Business - The Purbottar

17 Feb

GST clarity sought as Bharat Taxi launch sparks debate on driver earnings

Business BureauBusiness

The launch of the driver-owned, subscription-based ride-hailing platform Bharat Taxi has triggered fresh discussions on tax policy clarity, with driver groups urging the government to differentiate between SaaS-based mobility platforms and traditional commission-driven aggregators. Designed as a cooperative model, Bharat Taxi aims to provide auto and cab drivers greater control over pricing and earnings through a fixed membership subscription rather than trip-based commissions. The debate centres on the proposed 5 percent GST on ride fares under the subscription or SaaS model. Unlike conventional e-commerce aggregators that control pricing and collect payments, SaaS platforms merely provide digital access while fares are…

17 Feb

Commodity Rally Loses Steam as Analysts Warn of Further Price Pressure

editorBusiness

The recent surge in global commodity prices appears to have run its course, with analysts suggesting that most commodities may now trade sideways or remain under pressure in the coming months.Prices across a broad spectrum — from base metals such as copper, zinc and lead to precious metals like gold and silver — have declined sharply, slipping up to 21 per cent from their 52-week highs reached in late January 2026. Natural gas has been the worst hit, plunging nearly 62 per cent from $7.83 per MMBtu in late January to around $2.99. Brent crude has also fallen about 13…

17 Feb

Axis Max Life logs strong 9M FY’26 growth; VNB jumps 30%, market share rises to 9.8%

Business BureauBusiness

Max Financial Services Limited reported robust financial performance for the first nine months of FY’26, with consolidated revenue excluding investment income rising 18% year-on-year to ₹24,625 crore. Including investment income, consolidated revenue stood at ₹36,891 crore, while profit after tax was ₹137 crore. Axis Max Life Insurance, the group’s life insurance arm, continued to outperform the private industry, reporting a 20% year-on-year increase in Individual Adjusted First Year Premium (FYP) to ₹6,396 crore and gaining 53 basis points in private market share to reach 9.8%. Gross Written Premium grew 18% to ₹25,195 crore, while renewal premiums rose 17% to ₹15,551…

16 Feb

Byatikram Group congratulates BNP victory, felicitates Bangladesh envoy in Guwahati

Business BureauBusiness

The Byatikram Group has congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader and newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman following the party’s decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, describing the mandate as a reflection of the country’s democratic strength. On behalf of the organisation, Dr. Saumen Bharatiya and Mr. Amaresh Roy also felicitated Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commissioner in Guwahati, Mr. Zikrul Hasan Fahad, in a gesture symbolising goodwill and regional friendship. The felicitation ceremony highlighted solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and recognition of their democratic mandate. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bharatiya said the emphatic electoral mandate demonstrated…

16 Feb

IRS 2026: Navigating Tax Law Changes Under the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”

editorBusiness

The 2026 tax filing season is officially underway, with the IRS now accepting 2025 federal income tax returns as of January 26. To ensure a smooth experience, taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically and choose direct deposit, as the agency continues its transition toward a paperless system under the "Modernizing Payments" executive order. For most Americans, the deadline to file and pay any taxes owed is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This year brings several significant updates from the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill," including adjusted standard deductions of $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. Additionally, taxpayers…

16 Feb

Nihar Naturals launches ‘Fit Chul, Hit Chul’ campaign, blends music and haircare to engage consumers

Business BureauBusiness

Marico Limited has launched a new digital campaign for Nihar Naturals Hair Oil titled “Fit Chul, Hit Chul,” unveiling an original music track aimed at promoting healthy hair through a culturally rooted, youth-focused approach. Inspired by West Bengal’s musical heritage, the campaign highlights hair fitness as a symbol of confidence, self-expression, and modern lifestyle, reinforcing Nihar Naturals’ leadership as the number one hair oil brand in eastern India. The track, composed by regional artists Mrinmay MS and Shreya Basu, is supported by influencer-led promotions and celebrity brand ambassador Rukmini Maitra to drive engagement across reels and short-video platforms. According to…

16 Feb

Cardiology expert highlights laser that melts plaques in heart vessels

Business BureauBusiness

During a recent conclave in Guwahati, cardiac specialists showcased a laser-based treatment that vaporizes obstructions in heart blood vessels. The technique, known as laser therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure which involves guiding a thin, specialized catheter through the artery to the site of the blockage. The catheter emits controlled bursts of high-energy laser light that melts away the blockage from within. Once upon a time, treating blocked heart arteries meant open surgery, visible scars and long recovery periods. Today, doctors use bursts of laser light to clear plaque buildup -- a transformation that shows just how far heart care…

14 Feb

General Mills India announces the inauguration of a new manufacturing facility in Nashik

Business BureauBusiness

General Mills India, part of General Mills Inc., a U.S.-based Fortune 500 food company, has announced the inauguration of a new manufacturing facility in Nashik, Maharashtra. The new, state-of-the-art plant marks a significant expansion of the company's manufacturing footprint in India and reinforces its long-term commitment to serving the fast-growing food and bakery sector in India. General Mills invested approximately INR 100 crore to build this plant, and it serves as the company’s second manufacturing facility in Nashik. The facility has been built using advanced manufacturing technologies and global quality standards, with a strong focus on food safety, high quality,…

14 Feb

HP launches new DeskJet Printer range for home users in India

Business BureauBusiness

Technology company HP Inc. has launched a new range of DeskJet All-in-One (AiO) printers in India, targeting students, parents, and professionals seeking affordable and easy home printing solutions. The new lineup spans HP DeskJet, HP DeskJet Ink Advantage, and HP DeskJet Ultra Ink Advantage series, offering plug-and-play printing, scanning, and copying with low-cost inks and dual-band self-healing Wi-Fi connectivity. The printers deliver printing speeds of up to 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 5.5 ppm in colour, while the DeskJet Ink Advantage 4388 offers up to 8.5 ppm and includes an automatic document feeder. All models feature a…

14 Feb

Couple rises to top leadership ranks in Oriflame India, turns shared dreams into success story

Business BureauBusiness

A couple’s journey from modest beginnings to national recognition in the direct-selling industry is drawing attention as a story of perseverance, partnership, and ambition. Shanyo Horam and her husband Worchinan Kasar have emerged among the Top 13 Leaders in Oriflame India, achieving significant professional milestones through years of sustained effort. Shanyo, who grew up in a small village with limited opportunities, had to discontinue her formal education early to support her family. Determined to achieve financial independence and stability, she worked in various roles before being introduced to Oriflame in 2011 by her aunt. The company’s social-selling model and structured…