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Every year, as the monsoon arrives, Tripura comes alive with one of its most cherished celebrations—Kharchi Puja. With a legacy spanning over 150 years, this iconic festival is deeply rooted in faith, culture, and community. Dedicated to the worship of the Chaturdasha Devata, the fourteen guardian deities of the former Tripura Kingdom, Kharchi Puja welcomes lakhs of devotees and visitors who gather to seek blessings, celebrate tradition, and experience the vibrant spirit of the state. But every great celebration is also about creating new memories. This year, ITC Bingo! became a part of that journey by bringing an exciting, interactive experience to the heart of the Kharchi Puja mela. Designed to add a playful twist to the festivities, the Bingo! stall invited visitors to participate in a range of engaging games. The concept was simple—purchase a Bingo! pack and unlock the chance to play one exciting game. Whether it was trying their luck at Spin the Wheel, testing their aim with Ring the Bingo, taking on the Zig Zag challenge, or solving the Jigsaw Puzzle, every game offered a perfect blend of fun, excitement, and rewarding moments. The vibrant setup, energetic atmosphere, and engaging activities quickly turned the stall into one of the mela's standout attractions. Families, friends, and festival-goers gathered around to participate, while creators and influencers captured and shared the experience, adding to the excitement and making the activation a natural talking point across the festival grounds. What made the experience truly special was the response from the crowd. Children eagerly joined the games, adults embraced the playful competition, and visitors walked away with more than just prizes. They left with photographs, shared laughter, and memories that became a part of their Kharchi Puja experience. For seven memorable days, the ITC Bingo! stall wasn't simply a brand activation—it became a celebration within a celebration. By blending entertainment with one of Tripura's most significant cultural festivals, ITC Bingo! created meaningful interactions that connected with people of all ages while celebrating the joy, togetherness, and vibrant spirit that define Kharchi Puja. Because the best celebrations aren't just remembered—they're experienced.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted the North East MSME Conclave 2026 in Guwahati on July 22, bringing together policymakers, financial regulators, industry experts and business leaders to deliberate on measures that can accelerate the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the Northeast. Held under the theme "Unlocking the Region's Entrepreneurial Potential," the conclave underscored the need for greater formalisation, digital integration and collaborative financial frameworks to build a resilient industrial ecosystem. Welcoming the participants, Mukesh Nankani, Vice-Chairman of the CII Assam State Council and Chief Airport Officer of Guwahati International Airport Ltd., highlighted the Northeast's strategic role as India's gateway for MSME expansion and its immense entrepreneurial potential. Delivering the inaugural address, Satinder Kumar Bhalla, ITS, Secretary, North Eastern Council (NEC), outlined initiatives aligned with the vision of Viksit North East 2047. He highlighted the launch of a free digital compliance portal, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and SIDBI, aimed at simplifying regulatory compliance and assisting micro enterprises with timely reminders. Speaking on financial inclusion, Sushmita Phukan, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), emphasised the importance of expanding formal credit access for MSMEs. She outlined RBI's ongoing initiatives, including enhancement of the collateral-free loan limit to ₹20 lakh, promotion of cash flow-based credit appraisal and strengthening of the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS). Atul Rathi, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India (SBI), highlighted the bank's technology-driven approach to improving credit access, while G. Ramesh Kumar, Chief General Manager, NABARD, announced a ₹10,000 crore rural infrastructure disbursement target for the current financial year. The conclave witnessed participation from over 100 stakeholders, with technical sessions focusing on access to capital, regulatory alignment and sustainable growth for MSMEs in the Northeast.

