URBAN TOWNS
Small towns join Dalal Street party, bull run reaches Sundarbans
Small and semi-urban regions in India are increasingly influencing the country's growth trajectory through heightened interest and participation in equity markets. North 24 Parganas in Bengal, known for the Sundarbans but lesser-known otherwise, has emerged as one of the leading contributors to new stock market investors since September 2023. In May, Delhi and Mumbai led in new investor registrations, with Surat, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur also experiencing significant increases in fresh registrations.
In 2020, only 4% could not access an urban centre in India, reveals study
In 2020, only four per cent of India's population lacked access to an urban centre, according to a study published in the journal Nature Cities. The research, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Italy, examined over 30,000 urban centres globally. The study highlighted that three per cent of India's population could only reach towns within an hour of travel.
Nagaland local body elections see 80% voter turnout despite ENPO boycott call
State Election Commissioner (SEC) T. John Longkumer reported that no votes were cast in the six eastern Nagaland districts due to the boycott call by the ENPO. Longkumer stated, "Earlier 79 candidates from these six districts filed their nominations, but they later withdrew their candidatures. No candidate is contesting in the town councils in eastern Nagaland, where ENPO gave a vote boycott call in support of their statehood demand for 'Frontier Nagaland Territory'."
After 20 years, Nagaland holds civic body polls, over 20% voting recorded in two hours
This was a historic election in the northeastern state as the polling to three municipalities and 22 town councils was being conducted after a gap of 20 years. The last elections were held in 2004.
Infrastructure, digitisation and spiritual tourism to drive realty in smaller towns: Colliers report
The real estate sector in India is experiencing a transformation, with smaller towns becoming vital to the economy due to enhanced infrastructure, affordable property, skilled labor, and government support. Forecasts suggest the sector could reach $1 trillion by 2030 and potentially $5 trillion by 2050, contributing 14-16% to GDP. Colliers report projects urban growth with nearly 100 cities having over a million inhabitants by 2050, driven by factors like infrastructure, digitisation, and changing office trends.
- Go To Page 1
BJP has odds stacked against it in Punjab. What gives it hope?
The BJP navigates challenges in Punjab elections, targeting urban voters and leveraging political dynamics for success. Despite facing opposition from farmers and complexities in alliance negotiations, the party aims to secure victories and strengthen its position in the state.
Numaligarh Refinery, Oil India setting up several compressed bio-gas plants in north east
Collaboration with Urban Local bodies for municipal solid waste collection has been initiated, said C&MD, OIL and Chairman NRL Dr. Ranjit Rath while speaking as at the Technical Symposium on ‘Creating Wealth from Waste: Role of Startup and New Enterprises’ organized by Pollution Control Board of Assam in Guwahati.
In Odisha, BJD banks on development factor as BJP trusts 'Modi Guarantee' to work its magic
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, emerges as a development showcase for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the ongoing elections, with the incumbent MP Aparajita Sarangi from the BJP banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance of continuity. Despite widespread appeal, Sarangi secured victory in 2019, breaking the BJD's longstanding hold on the seat. This time, the BJD has fielded Manmath Routray, a newcomer, while the Congress has nominated Yasir Nawaz.
'Surname doesn't matter in today's India': PM Modi reaffirms providing right business environment for startups
"In today's India, one's surname doesn't matter. What matters is hard work. Your journey is truly inspiring, Deepinder Goyal! It motivates countless youngsters to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. We are committed to providing the right environment for the startups to flourish," PM Modi wrote on X, sharing a video clip posted by Union Minister Hardeep Puri.
Cruel Summer: Rethinking how to live, work in a world that is getting warmer
As this year’s summer, with its extended heat waves and record temperatures, warns, how to adapt to a warmer world is no longer a hypothetical question. A new study by World Weather Attribution says climate change has made a 30-day heat wave in South Asia 45 times more likely and 0.85o C hotter. Experts say we need to rethink the kind of houses we live in and offices we construct, how we grow our crops and the way we look at the impact of heat on our bodies, even as we tackle reducing the use of fossil fuels.
ENPO reject Nagaland govt’s appeal, says firm on decision to abstain from Urban Local Bodies elections
The Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) rejects Nagaland government's appeal to participate in the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections on June 26, chaired by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. ENPO demands a separate 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' and boycotts elections in support of this demand.
After Lok Sabha polls, ENPO announces decision to abstain from Urban Local Body elections
ENPO abstains from ULB and Lok Sabha polls, demanding 'Frontier Nagaland Territory.' They inform SEC about abstention, citing delay in territory creation promised by MHA.
