BigBloc Construction, a subsidiary and JV of BigBloc Construction Ltd, has bagged an order from Tata Project to supply material to Micron’s semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, a statement said. The work order fromĀ Tata ProjectsĀ Ltd is for the supply and installation ofĀ AAC panelsĀ at the semiconductor unit ofĀ Micron IndiaĀ in Sanand, BigBloc Construction said in the statement.
The order for 100 mm AAC panels, to be completed in three months, is valued at around Rs 4.5 crore. The subsidiary will supply and installĀ steel-reinforced AAC panels, ranging from 2 metres to 6 metres in the project, the statement added.Siam Cement BigBloc Construction is a joint venture between Gujarat-based BigBloc Construction and Thailand’sĀ SCG International Corporation Co Ltd.
The JV has bagged its first big order after commencing operations at the Rs 65-crore AAC wall plant in Kheda, Gujarat. The plant has an annual capacity of 2.5 lakh cubic metres for large-format AAC Wall products.
The Central government and theĀ Asian Development BankĀ (ADB) on Monday signed a $500 million loan to support green andĀ sustainable infrastructure projectsĀ aligned with the country’sĀ climate commitments.
TheĀ ADB loan, with a sovereign guarantee, will be extended to theĀ India Infrastructure Finance Company LimitedĀ (IIFCL).
“ADB financing will help IIFCL provide long-term capital forĀ infrastructure projectsĀ focusing on connectivity and energy transition as well as under-resourced sectors like urban projects, education, and health care,” said Mio Oka, Country Director for ADB.
To meet its net-zero commitments, the country needs immenseĀ private capital investmentĀ that will require innovative financing platforms and risk-mitigation instruments to address inherent sector risks and market asymmetries.As a strategic development finance institution, IIFCL is well-suited to meet these needs, said the Ministry of Finance.
ADB has worked closely with IIFCL over the years to develop its operational and risk management capacities. As IIFCL has developed and evolved, its operations are increasingly geared toward leveraging private sector resources that necessitate the expansion of its product offerings for potential institutional investors.
The project will build the institutional capacity of IIFCL to integrate green and best practices into the infrastructure projects. A sustainability unit and anĀ environmental sustainabilityĀ framework and scoring method to assess the sustainability rating of the projects will also be established, the ministry added.
Last week, the Indian government and the ADB signed an agreement for a $350 million policy-based loan under the second subprogramme of the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) programme, to strengthen the domestic manufacturing sector and improve the resilience of supply chains.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, theĀ SMILE programmeĀ is a programmatic policy-based loan (PBL) to support the government in undertaking wide-ranging reforms in the logistics sector in India.
The municipal corporation has urged residents to submitĀ property taxĀ for the current financial year (2024-25) by Dec 31 to avoid 10% penalty on pending tax. No penalty is imposed on payment of property tax for the current financial year by Dec 31 but a 10% penalty will be imposed on payment of tax after Dec 31.
Officials said that residents can avail a 10% rebate on payment of property tax for the current financial year by Sep 30. No penalty will be imposed on tax paid from Oct 1 to Dec 31, while the department will impose a 10% penalty on tax paid from Jan 1 to March 31.If residents fail to pay tax for the current financial year by March 31, penalty will be increased to 20% and 18% annual interest will be imposed.
Suvidha Kendras open on weekend
MC commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal said that apart from regular working days, the civic body has decided to keep zonal suvidha kendras open on Saturday (Dec 28) and Sunday (Dec 29) too.
The decision was taken to facilitate residents in submitting tax by Dec 31. Dachalwal urged residents to submit their pending tax on time to avoid penalties. He said that the amount collected is used to provide basic amenities to residents and to undertake development works in the city.
TheĀ Greater Hyderabad Municipal CorporationĀ (GHMC) intends to develop an online portal to proactively track all such violations. It also plans to levy a massive penalty on owners and even a notation, āunauthorised construction’, on the encumbrance certificate (EC) .
The action comes following the recent direction from the HC to implement stringent actions against all illegal constructions. The unauthorised constructions include additional floors, road encroachments, deviation from approved plan, violation of setbacks, building without proper approvals and occupying govt or private land.Of the complaints received by the civic body during the Prajavani programme held every Monday, at least 40%-50% are related to unauthorised constructions.
