The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is creating detailed ward-level climate action plans to address local environmental issues and support the city's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The Climate Action Cell (CAC) is leading the initiative, selecting ten wards across the city's five municipal corporations to develop tailored interventions. Each ward will have a specific plan identifying key challenges, mitigation steps, and prioritized actions. Environmental experts have welcomed the effort but stressed focusing on high-impact measures such as low-emission zones, bus priority lanes, and mapping the city's green-blue cover to strengthen Bengaluru's climate resilience.Read more

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is set to upgrade the Mumbai-Pune Expressway into a 10-lane superhighway by 2030 to tackle rising traffic and future travel demands. The project, estimated at INR 14,260 crore, includes a construction cost of INR 8,440 crore. Funded under the Hybrid Annuity Model, the government will cover 40% while private investors provide 60%. Current work on a 13-km missing link in Khandala Ghat is ongoing, and land acquisition is expected to be minimal, with most land already held by MSRDC.Read more

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MahaMetro) has started a feasibility study for the 11.5 km Sitabuldi-Koradi metro corridor in Nagpur, part of the city's Phase 3 metro expansion. The study will examine traffic density, commuter movement, corridor alignment, and integration with existing transport systems. The corridor is projected to handle a peak hour peak direction traffic (PHPDT) of 5,600 by 2031, rising to 11,800 by 2054, and daily ridership of 65,000 to 147,000. Financial models, last-mile connectivity, and seamless transfers will also be assessed.Read more

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is set to submit its report on potential sites for Bengaluru's second international airport within a few days. Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M. B. Patil noted that the AAI team could recommend both inspected sites, but final approval will depend on financial feasibility and logistical factors. The government is proceeding with planning while adhering to the rule preventing another international airport within 150 km of Kempegowda International Airport until 2033. Tumakuru and South Bengaluru are among the proposed locations, with passenger demand and industrial needs guiding the final choice.Read more

MIC Electronics, a Hyderabad-based electronics manufacturer, has received certification from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Ministry of Railways, for its indigenously developed microprocessor controller. Designed for roof-mounted AC units in LHB and double-decker coaches, the prototype cleared all RDSO tests and specifications. With this approval, MIC Electronics can now supply the controllers directly to Indian Railways. The product emphasizes energy efficiency, smart controls, and IoT-enabled operations, marking a key step in the modernization of railway infrastructure.Read more

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has received environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for a INR 2,395 crore cable-stayed bridge connecting Versova to Madh Island. The project, which was initially envisioned in the 1967 Development Plan, is expected to reduce current commute times from 45-60 minutes to under 10 minutes. The bridge will pass over Marve Creek and mangrove areas, requiring additional approvals from the Bombay High Court. Construction is planned to start by year-end, with a three-year timeline for completion.Read more

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved AVPL International's Drone Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) in Sisai, Hisar, marking a key step in drone skill development in North India. The facility now has ten DGCA-approved flying zones providing hands-on training in drone operation and maintenance. Aimed at equipping youth, especially in rural areas, the RPTO prepares students for careers across sectors like agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, and environmental monitoring, strengthening regional employment opportunities in emerging drone technology.Read more

JERA Nex BP has decided to pause the U.S. Beacon offshore wind project and lay off its American staff, citing rising costs, supply chain challenges, inflation, and regulatory hurdles. While the company will retain lease rights off Massachusetts, it sees no immediate path to further investment. Formed in August after a December agreement between JERA and BP, the joint venture manages assets and development projects with 13 gigawatts potential. The decision underscores ongoing difficulties in the U.S. offshore wind sector, including cost pressures and policy uncertainties.Read more

The Karnataka government plans to set up 1,500 high-capacity EV charging stations under the PM E-Drive scheme, focusing on fast-charging heavy vehicles like buses and trucks with 60-240 kW outputs. With over 6,000 existing public chargers, the state aims to strengthen infrastructure for e-buses and e-trucks along highways, logistics hubs, and depots. Central subsidies will cover 80-100% of project costs, minimizing state expenses. Karnataka already leads India in charging station count and has sought 4,500 e-buses under PM E-Drive. Collaborations with major oil companies and upgrades to fast chargers further boost accessibility, positioning Karnataka as a frontrunner in large-scale EV infrastructure and fleet electrification.Read more

Village chiefs from Chandel district in Manipur have united to oppose the ongoing Indo-Myanmar border fencing, calling for construction to stop until the Kuki-Zo people receive a separate administrative setup. The Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) has begun fencing work near Moreh in Tengnoupal district as part of Project Sewak, while only 10 km of the 398 km Manipur-Myanmar border has been fenced so far. The 1,643 km India-Myanmar border spans four states and previously operated under a Free Movement Regime, which was revoked last year, now limiting movement to 43 designated points with Assam Rifles-issued border passes.Read more

