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  • CPI Inflation Rises Moderately to 3.40 Percent in March 2026; Food Price Volatility Remains a Concern: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry

    New Delhi, Apr 13: India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation rose modestly to 3.40% year-on-year (y-o-y) in March 2026 (provisional), compared to 3.21% in February 2026, according to analysis by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). While inflation remains within manageable levels, rising food prices continue to pose near-term risks.

    Rural inflation stood at 3.63%, slightly higher than urban inflation at 3.11%, reflecting persistent price pressures in rural consumption baskets. Meanwhile, food inflation (CFPI) increased to 3.87% y-o-y, up from 3.47% in the previous month, indicating renewed volatility in essential commodities.

    Commenting on the trend, Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI, said:

    “The current headline CPI inflation at 3.40% remains broadly aligned with the RBI’s medium-term price stability objective. While transport and housing inflation remain subdued, volatility in food components requires continued policy vigilance, especially amid concerns of a potential weak monsoon due to El Niño conditions.”

    Food Prices: Mixed Trends Shape Inflation

    Food and beverages, which carry a significant weight of 36.75% in the CPI basket, continue to influence overall inflation dynamics. Several essential commodities witnessed notable price declines:

    • Onion prices declined by 27.76%
    • Potato prices fell by 18.98%
    • Pulses such as arhar/tur remained in negative territory

    These declines helped offset upward pressures from certain vegetables, including:

    • Tomato prices surged by 35.99%
    • Cauliflower prices rose by 34.11%

    At a broader level, inflation across most categories remained contained, with transport inflation staying near zero, reflecting stable fuel and logistics costs.

    Outlook: Stable but Watchful

    Ranjeet Mehta, Secretary General & CEO, PHDCCI, noted:

    “CPI inflation is expected to remain within a manageable range in the near term, supported by moderation in key food items. However, upside risks persist due to supply-side disruptions in perishables and fluctuations in global commodity prices.”

    The overall inflation trajectory will depend on several critical factors, including monsoon performance, global input costs, and domestic demand conditions.

    Conclusion

    While India’s inflation remains within the comfort zone, the evolving food price scenario and external risks warrant close monitoring. Policymakers are expected to maintain a balanced approach to ensure price stability while supporting economic growth.

     
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  • Uttarakhand Pageant 2026 Winners Declared in Dehradun

    Dehradun. Apr 13 (BNP): The grand finale of Mr and Miss Uttarakhand 2026 was held at Hotel Regenta with participation from contestants across the state, showcasing talent, confidence, and cultural representation.

    In the results, Tarushi Dobhal was crowned Miss Uttarakhand 2026, while Harsh Chaudhary won the title of Mr Uttarakhand 2026, emerging as the top performers of the evening.

    Other recognitions included Vanshita Kandpal as Miss Uttarakhand Model of the Year and Lokpal Pokhriyal as Mr Uttarakhand Model of the Year.

    Among runners-up, Neha Mahara and Prakash Rana secured the first runners-up positions, while Shivam Bhatt and Lata Koranga were named second runners-up.

    The event, organised with support from Maya Devi University and Himalayan Buzz in association with Dharma Creation, featured 36 finalists selected through auditions held in Dehradun and Haldwani.

  • Nepal: Unveils 100-Point Reform Agenda Under Balendra Shah, Signals Gen Z-Led Governance Shift

    Kathmandu, April 13: Nepal’s newly formed government under Prime Minister Balendra Shah has unveiled an ambitious ‘Good Governance Blueprint 2082’ alongside a sweeping 100-point reform agenda, marking a decisive push to overhaul governance, digitise public services, and reshape the country’s economic and institutional framework.

    Nepal: Unveils 100-Point Reform Agenda Under Balendra Shah, Signals Gen Z-Led Governance Shift

    Approved during the first Cabinet meeting at Singha Durbar, the reform package reflects a transition toward efficiency, transparency, and citizen-first governance—aligned with the expectations of a younger, more digitally aware generation.

    A Rapid Reform Push

    Since taking office on March 27, the administration has moved swiftly to introduce structural and policy changes aimed at transforming the state from a regulator into a facilitator of growth. Key measures include capping the cabinet at 18 members, reducing administrative layers to three, and limiting central ministries to 17 within 30 days.

    The government has also initiated wide-ranging reforms across anti-corruption, civil service restructuring, and digital governance to accelerate decision-making and improve institutional accountability.

    Governance & Transparency at the Core

    A major anti-corruption drive will investigate financial assets of politicians and officials dating back to 1991. Complementing this is a real-time digital platform that will allow citizens to track government promises, monitor execution, and evaluate performance—introducing unprecedented public oversight.

    All ministries will operate under defined KPIs with mandatory monthly reporting to the Prime Minister’s Office, reinforcing performance-based governance.

    Education & Institutional Reforms

    In a landmark move to depoliticise education, political student unions will be phased out and replaced with non-partisan student councils. Additional education reforms include:

    • No formal examinations up to Grade 5
    • Mandatory government school attendance for children of ministers and senior officials

    Civil service reforms further prohibit political affiliations for government employees and teachers, aiming to professionalise institutions and eliminate partisan influence.

    Digital Governance & Citizen Services

    The blueprint places strong emphasis on digital transformation. A unified governance framework will position the National ID as the primary access point for public services. Key initiatives include:

    • 24×7 grievance redressal platforms
    • Integrated service centres operating extended hours
    • “Ask Once” policy for seamless data usage across departments

    These measures aim to reduce bureaucratic friction and enhance service delivery efficiency.

    Economic Strategy with Global Expertise

    To steer economic reforms, the government has appointed Swarnim Wagle as Finance Minister. The strategy focuses on a digital-first, private sector-led growth model designed to attract domestic and foreign investment, create high-quality jobs, and drive structural transformation.

    Reforms also include faster startup approvals, single-window clearance systems, and strengthened infrastructure planning across logistics, energy, and urban development.

    A Gen Z-Driven Political Shift

    Prime Minister Shah’s rise reflects a broader generational transformation in Nepal’s political landscape. Emerging from the September 2025 Gen Z-led protests, his leadership represents a shift toward accountability, meritocracy, and system-driven governance.

    With a largely young cabinet drawn from non-traditional and reform-oriented backgrounds, the administration is positioning itself as a response to evolving public expectations.

    Challenges Ahead

    Despite the strong mandate, implementation faces notable hurdles. Early actions, including arrests linked to the Gen Z protest crackdown, have drawn legal scrutiny, with Nepal’s Supreme Court seeking clarification.

    The government must also navigate structural challenges such as youth unemployment, brain drain, and entrenched institutional inefficiencies. Sustained execution and broad stakeholder alignment will be critical to delivering on reform promises.

    A Defining Moment for Nepal

    The ‘Good Governance Blueprint 2082’ represents one of Nepal’s most comprehensive reform efforts in recent years. By combining policy reform, digital innovation, and institutional restructuring, the government aims to build a resilient, transparent, and future-ready state.

    As Nepal embarks on this transformation, the success of the agenda will depend on its ability to translate ambition into measurable outcomes while maintaining public trust and momentum.

  • India, Oman Explore Ways to Strengthen Trade and Investment Ties

    New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): India and Oman have discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment, focusing on expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

    Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with Oman’s Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Minister Anwar bin Hilal bin Hamdoun Al Jabri on strengthening economic relations and identifying new areas of partnership.

    The talks also centred on leveraging opportunities under the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further boost trade flows and investment ties for mutual growth.

    Officials noted that in recent days, Goyal has also engaged with trade ministers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait as part of broader efforts to deepen India’s economic engagement with West Asian countries.

  • Odisha Focuses on Women Empowerment, Highlights Role of ‘Women-Led Development’ Vision

    Apr 13 (BNP): Odisha has reiterated its commitment to women empowerment, highlighting the importance of “Women-led Development” as a central pillar of inclusive growth.

    Officials said the vision shared by the Prime Minister during a recent address has brought renewed focus on strengthening and empowering women, helping them become more self-reliant and confident. The guidance was described as inspirational, especially in encouraging greater participation of women in the development journey.

    The state government noted that women across the country are achieving new milestones through improved opportunities, financial independence, and growing social participation. It said that the goal of building a “Developed India” and a “Prosperous Odisha” cannot be achieved without active involvement of women in all sectors.

    As part of its efforts, Odisha has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving the economic and social status of women. Among them is the Subhadra Yojana, which focuses on supporting women’s financial independence and strengthening grassroots empowerment.

    ଆଜି ମାନ୍ୟବର ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @narendramodi ଜୀଙ୍କ ‘ନାରୀଶକ୍ତି ବନ୍ଦନ ସମ୍ମିଳନୀ’ ଅଭିଭାଷଣକୁ ଆଭାସୀ ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ଶୁଣିବାର ସୌଭାଗ୍ୟ ମିଳିଲା। ମାନ୍ୟବର ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀଙ୍କ ଦୂରଦୃଷ୍ଟିସମ୍ପନ୍ନ ମାର୍ଗଦର୍ଶନ ଆମ ମାତୃଶକ୍ତିଙ୍କୁ ସଶକ୍ତ ଓ ସ୍ୱାବଲମ୍ବୀ କରିବା ଦିଗରେ ଏକ ନୂତନ ଉର୍ଜା ପ୍ରଦାନ କରିଛି।

    ମୋଦୀ ଜୀଙ୍କ ନେତୃତ୍ୱରେ… pic.twitter.com/4UaGG5cJ1n

    — Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) April 13, 2026

    Officials added that the state remains committed to expanding such programmes to ensure women are not only beneficiaries of development but also key contributors to it.

    The government emphasized that empowering women is essential for long-term social progress and remains a core priority in its development strategy.

     

  • Women’s T20 World Cup Sees Historic Prize Money Boost

    Dubai, Apr 13 (BNP): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record prize fund of ₹82 crore for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, set to be hosted in England and Wales later this year.

    The total prize pool marks a 10% increase compared to the previous edition, reflecting the growing investment in women’s cricket globally.

    The tournament will feature 12 teams, up from 10 in 2024, and is scheduled to be played from June 12 to July 5 across seven venues, with the final yet to be confirmed.

    The ICC said the increased prize money highlights its commitment to expanding and strengthening women’s cricket at the international level.

  • Women Account for 60 pc of Loans Under Mudra Scheme

    Apr 13 (BNP): The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), the government’s flagship scheme for micro and small enterprises, continues to show strong participation from women borrowers, who now hold around 60% of total loan accounts under the programme.

    The scheme, aimed at providing collateral-free credit to small entrepreneurs, has played a key role in supporting self-employment and grassroots businesses across India.

    Officials say the high share of women beneficiaries highlights the growing role of women in entrepreneurship, particularly in small-scale trade, services, and home-based businesses.

    The initiative has helped expand financial inclusion by enabling easier access to credit for first-time borrowers and small business owners.

  • Indore SEZ Exports Rise 10.5 pc to Cross INR 14,000 Crore in FY26

    New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Indore’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) recorded a steady growth in exports, with shipments rising by around 10.5% to reach ₹14,302 crore in the financial year 2025–26, despite global economic uncertainties.

    Officials from the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the growth was supported by strong order pipelines from overseas buyers. They noted that even amid disruptions caused by shifting US tariff policies and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, export momentum remained largely resilient.

    The performance highlights the continued strength of export-oriented industries operating out of the Indore SEZ, which have maintained consistent demand in international markets.

     

  • Sensex Drops Over 700 Points Amid Global Uncertainty

    Sensex Drops Over 700 Points Amid Global Uncertainty

    New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Indian equity markets ended lower on Monday, with benchmark indices slipping nearly 1% amid rising global tensions and concerns over crude oil prices.

    The decline came after reports of stalled US-Iran negotiations, which heightened fears of a prolonged geopolitical conflict and its potential impact on global energy markets.

    The BSE Sensex dropped 702.68 points, or 0.91%, to close at 76,847.57. During intraday trade, it fell as much as 1,681.93 points, or 2.16%, to touch 75,868.32.

    Similarly, the NSE Nifty declined 207.95 points, or 0.86%, to settle at 23,842.65.

    Market analysts said rising uncertainty in global crude oil prices added pressure on investor sentiment, leading to broad-based selling across sectors.

  • Divine Solitaires Introduces Diamond Coin Collection for Akshaya Tritiya 2026

    Mumbai, Apr 13: This Akshaya Tritiya, Divine Solitaires redefines festive investing with the launch of its Diamond Coin, a modern heirloom crafted for those seeking enduring value beyond tradition.

    Divine Solitaires Introduces Diamond Coin Collection for Akshaya Tritiya 2026

    Celebrated as an auspicious occasion for meaningful purchases, Akshaya Tritiya symbolizes new beginnings and lasting prosperity. Building on this sentiment, the Diamond Coin is designed to combine emotional significance with the timeless value of natural diamonds, offering a contemporary alternative to conventional festive buys.

    A Modern Heirloom with Lasting Value

    The collection is available in three variants:

    • 1-gram coin featuring a 0.10 carat diamond
    • 2-gram coin featuring a 0.14 carat diamond
    • 3-gram coin featuring a 0.18 carat diamond

    Each coin features a rare Divine Solitaires diamond, cut in the iconic 8 Hearts 8 Arrows pattern—a precision cut found in less than 1% of the world’s diamonds. With VVS clarity and EF colour, the diamonds deliver exceptional brilliance, appearing icy white and colorless to the naked eye.

    Designed for Everyday Expression

    Enhancing its versatility, the Diamond Coin comes with a complimentary enamel-finished jacket, allowing it to be worn as a pendant. This transforms the piece from a symbolic purchase into an everyday expression of elegance and meaning.

    Leadership Perspective

    Commenting on the launch, Jignesh Mehta, Founder and Managing Director, said:

    “Akshaya Tritiya has always stood for value and meaning. With the Diamond Coin, we wanted to create something that goes beyond a transactional purchase something that holds its worth over time and remains relevant for years to come.”

    Trust, Transparency, and Accessibility

    Reinforcing its commitment to quality and trust, every diamond is backed by a quality guarantee certificate, validating 123 rigorous quality checks, along with lifetime upgrade and buyback options.

    To make the collection more accessible, customers can book their Diamond Coin with an advance of ₹2,000, making it easier to participate in the tradition of auspicious investing.

    A New Perspective on Festive Investing

    With this launch, Divine Solitaires invites consumers to move beyond conventional norms and embrace a form of prosperity that is enduring, meaningful, and designed to last across generations.

     Business News For Profit