So far this year, GHMC has demolished over 1,000 unauthorised structures throughout the city. However, many property owners continue to escape the notice of GHMC officials, with enforcement measures typically being initiated only after receiving complaints.
“Guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being formulated to address illegal constructions in the city. Property owners who disregard the speaking orders against ongoing unauthorised structures shall face criminal charges under section 223 of BNS. We will also levy a 400% penalty of the original fee on owners of such buildings,” said GHMC commissioner K Ilambarithi
The GHMC’s planned online portal will track complaints right from the initial stage of notice being issued and subsequent actions such as speaking orders, sealing of property and demolition of structures.
The entire process including specific actions against these unauthorised constructions will be documented.
The GHMC also plans to coordinate with the stamps and registration department to include an āunauthorised construction’ notation in the EC, which is the official document verifying a property’s ownership and title status.
“We will send a request to the registration department requesting changes to the EC system, enabling potential buyers to identify unauthorised properties. Such modifications would create deterrence amongst property owners involved inĀ illegal construction,” Ilambarithi added.GHMC officials said that building owners frequently circumvent govt regulations by initially securing permits for G+1 or 2 structures and then constructing additional floors illegally.
They also flout regulations by transforming residential premises into commercial establishments while benefiting from lower residential tax rates.
Mumbai’s civic body on Monday issued fresh guidelines to curbĀ air pollution, particularly due to construction-related and road dust.
In a release, theĀ Brihanmumbai Municipal CorporationĀ instructed its solid waste department officials to strictly follow the guidelines, which come in response to growing concerns over deteriorating air quality in theĀ Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The fresh measures include prohibiting the use of wood or similar materials as fuel for cooking and the lighting of bonfires at construction sites, the release said.
“The concerned department has been asked to employ vigilance teams and clean up marshals to take prohibitory measures. The Solid Waste Management Department has been tasked with ensuring that dust caused by construction along roads is effectively controlled,” the release said. The department has instructed all assistant engineers and deputy chief supervisors to strictly adhere to these guidelines and take prompt action, it said, adding that a comprehensive action plan has been devised to address both major and minor factors contributing to air pollution.Last year, the civic body issued guidelines and best practices for air pollution control, in which specific measures for construction activities have been included now.
TheĀ Karnataka High CourtĀ upheld a single judgeās order dismissing a petition by originalĀ landĀ grantees seeking restoration of property, 12 years after its initial transfer to private individuals.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind rejected an appeal by M Manjula and others, heirs of late Lakshmaiah, a Scheduled Caste member who received the land grant in 1981.
The court stated, ā…The restoration of the land cannot be permitted after 12 years. The question of latches would come into play; 12 years having passed, it would be unreasonable, unjust, and inequitable, as well as against the law, to grant any relief to the original granteeāthe petitioner-appellantāpermitting restoration of the land and to treat the transfer of the land taken place long back to be null and void.āThe property was transferred through two registered sale deeds dated March 16, 1995, and March 29, 1995, to private respondents. The appellants contested the transfer, initially succeeding before the Assistant Commissioner.
However, the Deputy Commissioner overturned this decision, citing the 11-year gap between the 1995 transfer and the 2007-2008 restoration request as unreasonable. This matter was subsequently brought to the high court.
The bench acknowledged that Section 5 of the Act lacks time restrictions for land resumption. However, a previous ruling in Nekkanti Rama Lakshmi vs State ofĀ KarnatakaĀ (2020) rejected a 25-year delayed restitution application.
The court noted the 2023 amendment to the Karnataka Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Act, introducing sub-clauses removing time limitations. The amendmentās validity remains under review in a separate petition, which the current judgment does not address.
The court referenced the Gouramma alias Gangamma vs Deputy Commissioner, Haveri case, which supported denying relief for unreasonably delayed applications. The bench elaborated: āThough the principles governing overlap, the delay and latches have the facet in equity. Delay is the genus to which the latches and acquiescence are species. The jurisprudential concepts of delay, latches, and acquiescence have their own colour and connotation and are conceptually often different from crossing the period of limitation prescribed in the statutory provision.Limitation binds the litigant in terms of initiating a legal action or filing any proceedings. Laches concedes an element of culpability in allowing time to pass by in commencing the action in law.ā
The appeal was dismissed, stating, āIn light of the above discussion and the position of law that would emerge, in the facts of the case, the restoration of the land cannot be permitted after 12 years.ā
Section 5 of the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prohibition of Transfer of Certain Lands) Act, 1978 deals with the following: If the granted land of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe is transferred without permission, the government will take back the land.
