Business

Infrastructure development, rail connectivity expansion and tourism-driven investments are expected to strengthen the economic outlook of the North Eastern Region, following Parliament interventions by MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla highlighting the need for faster implementation of projects and effective utilisation of central funds. He sought details on the progress of initiatives linked to the Rising North East Summit and emphasised the importance of translating announced investments into projects that generate employment and sustainable growth. Shringla noted that improved rail links connecting the farthest parts of the Northeast with the rest of the country are bringing markets closer, boosting tourism flows and strengthening trade linkages across states. He also underlined the region’...

Amazon on Thursday projected a more than 50% jump in capital expenditure this year, signaling an aggressive push into artificial intelligence infrastructure, a move that unsettled investors and sent its shares down about 9% in after-hours trading.The company said it expects to invest around $200 billion in capital spending in 2026, up from about $131 billion last year, largely to expand data centers and AI capabilities. The forecast underscores that Big Tech firms are continuing their heavy AI investment cycle, even as concerns grow over rising costs and returns.Amazon also issued a weaker-than-expected outlook for first quarter operating income, citing higher expenses related to its high-speed internet project, international retail pricing pressures and quick-commerce investments. The lo...

India’s woodworking and furniture manufacturing sector is preparing for a decisive moment as INDIAWOOD 2026 returns from February 26 to March 2 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru. Organised by NürnbergMesse India and supported by EUMABOIS, the 26th edition is set to be the largest in the event’s history, underscoring rising global confidence in India’s manufacturing ecosystem. The biennial exhibition will feature more than 1,000 brands from over 50 countries, attract upwards of 90,000 industry professionals and span 85,000 square metres—representing a 15 per cent expansion over the previous edition. The scale aligns with the Viksit Bharat vision, which places manufacturing-led growth, exports and global integration at the centre of India’s economic strategy. ...

Montra Electric, the e-M&HCV arm of TI Clean Mobility under the Murugappa Group, has crossed a pivotal inflection point for India’s heavy-truck electrification by becoming the first manufacturer to secure PM E-DRIVE certification for an N3 electric truck. The milestone was marked with the delivery of the first PM E-DRIVE–certified Rhino 5538 EV 6x4 tractor trailer to UltraTech Cement Limited. From an economic standpoint, the certification materially improves total cost of ownership. Under the ₹10,900-crore PM E-DRIVE programme, ₹500 crore is earmarked for e-trucks, translating into incentives of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle for the Rhino 5538 EV. This reduces upfront acquisition costs while lowering long-term operating expenses through fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and insulati...

Royal Enfield is set to expand its lifestyle and community engagement strategy in the Northeast with the launch of its street culture platform HunterHood in Shillong on February 7, 2026. After drawing large crowds in Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, the company is taking the festival to one of India’s most culturally vibrant cities, aligning with the growing influence of youth-led urban culture in the region. Built around the ethos of the Hunter 350 motorcycle, HunterHood Shillong will combine motorsports-inspired showcases with music, art and street-led performances. The programme includes BMX and skateboarding showcases, street football, slam dunk zones and interactive challenges, alongside custom motorcycles by JD Customs. Visual art will feature live graffiti by the Mixed Media Art Crew ...

Blenders Pride, a leading name in India’s premium whisky segment, has announced the launch of the Blenders Pride Zenith Black Edition, a limited-edition release capped at one million bottles across the country. The newly launched Zenith Black Edition brings together the brand’s iconic whisky blend with a bold black design, aimed at consumers seeking a refined and exclusive experience. According to the company, the black aesthetic represents luxury, sophistication, and power, values long associated with the Blenders Pride brand. The edition is positioned as a rare offering, crafted for discerning whisky enthusiasts. The company said the new edition is not just a change in packaging but a fresh design expression that reflects aspiration, distinction, and craftsmanship. With only one mill...

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. has launched refreshed versions of its Bolero Camper and Bolero Pik-Up range, adding updated styling along with new comfort, convenience and connected technology features. The company said the new Bolero Camper is now equipped with the advanced iMAXX telematics solution on select variants, offering real-time vehicle insights to improve operational efficiency and fleet management. The Camper also gets a bolder exterior with new decals, body-coloured ORVMs and door handles. On the comfort front, it now offers rear-seat headrests, air conditioning, a heater and a Bluetooth-enabled music system. Mahindra has also standardised several features across all Bolero Camper variants, including a recliner driver’s seat with headrest, a wider co-driver seat, central loc...

Zuventus Healthcare Limited has issued a formal clarification to counter false and misleading communications circulating in the market, a move seen as important for maintaining stakeholder confidence in a competitive pharmaceutical landscape. The company categorically denied rumours of closure or rebranding, stating that there has been no suspension, shutdown, or transfer of business assets. From an economic standpoint, Zuventus’ assertion that its field force continues to operate at full strength across India indicates continuity in sales, distribution, and engagement with healthcare providers—key drivers of revenue stability in the branded generics segment. Zuventus also clarified that it has no association or affiliation with any entity named Zorvia Healthcare Limited, describing...

Oriflame, the Swedish holistic beauty and wellbeing company, has announced the launch of its new Opt Optimals Even Out range, expanding its Optimals portfolio in India. The range has been developed to visibly reduce dark spots, address hyperpigmentation and restore skin radiance through a gentle and skin-friendly approach, in line with the company’s growing focus on skinimalism. Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skincare concerns in India, influenced by high sun exposure, pollution, hormonal changes and post-acne marks. To address this, the dermatologically tested range is powered by a blend of Niacinamide, Rainbow Algae Extract, Glycolic Acid and Para-probiotic technology. These ingredients work across three pillars of skin health tone improvement, surface renewal and barrie...

Actor and musician Siddhant Chaturvedi has partnered with Airbnb to offer an exclusive, invite-only experience that allows guests to explore Mumbai through his personal lens during Lollapalooza India 2026. Titled Lolla India Like a Local, the four-hour Airbnb Original Experience will be open for booking from January 19 at 11 AM IST. Designed for just four guests, the experience includes a meal at one of Siddhant’s favourite local food joints, a guided heritage walk through Bandra’s historic Ranwar Village, an intimate jam session where he performs an original track inspired by the city, and finally, attending Lollapalooza India alongside him. The initiative also introduces The Mumbai Guidebook, a digital city guide curated by Siddhant, featuring neighbourhoods, local cafés, creative sp...