Business Bureau

Tibetans living in Northeast India have voiced strong opposition to China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, calling it an attempt to suppress Tibetan identity and urging the restoration of Tibet's freedom. The appeal follows the self-immolation of 52-year-old Tibetan activist LobgaRangzen outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City on July 2. According to a statement issued by Tibetans residing in Northeast India, the protest was directed against China's occupation of Tibet and what they described as the use of legal measures to criminalise Tibetan resistance. The statement said the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law, which came into force…

With persistent rainfall and flooding affecting several parts of Assam, vehicle owners are being advised to take extra precautions to protect their vehicles from water-related damage and avoid disruptions during the monsoon season. Insurance provider Tata AIG General Insurance on Tuesday urged motorists to avoid waterlogged roads, check weather and traffic conditions before travelling, maintain tyres and brakes, and ensure essential vehicle systems are in good working condition to minimise the risk of accidents and breakdowns. The company said comprehensive motor insurance policies can provide financial protection against flood-related damages, while add-on covers such as Engine Secure, Zero Depreciation, Consumables…

Air India Express has announced a waiver of cargo charges for the transportation of relief materials to Assam, aiming to support humanitarian efforts in flood-affected areas of the state. The initiative is intended to facilitate faster movement of essential supplies by registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and recognised relief agencies engaged in assisting communities impacted by the ongoing floods. According to the airline, the waiver applies to cargo carried on its flights to Guwahati from Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Eligible consignments include food and dry rations, drinking water, medicines, hygiene and sanitation kits, clothing, blankets, tarpaulins and other humanitarian supplies, subject…

A first-of-its-kind investigation by animal protection organisationSentient World has documented widespread animal welfare, public health and environmental concerns across more than 100 dairy units in six Indian states, highlighting recurring deficiencies in dairy management and regulatory oversight. Conducted between February 10 and April 15, 2026, the investigation covered dairy operations in Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, ranging from small household farms to large unregulated dairy clusters. The report found that many dairy units were located within 10 to 300 metres of homes and water bodies, raising concerns over environmental contamination and public health. Investigators documented overcrowding, prolonged…

Smart home appliance maker Dreame Technology has expanded its premium product portfolio in India with the launch of the D30 Ultra Robot Vacuum, featuring automated cleaning functions, advanced navigation technology and a starting price of ₹52,999. The device will be available on Amazon immediately, while sales through Dreame India's official website, Croma and select retail stores will begin from August 1. The D30 Ultra comes equipped with 25,000Pa Vormax™ suction, MopExtend™ technology for improved edge cleaning, and a fully automated maintenance station featuring AceCleanDryBoard™ washboard auto-cleaning. The company said the robot vacuum can provide up to 75 days of hands-free…

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured multiple major orders across its Metals & Minerals business, strengthening its presence in mining, steel and non-ferrous metals infrastructure. The projects, spanning iron ore handling, steel plant expansion and zinc processing, reinforce the company's position as a leading engineering and EPC player while reflecting Chairman and Managing Director S. N. Subrahmanyan's long-term strategy of supporting India's industrial growth through diversified engineering capabilities. Commenting on the development, S. N. Subrahmanyan said, "As India accelerates investments in augmenting its Metals & Minerals capacity to support long-term economic growth, L&T remains committed to partnering with the country's…

A nationwide study has found that prolonged exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes, with women in India's mountainous regions—including Northeastern states such as Meghalaya, Nagaland and parts of Assam—emerging among the most vulnerable despite traditionally cooler climates. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Research Communications, the study analysed 209,266 births recorded across India between 2015 and 2020. Researchers matched each pregnancy with local heat conditions using the India Heat Index, measuring consecutive "sweltering" days rather than average temperatures. The findings showed that every additional consecutive day of extreme heat during pregnancy increased…

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes, with women in West Bengal's humid subtropical regions facing a heightened threat of delivering low-birth-weight babies, according to a first-of-its-kind population-scale study conducted across India. The research also found that rural, less-educated and socially vulnerable mothers are the most affected, underscoring the need to prioritise pregnant women in India's heat action plans. The study, Effect of extreme heat stress on adverse pregnancy outcomes in India, analysed 209,266 births recorded between 2015 and 2020 by matching each pregnancy with local heat exposure. Researchers measured consecutive "sweltering"…

Kotak Mahindra Bank reported a 26% year-on-year increase in standalone net profit to ₹4,123 crore for the first quarter of FY27, supported by lower credit provisions, healthy loan growth and higher fee income. The bank's consolidated net profit rose 23% to ₹5,480 crore during the April-June quarter, according to its unaudited financial results approved by the board on July 18. Net interest income (NII) grew 9% year-on-year to ₹7,928 crore, while operating profit increased 10% to ₹6,131 crore. Fee and services income rose 11% to ₹2,500 crore. Provisions declined sharply by 45% to ₹668 crore, helping improve profitability despite a…