The DEMTECH India 2024 conference/exhibition, organized by the Indian Demolition Association (IDA) in collaboration with Messe Muenchen India, took place at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. This exclusive conference/exhibition, which focused on Innovative Techniques in Demolition & Recycling, successfully brought together professionals from the demolition and recycling sectors, including demolition companies, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, industry experts, and stakeholders from India and abroad.
The conference/exhibition opened with a formal inauguration ceremony, featuring the lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests, including Mr. Praveen Kumar, CPM/Civil, NCRTC; Mr. Royston, CEO of PDI Magazine; Jan Hermansson, Editor-in-Chief of PDI Magazine; Mohan Ramanathan, Founder Chairman of IDA; Mr. Shriram Matte, Chairman of IDA; Fazrulla, Secretary of IDA and Akhil Jain, Treasurer of IDA.
Topics covered in DEMTECH 2024
The DEMTECH India 2024 conference/exhibition covered key topics shaping the demolition and recycling industries. Highlights included a comprehensive look at the present and future of demolition and recycling in India and globally, with discussions on controlled demolition using advanced power tools and diamond cutting technology. Other sessions focused on the importance of C&D waste recycling, safe demolition practices, and the latest demolition attachments designed for specialized tasks.
Innovations in demolition and concrete cutting were also explored, with experts sharing insights on precision demolition using diamond cutting technologies. Sessions on failures during demolition jobs provided valuable case studies, while diamond wire technology was discussed for its advantages in modern demolition over traditional methods.
Speakers and Experts:
The conference/exhibition featured a range of expert speakers, each offering valuable perspectives on various aspects of demolition and recycling. Among them were:
Mohan Ramanathan, Managing Director of Advanced Construction Technologies Pvt Ltd, who shared his expertise in controlled demolition.
Johnson Pereira, Director at LISSMAC Maschinenbau GmbH, who discussed innovations in demolition equipment for global markets.
Kshemendra Nath, Managing Director of Ressilient Concrete Solutions, who presented his insights into concrete cutting technologies.
Russil Kumar, Proprietor of Ambar Safety Consultant, who spoke on safety regulations in demolition.
Andre Brauner, Global Product Manager at Epiroc, who discussed the latest advancements in demolition tools.
Jan Hermansson, Editor-in-Chief of PDI Magazine, who offered a global perspective on the demolition industry.
Shriram Matte, Director of Matte Associates, who shared his knowledge on demolition techniques and safety practices.
PK Kannan, Managing Director of PK Unique Projects Pvt Ltd, who presented on the importance of effective project management in demolition.
Gaurang Doongursee, representing Deetec, who provided insights into demolition waste recycling.
Mr Johnson Pereira Director ā Middle East Subsidiary & Area Manager ā Turkey & Africa, LISSMAC Maschinenbau GmbHKshemendra Nath – Managing Director – Ressilient Concrete solutionsRussil Kumar – Propreitor, Ambar Safety ConsultantAndre Brauner Global Product Manager, EpirocJan Hermansson, Editor-in-ChiefShriram Matte Director, Matte AssociatesPK Kannan MD, PK Unique Projects Pvt LtdGaurang Doongursee, Deetec
The conference/exhibition offered opportunities for networking and collaboration. Delegates were able to engage in one-on-one discussions with industry leaders, exchanging ideas and identifying new business opportunities.
The conference/exhibition also facilitated conversations around emerging trends such as green demolition, C&D waste recycling, and the application of diamond cutting technologies for precision and environmental impact reduction.
In his closing address, Mr. Fazrulla, Secretary of IDA, highlighted the transformative impact of technological advancements on the demolition industry. He emphasized that the industry is rapidly evolving with innovations that improve safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
The IDA Committee Members thanked all attendees and expressed their gratitude to the sponsors for their support.
About Indian Demolition Association (IDA)
The Indian Demolition Association (IDA) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the demolition industry in India. IDA promotes safety, technological progress, and sustainability in demolition practices through training, certification, and industry collaborations. As the sector continues to evolve, IDA remains a key driver of best practices, safety standards, and innovative solutions within the industry.
According to Pushpamitra Das, Founder & Director, JUSTO, disbursements in India exhibited a modest growth of 9.2% in FY 2024 on the back of 18.2% growth in FY 2023. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) maintained a dominant position, holding 43% of the market value and 40% of active loans, while the private sector accounts for 23% of the market value and 34.5% of active loans. Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) contribute 22.5% to the market value and 19.4% to active loans. Foreign institutions represent a minimal 0.2% market value and 0.6% active loans, whereas the Others category has 11.3% market value and 5.5% active loans.
In FY24, there was an increase in the average home loan amount across all lenders. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) reported an 11% year-on-year growth, with the average loan amount rising to ā¹28 lakhs. Private Banks recorded a 7% increase, with the average loan amount reaching ā¹42 lakhs, according to CRIF High Mark.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained the repo rate at 6.5% throughout 2024. In December 2024, the RBI reduced the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points to 4%, a move expected to enhance liquidity and potentially lower home loan interest rates.
The 2024-2025 Union Budget introduced measures aimed at transforming the real estate sector, particularly in affordable housing, taxation, and infrastructure development, which are expected to influence the home loan industry positively. Analysts predict that home loan borrowers may experience relief in 2025, with expected interest rate cuts ranging from 50 to 100 basis points, contingent on economic indicators such as GDP growth and inflation.
In summary, the home loan industry in India during FY 2024-2025 experienced a slowdown in growth, influenced by monetary policies and market dynamics. However, with anticipated interest rate cuts and supportive government initiatives, the sector is poised for a potential rebound in the coming years.
HFCL Limited, a leading technology enterprise and integrated next-gen communications product and solution provider announced the inauguration of its advanced defence equipment manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu on December 23, 2024. This strategic milestone underlines HFCLās commitment to strengthening India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, in line with the nationās Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, former Secretary Department of Defence R&D, Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister, and Guests of Honour Dr. (Smt.) Chandrika Kaushik, Director General- Production, Coordination & Services Interaction, DRDO, and Lt. General Rajeev Sabherwal. In his address, Dr. Reddy urged HFCL to focus not only on reducing the import burden but also on becoming a global exporter of top-quality defense products.
The new facility is dedicated to producing cutting-edge defense technologies, including HFCLās indigenously developed Thermal Weapon Sights, Electronic Fuzes, High Capacity Radio Relay (HCRR) systems and Surveillance Radars tailored to meet the evolving needs of Indiaās armed forces. The facility is poised to manufacture up to 5,000 Thermal Weapon Sights, 250,000 Electronic Fuzes, 1,000 units each of High Capacity Radio Relays and Ground Surveillance Radars annually, addressing the critical requirements of Indiaās armed forces and contributing to the nationās expanding defense export portfolio.
The new facility is strategically designed to meet the growing demand for high-precision defense technologies. It features a 10,000 Class and 1,00,000 Class clean rooms facility for TI Core and Thermal Weapon Sights production, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability. With a strong focus on quality, reliability, and innovation, HFCL aims to emerge as a leader in defense technology, providing solutions that meet the stringent demands of modern military operations worldwide.
Mr. Mahendra Nahata, MD, HFCL stated, āHFCL is proud to inaugurate this advanced defence equipment manufacturing facility in Hosur, which symbolizes our unwavering dedication to innovation, excellence, and national progress. This facility will allow us to deliver world-class defense technologies to armed forces, enabling them to operate with greater efficiency and confidence in critical missions.ā
The Thermal Weapon Sights designed by HFCL represent a technological breakthrough, providing exceptional performance across diverse environments. Compatible with small arms such as rifles, light machine guns (LMGs), and rocket launchers, these sights offer features like high-resolution imaging, lightweight design, extended battery endurance and compliance with stringent MIL-STD 810 and JSS 55555 standards.
HFCLās Electronic Fuzes, including Percussion, Proximity and Time Fuzes, are engineered for precision and adaptability, meeting critical defense requirements with their advanced programmable features and safety mechanisms.
