Business

Oesophageal Cancer cases surge in Northeast, experts call for advanced medical technologies

Oesophageal Cancer cases surge in Northeast, experts call for advanced medical technologies

The Northeast is witnessing a worrying rise in oesophageal cancer cases, with experts urging the adoption of advanced medical technologies to address the crisis. According to a recent Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report, the region’s high tobacco consumption—48.2% among adults compared to the national average of 29%—is a key factor driving this surge. In Assam, the prevalence of oesophageal cancer is particularly alarming. Dibrugarh district records the highest proportion of cases at 15.7%, with 1 in 54 males at risk. Kamrup Urban follows closely with 14.3% (1 in 27 males), while Cachar reports an incidence rate of 11.6%…
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The Union Budget 2025-26 reflects a strategic push

The Union Budget 2025-26 reflects a strategic push

The North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) has appointed Satish Kumar Kalra as its interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India. “The Union Budget 2025-26 reflects a strategic push towards financial inclusion, rural development, and MSME growth. Initiatives like the enhanced Kisan Credit Card limit to ₹5 lakh and new taxation reforms demonstrate a balanced approach to fostering economic empowerment. These measures are particularly encouraging for regions like the Northeast, where increased access to credit and financial services can drive entrepreneurship and community upliftment.” The budget continues the government’s…
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Budget 2025: A boon for farmers, says Godrej Agrovet leaders

Budget 2025: A boon for farmers, says Godrej Agrovet leaders

The 2025 budget has been lauded by Godrej Agrovet leaders as a significant step towards strengthening India's agricultural sector and empowering farmers.  Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, emphasizes the budget's comprehensive strategy, highlighting initiatives like increased Kisan Credit Card loan limits and the push for self-reliance in pulses and edible oils. He believes these measures will be instrumental in achieving a "Viksit Bharat."  Rajavelu N.K., CEO of Godrej Agrovet's Crop Protection Business, praised the focus on crop productivity and protection, particularly the Mission for Cotton Productivity and the Prime Minister Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana. He stressed the importance of integrating…
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Budget 2025: A boost for skills, startups and rural India

Budget 2025: A boost for skills, startups and rural India

The Union Budget 2025, unveiled on February 1st, focuses on investing in people, innovation, and rural prosperity, aiming for inclusive growth and a sustainable future.  Hon'ble Minister Jayant Chaudhary emphasized the budget's forward-looking vision, highlighting tax reforms, support for key sectors like agriculture and MSMEs, and a focus on skills development.  Tax relief for individuals earning up to Rs. 12 lakh was also announced.   The budget prioritizes skilling and education, with initiatives like 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, BharatNet expansion, and skill development programs.  Five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling will be established, focusing on global standards and "Make…
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Greaves Electric Mobility sees sales jump in January

Greaves Electric Mobility sees sales jump in January

Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd (GEML), the e-mobility arm of Greaves Cotton Ltd, reported robust sales in January. Under the company's flagship Ampere brand, it sold 3,611 units in January, making it the 5th best-selling electric two-wheeler brands in India, according to the vehicle portal. The manufacturer reported a 53% year-on-year growth and a 27% month-on-month growth, driven primarily by sales of its premium family electric scooters - Nexus and Magnus Neo. Overall, retail growth for Ampere (including slow-speed vehicles) stood at 38% month-on-month, which is higher than the industry growth average. The Magnus Neo, the updated variant of the recently…
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UPL shares upgrade 5% after Investec rose rating to ‘buy’, raises price target to Rs 700

UPL shares upgrade 5% after Investec rose rating to ‘buy’, raises price target to Rs 700

UPL shares jumped over 5 per cent after global brokerage Investec upgraded its rating on the stock to 'buy' from an earlier 'sell' call, and hit a 52-week high of Rs 636.80 on February 3. Apart from the rating upgrade, Investec also raised its price target for the stock to Rs 700, significantly higher than the previous target of Rs 450. Investec's optimism towards UPL is driven by expectations that the company will successfully reduce its overall debt levels in FY25. UPL's net debt stood at Rs 27,531 crore as of September 2024. The brokerage is also confident that UPL…
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Budget 2025: Godrej CFO sees boost for FMCG sector

Budget 2025: Godrej CFO sees boost for FMCG sector

Aasif Malbari, Chief Financial Officer of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd., has lauded the Union Budget 2025 for its balanced approach to strengthening key pillars of the FMCG sector.  Malbari highlighted the budget's focus on rural infrastructure, manufacturing, and consumer spending as drivers of growth.   He believes investments in rural development and job creation will stimulate economic activity and increase consumption, creating market expansion opportunities.  The CFO also praised the National Manufacturing Mission, emphasizing its potential to enhance domestic production, reduce import reliance, and improve cost efficiencies.  Tax reforms benefiting the middle class were also noted as a positive factor, increasing…
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Maharashtra embraces linguistic inclusivity with Marathi version of Skill India Digital Hub

Maharashtra embraces linguistic inclusivity with Marathi version of Skill India Digital Hub

In a bid to create a more inclusive and dynamic skilling ecosystem, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the Marathi version of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) during the Vishwa Marathi Sammelan 2025 at Fergusson College in Pune. The initiative, launched alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar, aims to break language barriers and empower the state's youth with accessible skill development tools in their native language. The SIDH platform, offering over 7,000 courses, including in-demand areas such as AI, Machine Learning, and Drone Technology, will provide Marathi-speaking individuals with tailored resources for career…
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Assam may get its tallest building as KPC Group and Polaris plans big investment

Assam may get its tallest building as KPC Group and Polaris plans big investment

Assam is set to see a big investment that could change its cities and economy.Santanu Ghosh, Chief Coordinator of KPC Group and Polaris has expressed his business group’s keen interest in making a substantial investment in the state. In a proposal submitted to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Ghosh outlined an ambitious plan to construct the tallest skyscraper in the state along with several large-scale projects aimed at transforming Assam’s infrastructure. The proposed investment, valued at over Rs 2,500 crore is envisioned as an "epic and landmark" development that would put Assam on the global investment map. What sets…
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Catch Spices launches new TVCs featuring Akshay Kumar and Rajpal Yadav to elevate culinary experiences

Catch Spices launches new TVCs featuring Akshay Kumar and Rajpal Yadav to elevate culinary experiences

Catch Spices, a leading brand under the Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), has unveiled two exciting new television commercials (TVCs) featuring Bollywood superstars Akshay Kumar and Rajpal Yadav. These TVCs aim to strengthen the brand’s message of "Kyunki Khana Sirf Khana Nahi Hota" (Food is more than just food), blending humor with the essence of family and togetherness. The first commercial, focusing on Catch Turmeric, presents a heartwarming and humorous scenario where a mix-up leads to a memorable meal, emphasizing how food connects people. Akshay Kumar’s line, “Catch Haldi hi laata hai khaane mein asli rang!” underlines the emotional and…
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