Category: Business

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected that India’s economy will continue to grow at a healthy pace, estimating GDP growth at 6.9% for the current financial year and 7.3% for the next.

Pic Credit: Pexel 

The outlook is supported by strong domestic demand, improving financial conditions, and relatively lower US tariffs on Indian goods. These factors are expected to help sustain momentum despite global uncertainties.

At the same time, the ADB has flagged potential risks. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East could impact India’s economy by driving up energy prices, disrupting trade, and affecting remittance flows from the region.

Overall, the report reflects confidence in India’s growth story, while highlighting the need to stay alert to external challenges.

Chandigarh, Apr 10: Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the house of Tata, has announced the grand launch of its new store in Nexus Elante mall, Chandigarh, further strengthening its presence in upper North India and taking its total store count in the region to 30 stores. The newly launched store was inaugurated by Ms. Shalini Gupta, Regional Business Head, North, Titan Company Limited, in the presence of Mr. Ashish Tewari, Regional Business Manager, Titan Company Limited, along with key company representatives and esteemed patrons. The inauguration was followed by a press conference.

To celebrate the grand opening, Tanishq has introduced a special inaugural offer, wherein customers can avail a complimentary gold coin and a silver coin* on their purchases as part of the limited-period celebration. The offer is valid from 9th to 11th April 2026.

Strategically located at Unit No. 5 & 6, Lower Ground Floor, Nexus Elante Mall, Industrial Area, Phase 1, Chandigarh, the new 3300 sq. ft. store reflects Tanishq’s design excellence and customer-first philosophy. Thoughtfully designed to offer a contemporary, spacious, and immersive retail environment, the store presents an elevated shopping experience tailored to the evolving preferences of modern consumers.

The store houses an extensive selection of iconic Tanishq jewellery designs across dazzling plain gold, stunning diamonds, natural coloured gemstones and polki. The store proudly presents Tanishq’s latest foray into the Natural Gemstones category this Akshaya Tritiya with ‘Hues’, a collection inspired by the vibrant Indian summer, crafted for the woman who brings colour to life, making the world brighter wherever she goes. The store also houses Tanishq’s festive collection, ‘Mriganka’, inspired by mythical realms and crafted with exceptional artistry, alongside  ‘GlamDays’, a versatile daily-wear jewellery line and ‘String It’, a modern and lightweight collection. Customers can also explore exclusive ranges such as ‘Dor’, a mangalsutra collection inspired by sacred elements of Hindu weddings and ‘Aveer’, Tanishq’s jewellery line for men. The store also showcases ‘Rivaah’, the brand’s dedicated wedding jewellery sub-brand designed to reflect the bridal traditions of diverse Indian communities.

At the inauguration, Ms. Shalini Gupta, Regional Business Head, North, Titan Company Limited, said, “We are delighted to expand our footprint in North India with the launch of our new store in Chandigarh, a market that continues to show strong affinity for thoughtfully designed jewellery. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to making our offerings more accessible while delivering an elevated and immersive retail experience. As consumer preferences evolve, we are focused on creating spaces that seamlessly blend design excellence with personalised service, allowing customers to engage with our jewellery in a more meaningful way. With the festive season around the corner, we look forward to welcoming our patrons and being a part of their celebrations and special moments.”

Sharing his thoughts on the inauguration, Mr. Ashish Tewari, Regional Business Manager, Titan Company Limited, added, “With this new store, our focus has been on creating a customer-first environment that enhances every aspect of the jewellery buying journey. The store has been thoughtfully designed to be spacious, contemporary, and easy to navigate, enabling customers to explore a wide range of designs across categories with comfort and ease. Whether it is a milestone purchase or an everyday indulgence, we aim to offer something for every need, backed by craftsmanship and quality. We are excited to welcome customers to this new space and deliver a personalised, seamless experience that reflects the trust and legacy of the brand.”

Mumbai, Apr 10 (BNP): The Indian rupee opened on a slightly stronger note on Friday, gaining 10 paise against the US dollar in early trade, even as global tensions continue to weigh on market sentiment.

The currency rose to 92.41 per dollar after opening at 92.58 in the interbank foreign exchange market, marking a modest recovery from its previous close.

However, traders remain cautious. Ongoing geopolitical concerns, particularly tensions involving the United States and Iran, are expected to keep the rupee volatile during the day.

Market participants are also closely watching a key regulatory deadline from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which requires banks to scale back their overnight dollar positions to USD 100 million. The move is likely to trigger increased trading activity and short-term fluctuations in the currency.

