Category: Business

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): The cement industry is expected to face a subdued demand environment in the near term, with rising cost pressures likely to impact profitability over the next one to two quarters, according to a recent industry report.

The report indicates that slower construction activity and uneven infrastructure spending could weigh on overall cement consumption. At the same time, elevated input costs, including fuel and logistics, are expected to further strain margins for producers.

Economic Impact:

• Infrastructure slowdown risk: Weak cement demand may signal slower momentum in construction and infrastructure projects.
• Margin pressure on companies: Higher costs could reduce profitability for cement manufacturers.
• Investment sentiment impact: Short-term uncertainty may affect investor confidence in the sector.
• Broader growth linkage: Since cement is a key indicator of industrial activity, softness in demand may reflect temporary moderation in economic expansion.

Despite these challenges, analysts suggest that long-term demand remains supported by government infrastructure initiatives, housing development, and urbanization trends.

Overall, the sector is likely to experience short-term headwinds, while maintaining a stable long-term growth outlook driven by structural demand factors.

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): India’s automobile industry is expected to maintain a positive growth outlook for FY27, even amid ongoing global economic uncertainties, according to a recent industry report.

The report highlights that strong domestic demand, improving supply chains, and continued policy support are likely to drive the sector’s performance in the coming years. Despite external pressures such as geopolitical tensions and fluctuating global markets, the industry is projected to remain resilient.

Analysts note that the sector’s long-term growth will be supported by rising consumer demand, increasing adoption of electric vehicles, and steady infrastructure development across the country.

Overall, the outlook suggests that India’s automobile sector is well-positioned to navigate global headwinds while sustaining its growth momentum into FY27.

New Delhi/Wellington, May 6 (BNP): A new “single desk” investment facilitation initiative between India and New Zealand is projected to unlock nearly $20 billion in investments over the coming years, according to New Zealand Investment Minister Todd McClay.

The initiative aims to streamline investment procedures through a unified platform, making cross-border business operations simpler, faster, and more transparent. Officials say this mechanism is expected to strengthen economic cooperation and support ongoing discussions toward a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

By improving ease of doing business, the framework is likely to attract greater private investment, enhance trade flows, and open new opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, technology, renewable energy, and education.

Authorities from both sides believe the move will deepen bilateral economic engagement and act as a catalyst for future trade and investment agreements.

Mumbai, May 6 (BNP): Indian stock markets opened on a strong note on Wednesday, supported by positive global sentiment and a decline in crude oil prices. Improved investor confidence followed signals of progress in geopolitical discussions involving Donald Trump and Iran, easing concerns over global tensions.

The benchmark BSE Sensex advanced by over 650 points in early trade, reaching 77,675.01. Similarly, the NSE Nifty 50 gained more than 200 points to 24,250.85, moving past the 24,000 mark.

The upward movement was further supported by firm global market trends, contributing to broad-based buying across sectors. Analysts note that easing crude prices and improving international outlook continue to influence domestic equities.

Further market developments are being closely monitored by investors.

Kochi, May 06: Muthoot Finance Ltd., India’s largest gold loan NBFC, marks a significant milestone as it completes 15 years since its listing on the Indian stock exchanges. The occasion reflects the company’s remarkable journey from its origins in Kerala as a family-owned business to becoming a globally recognised financial services institution and a trusted Indian household name.

Since its listing in 2011, Muthoot Finance has demonstrated consistent growth, operational resilience, and strong financial performance. The company’s market capitalization has grown from approximately ₹60 billion in 2011 to recently crossing ₹1.5 trillion, representing an increase of over 25 times. This extraordinary achievement is a direct result of public confidence, as reflected by the company’s recognition as India’s No. 1 most trusted financial services brand for 10 consecutive years as per the TRA Brand Trust Report. Over the past five years alone, the company’s stock price has more than doubled, underscoring continued investor confidence and sustained growth momentum.

