Category: Business

NOIDA, Apr 21(BNP): HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today announced the appointment of Kimsuka Narsimhan as an Independent Director w.e.f. April 20, 2026.

A Chartered and Cost Accountant by qualification, Kimsuka brings with her over 35 years of extensive experience in the consumer goods industry. She has held senior leadership roles across Finance, Risk Management, Strategy, and Business Transformation with leading global organizations. Her career highlights include serving as CFO – Asia Pacific at Kimberly-Clark, CFO – India Region at PepsiCo and holding global and India leadership roles at Unilever.

Kimsuka has worked across multiple geographies, including Europe, the Middle East & Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.

On the non-executive front, she has over a decade of experience as Director on the Boards of prominent organisations such as Bharti Airtel, Meesho, Akzo Nobel and Astra Zeneca. She has also served as a member/Chair of Board Committees viz. Audit, Nomination & Remuneration, ESG and Risk Committees. In addition to her corporate board roles, she is a Board Member of the SIM People Development Fund (SIMPDF).

Commenting on the appointment, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech said,

“We are pleased to have Kimsuka as part of the Board as HCLTech pivots to a phase of growth led by new technologies such as AI. Her rich global experience will be of immense value to our growth strategy and corporate governance, and I look forward to working with her”.

“HCLTech has been a key pillar of India’s global leadership in technology services. I am delighted to join this exciting journey and look forward to working with the Board,” added Kimsuka Narsimhan.

The appointment further strengthens the diversity ratio of the HCLTech Board to over 54%.

 

New Delhi, Apr 21 — It was an evening where music dissolved borders and emotion spoke a shared language. At The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre, celebrated Polish vocalist Michał Rudaś delivered a spellbinding performance that left audiences captivated, reaffirming his rare ability to build a living, breathing bridge between India and Poland through song.

Michał Rudaś performing at the Pianoman New Delhi

Rudaś, known for his deep engagement with Indian music, curated a repertoire that was as diverse as it was immersive. Moving effortlessly from Bollywood chartbusters—rendered with remarkable sensitivity and linguistic finesse—to the velvet elegance of Frank Sinatra classics, and the poignant lyricism of Polish romantic compositions, he created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and expansive. Each piece was not merely performed, but inhabited—infused with a sincerity that resonated deeply with listeners.

The evening was elevated by a rich spirit of collaboration. Piotr Malec on the tabla brought rhythmic depth and a distinctly Indian pulse, seamlessly complementing Rudaś’s cross-cultural explorations. At the piano, Shomudra Ghosh anchored the performance with grace and fluidity, his playing adding both structure and spontaneity to the unfolding musical narrative. Together, the trio crafted a soundscape where traditions met, conversed, and ultimately merged.

What set the concert apart was not just its musical range, but its emotional intelligence. Rudaś’s connection with the audience was immediate and profound—his interpretations of Hindi songs drawing spontaneous applause, his Polish renditions offering moments of quiet introspection, and his Western selections bridging familiarity with finesse. It was a rare artistic experience where every note felt intentional, every pause meaningful.

More than a concert, the evening stood as a testament to the growing cultural dialogue between India and Poland. In Michał Rudaś, one finds not only a vocalist of exceptional calibre, but a true cultural ambassador—an artist who understands that music, at its finest, is an act of empathy and exchange.

As the final notes faded into a standing ovation, the sentiment in the room was unmistakable: this was not just a performance, but a moment—one that will linger in memory as a celebration of music’s boundless ability to connect worlds.

Foreign exchange and currency risk management Lumon Corporate has agreed to acquire the business and assets of Fiscal FX, marking a major milestone for Lumon as it continues to expand its breadth and quality of service.

Fiscal FX represents the seventh acquisition by Pollen Street Capital-backed Lumon since 2018. The acquisition is expected to be completed later this spring and will help accelerate growth in Lumon’s corporate division both internationally and in the UK.

Vic Darvey, CEO of Lumon, says: “Acquiring Fiscal FX marks another significant step forward as we continue to expand Lumon’s global footprint; uniting expertise, enhancing our capabilities and ultimately, delivering more value to our clients.”

Fiscal FX, a London-based foreign exchange and international payments specialist, has built an exceptional reputation since it’s foundation in 2019, particularly focusing on SMEs and owner-managed businesses.

Over the past six years, Fiscal FX has seen consistent, organic growth, developing a loyal client base of more than 600 corporate accounts across the globe. The company has handled almost £1 billion worth of transactions since it’s inception thanks to outstanding client retention and reliable, recurring revenue.

Archie Scarborough, CEO of Fiscal FX, says: “Joining Lumon is a hugely exciting step for our team and our clients. We’ve built something special over the past six years – a business that genuinely puts its clients first – and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved. Lumon shares those values, and I’m looking forward to what we can build together.”

