30, Jun 2026
Mumbai Property Registrations Hit Highest Level Since 2013, Up 6 pc in H1 2026
Mumbai, June 30: Property registrations in Mumbai increased by 6% in the first half of 2026, reaching their highest level since 2013, according to recent data released by industry sources.
The growth reflects sustained momentum in the residential real estate sector, supported by stable interest rates, improved buyer sentiment, and continued infrastructure development across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Market observers said that consistent housing demand has played a key role in maintaining strong registration numbers.
Demand was seen across both mid-income and premium housing segments, with end-user purchases contributing significantly to overall transactions. Developers also reported steady sales performance during the period, indicating stable market activity despite broader economic uncertainties.
Experts noted that ongoing infrastructure projects, better connectivity, and urban development initiatives have further strengthened confidence among homebuyers and investors. The real estate market has shown resilience, even amid inflationary pressures and global economic challenges.
Going forward, the sector is expected to maintain stable growth, though factors such as interest rate changes, affordability constraints, and policy developments will continue to influence market trends. Analysts will closely monitor upcoming data to assess whether the current momentum sustains in the coming quarters.
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- By Neel Achary
30, Jun 2026
Toward Riyadh 2027: The World Water Council Builds on the Momentum of the 11th World Water Forum in Jeddah
“We Are Dignity Defenders”—From Jeddah, the World Water Council Reaffirms Its Advocacy for Access to Water as a Prerequisite for Human Dignity, Ahead of the 11th World Water Forum (Riyadh, March 2027)
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — June 30, 2026
Meeting in Jeddah on June 28 and 29, 2026, as part of the 2nd Stakeholder Consultation Meeting, the World Water Council confirmed the progress of preparations for the 11th World Water Forum, to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in March 2027, under the theme “Action for a Better Future .” Designed as the premier global platform for the water sector, the Forum will bring together policymakers, technical experts, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations to discuss concrete solutions to the water crisis.
This meeting in Jeddah, organized as part of Saudi Water Week, follows on from the 1st Consultation Meeting held in Riyadh in April 2025, which brought together more than 600 participants from over 60 countries.
In his opening remarks, World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon directly challenged participants to reflect on the meaning of their commitment: for whom are we acting? “First and foremost, for those whose dignity is violated because they are denied access to water and its benefits,” he said, referring to those who walk long distances to reach a water source, who lack toilets, or who cannot afford to pay for water and suffer the humiliation that comes with it.
“Providing access to water means restoring dignity to the most vulnerable,” said World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon at the opening of the Jeddah session, calling on the water community to become“Dignity Defenders.”
Stakeholders gathered in Jeddah approved the framework for the 11th World Water Forum, organized around 6 themes and 30 topics, and made progress on planning the Forum week as well as on how to ensure the continuity of its work after the event. The Riyadh 2027 Forum is expected to bring together more than 20,000 participants from over 150 countries, making this edition one of the largest in the history of the World Water Forum, which has been held every three years since 1997.
The ministerial meeting, facilitated by UNESCO and held in parallel under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadli, laid the groundwork for the Ministerial Declaration to be adopted in Riyadh. In line with the World Water Council’s slogan, “Water is politics,” the ministers and senior representatives in attendance reaffirmed their shared ambition to unite the water policy community around common commitments and concrete, sustainable solutions that can be implemented on a global scale.
To advance this ambition, the World Water Council presented several initiatives designed to shape the global water agenda leading up to Riyadh: a coalition for water in megacities, an international center for unconventional water resources, a laboratory for water conservation, a “New Deal” for sanitation, and a “One Water, One Health” alliance. These initiatives are centered on three priorities: health, food, and nature, all of which are closely linked to unconventional and renewable water and energy resources.
“We look forward to working closely with Saudi Arabia to bring the world together in Riyadh in 2027 and to continue making water a global and political priority,” said the President of the World Water Council at the conclusion of the meeting.
