Business Bureau

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…

As more Indians gain the financial ability to spend on premium experiences, the real marker of privilege is shifting from affordability to assured access, according to Kotak Mahindra Bank. The bank said rising demand for concerts, exclusive dining experiences and cultural events is outpacing availability, making certainty of participation a key differentiator for affluent consumers. Traditionally, premium credit cards signalled exclusivity through benefits such as airport lounge access, concierge services, golf privileges and reward points. However, Kotak said these features are gradually losing their distinctiveness as they become more widely available. Instead, consumers are increasingly valuing experiences that are exclusive,…

Škoda Auto India has expanded the appeal of its premium sedan lineup by introducing two new exclusive dual-tone colour options—Shimla Green and Steel Grey—for the Slavia Monte Carlo. The limited-edition variants will be restricted to just 200 units and will be available with both the 1.0-litre TSI automatic and 1.5-litre TSI DSG automatic powertrains, the company announced. The latest addition aims to strengthen the Slavia Monte Carlo's premium positioning by offering customers greater exclusivity while retaining the model's sporty styling, blacked-out exterior elements, signature Monte Carlo design cues, black-and-red cabin theme and feature-rich interior. Brand Director Ashish Gupta said the…

A student from West Bengal has secured an international software engineering internship through campus recruitment, highlighting the growing demand for industry-ready technology talent from specialised institutions. SourashisSarkar, a native of Barrackpore and a student of Scaler School of Technology (SST), landed a three-month on-site internship at Singapore-based HealthTech startup Neurowyzr with a monthly stipend of 3,000 Singapore Dollars, approximately Rs 2 lakh. Sourashis developed an interest in computer science during the COVID-19 pandemic by learning coding independently before pursuing an industry-focused undergraduate programme at SST. Through multiple internships and participation in hackathons, he strengthened his expertise in data structures, algorithms…

Turkish Airlines has signed a multi-year agreement with aviation training technology company CAE for the delivery of five full-flight simulators (FFS) and two flight training devices (FTD), with an option to acquire two additional full-flight simulators, as part of its long-term strategy to expand pilot training capacity. The agreement was signed at the Farnborough Airshow and supports the airline's 10-year flight training investment plan as it continues to expand its global fleet and route network. The simulators and training devices will be installed at Turkish Airlines' new Flight Training Center, construction of which began earlier this year. The simulator hangars…

Fenesta, a leading windows and doors brand in India, has expanded its presence in West Bengal with the launch of its eighth showroom in Kolkata, taking its total network in the state to 16 outlets. The new showroom, operated by Plywood House, is located at 191/3, NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose Road, Kolkata, and is aimed at improving customer access to the company's range of fenestration solutions while catering to the growing residential and commercial construction market in Eastern India. The showroom showcases Fenesta's portfolio of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, solid panel doors, and facade solutions. The company said the…