InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is set to expand its footprint in eastern India with the launch of a new Holiday Inn in Siliguri, West Bengal. The project underscores the group’s commitment to tapping into high-growth regional markets, catering to both business and leisure travelers. Siliguri, strategically located at the gateway to North Bengal and the Northeast, is a hub for trade, tourism, and transit.

Flexible workspace provider Smartworks has leased a significant office space in Mumbai, underscoring the city’s growing demand for premium co-working solutions. The deal highlights the company’s strategy to expand in India’s top commercial hubs, catering to enterprises seeking cost-efficient yet scalable workspace models. With businesses increasingly embracing hybrid and flexible work structures, the new facility is expected to attract corporates, startups, and multinational firms looking for agile office solutions.

Rolls-Royce has announced the expansion of its Innovation Centre in Bengaluru, reinforcing India’s role as a global hub for advanced engineering and technology development. The facility, which focuses on cutting-edge research, digital solutions, and sustainable aerospace technologies, is expected to strengthen collaboration with local talent and academic institutions. The expansion underscores the company’s long-term commitment to India, not only as a key market but also as a strategic partner in innovation.

Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) has partnered with Afcom Holdings to develop and operate cargo facilities at the upcoming Noida International Airport, signaling a major boost for India’s air logistics sector. The collaboration is expected to establish world-class infrastructure with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and digital integration. With Noida airport projected to become a key hub for both domestic and international freight, the partnership aims to streamline cargo movement, reduce turnaround times, and enhance India’s competitiveness in global trade.

In a significant step toward strengthening healthcare delivery, hospital staff across Uttar Pradesh have undergone specialized training under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The initiative, focused on enhancing efficiency and patient care, equips medical professionals and support staff with the skills required to manage high patient volumes, ensure proper utilization of resources, and uphold service standards in line with national healthcare benchmarks. Training modules cover digital claim processing, patient grievance redressal, and adherence to treatment protocols.

Authorities have arrested a former director of Lodha Developers in connection with an alleged multi-crore fraud, a development that has sent ripples through India’s real estate sector. The case, which involves accusations of financial mismanagement and diversion of funds, underscores the growing scrutiny of corporate governance practices within the industry. Investigators claim the ex-director orchestrated irregular transactions, leading to significant losses for stakeholders.

India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is set to launch a state-of-the-art, technology-driven audit portal this November, marking a major leap toward digital transformation in public financial management. The platform is designed to streamline audit processes, strengthen accountability, and enhance transparency across government departments and public sector undertakings. By leveraging automation, advanced data analytics, and secure digital interfaces, the portal aims to accelerate audit cycles, reduce paperwork, and deliver real-time insights into fiscal operations.

Herbalife India’s Senior Vice President, Ratnesh Lal, has been appointed Chairman of the Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA), a move that signals a new chapter for India’s direct selling industry. With decades of leadership experience, Lal is expected to spearhead initiatives that strengthen consumer trust, drive industry compliance, and foster sustainable growth. His appointment comes at a time when the sector is witnessing robust expansion, backed by rising entrepreneurial interest and a growing consumer base for health and wellness products.

The recent decision to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) slab on air conditioners has sparked a wave of consumer interest across India, driving a sharp increase in pre-bookings. Industry experts suggest the revised tax rate will make premium cooling appliances more affordable to middle-class households, expanding market penetration beyond urban centers. Retailers are witnessing heightened demand ahead of the festive season, as consumers rush to lock in orders before inventories tighten.

Access to essential medicines remains a critical public health challenge in India, as rising demand intersects with pricing pressures, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory hurdles. Essential medicines—defined by the World Health Organization as drugs that satisfy the priority healthcare needs of populations—are vital for managing chronic diseases, infections, and acute medical emergencies. Recent analyses reveal gaps in availability, affordability, and equitable distribution, particularly in rural and underserved regions.