Business Bureau

Axis Max Life Insurance Limited has entered into a strategic corporate agent partnership with Saarathi Finance and Credit Private Limited to enhance financial security for India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Saarathi Finance, a new-age NBFC, focuses on bridging the credit gap for MSMEs, particularly at the grassroots level. Under the partnership, Axis Max Life will offer its Group Credit Life Secure (GCLS) product to Saarathi’s borrowers. The product is designed to act as a financial safety net, ensuring that in case of unforeseen events, the loan burden does not fall on the borrower’s family or disrupt the business. …

Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABD) has announced that its flagship brand, ICONiQ White International Grain Whisky, has crossed a landmark 10 million cases in FY26, marking one of the fastest growth trajectories in the global spirits industry. Launched in September 2022 through a digital-first debut on ABD’s MetaBar in the metaverse, the brand initially rolled out in select East and North Indian markets before expanding nationwide. The whisky recorded 0.32 million cases in FY23, surged to 2.27 million cases in FY24, and crossed 5.7 million cases in FY25. It was recognised as the fastest growing millionaire spirits brand globally…

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd on Saturday announced the launch of GLIPIQⓇ (semaglutide) in India for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), positioning it as a more affordable entry into GLP-1 therapy. The company said weekly treatment with the drug will start at ₹325, significantly lowering cost barriers for patients. GLIPIQⓇ has been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) after a multicentre, randomised, Phase III clinical trial in India showed favourable safety and efficacy outcomes. The drug is available in both vial and pre-filled pen formats, offering flexibility in dosing and long-term use. The vial-based formulation, supported…

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India’s health insurance sector, Niva Bupa Health Insurance has launched a Coffee Table Book highlighting the journeys of 40 advisors, recognising their role in supporting families during medical emergencies and strengthening financial protection. The book documents real-life instances where advisors went beyond policy sales to assist with documentation, hospitalisation, and claims, positioning them as key enablers in critical moments. The initiative comes amid a significant protection gap in India’s insurance landscape. According to IRDAI’s FY25 report, insurance penetration stands at 3.7% of GDP, far below the global average of 7.3%, while non-life penetration remains at…

Ai+ Smartphone on Monday announced the launch of its Nova Series, introducing a new flagship 5G lineup aimed at delivering performance, design, and personalised user experience. The Nova 2 and Nova 2 Ultra will debut on April 9, 2026, via Flipkart and other retail channels, while three additional models—Nova 2 Pro, Nova 2 Neo, and Nova Flip—are scheduled for release in the coming months. The Nova 2 Ultra stands out as the most expressive device in the lineup, featuring a customisable back-panel lighting system that responds to calls, messages, music, and notifications. The Nova 2, meanwhile, is positioned as a…

Marking the International Day of Forests, Axis Bank has intensified its environmental sustainability push by supporting the plantation of over 15.19 lakh native saplings across 969 hectares in Assam and West Bengal. The initiative targets ecologically sensitive regions, aiming to restore degraded landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience. In Assam, the bank is focusing on the Kartick Chapori landscape in Majuli district, a fragile river island ecosystem. Implemented with the Balipara Tract & Frontier Foundation, the project spans two phases and aims to restore over 785 hectares of degraded forest along with 65 hectares under agroforestry. The programme integrates…

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company, on Sunday assured uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel, CNG, and domestic LPG across its extensive network in West Bengal, urging citizens not to engage in panic buying. The company stated that all BPCL fuel stations and domestic LPG distributorships in the state are operating smoothly and are fully equipped to meet consumer demand. “There is no cause for concern. Our supply chain operations remain robust and efficient, ensuring uninterrupted supplies,” the company said in a statement. BPCL further appealed to customers to remain calm, reiterating its commitment to ensuring energy…

Leading casual dining chain Barbeque Nation has expanded its presence in West Bengal with the launch of its 17th outlet in the state, located on the 3rd floor of the ACASA Building (Zudio) on Station Road in Chandannagar, Hooghly. Spread across 2,772 square feet, the new outlet can accommodate up to 82 guests and features vibrant, contemporary interiors designed for corporate lunches and family gatherings. Announcing the launch, Suman Mukherjee, Regional Manager (East), Barbeque Nation Hospitality Limited, said the company is “delighted to continue our expansion in West Bengal” and aims to offer guests “the finest hospitality and service excellence.”…

Dr. Amit Chakraborty, Senior Surgical Head & Neck Cancer Oncologist at SSO Cancer Hospital, Mumbai, has launched specialised consultation services in Kolkata. The initiative will enable patients to access expert consultations, second opinions and treatment guidance locally, reducing the need for long-distance travel to Mumbai. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Chakraborty is known for handling complex head and neck cancer cases with a focus on surgical precision and patient-centric outcomes. He holds an MBBS and MS from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital and Medical College, Mumbai, an MCh in Surgical Oncology from Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, and…

Škoda Auto India has rolled out the upgraded ‘Easy to Love’ Kushaq with a strong value-driven strategy, pricing the 1.0 TSI range from ₹10.69 lakh (ex-showroom), as it looks to strengthen its position in India’s fast-growing compact SUV segment. The new Kushaq, available in five trims — Classic+, Signature, Sportline, Prestige and Monte Carlo — introduces segment-first features such as an eight-speed torque converter automatic and a rear seat massager, alongside standard equipment like LED lighting, electric sunroof and advanced infotainment systems. The SUV retains its turbocharged petrol line-up, with the 1.0 TSI delivering up to 85 kW and the…