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  • Bhutan Secures Dollar 515 Million World Bank Support for Major Hydropower Project

    Thimphu/New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): Bhutan has signed financing agreements worth $515 million with the World Bank to advance the Dorjilung Hydropower Project, a large-scale renewable energy initiative being developed in partnership with Tata Power and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC).

    Planned as a 1,125 MW project under a public-private partnership model, it will be the largest hydropower venture in Bhutan. DGPC will hold a majority stake of 60%, while Tata Power will own the remaining 40%.

    The project is expected to generate around 4,500 GWh of electricity annually. A major share of this power will be supplied to India, helping meet growing demand, especially during peak periods, while also strengthening Bhutan’s position as a clean energy exporter.

    The initiative underscores growing regional cooperation in sustainable energy and is expected to contribute to economic development and long-term energy security for both countries.

  • Professional Investment Advisory Services’ Management Successfully Completes Change in Ownership

    SINGAPORE, May 05 –  Professional Investment Advisory Services Pte Ltd (“PIAS”) today announced that its management has completed the acquisition of PIAS from Singapore Life Limited (“Singlife”), through the purchase of all its shares in Professional Advisory Holdings Limited (“PAH”), PIAS’s holding company. 

    The change in ownership, approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”), took effect on 1 May 2026 and was mutually agreed between PIAS management and Singlife. Singlife continues to be a key product provider and partner to PIAS. 

    Singlife will continue to support PIAS in its mission to grow and offer more choice to consumers.  PIAS’ management team will assume full ownership of the business and shape its next phase of growth. 

    PIAS representatives will continue to serve clients as usual, with no impact on existing servicing arrangements. Day-to-day operations continue as normal. 

    Following the change in ownership, PIAS will continue to expand its suite of providers and partners across savings, protection and investment solutions. With increasing longevity, a broader range of financial solutions will better position PIAS to support clients along their financial planning journey. 
     
    About Professional Investment Advisory Services Pte Ltd (PIAS) 

    Professional Investment Advisory Services Pte Ltd (“PIAS”) is a financial advisory firm in Singapore, established in 2001 and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. 

    As a pioneering financial advisory firm in Singapore, PIAS has close to 25 years of operating experience, having navigated multiple market cycles. It has served over 200,000 families, supporting their financial planning needs across different life stages. 

    PIAS has a network of financial adviser representatives providing advice across savings, insurance and investment planning. 

    Business News For Profit

  • India Direct Tax Collections Rise 5.1 pc to INR 23.4 Lakh Crore in FY26

    New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): India’s net direct tax collections recorded steady growth in the financial year 2025–26, rising 5.12% year-on-year to ₹23,40,406 crore, according to data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

    Gross direct tax collections for the fiscal stood at ₹28,11,936 crore, marking a 4.03% increase compared to the previous financial year. The growth was driven by stable inflows from both corporate and non-corporate tax segments, reflecting consistent economic activity and improved compliance levels.

    Corporate tax collections showed strong performance, increasing to ₹13,81,606 crore from ₹12,72,542 crore in FY25. Non-corporate tax collections, which include taxes paid by individuals, HUFs, and other entities, stood at ₹13,72,474 crore.

    Collections from Securities Transaction Tax (STT) also saw an uptick, reaching ₹57,522 crore during the fiscal year.

    Meanwhile, refunds issued declined slightly by 1.09% to ₹4,71,531 crore, which contributed to higher net tax collections. Analysts noted that the overall figures indicate steady tax buoyancy and efficient tax administration despite global economic uncertainties.

    The data reflects a balanced contribution from corporate and individual taxpayers, underscoring the resilience of India’s tax system.

  • Recon’s TEZ, Premium Mustard Oil, Ignites Festive Spirit in Mumbai During Bengali New Year Through Consumer Connect Initiatives

    Mumbai, May 05: Recon Oil Industries Pvt. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of premium edible and application-based oils, celebrated Poila Baisakh (Bengali New Year) by strengthening its bond with the Bengali community in Mumbai. Through a series of on-ground activations, TEZ Premium Mustard Oil collaborated with several prominent Durga Puja committees across the city to bring the “goodness of nature” directly to consumers during this auspicious period with a special offer.

