The Oberoi Group is set to expand its luxury hospitality footprint with a new resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in West Bengal, blending heritage, sustainability and high-end tourism. The project underscores the group’s strategy of developing destination-led properties in culturally and environmentally significant locations. Known for its organic tea cultivation and colonial legacy, Makaibari offers a distinctive setting for experiential travel.

India’s unemployment rate declined to 4.7 percent in November, signaling gradual improvement in labor market conditions amid steady economic activity. The moderation reflects stronger hiring across select sectors, seasonal employment gains and sustained momentum in services and manufacturing. While urban job creation remained stable, rural employment also showed signs of recovery, supported by agricultural activity and allied industries. Economists view the data as encouraging, though they caution that employment quality and wage growth remain critical challenges.

Gujarat Kidneycare Ltd. is set to tap the primary market with its initial public offering opening on December 22, aiming to raise growth capital amid rising demand for specialized healthcare services. The IPO will offer investors an opportunity to participate in a focused renal-care platform operating in a niche but expanding segment of India’s healthcare ecosystem.

India is asserting its economic and strategic priorities on the global stage as senior ministers and top corporate leaders participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting at Davos. The high-level presence underscores New Delhi’s intent to position the country as a preferred destination for investment, innovation and supply-chain diversification. Discussions are centered on growth, sustainability, digital transformation and geopolitical stability.

India has escalated a trade dispute with the European Union by challenging safeguard measures imposed on ferro-alloy imports at the World Trade Organization. The move reflects New Delhi’s growing willingness to defend its export interests against what it views as protectionist trade barriers. Ferro-alloys, a critical input for the steel industry, form an important component of India’s outbound shipments to Europe. Indian officials argue that the EU’s restrictions lack adequate justification and violate multilateral trade rules.

India’s capital markets regulator is preparing to reassess key rules governing mutual funds and brokerage firms as part of a broader effort to strengthen investor protection and improve market efficiency. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is expected to review regulatory frameworks covering disclosures, compliance standards and operational practices amid rapid growth in retail participation. The move reflects evolving market dynamics, increased product complexity and the regulator’s focus on transparency and risk management.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to Jordanian businesses and sovereign entities to expand their investment footprint in India, signaling a renewed push to strengthen bilateral economic engagement. The outreach highlights India’s intent to attract long-term foreign capital across infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy and technology-driven sectors. By positioning India as a stable, reform-oriented economy with scalable opportunities, the government aims to deepen partnerships with West Asian nations beyond traditional trade ties.

ITC Hotels is accelerating the expansion of its boutique luxury brand, Storii, with a strategic focus on wildlife and nature-led destinations across India. The move reflects rising demand for experiential and sustainable tourism, as travelers increasingly seek immersive stays beyond traditional urban hotels. By positioning Storii properties near national parks and biodiversity hotspots, ITC Hotels aims to blend luxury hospitality with conservation-conscious practices.

Google is deepening its commitment to artificial intelligence by channeling fresh funding into healthcare and agriculture, two sectors with significant social and economic impact. The initiative aims to harness advanced AI models to improve disease detection, streamline clinical workflows, boost crop productivity, and enhance food security. By partnering with researchers, startups and public institutions, Google seeks to translate cutting-edge technology into scalable, real-world solutions.

Indian equity markets ended lower as persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows combined with weak global cues dampened investor confidence. Selling pressure intensified across benchmark indices amid concerns over elevated global interest rates, slowing economic growth, and cautious signals from international markets. Market participants remained risk-averse, tracking movements in U.S. Treasury yields, commodity prices, and Asian equities. While select domestic sectors showed resilience, broader market breadth stayed negative.