Business

Vodafone Idea (Vi) on Monday said its data consumption in Assam and the North East circles grew by 65 per cent between January and December 2025, driven by major network expansion and rising demand for unlimited data plans among customers. The telecom operator said it added more than 890 new network sites across key spectrum bands in the region during the period, extending its coverage to 19 additional towns. Vi stated that the expansion is part of its broader national network transformation programme aimed at improving connectivity and increasing 4G population coverage across the country. According to the company, the growth in data usage was also fuelled by strong customer response to its unlimited data offerings. Vi claimed it remains the only telecom operator currently offering unl...

India’s growing direct-selling sector continues to witness strong participation from women entrepreneurs, with stories of long-term resilience and financial independence emerging as a key trend across urban markets like Kolkata. One such journey began in 2005, when a Kolkata-based homemaker joined Oriflame after attending a seminar at Mahajati Sadan. Initially hesitant about entering business and unsure about public perception, she gradually built her confidence through training sessions, meetings and consistent engagement with the company’s network-driven model. Her daughter, Haichai, recalls spending her childhood watching her mother work for hours beside an old computer after school. From helping arrange papers to typing names and reviewing handwritten notes from trainings, those...

Asia Healthcare Holdings (AHH), the powerhouse healthcare platform backed by GIC and TPG Growth, has announced a significant evolution in its leadership structure. Effective May 1, 2026, the company has appointed three distinguished industry veterans as independent directors to its board, signaling a robust commitment to corporate governance and strategic scaling. The new appointments bring a wealth of global expertise to the table. Murali Sivaraman, formerly of Royal Philips, joins as the Non-Executive Independent Director and Board Chairperson. Vinita Bali, the former CEO of Britannia Industries, assumes the role of Non-Executive Independent Director and NRC Chairperson. Completing the trio is Rashmi Joshi, an expert in finance and strategy from BP and Veedol Corporation, who will se...

Tata Motors has announced a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for around 750 employees across its various manufacturing plants in India. The company said the move is part of its efforts to streamline operations and improve the agility of the organisation. The strategic move is aimed at optimizing the company’s workforce structure as the automotive giant shifts its focus towards automation and electric vehicle (EV) production. A specific segment of permanent employees is being offered a wider financial package, including an ex-gratia payment, health insurance benefits and professional outplacement counselling to help them with their career transitions. The VRS is part of a broader, "future-ready" transformation program to lower fixed costs and improve overall productivity in a rapidly c...

In a move that blends entertainment with evolving digital habits, Vodafone Idea (Vi) has stepped into the fast-growing microdrama space, offering short, engaging stories for free on its Vi Movies & TV platform. Partnering with the Bullet Microdrama App, the company aims to tap into the everyday viewing preferences of India’s smartphone-first audience. Microdramas—bite-sized, serialised stories spanning romance, thriller, and comedy—are rapidly becoming a daily habit for viewers. India contributed 11% of global downloads in Q1 2025, reaching 35 million installs, with the market expected to grow to $1.5 billion by 2026 and $4.5 billion by 2030. With audiences spending 40 to 90 minutes daily and completion rates crossing 90%, the format reflects how storytelling is becoming faster, mo...

The launch of Ramaiah Institute of Science and Management (RISM) by the Gokula Education Foundation (Medical) reflects the growing emphasis on industry-linked higher education as India strengthens its focus on innovation-driven economic growth and advanced workforce development. The deemed-to-be university, launched in collaboration with the University at Albany, will begin academic operations in August 2026 with programmes designed around artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering and technology-focused management education. Education and industry experts say such initiatives are increasingly important as India seeks to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting sectors linked to advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automation and digital technologies. RISM’s initial academi...

Global beauty and wellness company Oriflame has announced the launch of its new “Love Potion Cherry on Top” collection in India, further strengthening its presence in the premium fragrance and personal care segment. The newly launched range includes the “Love Potion Cherry on Top Eau de Parfum,” priced at ₹4,899, and the “Love Potion Cherry On Top Hand Cream,” priced at ₹469. The Eau de Parfum features an ambery fruity composition crafted with notes of mandarin, juicy cherry and lipstick accord in the opening, followed by black cherry, rose and Peru balsam at the heart. The fragrance settles into a warm blend of chocolate truffle accord, cedarwood and roasted tonka bean, designed to deliver a long-lasting and versatile scent experience suitable for both daytime and evening wear. The...

Indian travellers are increasingly choosing Asian destinations for summer 2026, with Airbnb data showing strong search growth for cities such as Osaka, Tokyo, Busan, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. The trend reflects a preference for short-haul international travel offering cultural familiarity, strong connectivity and convenience. According to the data, Gen Z is leading demand, contributing over 40% of summer searches and recording nearly 60% year-on-year growth. This cohort is increasingly planning trips around experiences such as concerts, festivals and culinary exploration. Osaka saw over 85% growth in searches, Tokyo over 90%, and Busan over 95%, while Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok continued to register steady demand. Group and family travel accounted for nearly 60% of searches, followed by ove...

Birla Studios, in collaboration with Vodafone Idea Limited, has announced the launch of ‘Reel Se Real Star’, a first-of-its-kind mobile-first acting talent discovery platform aimed at democratizing entry into India’s entertainment industry. The initiative seeks to eliminate traditional barriers such as geography, access, and industry connections by enabling anyone with a smartphone to audition digitally. Founded on the idea that talent can emerge from anywhere, the platform allows participants to upload auditions via an app and web-based system, removing the need for referrals. Selected participants will receive mentorship from established directors and creative professionals, ensuring both credibility and skill development. Ananya Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Birla Studios, said ...

Swedish beauty and wellbeing company Oriflame has announced the launch of its “Whosthat360 North-East Yatra,” a month-long initiative aimed at strengthening its presence in India’s Northeast while promoting social selling as a scalable income opportunity. The yatra, commencing April 7 at Lady Keane College in Shillong, will cover 13 locations including Agartala, Aizawl, Dimapur and Kohima, before entering Assam with stops at Guwahati College (April 21), Nagaon College (April 23) and Sohum Mall, Dibrugarh (April 25). The campaign will further extend to Itanagar, Siliguri and Durgapur, culminating in Kolkata with events at South City Mall on May 9 and a closing programme on May 10. Designed as a high-energy, on-ground engagement platform, the initiative will feature product trials, skinc...