Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a Taj hotel in Mohali, Punjab. The upcoming property will be developed as a greenfield project, marking a significant addition to the company’s growing portfolio in the state.

Commenting on the development, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said that Mohali’s rise as a major IT and commercial hub makes it a strong growth market for the company. She added that Punjab’s increasing popularity as a destination for weddings and social events aligns well with IHCL’s strategy of expanding into high-potential markets.

The 225-key Taj Mohali will offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding greenery. The hotel is planned to feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and a specialty restaurant, providing guests with a diverse range of culinary experiences.

Leisure and wellness facilities at the property will include a swimming pool, a gym, a health club, and the brand’s signature J Wellness Circle. Designed to cater to large-scale events, the hotel will house over 26,000 square feet of banqueting space, making it the largest event venue in the region. This positions the hotel as a preferred choice for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Mohali, a planned city in Punjab, is known for its modern infrastructure and hosts several IT companies, educational institutions, and sports facilities, contributing to its steady growth as an urban and commercial centre.

With this signing, IHCL’s portfolio in Punjab will expand to 14 hotels, including seven properties currently under development, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the state.

Average earnings per hour for delivery partners on Zomato increased by 10.9%, reaching ₹102, compared to ₹92 in the previous year, according to a fact sheet shared by Eternal CEO Deepinder Goyal. The update comes amid ongoing discussions around gig worker income, benefits, and working conditions in India’s growing quick commerce sector.

The company clarified that earnings per hour are calculated based on total logged-in time, which includes waiting periods when delivery partners are available for orders, and not just active delivery time. This approach, the company stated, provides a more realistic view of partner earnings.

Based on the updated earnings data, a delivery partner working around ten hours a day for twenty-six days in a month could earn approximately ₹26,500 in gross monthly income. After accounting for estimated fuel and vehicle maintenance costs of about twenty percent, net monthly earnings are estimated to be close to ₹21,000.

In addition to base earnings, delivery partners receive the full amount of customer tips without any deductions. The average tips per hour increased to ₹2.6, up from ₹2.4 earlier. Tips are transferred instantly, and the platform absorbs payment gateway processing costs. According to the shared data, tips are included in a small percentage of orders across Zomato and its quick commerce arm, Blinkit.

The fact sheet also highlighted that most delivery partners do not work on a full-time basis. On average, a delivery partner worked for a limited number of days in the year, with approximately seven hours logged per working day. Only a small percentage of partners logged workdays comparable to full-time employment.

Reiterating the company’s position, Goyal stated that gig work on the platform is designed to function as a flexible, secondary income option rather than a long-term employment arrangement. He emphasised that flexibility remains central to the gig work model, with delivery partners free to choose when to log in, log out, and select their preferred working areas without assigned shifts or fixed geographies.

Eagles Nest Dharamshala has emerged as a distinctive mountain retreat, offering travellers an immersive experience in the serene Himalayan foothills. Located in Upper Dharamkot near McLeodGanj, the property is spread across two square kilometres of cedar, oak and rhododendron forests, standing at an elevation of 7,381 feet and overlooking the Kangra Valley and the revered temple of the Dalai Lama.

With the snow-clad Dhauladhar mountain range forming a dramatic backdrop, Eagles Nest offers uninterrupted views from its gardens and living spaces. Designed for travellers seeking calm, connection and nature-led experiences, the retreat serves as an ideal base for centre-based trekking, forest trail walks, bird-watching, horse riding and exploring local attractions. It also caters to guests interested in yoga, meditation, spiritual learning and quiet retreats.

The 17-room property reflects warm wooden charm with earthy colour palettes and a minimalistic design approach. Large glass panes allow natural light to flow in while opening the rooms to the surrounding landscapes. A welcoming atrium lobby with a double-height skylight and thoughtfully curated interiors enhances the sense of openness and comfort.

Rooms ranging from 320 square feet and suites extending beyond 400 square feet are designed for relaxed living. Each room is equipped with comfortable bedding options, electric blankets, writing desks, tea and coffee makers, heating radiators and modern amenities. Private sit-outs or balconies provide an intimate space to enjoy clear views of the snow-covered mountain range.

Common spaces at Eagles Nest encourage interaction and reflection. The ‘Den’, a fireplace lounge with a wall of books, and ‘Bonhomie’, a private dining hall, offer inviting settings for conversations and shared experiences. The property’s kitchen, supported by a skilled culinary team, serves Himachali specialities alongside select Indian and global dishes, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

The outdoor spaces include landscaped lawns, walking trails, colourful flower beds and a greenhouse dedicated to organic cultivation. Sustainability remains central to the retreat, with its own spring water source, rainwater harvesting systems and a strong focus on local produce.

Wellness is deeply woven into the Eagles Nest experience. Guests can practice yoga at ‘The Deck’, enjoy bonfire evenings under the stars, sip tea at ‘The Point’ with valley views, or find solitude in the dedicated Meditation Zone. The retreat also features ‘Balance’, a yoga room accommodating up to eighteen participants, and ‘Elevate’, a spa with a sauna room designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure and leisure blend seamlessly with ‘The Barn’, which houses horses for guided forest trail rides, and trained local staff who curate personalised trekking experiences. Additional indoor spaces offer opportunities for reading, games, casual meetings and quiet relaxation.

Managed by Aashvim Hospitality Services under its BookMark Hotels portfolio, Eagles Nest Dharamshala positions itself as a refined yet soulful destination where guests are invited to breathe deeply, behold nature’s beauty and truly belong.