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            <title><![CDATA[Renting out property for commercial use is service]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=5000</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:58:51 -0600</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- In this Budget a retrospective amendment has been introduced in respect of the service of renting out of property for commercial purposes. Amendment has been made in the definition of &acirc;€œRenting of immovable property service&acirc;€ to provide explicitly that the activity of renting itself is a renting service. The change has given retrospective effect from June 1, 2007. This treatise seeks to explain the rationale and the background for the retrospective amendment for a proper appreciation of this action in the Budget.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[OPAL invites plastic converters to set up units at Dahej SEZ]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4999</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:57:45 -0600</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- ONGC Petro-additions (OPAL), a joint venture promoted by Gujarat State Petro Corporation, GAIL and ONGC at Dahej SEZ, has invited plastic converters from India and abroad to set up manufacturing units at the Dahej special economic zone (SEZ). The 500-hectare SEZ has been declared as India&#039;s first ever petroleum, chemicals and petrochemicals investment.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[&acirc;€˜Infra sector needs better Govt support&#039;]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4998</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:56:48 -0600</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- The construction/infrastructure sector which accounts for about eight-nine per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) is in need of an exclusive Ministry so that the infra projects could be executed without time and cost over-run. There is no proper guidance or support or encouragement&#039; by the Government agencies. While huge projects could be completed in record time abroad, this was not possible in India because of the unhelpful systems and procedures. The responsibility of getting all statutory clearances for going ahead with a project should be vested with the Government rather with the executors of contracts. This would help in completing the projects in time without any cost over-run.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Delay in building plan approval hits Shamuka tourism project]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4997</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:54:10 -0600</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- The non-approval of building plan for new hotel projects at Sipasarubali in Puri district for the past five years due to problems pertaining to Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) Act has stifled the growth of the hospitality industry in the state. The inordinate delay in approving building plans for hotel projects at the site has cast a shadow of uncertainty over it.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[`Eco-Mughal Garden&#039; in Greater Noida]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4995</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:10:28 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- Real estate developer Eco-terrain Projects Pvt. Ltd and ANS Apartment Pvt. Ltd, announced the launch of an eco-centric development project &quot;Eco-Mughal Garden&quot; in Sector Pi- I &amp;II at Greater Noida. The project is a joint venture of ANS Apartment Pvt. Ltd and Eco- terrain Projects Pvt. Ltd. Spread over 4.2 lakh sq. feet, it will have a total of 500 units. On offer are four sides open studios, two-BHK, three-BHK plus study room apartments of sizes 656 sq.feet, 1,125 sq. ft and 2,250 sq.ft respectively.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[The service tax conundrum]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4994</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:08:37 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- Thanks to the proposed levy of service tax on developers, the realty market is abuzz with speculation over its impact on property rates. A number of people are seeking clarity on changes in price and demand that are likely to result from the 10.3 per cent spike in costs that developers will now incur. The impact of the service tax will be passed directly onto the buyer, resulting in an increase in real estate prices. So, for projects under construction, we will see a marginal price increase. Tax experts anticipate the increase to be about 3.4 per cent of sale value.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[TAX SOPS GOOD FOR HOMEBUYERS]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4993</link>
			<source>The Times of India</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:06:42 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Times of India- The restructured income tax slabs and liquidity in the banking system work well for homebuyers waiting to acquire property. The much-awaited event Union Budget 2010 is behind us.This budget was crucial in that there were expectations of some rollback in stimulus measures as the economy is growing at a good rate.And a week later,homebuyers will find the incremental disposable income in their pockets useful as it makes EMIs that much easier to repay.For those waiting for a trigger,it is the push to go for a home now.Another factor that came as good news is the status quo on the home loan interest rate front.The last Credit Policy review hiked the cash reserve ratio for banks but the ample liquidity in the system and keen competition among lenders is holding the interest rates steady.As the growth forecasts for the economy hover around the eight percent mark,job security is gaining ground. The budget has an emphasis on promoting housing.The measures include: Interest subvention scheme extended The interest subvention scheme has been extended up to March 31,2011.This move is aimed at boosting affordable housing.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Gurgaon calling]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4992</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:05:15 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- From complete scurity to one of the most highlyhyped North Indian growth corridors, to overheating and getting back to the top slot in India&#039;s most lucrative residential real estate investment hotspots &Acirc;&shy; when it comes to market status updates, Gurgaon has certainly been around. As is invariably the case in new areas, residential property demand for Gurgaon began on a strong and promising note. However, between 2007-08, it fell prey to speculators who purchased properties with the sole intention of making quick profits. This led to overheating of prices in Gurgaon, and the market began correcting sharply after a series of severe fluctuations in the stock market took place. Investors in Gurgaon&#039;s residential real estate market found them- selves facing an unexpected lack of ready cash and began to sell their holdings. Prices corrected by 15-20 per cent in most projects. That said, the inherent strength of Gurgaon&#039;s property market revealed itself during the recent economic downturn and concurrent real estate market slowdown.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Recovery in realty]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4991</link>
			<source>The Times of India</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:03:01 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Times of India- Residential markets across major cities of India have seen significant appreciation in values towards the close of 2009.This trend is most prominent in NCR and Mumbai,the two key residential markets in India,where values in Oct-Dec 2009 appreciated,compared to the same period the year before. The report said that recovery in NCR and Mumbai is a definite precursor to the expected trends in 2010.However,it would be premature,the report adds,to predict a bounce-back for the entire sector.The other markets which are still witnessing some correction are expected to stabilize only in the next 3-6 months.These are expected to see positive signs of recovery by the middle of this year,when values across the board would stabilize but will remain within acceptable range.The average increase in capital values in various micro-markets in these two metro areas has been in the range of 3 % to 25% over the previous year.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Affordability extended]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4990</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:01:17 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Noida Extension is all set to become Delhi NCR&#039;s next budget housing hub. First there was the Mayur Vihar extension. Then we heard about Raj Nagar extension. And now it&#039;s Greater Noida&#039;s turn to do some stretching. Technically Greater Noida&#039;s Sector 1, this area is all set to give a tough fight to projects coming up in Noida, especially those in sectors 121 and 119, primarily in terms of price and location. Several builders have been allotted land here for constructing residential units &Acirc;&shy; both high- and low-rise structures. Commercial and corporate activity is also planned for the area as rates are less compared to the developed sectors of Greater Noida and Noida. The nomenclature being used for the area is Noida Extension. This is to differen- tiate it from both Noida and Greater Noida, and also to make it clear to potential homebuyers that it&#039;s close to Noida and not as far as Greater Noida.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Reliance Haryana SEZ moves SC seeking petitions transfer]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4989</link>
			<source>The Financial Express</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:59:24 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Financial Express- Mukesh Ambani-promoted Reliance Haryana SEZ Ltd on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of petitions filed by farmers challenging land acquisition against the firm&acirc;€™s special economic zone coming up in Jhajjar, Haryana. Relaince Harayana is seeking transfer of petitions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the apex court so as to avoid multiplicity of proceedings on the issue.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Cement price set to rise Rs 20/bag]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4988</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:58:22 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- Cement prices are likely to go up by about Rs 20-25 a bag in various markets across the country before end of March. Currently, the retail price of a bag of cement is at Rs 275 in Mumbai, Rs 260-Rs 270 in Kolkata, Rs 270-Rs 280 in Kerala, Rs 240-Rs 240-250 in Chennai and Rs 170-190 in Andhra Pradesh.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Demand for housing gaining ground]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4987</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:57:25 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Demand for housing is picking up at all price levels, and is almost back to pre-slowdown levels, if realtors&acirc;€™ sales figures in the first few months of this year are anything to go by. Realty consultants believe the demand is sustainable at all price points, if the economy continues on the recovery path. The demand for housing segment is definitely picking up, and we are witnessing record sales in properties which are well located and priced well. This is primarily because of the economic recovery. Residential is the first segment which witnesses growth.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Infy may face Rs 100-cr tax liability for SEZ violation]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4986</link>
			<source>The Financial Express</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:55:58 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Financial Express- The country&acirc;€™s second largest IT company, Infosys Technologies, could potentially face a tax liability of Rs 100 crore for alleged violations of special economic zones (SEZ) rules at its Chandigarh SEZ. The revenue department, in a series of letters to the commerce ministry, has said that tax and duty benefits given to Infosys&acirc;€™ Chandigarh SEZ should be recovered along with penal action.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Chandigarh goes in for green building]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4985</link>
			<source>The Financial Express</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:55:03 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Financial Express- With global warming posing a threat for the real, and rapid urbanization mounting pressure on land, making it scarcer and pricier, it&acirc;€™s time to go in for &acirc;€˜green and intelligent buildings.&acirc;€™ Going by this concept, the Chandigarh Housing Board plans to construct its green and intelligent building, the first-of-its-kind in the region.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[275-metre ritzy tower to come up in Prabhadevi]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4984</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:54:08 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Prabhadevi is all set to witness the rise of a 275-metre tower on a one-and-a-half acre plot. Touted to be one of the most expensive upcoming apartments in Mumbai, the tower will have villa-like apartments sprawling across 12,500 sq ft and 7,500 sq ft. With an average height of three metres per floor for residential complexes, 275 metres would come to 90-odd floors. But the skyscraper in Prabhadevi will have only 24 apartments.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[DLF changes tack in city realty market]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4983</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:53:05 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- In a move that could add 5-million sq ft to Mumbai&acirc;€™s high-end residential market, the country&acirc;€™s largest developer, DLF, has decided to change the end use of its Lower Parel property. DLF had acquired the defunct mill land in Lower Parel in an auction conducted by state-owned National Textile Corporation in 2005. It had bid Rs 702 crore for a 17.5 acre plot &acirc;€” a record price at that point &acirc;€” while stepping into the Mumbai market. But while buyers of some of the other plots in the auction have already completed their construction, DLF has chosen to wait and watch.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Ambuja Realty to set up three IT parks in Kolkata]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4982</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:52:07 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Kolkata-based Ambuja Realty plans to invest over Rs 300 crore to set up three business parks in the city. While two such parks will come up in the city&#039;s IT hub-Salt Lake Sector V-Ambuja has plans to set up the third one in Rajarhat in the eastern fringes of Kolkata. 
