Business Bureau

Cleartrip’s year-end report Cleartrip Unpacked 2025 highlights notable shifts in travel behaviour among users from Kolkata, reflecting wider national trends centred on affordability, flexibility, and digital-first planning. One of the key insights from the city was a 29-day continuous hotel stay booked by a Kolkata traveller, indicating growing interest in longer and more flexible travel experiences. Across the platform, budget and mid-range hotels accounted for the majority of bookings, a trend also reflected among Kolkata users who increasingly prioritised value-driven travel. Mobile usage remained strong, with over 65% of bookings made through smartphones, supported by the widespread adoption of UPI…

Dr. Satya Prakash Yadav, Senior Director, Medical Oncology, Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon Childhood leukemia is the most common cancer in children and adolescents, accounting for approximately one-third of all pediatric cancer cases globally. The emotional, financial, and physical toll on families and healthcare systems is significant. An estimated 58,785 new cases of childhood leukemia were diagnosed worldwide in 2021. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India, delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialized care significantly worsen outcomes, with survival rates often falling below 30%, compared to 80% in high-income countries. Overview of Types of Childhood Leukemia Childhood leukemia…

Ai+ Smartphone has announced the launch of NovaFlip, its first flip-style smartphone under the new flagship Nova Series, with a price point under ₹40,000. The device is scheduled to be released in Q1 2026. The NovaFlip marks Ai+ Smartphone’s entry into the premium flip phone segment, following the earlier launch of the Nova 5G model. For the Kolkata market, where demand for premium yet practical smartphones has been rising, the company is positioning NovaFlip as a blend of modern design and everyday usability. Unlike traditional flip phones, NovaFlip runs on NxtQuantum OS, which adapts automatically to folded and open modes.…

Manipal Hospital Broadway, a unit of one of India’s leading healthcare networks, the Manipal Hospitals Group, hosted an interactive medical education session under its flagship initiative ‘Anveshana’ in Bolpur today, reaffirming its commitment to advancing specialised healthcare and informed medical awareness across the region. The session was led by Dr. Tanmoy Karmakar, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement Surgeon, and Dr. Raja Nag, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, in the presence of Dr. Amal Chowdhury Secretary Indian Medical Association (Bolpur Viswa Bharati) who engaged with members of the media to highlight key developments in specialised treatment, early diagnosis, and patient-centric…

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, has announced the opening of applications for the NCPA Citi Scholarship for Young Musicians 2026–28, aimed at supporting emerging talent in Hindustani music. The two-year scholarship will support advanced training in Hindustani vocal forms such as khayal and dhrupad, as well as melody instruments including sitar, sarod, flute, harmonium and violin. Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 from April 2026 to March 2028. Interested applicants must submit their detailed bio-data by email to indianmusicscholarships@ncpamumbai.com on or before December 20, 2025. Applications sent by post or courier will not…

Samsung on Monday announced the first edition of Galaxy Days on Flipkart, offering exclusive benefits to customers, including buyers in Kolkata. The three-day online event will run from December 16 to December 18 and will bring enhanced exchange offers, pair-up deals and limited-period rewards on a range of Galaxy devices. Samsung said customers can avail exchange bonuses of up to ₹12,000 on select Galaxy smartphones during the sale period. For customers in Kolkata looking to upgrade their devices, the offer also includes pair-up deals, allowing savings of up to ₹5,000 on Galaxy wearables and accessories when purchased along with eligible…

Telecom operator Vi has rolled out India’s first recharge-linked handset theft and loss insurance plan for prepaid customers, offering much-needed protection for smartphones lost or stolen. The move is expected to benefit a large number of mobile users in Meghalaya, where prepaid connections dominate the telecom market. The new insurance facility is available for both Android and iOS devices and comes bundled with select prepaid recharge packs. Under the plan, customers can claim insurance coverage of up to ₹25,000 in case of handset loss or theft. This is significant, as traditional handset insurance policies usually cover only accidental damage and…

West Bengal has emerged as one of India’s steadily growing and balanced crypto markets, according to the CoinSwitch Annual Report 2025. The report places the state among the country’s top 10 crypto states, contributing 5.3 per cent of India’s total invested crypto value. In the Kolkata market, investors are showing a cautious yet diversified approach to digital assets. The report notes that 29.9 per cent of investments from West Bengal are in large-cap assets, while small caps account for 28 per cent. Mid-cap assets make up 22.5 per cent, reflecting a well-distributed portfolio strategy. Bitcoin continues to dominate investor preference…

ACC has recognised Mr. Ananda Maity, a well-known contractor from East Medinipur district of West Bengal, for his 16-year journey in the construction sector, highlighting his steady rise from a helper to a trusted local contractor in Haur Market under Panskura Taluka. Mr. Maity currently manages 18 active construction sites across the region, with 14 of them using ACC Gold cement. He leads a workforce of 55 workers and has emerged as a key figure among contractors, masons and home builders in the local market. According to ACC, Mr. Maity shifted to its products in October 2023 after facing quality…

Bank of Baroda has partnered with the Government of Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival 2025, reinforcing its commitment to expanding financial inclusion and supporting regional development in the Northeast. The festival, held from December 1 to 10 at Kisama Heritage Village, saw the participation of the Bank’s MD & CEO Dr. Debadatta Chand and Executive Director Ms. Beena Vaheed, who were felicitated as special guests. A dedicated engagement stall was inaugurated by Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along in the presence of senior government and Bank officials. The stall showcased digital banking services, product information and interactive sessions with artisans, entrepreneurs,…