to be decided individually. The PSU will act as project management consultant for the assignments. In addition, NBCC has secured six new orders worth a total of INR 271.32 crore. This includes a major INR 232 crore contract for building the Namami Ganga Aquarium-cum-Discovery Learning Centre in Rishikesh, adding to its government infrastructure portfolio.Read more

Kochi News Desk

05 Feb 2026

Cochin Shipyard Ltd has approved the acquisition of a 23% equity stake in Netherlands-based Conoship International Holding B.V. as part of its plan to strengthen its footprint in the European shipping market. The investment will support collaboration in ship design and engineering, especially for vessels using alternative fuels and serving coastal and inland transport segments. The board also cleared the formation of a joint venture with HBL Engineering to develop electric mobility and energy storage solutions for marine use, marking a broader push into future-ready maritime technologies.Read more

05 Feb 2026

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has benefitted over 26 lakh households across India, with the Centre disbursing INR 14,771.82 crore as financial assistance till December 2025. Since its launch in February 2024, more than 20.85 lakh rooftop solar systems have been installed nationwide. Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh account for the highest number of beneficiaries. The government estimates that large-scale rooftop solar adoption could significantly cut carbon emissions over time, while parallel efforts are underway to strengthen energy storage and global renewable partnerships.Read more

05 Feb 2026

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have entered a joint venture to manufacture Sukhoi SJ 100 regional jets in India, boosting domestic aircraft production. HAL will hold local certification, manufacturing, and sales rights while UAC provides technical support and design expertise. Additionally, UAC will supply six Ilyushin Il 114-300 turboprop aircraft to Indian firm Flamingo Aerospace, with guidance to enhance assembly, maintenance, and infrastructure capabilities. This move reflects a long-term effort to strengthen India's aviation manufacturing, regional connectivity, and technology transfer initiatives.Read more

04 Feb 2026

Indus Towers reported a sharp 55.6% fall in net profit to INR 1,776 crore for the December quarter, even as revenue rose nearly 8% year-on-year to INR 8,146 crore. EBITDA declined 35.6% to INR 4,509 crore, reflecting a 55.3% margin. The company highlighted its continued digital and AI-driven operational improvements, which have strengthened asset control and execution speed. Supportive government measures on AGR dues of a major telecom client, Vodafone Idea, are expected to enhance financial stability and create positive prospects for Indus Towers.Read more

04 Feb 2026

Meghalaya is expected to receive INR 9,631 crore in tax devolution for 2026-27, enhancing the state's capacity for infrastructure development and capital expenditure. Over the past decade, central transfers have steadily increased, totaling INR 69,339 crore as tax devolution and INR 40,452 crore as grants-in-aid from 2014 to 2024. The Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment has further supported capital projects with INR 6,523 crore allocated between 2020-21 and January 2026. Infrastructure improvements include over 1,156 km of National Highways and 170 km approved under Bharatmala projects. Welfare schemes like Jan Dhan and PM Mudra Yojana have also seen wider reach.Read more

04 Feb 2026

Advent International is investing INR 2,750 crore to acquire a 14.3 per cent stake in Aditya Birla Housing Finance, valuing the company at INR 19,250 crore post-transaction. The investment, made through primary share issuance by ABHF, is aimed at strengthening its financial base and expanding market reach. ABHF, fully owned by Aditya Birla Capital, has a pan-India presence and focuses on prime, affordable, and construction finance segments. With assets under management of INR 42,204 crore and strong risk management practices, the company is positioned among the top three in incremental loan growth.Read more

04 Feb 2026

Asia Pacific real estate buying intentions have reached a four-year high for 2026, driven by stronger rental prospects, easing financing conditions and reduced supply pipelines, a CBRE survey shows. The office segment has become the most preferred asset class for the first time in six years as leasing activity improves. Tokyo continues to lead cross-border investment interest, followed by Sydney, while Hong Kong has re-entered the top rankings. Rising construction costs and geopolitical risks remain key concerns for investors across the region.Read more

04 Feb 2026

Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh has become the first district in India to implement online property tax collection through the SAMARTH Panchayat portal, marking a milestone in digital rural governance. The initiative was formally rolled out at Sankara gram panchayat in Nagri block where a resident successfully paid property tax using a UPI-linked online payment system, eliminating the need for physical visits to local offices. The move aims to simplify tax payments for rural citizens, enhance transparency, and reduce pending arrears for gram panchayats. The system is slated for roll-out across nearly 400 gram panchayats in the district and may be expanded statewide, according to officials. Representatives from the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj and state Panchayat and Rural Development departments noted that the project could serve as a replicable model for technology-driven governance across rural India.Read more

04 Feb 2026

Brookfield Asset Management has agreed to acquire US-listed industrial real estate investment trust Peakstone Realty Trust in an all-cash transaction valued at about USD 1.2 billion, as it seeks to capitalise on rising demand for warehouses and industrial storage linked to the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Under the proposed deal, Brookfield will acquire all outstanding Peakstone shares at USD 21 per share, representing a premium of around 34 per cent to the stock's previous closing price. Peakstone's shares rose sharply following the announcement. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the second quarter, subject to customary conditions. Peakstone owns a portfolio of 76 industrial assets across the US and recently exited the office segment to focus exclusively on industrial real estate, aligning with Brookfield's broader strategy to scale its industrial platform.Read more