Plans are also afoot to set up office space in Siliguri, Patna and Raipur.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Commercial realty remains subdued in Mohali]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4981</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:05:09 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- The tepid response to the auction of commercial plots organised by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) recently is an indicator of the subdued activity in the region&#039;s industry. According to realtors, even as the residential sector has gained some traction in the region (Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and neighboring areas) in the past few months, the commercial and retail sector has failed to gain momentum owing to various reasons. While few realtors believe that oversupply of commercial property in the region led to the present situation, others maintain that rentals charged by owners were still exorbitant, making it tough for the commercial sector to stage a comeback.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Tata Housing signs two MoUs with Assam Government]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4980</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:04:03 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Leading real estate company, Tata Housing Development Company (THDCL), today signed dual MoUs with the Assam Government to create commercial developments in the state. The first MoU was signed between THDCL and The Department of Industries and Commerce of Assam for creation of commercial space, including business parks and IT buildings in the state. 
The second MoU was signed with the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) for developing a township and other infrastructure projects under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model within the state.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Technopark ties up with group of banks for funding]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4979</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:02:23 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- The Technopark here has tied up with a consortium of banks for raising Rs 220 crore towards construction of the proposed 1 million sq ft building in its third phase of development. The team of banks comprises Indian Bank, Catholic Syrian Bank, Federal Bank and South Indian Bank. This was the second time that Technopark was tying up for funding with a bank consortium. Earlier this year four other banks, Central Bank of India, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank and the State Bank of Travancore had funded Rs 390 crore for land acquisition for the TechnoCity project.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Ambuja Realty plans Rs.1,065 crore investment]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4978</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:01:04 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Real estate company Ambuja Realty plans to invest Rs.1,065 crore over the next three to four years on commercial and residential complexes and business parks. The three business parks would require an investment of around Rs.295 crore. 
Apart from these business parks in the city, the company would also take up commercial and residential complex project in Siliguri in Darjeeling district (Rs.250 crore), Haldia City Centre project (Rs.70 crore) in East Midnapore, commercial complex project in Patna (Rs.300 crore) and Raipur commercial complex project (Rs.150 crore).]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Emaar MGF to invest Rs 500 cr on Gurgoan housing project]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4977</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:59:50 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Real estate major Emaar MGF will invest Rs 500 crore to build a mid-income housing project at Gurgaon in Haryana. The company, which plans to launch its initial public offer to raise up to Rs 3,850 crore, would develop 1,250 units in the 29 acre-project located at Sector-77 in Gurgaon. With a starting price of Rs 48 lakh the company has sold 650 units in the first phase.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Centre approves de-notification of 12 SEZs]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4976</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:01:17 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- The Centre has given its nod for de-notification of 12 special economic zones (SEZs) including nine IT SEZs in States such as Delhi, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and Gujarat. The Board of Approval, which comprises key officials from Ministries such as Commerce, Agriculture, Finance and Home, approves the SEZ projects.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Realty expo in Kolkata]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4975</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:55:16 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- The Confederation of Real Estate Developers&#039; Association of India (CREDAI) is organising a real estate exhibition from March 12 to 15 at the Science City Grounds here. The exhibition, titled &acirc;€˜Realty Expo 2010&#039;, will showcase nearly 400 properties by over 50 developers, according to a release issued by the confederation. This year&#039;s exhibition will also include several innovative marketing strategies targeting customer bases in Kolkata and the suburbs, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Siliguri and Bhubaneshwar.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Karnataka eyes Rs 2,800 cr from sale of government lands]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4974</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:51:54 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Karnataka expects to mobilise about Rs 2,800 crore from sale of government lands and Rs 1,000 crore from royalty on the sale of minerals in the coming financial year. Since the market conditions are showing signs of improvement, it is expected that in the next year, better realisation can be achieved from the sale of land, the target for the year 2010-11 is kept at Rs 2,800 crore.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Tata says goodbye to Residency for Vivanta]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4973</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:50:36 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Indian Hotels Co (IHCL),the hospitality arm of Tata group,is planning to do away with its Residency luxury brand.Indias largest hotel company is gearing up for a stronger push for its Vivanta brand,which was launched in 2008.The newly launched brand may replace Residency.Currently,there are three Taj Residencies in Trivandrum,Bangalore and Lucknow and three properties have been branded under Vivanta.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Housing project rakes up controversy]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4972</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:49:18 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- A controversy is brewing in Uttarakhand after the state government accorded permission to Mumbai-based Citurgia Biochemical for a housing project. The firm produces chemical carbonate at its Rishikesh plant.
A lockout was declared in the factory in 2003 after it became sick and the matter was referred to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR). A series of tax sops like exemption in stamp duty fees was also given to the private developers, which are now constructing a housing colony in the area where once the factory stood.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Gujarat falls back in SEZ number game]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4971</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:47:51 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Despite being the largest contributor in exports, Gujarat ranks fourth in terms of number of special economic zones (SEZs) operational in the country and fifth in terms of notified SEZs. In terms of formal approvals, the state is ranked sixth.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[BPTP plans Rs 1,500 cr IPO in early 2010-11]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4970</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:46:52 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Real estate developer BPTP today said it plans to raise around Rs 1,500 crore through an initial public offer (IPO) by early 2010-11. The company, which has a net worth of Rs 1,600 crore, is hoping to clock a top line of Rs 1,000 crore and profit after tax of Rs 200 crore in FY10. The company plans to pre-pay its Rs 325 crore debt from the issue proceeds, while Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for government use. The realty major has a consolidated debt of Rs 900 crore.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Supertech to invest Rs 4,000 cr in 15 projects; plans IPO]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4969</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:45:28 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Real estate firm Supertech on Wednesday said it will invest Rs 4,000 crore for developing 15 realty projects across North India in the  next three years, and it is planning to raise capital through a public offer. The residential projects are located across Noida, Meerut, Haridwar and Rudrapur, while the commercial properties will be developed at Haridwar, Rudrapur and Meerut.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Apollo to open 20 hospitals this year]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4968</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:20:28 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- pollo Hospitals Group will set up 20 hospitals this year at a cost of Rs 1,800 crore. The Group has shortlisted three locations -- Lavasa, Bangalore and Hyderabad -- for setting up the Global Health City, and it will take a decision within two months. The plan to open 20 hospitals includes the launch of three hospitals in the next one month.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Affordable homes remain a distant dream]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4967</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:18:50 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- Overall rising inflation and overall price increase of raw materials and services are pushing property rates north in key markets, making affordable homes unaffordable.