    The “Notun Bochor with full on TEZ” campaign featured a heavy on-ground presence at local committee gatherings, where families celebrated the New Year. To enhance the festive experience, Recon offered special prices, exclusive offers to consumers, ensuring that the traditional flavours of the season were accessible to all.

    TEZ Premium Mustard Oil is recognized for its PT3 Kachchi Ghani process, which ensures natural pungency and a product that is rich in MUFA, Omega 3, and Omega 6. As part of Recon’s commitment to purity, the oil is produced using a proprietary Seed-to-Oil technology that preserves natural micronutrients without the use of chemicals or refining.

    Speaking on the initiative, Nirmalya Biswas, Head of Marketing, Recon Oil stated:

    “With a legacy of 35 years of manufacturing premium edible oil, our mission is to integrate the goodness of nature into the daily lives of our customers. Collaborating with Durga Puja committees during Poila Baisakh or Bengali New Year allowed us to engage directly with the hearts and homes of our consumers. Activities like this reinforce our brand promise of purity and tradition, ensuring that the authentic taste of TEZ mustard oil continues to be a staple in every festive meal in this New Year and always.”

    Business News For Profit

  • JLR India Slashes Range Rover SV Prices by Up to INR 75 Lakh Ahead of India–UK FTA

    New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) India has announced a significant price reduction of up to ₹75 lakh on its flagship Range Rover SV models, ahead of the expected benefits from the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

    The company said the revised pricing applies to its completely built unit (CBU) models imported from the UK, with the steepest cuts seen in the high-end SV range. The Range Rover SV has been reduced from ₹4.25 crore to ₹3.5 crore (ex-showroom), while the Range Rover Sport SV now starts at ₹2.35 crore, down from ₹2.75 crore.

    According to JLR India, the price revision reflects anticipated changes in import duties once the FTA comes into effect, and the new prices are effective immediately.

    Managing Director Rajan Amba said the move is aimed at passing on expected trade benefits to customers in advance and strengthening the brand’s presence in India’s luxury car market.

    The company clarified that prices of locally manufactured models, including Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar, and Discovery Sport, remain unchanged. Models such as Defender and Discovery will also retain current pricing as they are manufactured outside the FTA’s scope.

  • 6 Ways Digital Learning Platforms Are Helping India’s Doctors Stay Active

    By Saurav Kasera, Founder and CEO, Clirnet

    Most doctors in India do not struggle with intent. They struggle with time. A recent industry survey found that more than nine out of ten doctors want to keep learning beyond standard CME requirements. What gets in the way is the daily load of patients, paperwork, and long hours that leave little room for formal training.

    This is where digital platforms have begun to find a place. Not as a replacement for traditional education, but as something that fits around a working doctor’s life.

    Learning in the Gaps of the Day

    For many doctors, learning now happens in fragments. A short video between consultations. A recorded session late at night. A discussion thread was checked on the phone.

    This shift may sound minor, but it changes who gets access. Earlier, attending a conference meant travel, time away from practice, and added cost. Now, a doctor in a smaller town can follow the same session as someone in a metro without leaving their clinic.

    Keeping Pace With Change

    Medicine does not wait. New protocols, revised drug guidelines and fresh data keep coming in.

    Doctors who rely only on textbooks or occasional conferences often fall a step behind. Online sessions and recorded modules close that gap. They allow doctors to track changes as they happen, not months later.

    That immediacy matters in practice, where decisions are made daily rather than annually.

    A Move Away From One-Size Training

    Traditional formats tend to treat all doctors the same. In reality, their needs are very different.

    Digital platforms allow a physician to pick what is useful. A general practitioner may look for updates in diabetes care. A specialist may focus on a narrow procedure or a new line of treatment.

    This kind of selection makes learning less wasteful. Doctors are not sitting through hours of content that does not apply to their work.

    Bringing New Tools Into Practice

    There is also a quieter shift underway. Doctors are being asked to work with tools that did not exist a decade ago.

    Courses on subjects like artificial intelligence in medicine are now being offered online, often without any technical barrier to entry. For many doctors, this is their first exposure to how these systems fit into diagnosis or patient care.

    The learning here is practical. It is less about theory and more about understanding what to use and when.

    From Passive Reading to Active Discussion

    Older forms of learning relied heavily on reading and lectures. That model still exists, but it is no longer enough.

