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  • Pawsitive Spending on the Rise: Inside India’s Growing Pet Care Economy

    Bengaluru, Apr 10: Pets are loved, cared for, and nurtured like family in households today. This deep emotional bond is fuelling the rise of ‘pet parents’ across India. This shift is not just emotional, but also reflected in how people shop, spend, and prioritise their pets’ wellbeing in everyday life. According to an IBEF report on India’s pet care industry, the sector is witnessing nearly 20% growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, urban lifestyles, and a stronger focus on pet wellbeing. On Flipkart, this evolution is visible in a growing, lifestyle-led approach to pet care, with the category witnessing a 50%+ y-o-y growth. From dogs and cats to fish, birds and other pets, consumers are turning to the platform as a go-to destination for daily essentials to premium specialised products.

    Pet care shopping has moved beyond food and hygiene to include a more thoughtful mix of nutrition, grooming, wellness and enrichment. A new generation of pet parents is driving this change. Gen Z and millennial consumers today account for 80%+ of overall demand on Flipkart, bringing with them a more informed and evolved approach to pet care. Cities such as Bangalore, Delhi and Kolkata are emerging as key demand centres, collectively contributing to 10% of total pet care orders, while non-metro cities like Mysore, Dehradun and Cuttack continue to see steady adoption as pet ownership expands beyond metros.

    Nutrition is at the heart of this shift. There is a clear move towards clean-label, breed-specific and fortified pet food, which has witnessed 40%+ growth as consumers seek healthier and more tailored options for their pets. Alongside this, preventive care is becoming part of regular routines, with rising demand for products like grooming essentials and calming products such as Trimmers & Pet Health Supplements that support overall well-being. Playtime, too, is being reimagined. Pet toys have seen a 50% y-o-y increase in demand for chew toys, chase toys, training aids, collars and interactive accessories that keep pets active and mentally stimulated. At the same time, pets are increasingly becoming part of celebrations and everyday moments, reflected in the rise of accessories, apparel and occasion-led purchases.

    Pets today play a deeply emotional role in people’s lives, with their companionship, playfulness and quiet comfort becoming part of their daily routines. This connection is shaping how pet parents make shopping choices, with a stronger focus on comfort, care and overall wellbeing. At Flipkart, this is translating into a growing ecosystem that makes caring for pets simpler, more accessible and deeply personal.

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  • Odisha Tops India in AMRUT 2.0 Performance, Sets New Benchmark in Urban Development

    Strong execution of urban infrastructure projects drives major improvements in water supply and city living standards

    Odisha Tops India in AMRUT 2.0 Performance, Sets New Benchmark in Urban Development

     Pic Credit: https://x.com/MohanMOdisha

    Odisha has achieved a major national milestone by securing the top position in India for overall performance under AMRUT 2.0, marking a significant step forward in its urban development journey. The recognition highlights the state’s strong execution capacity and consistent focus on improving essential urban services, particularly drinking water supply and infrastructure.

    Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0), Odisha has emerged as one of the most efficiently performing states, demonstrating effective planning, timely implementation, and large-scale impact across its urban areas.

    Large-scale implementation across 89 urban bodies

    The AMRUT 2.0 programme in Odisha covers 89 urban local bodies, where 345 projects have been taken up with an overall investment of more than ₹4,030 crore. These projects focus primarily on strengthening water supply systems, upgrading urban infrastructure, and improving essential civic services.

    The state’s performance has been driven by its ability to execute projects efficiently on the ground, ensuring that planned infrastructure translates into real, visible improvements in cities and towns.

    Major boost to clean drinking water access

    One of the most significant outcomes of these initiatives has been the improvement in access to safe and clean drinking water. Several modern water treatment facilities have been made operational in key urban centres, enhancing both water quality and supply reliability.

    As a result, more than five lakh urban residents have directly benefited from improved drinking water infrastructure, marking a meaningful improvement in daily living conditions across the state.

    Rapid expansion of household tap connections

    Alongside large infrastructure upgrades, Odisha has also focused on improving last-mile water connectivity. More than 2.7 lakh households have been provided with direct tap water connections, ensuring that clean water reaches homes more efficiently and consistently.

    This expansion has reduced dependence on traditional water sources and significantly improved convenience and hygiene for urban families across multiple cities.

    Efficient execution driving urban transformation

    Odisha’s top ranking under AMRUT 2.0 reflects not only investment levels but also strong governance and execution efficiency. Coordinated efforts between urban local bodies and implementing agencies have ensured steady project progress and timely completion.

