India’s restaurant industry is pushing for a fairer revenue-sharing model with food delivery aggregators such as Swiggy and Zomato, citing unsustainable commission rates that squeeze profit margins. The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) is reportedly in discussions with the platforms to establish a new framework that ensures greater transparency, equitable treatment, and long-term sustainability for both parties.

India’s cement industry is preparing for a major capacity expansion, with planned investments exceeding Rs 1.2 lakh crore by FY28, signaling a bold bet on the nation’s infrastructure and housing growth story. The surge in capital expenditure aims to add nearly 150 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of capacity over the next four years, taking the country’s total cement capacity close to 725 MTPA.

Commercial vehicle giant Ashok Leyland Ltd. reported a 7% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 820 crore for the second quarter (Q2 FY25), supported by steady demand in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) segment and improved operating efficiencies. The company’s revenue for the quarter rose moderately, reflecting resilient performance despite industry-wide cost pressures and uneven rural demand.

Pharmaceutical major Lupin Limited has announced a strategic expansion of its Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) operations through the establishment of a state-of-the-art oncology block at its Visakhapatnam facility. The move underscores the company’s ambition to enhance its global presence in specialty manufacturing and meet the rising demand for complex cancer therapies.

Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy has called for India to prioritize research and innovation as a foundation for sustainable national progress. Speaking on the country’s developmental path, he emphasized that a research-driven culture—rooted in intellectual curiosity, scientific inquiry, and global collaboration—is essential to elevate India’s global standing. Murthy underscored the need for academic reforms, private sector involvement, and government support to strengthen India’s research ecosystem.

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) has approved six new housing and commercial projects worth Rs. 864 crore, marking another step toward strengthening transparency and investor confidence in the state’s booming real estate sector. The projects, spread across major cities such as Lucknow, Noida, and Ghaziabad, reflect a growing demand for quality residential and mixed-use developments.

India and New Zealand are witnessing renewed momentum in their economic relationship, driven by shared interests in trade, technology, education, and sustainability. While official engagement between the two nations continues to evolve, the Indian diaspora in New Zealand has emerged as a pivotal force in deepening bilateral connections. With India ranking among New Zealand’s fastest-growing trading partners, the two economies are exploring opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, education, renewable energy, digital services, and tourism.

India’s burgeoning SUV segment is poised for a wave of new launches, with five mid-size models from leading automakers including Tata, Mahindra, and others set to hit the roads soon. These vehicles aim to cater to growing consumer demand for stylish, feature-rich, and performance-oriented SUVs in urban and semi-urban markets. Expected to combine advanced technology, safety features, and competitive pricing, the new models are likely to intensify competition in the mid-size SUV segment.

India’s retail inflation is projected to remain subdued, particularly when gold prices are excluded, according to recent economic analyses. Core consumer price indices indicate limited upward pressure on essential commodities, signaling muted demand-driven inflation. This persistent low inflation presents a strategic challenge for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which must balance growth support with monetary prudence.

India’s Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is poised to become a major aviation hub, with its official launch scheduled in the coming weeks. Strategically located to decongest Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, NMIA promises modern infrastructure, enhanced passenger experience, and expanded connectivity. The airport’s initial operations will feature domestic and select international flights, offering competitive fares and diverse route options.