The Karnataka government's initiative to require Aadhaar, passport, or PAN card for property registration has been well-received, with around 60% of registrations processed through Aadhaar verification in the past month. This measure aims to curb fraudulent property transactions and improve transparency. Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda emphasised that Aadhaar verification helps identify legitimate property owners, prevents fraudulent registrations, and exposes benami properties. The department piloted this rule in three taluks before implementing it statewide. Data protection measures for Aadhaar verification are also in place.Read more

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have leased a 2,319.50 sq. ft. apartment in Beau Monde Towers, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, for INR 7 lakh monthly rent, increasing to INR 7.35 lakh after 18 months, with a INR 21 lakh security deposit. This complements their growing real estate portfolio, which includes a INR 17.8 crore Bandra apartment and a record-breaking INR 119 crore Bandstand quadruplex. Their premium properties, featuring tailored designs and modern amenities, reflect a strategic investment in Mumbai's redeveloped and luxury housing market. The couple's real estate choices underline their focus on exclusivity, long-term value, and prime locations.Read more

Kanpur Metro is nearing the launch of its extended service from IIT to Kanpur Central station, with a test run scheduled this month. Currently operating between IIT and Moti Jheel, the extended corridor will connect key business hubs like Naveen Market, Bada Chauraha, and Nayaganj via an underground stretch. The new service will reduce travel time from 60-75 minutes to just 30 minutes. With construction and system testing nearly complete, the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) commends the project's progress. This milestone promises improved urban mobility and reduced traffic congestion, marking a transformative step for Kanpur's infrastructure.Read more

The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) is set to launch a residential scheme on December 15, 2024. The project, located on Kalwar Road in Nahri Ka Bas, will span 12 hectares and be named after Atal Behari Vajpayee. This marks the JDA's first residential scheme in four years, following the pandemic. The scheme will offer 386 plots, with reservations for LIG and EWS categories, as well as space for retail and commercial activities. Additional residential and farmhouse projects are also under consideration by the JDA.Read more

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) e-khata system has faced significant challenges since its launch in October, with only 5,324 final e-khatas issued from 22 lakh available drafts, despite 54 lakh website visits. Common issues, including data errors like misspelt names and incorrect property numbers, have hindered adoption. To address this, BBMP will introduce a correction module, enabling property owners to rectify mistakes at local revenue offices. Additionally, a new module for properties lacking khata documentation is set to launch soon. These measures aim to improve transparency and adoption, though experts highlight the need for better user support and outreach.Read more

Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, which serves over 35,000 passengers daily, is set to gain direct connectivity to the city's metro network. Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has submitted a proposal for a new six-kilometre metro route, estimated at INR 1,800 crore, to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. This Phase-2B extension will include four stations, with the airport station designed underground to preserve its skyline. The new route will branch from Motera, near the Narendra Modi Stadium, and pass through Koteshwar and Koba. Approval for this expansion is currently pending.Read more

The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated development plans for Amaravati, designating the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) as the lead agency. With funding from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB), each contributing USD 800 million, a total of USD 1.6 billion will be used for infrastructure projects. The government has set priorities for constructing trunk roads, utility systems, stormwater drainage, and flood mitigation. The CRDA commissioner has been tasked with securing additional funding, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring timely execution of projects, which will make Amaravati a sustainable, green, and economically vibrant capital.Read more

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is addressing challenges related to the e-khata system by involving Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to assist residents in understanding the process of obtaining property documents online. Training programmes for RWA representatives will begin soon, empowering them to help others in the community. BBMP has already set up help desks and activated Bangalore One centers to support the final generation of e-khatas. Despite uploading 22 lakh draft e-khatas, the response has been underwhelming, with various technical and procedural challenges hindering progress. Residents have welcomed the move, but some argue that the training should have been part of the initial launch.Read more

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar, has outlined a transformative vision for Bengaluru's metro network, aiming to extend it by 175 km by 2026. After inspecting the newly extended Nagasandra-Madavara line, Shivakumar detailed phased additions, including 30 km by 2025 and the remainder by 2026. With significant investments and collaborations-such as with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Indian Railways-;the state is enhancing metro accessibility and connectivity. Infrastructure improvements include underpasses, skywalks, and parking facilities to support seamless transit. Bengaluru's growing metro ridership underscores the network's essential role in reducing city traffic and improving commuter convenience.Read more

A high-altitude para sports centre, the first of its kind globally, is being established in Leh, Ladakh, aimed at training para-athletes for international competitions, including the 2028 Paralympics. The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Aditya Mehta Foundation formalised this initiative, which will offer high-altitude training to enhance stamina and resilience. Before the centre's completion, selected athletes from Ladakh will train at AMF's Hyderabad academy. Offering training across a wide range of sports, the centre aspires to make Leh a unique para-sports hub, positioning India as a leader in inclusivity and excellence in global para-athletics.Read more