During this period, Muthoot Finance has significantly expanded its operational scale. The company has played a critical role in unlocking the value of idle household gold and channelising it into productive economic use, serving over 2.5 lakh customers every single day across India. At a consolidated level, the Group’s branch network has expanded to 7,500+ branches, with nearly 70% located in semi-urban and rural areas, reinforcing its commitment to financial inclusion. This deep reach is backed by strong consolidated financial milestones, with consolidated loan Assets Under Management reaching an all-time high of ₹1.6 Lakhs crore as on December 31, 2025. Gold loan operations are secured by a state-of-the-art 7-layer safety and security infrastructure, which has resulted in zero successful burglary attempts in the past six years.

Commenting on the milestone, George Jacob Muthoot, Chairman, Muthoot Finance Ltd., said, “Our journey has been guided by the core values of trust, integrity, and customer-centricity. This milestone is not just about numbers, but about the impact we have created, enabling access to credit, empowering households, and upholding the highest standards of trust and governance. As we move forward, we will continue to build on this strong foundation with a sustained focus on customer service, innovation, and integrity.”

George Alexander Muthoot, Managing Director, Muthoot Finance Ltd., added, “Crossing a ₹1.5 trillion market cap is more than a financial achievement; it is a measurable validation of the trust Indian households and investors have placed in us for over 15 years. We pioneered the organized gold loan industry, and our deep understanding of the financial needs of households remains our anchor. We are committed to build on this legacy by accelerating growth and creating long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

Muthoot Finance‘s institutional strength is reinforced by its pedigree. The company has over three lakh shareholders and has been consistently paying dividends every year since 2012. We are classified as an Upper Layer NBFC by RBI, a constituent of the NIFTY Next 50 index of NSE, and proudly the first listed company from Kerala to cross the ₹1 lakh crore market cap. Furthermore, the company has been certified as a “Great Place to Work” for five consecutive years.

Building on this strong foundation, the Muthoot Group is evolving into a diversified financial services conglomerate, expanding its presence across multiple lending and financial service segments. This strategic diversification reflects the Group’s vision to create a comprehensive financial ecosystem that caters to the evolving needs of customers while ensuring long-term, sustainable growth. This commitment to sustainability includes extensive initiatives in CSR and ISR with over ₹500 crore spent since 2014, impacting over 5 million lives across India. Muthoot Finance’s growth has been anchored in its customer-centric approach, and ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics, enabling it to remain resilient across economic cycles. As the company enters its next phase of growth, it will continue to focus on expanding access to credit, leveraging technology, and reinforcing its leadership in the gold loan segment.

Collie, Western Australia, May 06: Holista Colltech Limited has announced the execution of a binding Joint Venture (JV) Agreement with Swang Chai Chuan Limited (SCC) to fund, develop, and operate an ovine nano-collagen production facility in Collie, Western Australia.

The JV will operate through Ovicoll Pty Ltd, with an initial ownership structure of 50:50 between Holista and SCC. As part of the agreement, SCC will contribute funding to support commissioning and initial working capital requirements of the facility.

Under the commercial terms, Holista will make payments equivalent to 3% per annum on SCC’s initial funding contribution for a period of two years. The company also retains the option to increase its stake in the JV to 75% between the second and fifth anniversaries of SCC’s investment, based on a pre-agreed valuation framework.

In connection with the agreement, Dr. Rajen Manicka, a substantial shareholder of Holista, has provided a personal guarantee to SCC covering certain financial obligations of the JV. The guarantee is secured against his personal shareholding and does not constitute a liability for the company.

Operations and Governance

Holista will oversee day-to-day operations of the JV, while governance will be managed through a board comprising equal representation from both partners.

Intellectual Property and Commercial Structure

Holista will retain ownership of all existing and newly developed intellectual property, granting the JV a license to utilize the technology. The JV will pay Holista a royalty on gross sales, subject to a cap linked to profitability.

Strategic Significance

The partnership marks a key milestone in the commercialization of Holista’s collagen technology and aligns with its strategy to scale production capabilities and expand into global markets.

The Collie facility is expected to produce high-value nano-collagen for applications across nutraceuticals, food, cosmetics, and biomedical sectors. SCC will support market development efforts by leveraging its regional distribution network and consumer market expertise.