Following a series of stimulus packages and the economic revival, developers have jacked up property prices by 10 to 35 per cent in the last few months. Developers across India had launched around 300,000 affordable homes 15 to 18 months ago to tide over the glut in the property market and mop up resources to pay back debt.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Khaitan IAS man to Head Delhi Real Estate Practice]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4966</link>
			<source>Indian Realty News</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:17:11 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Indian Realty News- Khaitan &amp; Co has hired ex-bureaucrat and lawyer Dr PK Agrawal as partner to head its real estate practice in Delhi. This is Agrawal&acirc;€™s first assignment at a law firm, which he has now taken up after retirement.]]></description>
			</item><item>
            <title><![CDATA[Dahej SEZ gets green signal from envt ministry]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4965</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:16:01 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- The ONGC&#039;s proposal to set up a Special Economic Zone for petro-chemical units in Gujarat has got green signal from an Environment Ministry panel. In a recent meeting, Environment Ministry&#039;s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) recommended the ONGC&#039;s proposed Dahej SEZ in Bharuch in Gujarat for environment clearance. To be developed by Dahez SEZ Ltd (a special purpose vehicle of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation and ONGC), the proposed complex will be spread over an estimated area of 1,500 hectares and host various petrochemical units. Once developed to its full capacity, it is expected to attract an investment of Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 60,000 crore.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[DDA will paint your building, fix worst ones]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4964</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:14:43 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- The Delhi Development Authority has woken up to its responsibilities after Hindustan Times last month highlighted the appaling condition of its housing colonies. Recently, Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna, who is also DDA chairman, directed the state-owned property developer to take charge of the repair and upgrade of infrastructure of old residential buildings. the DDA will paint all three lakh flats it has built since 1968, at a cost of Rs 30 crore. It will also repair 800-1,000 of the worst flats that belong to not-so-well- off owners. In many areas, it will form a 50-50 partnership with upper-floor residents (first floor upwards) to build lifts.]]></description>
			</item><item>
            <title><![CDATA[DLF Signals Rise in Property Prices]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4963</link>
			<source>Indian Realty News</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:13:07 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Indian Realty News- Following the interest rate hike by a few leading banks and the government proposal to slap service tax on the realty sector, the country&acirc;€™s largest real estate developer DLF on Monday said properties would turn dearer as developers would have to pass on the service tax burden to end-users. While a few private sector lenders, including ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank, recently increased home loan rates by up to 100 basis points, the Budget proposed to impose service tax on the realty sector both on commercial rentals as well as on sale of under-construction housing units. The service tax would come to be about 3.5 per cent of the cost of the apartment that includes the value of the land and also the cost of construction, realty body Credai said.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[New tax code should retain exemptions to SEZs: Commerce Ministry]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4962</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:11:51 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- The Commerce Ministry has proposed that the Direct Taxes Code should bring in &acirc;€œgrandfathering provisions&acirc;€ exempting Special Economic Zones from its purview so that the developers and units of these tax-free enclaves can continue to enjoy the tax benefits as offered by the present regime. Contending that it is &acirc;€œunfair&acirc;€ to take away tax benefits promised to SEZ developers and units through DTC norms with retrospective effect, the Commerce Secretary, Dr Rahul Khullar, told Business Line that the tax regime that the new code proposes, if need be, should be applicable only to new SEZs.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Finance Ministry Rules Out Rolling Back of Service Tax on Real Estate Sector]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4961</link>
			<source>Indian Realty News</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:10:51 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Indian Realty News- The Finance Ministry on Thursday ruled out rolling back of service tax on real estate developers at the time of construction, a move which the industry says will jack up housing and commercial property prices. &acirc;€œConstruction is a service. As a service, there is no reason why it should not be taxed,&acirc;€ revenue secretary Sunil Mitra said at a CII seminar.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Service tax, excise duty to make homes dearer]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4960</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:09:50 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Home buyers are set to face higher prices due to the imposition of service tax, as well as an increase in cost of various inputs like cement. Realtors like TDI Infrastructure feel any announcement of an increase in prices will dampen the affordable housing business at a time when realtors already face razor-thin margins.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[India in Hiring Mode- Hiring on for Real Estate Sector]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4959</link>
			<source>Indian Realty News</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:08:33 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Indian Realty News- India continued to be the most optimistic nation in terms of hiring plans for the next three months, driven by strong job opportunities across all sectors including finance and realty sectors. According to the quarterly &acirc;€˜Employment Outlook Survey&acirc;€™, India Inc&acirc;€™s hiring outlook improved by four percentage points for the April-June period compared to the previous quarter.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Nariman Point losing out to newer buildings in other parts of the city]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4958</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:07:17 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- For years, Nariman Point has housed India&#039;s most exclusive office property, with impossible rental rates and a listing on all the major international surveys. But Mumbai&#039;s central business district&#039;s good old buildings are now starting to lose out to newer, swankier constructions in other parts of the city.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Binani Cement forays into realty]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4957</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:05:59 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Binani Cement &acirc;€” the flagship company of the Binani Group &acirc;€” is getting into commercial real estate development in order to cash in on its idle land bank and to reduce dependence on the cyclical nature of the cement business. The company has decided to develop an information technology park jointly with a partner on 56 acres of land it has in Thane near Mumbai. The construction work will start in a few months and the project is expected to be completed by next year.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[HCC plans Rs 50,000cr investment in Lavasa in a decade]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4956</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:04:22 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Realty major Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) has plans to invest around Rs 50,000 crore in its township project in Lavasa, near here,  over the next 10-12 years. HCC, through its group company Lavasa Corporation, has already invested around Rs 2,500 crore in the project, Lavasa Corporation president Rajgopal Nogja.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Gujarat grabs a lion&#039;s share of 50% in country&#039;s SEZ exports]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4955</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:06:36 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- While Gujarat may not have the highest number of notified special economic zones (SEZs) in the country, it has still managed to grab a lion&#039;s share in terms of overall exports from SEZs.The exports from all operational SEZs India is all set to cross Rs 2 lakh crore during this fiscal, of which Gujarat is likely to contribute close to 50 per cent with over Rs 1 lakh crore exports. Andhra Pradesh leads with 72 notified SEZs, followed by Maharashtra which has 57 SEZs. Tamil Nadu has 55 SEZs and Haryana has 32 notified SEZs.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Real estate companies begin wooing customers again]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4954</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:04:11 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Leaving the slowdown turmoil behind, real estate companies in Hyderabad are wooing customers with price incentives. And, in return for the upfront payments, the companies are committing themselves to complete the projects according to the deadline.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Building rules on loose ground]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4953</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:02:44 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- Protest is brewing among builders over the proposed move of the Kerala Government to revise the building rules, saying that the new rules have a lot of unrealistic and impractical suggestions which will be &acirc;€œdetrimental to the development prospects of the State&acirc;€. The Indian Institute of Architects, Kerala Chapter, has come out against the amendments alleging that the rules were brought out unilaterally by the Government without eliciting the opinion from architects, builders or the public at large.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Rs 1.7 crore fine for commercial use of residential plot]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4952</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:01:27 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- The Delhi High Court to pay Rs 1.7 crore for using a residential plot alloted by the Centre for commercial purposes. This is one of the highest fines imposed so far for the violation in the capital. The property, in Friends Colony, was leased out by the Centre to Savitri Devi for residential purposes in 1976, but she rented out the premises for co- mmercial purposes over the years against the agreement.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Wipro fraud underscores need for better corporate governance: Experts]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4951</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:00:08 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- The recent case of embezzlement by a Wipro insider, believe industry experts and analysts, would have little impact on the company&acirc;€™s business or image. However, they simultaneously caution that the issue yet again highlights the need for better measures on corporate governance and fraud. The Wipro staffer (who reportedly committed suicide later) from the company&acirc;€™s corporate accounts division stole $4 million (Rs 18 crore) from the company&acirc;€™s bank account by accessing a colleague&acirc;€™s password. India, according to a KPMG survey, is perceived as a fraud haven, with over 75 per cent of respondents to the survey saying their highest concern was fraud remaining undetected, followed by inadequacy of anti-fraud measures and unethical behaviour of employees. While it took a Satyam incident for the country to sit up and look at the problem, the KPMG survey had said that over 80 per cent of the respondents accepted fraud was a problem in the corporate environment in India. And, that another 70 per cent believed fraud in India would increase over the next two years.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Infrastructure may replace IT as new growth driver]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4950</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:58:34 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- What&acirc;€™s common between GMR Infrastructure, Mundra Port, Reliance Infrastructure, JP Associates and GVK Power and Infrastructure? All are infrastructure companies, with growth in sales and profits at an average of 30 per cent or more in the past two years.
