Business News Northeast - Latest Business Northeast News & Updates

28 Mar

Gold loans turn strategic as Indians shift from distress borrowing to smart credit

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Gold loans in India are rapidly transforming from a stigmatised “last resort” borrowing option into a planned and preferred credit choice, according to Kotak Mahindra Bank. The bank said borrowers are increasingly pledging idle ancestral jewellery to access quick, hassle-free and lower-cost credit compared to mortgages and unsecured loans. Shripad Jadhav, President and Head – Gold Loans at Kotak Mahindra Bank, said this shift reflects changing borrower behaviour. “Gold loans are no longer about distress. Customers with stable incomes are using them as a disciplined way to meet short-term needs and act on time-sensitive opportunities,” he said. Rising gold prices…

28 Mar

Great Learning, Johns Hopkins partner to launch agentic AI program amid rising enterprise demand

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Global edtech firm Great Learning has partnered with Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering to launch a 16-week online Certificate Program in Agentic AI, aimed at training professionals to build autonomous, goal-driven AI systems. The program targets STEM professionals, AI practitioners, product managers and technical leaders, and will be delivered by Johns Hopkins faculty and industry experts. The course covers fundamentals of large language models, agent design, and advanced reasoning frameworks such as ReAct and Chain-of-Thought, followed by multi-agent collaboration and responsible AI deployment. Participants will also undergo Python prework and complete applied projects to build a professional portfolio. Upon…

27 Mar

Indriya, Amit Aggarwal showcase ‘Orizon’ at Lakmé Fashion Week, reimagine Polki for modern consumers

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Indriya, the jewellery brand of Aditya Birla Group, unveiled its latest showcase ‘Orizon’ at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI, positioning contemporary Polki craftsmanship at the forefront of India’s fashion landscape. In collaboration with designer Amit Aggarwal, the presentation blended heritage jewellery with sculptural couture, offering a modern interpretation of Indian tradition through Banarasi weaves and mirror work. The showcase, headlined by actor Disha Patani, unfolded as an immersive visual narrative of light and form. Beginning with minimal diamond pieces, the collection progressed into bold Polki and gold creations, featuring vibrant gemstones such as tourmalines, tanzanites, sapphires, rubies and South Sea…

27 Mar

Cognizant study debunks ‘Plug-and-Play’ AI, flags shift toward custom enterprise solutions

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Cognizant has revealed that plug-and-play artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are largely ineffective for enterprises, with organizations increasingly preferring custom-built AI systems to generate real business value. The findings are based on a study of 600 AI decision-makers and interviews with 38 senior executives across global markets. The report highlights that enterprises prioritize tailored AI solutions and flexible engagement models over pricing and speed of deployment. Off-the-shelf AI tools are cited as a major reason for rejecting vendors, along with lack of industry expertise and integration challenges. Key hurdles in AI adoption include regulatory compliance (33%), difficulty in demonstrating return on…

26 Mar

Namma Yatri Parent Moving Tech Innovations Enters Europe with AutoMIC Acquisition

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Moving Tech Innovations (MTI), the visionary force behind India’s successful open mobility platforms such as Namma Yatri and Yatri Sathi, has officially announced its entry into the European market. The company confirmed on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the acquisition of Netherlands-based mobility firm Automicle Holding BV, marking a significant milestone in the international expansion of India’s "city-first" transport model. While the financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, the strategic implications are clear. Moving Tech aims to export its proven, zero-commission, community-led mobility infrastructure—a model that has already transformed the digital transport landscape in major Indian metros. Magizhan and Shan…

26 Mar

Coke Studio Bharat Season 4 opens strong with ‘Ae Ajnabee’, blend folk and pop to tap evolving music trends

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Coke Studio Bharat has launched Season 4 with its first track Ae Ajnabee, bringing together singer Aditya Rikhari, folk maestro Kutle Khan, and producer Ravator in a collaboration that bridges generations and musical styles. The song centres on the timeless emotion of longing, presenting it through both traditional and contemporary lenses. Ae Ajnabee reflects how expressions of love have evolved—from handwritten letters and quiet glances to unsent messages and late-night texts—while retaining the same emotional core. Musically, it blends folk melodies with modern pop production, creating a track that resonates with diverse audiences. Shantanu Gangane, IMX Lead at Coca-Cola India…

26 Mar

ASCI study finds Gen Alpha living in blurred world of content, commerce and identity

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The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Academy has released a new study, ‘What the Sigma?’, highlighting how Generation Alpha (aged 7–15) is growing up in a seamless digital ecosystem where advertising, entertainment and identity increasingly overlap. Conducted with Futurebrands Consulting, the ethnographic research was unveiled at the inaugural ASCI AdTrust Summit 2026 and spans six Indian cities, drawing insights from children, parents, teachers and industry stakeholders. The study finds that Gen Alpha does not distinguish between online and offline spaces, treating the digital world as a continuous reality. Their cultural codes, language and aesthetics are globally synchronised yet largely…

26 Mar

Rs 70,000 cr steel boost: AM/NS India lays foundation for mega plant in Andhra Pradesh

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ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) on Monday laid the foundation for its ambitious greenfield integrated steel plant at Rajayyapeta in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district, marking a major step in India’s industrial expansion. The project, with an estimated investment of over ₹70,000 crore, is expected to generate around one lakh direct and indirect jobs. The foundation ceremony was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Nara Lokesh. ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Lakshmi Mittal, CEO Aditya Mittal, and AM/NS India CEO Dilip Oommen were also present. The 8.2…

25 Mar

₹6.30 lakh crore lifeline: How life insurance is powering India’s household dreams

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Behind the ₹6.30 lakh crore paid out by India’s life insurers in FY2024-25 lies a deeper story of families funding dreams, securing futures and navigating life’s uncertainties. The IRDAI Annual Report shows how insurance is no longer just about protection, but a vital financial partner across life stages. A significant 92% of payouts went towards living benefits, highlighting how policyholders are increasingly using insurance funds for real-life needs—from children’s education and home ownership to travel and lifestyle goals. Withdrawals and surrenders alone accounted for ₹2.33 lakh crore, up 1.77% year-on-year, reflecting planned use of savings rather than financial distress. Kamlesh…

25 Mar

Tata AIA bets on India innovation, global AI boom with three new fund launches

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Tata AIA Life Insurance on Monday announced the launch of three new funds—Large Mid Cap Innovation Fund, Large Mid Cap Innovation Pension Fund, and Global AI & Technology Leaders Fund—aimed at helping investors benefit from India’s innovation-led growth and global technology trends through its Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs). The New Fund Offer (NFO) will remain open from March 24 to March 31, 2026, with units priced at ₹10 for domestic funds and $10 for the global fund. The funds are regulated under IFSC norms and designed to offer a mix of wealth creation and life insurance protection. The Large…