In a market flooded with chemical-heavy skincare, natural alternatives are becoming more important than ever. One such brand making its mark from Northeast India is Angry Mother Soap Co. The brand was founded in 2014 by entrepreneur Akitoli Suu in Dimapur, Nagaland. What began as a small handmade soap project slowly turned into a trusted eco-conscious skincare brand. The name itself has an interesting story. While brainstorming ideas for the brand, Suu’s mother reportedly stormed into the room during a discussion. The moment inspired the quirky and memorable name — Angry Mother. The company focuses on making handcrafted soaps using natural ingredients. Each product is carefully made in small batches. The goal is simple: create skincare that is gentle on the skin and safe for the environment. The soaps are free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and petrochemicals. Instead, the brand uses organic oils, essential oils, and locally sourced herbs. Many products are also vegan and palm-free. Over the years, Angry Mother Soap Co. has developed more than 30 varieties of soaps. Some popular options include Aloe Vera, Milk & Oats, and Rice Brew soap. Each bar is designed to target specific skin concerns like dryness, acne, or pigmentation. The brand has also expanded its product range. Today, it offers shampoo bars, lip balms, perfumes, and even pain relief balms made with the famous Raja Mircha chilli from Nagaland. Sustainability is a key part of the brand’s identity. Each soap bar is wrapped in recycled paper made in-house. The packaging also features playful illustrations inspired by Naga culture. From a small workshop in Dimapur, Angry Mother Soap Co. is now reaching customers across India — proving that natural skincare can grow from local roots.

Guwahati, July 1: In a heartfelt tribute to the medical fraternity on the occasion of National Doctors' Day, the Rotary Club of Guwahati Icons organized Rotary Arogya Samman 2026 under the theme "Celebrating Those Who Create Lasting Impact" at Pratiksha Rainbow Children's Hospital, Guwahati. The event honoured 52 eminent doctors for their outstanding service, dedication, and invaluable contribution to healthcare and society. The programme was organized in association with Pratiksha Rainbow Children's Hospital, with NETIVE and Red FM as media partners, helping amplify the message of gratitude and recognition for healthcare professionals across the region. The event commenced with a welcome address by Rtn. Sudha Laskar, President, Rotary Club of Guwahati Icons, who emphasized Rotary's commitment to creating lasting impact by recognizing individuals whose selfless service continues to transform lives and strengthen communities. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Naveen Shamakuri, Facility Director, Pratiksha Rainbow Children's Hospital, appreciated Rotary's initiative in honouring doctors and acknowledged the relentless efforts of healthcare professionals who serve society with compassion and excellence. The keynote address was delivered by Rtn. Dr. Partha Protim Bora on the topic "Doctor–Patient Relationship: Building Trust in Modern Healthcare." He highlighted the importance of empathy, ethical practice, transparent communication, and mutual trust in strengthening the healthcare ecosystem. Rtn. Rajesh Singh, Assistant Governor, Zone X, also addressed the audience and applauded the Rotary Club of Guwahati Icons for creating a meaningful platform that recognizes healthcare professionals while advancing Rotary's mission of Service Above Self. A special Doctors' Day cake-cutting ceremony added a celebratory touch to the programme, bringing together doctors, Rotarians, partners, and guests in honour of the medical fraternity. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Rtn. Himanshu Agarwal, Secretary, Rotary Club of Guwahati Icons. Speaking on the occasion, Rtn. Sudha Laskar said, "Doctors dedicate their lives to healing others with compassion, integrity, and commitment. Through Rotary Arogya Samman, we express our deepest gratitude to these healthcare heroes who continue to create a lasting impact on countless lives every day." As a media partner, NETIVE is proud to be associated with initiatives that recognize excellence, celebrate community service, and highlight stories that inspire positive change. Rotary Arogya Samman 2026 stands as a fitting tribute to the medical fraternity and reinforces the collective commitment towards building a healthier and stronger society.

Guwahati, June 2026: As lakhs of devotees converged at the sacred Kamakhya Temple for Ambubachi Mela 2026, ITC’s Bingo! stepped beyond conventional marketing to become part of the pilgrims’ journey through a dedicated support initiative. Set up along the temple route, the colourful Bingo! activation offered drinking water and refreshments to devotees navigating long walks, crowded pathways and hours of waiting. The initiative provided a welcome pause for visitors, helping them recharge before continuing their spiritual journey. While delivering comfort and convenience, the activation also reflected the brand’s vibrant identity. The stall featured Bingo!’s newly redesigned packs and popular flavours, including Masala Masst, Kimchi Cream & Onion, Chilli Sprinkled Delights, Thrillin' Tomato and Slayin' Salt. Thousands of devotees and visitors passed through the activation every day, giving the brand a meaningful opportunity to connect with consumers in one of Northeast India’s most significant cultural and spiritual events. More than a brand showcase, the initiative highlighted how thoughtful engagement can blend utility with visibility, support with storytelling, and service with branding. For ITC’s Bingo!, Ambubachi Mela 2026 was not merely a marketing platform—it was an opportunity to contribute to the experience of millions of pilgrims and become part of a journey defined by faith and devotion.

