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

01 Dec 2025

Serene, Gardencity to Develop Rs 3 Billion Senior Living Project in Bengaluru

Serene Communities, a leading senior living brand, has partnered with Gardencity Realty to develop a premium senior living community in Budigere, one of Bengaluru’s fastest-growing residential micro-markets. The project will span approximately 300,000 sq ft, with a Gross Development Value of about Rs 3 billion, and will add roughly 250 senior-friendly residences to the city’s growing retirement housing segment.The launch forms part of Serene Communities’ national expansion strategy. The company has 11 new projects under development with a planned investment of Rs 25 billion that will add..

Alliance City Developers Marks Major 2025 Milestones in Vile Parle

Alliance City Developers Realtors has announced significant project milestones and expansions in 2025, underscoring what the company terms a transformational year. The developer completed multiple residential projects and launched two premium developments in Vile Parle (East), one of Mumbai’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.During the year, Alliance Legacy in Matunga (East) received its Occupancy Certificate (OC), while Alliance Eternis in Borivali (West) and Alliance Vista in Vile Parle (East) were granted Completion Certificates (CC), marking final project delivery. Alliance Abhimanyu is ..

Moro Hub and PwC Middle East Partner to Accelerate Smart City Solutions

Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has announced a strategic collaboration with PwC Middle East to advance Smart City, Integrated Command Centre (ICC), Critical Infrastructure Monitoring and Internet of Things (IoT) initiatives across the region. The partnership brings together Moro Hub’s digital infrastructure and IoT capabilities with PwC’s global expertise in digital trust, smart city strategy and cybersecurity to support the UAE’s vision for intelligent and sustainable cities.“Our collaboration with PwC Middle Ea..