Many believe infrastructure could be the next driver of growth, and companies in this sector could grow the same way as software companies like Infosys and Wipro grew for much of the past decade. Issac George, CFO, GVK Power &amp; Infrastructure, said infrastructure would continue to post higher growth as the base is low.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Tata Motors moves SC on property tax issue]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4949</link>
			<source>The Financial Express</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:57:16 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Financial Express- Tata Motors on Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging a civic body&acirc;€™s decision to fix the annual letting value (ALV) at a flat rate of 8% of the cost of construction for the purposes of charging higher rate of property tax on its factory premises in Mumbai.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Service tax to hit home buyers hard]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4948</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:56:01 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Your dream home is now going to cost more. Simply because home buyers are now going to bear 10.3% service tax on properties under construction as proposed in the Budget 2010 -- which will lead to a tax outgo of 3.4% of the sale value of the house, according to experts. The Budget has proposed an amendment in the definition of two existing taxable service categories -- &acirc;€˜commercial and industrial construction&acirc;€™ and &acirc;€˜construction of complex services&acirc;€™. This amendment provides that unless the entire consideration for the property is paid after the completion of construction, the activity of construction would be deemed to be a taxable service provided by the builder/ promoter/ developer to the prospective buyer and the service tax would be charged accordingly.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Blues ahead for realty]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4947</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:54:31 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- As most builders have increased prices, along with the recent budgetary proposals, it is likely that realty sector may see some slowdown in demand in the long term. 
The Union Budget 2010 has not been able to do much for the realty sector. Though some announcements were made, a lot remained unsaid. Proposals like a one-year extension for completing housing projects to claim tax benefit or allowing a larger proportion of commercial space in township projects or one-year extension for interest rate subvention may benefit a few vis-&Atilde;&nbsp;-vis the imposition of service tax on under-construction housing projects that would hit both developers and buyers at large.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Alpha G:Corp to invest Rs 350-500 cr in Punjab]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4946</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:53:22 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Having already invested over Rs 350 crore in the first phase of the mixed use development Mega Project &acirc;€˜AlphaOne&acirc;€™ in Amritsar, real estate player Alpha G:Corp Development Private Limited is planning to pump in Rs 350-500 crore in AlphaOne in the second phase, which will include setting up of service apartments, a premium residential complex and expanded retail space.
The company has already developed 1 million square feet mixed use development Mega Project &acirc;€˜AlphaOne&acirc;€™ in Amritsar, where 90 per cent of the space has been leased out.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Ahluwalia readies Rs 100 cr for acquisition]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4945</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:51:30 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Construction firm Ahluwalia Contracts India is in acquisition talks for specialised construction firms, with a war-chest of up to Rs 100 crore, and hopes to sew up the deal by June. The New Delhi-based firm sees a 25-30 per cent organic growth for next five years and acquisitions of upto Rs 100 crore could be funded from its internal resources. Ahluwalia Contracts is expecting new government orders of around Rs 500-600 crore for construction of specialised buildings like hospitals, hotels and education institutions by the end of March 2010.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Service tax on housing projects may prove tricky]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4944</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:47:52 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- The issue of the imposition of service tax on construction and sale of residential property has long been a matter of concern for the real estate and construction industry as well as for buyers of such residential property. Before coming to the Budget 2010 proposals in this regard, it would be worthwhile to briefly understand the background in relation to the levy of service tax on such activities. It must be mentioned at the outset that since the activity of construction is in many instances in the nature of a works contract, the charge of sales tax or VAT has typically applied as well. Hence, the issue has been problematic even in that regard.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Aditya Birla Retail plans expansion]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4943</link>
			<source>The Financial Express</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:46:11 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Financial Express- Aditya Birla Retail Ltd (ABRL), the retail arm of the Aditya Birla Group, aims to be an $2.5 billion entity by 2017-18. ABRL expects a revenue of Rs 1,450-1,500 crore this fiscal (FY10). It had closed FY09 at Rs 1,130 crore. ABRL plans to open 70-100 supermarket stores every year at an investment of nearly Rs 50-60 lakh per store, spread across 2,500-2,800 sq ft pan-India.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Corp governance to get repute claws]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4942</link>
			<source>The Financial Express</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:44:27 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Financial Express- Companies not complying with the &acirc;€˜voluntary&acirc;€™ guidelines relating to corporate governance laid down by the corporate affairs ministry in December 2009 may soon have to offer explanations for the delay. Even though the guidelines would continue to be voluntary, the government intends to ask the companies not complying for the reasons for the their recalcitrance. 
The government&acirc;€™s prodding, analysts say, would force many companies to behave, as open non-compliance will affect their reputation. The ministry&acirc;€™s guidelines are over and above the ones stipulated by market regulator Sebi under Clause 49 of the listing agreement. The guidelines include: separation of the offices of chairman and CEO to promote balance of power, setting a limit of seven on the maximum number of directorships for individuals, clearly listing out the responsibilities of the director on the board, among others.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[NAREDCO to Review Impact of Service Tax on housing Sector]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4941</link>
			<source>Indian Realty News</source>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:42:24 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Indian Realty News- Realtors body NAREDCO said it will hold a meeting of its members to assess the negative impact of imposition of service tax on housing complexes under construction. According to the Budget paper, the construction of real estate complexes will attract service tax, unless the entire consideration for the property is paid after the completion of construction. While some developers are of the view that the service tax of 10.3 per cent would be imposed on 33 per cent of the total sales value, other feel it should be on 33 per cent of the total construction cost.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Realty Prices to Increase from July]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4940</link>
			<source>Indian Realty News</source>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:39:04 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Indian Realty News- The service tax of 3.3%, announced in the Budget, will be effective on your home from July as the amendments to the Finance Bill will be put into effect in June. Moreover, banks have decided to increase interest rates in the range of 0.25-0.5 percentage points on home loans, which could further be hiked in the forthcoming credit policy. Companies including realty majors like DLF, under the aegis of Delhi-based real estate body National Real Estate Development Council (Naredco), will soon approach the FM for a rollback of service tax. The property prices are expected to go up with real estate companies passing on the additional burden to buyers. Effectively, someone buying a house property in Delhi will have to pay a service tax of 3.3% on the price of the accommodation and also a stamp duty of 8% as a sale of immovable property.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[India Infoline Advises to Buy Indiabulls Real Estate for target of Rs 185]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4939</link>
			<source>Indian Realty News</source>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:37:14 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Indian Realty News- India Infoline has advised high-risk traders to buy Indiabulls Real Estate for target of Rs 185. &acirc;€œIndiabulls Real Estate is pointing to continued strength in the weeks to come as it has broken a downward-sloping trend line since early-January 2010. A detailed study of the daily chart shows that the stock has corrected from the high of Rs 236 in January 2010 to touch a low of Rs 151 last week.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[LIC to undertake realty projects across India]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4938</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:36:00 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) would undertake realty projects, both commercial and residential, across the country. Stating that LIC was the second largest real estate asset holder in the country after the Railways, besides being the largest investor.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Budget,Realty and You!]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4937</link>
			<source>The Times of India</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:17:47 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Times of India- Budget Building and operating a new 2-star hotel or above as classified by the central government on or after April 1,2010 would enjoy the benefit of Section 35AD of the Income Tax Act,1961.This amendment to the said Section 35AD will inspire a large number of taxpayers of India to set up 2-star and above hotels anywhere in India to enjoy the tax benefit.The entire expenditure incurred,wholly or exclusively,for the purposes of a new hotel will be allowed as a deduction in terms of Section 35AD of the Income Tax Act,1961.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[HNI investing in commercial properties]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4936</link>
			<source>The Times of India</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:16:30 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Times of India- Unlike in the past,the New Age Indians are not confined to investing in residential properties they are now setting their sights on commercial property as well. If you imagine that commercial properties are only purchased by companies to expand their business prospects,think again! Now high net worth individuals (HNI) too invests in commercial properties.As recently as a few years ago,commercial property was an investment option for select individuals.Apart from the issue of a large investment,it required a different mindset from the investment point of view as well.But,over the years,a large number of Indians have begun to earn huge salaries while many others are also making a lot of money through freelance jobs,which they are investing in commercial properties.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Are developers following building codes]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4935</link>
			<source>The Times of India</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:15:06 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Times of India- Large building complexes like offices,housing apartments,malls,multiplexes,which have changed the urbanscape,do not have any mandatory inspections to ensure that building plans and fire safety norms are in place. Some say that developers deviate even up to 10% from the sanctioned plan in many of these buildings.Violations through non-installation of fire equipment,congested staircases,and entry to the main building from basement,narrow entry roads and absence of trained personnel to tackle emergencies are major causes of concern in all highrise buildings. A study conducted not long ago by a consumer organization in Mumbai and Gujarat looked at 18 housing projects,comprising 4,500 units,constructed by private and government agencies.Predictably,findings spoke of gross violation of building bylaws,use of substandard materials,and inadequate/ nil technical supervisi]on.Residents speak of damp roofs,peeling plaster,faulty wiring,leaky taps,corroded reinforcement,splintered windows and vibrating parapets.Most of the users had to replace shutters and fixtures of the joinery within a short time. Building codes exist to protect the publics health,safety and welfare.It regulates building construction and building use in order to protect the health,safety and welfare of the occupant.There cannot be any debate that all the stakeholders have to ensure that NBC is followed in letter and spirit so that the lives of innocent people are not put in danger.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[A cyberland in NOIDA]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4934</link>