    Case discussions, live chats and peer exchanges are now a regular part of online platforms. Doctors can look at a real case, see how others approached it and question the outcome.

    This kind of interaction is closer to how medicine is actually practised.

    Career Movement Without Leaving Practice

    There is also a professional angle to all of this.

    Short courses and certifications give doctors a way to build new skills without stepping away from work. For some, this leads to a shift into a specialised area. For others, it opens doors to teaching or administrative roles.

    It is a slower, steadier form of career movement, but one that fits the constraints of the profession.

    What This Adds Up To

    Digital learning has not solved everything. Hands-on training still matters, and many doctors prefer a mix of online and offline formats. 

    But it has changed one basic thing. Learning is no longer tied to a place or a schedule.

    In a system as stretched as India’s, that shift is significant. It means more doctors can keep up, not just those who have the time and resources to step away from their practice.

    Over time, that difference shows up where it matters most. In how patients are treated.

     

     

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  • Bright future: PPDS readies new Philips Professional Displays product and partnership reveals at InfoComm 2026 including new UltraSlim Signage in Las Vegas

    Philips booth C9000: Taking design, choice, and value to the next level, PPDS will showcase its latest groundbreaking evolutions in Las Vegas, including a new design led category, innovations for energy efficiency, an expanded solutions portfolio, and much more.

    Philips Stand & Launch Plans

     Amsterdam,May 05: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to confirm its participation at InfoComm 2026, promising an unmissable lineup, with new partnerships and UltraSlims both debuting and showcasing as future tech among planned announcements in Las Vegas. 

     Exhibiting on Philips Booth C9000 – and joining over 800 registered exhibitors at the Las Vegas Convention Center (June 13-19) – InfoComm 2026 will mark another major milestone for PPDS and its acclaimed ‘total solutions’ strategy to deliver unrivalled quality, choice, and value to customers in North America and beyond.

     Continuing PPDS’ evolution beyond a traditional provider of displays, InfoComm 2026 brings the opportunity to showcase – many for the first time – what is hailed by the company and its partners as the industry’s most complete and energy conscious portfolio of advanced and highly flexible digital display hardware and software solutions.

     Total market solutions

    With quality only matched by design, solutions now include, but are far from limited to, dvLED (indoor, outdoor, and AIO), videowalls, digital signage (including TAA compliant) and ePaper, interactive displays, and professional TVs, created to support all market verticals and environments.

     At InfoComm 2026, PPDS is set to raise this bar even further with a wave of exciting new offerings, reinforcing its position as a centralized resource for projects of any scale, while delivering seamless buying and installation experiences to the channel.

     Bruce Wyrwitzke, Senior Director North America at PPDS, said: “Built on the foundations of over 134 years of innovation with Philips, PPDS prides itself on enabling businesses to bring their vision to life through tailored, cutting edge innovations. At InfoComm 2026, we will deliver the latest advances in support of that strategy, as well as showcasing the latest solutions that will enable customers to truly display without limits. You won’t want to miss it.”

     Ahead of the pack / Bright times ahead

    Continuing PPDS’ highly embraced ‘Picture this’ theme, launched for this year, visitors to the Philips booth at InfoComm 2026 will be treated to an assembly of unmissable AI infused visual activity, with an ever-changing pool of content presented across a broad range of form visual factors and technologies.

     Staying ahead of the pack, and with a commitment to delivering unrivalled choice, value, and opportunity to partners and customers in North America and around the world, PPDS can also confirm InfoComm 2026 will become the global launch pad for the latest in its new for 2026 AI ready digital signage lineup.

     While full details are under wraps ahead of the show, the creation of this exciting new category within PPDS’ evolving Android SoC portfolio will open a wealth of exciting installation opportunities where proven quality, unparalleled visual performance, and UltraSlim aesthetics really matter. And that’s not all.

     PPDS will be announcing a new major partnership and collaboration with one of the AV industry’s most trusted manufacturers, with the introduction of a brand new signage series with a fresh ecosystem for total solutions built in.

     Jack Boyczuk, Director of PD Sales at PPDS in North America, added: “This year’s Philips booth encourages visitors to explore the reaches of their imaginations, using displays together with our trusted partner solutions to realise the benefits of what’s already integrated within Philips Professional Displays – including ultimate processing power and artificial intelligence (AI) ready technologies.”

