Business Bureau

The hill city of Shillong came alive on October 25 as international pop star Mohombi made his India debut at Lariti, Mawkasiang, delivering a powerful performance that left the crowd spellbound. Organized by Courtyard by Marriott Shillong in collaboration with Meghalaya Tourism and Meghalayan Age, the concert drew nearly 3,500 music lovers, transforming the scenic venue into a global stage of rhythm and celebration. Known for his chart-toppers “Bumpy Ride” and “Coconut Tree”, the Swedish-Congolese artist enthralled the audience with his unique Afro-pop and dance beats. The event also showcased Meghalaya’s local talents — Jessie Lyngdoh, Gary Daniel, Quills, Sev,…

In a meaningful step towards empowering lives sustainably in Northeast India, Apraava Energy, India’s leading integrated energy solutions providers, has partnered with SELCO Foundation to power community, health and education facilities in Assam and Nagaland through solar installations. These interventions aim to provide sustainable and reliable energy in the villages, positively impacting over 21,000 lives. The installations are expected to save ~57 tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to planting about 2580 trees per year. In Assam’s Chirang district, a 27.5 kW solar-powered community facility is supporting a range of development initiatives focused on health, livelihoods, education, and youth engagement. The…

Axis Mutual Fund, one of India’s leading asset management companies, has announced the launch of the Axis Income Plus Arbitrage Passive FOF, an innovative open-ended scheme designed to offer investors a blend of stability, predictability, and tax efficiency. The New Fund Offer (NFO) will open for subscription on Oct 28, 2025, and close on Nov 11, 2025. The fund is managed by Devang Shah (Head – Fixed Income), Aditya Pagaria (Senior Fund Manager), Hardik Satra (Senior Fund Manager), and Karthik Kumar (Fund Manager). This new offering is tailored for investors seeking to optimize their post-tax returns while maintaining a conservative…

In a major boost for India’s small businesses and freelancers, Tide, the country’s leading financial management platform for SMEs, has launched National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) support on its RuPay-powered Expense Card. The integration enables users to travel and make business transactions seamlessly using a single card — covering metro, bus, toll, and parking payments across major Indian cities. Backed by the Government of India, the NCMC feature allows Tide members to top up and manage balances in real time through the Tide app. Entrepreneurs and business teams can now manage their travel, invoices, and expense reimbursements within one platform,…

Nestlé India has reported a strong double-digit, volume-led growth in the second quarter of FY2025-26, with total sales reaching ₹5,630.2 crore and domestic sales hitting an all-time high of ₹5,411 crore. The company’s EBITDA stood at 22% of sales, while profit after tax came in at ₹753.2 crore. Chairman and Managing Director Manish Tiwary attributed the robust performance to strong momentum across three of four product categories, including confectionery, beverages, and prepared dishes. “Domestic sales grew at a double-digit rate led by volume growth, with KITKAT emerging as the largest growth driver,” he said, adding that the recent GST rate…

Yas Island Abu Dhabi is set to transform into the eerie town of Hawkins, Indiana, as it unveils “Stranger Things: The Experience” on November 14, marking the first-ever Middle East debut of the globally acclaimed immersive attraction. Inspired by Netflix’s hit series, the experience will let fans step into the supernatural world of Stranger Things through live actors, detailed sets, and spectacular special effects. Visitors can explore iconic locations—from Hawkins Lab to the dark tunnels of the Upside Down—before entering a nostalgic “Mix-Tape” zone offering themed food, exclusive merchandise, and 80s-inspired photo opportunities. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, said,…

Hyatt Hotels has unveiled its new World of Hyatt campaign in India, featuring Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor as the face of the initiative. Rooted in Hyatt’s purpose of caring for people so they can be their best, the campaign highlights the brand’s commitment to meaningful hospitality, where loyalty, recognition, and personal connection define every guest experience. Through this collaboration, Hyatt invites travelers to become part of the World of Hyatt loyalty program, which offers members tangible benefits from their very first stay — including redeemable points for complimentary nights, upgrades, and exclusive experiences. The campaign aims to connect deeply with…

The newly inaugurated Amrita–Mizoram Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Hub at Mizoram University marks a significant milestone in bridging science and community welfare in the state. Established by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in collaboration with the university under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the hub provides permanent facilities for laboratories, training, and innovation initiatives tailored for Mizoram’s hilly terrain. Since its launch two years ago, the hub has impacted over 9,000 residents, with more than 70% of beneficiaries being women, through programs in food processing, bamboo craft, digital literacy, and health awareness. The hub leverages Amrita’s Live-in-Labs® and AMMACHI…

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. reported a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of ₹4,468 crore for Q2FY26, compared to ₹5,044 crore in the same period last year. The standalone PAT stood at ₹3,253 crore against ₹3,344 crore in Q2FY25, the bank said following a board meeting on Saturday. Consolidated customer assets rose 13% year-on-year to ₹5,76,339 crore as of September 30, 2025, while total assets under management (AUM) grew 12% to ₹7,60,598 crore. At the standalone level, net advances climbed 16% to ₹4,62,688 crore, and total deposits increased 14% to ₹5,10,538 crore. The CASA ratio stood at 42.3%, with net interest…

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) on Friday announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of Mr. C S Rajan as Part-Time Chairman. His new term will run from January 1, 2026, to October 21, 2027, under Section 10(B)(1A)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Mr. Rajan, an Independent Director since October 2022, has been serving as Part-Time Chairman since January 2024. The reappointment is seen as a move to ensure continuity in leadership and governance as the bank charts its next phase of strategic growth. With 46 years of public service experience, including roles as…