CAQM Lifts Stage III GRAP Curbs As Delhi-NCR Air Improves

27 Jan 2026 CW Team

The Commission for Air Quality Management has recently revoked all Stage III actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect, following sustained improvement in air quality. Stage III had been imposed on 16 January 2026 after a sharp deterioration in Delhi’s average AQI.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s average AQI improved from 378 on 20 January to 330 on 21 January and further to 322 on 22 January 2026. Based on favourable meteorological conditions and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP decided to withdraw Stage III measures across the NCR.

However, actions under Stages I and II of the extant GRAP schedule (November 2025) will continue to remain in force and be strictly implemented to prevent further deterioration in air quality. The Commission clarified that construction and demolition sites closed due to statutory violations will not be permitted to resume operations without explicit approval. CAQM will continue to closely monitor air quality trends and review the situation periodically to determine any further action.

Real Estate

28 Feb 2026

Casagrand Launches Keystone In Tiruppur

Casagrand has launched Casagrand Keystone, a gated residential development at Rakkiyapalayam, off Avinashi Road, in Tiruppur. Spread across 2.2 acres, the B+G+5 structure comprises 142 units of 2 and 3 BHK homes, supported by 48 indoor and outdoor amenities. The project is introduced at a starting price of Rs 5,199 per sq. ft. The development allocates 1.3 acres to open space, including a central park of about 24,500 sq. ft. A 6,800 sq. ft. clubhouse includes a multipurpose hall, mini theatre and indoor recreation facilities. Other amenities include a 5,100 sq. ft. swimming pool, poolside par..

Premium homes account for half of India’s housing sales in 2025

Knight Frank India, in its latest report on India’s office and residential property market, has highlighted a significant shift in housing demand, with homes priced above Rs 10 million accounting for 50 per cent of total residential sales across the top eight cities in 2025. The findings underscore the growing dominance of premium housing in the country’s real estate landscape.Out of 348,247 residential units sold during the year, approximately 175,091 units were in the Rs 10 million-plus category, marking a 14 per cent year-on-year increase. The data reflects changing buyer preferences, w..

Xbattery launches XB-5K energy storage system for homes, offices

Xbattery, a Hyderabad-based deep-tech company specialising in next-generation energy storage and battery management technologies, has introduced its flagship XB-5K, a scalable 5kWh energy storage system designed for homes and offices in India.The XB-5K is built on the company’s indigenously developed BharatBMS platform, described as India’s first universal high-voltage battery management system architecture aimed at reducing import dependence and improving after-sales service capabilities. The launch comes as India seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing and address reliance on imported..