Business Bureau

Kerala Tourism has launched a nationwide campaign titled “Travel Now, Post Later”, promoting mindful travel and encouraging travellers to experience destinations fully before sharing moments online. The initiative, positioned as a global movement, highlights presence-led travel experiences and is being promoted across official digital platforms along with a dedicated microsite. Tourism Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas said Kerala has witnessed a strong post-pandemic surge in tourist arrivals, with new experiential tourism products gaining significant response from domestic and international visitors. He expressed confidence that the upcoming inbound season would sustain the growth momentum. To attract travellers ahead of the summer…

Tata AIA Life Insurance on Tuesday announced the launch of two new value-focused equity funds Enhanced Value Index Fund and Enhanced Value Index Pension Fund aimed at helping investors build long-term wealth while benefiting from integrated life insurance protection. The new fund offer (NFO) will remain open from February 9 to 16, 2026, with policies issued at a Net Asset Value (NAV) of ₹10 on February 16. The funds track the BSE 500 Enhanced Value 50 Customised Index, providing diversified exposure to 50 large-, mid-, and small-cap companies selected using key valuation parameters. The pension variant is available exclusively through…

Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) hosted the third edition of its annual symposium, “Reimagine: Securities Market through Data Synergy,” bringing together policymakers, regulators, market infrastructure institutions and technology leaders to discuss the growing role of data in shaping India’s securities markets. Central Depository Services (India) Limited said the event also marked the launch of the inaugural Reimagine Ideathon, rewarding five student teams with prizes worth ₹12 lakh. Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India, who attended as Chief Guest, emphasised that “data is the new plumbing of capital markets,” highlighting the importance of governance, security…

The CDSL Investor Protection Fund (CDSL IPF), in collaboration with Amar Chitra Katha, has launched a new investor education comic series aimed at simplifying financial concepts and strengthening awareness among investors. The series was unveiled by SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey at CDSL’s 3rd Annual Symposium, Reimagine: Securities Market through Data Synergy. Developed under the guidance of SEBI, the initiative translates complex financial topics into engaging story-based narratives designed to encourage informed participation in India’s capital markets. The comics will be available in both digital and print formats and distributed through investor protection programmes in 12 languages, including English, Hindi,…

Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched the fourth edition of its flagship CSR initiative, ‘Sehat Ka Safar 4.0,’ reinforcing its focus on preventive healthcare for India’s transport workforce. The programme, running from December 18, 2025, to March 31, 2026, will organise 45+ health and eye check-up camps across major logistics corridors, targeting nearly 4,500 truck drivers, transporters, and their families. Market observers note that the initiative highlights the growing role of corporate-led healthcare outreach in strengthening workforce productivity within India’s logistics ecosystem. The latest edition introduces key enhancements such as Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card issuance, expanded laboratory diagnostics, and…

India hosted the first BRICS Sherpa/Sous-Sherpa Meeting in New Delhi under its current chairship, marking an important step toward shaping the grouping’s priorities for the year. The three-day meeting, which began on February 9 and concludes on February 11, has brought together senior representatives from BRICS member and partner countries to deliberate on coordination, cooperation, and key global issues. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India’s BRICS Sherpa and Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela participated in the discussions, which were also attended by China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and Belarus Ambassador M. Kasko. Ambassador Kasko expressed appreciation to…

Amazon India has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to develop innovative packaging materials made from agricultural waste, aiming to reduce dependence on virgin wood pulp while tackling the issue of stubble burning in the country. Under the collaboration, researchers will work on converting crop residues such as wheat straw and bagasse into high-quality pulp to produce strong, lightweight paper mailers that are recyclable and home-compostable. The research, led by IIT Roorkee’s Department of Paper and Packaging Technology, will begin with laboratory-scale testing over a 15-month period. If successful, the project will move to industrial trials and…

J Infratech Limited has secured a contract from a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) for the repair, maintenance, and improvement of riding quality on selected stretches of NH-37 (Old) in Assam. The project was awarded following the company’s successful bid, with the CPSU issuing a formal Letter of Acceptance under FY 2025–26 (2nd Call). The identified highway stretch plays a key role in facilitating daily commuter movement and ensuring smooth transportation of goods across the region. Officials noted that improving riding quality is essential for enhancing traffic reliability, reducing vehicle operating stress, and strengthening overall transport efficiency. The project forms…

Bandhan Life Insurance, the life insurance arm of the Bandhan Group, has launched a new Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) named iInvest Ultima along with a new Mid Cap Fund offering, aimed at helping customers build long-term wealth while ensuring financial protection. The New Fund Launch (NFL), available at a Net Asset Value (NAV) of ₹10, will remain open for subscription until February 18, 2026. The iInvest Ultima plan provides access to Bandhan Life’s 5-star and 4-star rated funds, which have outperformed industry benchmarks, along with features such as an Accidental Death Benefit Rider, loyalty rewards, and a return of…

South African Tourism successfully concluded the Kolkata leg of its Annual India Roadshow after launching the initiative at OTM Mumbai, reinforcing India’s growing importance as a key source market. Led by Marketing and Communications Manager (MEISEA) Mitalee Karmarkar, the roadshow provided a strategic platform to deepen engagement with the Indian travel trade and identify new opportunities across leisure, corporate, and MICE travel segments. The event featured over 40 exhibitors showcasing diverse tourism offerings and attracted participation from more than 220 travel trade agents in Kolkata. The multi-city roadshow will next move to Delhi on February 12, aiming to further strengthen…