Guwahati, June 2026: Reinforcing its commitment to community welfare and meaningful engagement, KEI Industries Ltd. has launched a special service initiative during Ambubachi Mela 2026, one of the largest religious congregations in North-East India, attracting an estimated 8–10 lakh devotees over four days. As part of the initiative, KEI has set up a prominently branded stall at a strategic high-footfall location along the route to the revered Kamakhya Temple. The activation aims to provide essential support to pilgrims while strengthening the brand’s association with service and care. The key highlights of the four-day initiative include: * Free drinking water distribution for devotees visiting the temple. * Mobile charging facilities to help pilgrims stay connected during their journey. Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Rubul Gogoi, KEI Industries Branch Head -Assam) "Ambubachi Mela is not only a major spiritual gathering but also an occasion that brings together millions of devotees from across the country to visit the Nilachal Hills during the four-day event During this mega spiritual gathering, devotees come from faraway places and face problems related to charging their cell phones and getting Access to clean Drinking Water. Through this initiative, KEI aims to contribute meaningfully to the comfort and convenience of pilgrims while reaffirming our commitment to community welfare. Their four-day initiative offers free drinking water distribution to devotees, ensuring access to safe hydration amid the summer weather and long queues. In addition, the company has set up mobile charging facilities, enabling pilgrims to stay connected with family members and fellow travellers throughout their spiritual journey. it's about addressing small but important needs that can make a big difference to a devotee's journey The initiative reflects KEI Industries' focus on creating a positive impact beyond its core business operations by supporting communities during important cultural and religious occasions About KEI Industries Ltd. KEI Industries Ltd. is one of India's leading manufacturers of wires and cables, offering a wide range of products catering to retail, institutional, and industrial customers. The company is committed to innovation, quality, and creating meaningful connections with communities across the country.

Star Cement reinforced its commitment to entrepreneurship and inclusive development by organising an Entrepreneurs Meet at the NEDFi Auditorium, Ganeshguri. The event drew strong participation from entrepreneurs, institutional representatives, industry stakeholders and aspiring business leaders from across the North East. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. J. B. Ekka, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, as Chief Guest. His presence reflected the state government’s continued focus on enterprise-led growth. Sri Prafulla Hazarika, Retired Commissioner of Industries and Mentor of the Samarth Project, also attended the event. Addressing the gathering, Pradeep Purohit, COO, said the response to the meet highlights the rising ambition of entrepreneurs in the region. He stressed that collaboration between policymakers, financial institutions and industry bodies is vital to unlock the North East’s full potential. He added that such platforms are designed to help first-generation entrepreneurs build sustainable and scalable businesses. The meet created a shared space for dialogue and knowledge exchange. Representatives from DICC, NSIC, MSME, KVIC and SIDBI, along with legal compliance experts, interacted with participants. Discussions focused on policy support, financial assistance, incubation opportunities and regulatory clarity. During the programme, the official Star Samarth website was launched. The platform will provide information on incubation, training, schemes and upcoming initiatives. A key highlight was the signing of an MoU between Young Indians (Guwahati Chapter) and Star Cement Charitable Trust. The partnership aims to make Kamakhya Railway Station fully accessibility-friendly. One government school will also be transformed into a barrier-free campus. In addition, financial assistance was extended to Assam Gandhi Smarak Nidhi to support its women-led weaving centre. The Entrepreneurs Meet marked a significant step toward strengthening institutional support, promoting inclusion and fostering long-term socio-economic growth in the region.

