Business Bureau

Travel technology company Travelport has partnered with Cognizant and Anthropic to modernise travel booking and distribution systems using artificial intelligence, the companies announced on Tuesday. The collaboration aims to build an AI-powered travel ecosystem capable of improving how travel technology is developed, tested and maintained, while also bridging the gap between AI-driven travel planning and real-time booking systems. Under the partnership, Cognizant will deploy Anthropic’s Claude AI models across Travelport’s travel retailing and distribution platforms. The initiative is expected to help airlines, hotels, travel management companies and online travel agencies improve efficiency and automate complex travel processes. The companies said…

Swedish beauty and wellbeing company Oriflame has concluded its month-long Northeast Influencer Yatra, one of the largest influencer-led brand campaigns undertaken in the region, covering more than 5,000 kilometres across 13 cities and engaging over 300 influencers. Conducted in partnership with Whosthat360, the campaign began on April 7 at Lady Keane College in Shillong and ended with a grand finale in Kolkata on May 10. The yatra travelled through Agartala, Aizawl, Dimapur, Kohima, Guwahati, Nagaon, Dibrugarh, Itanagar, Siliguri and Durgapur, hosting 13 on-ground activations across Northeast India and West Bengal. At every stop, the Oriflame Beauty and Wellness Partner Truck…

Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Ltd. (ABHICL), the health insurance arm of Aditya Birla Capital, has launched ‘Activ Yuva’, a wellness-first health insurance plan aimed at addressing the changing lifestyle and healthcare needs of young Indians. The company said the new plan expands its HealthReturns™ proposition, which rewards customers for maintaining healthy habits such as walking over 10,000 steps daily or burning 300 calories in a single exercise session. Under the programme, customers with consistent activity levels and a strong Healthy Heart Score™ can earn up to 100 per cent of their annual premium back. Activ Yuva introduces a broader…

Nissan Motor India has launched a government-approved CNG retrofitment kit for the All-New GRAVITE, introducing a segment-first twin-cylinder setup aimed at retaining full 7-seater functionality while offering lower running costs and improved fuel efficiency. Priced at an introductory Rs 82,999, the retrofitment kit will be available across 60 cities in 16 states through Nissan’s authorised dealer network. Developed and quality assured by Motozen, the system uses twin 25-litre cylinders designed to preserve cabin space and third-row usability. The company said the CNG solution has been engineered to balance affordability, comfort and practicality for families seeking economical mobility options in urban…

Kolkata students have brought laurels to the city by securing top international ranks in the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) Examinations for the academic year 2025–26. The Olympiad saw participation from millions of students across 72 countries, including more than one lakh students from Kolkata. Among the top achievers, Sabyasachi Laskar of Class 12 from B.D.M. International (CBSE) secured Rank 1 and won a Gold Medal in the National Science Olympiad (NSO). Rajnandini Chatterjee of Class 12 from G.D. Birla Centre for Education also secured Rank 1 and received a Gold Medal in the International English Olympiad (IEO). Samara Sinha of…

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the new global ambassador for Dreame Technology as the company looks to strengthen its presence in the premium smart home appliance market worldwide. Announcing the partnership under the theme “Dreame to Win,” the company said the collaboration reflects a shared focus on excellence, discipline and innovation. Dreame said the alliance marks a major step in its global expansion strategy after years of growth in AI-driven systems and high-speed motor technology. Ronaldo said he was pleased to join the brand because of its focus on performance and innovation. “I am always looking for partners who share…

National Skill Development Corporation has partnered with Fourth Valley Concierge Corporation to strengthen workforce mobility opportunities for Indian professionals seeking employment in Japan, the organisations said on Monday. Under the partnership, NSDC and the Tokyo-based global recruitment firm will work to build a structured verification system aimed at improving transparency, credibility and employer confidence in Indian talent entering the Japanese workforce. The initiative will use the “Credibility Check” framework developed by NSDC Trust, a group organisation of NSDC. The proposed verification process may include identity checks, educational and qualification verification, employment history validation, criminal background checks where legally permitted, and…

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Tata Motors have partnered to develop a structured and scalable circular economy model for the responsible collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants in India. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pilot the initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable waste management practices and supporting India’s evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. The collaboration seeks to establish an organised and traceable system for the collection, storage and recycling of used lubricants, which are classified as hazardous waste. The process will facilitate the conversion of used oil into high-quality re-refined base oil, helping…

The Godrej Foundation has announced the launch of ‘Tomorrow Makers’, a national platform aimed at identifying and supporting high-potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds across India in fields such as STEM, innovation, arts and defence. The initiative will support students from Classes 6 to 12 as well as graduates through programmes run by eight partner organisations. The platform seeks to bridge gaps in access to mentorship, advanced learning and career opportunities for students from underserved communities. According to the foundation, Tomorrow Makers will offer four pathways — STEM, Invention and Making, Arts, and Defence. Partner organisations include Avanti Fellows, Dakshana, Slam…

Couples considering IVF treatment should receive detailed counselling before beginning the process, as informed discussions can help them better understand diagnosis, treatment options, success rates and emotional preparedness, according to fertility experts. Dr. Kalpana Jain, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, said many couples arrive for their first IVF consultation carrying anxiety, unanswered questions and expectations about finding a clear path forward. However, the consultation process often introduces multiple decisions that need careful consideration. She said counselling is essential because treatment should begin only after a complete diagnosis is established for both partners. Understanding previous tests, identifying missing investigations…