			<source>The Times of India</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:13:29 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Times of India- Flush with the success of its first-ever launch of a residential project,Logix Group is launching Phase-2 of its cyber park in Noida in end-March. After the launch of its first residential project,Blossom County in Sector 137,Noida last month,Logix Group is back to what it does best building IT parks.The group is launching Logix Cyber Park,Phase-2 in end-March,in which Tower C &amp; D will be on offer to IT/ITeS and other technology firms.Phase-1 of Logix Cyber Park (Tower A &amp; B) was launched last year,and both the towers have been leased out to leading IT firms and MNCs with 100% occupancy. The site is located in Sector 62,the corporate hub of Noida,and is 9km from DND expressway and 2km from the national highway.Logix Cyber Park is also close to industrial centres like Faridabad (35 km),Ghaziabad (5km),Greater Noida (20 km) and Meerut (50 km).Connaught Place in Delhi is about 20 km from here.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Retail finds a foothold again]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4933</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:11:50 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- As long-term prospects start to look upbeat, retail formats such as furnishings, lifestyle apparel, fitness, electronics and accessories are set to see growth
With the market slowing down in the beginning of the year 2009, retailers were forced to offer discounts, sales and special in-store promotions to maintain sales volumes. As a result of these factors and a surge in supply of new shopping cen- tre space, the market changed from one favouring landlords to one where ten- ants&#039; negotiation power grew significantly.During the course of the last year, rental levels fell substantially from the highs reached in 2007 and 2008. In addition, lease terms have become more favourable to the lessee. Retailers have become more cautious in their approach towards retail markets and are increasing- ly looking at footfalls, tenant mix and conversion rates before committing to renting retail spaces. Additionally, developers have become more understanding of the tenant&#039;s needs, and are will- ing to offer more flexible lease terms to ensure higher occupancy.]]></description>
			</item><item>
            <title><![CDATA[Construction in the service tax net]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4932</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:09:54 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- The proposed imposition of service tax on real estate comes as a surprise. Real-estate was one of the biggest victims of the economic slowdown, which crept in about one-and-half years back. Despite the falling realty prices, there were few takers, as potential customers were either out of money, or preferred to adopt a wait-and-watch approach.
Now, with the economy showing signs of recovery, real-estate prices have also started rising; rather steeply in some parts of the country.Therefore, the Budget 2010 proposals extending service tax on real estate came as a surprise.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Service tax on commercial property]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4931</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:08:16 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- While a service tax on commercial property seeks to introduce greater transparency in the transactions involved, the immediate downside is also quite apparent. Budget 2010 intends to bring all lease agreements pertaining to commercial property, including offices, business centers, shop and malls, cold storage facilities and warehouses as well as all other premises used for business purposes under the purview of service tax. The benefits of the stay that the Delhi High Court had placed on service tax collections with regards to the renting out of commer- cial premises herewith stands revoked. While this is certainly a step towards introducing greater transparency into the transactions involved, the immediate downside is also quite apparent. Tenants calculate effective rent per month per square foot on carpet area. Landlords calculate their net earnings after paying all taxes and other payables.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[City gets Rs 5,325 cr for infrastructure]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4930</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:06:24 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- With the forthcoming elections to the Greater Bangalore City Corporation or the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in mind, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, who presented the state budget for 2010-11, showered a big bonanza on Bangalore city. The government proposes to spend a whopping Rs 5,325 crore, about 7.6 per cent of the budgetted expenditure for the development of infrastructure in Bangalore city alone during fiscal 2010-11. Over the last two years, the government spent Rs 6,000 crore on developing infrastructure of Bangalore city.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[SEZ units permitted to re-export restricted items]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4929</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:05:01 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- The Government has allowed units in special economic zones (SEZs) to export prohibited or restricted items, provided they import all the raw-materials used for making such products and add value before re-exporting. Units in the domestic tariff area (DTA) can supply restricted items to an SEZ developer or unit for setting up infrastructure facility or for setting up of a unit. But significantly SEZ units cannot export any restricted or prohibited item if the raw material used in those is sourced domestically.]]></description>
			</item><item>
            <title><![CDATA[Time to take stock]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4928</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:03:41 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- Developers must consider the market dynamics in the commercial real estate space before planning an office. It is common knowledge that the real estate sector has been one of the hardest hit in India by the economic slowdown. It is hard to ascertain how deep and broad this impact has been. Yet, this article will make an attempt at just that. Research con- ducted by GenReal, a Delhi- based real estate adviser, has indicated that there is cause for concern and developers need capital as well as patience to tide over these tough times.
Due to regulatory clauses or land-use restrictions, commercial office space supply in India can now be classified into three distinct segments, IT parks, IT SEZs and commercial buildings. It is clear that demand, which at times sees some overlap, is very distinct for each of these segments. All these segments have been impacted by the slowdown, albeit in varying levels. Overall, the impact of the significant reduction in demand and availability of capital was: Many buildings witnessed cancellation of expansion options by tenants. This was the case with most large deals (i.e. over 100,000 sq. ft.) where the tenant usually picks up space in a phased manner.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Budget 2010: No surprises]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4927</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:02:12 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- While the real estate sector has welcomed the i budget as &quot;growth-oriented&quot;, some realty experts have termed it a &quot;mixed bag&quot; which has its &quot;positives and negatives.&quot; Direct tax sops Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has proposed that while there would be no tax on incomes of up to Rs 1.6 lakh, a tax of 10 per cent will be levied on incomes of up to i Rs 5 lakh, 20 per cent on up i to Rs 8 lakh and 30 per cent on earnings above that level.
The revision in income tax slabs will increase the take- home salary of an individual with an income of Rs 10 lakh per annum by Rs 50,000. i This, in turn, will increase his eligibility for a housing loan by approximately Rs 5 lakh. Interest rate subvention The scheme of one per cent interest subvention on housing loans up to Rs 10 lakh, where the cost of the house does not exceed Rs 20 lakh, has been extended up to March 2011.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Realty developers not pleased at many Budget details]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4926</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:00:07 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- The devil is in the detail for the real estate sector. Though the Budget gave sops to home buyers in the form of tax savings and interest rate subvention, it quietly brought back service tax on lease rentals in the Finance Bill. Builders said they&acirc;€™d pass on the service tax burden to customers. The silver lining was that the continuation of interest rate subvention and higher disposable income in the hands of individuals through income tax reliefs would more than make up for it. The Budget announced a maximum tax savings of Rs 20,000 for those earning an annual income up to Rs 5 lakh and up to Rs 50,000 for those earning up to Rs 8 lakh. The biggest worry of developers is re-introduction of service taxes. In April 2009, the Delhi High Court stayed the tax on lease rents when some retailers approached it, opposing the government move to impose it. According to the Finance Bill, service tax would be levied for renting immovable property or any other service to such renting with retrospective effect from June 1, 2007. The service tax rate is 10 per cent now.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Infrastructure sector: a long-term growth story]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4925</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:58:36 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Budget 2010 which aims at a sustained growth of 9% in the years to come. Emphasis has been laid on building a robust infrastructure by allocating Rs 1,73,000 crore, 46% of the total plan allocated expenditure. Infrastructure that would augment the growth of Indian economy. Inclusive growth being the mantra of the government, emphasis has also been laid on growth of rural infrastructure. Focused investment in the sector would not only provide resources but also act as an incentive for private sector participation. The Indian Railways is considered to be the lifeline of the working class population as well as the cheapest mode of long-distance cargo transportation. Given the acute liquidity crunch faced by the industry, the government has ensured that adequate infrastructure refinancing facilities are made available to India Infrastructure Finance Company (IIFC). Though the Budget allocation reflects a focused approach towards providing impetus to the infrastructure sector, the direct and indirect tax proposals seem to be a mixed bag with certain measures negatively impacting the sector.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Micky Jagtiani to launch 25 Spar hyper stores by &acirc;€˜12]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4924</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:56:49 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- After a phase of consolidation, billionaire Micky Jagtiani-owned Max Hypermarkets, which operates Spar-branded superstores, plans to expand its presence to new geographies and open 25 hypermarkets by 2012. This will result in a 10-fold increase in the company&acirc;€™s retail space&acirc;€”from 120,000 sq ft currently to 1.2 million sq ft. The company, currently, operates three large-format stores&acirc;€”two in Bangalore and one in Hyderabad&acirc;€”and is set to open its flagship property, a 90,000 sq ft store, in Bangalore next week.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[No takers for Bandra Kurla Complex land]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4923</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:09:53 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- Mumbai&#039;s bearish property market appears to have hit an all-time low. There were no takers for a commercial plot measuring 3162 sq mt at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) here.]]></description>
			</item><item>
            <title><![CDATA[Foreign funds sneak into property business]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4922</link>
			<source>Indian Realty News</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:08:24 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Indian Realty News- Foreign debt, banned in real estate, is finding its way into property firms, as bankers and lawyers help builders cobble together new deals to raise money. Even though foreign loans, better known as external commercial borrowings (ECBs), are not permitted in construction, property firms have spotted a mechanism where the debt can be provided by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) registered with Sebi. No rules are broken and the deals, involving a three-way transaction, come across as normal private placements in the corporate bond market. It begins with a real estate company placing non-convertible debentures (NCDs) with a local entity like a non-banking finance company (NBFC) to borrow.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[CCEA clears infrastructure fund proposal]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4921</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:07:32 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- The Centre has cleared the proposal of India Infrastructure Development Fund Ltd-Mauritius (IIDF-M) to seek contributions from global investors. The monies would be invested in the units of a private equity fund that would take stakes in companies engaged in infrastructure development and allied activities in the country. The IIDF-M is a venture of UTI Asset Management Company, Shinsei Bank of Japan and HSH Nordbank AG of Germany.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[HDFC, ICICI drop cheap home loans]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4920</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:06:28 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- In a move that marks the end of teaser rates on home loans and the beginning of hardening of home loan rates, housing finance companies (HFCs), HDFC and ICICI Bank on Friday rolled back their two- year fixed home loan offering at 8.25 per cent, effective March 1.
