Business Bureau

For millions of households across India, access to clean cooking fuel is becoming more reliable as the Government of India strengthens the LPG ecosystem with a renewed focus on transparency and consumer protection. Led by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), a nationwide crackdown on malpractices such as hoarding and diversion is helping ensure that cylinders reach genuine consumers without disruption. Behind the policy push are technology-driven monitoring systems and tighter oversight of distribution networks, which are improving accountability and service delivery. For families who once faced uncertainty over cylinder availability, the changes are translating into timely deliveries…

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has ramped up operations under its “Peak Demand Playbook” to manage rising LPG demand, delivering over 187 lakh cylinders across India between April 1 and 15, 2026. The company said the strategy focuses on scaling bottling plant capacity through additional shifts, optimised manpower, and faster turnaround times, ensuring quicker filling and dispatch without compromising safety. This was supported by strengthened logistics, with 1,14,755 tankers deployed to maintain uninterrupted fuel movement nationwide. HPCL’s response is driven by real-time data, with 99.3% of LPG bookings now digital, enabling dynamic route optimisation and prioritisation of high-demand areas for…

As LPG demand rises sharply across markets, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has stepped up last-mile delivery operations to ensure uninterrupted supply to households nationwide. Between April 1 and 14, the company delivered over 178 lakh LPG cylinders, highlighting the scale of demand and the strength of its distribution network. The surge has been managed through coordinated efforts by distributors, delivery personnel and logistics teams. Thousands of delivery workers have been operating extended hours, navigating urban and rural areas to maintain timely deliveries. Increased booking volumes have pushed a sharper focus on efficient routing, faster turnaround and continuous dispatch cycles.…

By Dr. Attique Vasdev, Vice Chairman, Orthopaedics, Medanta- The Medicity, Gurugram A large number of young adults across India, especially the North East, are embracing fitness by working out at their local gyms. While this shift towards a healthier lifestyle is encouraging, many people often overlook two critical steps -- warming up and cooling down. Skipping these simple routines can lead to injuries that not only disrupt your fitness journey but also affect long-term health. Among gym-goers, muscle strains, especially in the abdominal and lower back regions, are common. These injuries usually occur when the same movement is repeated without…

Xiaomi India has launched the REDMI A7 Pro 5G, marking the first Pro model in its A Series, aimed at delivering enhanced everyday smartphone experiences at an accessible price point. The device features a segment-leading 6.9-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 800 nits, offering improved clarity even in outdoor conditions. It also includes Wet Touch technology 2.0 and triple TÜV Rheinland eye-comfort certification with DC dimming for reduced eye strain. The REDMI A7 Pro 5G is powered by an octa-core 5G processor and supports up to 8GB virtual RAM expansion, ensuring smoother multitasking. It runs…

Coca-Cola India has unveiled a new campaign featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Janhvi Kapoor, reimagining everyday breaks as meaningful “halftime” moments. The campaign highlights how small pauses in daily life can help people reconnect and stay present, positioning Coca-Cola as a refreshing companion in such instances. The campaign, conceptualised by WPP Open X led by VML, showcases relatable scenarios where individuals drift into autopilot before being brought back to the moment with a sip of Coca-Cola. In the films, Dosanjh is seen during a rehearsal while Kapoor appears in a social setting, both rediscovering presence through simple breaks. Karthik Subramanian, Senior…

Ai+ Smartphone has announced that the Day 1 sale of its latest device, Nova 2 Ultra, will begin on April 17 at 12 noon, marking the rollout of the flagship model in its newly launched Nova Series. The smartphone will be available exclusively on Flipkart and select retail outlets, with a second sale scheduled for April 24. The launch builds on the strong market response to the Nova 2, which sold out within 15 minutes on its first day, highlighting rising consumer interest in the series. The Nova 2 Ultra is priced at ₹14,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant and ₹16,999…

Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited has expanded its wellness and digital healthcare footprint across Assam and the North-East, reporting an 11% growth in gross written premium to around ₹150 crore in FY26, while covering over 2.2 lakh lives in the region. The company said it has strengthened its regional presence through 20+ branches, 14,300 advisors, 22 Star Gramin Bima Kendras and 130+ network hospitals, covering 868 pin codes. In Assam alone, services now extend across 151 pin codes, with over one million customers using digital health offerings such as telemedicine, wellness programmes, Face Scan and a treatment cost…

Birla Studios, in collaboration with Vodafone Idea Limited, has announced the launch of ‘Reel Se Real Star’, a first-of-its-kind mobile-first acting talent discovery platform aimed at democratizing entry into India’s entertainment industry. The initiative seeks to eliminate traditional barriers such as geography, access, and industry connections by enabling anyone with a smartphone to audition digitally. Founded on the idea that talent can emerge from anywhere, the platform allows participants to upload auditions via an app and web-based system, removing the need for referrals. Selected participants will receive mentorship from established directors and creative professionals, ensuring both credibility and skill development.…

India’s LPG ecosystem is undergoing a notable stabilisation phase, driven by a combination of regulatory enforcement, digital integration, and steady supply-side management, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. A key indicator of this shift is the rise in online LPG bookings to nearly 98%, reflecting improved consumer confidence and a decline in panic-driven demand. This behavioural transition has been supported by technology-led reforms, including OTP-based delivery authentication, now covering 92% of transactions, which has enhanced transparency and reduced leakages. On the enforcement front, over 1.28 lakh inspections and raids since March 2026 have led to the seizure…