Business Bureau

To make apprenticeship programmes more attractive for youth, the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), chaired by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, has proposed a 36% hike in stipends under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). The revised stipend range will move from ₹5,000–₹9,000 to ₹6,800–₹12,300, with biennial revisions based on CPI, subject to Cabinet approval. Held at VigyanBhawan, the 38th CAC meeting also emphasized inclusivity, proposing reserved training slots for persons with benchmark disabilities and measures to reduce dropout rates. The council backed apprenticeship-embedded education, sectoral expansion using NIC 2008 code, and digital training methods. For…

Riding on India’s clean energy transition and infrastructure growth, thematic mutual funds—especially those focused on energy—are witnessing heightened investor interest. Tata Resources & Energy Fund has seen its assets under management (AUM) soar to ₹1,048 crore as of March 31, 2025, marking a 100% year-on-year growth. Notably, inflows from Guwahati rose by 62% YoY to ₹3.12 crore, reflecting increasing enthusiasm among retail investors in Tier-2 cities for energy-driven investment themes. The city’s growing investor base is aligning portfolios with sectors like electrification, green hydrogen, and industrial upgrades, seeking exposure to India’s energy megatrends. “Energy is at the core of India’s…

Thirteen delegates from India’s North Eastern Region, including officials from State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and IIT Guwahati, participated in the second technical training under Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) project on disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Japan from May 12–23. The initiative is part of a three-year program (2024–2026) aimed at enhancing DRR and resilience capacities across the Northeast. The training, titled “Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Building Capacities of North Eastern States of India,” focused on flood and landslide management. Participants visited key DRR infrastructure sites in Nagano, Kanagawa, Gunma, and Tochigi Prefectures, and learned about Japanese…

In a move to enhance flexibility and affordability, Vi (Vodafone Idea) has introduced a new ₹299 add-on feature to its Family Postpaid plans, allowing up to eight additional members to be added under one plan. Each secondary user will receive 40GB of high-speed data, with benefits like unlimited calls and 200GB data rollover, significantly expanding value without requiring a plan upgrade. This latest offering supports Vi’s commitment to delivering customized digital solutions tailored to modern Indian households. For example, a Vi Max Family ₹701 plan, which includes one primary and one secondary connection, can now accommodate up to seven more…

Godrej Vikhroli Cucina has reimagined how India discusses its food future with the launch of the Godrej Food Trends Report 2025. In a groundbreaking showcase titled Feast for the Future, the eighth edition of the report was unveiled through an immersive food theatre performance in Mumbai, themed “Seasons.” Drawing insights from over 190 experts—including chefs, nutritionists, and food entrepreneurs—the report emphasizes the return of seasonality and regional ingredients to the culinary spotlight. A striking 82% of contributors highlighted a shift towards intuitive, local, and culturally rooted eating practices. Tanya Dubash of Godrej Industries called food a "memory, identity, and possibility,"…

In a spectacular celebration of vision, innovation, and leadership, Times Network, in association with Byatikram Group, proudly hosted the prestigious “Gems of Northeast” awards ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Hotel Vivanta, Guwahati. The event brought together a constellation of distinguished entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders who are shaping the future of the Northeast with vision and purpose. Dr. Saumen Bharatiya, Patron-in-Chief of Byatikram Group, remarked, “Times Network Gems of Northeast is not just an event — it is a movement to recognize and encourage those who are shaping a progressive and self-reliant Northeast.” The evening commenced with a…

With nearly 1 in 11 adults in India living with diabetes and 1 in 10 affected by thyroid disorders, medical experts are highlighting a significant health concern—up to one in four people with Type 2 diabetes also suffer from hypothyroidism, often undiagnosed. The thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, plays a crucial role in energy management alongside insulin. When thyroid function is disrupted, it can impair blood sugar control, increasing the risk of complications such as heart disease, kidney issues, and diabetic retinopathy. Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India said, “People living with diabetes are usually aware of their…

Women from Northeast India are redefining success by blending tradition with innovation, backed by key government schemes and grassroots support. Their inspiring journeys were recently spotlighted at the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi. Jayanti Rabha, 56, of Kamrup Rural, turned her passion for plants into a thriving nursery under the Pradhan Mantri Van DhanYojana (PMVDY). Earning up to ₹5,000 daily, her garden now blossoms with flowers and opportunities for others. “Every flower in my nursery carries a story—of struggle, of hope, and of triumph,” she said. In Udalguri, Merina Lahari revived Eri weaving through Jugami Farmer…

Amid a spate of wall collapses during storms in Delhi NCR and across India, Biltech Building Elements Limited is calling attention to the urgent need for masonry reinforcement. The country’s leading AAC block manufacturer has spotlighted Murfor® Compact — a high-tensile steel-based reinforcement solution — as a critical tool for improving structural integrity. The warning comes as recent fatalities linked to collapsing walls during high winds highlight vulnerabilities in fast-paced construction, often lacking robust engineering. With India’s exposure to both seismic risks and intensifying storms due to climate change, Biltech says preventive measures like Murfor Compact are vital. Murfor Compact,…

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) expanded its footprint in Northeast India by inaugurating a new dealership, Preet Toyota, in Jorhat. The facility, spanning 26,000 sq. ft., aims to serve the growing urban and regional customer base with comprehensive Sales, Service, and Spares (3S) support. The dealership also features a T Gloss studio for car care solutions and Toyota U-Trust services facilitating used car transactions. The launch was marked by the presence of Mr. Masaru Shimada, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota India & Middle East, and Mr. Arun G Nair, Vice President & Chief Representative – East Region, among others. Mr. Nair highlighted…