Kuwait has signed a USD 488.9 million contract with Turkish company Kuzu to construct and operate a wastewater treatment plant for South Al-Mutlaa city. The plant will use a hybrid system of conventional and renewable energy and produce around 400,000 cubic metres of tertiary-treated water daily for agriculture and other uses. The deal coincided with Turkish President Erdogan's visit to Kuwait, where agreements on defence, energy, investment, and trade were also signed. Al-Mutlaa city will feature over 28,000 housing units, highlighting the scale and significance of the project.Read more

The Bombay High Court has directed district collectors in six Konkan region districts to hand over 10,000 hectares of identified mangrove land to the Maharashtra forest department within two months. The order follows a contempt petition by Mumbai-based NGO Vanshakti, highlighting failure to implement a 2018 directive. The court has also set a detailed timeline for identifying, measuring, and transferring the remaining mangrove land. Previously, around 4,000 hectares had been transferred, but over 10,000 hectares remained pending, with some lands yet to be restored for mangrove cultivation.Read more

European shipping and logistics players are facing mounting headwinds as freight rates plunge to their lowest since early 2024 and demand remains weak. Ocean-container rates have collapsed largely due to oversupply and softer demand following U.S. tariff measures. Although container volumes grew about 4% in the January-to-August window, analysts say that spike reflected advance shipments ahead of tariffs and won't sustain rates. Firms such as DSV and Kuehne + Nagel are expected to report weaker quarterly results, while Maersk appears better insulated thanks to long-term contracts.Read more

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has launched the land pooling process for Infopark Phase III, covering around 500 acres in Kunnathunad, Kochi. The project aims to create an AI-integrated township with digital management of all basic services and a focus on deep-tech startups. Additionally, the state government approved the transfer of 33.5 acres from Traco Cable Company to Infopark for its Phase IV expansion at a valuation of INR 200 crore. The development is expected to boost IT infrastructure and employment in the region.Read more

Crown Castle Inc., a U.S.-based wireless tower operator, has raised its annual site rental revenue forecast for the second time this year, reflecting steady leasing demand from major carriers upgrading their networks to 5G. With around 40,000 towers across the U.S. and long-term agreements with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, the company now expects site rental revenue between USD 4.01 billion and USD 4.05 billion. In the latest quarter, it reported revenue of USD 1.01 billion and adjusted funds from operations of USD 1.12 per share, highlighting continued growth in its tower business.Read more

The Delhi government has announced that major infrastructure projects will now be executed at night to reduce daytime traffic disruptions. Key projects include the second Ring Road, a new secretariat complex, and a proposed INR 7,000-8,000 crore elevated corridor extending 80 km above the existing Ring Road. To ensure timely completion, the government plans a fast-track approach, awarding contracts even during demolition work, and offering financial incentives for early project completion. Challenges such as labor availability, noise pollution, and worker safety are being addressed with a detailed SOP, while environmental concerns like dust control are also being managed.Read more

Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering & Infrastructures (MEIL) has secured a USD 225.5 million contract from Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) to build, operate, and manage a gas sweetening and sulphur recovery facility in Kuwait. The project will handle sour gas at around 120 million standard cubic feet per day, with completion in 790 days and a subsequent five-year operation and maintenance period. KOC also holds an option to buy back the facility. The order reflects MEIL's ongoing efforts to expand its footprint in the Middle East, complementing its past international projects.Read more

Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan announced that Infopark's Phase IV campus in Irumpanam will follow a mixed-use township model, offering five million square feet of IT space. The development is expected to generate 50,000 direct IT jobs and attract investments of INR 3,000 crore. The state government has transferred 33.5 acres from Traco Cable Company for INR 200 crore. Strategically located next to the existing campus, the site benefits from Kakkanad Water Metro, Kochi Metro, and the Seaport-Airport four-lane road, enhancing Kochi's IT and industrial ecosystem.Read more

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has obtained approval to cut 320 trees and transplant 386 for a new infrastructure project along the Vikhroli-Ghatkopar stretch. As compensation, 4,175 new trees will be planted in the area, focusing on native and pollution-resistant species. The project also aims to retain 949 existing trees and preserve 127 Pink Trumpet trees. While MMRDA highlights careful planning and scientific transplantation methods, local residents and environmental groups remain concerned about the ecological impact of cutting mature trees and whether compensatory planting can match their environmental benefits.Read more

Malaysia's Energy Minister confirmed that the 2,000-MW offshore wind project connecting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore aims to finish its first phase by 2034. The first phase will provide 700 MW for Malaysia's domestic use and export 1,300 MW to Singapore. The second phase will extend transmission lines from Vietnam to Peninsular Malaysia through Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, but will be considered after evaluating energy needs and economic feasibility. The project reflects regional cooperation to expand renewable energy, strengthen cross-border electricity trade, and support Southeast Asia's growing power demand.Read more