Business Bureau

Amazon India has announced the expansion of its Smartchoice program to the fast-growing tablet category, following the program’s success in the laptop segment. In 2024 alone, one in four laptops sold on Amazon India was a Smartchoice recommendation, with the initiative contributing to a 30% growth in premium laptop sales. Designed to simplify purchasing decisions, the Smartchoice program offers expert-validated recommendations based on specific customer needs such as education, gaming, entertainment, and professional use. Tablets—witnessing a 26% year-over-year growth—are now part of this curated experience, featuring top-rated models from Samsung, Lenovo, Asus, Honor, Acer, and HP. “With customers overwhelmed by…

In a major push for sustainable farming, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI), Durgapur, today unveiled its cutting-edge E-Tractor and E-Tiller in Ludhiana, marking a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards green and energy-efficient agriculture. Graced by Prof. Adarsh Pal Vij, Chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, and other top agri-scientists, the event showcased CSIR PRIMA ET11 and the E-Tiller, designed for small and marginal farmers with zero emissions, low maintenance, and user-friendly ergonomics. The machines, first flagged off by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on National Science Day, are touring…

AWL Agri Business Ltd. (formerly AdaniWilmar Ltd.) has expanded its footprint in the personal care segment with the launch of AlifeGondhoraj&Neem Soap in West Bengal. Combining the invigorating aroma of Gondhoraj lime with the purifying properties of neem, the new variant aims to capture the growing demand for nature-based skincare solutions. The product rollout is supported by a robust 360-degree marketing campaign, including a high-impact TV commercial directed by Dibyendu Bose, digital promotions, cinema branding, and on-ground activations. Alife’s strategic focus on regional preferences highlights its commitment to offering locally resonant products in the highly competitive FMCG landscape. Available across…

London-based tech brand Nothing has announced that its sub-brand CMF by Nothing will launch the much-anticipated CMF Phone 2 Pro on April 28 at 6:30 PM. This marks the second smartphone under the CMF lineup, which debuted in September 2023 with a focus on delivering high specifications at budget-friendly prices. Alongside the CMF Phone 2 Pro, the brand is also set to introduce three new audio devices — CMF Buds 2, Buds 2a, and Buds 2 Plus — broadening its growing portfolio aimed at value-conscious consumers. CMF recently teased the camera design of the upcoming smartphone via its official X…

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan SFB) has reported a strong financial performance for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, with total deposits climbing 19.6% year-on-year (YoY) to ₹37,617 crore. On a sequential basis, deposits rose 9.1%, while the CASA (Current Account Savings Account) balance grew 15.3% YoY to ₹9,611 crore, reflecting improved customer trust and a healthy CASA ratio of 25.6%. The gross loan book witnessed a 7.9% YoY increase, reaching ₹32,122 crore, driven by robust growth in affordable housing (48.4%), MSME (44.8%), and FIG (60.9%) segments. While micro group loans continued to decline, the bank made significant strides in…

ICICI Bank has strengthened its footprint in East Champaran district with the inauguration of a new branch at Chandmari Road, Motihari. This marks the bank’s second branch in the town and seventh in the district. The branch, which also houses a 24x7 ATM, was inaugurated by Shri Saurabh SumanYadav (I.A.S), Municipal Commissioner of East Champaran. The new branch offers a wide array of banking services, including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits, and various loan options such as home loans, business loans, personal loans, auto loans, and agricultural loans. Additionally, customers can access remittance and card services. It…

Halder Venture Limited (HVL) has acquired KS Oil Ltd’s manufacturing unit in Haldia, significantly boosting its refining capacity and market reach. The move, approved by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on March 20, 2025, and finalized with physical possession on March 28, 2025, is expected to drive annual revenue growth of over ₹1,500 crore. The Haldia unit includes a 500 TPD (tonnes per day) edible oil refining facility, a state-of-the-art packaging unit, and 33,000 MT storage tanks. This acquisition expands HVL’s refining capacity five-fold and provides direct port access, allowing efficient sourcing of imported crude edible oil. The…

The Blenders Pride Fashion Tour concluded its latest edition with a show-stopping finale in Guwahati, introducing a fresh perspective on AT-LEISURE fashion through its innovative "Play En-Vogue" concept. Held at the picturesque Greenwood Resort, the event highlighted the work of visionary designers Nitin Bal Chauhan, Abhishek Patni of NoughtOne, and Pawan Sachdeva, who presented groundbreaking collections. The evening was further elevated by Bollywood showstopper Ishaan Khatter and electrifying performances by rappers KR$NA and K A R M A. The designers’ collections featured bold, experimental takes on fashion: NoughtOne’s ‘Racer 01’ merged streetwear with rockstar influences, while Sachdeva’s ‘The Dis-Aligned’ collection…

Panasonic Life Solutions India has launched its 2025 line-up of Residential Air Conditioners (RAC) in East India, designed to withstand extreme temperatures up to 55°C. The latest range, featuring 61 new models across 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0-ton capacities, aims to redefine smart living with advanced technology and energy efficiency. These ACs are now available at leading retail outlets, e-commerce platforms, and the Panasonic Brand Store. Highlighting the market potential, Mr. Abhishek Verma, Business Head, Air Conditioners Group, Panasonic Life Solutions India, stated, “India’s AC penetration currently stands at 7-8%, with the market projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.5%…

Expanding its footprint in Jharkhand, Barbeque Nation, India’s leading casual dining chain, has launched its first outlet in Dhanbad at Alokik Building, Saraidhella. The 4,300-square-foot restaurant features vibrant interiors and can accommodate 104 guests, catering to corporate lunches and family gatherings. Suman Mukherjee, Regional Manager (East), Barbeque Nation Hospitality Limited, said, “Bringing Barbeque Nation to Dhanbad is a significant milestone. We aim to offer our guests a memorable dining experience with our signature hospitality and service excellence.” The outlet offers an extensive buffet with a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. Starters include PeshawariBhutta, Ajwaini Fish Tikka, HaryaliPaneerTikka, and Cajun…