The two command a 55 per cent marketshare of the home loans market with leader HDFC controlling a 35 per cent share and ICICI Bank 20 per cent .]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Mumbai&acirc;€™s Fails to Lure Bidders in Govt Land Sale]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4919</link>
			<source>Indian Realty News</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:04:28 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Indian Realty News- Mumbai&acirc;€™s failure to lure any bidders in the first government land sale in at least 1 1/2 years may cause rates in that area to fall as India&acirc;€™s financial hub seeks to develop the reclaimed marshland into a key business district. The five likely bidders who attended a preliminary meeting last month for the sale of the site in the city&acirc;€™s Bandra-Kurla Complex didn&acirc;€™t submit offers yesterday, said Dilip Kawathkar, joint project director and spokesman for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority. The land was valued at a minimum 4.35 billion rupees ($95 million) by the agency. The failed auction may force Mumbai, whose commercial space makes it among the world&acirc;€™s five most expensive cities, to cancel or defer sales of land.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Ansal sees Rs 730 cr from two townships]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4918</link>
			<source>Indian Realty News</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:03:18 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Indian Realty News- Ansal API, the New Delhi-based real estate player, is looking at garnering sales of at least Rs 730 crore from two townships in the next two fiscals, even as it ramps up its plans for the affordable housing segment, a source familiar with the development said. The developer is currently working on 19 townships focusing on the residential sector, which includes two mega townships of 1,765 acre Sushant Golf City, Lucknow and 2,504 acre Megapolis Dadri, Greater Noida. The realtor has received Rs 410 crore as advances from sales in its Sushant City project and has bought land for the first phase in Megapolis. These two townships would provide sales of Rs 330 crore in fiscal 2011 and Rs 400 crore in fiscal 2012 as the developer increases its marketing and sales initiatives in these two townships.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Auto, home loans turn expensive]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4917</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:02:16 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Signalling a hardening of interest rates, private sector banks have started raising retail lending rates.
ICICI Bank, the country&acirc;€™s largest private sector lender, says it is going to charge 25 to 50 basis points more for auto loans and has discontinued its teaser offer on home loans. Similarly, HDFC Bank has increased auto loan rates 25 to 50 basis points. Kotak Mahindra Bank has increased interest rates on auto and home loans by a similar amount. The new home loan rates came into effect from Monday along with the end in the teaser rate, which offered 8.25 per cent on loans of all values for the the first year.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Service tax may take toll on realty]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4916</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:56:30 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- After many months in the dumps, the housing sector was finally sniffing at a recovery as buyers returned gradually, lured by sharp price cuts and teaser loans. 
But a Budget proposal to levy service tax on houses under construction is threatening to crimp the sector&acirc;€™s fragile recovery as the resultant price hike is certain to dissuade fresh buyers. The proposal, a bolt from the blue, purported to spur builders into completing projects faster after rampant complaints of long delays. 
Though that remains to be seen, an immediate effect will be the prices of incomplete houses rising by 3% after a service tax of 10.3%, including surcharge, is imposed. The levy is based on an earlier Income Tax Department circular, held up due to resistance from developers, which set 33% of the house price as services.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[No service tax breaks for realty: Government]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4915</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:55:34 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- A senior finance ministry official on Thursday said there was no reason to exempt from service tax payments made to builders during the period of construction, a proposal made during the budget for 2010/11. The Union Budget announced on Friday clarified that realty developers must pay service tax on payments made to them during the period of construction, a move which the developers said would raise home prices and crimp demand. But Revenue Secretary Sunil Mitra said the proposal would not hike prices by more than 3.5 percent, an increase that could be afforded by the customers.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[SEZs will get to sell power outside zones]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4914</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:54:30 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- The government will allow power projects located in special economic zones (SEZs) to sell electricity to units outside the zones, including in other SEZs, without seeking a distribution licence from state electricity boards. This will make these power SEZs, such as the ones proposed by the Adani Group, Wardha Power and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), more attractive to investors.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Realty cos opt for joint play to save on costs]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4913</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:53:29 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Sky high land prices, unclear titles and a clear need to conserve cash are forcing some real estate companies to do joint development deals with landowners rather than splurge money in buying and holding land at expensive rates. Under the arrangement being discussed by some firms, landowners team up with developers through a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The owner comes on board as an equity partner in lieu of the land he puts on the table. When the project gives returns, the landowner gets a fixed percentage of the revenue in proportion to his equity holding.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Proposals will help create low-cost housing projects]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4912</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:58:13 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- The Budget is good for all public in general and for infrastructure sector, food processing units and the large support to the rural development including PPP projects, education and health etc. But the developers have looked forward to more sops to bring housing affordable for all the sectors of the society, however, we welcome the Finance Minister&#039;s move of provision of Rs 700 crore and extension of interest subvention scheme of one per cent on all individual housing loans up to Rs 10 lakh for units costing up to Rs 20 lakh till March 30, 2011.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Tata-Sikorsky first copter to fly out From aerospace SEZ by Nov]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4911</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:56:32 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- The joint venture of Tata Advanced Systems and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (US) will produce its first helicopter from the Aerospace and Precision Engineering special economic zone at Adibhatla near here by November 2010, according to chief minister K Rosaiah.
Inaugurating India Aviation 2010, the second edition of the international exhibition and conference on civil aviation here on Wednesday, he said Tata-Sikorsky was allotted 50 acre in the country&acirc;€™s first aerospace SEZ to set up a helicopter cabin manufacturing facility with an estimated investment of Rs 1,000 crore. The project would begin its commercial production this month.]]></description>
			</item><item>
            <title><![CDATA[Retailers get smart in realty deals]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4910</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:54:31 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- The first signs of a receding recession is being reflected in retailers getting back their bargaining power in realty deals even though they are still taking a longer time to close. Retailers, who expanded because competition did, have learnt their lesson and therefore will not pay more than what their business model can support. Also, with retailers focusing more sharply on the cost of retail space, real estate deals have again become long and protracted.]]></description>
			</item><item>
            <title><![CDATA[Muthoot to add two more resorts]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4909</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:52:36 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Muthoot Leisure and Hospitality Services (MLHS), a division of Muthoot M George Enterprises, plans to expand its business by adding two more resorts within a span of 15-24 months. The company will add ten more housing boats to its present fleet. He said the total investment in these boats would be in a range of Rs 3.5 -4 crore.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Realtors to seek service tax rollback on housing]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4908</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:50:31 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Real estate developers have called an emergency meeting to assess the impact of the service tax on housing and will approach the government for rollback of the Budget proposal. In the Finance Bill 2010-11, the government proposed that construction of real estate complexes will attract service tax, unless the entire consideration for the property is paid after the completion of construction. While some developers are of the view that the service tax of 10.3 per cent would be imposed on 33 per cent of the total sales value, others feel it should be imposed on 33 per cent of the total construction cost.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Thrust on affordable housing segment, a welcome move]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4907</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:49:18 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- The real estate sector had a wide wish-list from the Budget this year, owing to the recent crisis faced by it in terms of tight liquidity and falling prices in some areas.