    The improvement in water supply systems and urban infrastructure is gradually reshaping cities, making them more livable, sustainable, and better prepared for future growth.

    Strengthening the foundation of sustainable cities

    AMRUT 2.0 aims to create long-term urban sustainability through improved water security, better infrastructure, and efficient service delivery. Odisha’s performance demonstrates how focused implementation can translate policy into real-world impact.

    With continued work under progress, the state is moving steadily toward building more resilient and citizen-friendly urban spaces.

    Conclusion

    Odisha’s achievement as the top performer under AMRUT 2.0 reflects a clear success story in urban transformation. Through large-scale water infrastructure development, improved household connectivity, and efficient execution, the state has significantly enhanced the quality of urban life.

    This milestone highlights how strong planning and effective implementation can drive meaningful change in cities, setting a benchmark for urban development across the country.

  • Beyond the Battlefield: Why the Markets are Gearing up for a New Innings

    The Pivot from Chaos to Continuity
     
    As the smoke clears from the April 2026 resolution of the US-Iran conflict, the global markets find themselves at a profound crossroads. We are transitioning from the “echoes of battle”—a period defined by geopolitical survivalism and rapid-fire escalation—back to the “rhythm of life.” Yet, a persistent psychological barrier remains: the “Max Fear” trap. Investors frequently languish in defensive postures long after the micro-structure of the market suggests a pivot toward recovery.
    While war is undeniably disruptive, the “normalization” phase following such shocks is where the most significant market opportunities are forged. The transition from panic to policy is not merely a return to the status quo; it is the starting whistle for a “New Innings.”
     
    The 9-Week Miracle: Crude Oil’s Rapid Normalization
     
    One of the most high-signal indicators of the current recovery is the unprecedented velocity of normalization in energy prices. Historically, crude oil shocks are protracted affairs. Analysis of seven major shocks over the last 46 years reveals a median duration of 30 weeks (approximately seven months) for prices to stabilize.
     
    In this episode, the shock lasted a mere nine weeks. This accelerated stabilization—driven by the aggressive, rapid-fire nature of the conflict resolution (the “Tweets, Guns, and Barrel” phenomenon)—is a massive signal for broader market stability. The global mechanism for absorbing geopolitical friction has shifted from months to weeks.
     
    Key Observation: Median crude rally = +50% (current episode: +100%). Despite the volatility, the shock ended in just 9 weeks this time, far ahead of the historical 30-week curve.
     
    The “10% Rule”: Why a Weaker Rupee is a Strong Signal
     
    To the casual observer, a depreciating currency is a sign of fundamental weakness. To a macro strategist, however, it is often the prerequisite for the next wave of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) inflows. The data is definitive: once the Rupee finds its floor (stability), the “pain” is effectively priced in, making Indian assets attractive again.
    Historical data on USD/INR depreciation reveals a compelling pattern. In 12 out of the last 13 instances where the Indian Rupee (INR) depreciated by 10% or more over an 18-month period, the forward returns for the following year were overwhelmingly positive, averaging +30.4%. The only exception was the Jan 2019 IL&FS crisis, which was a domestic credit shock rather than a currency normalization. Today’s currency reset is not an exit sign; it is a catalyst for FPIs to return to what remains one of the most favored regions in stable global regimes.
     
    The Capitulation Zone: Finding the Bottom in Market Breadth
     
    Market breadth indicates we have traversed the “Extreme Stress Zone”—the point where fear overrides fundamentals. This “Capitulation Zone” is technically reached when >70% of Nifty 500 stocks fall below their 200-day moving average. On April 8, 2026, this reading hit 71.3%.
     
    While this level of stress is “brutal,” it is historically the most rewarding entry point, yielding a median 1-year forward return of +17.5%. The recent correction has seen a clear divergence in risk sentiment:
    • Small-caps (10k-5k Mcap): This segment has been the epicenter of “Pure Risk-off” sentiment, underperforming large-caps by >1000bps. Approximately 61% of these stocks have fallen by >10%, with median returns at -17%.
    • Mid-caps (30k-10k Mcap): ~51% of stocks have fallen by >10%.
    • Large-caps (>1L Mcap): Only ~32% of stocks have fallen by >10%, acting as the final bastion of resilience.
    The Price is Right: India’s Normalizing Premium
     
    A critical component of the “New Innings” is the valuation reset. India’s price-to-earnings (PE) premium over Emerging Markets (EM) has undergone a significant compression, moving from a 2022 peak of 1.57x to a current level of 0.38x (the 27.7th percentile). Some readings even suggest a compression to the 18.7th percentile.
     
