India Extends Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Deadline to one May

21 Apr 2025 CW Team

India has extended the deadline for bids on thirteen offshore deep-sea mineral blocks until one May, according to the Ministry of Mines. The auction, launched in November, covers blocks containing key critical minerals like cobalt, copper, manganese and nickel — all vital for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies.

The blocks include three lime mud zones, three for construction sand, and seven rich in polymetallic nodules. Initially set to close on 27 February, the bid deadline was first extended to two April and now to one May following requests from interested companies seeking more time to evaluate the areas.

A ministry source said the extension is aimed at ensuring wider industry participation. Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised concerns over potential environmental damage. Protests have also emerged in Kerala, led by local fishermen.

The mines ministry stated it consulted the environment and fisheries departments before launching the auction. Despite limited expertise in seabed mining, Indian firms are reportedly seeking help from international players like Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC.

India sees this auction as crucial to securing raw materials for its energy transition goals, including adding 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Source: Reuters

Real Estate

05 May 2026

Dubai Real Estate Sales Reach AED48 Billion

Dubai’s real estate market recorded 13,977 sales transactions worth AED48 billion in April 2026, reflecting continued resilience across residential and commercial segments.According to a market update by fäm Properties, sales volume rose 3.5 per cent month-on-month compared to March, while total sales value increased by 10.7 per cent. The commercial sector, including offices and shops, recorded the strongest growth, with 561 transactions valued at AED4 billion, up 33.9 per cent year-on-year and 36.2 per cent month-on-month.Apartment sales rose 6.5 per cent month-on-month to 11,377 transacti..

Casagrand Launches 35-Acre Hyderabad Project

Casagrand has launched Casagrand Vybe, its largest residential project in Hyderabad, spread across 35 acres in Rajendra Nagar. The launch marks the company’s fifth residential rollout in 2026 and strengthens its expansion momentum in the city.As part of its Hyderabad growth strategy, Casagrand is adding 3.98 million sq ft of residential space to its portfolio. Since entering the Hyderabad residential market in 2023, the company has scaled its presence with projects across key micro-markets. In 2025, it launched four projects — Casagrand Evon, Casagrand Windsor Court, Casagrand Belair and C..

Bentley Event Spotlights AI Infrastructure

Bentley Systems recently hosted Illuminate Mumbai 2026, bringing together infrastructure leaders, policymakers, technology experts and academia to discuss how AI-driven engineering and digital twins can accelerate India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.The event focused on scaling intelligent and connected infrastructure ecosystems beyond digital adoption. Discussions covered the use of infrastructure AI, open data environments and digital twin technologies to improve project delivery, sustainability and long-term asset performance across key sectors.Kamalakannan Thiruvadi, Regional Exec..