Hyderabad, Apr 20 (BNP): NMDC Limited, India’s largest iron ore producer, was honoured with 10 awards at the 4th National Conference of the Public Relations Society of India, held as part of National Public Relations Day celebrations. The recognitions reflect NMDC’s growing strength in corporate communications and its ability to translate on-ground impact into meaningful, people-centric narratives.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Ch. Priyanka, IAS, Special Commissioner, I&PR Department, Government of Telangana; K. V. Ramana Chary, Chairman of the Telangana Press Academy; Srinivas Reddy; K. Nageswar, Retd. Professor of Osmania University and former MLC; along with senior officials from the Information and Public Relations Department. The Corporate Communications team received the honours on behalf of NMDC.

The national miner  secured first prizes in Corporate Communication Excellence, Sustainability Report, Annual Report, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Digital Public Relations, Internal House Journal Khanij Bharati, and Employee Engagement, while also winning second prizes for its Wall Calendar, Diary, and Digital and Social Media Campaigns.

These recognitions shine a light not only on NMDC’s operational excellence in mining but also on its sustained CSR efforts in education, healthcare, sanitation, and livelihoods. Together, they form a larger narrative of responsible growth. At a time when public sector enterprises are increasingly expected to demonstrate both impact and accountability, NMDC’s approach shows how authentic storytelling can go beyond information building credibility, inspiring trust, and strengthening its bond with the nation.

New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): India’s macroeconomic outlook continues to show resilience despite ongoing global uncertainties, even as domestic equity markets appear to be entering a phase of near-term correction, according to a latest assessment by HDFC Securities.

The report observed that India’s growth remains supported by strong domestic demand, steady consumption trends, and continued government-led infrastructure spending. These factors are helping cushion the economy from external shocks such as geopolitical tensions and volatile global commodity prices.

At the same time, the brokerage cautioned that equity markets may be undergoing a valuation reset after a period of sustained upward movement. Elevated valuations in select segments, combined with global risk-off sentiment, are contributing to increased volatility and profit-booking.

Market participants are expected to remain cautious in the near term, with global developments likely to influence sentiment and trigger intermittent corrections.

Despite short-term market fluctuations, the broader economic narrative for India remains constructive, supported by structural drivers such as urban consumption growth, investment activity, and policy stability.

Overall, the outlook highlights a clear divergence between a resilient real economy and a more cautious, volatility-prone equity market environment.

New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): India’s trade engagement with its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners has strengthened, with their share in the country’s overall trade rising to 28.8%, according to an assessment by NITI Aayog.

The report highlights that while trade diversification is gradually improving, India’s export basket remains heavily concentrated in gems and jewellery, indicating continued reliance on a limited range of high-value export products.

Officials noted that FTAs have played a significant role in expanding market access and deepening trade linkages with key global economies. However, the concentration of exports in select sectors underscores the need for broader product diversification to enhance long-term trade resilience.

The findings also suggest that increasing integration with FTA partners is contributing to higher trade volumes, but structural challenges remain in expanding India’s export base across manufacturing and high-technology sectors.

Experts believe that improving export diversification, strengthening manufacturing capabilities, and boosting value-added production will be crucial for sustaining trade growth and reducing dependency on a narrow set of commodities.

Overall, the report points to steady progress in India’s global trade integration, while also highlighting the need for a more balanced and diversified export strategy.

New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): A nationwide appeal to encourage a shift towards cleaner cooking fuel has gained strong response, with more than 39,000 piped natural gas (PNG) users voluntarily surrendering their LPG connections, according to official data.

The initiative, aimed at promoting cleaner and more efficient energy usage, is part of the government’s broader push to expand the adoption of piped natural gas as a primary cooking fuel in urban households.

Authorities noted that the growing preference for PNG reflects increasing awareness about convenience, safety, and environmental benefits associated with cleaner fuel alternatives compared to traditional LPG usage.

Officials said the response highlights a gradual behavioural shift among consumers, supported by expanding gas distribution infrastructure and improved last-mile connectivity across cities.

The move is also aligned with India’s long-term energy transition goals, which focus on reducing dependence on high-emission fuels and encouraging cleaner household energy solutions.

Industry observers believe that as PNG networks expand further, more households are likely to transition, supporting both sustainability objectives and energy efficiency targets.

Overall, the trend indicates rising acceptance of cleaner cooking fuel solutions, marking a steady shift in India’s domestic energy consumption patterns.

New Delhi, Apr 20: TechnoStruct Group India’s leading BIM consultant, has conducted a BIM-focused placement drive at Aryabhatt Institute of Technology, in collaboration with Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU). The initiative brought together aspiring engineering students and industry experts, creating a platform to connect trained BIM talent with emerging opportunities in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. 

The placement drive is aimed at building awareness around Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a future-ready skillset and is a talent development and upskilling initiative that aligns with national priorities such as NITI Aayog’s skilling push and the broader vision of Make in India and Build in India. It reflects a shift in focus from low-cost labour positioning to cultivating a workforce equipped with high-value, technology-driven capabilities, enabling Indian youth to participate meaningfully in global infrastructure development. 

