Blog

  • AIFs Emerge as Key Enablers to Bridge Real Estate Funding Gap Amid Strong Land Acquisition Momentum in India

    By Ankur Jalan, CEO, Golden Growth Fund, a category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF

    The strong pace of land acquisitions across India’s real estate sector underscores sustained developer confidence and a robust demand outlook. However, translating this land bank into completed projects will require significant capital infusion, creating a sizeable funding gap that traditional lenders alone may not be able to address. This is where Alternative Investment Fund (AIFs) are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role. With the ability to provide flexible, structured financing solutions across the project lifecycle, AIFs and private credit platforms can bridge critical last-mile and construction funding requirements. As the sector continues to mature and institutionalise, we see a compelling opportunity to deploy capital in well-located, demand-driven projects, generating attractive risk-adjusted returns while supporting the next phase of real estate growth in India.

  • Ultrahuman and Les Mills Launch Les Mills PowerPlug: First Smart Ring Integration To Deliver Expert-Led Workouts Guided by Your Recovery and Cycle

    Partnership brings studio-quality video workouts with real trainers into the Ultrahuman app
     
    [London, 22 April 2026] — Ultrahuman, the health technology company behind the Ultrahuman Ring, today announced a global partnership with Les Mills, the global leader in group training.
     
    The collaboration brings Les Mills’ studio-quality workouts directly into the Ultrahuman app, using continuous biomarker data from the Ultrahuman Ring to recommend the right workout based on each user’s individual recovery, sleep, and even cycle phase. This includes the new Ultrahuman Ring PRO, which offers category-leading 15-day battery life and a redesigned heart-rate sensing system for even greater accuracy.
     

    Ultrahuman and Les Mills Launch Les Mills PowerPlug: First Smart Ring Integration To Deliver Expert-Led Workouts Guided by Your Recovery and Cycle

    Today, most wearable users face a disconnect – their wearable tells them they’re under-recovered, but their training plan carries on regardless. The result is overtraining when fatigued, undertraining when ready, and a persistent gap between wearable insights and real-world training decisions. The Les Mills PowerPlug closes that gap.

     
    What’s more, according to the Les Mills 2026 Global Fitness Report, 90% of people prefer workout sessions led by real instructors rather than AI-generated plans. This integration is designed around exactly that – human-led coaching, powered by real-time biometric insight.
     
    Biomarker-Driven Recommendations
     
    When Ultrahuman Ring users first download the Les Mills PowerPlug, they choose a personal fitness goal (Strength, Cardio, Flexibility, or General Fitness), preferred training days per week, and session length. Every recommendation adapts automatically based on recovery, sleep, and cycle phase data from the ring.
     
    The integration gives Ultrahuman Ring users access to Les Mills’ diverse catalogue of video workouts — including HIIT, BODYPUMP™, strength, yoga, stretching, and recovery sessions — led by expert Instructors and available on demand.
     
    Each day, the home screen shows two to three recommended Les Mills workouts matched to the user’s current status, a Quick Workout shortcut, and access to the Les Mills catalogue to browse by programme, duration, or goal.
     
    The recommendation engine maps Ultrahuman’s Dynamic Recovery scores directly to workout intensity and type. Unlike static overnight recovery scores, Ultrahuman’s readings adjust dynamically to movement, non-sleep deep rest (including breathwork), and naps.
     
    A well-recovered user with elevated heart rate variability and low resting heart rate might see BODYPUMP™ or BODYCOMBAT™ at the top of their feed. On the other hand, a user with accumulated sleep debt, elevated body temperature, increased resting heart rate, or low heart rate variability would be guided toward yoga, BODYBALANCE™, or a gentle mobility session instead.
     
    For women who track their cycle, Les Mills PowerPlug adjusts recommendations based on menstrual phase. High-energy phases (follicular, ovulatory) unlock intense workouts like GRIT and BODYCOMBAT™, while luteal and menstrual phases automatically shift toward recovery-friendly content like BodyBalance and Yoga – with hard safety filters that remove high-impact or pelvic-floor-challenging workouts during menstruation.
     
    The Ring Closes the Loop
     
    What differentiates the Les Mills PowerPlug from watching Les Mills content on any other platform is what happens after the session ends. The ring stays on during every workout, and on completion, it shows:
    • Workout stats: Calories, duration, and heart rate zones are captured automatically — no manual entry required.
    • Recovery prediction: Updated post-workout forecasts show estimated readiness for the following day.
    • Movement and muscle tracking: The movement score and muscle group radar chart reflect the completed session.
    • Real-time goal tracking: Progress against daily goals updates immediately.
     
    The result is a continuous feedback loop: workout choice informs recovery data, which shapes the next recommendation — and becomes more accurate over time.
     
    “We built Ultrahuman to help people understand their bodies. With Les Mills, we’re closing the loop — your ring doesn’t just tell you how recovered you are, it tells you what to do about it. The right workout, at the right intensity, every day. That’s what training smarter actually looks like,” said Mohit Kumar, CEO, Ultrahuman.
     
