The FMCG sector is preparing for a major GST change that will replace four tax slabs with two 5 % and 18 %. Products like hair oil, soap, shampoos, toothpaste, and packaged food items will now fall under the lower 5 % rate. While this is expected to improve demand, companies and distributors are left with large stocks carrying higher MRPs under the old structure. Industry leaders are asking the government to allow sales of such stock with discounts to prevent waste and manage costs. Clear guidelines are awaited for smooth transition.Read more

Office developers in China are facing record-high vacancy levels in top-tier cities and are resorting to rent reductions and added incentives to attract tenants. Cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai have some of the highest vacancy rates, with landlords offering concessions such as cheaper utilities and subsidies for electric vehicle charging. Market analysts say weak corporate demand, cost-cutting, and multinationals scaling back have pushed leasing activity down. Developers are also relying on flexible lease options, but a prolonged market correction is still expected given oversupply and slowing economic momentum.Read more

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has signed an agreement for a new 64-room brownfield hotel in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, under the Gateway brand. The project is being developed with Riaz Ahmad Panjra as a partner. The addition will raise IHCL's total count in the region to seven hotels, including one still under development. Positioned in one of Kashmir's most popular tourist towns, the upcoming hotel will feature a mix of leisure, wellness, and dining facilities. The move fits into IHCL's plan to expand in tourism-driven destinations across India.Read more

Taurian MPS Limited, an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in sand, aggregates, and spare parts for construction and mining, has launched its Initial Public Offering on the NSE Emerge platform. The company aims to raise INR 42.53 crore through the sale of 24,87,200 equity shares, priced between INR 162 and INR 171 each. Funds from the IPO will support machinery acquisitions, research and development, working capital, and general corporate purposes. The issue includes allocations for anchor investors, institutions, non-institutional, individual investors, and market makers, reflecting a structured approach to raising capital.Read more

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has highlighted the importance of guiding businesses through the upcoming GST changes. With reduced rates on 375 items coming into effect later this month, the GST Council has streamlined the tax structure into two main slabs of 5 and 18 per cent, while tobacco and ultra-luxury goods remain at higher rates. The reforms aim to lower household expenses, support farmers and manufacturers, and simplify compliance for small traders and MSMEs. Additional measures include a simplified registration process and faster refund clearances.Read more

Mindspace Business Parks Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is targeting a substantial increase in its net operating income over the next three to four years, driven by an organic growth strategy and a major expansion plan. The trust intends to invest over INR 4,200 crore to add 8 million sq ft to its portfolio. With a current NOI of INR 2,000 crore and a strong presence in tech hubs, the company anticipates minimal impact from trade shifts or AI adoption, emphasising India's cost advantage and regulatory adjustments to attract more investments into REITs.Read more

Bond prices climbed recently after the Finance Minister reaffirmed that the borrowing strategy will stay unchanged and the fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP remains within reach. The 10-year benchmark yield eased slightly from its previous week's close. Market players anticipate a smoother supply plan, with hopes that long-dated borrowing may ease in the second half. Swap rates edged lower as fiscal concerns abated, while attention turns to upcoming inflation data both domestically and in the U.S. Supportive global cues and central bank measures also helped ease market tension.Read more

PRS REIT confirmed that U.S. private equity giant KKR has joined its formal sale process, which already includes a takeover bid from Long Harbour. While no formal offer has yet been made, KKR's entry lifted PRS REIT's shares by 8.8% to 106.6 pence, topping the FTSE mid-cap index. Long Harbour's existing cash offer, submitted in June, values the REIT at £631.6 million, or 115 pence per share. Analysts say weak UK valuations are drawing U.S. investors, with KKR pursuing multiple British firms this year. PRS REIT, focused on family rental homes, launched its sale process after a strategic review in late 2024.Read more

The Delhi Development Authority has announced plans to license a 2.5-acre plot in Dwarka's Sector 23 for the development of a five-star hotel. The land will be offered on a 55-year licence, requiring the selected developer to finance, build and operate a 200-room property. The scheme allows a floor-area ratio of 375 and 40% ground coverage, alongside exclusive access provisions to the adjoining DDA golf course.Read more

Emaar Misr for Development has entered into an agreement with Saudi and Emirati partners to develop a large-scale tourism project on Egypt's Red Sea coast. The project, named Marassi Red Sea, is expected to attract investments of around INR 900 billion (USD 18.58 billion). It is designed to cover an area of 170 square kilometres and aims to generate USD 100-200 million in annual revenues through tourism-related activities. The project was first revealed earlier this year and is being viewed as part of Egypt's wider strategy to attract foreign investment amid ongoing economic challenges.Read more