     We have the solution

    Helping visitors to visualise and experience the full power, potential, and versatility of Philips Professional Displays, this year’s booth will include solutions to support a variety of needs in different environments, including retail, education, corporate, food and beverage, transportation, hospitality, public venues, and control rooms.

     Powering forward

    The latest evolutions of PPDS’ commitment and global strategy to developing better energy efficiency and more environmentally conscious features into its displays will also be present through the Philips booth, demonstrating ways businesses can deliver instant sustainability (and financial) benefits to their day to day operation.

     This year’s show will feature a range of dvLED and digital signage solutions – including the new for 2026 Philips Signage 5000 Series, the TAA compliant Philips Videowall display, and the ‘zero power’ Philips Tableaux range, the award winning Philips Unite LED 6000 Series All In One, with the company’s acclaimed LED wall of fame showcasing many others.

     Missed ISE 2026? For the first time in North America, PPDS will also be showcasing the new ‘all inclusive’ Philips LED Configurator, plus ‘game changing’ updates to the Philips Wave remote management platform.

     As with previous events, PPDS will adopt an open approach to the Philips booth, with no restrictions on access, allowing visitors the freedom to experience all solutions up close. PPDS’ global management team, together with local and international sales managers from around the world, will be present and accessible throughout the show, providing live demonstrations and answering questions.

     Angela Lin, Commercial Head for North America at PPDS, concluded: “We cannot wait to welcome visitors to the Philips booth at InfoComm 2026. 2026 has already been an exciting year, with some incredible new projects, combined with the ever strengthening of our portfolio and offering. With our incredible launches, as well as an array of future tech, together with a major new partnership, a visit to Philips Professional Displays could be a game changer for your business. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas.”

  • India Most Resilient Emerging Market, Well-Positioned for Future Shocks: Moody’s

    New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): India has emerged as the most resilient large emerging market economy since 2020, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and substantial foreign exchange reserves, according to Moody’s Ratings.

    In its latest report on emerging markets, Moody’s noted that India’s sizeable forex reserves have helped curb currency volatility and strengthen investor confidence during periods of global uncertainty and economic shocks.

    The rating agency stated that India is well-positioned to manage future external shocks, citing a clear and predictable monetary policy framework, well-anchored inflation expectations, and a flexible exchange rate system that allows adjustment when required.

    Moody’s further observed that India is among the better-placed sovereigns in the emerging market space, adding that the country is likely to enter any future stress periods with strong and readily accessible economic buffers.

  • Bengaluru Airport Introduces AI-Based Airside Safety System

    Bengaluru, May 5 (BNP): Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), operator of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), has introduced an integrated Smart Airside Safety System aimed at significantly improving operational safety, efficiency, and control across key airside zones.

    Bengaluru Airport Introduces AI-Based Airside Safety System

    The system is designed to strengthen safety at critical cross-service roads where aircraft and ground support vehicles operate in close proximity. By leveraging advanced technologies such as AI-based computer vision, intelligent automation, and a centralised monitoring platform, the system enables real-time oversight and improved coordination of airside movements.

    According to BIAL, the initiative enhances right-of-way management and ensures precise handling of complex operational scenarios, reducing the risk of human error and improving overall situational awareness.

    The deployment of this technology marks a major step in the airport’s digital transformation journey, reinforcing its focus on adopting smart infrastructure solutions to support growing air traffic and operational demands while maintaining high safety standards.

  • President Murmu Pays Homage to Former President Giani Zail Singh on Birth Anniversary

    New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday paid floral tributes to former President of India Giani Zail Singh at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of his birth anniversary, honouring his contribution to the nation and his legacy in public life.

    Giani Zail Singh, who served as the seventh President of India from 1982 to 1987, is remembered as a prominent statesman who played a significant role in India’s political landscape. Born on May 5, 1916, in Sandhwan village of Faridkot district in Punjab, he dedicated several decades of his life to public service.

    During his long political career, he held several important positions and was widely respected for his commitment to the welfare of the people and his leadership at both the state and national levels.

    The tribute ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan reflected respect for his enduring contributions to the nation and his role in strengthening India’s democratic institutions.