Business

Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea, has expanded its advanced metering infrastructure portfolio by introducing Smart Gas Metering solutions for City Gas Distribution companies. The announcement marks a major step in modernising utility services as India sees rapid growth in natural gas consumption. Officials said the solution is based on Narrowband IoT technology, which helps gas operators monitor leakage, theft, and manual billing errors. The move is expected to support CGD companies by reducing unaccounted gas and improving billing efficiency. With demand for natural gas rising, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has projected the CGD industry to become the largest consumer by the end of the decade. Vi Business said the upgraded system will help companies ma...

Cipla Limited (BSE: 500087; NSE: CIPLA; and hereafter referred to as "Cipla") has announced the launch of Yurpeak® (tirzepatide), a one-weekly injectable therapy for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)—two of the country’s most pressing health challenges. Cipla has the rights to distribute and promote Yurpeak®—the second brand of Lilly’s tirzepatide in India, after Lilly received DCGI approval. Commenting on the launch, Achin Gupta, Global Chief Operating Officer, Cipla Limited, said: “The launch of Yurpeak® marks a transformative moment in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, two of India’s chronic conditions with a heavy burden. Cipla is entering this space with the same depth of expertise and scientific commitment that define our leadership in chr...

Biscuit snacking gets a playful twist as Britannia 50-50 Golmaal introduces new ideas for quick, fun and fuss-free evening bites that have become popular among young snack lovers in the city. The product combines savoury and nostalgic flavours such as Buttery Bites and Kala Jeera, making it suitable not only for tea-time but also for at-home gatherings. According to the brand, Golmaal can be used beyond regular biscuits, from replacing canapés at house parties to turning into a base for small chaat servings. The idea fits well with Shillong’s growing trend of informal home snacking, where friends often gather for adda sessions around hot tea and local favourites. The suggested “Golmaal Biscuit Chaat” uses boiled potato, onion, tomatoes, chutneys and sev placed on the biscuit, giving a ...

On Monday, Paramount Skydance made a hostile $108.4 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), following Netflix’s $72 billion offer for the studio and its streaming service, potentially ending a duopoly and creating a monopoly. Paramount proposed a $30-per-share cash tender offer for WBD, backed by $41 billion in equity financing, funds from Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, Middle Eastern government-backed investors, and support from the Ellison family. Unlike Netflix’s bid, which targets WBD’s film and TV studios, HBO, and HBO Max, Paramount’s offer includes the company’s cable networks. Paramount’s tender will remain open for 20 business days, with WBD required to respond within 10. CEO David Ellison indicated the $30 offer may not be final, signaling a willingness to inc...

India’s shift toward a green economy offers a unique opportunity to align sustainability with industrial competitiveness, said Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Speaking at the CII IndiaEdge 2025 event during a plenary on “Green Growth: Aligning Sustainability with Competitiveness,” he urged businesses to harness this momentum through voluntary commitments that advance India’s vision of a self-reliant circular economy. He highlighted the role of investments in research, infrastructure, skill development, and collaboration with MSMEs in driving a globally competitive and sustainable industrial base. Circularity, Yadav explained, involves minimizing waste by keeping materials in use through repair, reuse, and recycling. He stressed that clean industrial...

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is scheduled to announce its policy decision on December 5, 2025. The repo rate currently stands at 5.50 percent, with a neutral policy stance. In October 2025, the MPC adopted a dovish tone, citing GDP growth below target and signaling room for a potential rate cut. However, recent data has altered market expectations. India’s Q2FY26 GDP surged to 8.2 percent, surpassing the RBI’s 7 percent forecast and the market median of 7.3 percent, driven by 7.9 percent growth in private consumption and favorable base effects. Nominal GDP growth was more modest at 8.7 percent, reflecting a lower deflator. Inflation remains subdued, with headline CPI falling to 0.25 percent in October and food inflation at -5.02 percent, while core inflat...

Mia by Tanishq, India’s leading contemporary fine jewellery brand, has come on board as the Official Style Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025—one of the country’s most cherished celebrations of cultural heritage, artistry, community, and creative expression. Through this partnership, Mia brings its “Precious, every day” philosophy to a festival that beautifully mirrors the very values the brand stands for: individuality, confidence, craftsmanship, and the power of personal stories. Ms. Shyamala Ramanan, Business Head – Mia by Tanishq, shared the main dais with the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Ambassadors and Ministers at the inauguration and addressed audiences reinforcing Mia’s leadership and commitment to the region. Across the 10-day festival at Kisama Heritage Village, Mia by Tanis...

India’s industrial production in October grew a mere 0.4%, marking a 14-month low and signaling a slowdown in economic activity. This is significantly below September’s 4% growth and also under the 3.1% forecasted by economists in a Reuters poll. The modest rise in output came despite stronger domestic consumption across major categories, partly driven by the goods and services tax (GST) cuts implemented on September 22. The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation attributed the slowdown to fewer working days due to festivals like Dussehra and Deepawali. Breaking down the sectors, manufacturing output increased just 1.8% in October compared with 4.8% in September, while mining and electricity declined 1.8% and 6.9%, respectively. These three sectors together account fo...

The central government will introduce two legislative bills in Parliament on Monday: The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to increase the excise levy on tobacco products, and The Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025, establishing a new cess on pan masala as the GST compensation cess is concluding. The Central Government plans to increase excise duty on tobacco products through an amendment to the Central Excise Act, 1944. This adjustment is aimed at sustaining tax levels following the cessation of the GST compensation cess. Additionally, a new Health Security and National Security Cess will be applied to pan masala and potentially other goods, intended to enhance funding for national security and public health expenditures, especially in light of rising...

Oriflame has announced new scientific findings showing that its patented bioactivating technology, Oripeptide-3, significantly supports key biological drivers of skin ageing. Central to the NovAge+ range, the breakthrough underscores Oriflame’s two-decade-long research into cellular health, skin longevity, and anti-ageing science. Developed to work with the skin’s natural biology, Oripeptide-3 targets five recognised hallmarks of ageing, including DNA protection, cellular renewal, protein quality maintenance, and boosting cellular energy for repair and defence. According to Oriflame’s Director of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Lene Visdal-Johnsen, the technology strengthens the foundation for healthier, more resilient, and youthful-looking skin. Edyta Kurek, Senior VP & Hea...