Business - The Purbottar

21 Jan

TVS Apache racing experience goes international, debuts in Nepal to mark 20 years of Apache series

Business BureauBusiness

TVS Motor Company has announced the international debut of the TVS Apache Racing Experience (ARE GP) with the launch of its first overseas event in Nepal. The day-long programme, held at the Vehicle Academy and Research Center in Satungal, marked a key milestone as the company celebrates 20 years of the TVS Apache brand. The Apache Racing Experience is a structured platform that allows Apache owners to test the racing potential of their motorcycles in a safe and professionally managed environment, while learning advanced riding and racecraft from seasoned TVS Racing champions. The first selection round in Nepal saw participation…

20 Jan

Nissan names Gagan Mangal as Head of Communications for India operations

Business BureauBusiness

Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. has appointed Gagan Mangal as its new Head of Communications, effective January 12, 2026. Based in Gurugram, Mangal will lead all communications functions for the company in India. He will report to Katherine Zachary, Vice President – International Communications, and work closely with Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India. Announcing the appointment, Vatsa said Mangal joins the company at a crucial phase as Nissan accelerates its brand resurgence and prepares for upcoming product launches in India. He added that Mangal’s strong understanding of the Indian media landscape will help strengthen the company’s communications strategy…

20 Jan

WhatsApp emerges as Bharat’s digital backbone as non-metro consumers drive next growth phase: Rukam Capital Study

Business BureauBusiness

India’s consumption story is rapidly shifting beyond metros, with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and small towns shaping the country’s next phase of growth, according to a new consumer study released by Rukam Capital. Titled Beyond Metros: The Real Story of Bharat’s Next 500 Million, the report finds that 84–89% of Bharat consumers now use WhatsApp as their primary digital platform, spanning communication, product discovery and even commerce. The study highlights a clear shift in influence and decision-making. Content creators have overtaken celebrities as trusted voices, with 22–23% of consumers relying on creator recommendations, while celebrity influence has fallen…

20 Jan

Bajaj Auto launches new Chetak C25 electric scooter at Rs 91,399

Business BureauBusiness

Bajaj Auto Ltd. on Friday announced the launch of the all-new Chetak C25, expanding its electric scooter portfolio with a younger and more city-focused offering. The new model is priced at ₹91,399 (ex-showroom Delhi) and will be available across all Chetak showrooms pan India. The Chetak C25 has been designed for everyday urban mobility, targeting customers looking for a light, agile and stylish electric scooter. While aimed at younger riders, the scooter retains Chetak’s core identity of solidity, reliability and a strong metal body, which has found acceptance among families, women and young couples. Featuring a neo-classic design, the scooter…

20 Jan

IndiaSkills North-East Meet begins in Guwahati, 162 youth compete across 26 skills

Purbalee DuttaBusiness

The IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 for the North-East was inaugurated on Sunday at Gauhati University, bringing together young participants from all eight North-Eastern states to compete across 26 skill categories. The event was inaugurated by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who said that the youth of the North-East are prepared to take a leading role in India’s skilled workforce. Organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship with the National Skill Development Corporation as the implementation partner, the competition is being held in the region for the first time. A total of…

19 Jan

IndiaSkills 2025–26 North East regional competition begins at Gauhati University

Business BureauBusiness

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will organise the North East Regional Competition of IndiaSkills 2025–26 at Gauhati University from January 19 to 22, marking a major step in strengthening skill development in the region. This is the first time a dedicated IndiaSkills regional competition is being held exclusively for the North Eastern states, with participation from all eight states. The competition will be inaugurated on January 19 by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The National Skill Development Corporation is the knowledge partner and implementing agency for the IndiaSkills Competition 2025–26. Youth…

19 Jan

INSV Kaundinya reaches Oman after historic 17-day voyage from Gujarat

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The Indian Navy’s traditionally built sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya reached Muscat, Oman, on January 14 after completing a challenging 17-day sea voyage from Porbandar. The voyage, which began on December 29, is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening India’s maritime diplomacy while highlighting the country’s ancient seafaring heritage. Built using ancient shipbuilding techniques, Kaundinya reflects India’s indigenous maritime knowledge and sustainable practices. The vessel has been constructed without modern nails or metal fasteners, with wooden planks stitched together using ropes, drawing inspiration from a 5th-century ship depicted in the murals of the Ajanta Caves. India’s Ministry of External…

19 Jan

Across India at major airports, Thums Up brings the Iconic ICC Trophy closer to cricket fans

Business BureauBusiness

Thums Up, India’s homegrown cola brand, has launched a nationwide ICC Trophy Viewing Experience to bring the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup Trophy closer to cricket fans at major airports. The initiative, announced on January 15, 2026, is being rolled out in partnership with International Cricket Council, Delhi International Airport Limited and Adani Airports Holding Ltd.. The experience began at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on January 15, followed by Indira Gandhi International Airport on January 16 and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on January 17. The trophy is on display daily from 6 am to 8 pm. While Delhi…

19 Jan

IBM (NYSE: IBM) introduces new software to address growing digital sovereignty imperative

Business BureauBusiness

IBM (NYSE: IBM) has announced IBM Sovereign Core, the industry's first AI-ready sovereign-enabled software for enterprises, governments, and service providers to build, deploy, and manage AI-ready sovereign environments. Organizations around the world are facing a growing imperative to exercise control over their technology infrastructure. Driven by evolving regulatory requirements and the need for auditable governance, enterprises and governments are seeking self-managed environments where they maintain complete operational authority, particularly as they deploy AI workloads that amplify sovereignty concerns. Digital sovereignty goes beyond data residency. It encompasses who operates and controls the technology environment, how data is accessed and governed, where workloads execute,…

19 Jan

Ai+ expands wearables portfolio with NovaWatch smartwatch series

Business BureauBusiness

Ai+ Smartphone on Tuesday unveiled NovaWatch, a new smartwatch lineup aimed at strengthening its connected devices portfolio across health, safety and personal style. Scheduled to launch nationwide in Q1 2026, the series reflects the brand’s push to blend practical utility with fashion-forward design for a connected generation. The NovaWatch range includes Active, Wearbuds, Kids Geo Fencing 4G Watch, and an industry-first Rotatecam 4G LTE Watch with a rotating camera. Each model is designed for a specific use case, spanning everyday health tracking, family safety and style-led personal expression. While Active focuses on essential wellness metrics in an easy-to-use format, Wearbuds…