    The philosophy that “price always matters” is being validated. India is currently in the bottom quartile of its historical premium. The last time valuations were this “cheap” relative to peers was during the 2012–2013 period—an era that preceded 3x to 5x returns over the subsequent five years.
     
    From Crisis to Catalyst: The Reform Engine
     
    In the Indian context, structural reforms are often born in the crucible of crisis. More importantly, the Policy Lag—the time between a crisis and a government response—is shrinking rapidly.
    • 2001 – Steel Crisis:
      Policy lag of ~36 months → National Steel Policy implemented; India emerged as the 2nd largest steel producer.
    • 2008 – Lehman Collapse:
      Policy lag of ~3 months → Shift toward domestic consumption-led growth; NHDP acceleration.
    • 2020 – COVID-19:
      Policy lag of ~2 months → PLI schemes introduced; India transitioned from net importer to net exporter of bulk drugs.
    The current geopolitical conflict has sparked a similar evolution in the Defence sector, which has shown remarkable resilience during the war. India has achieved record defence exports of ₹38,000 crore in FY25 (up 30x since 2017). With a MoD capital budget of ~₹1.7 lakh crore for FY25 and a ₹6 lakh crore pipeline over the next 5–7 years, the sector is no longer just a tactical hedge—it is a structural leader.
     
    “The next set of structural leadership will emerge from sectors that have shown resilience during the war, marking a shift from the previous cycle’s leaders.” — Vallum Insights on Structural Leadership
     
    Conclusion: The Two-Year Time-Stamp
     
    Market history follows a recurring rhythm: markets often remain in a flat “time-correction” zone for two years to provide a concentrated reward in the third. We expect the market to remain in this flat zone until September 2026.
     
    With the “Max Fear” phase subsiding, the 9-week normalization of crude, and market breadth hitting a capitulation bottom, the “Price Always Matters” philosophy suggests we are nearing the end of the consolidation. The question for investors is no longer about the risks of the battlefield, but whether they are positioned for the “New Innings” as the structural leaders of the next cycle emerge.

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  • BNW Developments Stands Tall with the UAE

    One of the first firms to showcase its belief in the UAE through multi-emirate OOH tributes, new projects, and a zero-layoffs policy.

     

    BNW Developments Stands Tall with the UAE

     

    DUBAI, UAE — Apr 10 — BNW Developments has unveiled prominent installations in both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, serving as a visual tribute to the leadership of the UAE and a public reaffirmation of the nation’s enduring resilience.

    The installation along Al Khail Road in Dubai features His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

    Simultaneously, the developer has unveiled a dedicated tribute in Ras Al Khaimah featuring His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

    As one of the UAE’s fastest-growing developers, BNW’s growth has been built on the country’s foundation of stability and ambition. These installations are a statement of intent, aligning the developer’s trajectory with the UAE’s wider vision for the future.

    At a time when global markets face uncertainty, BNW is proving that nothing is stopping its momentum. Following the recent launch of its latest landmark project, Orvessa Residences by Michel Adam in Dubai, the firm is demonstrating its conviction through tangible action.

    Furthermore, while many industries have tightened operations, BNW has maintained a strict “zero layoffs” policy, choosing instead to invest in its human capital. The company continues to roll out internal promotions and is actively expanding its footprint, recently welcoming a wave of new senior management leadership to steer its next phase of development.

    “The UAE provides more than just a platform for business; it provides a sense of certainty,” said Dr. (CA) Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman and Founder of BNW Developments. “This tribute is rooted in a genuine belief in the resilience that defines this nation. We chose to build here because the leadership’s clarity makes the impossible feel like a standard.

    “Our internal growth—retaining every member of our team and expanding our leadership suite—is a direct result of the confidence we have in this market. We aren’t just building structures; we are building a legacy that mirrors the grit of the UAE. This is our way of acknowledging the inspiration that fuels our own progress.”

    The Al Khail and Ras Al Khaimah installations underscore BNW’s commitment to the region, moving beyond real estate to reflect a deeper investment in the national identity. For BNW, business continuity and national pride are not separate; they are the same mission.

  • Silver Futures Drop 1.46 pc as Selling Pressure Weighs on Prices

    New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): Silver prices saw a noticeable dip on Friday, reflecting a cautious mood among traders. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver futures for May delivery dropped by ₹3,549, settling at ₹2,40,219 per kilogram—a decline of 1.46%.

    Market activity showed moderate participation, with a turnover of 1,718 lots. According to analysts, the fall was largely driven by traders scaling back their positions, leading to a wave of selling pressure in the market.

    This pullback suggests a shift in sentiment, as participants appear to be booking profits or adopting a wait-and-watch approach amid uncertain market cues. While such fluctuations are common in commodity markets, the sharp drop highlights how quickly prices can react to changes in trader confidence.

    For investors, the movement serves as a reminder of the volatility in precious metals, where prices are often influenced not just by demand and supply, but also by broader market sentiment.

  • This Akshaya Tritiya Archana Aggarwal Timeless Jewellery unveils their new “Nine-O-Nine” collection

    This Akshaya Tritiya Archana Aggarwal Timeless Jewellery unveils their new

    Akshaya Tritiya arrives each year wrapped in the golden glow of tradition, a day when the metal is blessed and prosperity is sealed with the click of a clasp. For decades, that prosperity was measured almost entirely in weight, the reassuring heft of a bangle or the solid thickness of a chain serving as the ultimate benchmark of value. Yet somewhere between the temple steps and the rhythm of modern life, the definition of gold has quietly transformed. Today’s woman is no longer asking how many grams rest in her locker, she is asking how beautifully the gold rests against her skin while she conquers her day. 

    This shift has fundamentally altered how we design and market gold. Collections are becoming decidedly more contemporary, with a stronger focus on comfort, layering, lighter weights, and styles that refuse to be confined to a single occasion. The rigid boundary between ceremonial finery and daily wear has dissolved completely. In its place, we are designing pieces that serve as modular companions rather than static assets. A delicate pendant with fine craftsmanship offers the visual presence of a substantial piece but feels weightless from morning coffee to evening commitments. 

    This philosophy finds its purest expression in our Nine–O–Nine collection. Designed specifically for the woman who navigates her day with poise, the collection answers the need for jewellery that transitions smoothly from the focus of a board meeting to the ease of evening cocktails. These pieces are designed to work with her, not demand her attention. A chain that sits under a blazer collar can be doubled or layered to catch the low light of a lounge with equal elegance. 

    “A woman’s jewellery should move as fluidly as her calendar. The pieces we create today are designed to be worn, layered, and reimagined. That quiet adaptability is the truest form of confidence.” – Archana Aggarwal

    At the heart of this design shift is an understanding that a modern woman’s treasure is measured not by how flamboyant a jewellery piece is, but by how easy it is to live in. The goal is not to create a piece that sits in a locker awaiting the next festival, but to craft a future heirloom that gathers a patina of memories simply because it never leaves her skin.

    “Akshaya Tritiya is about blessing something eternal. For me, eternity is not found in a heavy necklace worn once a year. It is found in the chain she never takes off and the earrings she reaches for instinctively, whether she is presenting to a room full of executives or holding a martini glass. That is the versatility we built into Nine–O–Nine.” – Gayatri Aggarwal, CEO

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  • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited Appoints Sanjay Khanna as New CMD

    Apr 10 (BNP): In a key leadership move, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has announced the appointment of Sanjay Khanna as its new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD). The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet following recommendations from the selection panel under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

    Currently serving as Director (Refineries), Khanna brings years of hands-on experience in refinery operations and large-scale project execution. He will take charge from the date he assumes office and is set to lead the company until his retirement on May 31, 2029, unless directed otherwise.

    His elevation comes at a time when BPCL is navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape. With a strong technical and operational background, Khanna is expected to steer the company toward greater efficiency, expansion in petrochemicals, and a sharper focus on value-added products.

    Beyond strategy, his leadership is likely to play a crucial role in balancing business growth with sustainability goals—an increasingly important priority for energy companies in India and globally.

    As BPCL continues its transition amid evolving energy demands, Khanna’s appointment signals continuity in expertise while aiming for forward-looking growth and long-term energy security.

  • GPF Interest Rate Stays at 7.1 pc for April–June 2026

    The Ministry of Finance India has retained the General Provident Fund (GPF) interest rate at 7.1% for the April–June 2026 quarter. The rate is effective from April 1 to June 30, 2026, with no change from the previous quarter.

    The announced rate will apply to GPF as well as similar government-managed funds, including the Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) and All India Services Provident Fund.

    The government reviews these rates every quarter, but for the current period, it has opted to maintain stability. The decision ensures consistent returns for government employees relying on these schemes for long-term savings and retirement planning.

     

  • Yara India Builds on 15 Years of Progress with a Future-Focused Strategy for Sustainable and Digital Farming

    New Delhi, April 10: Yara India reinforced its long-term commitment to advancing sustainable, innovative crop nutrition solutions and digitally enabled agricultural growth in the country, guided by its core ethos of purpose, partnership and prosperity. As part of this vision, Yara is enhancing last-mile product traceability by onboarding a majority of its key channel partners onto the Retailer Ordering System (ROS), a key feature of Yara Connect, the retailer-facing mobile application designed to strengthen the smallholder farming ecosystem by connecting Yara with its extensive network of retailers and dealers. . With the growing demand for biological solutions in agriculture, the company is also scaling its R&D efforts to expand its biologicals portfolio and introduce more advanced, sustainable products for farmers across India.

    Yara India Builds on 15 Years of Progress with a Future-Focused Strategy for Sustainable and Digital Farming

     As the company completes 15 years of operations in India, this milestone reflects the depth of its partnerships, the scale of its impact, and the strong foundation it has built to drive the future of Indian agriculture. Over the years, Yara India has advanced sustainability through responsible manufacturing and digital advisory tools. It has also strengthened soil health initiatives and collaborations with FPOs, research institutes, and government partners. Yara has significantly strengthened India’s crop nutrition landscape. A major milestone in this journey was its 2018 acquisition of the Babrala urea facility, the largest standalone FDI in India’s regulated fertiliser sector , which today enables high-quality production and supports efficient logistics across key agricultural regions.

    Yara has also led supply-chain innovation through India’s first premium fertiliser rake movement and a first-of-its-kind premium vessel movement, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and quality delivery in the sector.

    Reflecting on the 15-year milestone, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, said,

     “Our journey in India has been guided by a clear purpose, to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. Over the past 15 years, we have partnered closely with farmers, governments, and industry stakeholders to drive sustainable, innovation led agricultural growth. India remains a strategic market for Yara, and as we look ahead, our focus is on deepening our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and farmer prosperity.”

    Yara India’s progress has been strengthened by its partnerships with global and national institutions. Speaking on the occasion, Chargé d’Affaires Arvinn Gagdil, Deputy Ambassador Royal Norwegian Embassy in Delhi, remarked,

    “Yara’s 15-year journey in India reflects the strong and growing cooperation between India and Norway in advancing sustainable agriculture. Through innovation, technology, and farmer engagement, Yara has made significant contributions to the sector, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the years ahead.”

    As part of the commemoration, Yara India hosted a special gathering at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi, bringing together government representatives, agricultural experts, policy leaders, industry stakeholders, and progressive farmers. The programme featured leadership addresses, the unveiling of a special Yara@15 Compendium and brand film, and a panel discussion on India’s Agri GDP 2X Journey: Reimagining the Future of Farming. Farmer representatives shared first-hand accounts of how Yara’s innovative solutions and digital platforms have improved productivity, quality, and resilience in their fields. The event concluded with discussions on emerging opportunities in sustainable agriculture, innovation-driven growth, and partnership-led development.

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  • AI and Industry Collaboration Drive BIMTECH’s Future-Ready Education Push

    The Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) is positioning itself as a future-focused business school by combining global exposure, industry partnerships, and technology-driven learning to prepare students for evolving management careers.

    At the centre of this transformation is the leadership vision of Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director of BIMTECH, who has emphasised building an institution rooted in innovation, industry integration, student development, and global engagement.

    A key milestone in this journey is BIMTECH being recognised as a 2026 AACSB Global Impact Award winner for its “AI-Enabled Interview Mastery” initiative. The project, honoured in the Teaching & Learning Excellence category, uses AI-powered interview simulations to provide students with real-time feedback, helping them improve communication skills and professional readiness.

    Beyond digital learning tools, the institute is expanding its global footprint through international academic collaborations, including programmes with Singapore Management University. It has also strengthened ties with industry leaders such as Swiss Re and UNIQLO, offering students direct exposure to real-world business environments.

    BIMTECH has further enhanced experiential learning through facilities like the Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab and a Centre of Excellence established with Hexalog Technologies. These platforms allow students to work with industry-standard tools and engage in applied, hands-on problem-solving.

    Officials said these initiatives are helping the institute strengthen key academic performance areas, including teaching quality, research output, industry engagement, and graduate outcomes. Over time, this approach is expected to improve BIMTECH’s national rankings and global academic reputation, positioning it as a modern benchmark in management education.