Category: Business

 

Mumbai, Apr 21: ASICS, the global Japanese sportswear brand, elevates its retail presence in Mumbai with the launch of its revamped Linking Road store. Located in one of Mumbai’s most prominent high-street retail destinations, the space brings a more refined and contemporary design language aligned with ASICS’ global standards and inspired by its philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’

The store defines the next generation of ASICS retail spaces, focusing on the brand’s commitment to innovation, design, and performance. Creating an immersive customer-centric retail experience, it features ASICS’ proprietary Foot ID technology, enabling customers to better understand their foot profile and make more informed footwear choices. It is designed to offer a seamless and intuitive shopping journey, with dedicated zones across Performance Running, SportStyle, Core Performance, and Apparel, enabling easy navigation and product discovery.

As part of its India expansion strategy, the brand continues to focus on premiumisation and deeper customer engagement.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia, said, “India continues to be a key growth market for ASICS, and Mumbai remains an important region for us. With the enhancement of our Linking Road store, we are further strengthening our commitment to delivering elevated and meaningful consumer experiences. Our focus is on creating retail spaces as experience centres that showcase our product portfolio and enable consumers to make more informed choices through innovation-led solutions. As we continue to expand our presence, we remain committed to bringing the best of ASICS to consumers across the country.”

ASICS currently operates over 137 stores across India and continues to expand its retail footprint, with a strong focus on key urban centres. The enhanced Linking Road store reflects the brand’s continued investment in elevating retail experiences and strengthening its connection with consumers in the country.

 

London, Apr 21: Getting funding for study abroad shouldn’t feel like waiting in a visa line. Yet for many students, especially those from remote areas like Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the process can be just as slow, unclear, and uncertain. Multiple forms. Repeated document checks. Rejections without clear direction. It adds friction at the exact moment when students need momentum.

International education loans have opened doors for thousands of students. Yet very few conversations focus on how difficult the application journey itself can be. For a student outside a major city, even understanding the next step can take time. Completing an application is not just about meeting eligibility requirements. It is about access, clarity, and speed.

Prodigy Finance is addressing this gap with the launch of a new upgrade to its application experience built to make things faster and easier to access. As Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, explains, “The journey to study abroad is already complex, from securing admission to navigating visa processes. At the very least, we can ensure that applying for funding does not feel daunting. With our new application experience, we are focused on giving students a clearer, faster path forward.”

The core offering remains unchanged. Students can still apply with no co-signer, no collateral, with Prodigy‘s core offering based on future earning potential rather than past credit history. What changes is how quickly and smoothly students can move from application to decision.

Students can now start their application with ease, straight from their smartphone. In just a few minutes, they can get going and move a step closer to their dream university. The experience is designed for speed and simplicity, without compromising on the rigour required for lending.

The upgrade is specially designed to guide students clearly at every step, so they always know what comes next. That means less time waiting and more time moving forward. For students in remote locations, it brings fewer delays, less uncertainty, and a clearer path to funding.

Their new application process is built with that intent. It keeps the rigour required for lending in place, while removing unnecessary complexity from the user experience. Students still follow essential steps and protocols. What changes is how easily they can complete them.

The result is a more responsive system. One that works for students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as effectively as it does for those in major hubs. One that reflects how today’s applicants plan, decide, and act.

Because when a student is ready to take the next step, the process should be ready too.

New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Precious metal prices edged lower in futures trade on Tuesday, with both gold and silver witnessing selling pressure amid weak global cues and profit booking by traders.

 Gold futures declined to ₹1,53,940 per 10 grams, reflecting a soft trend in international markets and reduced investor demand at higher levels.

Silver futures also slipped, falling by ₹946 to ₹2,51,599 per kilogram, as participants offloaded positions following recent gains.

Market analysts said the decline was largely driven by profit booking and cautious sentiment in global bullion markets, as investors assessed interest rate expectations and broader economic signals.

Overall, precious metals remained under pressure in the near term, tracking volatility in global financial markets.

 New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Crude oil prices fell in futures trade on Tuesday, tracking weak global cues and concerns over excess supply in the international market.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), crude oil futures for May delivery declined by ₹154, or 1.88%, to ₹8,030 per barrel, with a trading volume of 4,226 lots.

Analysts said the fall was driven by selling pressure as traders trimmed positions amid subdued demand in the spot market. Expectations of ample global supply further weighed on sentiment, keeping prices under pressure.