    Marina Nola, Chief Digital Distribution Officer at Les Mills, said: “Partnering with Ultrahuman enables us to bring a new level of personalization to fitness. By combining the real‑time insights of the UltraHuman smart ring with the proven motivation of Les Mills workouts, we can guide users towards the right workout for how they feel in the moment and help them stay engaged. Together, we are helping people to build sustainable habits, achieve their goals, and ultimately fall in love with fitness as part of our mission to create a fitter planet.”
     
    Availability and Pricing
     
    The Les Mills PowerPlug is available to Ultrahuman Ring AIR and PRO users from 22nd April, rolling out via the Ultrahuman app. It’s available globally, costing $11.99/month or $99.99/year.
  • Sensex Drops 756 Points, Nifty Falls 198 on Weak IT and Higher Crude

    Mumbai, Apr 22 (BNP): Indian equity benchmarks ended lower on Wednesday, with the Nifty declining 198 points and the Sensex falling 756 points, driven by weakness in IT stocks and concerns over rising crude oil prices.

    The IT sector emerged as the key drag on the indices, following subdued global cues and profit booking in heavyweight technology stocks. Additionally, higher crude oil prices raised concerns over inflationary pressures and input costs, further impacting investor sentiment.

    Market participants remained cautious amid global uncertainty, leading to broad-based selling across select sectors. Analysts highlighted that sustained strength in crude oil could continue to influence market direction in the near term.

    Despite volatility during the session, markets are expected to track global trends and crude oil movements for further cues.

  • Airports and airlines no longer have to run their own connectivity networks

    Airports and airlines no longer have to run their own connectivity networks

    India  Apr 22:  Airports and airlines can now run critical operations on networks that are set up and run for them, removing the complexity and cost of managing connectivity themselves. SITA has launched SITA Campus Network powered by HPE Aruba Networking, a new network solution designed to support the demands of complex airport and transport environments.

    Managing networks across multiple locations, devices and vendors is complex and costly. When networks are fragmented, performance suffers and disruptions can spread quickly. SITA Campus Network powered by HPE Aruba Networking removes this burden by delivering a fully managed network across wired and wireless environments.

    Built on technology from HPE, a provider of enterprise networking solutions used to run large-scale wired and Wi-Fi networks, it combines robust connectivity with centralized, cloud-based management to ensure consistent, reliable performance across airport campuses and other large transport hubs.

    The solution uses AI to improve visibility across the network, detect issues earlier and automate troubleshooting, helping reduce downtime. It also provides centralized management, allowing infrastructure and devices to be monitored and controlled across both on-site systems and remote environments.

    “Integrating diverse systems and devices across airport environments is becoming more complex as operations become more connected,” said Martin Smillie, Senior Vice President, Communications and Data Exchange at SITA. “At the same time, expectations on performance, resilience and security continue to rise. With SITA Campus Network powered by Aruba, we take on that complexity. We deliver a network that is set up, run and continuously optimized, so our customers can focus on keeping operations moving while maintaining control across increasingly demanding environments.”

    Designed for high-density environments such as terminals, hangars and airline operations centers, the solution supports large volumes of users and devices without compromising performance, even during peak demand.

    By integrating this technology into SITA’s managed service, customers get a network that is centrally operated by SITA while retaining the flexibility to use different technologies and vendors. This reduces the need for on-site support, spare equipment and recurring training, freeing up IT teams to focus on higher-value activities. Where needed, the campus network connects easily to SITA’s global wide-area network services. This long-haul connectivity that links more than 600 airports worldwide, gives customers a complete, end-to-end solution from the local site right through to the wider world.

    “Airports and airlines have to support thousands of staff, passengers, and mission critical systems across terminals, gates, and airside areas—and any network issue shows up immediately as delays and frustration,” said Sujai Hajela, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Enterprise Campus and Branch, HPE. “SITA Campus Network powered by HPE Aruba Networking is built on our secure, AI-native technology to deliver a self-driving network that spots and fixes problems in real time, often before anyone notices, so operations keep moving and passengers stay connected.”

    SITA Campus Network is a globally managed service available in more than 145 countries, with 24/7 operational support. By reducing the need for costly hardware and simplifying operations, the solution lowers both upfront investment and ongoing costs. Its flexible, pay-as-you-go model allows customers to scale usage up or down based on demand, with rapid deployment across locations.

  • PM Modi Reaffirms Zero Tolerance on Terror, Cites Operation Sindoor on Pahalgam Attack Anniversary

    Apr 22 (BNP): On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s firm stand against terrorism, stating that the country will never bow to any form of terror and that such designs will always fail.

    Remembering the victims of the attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Prime Minister said India remains fully committed to safeguarding national security and protecting its citizens from all threats.

    Referring to India’s counter-terror response efforts, the Prime Minister also cited “Operation Sindoor” as part of the country’s continued resolve to act decisively against terrorism and its support networks.

    He emphasized that India’s approach towards terrorism is uncompromising and rooted in a strong commitment to peace, security, and justice for victims.

    The statement comes as the nation marks the anniversary of the attack, reaffirming unity and resilience in the fight against terrorism.

  • Operation Sindoor Still On, Says Army; Strong Message to Terror Groups !

