Realtors home in on religious cities to build business
Property development in religious cities like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Haridwar, and Tirupati is booming due to spiritual tourism. Developers are launching residential projects, with increased interest and investment opportunities in these areas. Key Points
Economic TimesRealty fund flows into small town India boom
Capital flows in India's tier-II and tier-III cities doubled in 2023 to a record $1.3 billion, driven by robust real estate demand. Developers flocked to these cities for land acquisitions, and private equity interest is growing across sectors like e-commerce and startups. Key Points
Economic TimesParliamentary panel tells Centre to identify reasons for ‘slow pace’ of its Smart cities Mission
According to report tabled by standing committee on Housing and Urban Affairs last week, 47% projects in 20 cities under construction as of December. Mission deadline is June. Key Points
ThePrintGovernment draws up list of 30 key cities to make them free of beggars
India News: The government has identified 30 key cities for survey and rehabilitation of adults engaged in begging. The aim is to make these cities free of beggars by 2026. The initiative is being implemented under the sub-scheme of 'Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprises' (SMILE). The ministry of social justice and empowerment will launch a national portal and a mobile app for real-time data updation. The roadmap includes survey, rescue, relocation to a shelter, and comprehensive rehabilitation for re-integration with the mainstream. Key Points
Times Of IndiaThousands of US cities could become ‘ghost towns’ by 2100, read to know why
Thousands of U.S. cities could turn into towns by 2100, read to know why Key Points
Hindustan Times
Global, domestic brands bet big on smaller cities
Most non-metro cities are established trade and business hubs and are now witnessing multinational corporations and start-ups setting up offices as well. The growing population in tier-II cities is further propelling demand for a diverse range of retail offerings. Key Points
Economic TimesNot just Chennai, a dozen Indian cities might go 3 feet under water
The flooding brought by cyclone michaung has highlighted the threat to Indian cities from climate-induced disasters. It's not just Chennai, a dozen of Indian cities could be under three feet of water by end of this century. Key Points
India TodayBuoyant residential realty drives land deals; non-metros too catch momentum
During the 22-month period from January 2022 to October 2023, real estate developers purchased about 3,294 acres of land. A substantial proportion, or 44.4%, of these land deals was transacted in tiers II and III locations, with 1,461 acres being acquired in 17 land deals, according to a JLL India study. Key Points
Economic TimesRealtors cash in on growth opportunity in smaller cities
Homebuyers' interest in plotted developments has spiked, particularly after the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. The buoyant demand for warehousing has also pushed finalisation of land deals higher. During the 22-month period from January 2022 to October 2023, real estate developers purchased about 3,294 acres of land. A substantial proportion, or 44.4%, of these land deals was transacted in tiers II and III locations, with 1,461 acres being acquired in 17 land deals, according to a JLL India study. Key Points
Economic TimesPromise in the hinterland: Why India Inc is looking beyond metros
Amid strengthening demand in small towns and rural areas, Indian businesses are expanding beyond metros. In the September quarter, packaged consumer goods in India witnessed 9% growth in value and 8.6% in volume, driven by increased spending in rural regions on essentials and discretionary products. This recovery followed four quarters of subdued growth. Key Points
Economic Times
Why Flipkart founder Binny Bansal is betting on rising Bharat
Bansal is launching an AI-as-a-service startup of his own that will target global customers, Bloomberg has reported based on information from sources. Bansal wants to offer AI talent, products and services to corporate customers, emulating the business model of outsourcing providers like Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. and Infosys Ltd. But unlike these tech giants, Bansal wants to tap small towns. Key Points
Economic TimesUK braces for homelessness crisis - Can they avoid LA and San Francisco's fate?