Expectations mainly revolved around the areas of affordable housing, housing loan interest deduction, increased flow of capital, etc. Optically, the Finance Minister seems to have addressed some of these issues.
The thrust on housing in the form of increased budgetary allocation for urban housing and interest subventions on home loans for the affordable housing category is helpful. Further, the Budget proposes to support the affordable housing sector by rationalising certain conditions for claiming tax holiday such as increasing time limit for completion of construction and built up area limits for shops and establishments in the project.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Reliance Trends to open 100 stores]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4906</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:48:05 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Reliance Trends Ltd is planning to increase its number of stores to 100 over the next 24 months from 12. The focus will be on the southern market. The major thrust area for the growth will be the southern market, especially Tamil Nadu. The company launched its first retail shop in the city today.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Foreign funds sneak into property business]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4905</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:45:59 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Foreign debt, banned in real estate, is finding its way into property firms, as bankers and lawyers help builders cobble together new deals to raise money. 
Even though foreign loans, better known as external commercial borrowings (ECBs), are not permitted in construction, property firms have spotted a mechanism where the debt can be provided by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) registered with Sebi. No rules are broken and the deals, involving a three-way transaction, come across as normal private placements in the corporate bond market. It begins with a real estate company placing non-convertible debentures (NCDs) with a local entity like a non-banking finance company (NBFC) to borrow.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Maytas Infra, HDFC Bank fix repayment plan]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4904</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:52:03 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- IL&amp;FS-owned Maytas Infra (MIL), formerly promoted by disgraced Satyam founder Ramalinga Raju, has reached a repayment settlement with one of its lenders HDFC Bank. Under the agreement, Maytas will now pay only 50% of the outstanding loan of Rs 100 crore as on January 2009. Some 14 banks had extended loans of Rs 2,000 crore to Maytas Infra, a company listed on the Indian bourses. But these lenders froze all accounts of the company after promoters admitted financial irregularities in Satyam Computers.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[RBI grants infra status to cold storages]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4903</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:49:24 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today allowed companies setting up cold storage facilities to raise funds abroad, thereby giving the infrastructure status.
The decision to grant infrastructure status to cold storage and cold room facilities by the RBI follows the Budget announcement to this effect. As per the definition, the infrastructure sector includes power, telecommunications, railways, roads, including bridges, sea ports and airports, industrial parks, urban infrastructure (water supply, sanitation and sewage projects), mining, exploration and refining.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Builder cartel jacks up prices in Mumbai]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4902</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:47:53 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- A cartelisation of Mumbai&acirc;€™s real estate, one of the costliest in the world, in the matter of transferable development rights (TDR) has put upward pressure on prices and has also caused concern in policy circles.
In a recent development, just six-odd builders and developers hold 70 per cent of the 2.5-3 million sq ft TDR available. The price of TDR has also surged to Rs 2,500-Rs 3,000 per sq ft from Rs 800-1,000 sq ft in the past six months. Realty sector sources said the Mumbai cartel had meant a rise in TDR prices practically every month.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Upbeat in Mumbai: New hotels open]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4901</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:46:26 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Reflecting the buoyancy of the economic turnaround and the gradual restoration of job opportunities , new hotels have opened in Mumbai in recent months. The Trident unveiled a suburban five-star in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, while Juhu has seen at least two new hotels added to its charm. In addition, the Marriott is scheduled to unveil the Courtyard near the international airport in March 2010 and the Palace wing of the Taj Mahal Palace &amp; Tower will reopen in May. The Taj Group also plans to open eight hotels under the Vivanta by Taj brand and two under The Gateway Hotel brand, all within India.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[DU hitch for Metro&#039;s 14-storey housing complex]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4900</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:57:30 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- The DMRC plans to build a 14-storey residential complex near the Metro station at DU. The University authorities, however, feel the multi- storey building will vitiate the campuses&#039; tranquil atmosphere. The DMRC wants to build the 14-storey building next to a 3.05 hectare plot near the Vis- hwavidyalaya Metro station for property development. The housing project is facing problems on another front, too. According to DDA&#039;s composite development control norms, the DMRC is allowed only up to 25 per cent ground coverage and 100 Floor Area Ratio to build a residential complex. However, the DMRC needs 33 per cent ground coverage and 200 FAR to build a 14-storey building.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[COMMERCIAL RENTALS LIKELY TO HEAD NORTH]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4899</link>
			<source>The Hindustan Times</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:53:06 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindustan Times- Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has pro- posed to amend the Finance Act 1994 to include renting of commercial property as a service.
The said provision that brings renting of commercial space under the service tax net would be applicable with retrospective effect from June 1, 2007. The proposal is expected to increase commercial rentals.
Retailers have always complained about high rentals, accounting for almost 8-15 per cent of the total operational cost. A service tax over and above this amount is lilely to hit them even harder.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Harsh on realty]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4898</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:46:54 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- In recent years, this is probably the only Budget that has impacted the real estate sector in such a big way. The proposals seek to mop-up significant amounts by way of taxes and duties from the real estate sector, be it residential or commercial projects. While the Budget proposes to continue the 1 per cent interest rate subvention on housing loans granted for purchase of low-cost houses, it has no other incentive/policy announcements for the affordable housing sector. For the industry which is faced with intense competition and challenge of declining affordability/reluctancy on the part of the end-users to spend high, the incremental tax costs could result in pricing pressures and could witness declining margins, especially where the builders/developers are not in a position to pass on the tax burden onto the end-customers.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Krishnapatnam Port plans SEZ]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4897</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:39:33 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Krishnapatnam Port, developed by Navayuga Engineering Company Limited on the eastern coast in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, is drawing up plans for setting up a special economic zone on 12,000 acre in its vicinity. The company has formed a special purpose vehicle -- Krishnapatnam Infratech Private Limited (KIPL) -- and secured formal approval for the project last week.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[ICAI to improve infrastructure]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4896</link>
			<source>The Hindu Business Line</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:38:28 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Hindu Business Line- The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is planning to improve infrastructure in Karnataka. Speaking at the investors&#039; awareness programme organised by the Mangalore branch of the Southern India Regional Council (SIRC) of ICAI here on Monday. The Government has agreed to give one acre for the establishment of the premises of Bellary branch of ICAI, and the Hubli Development Authority has agreed to give one acre for the establishment of campus for Hubli branch. The ICAI representatives have submitted a proposal to the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner, seeking land for the establishment of the Mangalore campus.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Realty experts are hot property]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4895</link>
			<source>The Times of India</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:36:58 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Times of India- Real estate consultants and experts in India have become hot property for overseas buyers. Fund houses, private equity firms, venture capitalists, bankers, institutional investors, companies, high networth individuals, nonresident Indians, indeed just about every potential property buyer, are dialing local real estate experts in order to get a feel of the local market. The best part is, to just share one&acirc;€™s knowledge of the real estate scenario in a city like Bangalore, the consultants/experts get paid anywhere between $300 and $500 an hour. Over and above that, if they are required to fill in a market survey, he gets paid around $200 per survey form.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Another rise likely in steel prices]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4894</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:34:38 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Iron ore and coking coal price increases have started kicking in for the steel industry, putting prices under pressure. Steel companies are contemplating a marginal increase for the month. Iron ore prices surged to $142 (Rs 6,560) a tonne for exports to China, an increase of about seven per cent, in the past fortnight. Prices in China&acirc;€”which imports 62 per cent of its iron ore&acirc;€”have climbed to an 18-month high.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Cement prices go through the roof]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4893</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:32:05 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- In what could be the highest-ever price rise in the history of Indian cement industry, companies across all capacities, have hiked the price of the key building commodity in the range of Rs 10-12 a bag, to offset the twin effects of the excise duty hike and the rise in diesel rates. The hike, which amounts to a 4.5% rise in Mumbai alone, has come into effect from March 1, and has been implemented in all zones in India. Although the price hike is attributed to Budget proposals of excise duty and diesel rate rise, analysts said, fast capacity addition in the world&acirc;€™s second-largest cement growing market after China, is likely to depress prices and hence makers are squeezing each opportunity.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Construction services tax to raise cost of apartments]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4892</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:56:42 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- The Budget proposals have thrown up a dampener for the housing industry. Construction services have now been brought under the ambit of the service tax in an unexpected move that would raise cost of apartments that are still under construction. As per the Budget proposal, the finance ministry has suggested that construction would be deemed to be a taxable service if the building or complex is still under construction and approval from the concerned regulatory authority &acirc;€” which in most cases is the resident municipal authority &acirc;€” hasn&acirc;€™t yet been granted. The levy would cover all construction of complex service or commercial or industrial construction services, the Finance Bill suggested.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Retailers oppose service tax on rent, say wait till GST rollout]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4891</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:54:18 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Retailers have slammed the proposal to impose service tax on rentals, saying it will add burden on the sector, which is yet to recover from the economic downturn. 
