Business

India’s leading food delivery platforms, Zomato and Swiggy, have announced higher payouts to delivery partners amid ongoing strikes that have disrupted services in several cities. The protests, driven by demands for better earnings, incentives and working conditions, highlight growing tensions within the gig economy. By temporarily increasing per-order payments and incentives, the companies aim to stabilize operations and address partner concerns. However, the episode underscores deeper structural issues around pay transparency and sustainability in app-based employment models.

Home registrations across nine major Indian cities declined by 5 percent in the latest reporting period, indicating a temporary cooling in residential real estate activity after a prolonged phase of strong demand. The moderation reflects a mix of affordability pressures, higher borrowing costs, and cautious buyer sentiment, particularly in mid-income housing segments. While end-user demand remains intact, transaction volumes have softened as purchasers reassess budgets amid elevated property prices.

State-owned construction major NBCC has generated Rs 1,045 crore through the sale of residential units linked to stalled Amrapali Group projects, marking a significant milestone in the long-running resolution process. The transaction reflects steady progress in unlocking value from distressed real estate assets while offering relief to homebuyers and creditors. Conducted under court supervision, the monetisation drive underscores NBCC’s expanding role as both a project management consultant and a recovery facilitator.

Shankh Airlines is set to commence operations in January, marking the entry of a new player into India’s highly competitive aviation sector. The airline’s launch comes at a time when domestic air travel demand is expanding steadily, driven by rising incomes, improved regional connectivity, and a growing preference for air transport. With a focus on operational efficiency, customer-centric services, and disciplined cost management, Shankh Airlines aims to carve out a sustainable niche.

IndiGo’s dominance in India’s domestic aviation market moderated in November, with its market share declining to 63.6 percent, reflecting intensifying competition and capacity adjustments across the sector. While the airline continues to remain the country’s largest carrier by a wide margin, the marginal slide highlights shifting dynamics as rival airlines expand fleets, restore routes, and improve operational reliability. The development comes at a time when the industry is navigating both strong travel demand and structural challenges, including cost pressures and capacity constraints.

Indian aviation is facing what industry observers describe as its most severe crisis to date, marked by financial distress, operational breakdowns, regulatory intervention, and shaken consumer confidence. A combination of aggressive expansion, mounting debt, rising fuel costs, currency pressure, and intense competition has pushed multiple carriers to the brink, exposing structural weaknesses across the sector. The fallout has disrupted flight operations, stranded passengers, strained lenders, and forced policymakers to confront long-standing vulnerabilities.

Tata Steel’s operations in the Netherlands have come under intense scrutiny following a high-stakes lawsuit seeking nearly €1.4 billion in damages over alleged environmental and health impacts. The case, filed by local groups and residents, accuses the company’s Dutch arm of contributing to pollution that has adversely affected surrounding communities. The legal challenge adds a new layer of complexity to Tata Steel’s European business at a time when steelmakers are already navigating regulatory pressure, decarbonisation costs, and volatile demand.

Sahaj Insurance has entered into a strategic distribution partnership with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to expand its reach and enhance customer access to insurance products. The collaboration aims to leverage LIC’s extensive distribution network across urban and rural India, providing Sahaj Insurance with broader market penetration and increased policy uptake. The partnership aligns with Sahaj Insurance’s growth strategy to diversify offerings and improve financial inclusion, while LIC benefits from an expanded portfolio of insurance solutions to offer clients.

Navi Mumbai Airport witnessed a remarkable spike in passenger traffic on its inaugural day, signaling a transformative moment for Maharashtra’s aviation and infrastructure landscape. Thousands of travelers utilized the newly operational airport, highlighting the facility’s strategic importance in decongesting Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and improving regional connectivity. Advanced infrastructure, modern passenger amenities, and streamlined check-in processes contributed to a smooth experience.

Coforge has announced the acquisition of Encora in a $2.35 billion transaction, marking one of the most consequential consolidations in the mid-tier IT services space. The deal significantly expands Coforge’s digital engineering, cloud, and data capabilities while strengthening its presence in high-growth markets. By combining complementary client portfolios and delivery strengths, the acquisition positions Coforge for accelerated revenue growth and deeper engagement with large global enterprises.