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Mr. Pawan Gupta, Chairperson, PP Jewellers by Pawan Gupta:

“Akshaya Tritiya has always been a special occasion for us, and this year too we are seeing a lot of interest from customers. It’s a time when people like to invest in something meaningful, especially gold, because of what it represents. At the same time, there’s a clear shift this year. With gold prices being on the higher side, many customers are also exploring silver jewellery. It’s becoming a preferred choice for those who still want to be part of the tradition, but in a more accessible way. We have kept this in mind while curating our collections, offering a wide mix across both gold and silver. For the occasion, we are offering 5% off on making charges on gold bangles. With wedding season around the corner, we are expecting a strong and steady response.”

Ms. Mira Gulati, Director, Mirari Jewels:

“For us, Akshaya Tritiya is not just about buying jewellery, but about what it stands for: belief, intention and a sense of connection. This year, with our ‘Devi’ collection, we wanted to bring that feeling closer to people. The pieces are inspired by the symbols of Goddess Lakshmi, reflecting prosperity, strength, and grace in a very subtle way. Each design carries a certain meaning, something that goes beyond how it looks. On an occasion like Akshaya Tritiya, jewellery becomes more personal. It’s not just about adding something new, but about choosing something that holds value in a deeper, more lasting way. We are also seeing that customers are showing more interest in pieces that have a story or meaning attached to them. Collections like ‘Devi’ connect well because they feel more thoughtful and personal.”

 

New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): Silver prices gained in futures trade on Thursday, rising 0.82% to ₹2,53,800 per kilogram, supported by fresh buying interest and global market uncertainty.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver contracts for May delivery advanced by ₹2,058 per kg, with a total trading volume of 2,095 lots during the session.

Market participants attributed the rise to renewed position-building activity, as traders responded to volatile global cues, including concerns over US trade policy direction.

Analysts said the movement reflects cautious sentiment in the commodity market, where investors continue to take positions in precious metals amid uncertain international conditions.

Overall, silver remained firm in futures trade, tracking global risk sentiment and steady speculative demand.

New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above rose to 5.1% in March 2026, up from 4.9% in the previous month, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin released by the statistics ministry.

The increase was largely driven by rising joblessness in urban areas, where the unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in March, compared to 6.6% in February. The data indicates continued pressure in city labour markets, even as overall employment conditions remain broadly stable in rural regions.

The PLFS report highlights a modest but noticeable uptick in unemployment, reflecting ongoing structural challenges in urban job creation and labour absorption.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is engaging with commercial banks to explore ways to strengthen deposit mobilisation, amid growing concerns over shifting household savings patterns.

According to discussions held over recent weeks, RBI officials have sought feedback from lenders on strategies to attract more stable and long-term deposits. This comes as an increasing share of household savings is moving towards equities and other financial market instruments.

Banking sector experts note that this trend could pose challenges for liquidity management if deposit growth fails to keep pace with credit demand. The central bank’s consultations aim to ensure that the banking system remains resilient and well-funded despite evolving savings behaviour.

Apr 16 (BNP): India is accelerating the integration of compressed biogas (CBG) into city gas distribution (CGD) networks as global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies tighten amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The move reflects a broader push to strengthen domestic energy security and reduce dependence on imported natural gas.

The government has shifted from a voluntary adoption model to a structured mandate under the Compressed Biogas Obligation (CBO). As per the phased rollout, CBG blending in compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) will begin at 1% in FY 2025–26 and gradually increase to 5% by FY 2028–29.

The policy push comes at a time when India imports nearly half of its natural gas requirements, making it vulnerable to global price volatility and supply disruptions. The recent LNG supply crunch has further reinforced the urgency to diversify into domestic renewable fuel sources.

To support large-scale adoption, the Union Budget 2026–27 has removed central excise duty on the green component of blended CNG, improving cost efficiency and enhancing the financial viability of compressed biogas production. The move is expected to encourage greater private investment in the sector.

Infrastructure expansion is also gathering momentum, with around 170 compressed biogas plants currently operational and more than 300 additional plants under construction. These developments are being supported through policy frameworks that aim to strengthen linkages between biomass collection systems and city gas networks.

The programme is designed to convert agricultural residue, organic waste, and sewage into usable clean fuel, offering both environmental and economic benefits while reducing waste disposal challenges.

Officials believe the structured expansion of biogas blending will play a key role in reducing import dependence, supporting rural income generation, and advancing India’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Washington, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held meetings with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and former US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, as both countries continue discussions on a proposed bilateral trade agreement.

The meetings come at a time when India and the US are working to refine the details of their bilateral trade framework, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and addressing tariff and market access issues.

According to official inputs, a delegation of Indian officials is expected to travel to the United States for further negotiations on the agreement in the coming weeks.

In an earlier social media post, the Indian envoy noted that discussions covered a wide range of bilateral cooperation areas and also included exchanges on key global developments. The engagement was described as constructive, with both sides reaffirming support for stronger India-US relations.

The trade talks follow the announcement of a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement earlier this year, under which tariff reductions and market access measures were discussed as part of broader negotiations.

However, the evolving global trade environment and policy shifts in the United States have influenced the timeline for finalisation. Officials have indicated that the agreement is expected to move forward once the revised tariff structure becomes clearer.

The negotiations are also taking place amid broader trade-related reviews initiated by the US under its trade enforcement mechanisms, adding further complexity to ongoing discussions.

Despite these challenges, both sides continue to express commitment to advancing the trade partnership and strengthening economic ties.

Balancing indulgence with mindful eating, Flax  Healthy Living introduces summer dishes that lean into mango while staying true to its health-first philosophy. The hero here is the Chipotle mango dressing, which brings together smoky heat and tropical sweetness across dishes.

The Chipotle Mango Nachos are built on gluten-free chips layered with refried beans, guacamole, salsa crudo, parmesan, and Greek yoghurt, offering both texture and depth. The Chicken Mango Chipotle Nachos elevate this with grilled chicken and mango salsa, making it a more filling option.

For a wholesome, bowl-style meal, the Mediterranean Bowl combines arugula, spinach, couscous, grilled vegetables, broccoli, roasted red peppers, grilled paneer, feta, walnuts, basil, and pesto dressing, fresh, herbaceous, and nutrient-dense. In contrast, the Chipotle Cowboy Bowl delivers a heartier profile with mixed beans, corn, grilled chicken, guacamole, ragi chips, and chipotle mango dressing, tying it all together.

Where: Multiple outlets across Mumbai
When: Ongoing (Summer Menu)