Myntra is no longer just selling fashion online. It is building culture on the ground. The Myntra Glamfest Tour 2026 proved that in Assam. The brand made bold stops at two of the state’s biggest college festivals. And the response was massive. At IIT Guwahati’s Alcheringa '26, the concert ground turned into a fashion playground on February 1. Singer Shaan headlined the night. But it wasn’t just about music. Myntra FWD brought curated street-style energy to campus. Students explored experience zones. They tried makeovers and engaged with trend-led collections. The brand became part of the festival story. Then came NIT Silchar’s Incandescence '26 on February 16. The vibe was electric. Javed Ali delivered a crowd-pulling performance. Myntra once again blended entertainment with retail innovation. Fashion met fandom in real time. From a business lens, this is smart positioning. Assam and the Northeast have a young, style-conscious audience. By entering campus festivals, Myntra connects directly with Gen Z consumers. It moves beyond app notifications and into real-world engagement. These events were not just concerts. They were brand-building machines. Social media buzz spiked. On-ground participation was high. Students shared reels, stories, and experiences. Myntra is not waiting for customers to scroll. It is meeting them where culture lives. And in Assam, that strategy clearly paid off.

Budget 2026–27 puts Northeast India back in the spotlight—but attention alone doesn’t build economies. What the Budget offers is not a breakthrough, but a window. Whether businesses can climb through it depends on what happens next. For the region’s economy, higher allocations and infrastructure spending matter because they attack the Northeast’s oldest problem: isolation. Better roads, logistics and connectivity can shrink distances, lower costs and finally allow local businesses to scale beyond state borders. For MSMEs, this is not a bonus—it’s survival. This Budget lays out some new tactical moves for growth. There’s a visible national push to develop tourism circuits across the Northeast—especially Buddhist, cultural and eco-tourism routes—aimed at attracting both domestic and international visitors. That means more demand for hospitality, transport, trekking, local crafts and cultural enterprises. At the same time, funds are being earmarked for upgrading regional healthcare and emergency care centers, improving access in remote districts. This isn’t just about better hospitals—healthcare modernization fuels jobs in diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, training centers and allied services across states like Assam, Arunachal, Manipur and Tripura. Tourism and healthcare emerge as clear economic bets. Healthcare investment, meanwhile, creates stable employment and opens doors for private players in diagnostics, hospitals and allied services. Together, they signal a shift from grant-driven growth to consumption-led activity. Another core focus is on enhanced fiscal space and tax devolution, giving state governments greater flexibility to design local business incentives and reduce regulatory friction. Combined with upgraded digital infrastructure and support for MSME credit access, the Budget signals a shift toward enabling market-driven growth, not just subsidies. But here’s the catch: money does not equal momentum. The Northeast has seen ambitious budgets before. Projects stall. Funds move slowly. Businesses wait. Without faster clearances, state-level coordination and serious private investment, even well-funded schemes can lose steam. Economically, this Budget is an enabler, not a guarantee. It gives states room to spend, businesses room to grow and investors a reason to look East—but it doesn’t force outcomes. That responsibility now sits with state governments, local institutions and entrepreneurs. If execution matches intent, Budget 2026–27 could help the Northeast move from the margins to the mainstream. If not, it will join a long list of budgets that promised growth but delivered paperwork. The money is on the table. The clock is ticking.

Shares of Reliance Industries Limited took a sharp hit this week, slipping nearly 5% and extending losses for the second consecutive session. The fall came just a day after the stock touched a record high of ₹1,611.20, leaving investors wondering — is this a red flag or a golden dip-buying moment? The trigger? Rising global jitters after escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela, a key oil-producing nation. Markets fear that any prolonged conflict could spike crude oil prices, potentially squeezing refining margins. As a heavyweight in energy, Reliance was quick to feel the heat, even as broader markets like the Sensex stayed relatively resilient. Adding fuel to the volatility were reports claiming Russian crude shipments were headed to Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery. The company swiftly dismissed the claims, calling the report “blatantly untrue” and clarifying that no Russian oil cargoes were received in recent weeks. Even so, uncertainty spooked traders in the short term. But here’s the bigger picture. Despite this correction, Reliance has been a standout performer in 2025, rallying over 29% so far — far ahead of the Sensex’s 9% rise. More importantly, market experts view the current slide as sentiment-driven rather than fundamental. Reliance today is far more than an oil company. Its high-growth engines — Jio and Retail — remain largely insulated from crude price swings and continue to deliver strong long-term value. Analysts believe these businesses provide a solid cushion against geopolitical shocks. So, should you buy the dip? If you’re a short-term trader, volatility may persist. But for long-term investors, this correction could offer an attractive entry into a structurally strong stock that continues to dominate India’s corporate landscape. Sometimes, market fear creates opportunity — and Reliance might just be one of those moments. #RelianceIndustries #RelianceShares #StockMarketIndia #IndianStockMarket #ShareMarketNews #MarketUpdate #DalalStreet #Sensex #Nifty50 #StockMarketCrash #InvestorMindset #StockAnalysis #BusinessNews #FinancialNews #TrendingStocks #IndiaBusiness

