Business News Northeast - Latest Business Northeast News & Updates

12 Mar

Voice search changing how Indians plan travel, MakeMyTrip data shows growing use of regional languages

Business BureauBusiness

Indians are increasingly searching for travel in the language they speak, with voice interactions emerging as a more expressive and inclusive way to plan trips, according to new observations shared by online travel company MakeMyTrip from its Gen-AI powered Trip Planning Assistant, Myra. Based on insights from nearly 20 lakh voice conversations, Myra—now facilitating over 50,000 conversations daily—indicates that voice queries are becoming more contextual and conversational compared to text searches. While text searches typically contain just three to four words, nearly 23 per cent of voice queries exceed 11 words as travellers increasingly describe details such as budget, location,…

12 Mar

Marriott Bonvoy partners with Swiggy to turn everyday orders into travel rewards

Business BureauBusiness

Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel programme of Marriott International, has partnered with Swiggy to allow members to earn travel rewards through everyday transactions on the food delivery and quick commerce platform. The strategic collaboration enables members with linked accounts to earn Marriott Bonvoy points while using Swiggy’s services, including food delivery, Instamart, and Dineout. Under the partnership, users can earn five Marriott Bonvoy points for every ₹500 spent across Swiggy offerings, allowing them to accumulate points not only during travel but also through daily activities such as ordering meals, dining out, or shopping for groceries. Marriott Bonvoy Elite members across…

12 Mar

From entrepreneurial vision to global impact: Malabar Chairman M.P. Ahammad honoured with Business Bhushan Award

Business BureauBusiness

M.P. Ahammad, Chairman of Malabar Group, has been honoured with the prestigious Business Bhushan Award at the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards 2026, recognising his inspiring entrepreneurial journey and his role in shaping the global jewellery retail industry.The award ceremony was held at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai and brought together leading policymakers, industry leaders and personalities from business and entertainment. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were present at the event along with Lokmat Chairman Vijay Darda, ministers, bureaucrats and other distinguished guests.Presented by the Lokmat Media Group, the awards celebrate…

11 Mar

Swiggy, HDFC Bank launch two new co-branded credit cards to boost lifestyle and travel rewards

Business BureauBusiness

Swiggy and HDFC Bank have expanded their co-branded credit card portfolio with the launch of two new variants — the Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank Credit Card and the Swiggy Ornge HDFC Bank Credit Card — aimed at enhancing rewards across food delivery, quick commerce, lifestyle shopping, and travel spending. The new cards are designed to integrate seamlessly with consumers’ everyday spending patterns, offering enhanced cashback and lifestyle benefits across Swiggy and leading online platforms. Existing users of the Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card continue to receive cashback benefits across Swiggy and more than 30 online platforms including Cleartrip, Nykaa, Paytm…

11 Mar

Tata AIA launches ‘Shubh Flexi Pension Plan’ offering guaranteed lifetime income with market-linked growth

Business BureauBusiness

Tata AIA Life Insurance has launched the Shubh Flexi Pension Plan, a new retirement-focused solution aimed at offering guaranteed lifelong income while allowing policyholders to benefit from market-linked growth. The plan seeks to address growing concerns around rising life expectancy, healthcare costs and the risk of outliving retirement savings. The insurer said retirement planning in India is evolving as individuals increasingly seek financial products that combine stability with wealth growth. The Shubh Flexi Pension Plan provides annuity payouts for life and offers a variable annuity option linked to the performance of the NIFTY 50 index. Customers can choose different combinations…

11 Mar

Across West Bengal, Yamaha unveils Eid special offers on R15, FZ-S Fi Hybrid RayZR & Fascino

Business BureauBusiness

India Yamaha Motor has announced a range of special festive offers on its popular motorcycles and scooters in West Bengal ahead of the Eid celebrations, aiming to attract buyers looking for attractive deals during the festive season. In a press statement issued on March 10 from Chennai, Yamaha said customers can avail a 70th Anniversary Special Price on the Yamaha R15 series, offering savings of Rs 6,000 on the on-road price. The company has also introduced a special offer on the Yamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid, providing savings of up to Rs 7,000, making the sporty scooter more accessible for…

10 Mar

Medtronic, Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata partner to expand advanced neuromodulation therapies for parkinson’s care

Business BureauBusiness

Global healthcare technology company Medtronic has partnered with the Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (I-NK) to strengthen the management of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders through advanced neuromodulation therapies, with a focus on training, awareness and clinical capability building. The collaboration will promote skill development among medical professionals and increase awareness about therapy options for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and tremors. According to medical data, Parkinson’s disease prevalence in East India, especially in Kolkata, stands at around 45.82 per 100,000 people, with a significant number of early-onset cases before the age of 50. Neuromodulation therapies such as Deep…

09 Mar

BSV calls for collaborative action for bridging the gaps from diagnosis to management: Aplastic Anemia Awareness Week

Business BureauBusiness

On the occasion of Aplastic Anemia Awareness Week (March 1–7), Bharat Serum and Vaccines Limited (BSV) has called for stronger collaboration among healthcare stakeholders to improve early diagnosis and management of the rare but serious blood disorder. Observed this year under the theme “Voices of Strength and Hope,” the awareness week highlights the need for early screening, coordinated referral systems and improved access to treatment. Experts estimate that India records nearly 20,000 cases of aplastic anemia annually, with incidence rates in Asia reported to be two to three times higher than in Western countries. The disease occurs when the bone…

09 Mar

Meesho gets ₹1,500 crore income tax demand notice; company plans to challenge the order

nanikaBusiness

E-commerce platform Meesho has received an income tax demand notice of nearly ₹1,500 crore for the assessment year 2023–24, according to a recent company filing. The company said it plans to legally challenge the order and is currently evaluating the assessment.The notice, issued by the Income Tax Department on March 6, raises a total tax demand of ₹1,499.73 crore, including applicable interest. According to the filing, the demand stems from certain additions and adjustments made by the tax authorities to the income reported by the company.Responding to the notice, Meesho stated that it does not agree with the observations and…

09 Mar

Marine war risk premiums rise amid escalating Middle East tensions: Aon

Business BureauBusiness

The marine insurance market has begun responding quickly to the heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with war risk underwriters taking precautionary steps to manage the evolving risk environment, according to Stephen Rudman, Head of Marine, Asia at Aon. In a reaction note on the current market situation, Rudman said underwriters have started issuing formal notices of cancellation under standard seven-day war clauses for certain annual hull war policies. In addition, some previously quoted Additional Premiums (APs) for vessels transiting through listed high-risk areas are being withdrawn or revised. Where cover is being reinstated, it is often offered at…