There are no material conditions precedent to the agreement, and further updates on project milestones and commissioning timelines are expected in due course.

This announcement has been approved by the Board of Holista Colltech Limited.

Mumbai, May 06: Asian Energy Services Limited today successfully completed the conversion of a substantial portion of its preferentially allotted convertible warrants, marking a key milestone in its capital-raising programme and strengthening its equity base.

The warrant conversion follows the preferential allotment of 47,00,000 warrants made on November 5, 2024. Each warrant was convertible into one equity share at an issue price of Rs 335 per share. The price comprised a warrant subscription price of Rs 83.75 (25%) paid upfront and a warrant exercise price of Rs 251.25 (75%) payable at the time of conversion.

Asian Energy has raised Rs 92.03 crore following the conversion of 36.62 lakh warrants and raised Rs 39 crore as part of subscription amount that was paid upfront. In total the company raised Rs 131.03 crore since November 5, 2024.

On receipt of the balance exercise consideration aggregating to Rs 92.03 crore, the company proceeded with the allotment of equity shares to eligible warrant holders.

The funds raised through the warrant exercise will enhance the company’s balance sheet and provide the financial flexibility and cash flow to fund the high growth opportunities across all its verticals such as operations and maintenance and material handling plants in coming months. The company has actively undertaken integrated field development projects in the oil and gas sector in the recent past and setting up coal and material handling plants. The funds will be deployed in the existing and the upcoming projects.

Among the 28 non-promoter allottees who participated in the conversion some of the top subscribers are: Everest Finance & Investment Company, Ashish Kacholia, and Titagarh Enterprises Ltd. Investor participation underscores strong investor confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects and operating strategy.

AD Ports Group, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, and CMA CGM Group Sign MoU to Extend Inland Reach Across the UAE and Wider Region 

• The three partners intend to cooperate to anchor cargo flows across AD Ports Group’s consolidated inland intermodal network of rail-linked inland container depots, dry ports and cargo depots

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 05 May 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CMA Terminals Khalifa Port container terminal and CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, to develop efficient intermodal solutions and extend inland reach across the UAE and wider region, through AD Ports Group’s consolidated inland intermodal network.

Under the MoU, the three partners intend to cooperate to anchor cargo flows across AD Ports Group’s consolidated network of rail-linked inland container depots, dry ports, and cargo depots, extending CMA Terminals Khalifa Port’s reach beyond the quay to inland consumer, industrial, and regional markets.

The collaboration will also explore opportunities to strengthen cargo flows across the UAE and regional markets, including the Northern Emirates, whilst extending trade corridor optionality through rail-linked inland connectivity to the borders of the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

By supporting more efficient inbound cargo flows to industrial and manufacturing sectors, the collaboration aims to support the UAE’s industrial growth agenda by creating flexible and resilient export corridors through multiple inland and gateway routing options. 

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “This MoU marks an important step in consolidating the UAE’s inland intermodal logistics backbone under one integrated platform. By bringing CMA CGM as the first global shipping line partner into this network, we are extending CMA Terminals Khalifa Port beyond its traditional role at the quay and creating a more connected, flexible and resilient trade gateway for the UAE and the wider region. This initiative, under the wise guidance of our leadership in the UAE, directly supports national industrial growth ambitions by strengthening inbound cargo access, improving corridor optionality and enhancing the long-term competitiveness of national supply chains.”

Inaugurated in December 2024, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is a joint venture between CMA CGM Group (70%) and AD Ports Group (30%), and one of three container terminals at Khalifa Port operated by major international shipping lines. 

Jesper Stenbak, Regional Director in the Middle East Gulf, Indian Sub-Continent, and Indian Ocean, CMA CGM Group, said: “This collaboration strengthens CMA Terminals Khalifa Port’s role as an inland-enabled gateway terminal, extending CMA CGM’s reach beyond the port through integrated inland connectivity across the UAE and into regional markets. By linking maritime services more directly to inland cargo flows, this partnership supports more efficient routing, stronger supply chain resilience and improved service reach for our customers.”