    New Delhi,Apr22(BNP): Reaffirming its unwavering resolve against terrorism, the Indian Army on Tuesday issued a strong message on the eve of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that any act of terror or violation of national boundaries will be met with a decisive response.

    On April 22 last year, terrorists killed 26 innocent people—mostly tourists—in Pahalgam, in an attack that shook the nation and drew widespread condemnation from governments and leaders across the world.

    In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor during the intervening night of May 6 and 7. The operation involved well-coordinated and precise strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists, including trainers, handlers, and associates linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The strikes were carried out with a focus on maximizing damage to terrorist infrastructure while minimizing civilian casualties.

    In a social media post, the Army issued a stern warning to perpetrators of terrorism, stating that “when boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive. Justice is served. India stands united.” The post also featured a digital poster referencing Operation Sindoor with the message: “Some boundaries should never be crossed. India does not forget.”

    Senior military officials have reiterated over the past year that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance and a high level of military preparedness round the clock.

    As a tribute to the victims, a memorial has been erected in the meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam. Built of black marble along the banks of the Lidder River, the memorial bears the names of the 26 victims, including 25 tourists and a local resident, Adil Shah, honoring their memory and sacrifice.

  • Life Insurance Industry Achieves Record INR 4 Trillion New Business Premium in FY26

    Apr 22 (BNP): The Indian life insurance sector has recorded a landmark achievement by collecting approximately ₹4 trillion in new business premiums in FY26, marking the highest-ever annual figure for the industry.

    Life Insurance Industry Achieves Record INR 4 Trillion New Business Premium in FY26

    This milestone reflects strong consumer demand for life insurance products, increased financial awareness, and wider adoption across diverse market segments. Growth has been supported by digital transformation, improved accessibility, and expansion into emerging regions.

    The industry’s performance highlights a growing focus on financial protection and long-term savings among Indian households. Insurers have also benefited from enhanced distribution capabilities and evolving product offerings tailored to customer needs.

    The achievement underscores the sector’s steady expansion and its critical role in strengthening India’s financial security ecosystem.

  • PLI Food Processing Scheme Creates 3.39 Lakh Jobs, Exceeds Target

    New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): The Government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the Food Processing Industry has achieved a significant milestone by generating approximately 3.39 lakh direct and indirect jobs as of February 2026, surpassing its target of 2.5 lakh jobs set for 2026–27.

    Since its inception, the scheme has facilitated the disbursement of over ₹2,162 crore in incentives to beneficiaries, supporting growth, capacity expansion, and technological advancement in the sector.

    PLI scheme for food processing creates 3.39 lakh jobs, disburses ₹2,162 crore in Incentiveshttps://t.co/vzfq4OTdLc

    via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/tmDzj8fq78

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 22, 2026

    The initiative has played a key role in strengthening India’s food processing ecosystem by encouraging investment, enhancing value addition, and improving supply chain efficiency. It has also contributed to increased income opportunities for farmers and supported the growth of food-based industries across the country.

    The continued success of the PLI scheme reflects the government’s commitment to boosting manufacturing, generating employment, and promoting sustainable growth in the food processing sector.

  • RuPay Credit Cards Near 40 pc Share in New Issuances on UPI Boost

    News Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): India’s credit card landscape is witnessing a significant shift, with RuPay credit cards rapidly gaining traction and nearing a 40% share in new issuances.

    The growth is being driven by the integration of RuPay credit cards with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), enabling users to make seamless payments through QR codes across a wide network of merchants. This feature has expanded the usability of credit cards beyond traditional swipe and online transactions.

    RuPay credit cards ride UPI growth, approach nearly 40% share in new issuances https://t.co/94cue2lzmJ

    via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/EaIC9cDs6C

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 22, 2026

    The increased convenience is encouraging wider adoption, particularly among first-time credit users and consumers in smaller cities, where QR-based payments are deeply embedded in everyday transactions.

    Banks and financial institutions are also supporting this trend by promoting RuPay credit cards as a cost-effective and accessible option, aligning with the country’s push for strengthening domestic payment systems.

    The rising share of RuPay credit cards reflects the evolving digital payments ecosystem in India, where innovation and infrastructure are enabling greater financial inclusion and transforming consumer spending behaviour.

    With UPI continuing to expand its footprint, RuPay credit cards are expected to play a growing role in bridging digital payments and formal credit access.

  • Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Compressed Biogas Policy 2026, Clears UGC Pay Scales for Model Colleges

    Mumbai, Apr 22 (BNP): The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy, 2026, aimed at promoting scientific waste management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the state.

    The policy envisions the development of biogas projects through public-private partnerships under a hybrid annuity model. To ensure smooth execution, district-level coordination committees will be established to oversee implementation and facilitate project development.

    The initiative is expected to strengthen waste-to-energy infrastructure, improve waste disposal practices, and contribute to cleaner and more sustainable energy generation.

    In addition, the Cabinet has approved the implementation of UGC-recommended pay scales for faculty in model colleges, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the quality of higher education and supporting academic professionals.

    These decisions underline the state government’s focus on sustainable development and educational advancement, aiming to create long-term environmental and institutional benefits.