Few Indian brands have achieved what Santoor has- instant recall without constant noise. The moment you hear “Haldi aur chandan ke gun samaye Santoor..”, memory does the rest. It wasn’t just advertising- it was a cultural cue, a daily reminder that beauty could be simple, traditional, and timeless. By 2025, Santoor quietly rose to the top of the soap market. It became India’s largest soap brand by value in a category that had been dominated by legacy names for decades. The Beginning: From Vision to a Bar of Soap Long before Santoor existed, the foundation was being laid. In 1945, amid India’s freedom struggle, Mohamed Premji laid the foundation of what would later become Wipro. Decades later, in 1986, Santoor was launched under Wipro Consumer Care as a soap grounded in Indian tradition. Its positioning was clear and uncomplicated: sandalwood and turmeric, ingredients already woven into the cultural understanding of skincare, promising younger-looking skin. This clarity was its biggest strength. While other soaps chased glamour, Santoor chose trust, tradition, and consistency. The Strategy That Changed the Game Santoor’s rise wasn’t overnight, nor was it accidental. Instead of pushing nationwide dominance immediately, the brand adopted a focused regional growth strategy. In the late 1990s, the brand chose a region-by-region growth strategy, building strength in one market at a time. This steady approach paid off. From a Simple Launch to Market Leadership Santoor entered the market with a clear focus on sandalwood and turmeric- ingredients Indian women already trusted. Their approach paid off as Santoor became India’s third-largest soap brand by 2006. Following this it was leading the market across South and West India. The momentum continued as the brand crossed ₹1,000 crore in revenue in 2012, moved up to the second position nationally in 2018 after overtaking Lux, and finally became India’s largest soap brand by value in 2025- surpassing even Lifebuoy. Smart Strategy, Strong Growth #Santoor #BrandThatLasts #IndianBrands #TimelessBrand #BrandBuilding #MarketingCaseStudy #LegacyBrands #netivebrand

Shares of ITC Limited are in sharp focus on Monday, January 5, after the stock ended the previous trading session at its lowest level in nearly three years. The decline follows the government’s announcement of an additional excise duty on tobacco products, effective February 1, 2026, triggering broad concerns over earnings visibility in ITC’s core cigarette business. The stock has witnessed sustained selling pressure, declining nearly 24% over just two trading sessions. On Friday, ITC shares slipped 5% intraday to hit a 52-week low of ₹345.25 before recovering marginally to close at ₹350.10, still down 4% for the day. Over the past five trading sessions, the stock has fallen more than 13%, while losses over the last six months exceed 15%. The excise duty hike has prompted several brokerages to reassess their outlook on the stock, citing margin compression risks and potential volume slowdown in the cigarettes segment, which remains ITC’s largest revenue contributor despite diversification into FMCG, hotels, and agribusiness. The sharp correction has also resulted in significant notional losses for state-run insurance companies with large holdings in ITC. Life Insurance Corporation of India, which holds a 15.86% stake, saw the value of its investment decline by ₹11,468 crore within two days. General Insurance Corporation of India and New India Assurance Company together recorded additional losses exceeding ₹2,200 crore. While ITC’s diversified portfolio provides some cushion, analysts believe near-term sentiment around the stock may remain cautious as markets digest the long-term impact of higher tobacco taxation. #ITC #ITCSharePrice #ITCStock #StockMarketNews #ExciseDuty #TobaccoTax #CigaretteIndustry #GovernmentPolicy #BusinessNews #MarketUpdate #InvestmentNews #IndianMarkets #ExciseDuty #TobaccoTax #StockMarketNews #BusinessNews