The World Water Council invites all of its 240 member organizations, as well as governments, institutions, and civil society actors engaged in water issues, to take action now to make Riyadh 2027 a gathering that yields concrete results on the ground and a decisive milestone in the defense of human dignity through water.
30, Jun 2026
Finance Ministry Approves INR 1.25 Lakh Crore for India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 Boost
New Delhi, June 30, 2026: The Finance Ministry has approved a ₹1.25 lakh crore proposal for India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, marking a major step towards strengthening India’s position in global chip manufacturing, according to official sources.
The initiative aims to expand semiconductor manufacturing capacity in the country by setting up new fabrication and allied facilities, strengthening the electronics supply chain, and boosting domestic production of critical components.
Officials said the mission is expected to reduce India’s dependence on imported chips, while attracting greater investment from global technology companies and creating new opportunities for jobs and innovation in the sector.
The proposal is expected to enhance India’s self-reliance in key technology areas, including electronics, telecommunications, automotive systems, and defence applications.
The plan will now be placed before the Union Cabinet for final approval. Further details regarding implementation are expected to be announced after clearance.
30, Jun 2026
Akamai Survey Reveals AI Adoption Outpacing Security Readiness Among Enterprises in India
Bengaluru, India June 30: As organizations across India accelerate AI adoption and digital transformation initiatives, many remain unprepared to address the security risks that come with them. According to a new survey conducted by Akamai during its 2026 Partner Summit in India, senior business and technology leaders across partner organizations, including CEOs, CTOs, vice presidents, business heads, and cybersecurity specialists, are increasingly concerned about the cybersecurity challenges customers are facing amid accelerated digital transformation and AI adoption. With increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats, rising API attacks, and growing challenges in securing AI-driven environments, organizations are under increasing pressure to balance innovation with resilience.
Key findings
- API attacks have emerged as the leading cybersecurity concern: 79% of respondents cited API attacks as one of the top cyberthreats customers are most concerned about.
- Cyberthreats are becoming more sophisticated: 42% cited evolving attack techniques as the biggest security challenge customers are facing today.
- AI security readiness remains low: Only 17% believe organizations are very well prepared to manage security risks associated with AI adoption, highlighting a significant preparedness gap.
- Data privacy concerns dominate AI risk discussions: 70% identified data privacy and leakage as the top security concern emerging from AI adoption, reflecting growing apprehension around sensitive enterprise data exposure and governance risks.
As cloud adoption and AI implementation continue to grow across industries, security teams are facing growing pressure to protect a rapidly expanding attack surface. APIs now serve as the backbone of modern applications, cloud services, and AI ecosystems, making them an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals.
The survey findings also point to a growing disconnect between AI adoption and organizational preparedness. While businesses are moving quickly to integrate AI into workflows, customer experiences, and decision-making processes, security frameworks and governance practices are struggling to keep pace. The results point to a critical challenge for enterprises: securing data, applications, and AI systems without slowing innovation.
“India is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s leading AI-driven economies, with organizations embracing AI across sectors to transform customer experiences and business operations,” said Mitesh Jain, Regional Vice President for Akamai India. “However, security readiness is not advancing at the same speed. Strengthening governance, data protection, and risk management will be essential to unlocking AI’s full potential safely and responsibly.”
As businesses continue to modernize their infrastructure and expand digital ecosystems, cybersecurity is expected to remain a strategic priority. Organizations that can effectively secure their APIs, protect sensitive data, and establish robust AI governance frameworks will be better positioned to innovate with confidence while managing an increasingly complex threat landscape.
30, Jun 2026
Centre Releases INR 1 Lakh Crore Support Package for MSMEs Amid Gulf Crisis
New Delhi, June 30: The Government of India has disbursed ₹1 lakh crore to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in addressing liquidity challenges arising from the ongoing Gulf crisis, a senior government official said.
The financial assistance aims to ease cash flow pressures, stabilize operations, and ensure continuity of business activities for MSMEs that may be impacted by disruptions in trade, supply chains, and overseas markets linked to the Gulf region.
Officials stated that the support package is intended to strengthen working capital access and help businesses manage short-term financial stress caused by external geopolitical uncertainties. The initiative is also expected to safeguard employment and maintain stability in critical sectors dependent on MSME supply networks.
The government emphasized that MSMEs remain a key pillar of India’s economy, contributing significantly to employment generation and exports. The measure reflects a proactive approach to mitigate risks arising from global developments.
Further details on implementation mechanisms and eligibility guidelines are expected to be issued by the concerned ministries and financial institutions.
30, Jun 2026
Severe Heatwave Disrupts Life Across Europe; Germany Reports Infrastructure Damage
Berlin, June 30: A severe and prolonged heatwave is affecting several parts of Europe, causing widespread disruption to daily life and impacting transport systems, infrastructure, and public services in multiple regions.
In Germany, extreme temperatures have led to localized disruptions, including temporary suspension of tram services in Leipzig after heat-related deformation affected sections of railway tracks. Authorities said the situation forced precautionary stoppages to ensure passenger safety and prevent further damage.
High temperatures have also impacted commercial spaces, with reports of temperature-sensitive goods being damaged inside stores due to inadequate cooling conditions. Residents in several cities have shared visuals of melting or heat-affected products, highlighting the intensity of the weather conditions.
In response, local authorities and emergency services have increased monitoring and precautionary measures. In some areas, water cannons have reportedly been used by police and civic authorities to cool down hot surfaces and provide relief in heavily affected zones.
Meteorological agencies have attributed the extreme conditions to a persistent heatwave system affecting large parts of Europe. Experts have warned that such prolonged high temperatures may increase risks of heat-related illnesses, strain on power demand, and further pressure on urban infrastructure.
Authorities across affected regions have advised residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and follow official weather advisories. Emergency services remain on alert as the heatwave continues to impact multiple countries.
30, Jun 2026
Abu Dhabi Residential Real Estate Market on Target for Record Year
ADXinteract reveals sales climb 173% in value to AED 84.49 billion and 103% in volume to 16,585 deals in the first half of 2026
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 30th June: The Abu Dhabi real estate market is on course for a record-breaking year after the volume and value of residential sales transactions soared to new heights in the first half of 2026.
A market analysis issued today by ADXinteract revealed that sales of apartments and villas combined have climbed by 173.9% in value to AED 84.49 billion and by 103% in volume to 16,585 transactions compared with the first six months last year.
The report highlighted steady growth in annual sales volumes in Abu Dhabi over the last five years, from 7,242 transactions in 2021 to 9,053 in 2022, 15,013 in 2023, 16,244 in 2024 and 24,942 with a total value AED 91.9 billion last year.
So far this year, off-plan transactions represent 78% of all sales, and the median property prices stand at AED 1,927 per sqft for apartments and AED 1,500 per sqft for villas, rising by 22.5% and 41% respectively on the first half of 2025.
The bulk of the market activity so far this year has centred on Al Reem Island which has seen the biggest volume of sales, Al Hudayriyat which has recorded the highest overall value for transactions, Yas Island and Al Saadiyat Island.
Data from ADXinteract, the recently launched online property market intelligence platform, shows that major development in these four areas has accounted for 11,137 (67.15%) of overall sales deals and AED 54.8 billion (64.86%) of total sales value.
Significantly, it also reveals a 51% average absorption rate for all 286 projects comprising 98,823 units which are currently under development in Abu Dhabi.
Fateh Al Msaddi, Founder of ADXinteract, said the market was continuing to display continued momentum following a strong Q1 performance which saw 8,806 residential property sales with a combined value of AED 48.76 billion.
“The Abu Dhabi market has moved from quiet strength to strong, visible momentum,” said Al Msaddi. “The sharp rise that we’ve seen in sales value and the growth in transactions show that the capital is entering a new phase, one driven by real buyer demand, major project activity, and increasing market transparency.”
