The Indian real estate market has seen a marked increase in the weighted average prices of newly launched housing projects, according to PropEquity. This surge, which averaged a 9% rise across the top nine cities in India, is driven largely by escalating input costs such as land, labor, and construction materials. While some cities, like Kolkata and Thane, witnessed significant price hikes, others like Mumbai and Navi Mumbai experienced slight declines.

Moody's Analytics has downgraded India's GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 6.1% from the previously expected 6.4%, citing the looming threat of higher US reciprocal tariffs. The global credit rating agency warns that the imposition of a 26% tariff on Indian goods could significantly disrupt trade, particularly in sectors like gems, jewelry, medical devices, and textiles. Despite this, Moody’s suggests that India's growth remains relatively insulated due to the relatively small share of external demand in its GDP.

PioneerUrban Land and Infrastructure Ltd. has announced its plans to invest Rs. 300 crore in a new luxury housing project designed for senior citizens in Gurugram. The project, named Advait, will be developed in a joint venture with JK Urbanscapes Developers Ltd, the real estate arm of JK Organisation. The project is in line with the state’s Retirement Policy and will feature 164 units over 2.6 acres.

Almondz Global Securities Ltd (AGSL) has approved a strategic demerger of its broking business, which will be spun off into a newly formed entity, Almondz Broking Services Ltd. This move, part of a composite scheme of arrangement, also includes the amalgamation of AGSL’s non-broking operations with Avonmore Capital & Management Services Ltd (ACMS). The restructuring aims to streamline operations, enhance focus on core business areas, and unlock shareholder value.

In the fiscal year 2024-25, the real estate market in India's top cities saw a significant increase in housing prices, with a 9% rise in the average launch price of newly built homes. This surge was largely driven by escalating input costs, including land, labor, and construction materials. Cities like Kolkata, Thane, and Bengaluru experienced the highest increases, while Mumbai and Navi Mumbai saw price declines.

TajGVK Hotels has announced the receipt of a Rs. 42.13 lakh tax demand, including interest and penalties, following an assessment by the Office of the Commissioner of Customs & Central Tax, Hyderabad. The demand is related to discrepancies in service tax abatement availed by the company between April 1, 2015, and June 30, 2017. While the company acknowledges the order, it assures that there will be no operational impact and has already initiated the process of appealing the decision.

Amazon Fresh has achieved significant growth in Jaipur, with a remarkable 90% of customers returning for repeat purchases. This growth can be attributed to the company’s commitment to strengthening its local operations, especially through the expansion of its Paota Collection Center and the deepening of ties with over 300 farmers. By focusing on a direct farm-to-table model, Amazon Fresh has reduced transit times and ensured superior product freshness.

In a significant leadership move, Hitachi Ltd. has elevated Bharat Kaushal to the position of Executive Chairman of Hitachi India, effective April 1, 2025. Kaushal, who has served as the company’s first Indian Managing Director since 2017, will continue in his current capacity while also taking on expanded responsibilities overseeing regional strategies for India. This transition underlines Hitachi’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development in India, a market central to its global vision.

OneSource Specialty Pharma has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with its flagship manufacturing unit in Bengaluru receiving Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification from ANVISA, Brazil’s premier health authority. The approval follows a successful inspection conducted in November 2024 and positions the company to expand into one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical markets. This development is especially timely as Brazil prepares to welcome generic versions of Semaglutide, a blockbuster drug category.

The influx of tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has significantly influenced India's regional economies, particularly in states like Kerala, Goa, and Rajasthan. This demographic not only contributes substantially to local economies but also presents challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development. Concurrently, India's commitment to sustainable tourism is evident through initiatives like the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.