K. Home Secretary raises concerns over surge in crime and homelessness in British cities. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesWhy is San Diego the most expensive US city? Check criteria and rankings of other places
In the relentless competition for the title of the costliest city in the United States, San Diego has emerged as an unexpected leader for the year 2023-2024, as revealed by the U.S. News & World Report's annual list of the Most Expensive Places to Live. Key Points
Economic TimesNew York Needs to Get Spongier—or Get Used to More Floods
Devastating deluges around the world point to the metropolis of tomorrow: the “sponge city.” Think more parks and fewer parking lots. Key Points
WIREDRoad map in the works to ease Delhi, Bengaluru traffic
The Indian government is developing a multi-modal transport infrastructure plan to alleviate traffic congestion in Bengaluru and New Delhi. The plan, being prepared by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation, will consider both passenger and goods transport as demand. Other cities will be able to adopt this plan, and it will also address improving passenger and goods movement to and from railway stations. Key Points
Economic Times
New York Needs to Get Spongier—or Get Used to More Floods
Devastating deluges around the world point to the metropolis of tomorrow: the “sponge city.” Think more parks and fewer parking lots. Key Points
WIREDElectric buses: A sustainable financial model is needed to mainstream these expensive vehicles
As far as order books are concerned, JBM Auto currently leads with 5,000 electric bus orders both from state transport undertakings and private entities. Tata Motors order book stands at 2,600 e-buses; it has delivered over 900. PMI, which has delivered 1,200 e-buses across the country, is sitting on an order book of about 2,500 e-buses. Switch has over 1,000 orders in hand, and EKA Mobility & Pinnacle has about 500. Key Points
Economic TimesCentre clears Rs 57,613 cr PM-eBus Sewa scheme — 'potential to be game-changer in transport sector'
Under the scheme — covering cities with population of 3 lakh & above — 10,000 buses will be deployed in PPP model. Centre will provide Rs 20,000 cr over 10 yrs, rest will be from states. Key Points
ThePrintTata Motors to bolster sales infra as it looks to tap demand for EVs from smaller cities
In an analyst call, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Managing Director Shailesh Chandra noted that EV adoption is now growing beyond the top 20 cities in the country. Tata Motors is looking to expand sales outlets in Tier II and Tier III cities in order to cater to the increased demand for its electric model range from such locations. Key Points
Economic TimesNo longer an urban trend, premiumisation has reached Bharat
Nestle India Chairman & MD Suresh Narayanan told ET recently that small-town India too is moving from single packs to multi-packs and from multi-packs to premium brands. If I can go to Gopiganj and find KitKat being picked up by the consumer by name, that tells me that the premiumisation brand journey has also arrived in those towns, he said. Key Points
Economic Times
Pakistan's Karachi one of the 'least livable' cities in world, Vienna 'most livable' city: Report
Karachi's overall score of 37.5 was the lowest among any city on the 2022 Global Liveability Index. The city's score in the stability indicator was particularly low, at just 20 out of 100 Key Points
Business TodayONDC Beta live in five more cities, total sellers now 40,000
Currently, the network has more than 40,000 sellers spread across over 200 cities. More than 18,000 sellers operate from the five cities in which Beta phase has been recently introduced. Key Points
Business Today‘Vienna, most liveable city': Economic Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index report
The report highlights an overall increase in liveability scores due to improvements in healthcare, education, culture and entertainment, and infrastructure. However, stability declined slightly due to civil unrest and rising crime rates. Key Points
mintDelivery executive jobs see increase in interest in metros and tier 2 cities
Skill, Labour and Talent for MSMEs: Among the metro cities, Chennai (at 11 per cent) witnessed the highest increase in interest, followed by other metro cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Among the tier-two cities, Ernakulum, Tiruchchirappalli, Madurai, Patna, and Mohali witnessed a seven per cent increase over the same period. Key Points
FinancialexpressGovt mulls setting up of eight new cities in country: Official
The government is considering developing eight new cities to alleviate population burden on the existing urban centres in the country. The cities will be developed in a planned and organized manner and will have a positive impact on social and economic activities within a radius of 200 km. The government will play a major role in the project. Key Points
Economic Times
Small town foreign dreams unfazed by western realities
More students from small towns in India are seeking to study abroad, despite macroeconomic uncertainty in the US and Europe and rising job losses in some of the destination countries. Factors contributing to the trend include better financing options, more scholarships, the influence of social media, and increasing affordability. UK-based Prodigy Finance saw average growth of 53% and 109% in tier-2 and tier-3 applications respectively. Significant demand is coming from cities such as Vijayawada, Vizag, Surat, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Lucknow, Raipur, Bhopal, Mysore and Dehradun. Key Points
Economic TimesThe great migration in T.N.: away from metros, towards small towns
The idea of retaining talent in IT/ITeS sectors has become frustratingly painful, after the COVID-19 pandemic, when office rules were relaxed or suspended, for corporates to allow for hybrid working and work-from-home models, leading to sections of the workforce moving back to their hometowns. It has become nearly impossible to return to a pre-COVID situation, forcing companies to innovate. Some of them have found value in moving to tier 2/3 cities that now offer a number of advantages Key Points
The HinduAmid delays, government may extend smart city mission deadline
While most cities are looking to complete all projects by June, the ministry is worried about the progress in 20 laggard cities. At the top of this list is Shillong, which has completed only one of the 18 projects planned - which means 94.44% of the projects are incomplete. This list of 20 laggard cities is dominated by cities from the north-eastern states. Key Points
Economic TimesWatch out India, now Bharat has started to rise
In 2023 — three years of a global pandemic and waves upon waves of a deadly virus later — tier 2 and tier 3 cities are taking back the spotlight. According to an Economic Times survey, 30% of people surveyed in metropolitan areas want to move out of these cities. Key Points
Economic TimesWho will finance the mega cities of the future?