The new partner platform for the well-established DXBinteract was introduced to meet market demand for a comprehensive source of real estate data in the capital. In addition to tracking deals, it presents detailed insights on the key players in the Abu Dhabi real estate ecosystem.
This currently consists of 1,124 agencies and 3,699 brokers, 3,378 of which are employed by registered agencies, with 321 self-licensed and operating independently. Of the 140 developers presently operating in Abu Dhabi, 38 are primary developers holding primary project registration, and 102 are secondary developers who build within a primary developer’s master project.
TOP 5 ABU DHABI AREAS TO DATE IN 2026 BY SALES VOLUME
|
Area |
Volume |
|
|
Al Reem Island |
4,545 |
|
|
2 |
Yas Island |
3,031 |
|
3 |
Al Hudayriyat |
2,190 |
|
4 |
Al Saadiyat Island |
1,371 |
|
5 |
Khalifa City |
704 |
TOP 5 ABU DHABI AREAS TO DATE IN 2026 BY SALES VALUE
|
Area |
Value |
|
|
Al Hudayriyat |
AED18.95B |
|
|
2 |
Al Reem Island |
AED14.17B |
|
3 |
Al Saadiyat Island |
AED13.18B |
|
4 |
Yas Island |
AED8.50B |
|
5 |
Ramhan Island |
AED2.90B |
30, Jun 2026
Indian Equity Markets Open Higher Amid Mixed Global Cues
Mumbai, June 30: Indian equity benchmarks opened higher on Monday amid mixed global market signals, reflecting cautious optimism among investors at the start of the trading session.
Market participants tracked developments in global equities, commodity prices, and macroeconomic indicators while assessing domestic earnings outlook and foreign fund flows. Early gains were supported by selective buying in key index-heavy stocks.
Analysts noted that investor sentiment remains balanced, with domestic economic resilience providing support even as global uncertainties continue to influence short-term market direction. Sectors linked to banking, energy, and information technology witnessed initial traction.
However, experts cautioned that volatility may persist through the session due to ongoing global cues, including interest rate expectations and geopolitical developments.
Further movement in the markets will depend on institutional activity, global trends, and domestic economic data releases scheduled later in the week.
30, Jun 2026
India’s UPI Goes Live in Greece, Boosting Global Digital Payment Reach
New Delhi, June 30: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has gone live in Greece, marking a significant step in the global expansion of India’s digital public infrastructure, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said.
Pic Credit: https://x.com/PiyushGoyal
The launch enables seamless digital payments between India and Greece, strengthening financial connectivity and making cross-border transactions more convenient for users and businesses. Officials said the move reflects growing international acceptance of India’s digital payment ecosystem.
According to the Minister, the expansion of UPI overseas highlights India’s leadership in digital innovation and its efforts to promote interoperable and efficient payment systems globally. He added that such integrations will benefit travelers, businesses, and the Indian diaspora by enabling faster and more secure transactions.
The development is part of India’s broader strategy to extend its digital public infrastructure to partner countries, enhancing financial inclusion and strengthening economic ties.
Further collaborations are expected as India continues to explore new international partnerships for UPI integration.
30, Jun 2026
Tamil Nadu Floats Tender for 2.5 Lakh Devices to Boost Rural Broadband Connectivity
Chennai, June 30: The Tamil Nadu government has floated a tender for the procurement and deployment of 2.5 lakh devices to strengthen rural broadband connectivity across the state.
The initiative is aimed at improving digital infrastructure and ensuring better internet access in rural and remote areas. Officials said the devices will help enhance last-mile connectivity and support the expansion of the state’s broadband network.
The project is expected to improve access to key digital services, including e-governance, education, healthcare, and other online platforms, thereby promoting digital inclusion in underserved regions.
Authorities noted that the tender process will identify suitable vendors responsible for supply, installation, and maintenance of the devices. The rollout is intended to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Further details regarding implementation timelines and execution strategy are expected after the tender process is completed.