New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027, according to a United Nations report, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies despite global uncertainties.

The ESCAP Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 said India continues to drive regional growth, supported by strong domestic demand, services expansion, and steady investment inflows.

The report noted that while global trade tensions and slower exports pose challenges, India’s resilient consumption and policy support continue to sustain growth momentum.

It also highlighted India’s strong foreign investment inflows and its role as a leading destination for greenfield FDI in Asia-Pacific, alongside growth in green jobs and renewable energy sectors.

The UN said India’s outlook reflects broader stability in an otherwise uneven global economy, reinforcing its position as a key engine of global growth.

Recycling emerging as a major economic driver for startups and MSMEs

New Delhi, Apr 21: Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS (I/C) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Govt of India today emphasized that recycling is emerging as a major economic driver for startups and MSMEs, and is no longer confined to large business houses.

Addressing the RECEIC Global Symposium on ‘Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy: Co-creating Circular Future – Policy, Partnerships and Implementation Pathways,’ the Minister highlighted that circular economy presents a transformative opportunity across the value chain, from grassroots entrepreneurs to large industries.

“Recycling is not going to be the prerogative of big business houses alone. It will be a source of economy for all of us and a very strong avenue for startups and MSMEs,” added Dr Singh.

He underscored that the government has opened up virtually every sector, including space and nuclear, to private participation, and called upon industry to adopt a proactive mindset. “Government is a facilitator. The private sector must now step forward with confidence and innovation,” he added.

Highlighting the economic potential of waste, Dr. Singh noted that the government has generated over Rs 4,000 crore in the past five years through systematic disposal of scrap, including e-waste, under a cleanliness campaign launched in October 2021. “The results demonstrate that there is economic value in every form of waste,” he stated.

The Minister further stressed that waste should be viewed as a valuable resource rather than a liability, citing examples such as the use of plastic and steel slag in road construction and the conversion of used cooking oil into biofuels, showcasing how one waste stream can generate multiple economic opportunities.

Mr Neelesh Sah, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Govt of India highlighted the impact of India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. Introduced in 2016 and digitized in 2022–23, the framework has seen strong participation, with nearly 75,000 producers, importers and brand owners and around 5,000 recyclers registered across platforms.

He noted that the revised Solid Waste Management Rules, notified in January 2026 and effective from April 1, 2026, further embed circularity and digital monitoring into waste management systems. He also emphasized the growing role of eco-labelling and sustainable lifestyles, aligned with the Prime Minister’s LiFE initiative, in driving responsible consumption and production.

Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), highlighted the need to re-evaluate development pathways through the lens of sustainability and circularity. He noted that while circular practices were deeply rooted in traditional Indian systems, modern industrialization has often overlooked these approaches, leading to unsustainable outcomes.

Dr Kumar stressed the importance of the polluter pays principle and the need for stronger regulatory mechanisms to incentivize sustainable practices. He also highlighted the potential of transitioning from chemical-driven processes to biologically driven systems, aligning with India’s BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy. Further, he emphasized the need to develop a robust carbon credit trading ecosystem in India to economically incentivize low-carbon and circular practices while disincentivizing polluting industries.

Mr Manish Sharma, Chair, RECEIC Steering Committee, stated that the 60-member industry coalition is working through five thematic working groups—packaging, material transition, used oil circularity, textiles and apparel, and dry cell batteries—with pilot projects underway to drive on-ground implementation.

During the event, RECEIC – FICCI released two knowledge papers titled ‘Threading the Loop – Building Resilient and Responsible Textile Value Chains in India’ and ‘Transitioning the Chemical Industry – Used Cooking Oil as a Renewable Feedstock for Enabling India’s Material Transition’. Awards were also presented to individuals and organizations for innovative contributions in circularity and resource efficiency.

SYDNEY, Apr 21 – Continuing its amazing run of success and growth ENTECH, the only event for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major population centre in Australia and New Zealand, has officially sold out its 2026 national Australian roadshows.

ENTECH Roadshow to Experience event

Following a complete sell-out of its previous events which have historically been capped by a three-truck touring format, this year due to increased industry demand ENTECH expanded its national roadshow capacity for 2026 with the addition of an additional B-double trailer to its fleet.

ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie

ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie explained, “This logistics upgrade increased freight capability and unlocked exhibitor demand across all cities. As a direct result, ENTECH has confirmed major new exhibitors including Barco, Panasonic, and Jands further strengthening the show’s position as Australia’s leading AV industry showcase.”

The expanded format also allows for more equipment on the tradeshow floor – now over 66 tonnes – and more live demonstrations.

McKenzie added, “The benefits don’t end there as with our expanded capacity and sold-out shows we have an even deeper cross-section of the professional audio, lighting and visual technology sectors without compromising the speed and efficiency that define the proven ENTECH roadshow model.

 

 

ENTECH trucks on tour

ENTECH have built and grown their roadshows on trust, reliability and delivery and each year moves national exhibitor freight over thousands of kilometres across Australia and New Zealand on time and on budget.

The roadshows deliver meaningful demos, tech talks and interactions between suppliers, manufacturers, practitioners and distributors of professional audio visual and entertainment technology creating significant value for exhibitors and attendees alike.

Kate McKenzie concluded, “ENTECH now has five attractions within the show: the traditional Chameleon ENTECH cafe (and Happy Hour), the NW Group ENTECH theatre zone for silent disco headphone presentations on the floor, the new Interactive Audio Demo Zone and the Interactive Vision Demo Zone. Finally, we have added dedicated meeting rooms for curated meetings using our new proprietary ENTECH-CONNECT registration and meetings system. The outcome is that ENTECH 2026 is unlike any previous, making our 33rd year our biggest ever.”

ENTECH will visit Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in May 2026, Auckland and Wellington in July 2026 and Christchurch in August 2026.

Whilst the national Australian roadshows are sold out limited single city spots (excluding Melbourne which is also sold out) are still available.

Registration for the 2026 Australian and New Zealand ENTECH Roadshows is free and open now.

New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal engaged in strategic discussions with senior leadership from South Korea, reinforcing the shared commitment to deepen economic and technological cooperation.

The dialogue centred on expanding bilateral trade, accelerating investment flows, and strengthening collaboration in high-growth sectors such as digital innovation, green energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. Both sides also explored ways to enhance supply chain resilience and promote industry partnerships in emerging technologies, including semiconductors.

Highlighting India’s reform-driven growth trajectory, the ministers underscored the country’s focus on ease of doing business and its attractiveness as a global investment destination. They invited greater participation from Korean enterprises in India’s expanding industrial and innovation ecosystem.

The discussions reflected a forward-looking approach, with both nations expressing confidence in scaling up their strategic partnership through targeted initiatives and deeper institutional engagement. The meetings are expected to catalyse new opportunities for cooperation and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

This engagement marks another step in strengthening the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between India and South Korea, anchored in shared economic priorities and global outlook.

Apr 21 (BNP): The Indian rupee weakened in early Tuesday trading, slipping by 16 paise to 93.32 against the US dollar, as the greenback held firm in global markets and recent regulatory changes influenced currency sentiment.

Traders pointed to the Reserve Bank of India’s move to ease earlier curbs on speculative positions as a key factor behind the rupee’s decline. The central bank had initially introduced restrictions earlier this month to limit excessive volatility in the currency market, including a cap on banks’ exposure to non-deliverable forward (NDF) positions. The partial rollback of those measures appears to have reopened room for increased market activity.

Despite the dip, the rupee found some support from positive momentum in domestic equity markets and continued foreign fund inflows. However, lingering geopolitical concerns—particularly around developments in West Asia—kept investors cautious.

Overall, the currency’s movement reflects a mix of global dollar strength, policy adjustments at home, and an underlying sense of uncertainty in international markets.

Apr 21 (BNP): Indian equity markets kicked off Tuesday’s session on a mildly positive note, reflecting cautious optimism among investors despite ongoing global geopolitical tensions.

 At the opening bell, the BSE Sensex rose by over 200 points to reach 78,732.45, marking a gain of 0.27%. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty 50 edged up slightly to 24,374.55, registering an increase of 0.04%.

The early uptick suggests that market participants are maintaining a balanced stance—encouraged by domestic factors but still wary of uncertainties in the global landscape. Analysts note that while the green opening indicates resilience, volatility could persist throughout the session as investors closely monitor international developments and their potential economic impact.

Overall, the tone remains cautiously positive, with traders expected to stay selective and alert in the near term.