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Ravinder Jhorar, TPO, DSEU, said:

“Our collaboration with TechnoStruct reflects our commitment at DSEU to ensure that students go beyond academic learning and gain meaningful, real-world industry exposure. We are focused on enabling access to the right opportunities, where students can build practical skills and transition into high-quality roles within leading organisations. Collaborations like this with TechnoStruct play a crucial role in connecting our students with emerging domains like BIM, strengthening both their employability and long-term career growth. ”

Rohith Harish, Head of Global Operations, TechnoStruct Group, added:

“At TechnoStruct, our focus is on developing a globally competitive talent pool equipped with advanced digital engineering skills. This placement drive is a step towards creating industry-ready professionals who can contribute to complex infrastructure projects in the AEC Industry. We strongly believe that BIM will play a central role in shaping the future of construction, and our goal is to position Indian talent at the forefront of this transformation.”

Dr Ankit Katiyar, BIM Coordinator & Mentor, TechnoStruct Group, noted:

“BIM is a collaborative process that demands both technical understanding and practical application. Through initiatives like this, we are able to mentor students in real-world project workflows, enabling them to transition seamlessly from academic learning to professional environments. This hands-on exposure significantly enhances their confidence and employability.”

Anushmi Tripathy, Brand Manager, TechnoStruct Group, shared:

“This initiative represents a larger vision of building awareness around emerging technologies and positioning BIM as a mainstream career pathway. By engaging directly with students and institutions, we aim to inspire the next generation to move towards high-skill, high-impact roles within the AEC ecosystem. It is equally about shaping perception as it is about enabling opportunity.”

The BIM placement drive was designed with the objective of enhancing student employability by equipping them with in-demand digital construction skills and connecting them with industry pathways. DSEU reinforced this initiative by actively fostering industry-academia convergence and facilitating access to structured, outcome-driven training aligned with market needs. As India continues to accelerate its infrastructure and urban development initiatives, BIM is emerging as a critical capability that supports efficient planning, coordination, and execution across complex projects, making such initiatives increasingly relevant to the nation’s growth trajectory. 

One of the landmark projects in TechnoStruct’s global portfolio includes its contribution to the Google Bay View Campus, Google’s first ground-up campus designed to redefine the future of sustainable workplaces. Spread across approximately 1.1 million square feet, the campus integrates cutting-edge design with advanced sustainability features, including all-electric operations, a large-scale geothermal system, and water-positive infrastructure. Google’s vision for the project emphasised innovation, collaboration, and environmental responsibility, with flexible, human-centric workspaces built across a 42-acre site. TechnoStruct’s involvement in such complex, globally recognised developments highlights its expertise in leveraging BIM and digital engineering to support precision, coordination, and efficiency in large-scale infrastructure projects.

 

Insight Cosmetics, one of India’s fastest-growing beauty brands, announces its collaboration with Udaybir Sandhu, popularly known as Pinda from Dhurandhar 2—marking a powerful cultural moment where Indian beauty steps forward with confidence, credibility, and its own voice. At a time when “international” has long been equated with superiority, Insight Cosmetics is challenging the narrative—proving that products made for India, in India, are not just relevant, but better suited, more thoughtful, and truly high-performing. This collaboration brings together Pinda’s rooted, unapologetic identity with Insight’s skin-first, high-performance, toxin-conscious formulations—creating a campaign that celebrates bold new standard of beauty: homegrown, honest, and globally competitive.

A Campaign That Hits Home

Inspired by the evocative line, “Kudiye… ghar ki yaad nahi aayi tujhe?”

The campaign taps into a deeply familiar emotion—reminding consumers that everything they’ve been seeking in global products already exists at home. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a shift in mindset. In a market flooded with international brands that often overlook Indian skin tones, textures, and climates, Insight Cosmetics stands for deep understanding, real performance, and cultural relevance. 

Made for India. Made Better.

At the core of this collaboration is a clear belief: “No Toxins. Only Trust.” Insight Cosmetics continues to lead with formulations that are:

• Skin-first

• Ingredient-conscious

• Designed specifically for Indian consumers

Because beauty should not come at the cost of your skin.

Mihir Jain – Director, Spokesperson, Insight Cosmetics, said: “Insight has always believed that India doesn’t need to look outward for validation. We have the talent, the understanding, and the capability to create world-class beauty products right here. Pinda represents that same confidence—rooted, real, and unapologetically Indian. Together, we’re not just launching a campaign; we’re reinforcing a belief that Made in India is not an alternative—it’s the standard.”

More Than a Collaboration — A Cultural Shift

The Insight Cosmetics x Pinda partnership is built on four defining pillars:

• Proudly Homegrown: Celebrating India’s evolving beauty innovation and manufacturing strength

• Toxin-Free Promise: Prioritising safe, effective formulations without compromise

• Skin-First Approach: Products designed for real Indian skin needs

• Cultural Relevance: Speaking to a generation that is rooted in India yet globally aware

Pinda on the Collaboration

“There’s real pride in representing something that’s ours. For too long, we’ve been told that better comes from outside. Insight is changing that. This is about backing what’s made for us, trusting what understands us, and owning our identity—with confidence.”