Business Bureau

India's micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector is entering a new phase of technology-led expansion, with artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital workplace solutions emerging as critical productivity drivers, according to the Vi Business MSME Growth Insights Study 2026. Based on insights from more than 2.5 lakh MSMEs across 16 sectors, the study found that 57 per cent of enterprises now view AI as essential for scaling business, while 25 per cent have already integrated AI into their operations. The report showed India's Digital Maturity Index (DMI) rising to 60.8 from 58.0 in 2025, reflecting broader adoption of digital…

Whether travelling to work, exercising, relaxing at home or setting out on a long journey, millions of mobile users rely on music as part of their daily routine. Seeking to enhance that experience, telecom operator Vi has partnered with global audio streaming platform Spotify to provide eligible postpaid subscribers with three months of complimentary Spotify Premium, combining mobile connectivity with premium entertainment benefits. The offer is available on Vi's individual postpaid plans priced at Rs. 451, Rs. 551, Rs. 751 and Rs. 1,201 (REDX), as well as select family postpaid plans, with the benefit extended to the primary member. Eligible…

Indriya, Aditya Birla Jewellery, has launched its latest marketing campaign, 'Sparkle Like No Other', aimed at highlighting the superior sparkle and quality of its natural diamonds while introducing what it describes as an industry-first benchmark for diamond selection in India. Conceptualised by Ogilvy, the campaign focuses on the visual brilliance of diamonds, with the brand stating that only one out of every five natural diamonds passes its stringent selection process based on light reflection, refraction and return to deliver exceptional brilliance, fire and scintillation. The campaign is led by a brand film featuring actor AditiRaoHydari, who showcases the jewellery in…

CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, in partnership with the Government of Assam, organised an exclusive Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on renal transplantation in Guwahati, reflecting growing emphasis on public-private collaboration to strengthen specialised healthcare capacity in Northeast India. Held at Vivanta Hotel under the theme *"Advancing Renal Care through Collaboration, Innovation & Expertise,"* the programme brought together nephrologists, urologists, transplant surgeons, physicians and healthcare professionals to deliberate on the latest innovations and global best practices in kidney transplantation. The scientific programme commenced with an introductory session by Dr. Sombrata Roy, Unit Head, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, followed by presentations from…

India’s life insurance industry has reiterated the importance of evaluating insurance products through a long-term lens, emphasizing that the sector continues to provide substantial financial security despite occasional concerns such as mis-selling. The Insurance Awareness Committee–Life Insurance (IAC-Life) said life insurance remains a critical component of financial planning, offering protection, disciplined savings and income continuity for families. Industry leaders noted that judging insurance products based on short-term outcomes can lead to an incomplete assessment of their overall value proposition. According to KamleshRao, Chairperson of IAC-Life, life insurance is designed to deliver benefits over time through financial protection and savings discipline.…

Advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are enabling women with early-stage breast cancer to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence while continuing to lead active personal and professional lives, according to oncologists. Experts say a more personalized approach to treatment is helping patients balance medical care with work, family responsibilities and long-term life goals. While concerns about recurrence remain a major challenge for many women, doctors note that recurrence risk varies from patient to patient depending on factors such as tumour size, lymph node involvement, hormone receptor status, HER2 status and other biological characteristics. Understanding these factors allows clinicians…

Hero MotoCorp has launched the all-new Passion+ Disc, introducing a feature-rich variant of its popular commuter motorcycle as the company looks to strengthen its presence in India's entry-level motorcycle segment. The new model combines refreshed styling, improved safety features and enhanced connectivity while targeting urban commuters seeking fuel-efficient and practical mobility solutions. Powered by a 100cc BS-VI and OBD-2 Phase A compliant engine, the Passion+ Disc produces 5.9kW of power at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Equipped with Hero's patented i3S (Idle Stop-Start System), the motorcycle delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 71 kmpl. The…

Hyatt has expanded its World of Hyatt Brand Explorer Award initiative across the Asia Pacific region, offering members greater incentives to explore its portfolio of hospitality brands while earning complimentary stays. Under the programme, members can receive a Free Night Award at a Category 1–4 Hyatt hotel after staying at five different Hyatt brands, with additional rewards available for every subsequent five unique brands experienced over the lifetime of their membership. The hospitality chain said the initiative covers 36 Hyatt brands globally, including 17 across Asia Pacific, catering to leisure, business and premium travellers. Hyatt's portfolio spans luxury, lifestyle, classic…

Online travel platform Cleartrip has launched the Cleartrip Creators Club, a new affiliate-driven initiative aimed at integrating creator content directly into the travel booking process as the company looks to capitalise on the growing influence of social media in travel decisions. The programme, launched nationwide on Instagram and YouTube, seeks to onboard more than 10,000 creators by the end of 2026. Unlike traditional influencer marketing campaigns that rely on fixed payments for content, the initiative operates on a performance-based commission model, allowing creators to earn revenue from bookings generated through their content. Cleartrip said the programme is open to creators…

Kolkata Metro has strengthened its long-standing partnership with ABB, deploying advanced electrification and motion-control technologies across its expanding transit network to enhance operational efficiency, reliability and passenger safety. The collaboration, which spans more than 25 years, has supported the modernization of India’s first metro railway system. Today, the 72-km Kolkata Metro network operates over 300 train services daily and caters to more than half a million passengers, making it a critical component of the city’s urban transportation infrastructure. ABB has supplied a range of electrification solutions, including low- and medium-voltage gas-insulated switchgear, distribution boards, lightning protection systems and variable frequency…