While the rupee has shown some early strength, experts believe that a mix of global risks and domestic policy factors could lead to unpredictable movements in the near term.

St. Louis, MO – Apr 10 – Nidec, a global leader in electric motors, drives, and controls powering critical industries worldwide, announced the appointment of Michael Briggs as Chairman of the Motion & Energy Business Unit and Chief Executive Officer of the Appliance & Automotive Division, effective April 1, 2026. In this role, he will oversee a global portfolio of businesses, focused on deepening customer relationships, driving performance, and advancing the company’s next phase of transformation and growth.

Michael steps into the role at a pivotal moment for Nidec, as the company continues to solidify its operating foundation, enhance governance, and position the business for long-term, sustainable growth. His appointment reflects Nidec’s commitment to disciplined execution, transparency, and the delivery of high-quality, reliable products and solutions that power critical industries worldwide.

“We are enhancing our governance framework and global management structure to reinforce accountability, improve operational discipline, and support long-term performance,” said Mitsuya Kishida, Representative Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Nidec. “Michael’s experience across commercial and operational strategy, combined with leading large-scale business integration, will be critical as Nidec continues to strengthen its culture and build a more resilient organization.”

Michael has been a highly impactful member of Nidec’s Executive Leadership Team, most recently serving as President of the Nidec Motion & Energy business. Prior to this role, he served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Nidec Appliance Commercial and Industrial Motor Business, and as President of Nidec Control Techniques, where he successfully led the integration of complex global operations, enabling greater alignment and agility in response to evolving industry demands.

“I’m honored to take on this role at such a defining moment,” said Michael Briggs. “Nidec is built on innovation and the strength of its people. As we move forward, our focus is to execute with excellence, strengthen trust with our customers and partners, and continue advancing the capabilities that will shape the future of Nidec.”

Nidec is a leading manufacturing organization, with deep technical expertise and a proven ability to deliver at scale. At the core of its transformation are Nidec’s people who bring a relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and customer success. The company continues to invest in its people and capabilities to deliver excellence, every day, everywhere.

Mumbai, Apr 10 (BNP): Indian equity markets opened on a strong note on Friday, recovering from previous losses as banking stocks led the upward movement. Support from positive global market trends also boosted investor sentiment.

The benchmark Sensex surged by over 600 points in early trading, reaching around 77,260, while the Nifty 50 advanced by more than 200 points to trade close to the 23,980 mark.

Gains were largely driven by heavyweight banking and financial stocks. Shares of major lenders and financial firms, including Axis Bank, State Bank of India, and ICICI Bank, saw notable buying interest. Financial services players like Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Finserv also contributed to the rally. Meanwhile, Asian Paints was among the other prominent gainers.

The upbeat trend reflects renewed confidence among investors, supported by encouraging signals from global markets and selective buying in key sectors, particularly banking.

Tezos Middle East and Tezos Southeast Asia will focus on regional ecosystem development in key verticals such as gaming, capital markets, and art, with the Tezos Patronage Association helping ensure strategic alignment

Zug, Switzerland—9th April, 2026—The Tezos ecosystem is broadening its international institutional presence through new entities designed to attract builders, deepen ecosystem engagement, and incubate projects across the ecosystem. The establishment of Tezos Middle East, headquartered in Dubai International Financial Centre, and Tezos Southeast Asia, headquartered in Singapore, extends that effort into two regions with strong track records across key verticals, including gaming, DeFi, capital markets, and art. The Tezos Patronage Association (TPA) has also been established to help ensure strategic alignment across these independent entities.

Founded in 2017 and based in Zug, Switzerland, the Tezos Foundation has focused on advancing the long-term development of the Tezos ecosystem through strategic investment, research and development, and ecosystem initiatives. Tezos Middle East and Tezos Southeast Asia will complement that effort as independent entities designed to move quickly, develop domain expertise, and engage with promising projects and companies across the ecosystem. As a Swiss association, TPA will bring together major organizations focused on the growth and development of the Tezos ecosystem and help maintain strategic alignment among independent entities. In time, TPA may invite additional members to join the association, broadening participation and echoing the Tezos blockchain’s globally distributed structure.

Roman Schnider, Chairman of TPA, said, “Tezos has come a long way, from the early fundraiser to a global ecosystem powering DeFi, gaming, art, and real-world applications that benefit many. Today, we are proud to take the next step in that journey with the launch of the Tezos Patronage Association, a new Swiss industry association created to align and amplify efforts across the Tezos ecosystem, alongside new independent entities in Dubai and Singapore.

