Blog

11 Sep

GST cut: Cement prices to downgrade by Rs 30-35 per bag

Business CorrespondentBusiness, News

New Delhi: Rationalisation of GST will reduce cement prices by Rs 30-35 per 50 kg bag and also reduce construction costs, a report by India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) said. Last week, the GST Council decided to introduce two slabs - 5 percent and 18 percent - in the existing GST regime. From September 22, cement will be taxed at 18 percent instead of 28 per cent. The report said the change is "structurally positive" for the cement sector and could boost demand in the affordable category, which has been weak in recent times. Ind-Ra believes companies will pass on…

11 Sep

PM to Launch Sairang Station, New Express Trains on September 13

editorMizoram

The 51.38-kilometer-long Bairabi-Sairang railway line project is expected to transform Northeastern rail connectivity. The rail project will increase regional economic growth and connectivity even further. Mizoram railway project, opening of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line: On September 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to officially open the eagerly awaited Bairabi-Sairang railway line project in Mizoram. The Northeast's rail connectivity is expected to be altered by this 51.38-kilometer rail route. The railway project will increase regional economic growth and connectivity even more. Mizoram train connectivityPM Modi is anticipated to inaugurate three new express trains on Saturday while in Mizoram. Mizoram will…

11 Sep

Ujjivan SFB targets Rs 1 lakh crore loan book by FY30 with focus on secured lending

Business BureauBusiness

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan SFB) has announced its roadmap to achieve a Gross Loan Book (GLB) of ₹1 lakh crore by FY30, building on its rapid growth since becoming a small finance bank in 2017. The strategy emphasizes diversification of its loan portfolio, expansion of liability franchise, and a stronger focus on cost efficiency to ensure sustainable profitability. The bank has steadily increased its secured lending from 16% in FY19 to 46% in Q1FY26, with a target of 65%–70% by FY30. Key growth drivers will include affordable housing, MSME lending, vehicle finance, gold loans, and agri loans, alongside new…

11 Sep

Indigenous youths demonstrate against Tripura LoP for allegedly disregarding traditional tribal dress

Sonakshi SarkarTripura

Tension gripped Dhalai district today as indigenous youths staged a protest against Jitendra Chaudhury, Leader of the Opposition and CPI(M) state secretary, accusing him of disrespecting the ‘Risha,’ the traditional handwoven attire of Tripura’s tribal communities. Around 100 men and women waved black flags and blocked Chaudhury’s convoy for nearly half an hour at Nailaha Bari on the National Highway while he was en route to a party programme. Security forces, including Tripura State Rifles (TSR), intervened to ensure Chaudhury’s safe passage. Protesters shouted slogans demanding an apology, with one stating, “Jitendra Chaudhury has insulted Risha. He must apologize. Otherwise,…

11 Sep

Tata AIA launches ‘Health Buddy’ and Health SIP to redefine insurance with wellness

Business BureauBusiness

Tata AIA Life Insurance has launched “Tata AIA Health Buddy,” India’s first 24x7 health and wellness companion from a life insurer, aimed at blending health protection with wellness and life insurance. Alongside, the company also introduced “Tata AIA Health SIP,” a unique plan that combines health coverage with wealth creation. Health Buddy, available through the Tata AIA app, offers preventive health check-ups, doctor consultations across 24 specialties, dental and women’s wellness services, fitness guidance, and second medical opinions for critical illnesses. Tata AIA has also unveiled a friendly mascot to make the concept approachable and accessible. Amit Dave, Chief Distribution…

11 Sep

Arunachal CM announces ₹5 crore aid for Himachal flood-affected

Banasree SarkarArunachal Pradesh

The Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) would provide Rs 5 crore in financial assistance to flood-affected individuals in Himachal Pradesh, according to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The approved sum would go to the Himachal Pradesh Aapda Raahat Kosh-2025, a formal fund set up by the Himachal government to raise money for extensive relief and reconstruction projects following the disastrous floods. Concerned by the extensive damage and suffering of people, CM Khandu underlined that governments have a shared obligation to provide assistance during emergencies. "Boundaries are not recognized by natural calamities. As Indians, it is our responsibility to assist…

11 Sep

Sairang and Delhi will be connected by Mizoram’s first Rajdhani Express, which PM Modi will inaugurate

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off Mizoram’s first Rajdhani Express on September 13, connecting Sairang station in Aizawl with Anand Vihar station in Delhi. The move marks a historic milestone, bringing the state’s capital onto India’s national railway map. According to an official notification from the Northeast Frontier Railway, weekly services of the 20-coach train will commence from September 19. Covering a distance of 2,510 km, the journey will take approximately 43 hours and 25 minutes at an average speed of 57.81 km/h, with 21 scheduled stops at key stations including Guwahati, New Cooch Behar, New Jalpaiguri,…

11 Sep

Apple plans to introduce the thinnest iPhone

editorBusiness

Launch of the iPhone 17 Air: Apple has made a radical design change with the new iPhone 17 Air, which is only 5.6 mm thick. Additionally, the company announced a slimmer, smarter Apple Watch Series 11 and updated AirPods Pro with live translation. The focus of Tuesday's Apple event was remodeling and fresh design. Apple unveiled a brand-new iPhone Air model, the thinnest of its kind at only 5.6mm. Because of the new form, the phone's internal components had to be changed to make room for the device. However, this redesign did not entail sacrificing quality because the phone boasts…

11 Sep

Meal skipping is more harmful than you think

Banasree SarkarHealth

Frequent meal skipping can have a detrimental effect on your health by causing blood sugar problems, mood changes, exhaustion, and poor focus. This behavior may eventually impair digestion, interfere with metabolism, and raise the risk of long-term conditions including diabetes and heart problems. Addressing these problems is essential to preserving general wellbeing. Severe blood sugar swings brought on by missing meals, especially breakfast, might result in symptoms including weariness, shakiness, and dizziness. Type 2 diabetes risk may rise as a result. Frequent meal skipping slows down metabolism, which makes burning calories more difficult and may result in weight gain. Overeating…

10 Sep

Cottonseed oil futures prices downgrade on weak demand

Business CorrespondentBusiness, News

New Delhi, Cottonseed oil cake prices on Tuesday fell by Rs 38 to Rs 2,954 per quintal in futures trade as traders reduced their positions following a weak trend in the spot market. At the NCDEX, cottonseed oil cake contracts for December delivery fell by Rs 38, or 1.29 per cent, to Rs 2,954 per quintal in a business turnover of 7,890 lots. Analysts said selling by traders at current levels amid sluggish market sentiment mainly led to the fall in cottonseed oil cake prices.