The HCRR systems, designed for tactical networks, support secure and high-speed communication at 100Mbps. These systems feature Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multi-Point configurations, adaptive power control and Frequency Hopping to ensure secure, long-range data transmission in challenging environments.
HFCLās Surveillance Radars, utilizing FMCW technology, offer rapid detection of threats such as moving persons, vehicles and even crawling targets. These compact, lightweight radars are ideal for border security, perimeter monitoring and counter-drone operations.
The Hosur facility will play a vital role in enhancing Indiaās defense capabilities and contribute significantly to the Countryās export potential. By investing in indigenous manufacturing and R&D capabilities, HFCL strengthens Indiaās strategic independence in the defense sector while also creating new opportunities for employment and skill development in the region. This new facility is poised to become a hub of innovation, equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies to ensure unparalleled quality and precision. It will play a vital role in enabling the production of next-generation defense solutions that cater to the rigorous operational demands of modern military applications.
In a milestone moment for its retail expansion, JK Tyre & Industries, a leader in the Indian tyre industry, has inaugurated its 100th JK Truck Wheels brand shop in India. This achievement reinforces the companyās stronghold in the Truck Bus Radial (TBR) segment and underscores its position as a trusted partner for commercial vehicle solutions.
Located in Erode, Tamil Nadu, the new JK Truck Wheels was inaugurated by Mr. Anuj Kathuria, President (India), JK Tyre & Industries. The launch aligns with the companyās efforts to cater to the evolving needs of Indian consumers by offering innovative and premium products, leveraging the growing trend of premiumisation in the automotive sector.
Speaking at the inauguration,Ā Mr. Anuj Kathuria, President (India), JK Tyre ,Ā said ,Ā “This is a significant milestone in our journey to enhance customer experiences across India. It reflects our dedication to providing exceptional services and being the preferred tyre partner for commercial vehicles. We are the most preferred brand in the Truck Bus Radial (TBR) range of products, and we would further consolidate our position in this space by enhancing the overall value. We continue to focus on making the tyre-buying process efficient, customer-centric, and innovative. With Tamil Nadu emerging as a vital transport hub, this milestone outlet strengthens our presence in the region. We are confident that this new JK Truck Wheels will enable us to deepen customer connections, empower fleets, and support businesses across the state.ā
Spanning over 15,000 sq. ft. the state-of-the-art facility is strategically located on Salem Bypass Road, Gangapuram to ensure easy access for customers. Operated by Sri Balaji Tyres, the new brand shop provides holistic solutions for trucks and bus tyre needs, featuring advanced wheel servicing equipment, a full selection of Smart tyres and conventional tyres for commercial vehicles, and an experience zone showcasing JK Tyreās distinctive retail identity. The outlet is supported by highly trained technical advisors to provide seamless service and expert guidance.
JK Tyre has an extensive network of 1600 touch points in South of India, to cater to customers in replacement markets. Tamil Nadu is one of the biggest markets for tubeless tyres for trucks and buses and the company is aiming at increasing its market share in the region with high focus on Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem, Erode, Karur, Kanyakumari, Madurai, as well as Puducherry.
JK Tyreās extensive retail network of over 850 exclusive Brand Shops and 6,000+ channel partners ensure customers nationwide benefit from superior products and services. By continually expanding its portfolio and strengthening its market presence, JK Tyre is poised to lead the transformation of Indiaās tyre industry and drive the future of mobility.
About JK Tyre & Industries:
The flagship company of JK Organisation, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd is amongst the top 20 manufacturers in the world. Pioneers of radial technology, the Company produced the first radial tyre in 1977 and is the market leader in Truck Bus Radial segment. The Company provides end-to-end solutions across segments of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, farming, Off-the-Road and two & three-wheelers.
The Company has 12 globally benchmarked āsustainableā manufacturing facilities – 9 in India and 3 in Mexico ā that collectively produce around 34 million tyres annually. The Company also has a strong network of over 6000 dealers and 750+ dedicated Brand shops called as Steel Wheels, Truck Wheels and Xpress Wheels. JK Tyre exports to about 100 countries with over 230 global distributors. JK Tyre is also synonymous with motorsport in the country. For over three decades, the Company has relentlessly worked towards shaping Indiaās positioning as the motorsport hub of Asia, developing the right infrastructure for the sport and promoting young talent in the arena.
