Business Bureau

Vodafone Idea (Vi) and Meta have launched Silent Mobile Verification (SMV) capabilities for Vi users across WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, a move that reflects the increasing focus on secure digital authentication and fraud prevention in India’s expanding digital economy. The network-based authentication technology enables users to verify their mobile numbers in the background without manually entering OTPs, switching applications or waiting for verification messages. The solution supports key user journeys such as new user registration, mobile number validation, login and re-login, account recovery, and authentication during security checks. Market participants view the launch as a significant development in India's digital…

ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits subsidiary of Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD), has entered the Odisha market with the launch of four premium brands — AODH Irish Whiskey, WOODBURNS Contemporary Indian Malt Whisky, YELLO Designer Whisky and RANGEELA Contemporary Indian Vodka. The launch, held in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, marks a key milestone in the company’s expansion strategy as it seeks to strengthen its presence in high-potential markets across India. ABD Maestro said the move aligns with its vision of building a future-focused portfolio of premium spirits tailored to evolving consumer preferences. The company, which counts Bollywood…

Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)-Factor 121 Finance has crossed ₹10 crore in cumulative disbursements through GeM Sahay, the credit facility integrated with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), marking a significant milestone in expanding digital credit access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The company said it has disbursed more than 2,600 loans to over 400 MSMEs across 173 cities in 27 states, helping small suppliers secure working capital against confirmed government purchase orders. Built on the Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN), GeM Sahay allows eligible MSMEs to access collateral-free, short-term financing within minutes using transaction data linked to government procurement orders.…

Tata Motors has launched the all-new Intra V40 pickup, strengthening its position in the alternate fuel small commercial vehicle (SCV) and pickup segment as demand grows for cost-efficient and flexible last-mile transport solutions. The Intra V40 comes with CNG-petrol bi-fuel technology and is designed for high-load operations. The vehicle offers a best-in-class payload capacity of 1,525 kg and a 2,960 mm (9.7 ft) load body, aimed at helping operators maximise earnings while ensuring uninterrupted operations across different routes. Powered by a 1.2-litre engine, the pickup delivers 58 bhp of power and 106 Nm of torque. It also features a 110-litre…

HSBC Mutual Fund has launched the RedHex Hybrid Long-Short Fund, a Specialised Investment Fund (SIF) strategy aimed at investors seeking regular returns along with long-term capital appreciation. The New Fund Offer (NFO) opened on June 2 and will remain available for subscription until June 16, 2026. The fund combines investments across multiple asset classes, including fixed income, equity arbitrage, REITs and INVITs, with the objective of generating risk-adjusted returns across different market cycles. The strategy is benchmarked against the NIFTY 50 Hybrid Composite Debt 50:50 Index. HSBC Mutual Fund said the product is designed for “mid-ticket” investors and requires a…

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Wednesday launched ‘Navachar Mantra’, a national initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing and scaling grassroots innovations and early-stage enterprises across India, with a special focus on Tier-2, Tier-3 towns and rural regions.The programme was launched by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, at IIT Delhi. The initiative will be implemented by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) in partnership with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi as the technical knowledge partner.…

Eyewear brand Oakley has unveiled the latest chapter of its Players Collection campaign, featuring global sports stars Kylian Mbappé and Jaylen Brown. The collection introduces signature eyewear series co-created with the two athletes, highlighting their personal style, identity and sporting influence. The new release includes the Highland Jaylen Brown Signature Series, featuring an exclusive cocoa brown colour palette, Brown’s personal logo and Prizm™ Ruby lenses designed to provide enhanced coverage and sun protection. Inspired by Brown’s off-field fashion choices, the eyewear is built on a lightweight O-Matter™ frame for durability and comfort. Meanwhile, the Kylian Mbappé Signature Series Permian features…

Birla Fertility & IVF, one of India’s largest IVF networks, has partnered with Health Care Hospital in Pasighat to expand access to advanced fertility care in Arunachal Pradesh, reducing the need for patients to travel to metro cities and distant treatment centres. Under the collaboration, couples from Pasighat and neighbouring districts will be able to access key fertility services, including consultations, scans, ovulation monitoring and intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures locally at Health Care Hospital. The services will be provided under the clinical guidance and treatment protocols of Birla Fertility & IVF’s Guwahati centre, ensuring continuity of care while easing financial…

Mogu Mogu, the pioneer of the snackable drink category, has launched its latest global campaign in India, targeting Generation Z consumers with a message that encourages them to “chew through” awkward real-life situations instead of looking for a digital-style skip button. Titled “Wanna Skip? You Gotta Chew”, the campaign went live across India on June 1 and is built around common awkward moments identified through research conducted by Thailand-based beverage company SAPPE, the parent company of Mogu Mogu. The campaign highlights scenarios such as uncomfortable eye contact with strangers, being the only single person on a couples’ trip, and disappointing…

Sony India has launched its new BRAVIA 7II television series in the country, introducing its first True RGB LED technology aimed at delivering enhanced colour accuracy, deeper contrast and a more immersive home entertainment experience. The company announced that pre-bookings for select BRAVIA 7II models have commenced from May 28. The new BRAVIA 7II series is powered by Sony’s RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro technology, which independently controls red, green and blue LEDs to improve colour precision, brightness and black levels. Combined with the Cognitive Processor XR, the television is designed to reproduce visuals and sound in a way that…