By establishing independent entities in two of the world’s most dynamic regions for blockchain development, we can engage faster, develop deeper expertise, and connect more effectively with the projects and companies shaping the future in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. For builders and partners in these regions, this means we are here, local, and ready to work with you. We are not slowing down in Europe or the US either; this is about expanding our commitment globally, one great project at a time.”

Tezos is supported by a number of organizations around the world, reflecting the ecosystem’s international scope. In addition to TPA and the entities announced today, the Tezos Foundation in Switzerland and the Digital Commonwealth Foundation (DCF) in Jersey continue to contribute to the ecosystem’s long-term development. Tezos Commons, a US-based organization, contributes community infrastructure, governance tooling, educational resources, and expertise around the Tezos protocol. While the organizations in Switzerland, Jersey, Dubai, and Singapore focus on ecosystem growth through strategic investment and ecosystem initiatives, Tezos Commons plays a distinct role in strengthening the ecosystem’s community and technical foundations.

Commenting on the launch, Arthur Breitman, co-founder of Tezos, said, “Tezos is a global ecosystem, and its institutional structure should reflect that reality. A more distributed model gives different organizations the autonomy to move quickly, develop domain expertise, and respond to opportunities as they arise. That kind of subsidiarity makes the broader Tezos effort more dynamic, more adaptable, and better positioned for long-term ecosystem growth and broader adoption.”

Delhi, Apr 09: Simple Energy, a home-grown Indian automotive company, has announced the launch of two retail stores in Delhi, marking its entry in the capital city. The East Delhi store in Pandav Nagar, launched in partnership with A&A Autocraft, spans 800 sq. ft. and is complemented by a fully equipped 650 sq. ft. service centre located 5.5 kilometres away, with a PAX capacity of approximately 15 people. The Dwarka Store, launched in partnership with Shri Radhey Motors, covers 900 sq. ft. and is supported by a 600 sq. ft. service centre situated right behind the showroom, accommodating around 20–25 people. These new stores, together with their dedicated service centres, form a strategic expansion to strengthen after-sales support and deliver a superior customer ownership experience. 

Designed with a modern, customer-centric layout, the store offers an immersive brand experience. It showcases a wide range of products from Simple Energy’s lineup, including the newly launched Simple One Gen 2, now available in two battery variants. The 4.5kWh battery variant offers an IDC range of 236 km, and the 5kWh battery variant promises an IDC range of 265 km. The store also showcases the Simple OneS Gen 2, offering an IDC range of 190km, along with a wide range of accessories.

Speaking about the launch, Suhas Rajkumar, Founder & CEO of Simple Energy, stated, “Delhi remains a strategically important market, driven by progressive EV policies and a fast-evolving mobility ecosystem. With the launch of our first Simple Stores in East Delhi and Dwarka, we are making Simple Energy more accessible to a wider set of customers across the city. By establishing a presence at two ends of the city, we are not just expanding our footprint but also bringing our vision of reliable, high-performance electric mobility closer to more riders. This expansion is another step towards our goal of 100 stores across India.” 

Currently, Simple Energy operates 68 outlets across 36 cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Patna, Bhopal, Agra, Goa, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, and Chennai, amongst others. The company is rapidly ramping up its pan-India expansion. In the coming months, Simple Energy will expand into Nagpur, Ranchi, and Bhubaneshwar and more.

The Simple One Gen 2 is available in 4.5 kWh and 5 kWh variants, while the Simple OneS Gen 2 offers another option for riders. Customers can visit the store for test rides, explore accessories, or book their scooter. Test rides and bookings are also available online at https://www.simpleenergy.in/.

The Simple Energy Store in Delhi is located at: 63 A, Near to Swarup Honda, Block A, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi – 110092 

The Simple Energy Store in Dwarka is located at: Plot No. K-1/1, Raja Puri, Uttam Nagar, New Delhi-110059 

 By- Sachin Sharma, Owner, The Coco Leaf Cafe, Gokarna

For years, travel was measured by how much you could squeeze into a limited window, more cities, more landmarks, more checkmarks. But in 2026, that mindset is steadily losing its appeal. A new generation of travellers, led by Gen Z, is choosing depth over distance, trading rushed itineraries for unhurried, immersive experiences. This shift, often referred to as slow travel, reflects a broader desire to connect more meaningfully with destinations, whether that means spending weeks in a single town, engaging with local culture, or simply allowing room for spontaneity. After all, as the thought goes, “kitni bhi koshish kar lo, kuch na kuch reh hi jaata hai”—and perhaps that’s exactly the point. In a world defined by constant motion, Gen Z is redefining what it means to truly “arrive.”

