In this episode of Prop Personalities, we sit down with Hars...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Welcome to Prop Personalities by Prop News Time - a podcast ...
Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -...
Why does the same hotel brand operate multiple properties in...
08 Apr 2026
Shreya Ghoshal and her parents have purchased a premium apartment in Mumbai's Worli for INR 29.70 crore. The unit is located in the Godrej Trilogy project and offers a carpet area of around 2,430 sq ft along with three parking spaces. The deal was registered recently and involved a stamp duty payment of about INR 1.78 crore. The transaction reflects steady demand for luxury housing in Worli, which continues to attract high-net-worth buyers due to its central location and connectivity.Read more
02 Apr 2026
Malaika Arora has rented out her apartment in Bandra West, Mumbai, for a total lease value of around INR 1.17 crore over a three-year period. The agreement starts at a monthly rent of about INR 3.10 lakh, with structured increases during the tenure. The deal was registered recently, as per official property documents accessed through the registration portal. The transaction reflects steady demand for premium rental homes in key Mumbai locations and highlights how high-value residential assets are being used to generate consistent rental income.Read more
02 Apr 2026
Fair Exports (India) Pvt Ltd, part of Lulu Group International, has purchased a premium bungalow in Delhi's Sunder Nagar for INR 89.5 crore. The deal involved a stamp duty payment of INR 6.26 crore and reflects steady demand for ultra-luxury homes in Lutyens Delhi. The seller was based overseas, which slightly delayed documentation. The locality has seen several high-value deals in recent years, including transactions above INR 100 crore. Demand from high-net-worth individuals continues, supported by both investment potential and end-use requirements.Read more
31 Mar 2026
Actor Madhuri Dixit has leased a commercial office unit in Lower Parel, Mumbai, with a total rental commitment of approximately INR 2.81 crore over a five-year tenure. The transaction, registered recently, involves a 731 sq ft unit in a premium office development and includes a structured rental escalation of 5% annually. The agreement also comprises a security deposit of INR 17 lakh along with statutory charges. Located in one of Mumbai's key commercial micro-markets, the deal reflects sustained demand for Grade-A office assets despite evolving occupier dynamics. The transaction highlights continued interest from high-net-worth individuals in leasing premium commercial space within established business districts.Read more
10 Mar 2026
South Indian actress Nayanthara and filmmaker husband Vignesh Shivan purchased a luxurious duplex apartment in Chennai's Poes Garden for INR 31.5 crore. The 14,369 sq ft property in the Legacy project spans the fourth and fifth floors and includes 5,308 sq ft of undivided land and eight covered parking spaces. Nayanthara owns 90% of the apartment, with Vignesh Shivan holding 10%. The acquisition follows their marriage in 2022 and growing pan-India film presence. Poes Garden remains a preferred enclave for celebrities and high-net-worth individuals, sustaining high property values.Read more
13 Apr 2026
The central government has approved road and bridge projects worth about INR 290 crore in Odisha's Ganjam district to improve connectivity around Aska. The plan includes a 6.72 km bypass linking NH-157 and NH-59, along with multiple bridge constructions over key rivers and a local nullah. These projects aim to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and address flood-related disruptions. Funding support will come through central schemes, while a feasibility study has also been approved for a proposed four-lane greenfield road between Berhampur and Aska.Read more
13 Apr 2026
The Odisha government has unveiled 36 industrial projects involving an investment of INR 40,811 crore, expected to create around 59,000 jobs across the state. The initiatives include both inaugurated units and newly laid foundation stones, covering sectors such as green energy equipment, metals, textiles, plastics, tourism, agriculture, food processing, defence manufacturing, IT, automobiles, and cement. The state leadership highlighted sustained industrial momentum over the past 18-20 months, driven by multiple project launches and investments aimed at strengthening Odisha's manufacturing and employment base.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Equinix has expanded its presence in Mumbai with the launch of its fourth data centre, investing USD 95 million to strengthen digital infrastructure capacity. The facility adds over 1,370 cabinets, supporting growing demand for cloud and data services. In a separate development, NOCIL has commissioned a new rubber chemicals plant in Dahej with an investment of INR 250 crore, aimed at boosting domestic supply and exports. Meanwhile, DBS Foundation has announced grants of up to INR 1.75 crore for three Indian enterprises working across healthcare, employment, and social impact sectors, highlighting continued institutional support for innovation.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Adani Green Energy has entered into a joint venture through its subsidiary AGEL UAE with Minerva Holding RSC, a wholly owned arm of EPointZero, to develop renewable energy projects in India. EPointZero is part of the UAE-based IHC Group, one of the largest listed companies globally. The agreement includes provisions for equity participation and board representation. The partnership reflects increasing cross-border investments in India's clean energy sector and aligns with the country's long-term renewable energy expansion plans.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra said that road safety awareness has now become a national movement that depends on responsible behaviour from all road users. He noted that road safety efforts are part of a continuous national effort rather than isolated initiatives. He highlighted that India continues to record a high number of road accident fatalities every year, with a significant share involving two-wheelers. He stressed the importance of the government's 4E framework and urged citizens, especially youth, to follow traffic rules and support safer road practices.Read more
