Mumbai

Smartworks, one of India’s leading managed office space providers, has announced the leasing of a significant office property in Mumbai, further consolidating its position in the country’s fast-growing flexible workspace market. The move underscores the company’s strategic focus on expanding across India’s top commercial hubs amid rising demand for agile, tech-enabled work environments.

Elon Musk’s Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has conducted a demonstration of its satellite internet services in Mumbai, marking a crucial step toward its official launch in India. The company is engaging closely with the Indian government to ensure full compliance with national security and regulatory frameworks, including data routing and domestic infrastructure requirements. As India pushes for digital inclusion in remote and rural areas, Starlink’s entry could reshape the country’s broadband ecosystem.

Veteran actress and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty’s mother, Sunanda Shetty, has been hospitalised in Mumbai following complications related to age-associated health issues. Sources close to the family have confirmed that Sunanda is under medical supervision and receiving appropriate treatment. The Shetty family, known for maintaining a private stance on personal matters, has yet to issue an official statement.

The Hindi film and television fraternity mourned the loss of veteran actor Satish Shah, whose passing left an indelible void in Indian entertainment. At his funeral, a deeply emotional moment unfolded when his wife, Madhu Shah, reportedly approached actor Ratna Pathak Shah and asked a poignant question that reflected both love and disbelief. The encounter, described by those present as profoundly moving, highlighted the magnitude of loss felt by those closest to him.

India’s office rental market is witnessing significant growth in key metros, including Bengaluru, the National Capital Region (NCR), and Mumbai, according to a recent report by Knight Frank. Strong demand from IT, technology, and BFSI sectors, coupled with limited Grade-A office supply, is driving upward pressure on rents. Bengaluru recorded the highest rental growth, reflecting sustained tech sector expansion, while NCR and Mumbai also posted healthy gains.

India’s industrial and warehousing real estate sector has reached record leasing volumes, driven by robust demand from e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing industries. Analysts attribute this surge to the rapid growth of online retail, supply chain modernization, and companies’ focus on inventory optimization. Key markets, including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Pune, have witnessed substantial leasing activity, reflecting both domestic and multinational interest. Rising demand for modern, tech-enabled warehouses is reshaping the sector, while rental yields remain attractive.

Airtel and IBM have expanded their cloud partnership with the launch of new IBM Cloud regions in Mumbai and Chennai, marking a strategic milestone in India’s rapidly growing digital infrastructure landscape. This initiative aims to support the nation’s accelerating adoption of hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence solutions, catering to enterprises seeking enhanced data sovereignty, reliability, and scalability.

India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a significant gold smuggling operation at Mumbai Airport, resulting in the seizure of substantial undeclared gold and the arrest of 13 individuals. The operation highlights persistent attempts to bypass customs regulations and evade import duties, which are strictly monitored under the Customs Act. Officials reported that the seized gold, concealed in luggage and shipments, was intended for illegal distribution in domestic markets.

Capacit’e Infra has clinched a major contract worth Rs 542 crore from IIT Bombay, reinforcing its position as a leading player in India’s infrastructure and construction sector. The project, focused on advanced campus development and modern facility upgrades, is set to bolster the company’s revenue stream while showcasing its expertise in executing large-scale institutional projects. Industry analysts note that such high-value contracts reflect investor confidence and the increasing demand for world-class infrastructure in premier educational institutions.

IndiGo, India’s leading low-cost carrier, will commence direct flights between Mumbai and London starting October 26, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy. The new route aims to enhance business and leisure travel connectivity, catering to increasing passenger demand between India and the United Kingdom. The airline’s move strengthens its footprint in Europe while complementing its existing domestic and international network.