Already disappointed with the Finance Minister for ignoring their demands, like easing foreign investment rules and granting industry status to the sector, in the Budget 2010-11, retailers said the move to impose service tax on rentals with retrospective effect from June 2007 could cost upwards of Rs 800 crore in the organised sector alone.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Texas Pacific Group likely to take over Vishal Retail]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4890</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:53:31 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Private equity fund Texas Pacific Group (TPG) may take over the assets of the troubled Vishal Retail and convert it to a cash-and carry operation that will see the exit of RC Agarwal, who built a nationwide chain out of the shop he founded in Kolkata 24 years ago. The latest proposal being considered by the corporate debt restructuring (CDR) committee of Vishal does not involve a fresh infusion of funds into the struggling retailer.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Retailers scale up ops in metros]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4889</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:52:13 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Retailers are once again scaling up operations in the metros, buoyed by increasing consumer spending and low rentals that remain one-fourth lower than the peak levels of 2007.  All the top retailers such as Future Group&acirc;€™s Pantaloon, Shopper&acirc;€™s Stop, Aditya Birla Group&acirc;€™s More Retail and Reliance Industries&acirc;€™ Reliance Retail are expanding their operations, according to real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank India. It is estimated that by December 2010, approximately 2.5 crore sqft new retail space will be developed countrywide, mainly in big cities and lucrative tier II cities, which is 50% more than what was developed last year.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Infrastructure bond will get response from tax payers: Gaur]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4888</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:51:16 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Jaypee Infratech Limited chairman and managing director Manoj Gaur on Sunady welcomed the Union finance minister&#039;s budget proposal of raising saving tax limit of infrastructure investment bond to Rs 1.20 lakh from Rs one lakh. &quot;The proposal of hiking Rs 20,000 limit in the infrastructure investment bond, will get good response from the tax payers, as it is going to boost infrastructure projects,&quot; Gaur said. The company, engaged in the development of Rs 9,300 crore Yamuna Expressway from Noida to Agra, will complete its construction by March 2011 instead of March 2012, Gaur said, adding it would be country&#039;s first 165 km access-controlled six lane concrete pavement along the Yamuna river.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Pranab sets aside Rs 25 cr to curb home loan frauds]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4887</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:50:01 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Fraudsters would soon find it difficult to raise multiple loans against the same property with the budget setting aside Rs 25 crore for a Central Electronic Registry. The Central Electronic Registry (CER) would be a database of all all mortgages and the banks that have a charge. So in future when a borrower seeks to avail a loan against an apartment or a house, the lender will be able to verify whether anyone has already got a charge on the property.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Berkshire net rises, Buffett sees housing rebound]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4886</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:48:52 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Warren Buffett&#039;s Berkshire Hathaway Inc said fourth-quarter profit surged, helped by derivatives bets tied to global stock markets, though operating profit fell 40 per cent as the weakened economy weighed on several businesses. Profit rose for a third straight quarter, and full-year profit increased 61 per cent, as Berkshire rebounded from perhaps its worst year since Buffett took over in 1965.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Funds allocation not enough: NHAI]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4885</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:47:29 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) says allocation for 2010-11 provided in the Union Budget last week is not sufficient to meet the demands of the coming financial year. The roads authority has brought down toll collection target by 4 per cent to Rs 1,623 crore. It also plans to award the maintenance of 1,400 km of roads to private players.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Realty developers not pleased at many Budget details]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4884</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:45:59 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- The devil is in the detail for the real estate sector. Though the Budget gave sops to home buyers in the form of tax savings and interest rate subvention, it quietly brought back service tax on lease rentals in the Finance Bill. Builders said they&acirc;€™d pass on the service tax burden to customers. The silver lining was that the continuation of interest rate subvention and higher disposable income in the hands of individuals through income tax reliefs would more than make up for it. The Budget announced a maximum tax savings of Rs 20,000 for those earning an annual income up to Rs 5 lakh and up to Rs 50,000 for those earning up to Rs 8 lakh. This additional income is likely to find its way towards buying homes.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Infra companies enthused at jump in Budget allocations]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4883</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:44:50 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee&#039;s announcement to earmark over 46 per cent of total plan allocation for infrastructure development is a strong signal for its creation, feel industry leaders. While leading private companies in this space do not expect huge orders to fall in their bag overnight, they feel the announcements and incentives will give them big orders and business in the coming years.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[IT firms may move to SEZs with end of STPI sops]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4882</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:43:38 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- Special Economic Zones (SEZ) may become favourites of information technology (IT) companies for new investment, with the government deciding to bring down the curtains on the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) scheme. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, in his Budget, has not announced extension of STPI, under which IT companies get tax incentives, beyond March 2011. For new investment, the IT companies may now shift to SEZs, where the incentives are available for new investment.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Government turns builder to give Delhi a new look]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4881</link>
			<source>Business Standard</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:42:43 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[Business Standard- In the next couple of years, India&acirc;€™s capital will sport a new look with the government taking its role as builder seriously. Construction work for the Commonwealth Games is just the beginning. The biggest project is &acirc;€” unsurprisingly &acirc;€” the construction of 500 ministerial bungalows over 123 acres of land at New Moti Bagh. National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC) won the bid ahead of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) because the government wanted the constructor to finance the entire project. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is also not far behind. It is expected to announce a mega housing scheme next month, where almost 15,000 flats will be up for grabs. The houses will be constructed mostly in Jasola, Narela, Vasant Kunj and Dwarka. Out of this, 8,000 are expected to be ready by June-July this year.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Healthcare sector beneficial for long-term investors]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4879</link>
			<source>The Economic Times</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:35:38 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Economic Times- Healthcare is emerging as one of the fast-growing service sectors in India, contributing 6% to the country&acirc;€™s growth domestic product (GDP). As  two-third of the expenditure on healthcare is contributed by the private sector, it offers huge growth opportunity for corporate hospitals and healthcare providers. Given this, listed private sector companies offer promising opportunity to investors.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Pranab promises revised DTC draft to India Inc]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4878</link>
			<source>The Financial Express</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:22:15 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Financial Express- The government has assured India Inc that it would come out with a revised direct taxes code (DTC) draft and seek their comments before finalising it.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Higher infrastructure spending buoys cement manufacturing]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4876</link>
			<source>livemint</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:09:41 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[livemint- Cement dispatches have been robust in the second half of FY10 on account of higher government expenditure on infrastructure and steady rural consumption. We expect demand to hold firm, particularly in India&acirc;€™s northern market, with a growth of over 10% in the next two years. On the flip side, our analysis suggests that cement overcapacity is imminent in the medium term.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Budget 2010: What it means for you as an investor]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4875</link>
			<source>The Times of India</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:00:11 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Times of India- Do you have a stake in the stock market, either directly through ownership of shares, or via mutual funds that invest for you? The Budget can impact bottomlines of industries and companies through changes in excise, customs, corporate taxes and other proposals. It&#039;s always a good idea, at Budget time, to take a fresh look at these changes and how they could impact your portfolio of stocks and mutual funds. TOI presents a detailed analysis of the impact of the Budget on various crucial sectors by CRISIL, India&#039;s leading ratings, research, risk and policy advisory company]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[&#039;India can be a secure destination for Arab investments&#039;]]></title>
			
			<link>http://173.201.23.61/news_details.php?nid=4874</link>
			<source>The Times of India</source>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:54:12 -0700</pubDate>
			<description><![CDATA[The Times of India- The Indo-Arab Economic Cooperation Forum (IAECF) recently organised a two-day international conference in New Delhi to explore investment opportunities in India. It also called upon the Indian government to create an Indo-Arab entrepreneurship fund and introduce Sharia banking system. Manzoor Alam, president of IAECF, speaks to Divya A on how India can attract $3.5 trillion investment from the Arab countries:]]></description>
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