AD Ports Group’s inland intermodal network connects gateway ports to inland dry ports, rail-linked cargo facilities and industrial demand centres across the UAE, supporting more efficient cargo movement, stronger inland connectivity and improved access to regional trade corridors.

Patna, May 5 (BNP): Bihar is preparing to host a major technology-focused event with the Bihar AI Summit 2026, scheduled for May 23–24 at Urja Auditorium in Patna. The event is expected to bring together thousands of students, developers, startups, and technology professionals from across the region.

The summit aims to promote awareness and understanding of Artificial Intelligence, while encouraging young talent to explore opportunities in emerging technologies. Organisers said the event will focus on how AI is transforming key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance.

By creating a platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation, the summit seeks to bridge the skill gap and introduce participants to practical applications of AI in real-world scenarios.

The initiative is expected to play a significant role in strengthening the state’s growing technology ecosystem and inspiring the next generation of digital innovators.

May 05: As organisations face a widening gap in cybersecurity capabilities, Deloitte India has entered an exclusive strategic collaboration with SANS Institute to further strengthen its cyber offerings. Through this collaboration, Deloitte India will enable access to SANS’ globally recognised training programmes as part of its broader approach to help organisations build specialised cybersecurity capabilities in line with the evolving cyber threat landscape.  

As cyber threats move beyond traditional IT environments, the need for advanced capabilities across detection, response and resilience is becoming critical to sustaining business operations and protecting essential services. According to the Indian Cybersecurity Skilling Landscape 2025–26 report, jointly developed by SANS Institute and the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), 73 percent of cybersecurity user enterprises and 68 percent of cybersecurity solution providers report a limited availability of skilled cybersecurity candidates. A majority of organisations (83 percent) highlight that Artificial Intelligence (AI)/GenAI security skills are becoming critical, and 57 percent of cybersecurity solution providers find AI/Machine Learning (ML) security roles the hardest to fill. This growing skills gap is a key constraint in strengthening organisational cyber resilience.

Anand Tiwari, Partner, Deloitte India, said, “As cyber programmes mature and AI becomes embedded across security operations, the nature of human expertise required is fundamentally changing. Agentic AI is handling low-level, repetitive tasks across detection, monitoring and initial response. What organisations need now and will need in the future as well is deep human expertise that can design, govern, validate and intervene when it truly matters.

The cyber talent challenge now centres on scale, depth, judgement and hands-on mastery across complex environments. This collaboration with SANS allows us to help clients build precisely that depth. By combining Deloitte India’s end-to-end cybersecurity capabilities with SANS’ globally recognised, practitioner-led training, we are enabling organisations to train cyber professionals who are ready for today’s threat landscape and resilient to what comes next.”

AI is rapidly reshaping cybersecurity by automating detection, accelerating threat analysis and changing how defenders respond at scale. As AI‑driven attacks become more advanced, human expertise remains essential to guide, validate and apply these technologies responsibly.

James Lyne, CEO, SANS Institute, said, “India stands at a genuinely pivotal moment. What we have been watching with growing concern is the gap between the surface area of attack, the whirlwind of technology change, and what cyber defenders, hands on keyboard, can actually do when it matters. This is no longer about not having enough people. It is about having the right people, with the right skills.

The skills shortage is not a headcount problem anymore. It is a depth problem. Adversaries targeting cloud-native architectures, AI-driven systems, and converging IT/OT environments are not waiting for training programmes to catch up. The answer is world-class, hands-on training and certifications that produce professionals who are ready to operate from day one.

India has the ambition, the talent pipeline, and the regulatory momentum to build a cyber defence capability that sets a global standard. Our partnership with Deloitte supports this goal. Bet on people, and you change what is possible.”

India’s rapid expansion of connected and digital ecosystems is driving demand for specialised cybersecurity capabilities across sectors. Organisations are continuing to invest in cybersecurity tools and infrastructure, while also seeking stronger technical depth across teams to support implementation, monitoring and response. In this context, access to advanced training can help strengthen readiness and support India’s next phase of digital and economic growth.

Notes to the editor (for reference purposes only)

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organisation”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.

This press release has been issued by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP.