Business Bureau

Air India Express has announced a waiver of cargo charges for the transportation of relief materials to Assam, aiming to support humanitarian efforts in flood-affected areas of the state. The initiative is intended to facilitate faster movement of essential supplies by registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and recognised relief agencies engaged in assisting communities impacted by the ongoing floods. According to the airline, the waiver applies to cargo carried on its flights to Guwahati from Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Eligible consignments include food and dry rations, drinking water, medicines, hygiene and sanitation kits, clothing, blankets, tarpaulins and other humanitarian supplies, subject…

A first-of-its-kind investigation by animal protection organisationSentient World has documented widespread animal welfare, public health and environmental concerns across more than 100 dairy units in six Indian states, highlighting recurring deficiencies in dairy management and regulatory oversight. Conducted between February 10 and April 15, 2026, the investigation covered dairy operations in Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, ranging from small household farms to large unregulated dairy clusters. The report found that many dairy units were located within 10 to 300 metres of homes and water bodies, raising concerns over environmental contamination and public health. Investigators documented overcrowding, prolonged…

Smart home appliance maker Dreame Technology has expanded its premium product portfolio in India with the launch of the D30 Ultra Robot Vacuum, featuring automated cleaning functions, advanced navigation technology and a starting price of ₹52,999. The device will be available on Amazon immediately, while sales through Dreame India's official website, Croma and select retail stores will begin from August 1. The D30 Ultra comes equipped with 25,000Pa Vormax™ suction, MopExtend™ technology for improved edge cleaning, and a fully automated maintenance station featuring AceCleanDryBoard™ washboard auto-cleaning. The company said the robot vacuum can provide up to 75 days of hands-free…

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured multiple major orders across its Metals & Minerals business, strengthening its presence in mining, steel and non-ferrous metals infrastructure. The projects, spanning iron ore handling, steel plant expansion and zinc processing, reinforce the company's position as a leading engineering and EPC player while reflecting Chairman and Managing Director S. N. Subrahmanyan's long-term strategy of supporting India's industrial growth through diversified engineering capabilities. Commenting on the development, S. N. Subrahmanyan said, "As India accelerates investments in augmenting its Metals & Minerals capacity to support long-term economic growth, L&T remains committed to partnering with the country's…

A nationwide study has found that prolonged exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes, with women in India's mountainous regions—including Northeastern states such as Meghalaya, Nagaland and parts of Assam—emerging among the most vulnerable despite traditionally cooler climates. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Research Communications, the study analysed 209,266 births recorded across India between 2015 and 2020. Researchers matched each pregnancy with local heat conditions using the India Heat Index, measuring consecutive "sweltering" days rather than average temperatures. The findings showed that every additional consecutive day of extreme heat during pregnancy increased…

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes, with women in West Bengal's humid subtropical regions facing a heightened threat of delivering low-birth-weight babies, according to a first-of-its-kind population-scale study conducted across India. The research also found that rural, less-educated and socially vulnerable mothers are the most affected, underscoring the need to prioritise pregnant women in India's heat action plans. The study, Effect of extreme heat stress on adverse pregnancy outcomes in India, analysed 209,266 births recorded between 2015 and 2020 by matching each pregnancy with local heat exposure. Researchers measured consecutive "sweltering"…

Kotak Mahindra Bank reported a 26% year-on-year increase in standalone net profit to ₹4,123 crore for the first quarter of FY27, supported by lower credit provisions, healthy loan growth and higher fee income. The bank's consolidated net profit rose 23% to ₹5,480 crore during the April-June quarter, according to its unaudited financial results approved by the board on July 18. Net interest income (NII) grew 9% year-on-year to ₹7,928 crore, while operating profit increased 10% to ₹6,131 crore. Fee and services income rose 11% to ₹2,500 crore. Provisions declined sharply by 45% to ₹668 crore, helping improve profitability despite a…

ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits subsidiary of Allied Blenders & Distillers Limited (ABD), has entered the Telangana market with the launch of three award-winning whisky brands — AODH Irish Whiskey, WOODBURNS Contemporary Rare Indian Whisky and YELLO Designer Whisky. The company, co-founded by Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, unveiled the products at a launch event in Hyderabad on Monday. The launch marks ABD Maestro's expansion into Telangana's growing premium spirits segment, with the company targeting consumers seeking high-quality and craft-driven alcoholic beverages. The three whiskies are now available at leading retail outlets in Hyderabad and will also…

Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness has expanded its presence in India with the launch of a luxury mental health, addiction recovery and holistic wellness retreat in Sikkim, marking its fourth centre after Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. Nestled in the Rumtek Hills, the new facility is designed to support individuals dealing with addiction, burnout, behavioural addictions and other mental health concerns through an immersive recovery programme that combines evidence-based clinical care with nature and holistic wellness practices. The launch comes at a time when awareness of mental health and substance dependence is increasing across India, prompting more individuals and families to seek…