The Rise of Experiential Stays

One of the most defining shifts within slow travel is the growing preference for experiential stays over conventional hotel formats. Instead of opting for standardized, often compact luxury rooms, Gen Z travellers are actively seeking spaces that offer character, openness, and a sense of place, be it a homestay tucked in the hills, a coastal cottage, or a farm stay surrounded by nature. These stays go beyond accommodation; they enable travellers to engage with local communities, understand regional lifestyles, and participate in everyday cultural experiences. The appeal lies not in indulgence alone, but in authenticity, where the environment feels less curated and more lived-in, making the journey as meaningful as the destination itself.

Moving away from overtourism toward meaningful locations

Today’s travellers are increasingly conscious of the fatigue that comes with crowded hotspots, long queues, commercialised experiences, and a lack of genuine cultural connection. Instead, Gen Z is gravitating toward destinations that offer calm, authenticity, and a deeper sense of discovery. This is reflected in the gradual shift from places like Goa to quieter alternatives such as Gokarna, where the pace is slower and experiences feel more personal. By choosing offbeat destinations, travellers are not only escaping the chaos but also rediscovering the joy of exploration.  

The Rise of Spiritual and Intentional Travel

A notable evolution within slow travel is the shift from outward indulgence to inward exploration. Rather than being drawn solely to grand infrastructure or visually impressive stays, Gen Z travellers are increasingly prioritising experiences that nurture a deeper connection with themselves and their surroundings. This includes spending time at wellness retreats, spiritual centres, or serene natural settings that encourage reflection, mindfulness, and emotional reset. The focus is less on how a place looks and more on how it makes one feel, calm, grounded, and present. In choosing meaning over materiality, this generation is redefining travel as not just an escape, but a journey toward inner balance and personal clarity.

Curated Food Experiences as a Travel Highlight

Food is no longer just a part of the itinerary, it is becoming the experience itself. For Gen Z travellers, dining is deeply tied to discovery, storytelling, and connection, especially in coastal destinations where cafés and beachside spaces set the tone for the entire journey. Rather than opting for generic menus, travellers are drawn to places that offer inspired dishes, fresh ingredients, and a setting that feels immersive, think ocean views, open-air seating, and a laid-back, community-driven vibe. Beachside cafés, in particular, are emerging as cultural touchpoints where travellers can slow down, savour regional flavours, and engage with the destination in a more sensory way. It’s not just about what’s on the plate, but the atmosphere, the people, and the feeling of being truly present in the moment.

As travel continues to evolve, one thing is clear, today’s travellers are not just passing through destinations, they are seeking places that make them feel something. For hotels and cafes, this presents a unique opportunity to become more than just a dining stop, but a meaningful part of the journey itself. By creating spaces that embrace openness, authenticity, and thoughtful experiences, whether through food, ambience, or community, you become a place where travellers choose to pause, connect, and stay a little longer. In the era of slow travel, it’s these moments of stillness, warmth, and genuine connection that leave the most lasting impression. 

Bhubaneswar, Apr 9 (BNP): Odisha is witnessing a major boost in its textile and apparel industry, with significant investments creating thousands of new employment opportunities. A recently inaugurated project, with an investment of around ₹750 crore, has already generated jobs for over 5,800 youth. On Wednesday, the foundation stone for another unit of Page Industries was laid in Bhubaneswar, with a ₹258 crore investment expected to create 3,500 more jobs. The ceremony also marked the inauguration of an MAS India clothing factory in Bhubaneswar.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government is focusing on weaving and apparel industries, where relatively low investments can generate high employment, especially for women. By promoting skill development, industrial growth, and women’s empowerment, Odisha aims to establish new apparel units across districts like Khordha, Cuttack, and Ganjam, boosting the local economy.

During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with young professionals from Salepur and Mayurbhanj working in Tamil Nadu’s textile industry to understand their expertise and work practices. The Minister of Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts, Pradeep Bal Samant, appreciated the government’s commitment to leveraging industry for job creation and skill development, calling Odisha’s textile growth a “golden chapter” in the state’s industrial progress.

