Smart Cities Council (SCC) India will launch India Readiness Guide, with over 100 case studies in September. Prime Minister Narendra Modi´s dream project of smart cities has started taking shape and it has achieved a milestone in terms of the Union Cabinet

This article sheds light on the implications of the applicability of the Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) regime to the REITs (and the exemption there from) in the context of boosting affordable urban infrastructure.

Ram Walase is the Chief Executive Officer of IL&FS Township & Urban Assets Ltd, a subsidiary of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS), India. Walase has 16 years of experience in investment banking, infrastructure financing and implementation, policy advisory and management consulting.

The intent as stated in the Bill is the right to fair compensation and transparency in land acquisition and to ensure rehabilitation and resettlement for smooth execution, which is seen to be at fair value for both the parties.

This is the framework required to ensure the vision of the smart city translates from innovative engineering, architectural and technological ideas, into reality. Modern civilizations of the world have witnessed differential growth leading to an increase in the complexities of how cities or towns need to be managed, funded, regulated and designed.

A smart city´s command centre will manage everyday services such as power distribution, water and solid waste management.

The amended Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, will help shorten project timelines and drive development, feels the business community.

The recent spate of investment activity in Gujarat tells a story in itself about the vibrancy of the State in attracting investors from all across. American drug maker Abbott commissioned its first greenfield factory in Jhagadia (Gujarat) to make in India nutritional products with an investment of Rs 450 crore.

Gujarat as a State has tremendous potential both naturally as well as physically. Being well connected by rail and road is an added advantage although air connectivity needs improvement. Its well-equipped ports are a tremendous boost for industries in the State.