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Employee medical plan costs in India are projected to increase by 11.5% in 2026, remaining higher than the global average of 9.8%, according to the 2026 Global Medical Trend Rates Report released by Aon. The report, however, notes that the pace of cost escalation is moderating, supported by stabilising healthcare utilisation after years of sharp post-pandemic increases. Cancer and cardiovascular-related conditions continue to be among the most significant drivers of medical costs globally as well as in India. Across Asia-Pacific, including India, wider access to advanced diagnostics and therapies is improving health outcomes but also driving higher utilisation, placing additional…

Amazon India has entered into a research collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee to develop innovative packaging materials from agricultural waste, marking a significant step towards sustainable operations and circular economy practices. The project focuses on creating non-wood paper technology by converting crop residues such as wheat straw and bagasse into strong, lightweight paper mailers. These recyclable and home-compostable packaging solutions aim to reduce dependence on virgin wood pulp and address the persistent issue of stubble burning by diverting agricultural waste into productive use. The initiative could also open up new income streams for farmers by creating a market…

The revised 18% US tariff under the India–US trade deal is expected to usher in a phase of greater stability for Indian exporters by improving cost visibility and strengthening margins, according to global professional services firm Aon. Commenting on the development, Manoj Kumar A S, Head of Sales & Growth at Aon, said the lower and more predictable tariff regime enables exporters to plan pricing strategies and negotiate contracts with greater confidence. He noted that improved margins could support timely payments across the value chain and contribute to healthier trade credit conditions. Over the longer term, the deal is likely…

Personal loans in India are undergoing a significant shift, moving away from their traditional image as tools meant only for emergencies. Increasingly, borrowers with stable jobs, steady incomes and disciplined investment habits are opting for personal loans to fund a wide range of planned needs from education, healthcare and home upgrades to travel, wellness and lifestyle aspirations. Industry trends indicate that post-Covid, many salaried professionals have reassessed what “investment” truly means. While they have continued systematic investments and long-term savings, there is a growing recognition that health, well-being and quality of life also require timely financial commitment. Rather than redeeming…

India’s hiring market remains buoyant, but recruiters are finding it increasingly difficult to match candidates with roles, according to new research released by LinkedIn on February 3, 2026. The study reveals that 74% of recruiters in India now struggle to find qualified candidates, even as hiring activity is running nearly 40% above pre-pandemic levels. The challenge is being driven by a widening volume-quality gap. More than half of recruiters facing hiring difficulties cited a surge in AI-generated applications, while 47% pointed to persistent shortages of in-demand skills. Nearly 48% said identifying genuine applications amid low-quality or misleading profiles has added…

South African Tourism concluded the fifth edition of its flagship corporate engagement initiative, Corporate Think Tank, with Kolkata as the fourth and final stop of the current four-city series. The event brought together over 25 corporate leaders for discussions focused on business travel trends, collaboration opportunities and destination-led experiences. Designed to deepen engagement with India’s corporate sector, the initiative showcased South Africa’s growing strengths as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), alongside leisure travel. Through interactive sessions and destination presentations, the programme highlighted the country’s positioning as a value-driven and experience-rich choice for business events. Kolkata has…

Shiv Nadar Foundation (SNF) has announced the launch of the ICONIQ Quizverse Challenge, a pan-India inter-college quiz competition aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students, with the objective of promoting curiosity, critical thinking, and a culture of learning across campuses. The national-level initiative is open to students above 18 years of age and has been envisioned as an annual platform that brings together learners from diverse disciplines and institutions. The competition will follow a hybrid format, beginning with online qualifiers and moving to City Rounds and Zonal Finals in Delhi NCR, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata, before culminating in a National Final.…