Officials added that with multiple investment proposals amounting to nearly ₹7,800 crore under active consideration, the state is accelerating the expansion of its textile and apparel sector, creating opportunities for local talent, reducing unemployment, and positioning Odisha as a hub for sustainable industrial growth.

Kurkumbh, Maharashtra, Apr 09: Marking three decades of brand Gemini, Cargill today opened the doors to its Kurkumbh plant in Maharashtra, offering a closer look at its world class manufacturing standards, stringent food safety and quality practices, while outlining plans to strengthen its edible oils business in India through its flagship consumer brand, Gemini.

The visit was hosted by Dheeraj Talreja, Vice President & Managing Director, Cargill Food South Asia, who shared Cargill’s growth priorities and strategic importance of Maharashtra market, where Gemini is a market leader. Well-known Marathi actor Priya Bapat also joined the visit along with select consumers, influencers and media, adding her perspective as a long-standing consumer of the brand.

Maharashtra is a key market for Gemini, where the brand has strong presence and consumer base.  With highest per capita GDP in the country, high consumption of multiple oils including sunflower, soybean, groundnut and cottonseed, Maharashtra is a strategically important geography and logistics backbone for Gemini’s diversified portfolio of cooking oils. Cargill has had manufacturing presence in Kurkumbh, Maharashtra since 2005. Today this plant employs over 500 people (full time and contractual), engaged in refining and packaging the full range of Gemini oils.

With a strong legacy of 30+ years behind us, Gemini is known for its unshakable consumer trust and superior product quality. As we look at the next 30 years, Gemini is transforming into a future ready edible oils brand, deeply rooted in India’s traditions, while evolving with modern consumers through premiumization, digital engagement, and presence on next generation distribution channels”, said Dheeraj Talreja during the plant tour.   

 Advancing Portfolio to Meet Health & Wellness Preferences

Gemini offers a comprehensive portfolio, including sunflower oil, soybean oil, groundnut oil, rice bran oil, kachi ghani mustard oil, vanaspati, and blended oils. The brand today reaches over 5 million households catering to diverse consumer needs and is available across 1 lakh+ retail outlets in the state.

With evolving consumer preferences towards premium, health led and lifestyle-oriented oils, Gemini is considering expanding into a range of premium cold-pressed oils. This reflects a premiumization push for the edible oil brand aimed at driving future growth, while focus on maintaining leadership across its core product categories of sunflower and soyabean oil continues.

Channel Expansion Across E-commerce and New-age Retail 

Gemini’s presence across e-commerce and quick commerce platforms is also being strengthened, indicating the growing online consumer purchasing pattern. While a large percentage of business is still driven by physical retail stores, Gemini recorded strong growth in its e-commerce business over the past year, increasing its contribution to overall sales. As online platforms gain momentum amongst urban audiences seeking convenience and easy product discovery, Cargill is also expanding across these channels to remain close to consumers.

Recognized for Food Safety and Quality

Cargill’s Kurkumbh facility has been recognized at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Food Safety Awards 2024, for ‘Outstanding Performance in Food Safety’ in the ‘Large Manufacturing Food Businesses – Fats & Oils’ category.

Gemini was also ranked as No. 1 sunflower oil brand in India in 2023 (extended for two years), as per a brand study by Consumer Voice, a Govt recognized testing organisation. These recognitions reflect the company’s adherence to stringent food safety protocols, consistent quality practices, and alignment with regulatory standards.

Community Development

As an active member of society, Cargill has been collaborating with local stakeholders and government programs on community programs in the state, focused on improving education, nutrition, and public health. Infact, Cargill leadership today inaugurated a school development initiative, Project Vidya Vikas, at the local State Reserve Police School, Daund which includes new playground flooring, provision of additional benches and building toilets for the school, benefitting over 1500 students from local communities.

Past initiatives include, ‘Badhte Kadam’, a program to address health and nutrition deficiencies among school children, reaching over 5,000 children in Kurkumbh over three years. ‘Project Sahyog’, a comprehensive village development program was implemented in Kurkumbh Village of Daund Block of Pune District. In addition, Cargill has been supporting maternal and child health programs by providing monthly micronutrient-fortified food and conducting awareness sessions on nutrition and healthcare in partnership with Anganwadi workers, benefitting over 4,200 beneficiaries across 168 Anganwadi centers. Cargill also supported local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic through relief initiatives, as part of its ongoing community engagement efforts.