Recently, G20’s infrastructure working group concluded its meeting in Visakhapatnam. The focus was on urban infrastructure financing. Mint explains why the financing of future cities is a pressing need and the options available Key Points
mint
Vodafone-Idea reveals eligible Xiaomi phones for 5G support, but when will it launch 5G in India?
Vodafone-Idea (Vi) has announced the list of Xiaomi phones that are set to get support for 5G services. But, Vi hasn’t yet released 5G in any of the Indian cities yet, unlike Jio and Airtel. Here is everything we know so far about Vi 5G launch. Key Points
India TodaySnapdeal receives orders on ONDC, to deepen reach in non-metro cities
More than 86% of Snapdeal’s orders come from outside the metro cities. Further, with increased focus on the ‘value’ segment, over 95% of the products sold on Snapdeal are priced below `1,000. Key Points
Financialexpress15-minute cities: What are they and how do they work?
City planners say we have to rethink the way we build urban areas to make them more sustainable, healthy and just. The so-called 15-minute city is one idea. But are they viable? | Travel Key Points
Hindustan TimesHyderabad pips Pune, B'luru among India's best cities in Mercer's quality of living index
Chennai is the fourth Indian city in the list at the 161 spot followed by Mumbai at 164. Kolkata (170) and New Delhi (172). Mercer's Quality of Living data assesses the practicalities of daily life for expatriate employees and their families in assignment locations worldwide. Key Points
Economic TimesView: India urbanisation critical for getting developed tag
Building the necessary infrastructure will be key for creating livable, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities that drive the economy forward. Since nearly 70 % of the urban infrastructure needed by 2047 is yet to be built, sizeable investments will be required. By 2036, India will need to invest $840 billion in infrastructure - an average of $55 billion or 1.2 % of GDP per annum. However, estimates suggest that between 2011 and 2018, the country's total capital expenditure on urban infrastructure averaged only 0.6 % of GDP, half the required quantum of investment. Key Points
Economic Times
Solar Eclipse 2024: All Airbnbs in this part of the US are sold out! Skywatchers say ‘Glad to watch in peace’
Hotels and Airbnb properties in half of the US cities along the path of the total solar eclipse on April 7 are fully booked. Skywatchers have booked Airbnb homes to observe the eclipse. Key Points
mintJapanese and Korean cities to be developed in Noida, authority allocates land. Here are details
Authority has allocated two sectors for the establishment of 'Japanese' and 'Korean' cities in Noida. The 'Japanese City' will span 395 hectares, while the 'Korean City' will cover 365 hectares. The proximity to the Noida International Airport in Jewar is expected to enhance connectivity. The projects will also include residential units, schools, hospitals, and other amenities. Key Points
Economic TimesSwachh Survekshan 2023: Here are 10 dirtiest cities in India and all are in West Bengal
Interestingly, all ten of the dirtiest cities with a population of over 1 lakh are from West Bengal. Indore in Madhya Pradesh secured the title of the cleanest city in India for the seventh consecutive time. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh were recognized as the cleanest states in India. The Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 were announced in a ceremony attended by President Droupadi Murmu and several other dignitaries. Key Points
Economic Times'PM-eBus Sewa' scheme to be rolled out in 5-6 months: Urban affairs ministry
The Indian government's 'PM-eBus Sewa' scheme, which aims to provide 10,000 electric buses to 169 cities through a public-private partnership model, will be launched in the next five to six months. The e-buses will be available in cities with populations between 300,000 and 4 million, and the scheme will support bus operations for 10 years. Key Points
Economic TimesSeeking the perfect home? Explore the Top 10 cities to live in the USA
US News & World Report reveals the best places to live in the US. Affordable housing and thriving job markets await in these top cities. | World News Key Points
Hindustan Times
Income tax laws need to recognize more cities as metros for HRA tax exemption: Will Budget 2024 include th
The house rent allowance (HRA) is one of the common component in the salary structure of an employee. However, not all employees get similar benefit due to difference in the place of residence. The HRA rules allow 50% exemption for metro cities and 40% for non-metro cities. There is a need to amend definition of metro cities under the Income-tax Act. Key Points
Economic TimesOver 600 km of cycle tracks developed, 76,000 CCTV cameras installed in 100 smart cities: Centre
Over 2,500 km of smart roads with universal accessibility, utility ducts and proper signages have been developed. Over 7,500 new buses, including more than 2,000 electric buses), have been procured. Over 600 km of cycle tracks have been developed in 100 smart cities under the Mission, the ministry said in a statement. Besides, intelligent transport management systems have been implemented and monitored through the Integrated Command and Control Centres which is improving traffic operations, enforcing traffic violations and improving journey time. Key Points
Economic Times