Urbanisation = growth
While the post-WW2 world experienced rapid urbanisation, India followed suit at a slower and more haphazard pace. Misguided attempts to combat urbanisation as undesirable hindered growth of efficiencies of agglomeration in the economy, compared to nations that urbanised rapidly and more cohesively.
Sleepy far-flung towns in the Philippines will host US forces returning to counter China threats
The remote coastal town of Santa Ana in the Philippines is gaining strategic importance as a potential site for U.S. military encampment under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. This agreement comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, with the Philippines seeking a counterbalance to Chinese military assertiveness in the South China Sea. While some locals express concerns about living near U.S. forces, others see economic benefits and enhanced security. The town's tourism potential is also expected to grow. Authorities are preparing for potential refugee influxes in case of regional conflicts.
Xurbian India, bridging the gaps
According to projections for rural and urban productivity, by 2030, urban India will account for 70% of GDP. India targets to become a developed nation with a $26 tn economy by 2047. Rural productivity must grow from 50% of urban productivity today to at least 75%. Also, quality of life across urban and rural India must also transform.
Not too worried about rural demand dipping or any pressure in urban side: Amul India MD
Amul's Jayen Mehta notes 10%+ growth in dairy products, with fresh products up 14-15%. Daily Rs 200 crore milk purchase aids rural economy. 38% turnover from towns <20,000. Market expansion and competition focus highlighted.
Buy a house in France for only 1 euro. Repair cost will also be subsidised. Who is eligible?
A small town in France is selling a 1 euro house. Saint-Amand-Montrond is trying to attract more residents. Applicants must commit to making it their primary residence, stay for 10 years, and help with renovations.
Warehousing companies, institutional investors pivot to meet shifting demands
The global institutional investor is looking to more than double its warehousing portfolio in the country to 100 million sq ft from 40 million sq ft in the next 3-5 years.
New Sims 4 Kits: This is what we know so far about Party Essentials and Urban Homage Release
The Sims 4 is getting a party upgrade with the upcoming Party Essentials & Urban Homage Kits. The Party Essentials Kit offers new items for lively parties, while the Urban Homage Kit brings 90s and Noughties fashion to your Sims' wardrobes. Both Kits are set to release on April 18 for $4.99 each.
Election Commission strives to negate 'urban voter apathy' in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena has announced plans to increase the polling percentage in 20 urban Assembly constituencies where it is lower than the national average of 68%. The Commission has completed all planning needed for the elections, including keeping the required number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) ready and completing first-level checks.
Realty 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.
Amit Shah launches NUCFDC, sets target to establish one urban cooperative bank in each town
Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) to upgrade urban cooperative banks and set up one bank in each town. NUCFDC received RBI approval. It aims to ensure ATM facility, credit/debit cards, clearing system, SLR limit, and refinancing.
Smartphone ownership among 44+ drops in urban India, rises in villages
As per the findings of the Kantar-TGI (Target Group Index) study, available exclusively with ET, the gender gap in smartphone ownership has also narrowed over the past five years, even though males consistently exhibited higher ownership percentages. The sharp increase in smartphone adoption levels is pronounced among female users, suggesting a closing gap in technology access.
Palestinians cling to life in Rafah, a town likely to be Israel's next focus in the war on Hamas
In Rafah, Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict with Israel, residents struggle to survive in overcrowded conditions. The town has swelled with displaced Palestinians, with hundreds of thousands seeking shelter. The looming threat of an Israeli offensive raises fears of a humanitarian catastrophe, particularly for the 600,000 children at risk. Food is scarce, and people wait in long lines for basic necessities. Despite the hardships, life goes on, with children finding moments of joy on a makeshift Ferris wheel amidst the ongoing war.
UP plans 1,000-acre township in temple town Ayodhya
The 'New Ayodhya', for which the state government has already secured land, will be India's first vastu-based township.
Future-proofing the cities: A glimpse into future of urban development
India's urban narrative is marked by a significant demographic shift. With United Nations projections indicating that nearly half of India's population will reside in urban areas by 2047.
Welcome to Hochatown, the town created by Airbnb
Before the pandemic, Hochatown had roughly 400 cabins for rent on Airbnb. There are now more than 2,400 -- a staggering 413% increase in five years, according to AirDNA, a short-term rental business site that tracks Airbnb data. In September, the town collected its first month's sales tax, totaling $456,000, and hopes to eventually reap as much as $1 million in tax revenue a month.
Small towns getting big deal for jobs
Financial services are radiating out, creating strong demand for manpower. Technology is pushing the gig economy into the hinterland. GoI and state governments are doing their bit, too, by plugging connectivity and infrastructure gaps.
Load More