Blackstone's GBP 489 million (USD 660.8 million) offer for Warehouse REIT has become unconditional, clearing a key step toward completing the acquisition of the UK-based logistics property trust. The U.S. private equity group raised its bid to 115 pence per share in July after initially proposing GBP 470 million earlier in the year, a move that convinced Warehouse REIT's board to change its recommendation from rival bidder Tritax Big Box REIT. The bidding contest ended in August when Tritax withdrew its GBP 485.2 million cash-plus-stock proposal. Blackstone's successful bid highlights the strong investor interest in logistics real estate driven by ecommerce demand.Read more

Flipspaces has raised USD 50 million (around INR 439 crore) in an expanded Series C funding round to strengthen and expand its operations in India, the US, and the UAE. The round included new investors CE-Invests, Panthera Growth Partners, and SMBC Asia Rising Fund, while early investor Carpe Diem exited. The funds will be used to enhance AI-led technology, improve supply chain integration, and support strategic acquisitions in related areas. Having completed over 1,000 projects spanning more than 8 million square feet, Flipspaces is building a technology-focused ecosystem in interior design with strong international growth potential.Read more

Shivalaya Construction has filed for an IPO with SEBI to reduce debt and support corporate operations. The offering includes a fresh issue of INR 450 crore and an offer-for-sale of 2.48 crore shares. The company, with a strong presence in roads, highways, and bridge construction, reported total borrowings of INR 3,048 crore and revenue of INR 3,124 crore in fiscal 2025. Its ongoing projects span over 1,500 lane kilometers, and its order book totals INR 3,627 crore. The IPO may also include a pre-IPO placement of up to INR 90 crore.Read more

The Siddhivinayak Temple Trust in Mumbai has planned an expansion by acquiring Ram Mansion, a residential building near the temple, for INR 100 crore. Talks are also ongoing with the Siddhivinayak Cooperative Housing Society to buy its land. Together, both plots measure about 1,800 sqm and will allow the trust to build a darshan queue complex, a food hall, toilets, changing rooms, and staff housing. The move aims to improve facilities for devotees, as the temple currently struggles to manage large crowds during peak days.Read more

A 19-member team from Chennai Angels visited Sri City's Special Economic Zone to study investment potential and business prospects. The delegation, led by industrialist K Mahalingam of TSM Group, was welcomed by Sri City Founder and Managing Director Ravindra Sannareddy. The visit included a detailed presentation on the zone's infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and business-friendly setup. Members also toured manufacturing units of Daikin, Isuzu, and Colgate. Formed in 2009, Chennai Angels supports startups with capital and mentorship, helping them scale their businesses while encouraging entrepreneurship in India.Read more

Fractional ownership platform RealX has closed its offering for a 9-acre development project in Dwarka, Gujarat, raising INR 9.4 crore from 93 investors. The deal, which was fully subscribed within 45 days, demonstrated growing demand for tokenised real estate solutions. By embedding legal property rights directly into blockchain tokens, RealX introduced its Secure Digital Rights (SDR) technology, creating a model that ensures registered co-ownership rights under existing property laws.Read more

Vedanta has been identified as the highest bidder for debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates, with an offer valued at INR 17,000 crore. On a net present value (NPV) basis, the bid stands at INR 12,505 crore, ahead of competing offers from Adani, Dalmia, Jindal Power, and PNC Infratech. The proposal includes an upfront payment of INR 4,000 crore after NCLT approval, while the remaining amount will be spread over the next five to six years. JAL's unpaid debt stands at over INR 55,000 crore, and the resolution process remains subject to creditor approval and tribunal clearance.Read more

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) have gained significant traction in India, with their combined assets under management surpassing INR 9 lakh crore over the past nine years. Industry bodies, the Indian REITs Association (IRA) and the Bharat InvITs Association (BIA), projected that this figure may rise to INR 25 lakh crore by 2030. The associations emphasised the strong investor confidence in these instruments, supported by robust returns and transparent structures, making them integral to India's capital and infrastructure financing landscape.Read more

Kanpur Nagar has implemented revised circle rates, effective from September 5, 2025, introducing notable amendments to property valuation guidelines. Key changes include depreciation allowances for multi-story residential buildings, abolition of common facility fees, and adjustments in the valuation of large non-agricultural plots. Additionally, the valuation method for agricultural land in urban and semi-urban areas has been revised to reflect more practical and market-aligned rates. These updates aim to align property valuations with current market realities and streamline the property transaction process.Read more

The Greater Bengaluru Authority has resolved the e-khata process for most property owners, approving nearly 85 percent of applications after verifying their tax records and sale deeds. Around 20,000 applications were flagged for discrepancies, though only about 4,000 owners have filed formal appeals. While many chose to pay revised dues mainly linked to undervalued car parking areas to avoid complications, others are challenging what they consider unfair assessments. The authority has assured that each appeal will be examined individually. A new portal has also been introduced to help residents identify their municipal corporation and ward with ease.Read more