14 hours ago
Rajasthan is facing a major transmission bottleneck, with around 60 GW of renewable energy projects awaiting grid connectivity. The issue highlights a gap between rapid solar and wind capacity expansion and the development of transmission infrastructure. While the state has strong renewable potential and high project interest, grid systems have been planned for only part of the capacity. The regulator has asked developers to be informed of delays, allowing them to reconsider investments. The situation underscores challenges in India's clean energy push, with infrastructure constraints likely to impact project timelines and future investment decisions in the sector.Read more
13 Apr 2026
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has adjourned the hearing on Vedanta Ltd's challenge to Adani Enterprises INR 14,535 crore bid for Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL), due to a change in bench composition. Vedanta has filed appeals against the NCLT's approval of the resolution plan under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Earlier, both the NCLAT and the Supreme Court declined to stay the process, though the outcome remains subject to final rulings. The Supreme Court also directed that key decisions by the monitoring committee require tribunal approval. The case is closely watched given JAL's significant role in India's real estate and infrastructure sectors.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has indicated that the government may require complete land acquisition before granting approval to new national highway projects, tightening existing norms. Speaking at an industry event in New Delhi, he highlighted persistent challenges related to land acquisition and environmental clearances that delay project execution. The ministry currently mandates 90 per cent land readiness before project commencement but is now considering raising this threshold to 100 per cent. Gadkari also pointed to highway assets worth INR 15 lakh crore available for monetisation and flagged concerns over the quality of detailed project reports, suggesting greater accountability and expertise in project planning.Read more
13 Apr 2026
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has ruled that insolvency proceedings initiated by homebuyers against real estate developers must be restricted to the specific project where default has occurred, and cannot be extended to other projects of the company. The ruling came while adjudicating an appeal related to Raheja Developers, where the tribunal confined the CIRP to the Krishna Housing Scheme. The decision emphasises protection of stakeholders in unrelated projects and clarifies that creditor claims must also remain project-specific. The case pertains to delays in an affordable housing project comprising 1,644 units, where construction timelines were impacted and costs escalated.Read more
13 Apr 2026
The Gujarat government has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Taiwan-based Allegiance International Co Ltd to establish an Indo-Taiwan Industrial Park in the Sanand-Dholera region. The proposed development is expected to attract over INR 1,000 crore in foreign direct investment, primarily in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. The project is estimated to generate around 12,000 direct jobs over five years and will support India's semiconductor ambitions. The agreement, signed in Gandhinagar, aims to facilitate collaboration between Indian and Taiwanese enterprises while strengthening Gujarat's position as a manufacturing hub, where projects worth over INR 1.24 lakh crore are already under development.Read more
13 hours ago
The Reserve Bank of India is reviewing how major banks unwound large rupee arbitrage positions after directing trades worth up to USD 40 billion to be reversed to support the currency. The move followed pressure on the rupee due to global tensions and foreign fund outflows. The RBI is examining whether banks shifted positions to corporate clients during the process, potentially affecting its efforts to improve dollar liquidity. The review also focuses on compliance with rules restricting speculative forex activity. The development signals tighter oversight of currency markets as the central bank works to manage volatility and stabilise the rupee.Read more
16 hours ago
Piper Serica has invested nearly INR 210 crore across 33 startups through its Category I AIF, with the remaining INR 63 crore set to be deployed in the coming months. The SEBI-registered fund focuses on early-stage, technology-driven companies in sectors such as deeptech, fintech, artificial intelligence, defence, and semiconductors. Its portfolio includes startups like Alt Mobility and Sensesemi, reflecting a strong focus on innovation-led businesses. The firm follows a sector-focused strategy, backing founders building intellectual property and addressing structural market gaps, as India shifts towards capability-driven growth across emerging industries.Read more
19 hours ago
The Government of India has increased windfall taxes on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) exports to manage domestic supply amid rising global oil prices. The levy on diesel exports has been raised to INR 55.5 per litre, while ATF exports now attract INR 42 per litre. The move follows crude prices crossing USD 100 per barrel due to supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The government has also capped monthly ATF price increases for domestic airlines to control airfares. The decision highlights efforts to balance exports with domestic fuel availability during ongoing global energy volatility.Read more
13 Apr 2026
India received the highest number of regressive tax recommendations from the IMF between 2022 and 2024, according to an Oxfam report analysing guidance given to 125 countries. The study found that a majority of tax advice for low- and middle-income nations placed a heavier burden on lower-income groups, while high-income countries received more progressive recommendations. South Asia recorded the highest share of such guidance. The report also noted limited focus on wealth taxes despite rising global inequality. Oxfam has called for more progressive tax policies, urging greater emphasis on taxing high-income individuals and reducing reliance on consumption-based taxes in developing economies.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Vietnam-based conglomerate Vingroup has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Maharashtra to explore investments worth USD 6.5 billion across multiple sectors in the state. The proposed investments include large-scale urban development projects near Mumbai, electric mobility initiatives and renewable energy infrastructure. The company is evaluating integrated townships spanning around 1,000 hectares with an estimated outlay of USD 5 billion, alongside plans to deploy 60,000 electric taxis. The agreement aligns with Vingroup's broader India expansion strategy, following its presence in Tamil Nadu and planned investments in Telangana, and is expected to generate significant employment over the next few years.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Juno Joule Bio Fuels has begun construction of its compressed bio-gas (CBG) project in Telangana's Siddipet district, with a total investment of INR 700 crore. The project includes a cluster of 10 plants with a combined capacity of 100 tonnes per day, to be developed in phases by 2029-2030. Built under the CBG-CGD Synchronisation scheme, the plants will convert agricultural and organic waste into clean fuel for supply through the city gas network. The initiative supports waste-to-energy solutions, clean fuel adoption, and regional development, while creating opportunities for farmers and strengthening India's bio-energy infrastructure.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Ashiana Housing has acquired a 28.55-acre land parcel in Pune, Maharashtra, to develop a senior living housing project with an estimated revenue potential of INR 1,800 crore. The development will have a saleable area of around 20 lakh sq ft and marks the company's largest land acquisition for a senior housing project to date. The move comes amid rising demand for senior living communities, with the developer actively seeking land in key markets. The acquisition also follows a strong sales performance by the company in the past financial year, with record pre-sales and a significant increase in quarterly bookings.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Hawelia Group has secured approval from the Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority to take over and complete the stalled Shri Radha Sky Gardens project in Greater Noida. The developer plans to invest INR 770 crore to deliver 2,064 residential units across the 22-acre project, benefiting over 2,000 homebuyers affected by long delays. The project, originally developed by SJP Infracon, is expected to be completed within 42-48 months. Backed by funding from the Washington State Investment Board, the revival follows regulatory clearances, including approval from the Greater Noida Authority and execution of a joint development agreement.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Signature Global Ltd has reduced its net debt by 77 per cent to INR 200 crore at the end of 2025-26, supported by improved cash flows and strengthened liquidity. The company reported cash and cash equivalents of INR 2,770 crore, reflecting a stronger balance sheet position. During the year, it also finalised a 50:50 joint venture with RMZ Group for an 18-acre commercial project in Gurugram, with an investment outlay of INR 7,500 crore. While sales bookings declined to INR 8,220 crore amid softer demand, average realisations rose due to higher pricing and increased contribution from premium housing.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Godrej Properties Ltd reported a 16 per cent year-on-year rise in its sales bookings during the last fiscal, reaching a record INR 34,171 crore, supported by strong demand for residential properties across major Indian cities. The company surpassed its earlier target of INR 32,500 crore, achieving its highest-ever booking value and volume through the sale of 17,515 units covering 27 million sq ft. Mumbai Metropolitan Region led contributions, followed by Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Pune and Hyderabad. The company expects continued momentum with a strong launch pipeline ahead.Read more
In this episode of Prop Personalities, we sit down with Hars...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Welcome to Prop Personalities by Prop News Time - a podcast ...
Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -...
Why does the same hotel brand operate multiple properties in...
06 Apr 2026
Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has emerged as the top cargo handling major port in India during FY26, moving ahead of Paradip Port Authority. The port recorded strong cargo volumes driven by better operational efficiency, faster vessel turnaround and improved coordination with stakeholders. It achieved key milestones during the year, including crossing major cargo handling marks well ahead of schedule. Paradip continues to remain a strong player with high bulk cargo volumes and ongoing expansion plans. The development reflects increasing competition and shifting rankings among India's major ports.Read more
06 Apr 2026
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has surpassed 500 million tonnes of cargo handled, marking a significant operational milestone for India's largest private port operator. The achievement reflects the company's expansion from a single-port model in the late 1990s to a network of 19 ports and terminals across India and overseas. With an annual handling capacity of about 633 million tonnes and a market share of roughly 28% of India's port cargo, the company continues to strengthen its role in trade and logistics. APSEZ has also indicated a long-term target of reaching 1 billion tonnes by 2030, supported by integrated infrastructure spanning ports, rail, road, and warehousing.Read more
05 Apr 2026
KSH Distriparks has inaugurated Pune's first dedicated empty container yard, a 15-acre facility located near the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, aimed at improving container availability in a key manufacturing and export corridor. The yard is designed to handle up to 100,000 TEUs annually and offers integrated services including storage, repair, washing and vehicle pre-delivery inspection (PDI). The development addresses a long-standing infrastructure gap in the Chakan Talegaon belt, where rising industrial and export activity had led to operational inefficiencies. The facility is expected to streamline container turnaround times and strengthen logistics support for exporters, shipping lines and industrial operators in the region.Read more
03 Apr 2026
Leasing of industrial and warehousing spaces across 24 Indian cities increased by 16% year-on-year to 18.5 million sq ft in the first quarter of 2026, according to Savills. The growth was driven by strong demand from manufacturing, third-party logistics (3PL), and e-commerce sectors. Tier-I cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi-NCR accounted for 79% of total absorption, while Tier-II and Tier-III cities contributed 21%. New supply rose sharply by 39% to 22.1 million sq ft during the quarter. Manufacturing led leasing activity with a 35% share, followed by logistics and consumer-driven sectors, indicating sustained momentum in India's industrial real estate segment.Read more
01 Apr 2026
Titagarh Rail Systems has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from JSW Port Logistics Private Limited for a contract valued at INR 226.35 crore to manufacture and supply 720 wagons. The order, excluding GST, is expected to be executed within six months from commencement, subject to final agreement and purchase order. The contract has been awarded by a domestic entity and does not involve related-party transactions. The development adds to the company's order book and reflects ongoing demand for freight rolling stock driven by port-led logistics and industrial activity. The contract also indicates increasing private sector participation in rail-based cargo infrastructure.Read more
13 hours ago
Robb Report India, in collaboration with the Gwalior royal family, hosted Palace Prive�, an exclusive luxury experience at Jai Vilas Palace. The invite-only event brought together select guests for a curated programme centred on heritage, craftsmanship and hospitality. The experience included palace tours, cultural performances and dining inspired by royal traditions. Regional artisans showcased traditional crafts such as Chanderi textiles and lac work. Supported by leading luxury brands, the event saw participation from film, design and business communities. The initiative highlighted the blend of heritage and modern luxury while promoting local craftsmanship through curated experiential formats.Read more
17 hours ago
Aster DM Healthcare has announced an investment of INR 96 crore to expand its women and children's facility at Aster Whitefield Hospital in Bengaluru. The expansion will increase bed capacity from 380 to 539, enhancing specialised maternal and paediatric care services. The move comes amid rising demand for integrated healthcare in urban centres. As part of its broader growth strategy, Aster is also developing new hospitals in Yeshwantpur and Sarjapur. The expansion is expected to strengthen its presence in Karnataka, with total capacity set to reach 2,573 beds, highlighting continued growth in healthcare infrastructure and real estate.Read more
13 Apr 2026
Barneys Hard Seltzer has raised fresh funding from The Chennai Angels as part of its Pre-Series A round, with participation from existing investors including Mumbai Angels and ah! Ventures. The funds will be used for operations, hiring, licensing, and expanding brand presence across India. Founded by Ruchi Gupta and Gaurav Sharma, the company operates in the fast-growing Ready-to-Drink (RTD) segment, offering zero-sugar and low-calorie beverages. As demand rises for wellness-focused products, Barneys is expanding its footprint in urban and emerging markets. The investment reflects growing interest in lifestyle-oriented beverage brands and India's evolving consumer preferences.Read more
12 Apr 2026
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is planning to open five new hotels in India as part of its expansion strategy, while also evaluating partnerships and investments to scale faster. The company is increasing its focus on India, which has now emerged as a key market in Asia Pacific. With 55 existing properties and over 10,500 keys, Hyatt is also set to introduce the Destination by Hyatt brand in Jaipur. Strong domestic travel demand and stable market conditions are supporting its growth plans across key and emerging locations.Read more
11 Apr 2026
M3M India has received the Occupancy Certificate for M3M Paragon57, a mixed-use high-street retail development in Sector 57, Gurugram. Spread across 3.16 acres, the project comprises 554 units with a saleable area of about 5 lakh sq ft and an estimated investment of INR 560 crore. The development integrates retail with serviced apartments and has already pre-leased around 60% of its retail space. With a projected topline of nearly INR 1,000 crore, the project reflects continued demand for curated high-street retail formats in established urban micro-markets.Read more
16 Mar 2026
India's real estate sector is steadily moving from traditional practices to a technology-driven ecosystem, with the PropTech segment projected to reach about USD 3.79 billion to USD 4.29 billion by 2030. In this evolving environment, PropTech Pulse has positioned itself as a knowledge-focused digital platform aimed at improving transparency and decision-making in property transactions. The platform combines data tools, market insights, verified listings, and financing assistance to support developers, investors, lenders, and homebuyers. By prioritizing access to verified information and educational resources, the platform seeks to address long-standing trust issues that have affected India's property market for decades.Read more
23 Feb 2026
As property transactions continue to rise across Tamil Nadu, Chennai-based proptech platform LandLens has positioned itself as a due diligence tool aimed at identifying land and property risks before purchase decisions are finalised. Developed by Verified.RealEstate, the platform integrates land records, zoning regulations, environmental indicators and infrastructure constraints into a single digital interface. Industry experts note that many real estate disputes arise not from lack of data but from fragmented information spread across departments, making holistic assessment difficult for buyers. Recent cases involving temple land claims, coastal regulation restrictions and environmental compliance issues have reinforced the need for early verification. LandLens seeks to address this gap by structuring public data into actionable insights, supporting buyers, investors and developers in making informed property decisions before financial commitments are made.Read more
23 Feb 2026
OpenAI and JioHotstar have partnered to integrate streaming recommendations into ChatGPT, enabling users to receive direct links to shows, movies and live sports available on the platform. Entertainment-related queries on ChatGPT will now feature contextual suggestions from JioHotstar's catalogue. The collaboration also introduces a ChatGPT-powered voice discovery feature within the JioHotstar app, allowing users to search by mood, intent or context using natural voice prompts. The companies said the integration aims to simplify content discovery and personalise viewing experiences. The move highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in reshaping India's digital streaming and media landscape.Read more
23 Feb 2026
Experts from government, technology and global agencies met at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to discuss how artificial intelligence can transform disaster management. Hosted by SEEDS and UNDRR, the dialogue focused on shifting from reactive response to anticipatory, hyperlocal and scalable risk governance. Speakers highlighted AI-driven early warning systems, predictive models using weather and satellite data, and offline tools for low-connectivity regions. Discussions also stressed legal frameworks, institutional readiness and community participation to ensure effective adoption. With growing climate risks across India and South Asia, the session underscored the need for integrated, people-centred disaster resilience systems powered by AI innovation.Read more
09 Feb 2026
Anant Raj Ltd has entered into a strategic partnership with AI infrastructure provider Submer to develop fully operational, AI-ready data centres across India through its subsidiary, Anant Raj Cloud. Formalised through a memorandum of understanding, the collaboration aims to support large-scale sovereign and enterprise AI workloads by deploying high-density, energy-efficient computing platforms. The partnership will bring Submer's liquid-cooling and modular data centre technologies from Spain, integrated with Anant Raj's existing campus infrastructure in Manesar and Panchkula, Haryana. By expanding beyond traditional colocation and cloud services into utility-grade AI infrastructure, Anant Raj seeks to address the growing demand for GPU-intensive workloads. The initiative also aligns with India's broader push towards AI sovereignty and sustainable digital infrastructure.Read more
20 hours ago
India has granted a one-time exemption for four vessels carrying Iranian crude to dock at Gujarat's Sikka port, following a request from Reliance Industries. The move comes after the US temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil trade to stabilise global prices amid supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. India has not imported Iranian oil since 2019, making this a notable development. The permitted vessels, all older and under sanctions, have bypassed standard maritime requirements. The development reflects shifting global energy dynamics as India explores options to secure crude supplies while adhering to regulatory frameworks.Read more
13 Apr 2026
The Jammu and Kashmir government has set up a vacuum bag-based wool collection centre in Rajouri to improve wool handling and support local sheep breeders. The district produces around seven lakh kilograms of wool annually, but limited infrastructure has affected market access, especially for the Bakerwal community. The new facility uses vacuum technology to compress and protect wool, making storage and transport more efficient. Additional measures include distributing shearing machines and promoting farmer producer organisations to establish processing units with government support. The initiative aims to strengthen the supply chain and improve income opportunities for wool producers in the region.Read more
28 Mar 2026
Bhopal Municipal Corporation has presented a budget of about INR 3,938 crore for FY 2026-27, keeping property tax and water charges unchanged while increasing sewage fees. The budget focuses strongly on improving water supply and sewage infrastructure, with major investments in pipelines, treatment facilities and household tap connections. Projects under AMRUT 2.0 continue to drive expansion. Despite the relief on taxes, the civic body has projected a deficit of around INR 108 crore, reflecting financial pressure amid rising infrastructure needs and growing urban demand.Read more
27 Mar 2026
The Delhi government has presented a INR 1.037 lakh crore budget for FY27, outlining allocations across infrastructure, urban development, transport and social welfare. The budget designates 21 per cent of total spending towards environmental initiatives, while key sectors such as education, health, transport and urban development receive significant allocations. Measures include expansion of electric public transport, road upgrades, water and sewage infrastructure, and new urban facilities. The plan also introduces welfare schemes covering healthcare, women's support and education, alongside proposals for semiconductor policy development and disaster management infrastructure. The budget reflects a combined focus on urban infrastructure, environmental measures and service delivery improvements.Read more
26 Mar 2026
Delhi Chief Minister and Finance Minister Rekha Gupta presented the 2026-27 budget with a total outlay of around INR 1,03,700 crore, positioning it as a & green budget focused on infrastructure, connectivity, and urban development. The government projected tax revenue of INR 74,000 crore and significant allocations across sectors, including public works, power, water management, and municipal support. Key announcements included road upgrades, flyover expansion, dust-free road initiatives, and strengthened firefighting systems. The budget also emphasized development in trans-Yamuna areas and industrial zones.Read more
14 hours ago
Global finance leaders are meeting at the IMF and World Bank spring sessions amid rising concerns over the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. The institutions are expected to lower global growth forecasts and raise inflation estimates, with emerging economies facing the greatest pressure. Growth projections for developing markets have already been revised downward, while inflation is set to rise further under prolonged disruption. The crisis could also increase food insecurity and strain global supply chains. With high debt levels and limited fiscal space, countries may require significant financial support as policymakers focus on stabilising economies and managing inflation risks.Read more
15 hours ago
The United States has announced a blockade on vessels linked to Iran, restricting shipping to and from its ports and potentially removing nearly two million barrels of oil per day from global supply. The move follows failed US-Iran talks and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. While transit for non-Iranian shipments will continue, overall traffic in the region remains severely disrupted. Iran has warned of strong retaliation, raising risks for Gulf infrastructure and shipping routes. The development could impact major importers, including India and China, and adds pressure to global oil markets already facing supply constraints and price volatility.Read more
15 hours ago
Etihad Airways has announced plans to expand its China network by adding five new routes, increasing connectivity between the UAE and key Chinese cities. The airline will operate services to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Shenzhen, adding 28 weekly flights using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The expansion aims to strengthen its partnership with China Eastern Airlines and support cargo operations across major trade hubs. Despite ongoing regional disruptions affecting air travel, the move reflects Etihad's focus on long-term growth and international connectivity in key global markets.Read more
16 hours ago
Sales at major European luxury brands have declined sharply in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the Iran conflict disrupts a key growth market. Retail sales dropped significantly across leading malls, with Dubai witnessing steep declines in both footfall and transactions, while Abu Dhabi saw a more moderate impact. The Middle East, a fast-growing luxury hub, has been affected by weaker consumer sentiment, travel disruptions and regional instability. The slowdown comes as global luxury firms prepare to report earnings, raising concerns over profitability. The situation highlights the sector's sensitivity to geopolitical risks despite the region's importance to global luxury demand.Read more
17 hours ago
At least 30 people were killed in a stampede at Haiti's Laferrire Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, during annual celebrations. The incident occurred near the entrance as large crowds, including many students, gathered at the historic fortress. Heavy rainfall is believed to have worsened the situation, contributing to panic and congestion. Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue. Officials have not yet released details of the victims. The tragedy highlights ongoing safety and infrastructure challenges in Haiti, which has faced multiple crises in recent years, including natural disasters and security concerns.Read more