Category: Business

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India has started operations of a new automotive steel production line at its Gujarat plant, aiming to boost local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.

The new Pickling Line and Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM), with a capacity of 2 million tonnes per year, was inaugurated by Keiichi Ono. The facility will produce high-quality steel used in the automobile industry.

The company said the plant will help produce Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), which is widely used in modern vehicles to make them safer, lighter, and more fuel-efficient.

The facility is equipped with modern technology and will manufacture different types of automotive steel, including galvanised and press-hardened steel.

This project is part of the company’s ₹60,000 crore expansion plan at its Hazira site.

Ambassador Ono said the project reflects stronger cooperation between India and Japan and supports the “Make in India” initiative.

CEO Dilip Oommen said the new plant will reduce imports and support the growth of India’s auto industry.

India’s demand for automotive steel is about 7.8 million tonnes per year and is expected to grow in the coming years.

The company also announced leadership changes, with Dilip Oommen stepping down as CEO on June 30 and Amit Harlalka taking over from July 1.

Mumbai, Apr 30 (BNP):  Indian stock markets closed sharply lower on Thursday, with benchmark indices facing significant selling pressure throughout the session.

The BSE Sensex declined by 582 points, reflecting broad-based weakness across key sectors. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty fell below the crucial 24,000 mark, signaling cautious investor sentiment.

Market participants remained wary amid a mix of global uncertainties and domestic factors, which weighed on investor confidence. Selling was seen across sectors, with heavyweight stocks dragging the indices down.

Analysts suggest that volatility may continue in the near term as investors closely track global trends, economic data, and corporate earnings for further direction.

Ahmedabad, Apr 30: Ace Designers Limited announced the inauguration of its new state-of-the-art assembly facility at Panchratna Industrial Park, Ahmedabad. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in ADL’s growth journey, reinforcing its commitment to capacity enhancement, business expansion, and strengthening its global footprint.

Over the next five years, the facility is designed to achieve an annual production capacity of approximately 3,000 turning machines and 1,000 machining centres. The plant will emphasize localization through the development of regional vendors and the deployment of skilled manpower. Starting with a workforce of around 100 employees, the plant is expected to scale up to approximately 350 personnel over this period.

Founded in 1979 by three engineers from the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Ace Designers began as a design consulting company and went on to establish the Ace Micromatic Group. Following the amalgamation of Ace Designers, Ace Manufacturing Systems, and Micromatic Machine Tools, Ace Designers Limited has emerged as India’s largest manufacturer of CNC turning centres and machining centres.

With an anticipated annual turnover exceeding INR 2,800 crore in FY 2025–26, ADL has the capacity to manufacture 8,000 turning centres and 3,400 machining centres annually. The company has established a strong global presence across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, North and South America, and Europe, and has maintained over 25 years of market leadership in CNC Turning and Machining Centres in India.

TK Ramesh Managing Director, ADL said

“Our decision to set up this plant in Gujarat is driven by our commitment to be closer to key industrial hubs and our customers. This proximity will enable faster response times, better service support, and deeper collaboration with our customers to enhance their productivity.”

Bill Shukla Joint Managing Director, ADL said

“This facility has been conceptualised as a next-generation manufacturing unit, integrating advanced processes and digital technologies. It will play a crucial role in delivering high-precision, high-performance machine tools aligned with the evolving demands of modern manufacturing. “ 

 Ras Al Khaimah, Apr 30: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is set to participate in the fifth edition of the Make it in the Emirates exhibition, taking place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 4 to 7 May 2026, reinforcing its role in advancing the UAE’s industrial landscape and attracting high-value investments.

As part of its participation, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad will join a panel discussion titled “Industrial Zones as Engines of Growth: Powering the UAE’s Industrial and Investment”, where he will share insights on how integrated economic zones are enabling sustainable industrial expansion and supporting long-term investor confidence.

The economic zone will also mark the occasion by signing lease agreements with companies across manufacturing and industrial sectors, highlighting continued demand for Ras Al Khaimah as a base for business growth.

During the exhibition, RAKEZ will showcase its comprehensive ecosystem designed to support investors across diverse industrial sectors. This includes advanced infrastructure, tailored solutions, and value-added services that enable businesses to establish, operate, and scale efficiently. With around 1,000 manufacturing companies operating within RAKEZ across sectors such as packaging, F&B, automotive, aviation, construction, and defence, the economic zone continues to contribute to Ras Al Khaimah’s broader manufacturing base of around 3,400 companies.

Companies operating within RAKEZ benefit from a cost-competitive environment, with development costs approximately 10% lower and operating costs around 50% lower than the regional average. In addition, seamless connectivity through ports and airports ensures efficient global market access, while an ecosystem built around sustainability supports businesses in translating ESG ambitions into practical operations. Networking platforms and B2B matchmaking initiatives further enable collaboration and growth within the business community.

Commenting on RAKEZ’s participation, Ramy Jallad said: “Our presence at Make it in the Emirates reflects the growing role we play in shaping the UAE’s economic future. What we are seeing today is a strong shift towards long-term, value-driven investment, where businesses are looking for stability, efficiency, and the ability to scale with confidence. At RAKEZ, we continue to focus on creating an environment where manufacturers and industrial players can operate with clarity, expand sustainably, and connect to global markets with ease.”

He added: “Through our integrated ecosystem and close engagement with our business community, we are enabling companies at every stage of their journey to grow and evolve. This is aligned with the UAE’s broader industrial vision and our ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives such as Operation 300bn.”

As RAKEZ continues to strengthen its presence at national platforms, its participation in Make it in the Emirates 2026 underscores its commitment to attracting high-quality investments, supporting industrial growth, and enabling local manufacturers to expand regionally and globally.

Industrialists are invited to connect with the RAKEZ team at Make It In the Emirates from 4 to 7 May at Stand 7-EN22 in Hall 7 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.

~ A rare musical celebration featuring Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Ji and Hariharan Ji ~

Mumbai, Apr 30: Jio World Drive, Mumbai’s premier luxury retail, dining and cultural destination known for its immersive experiences and community-led programming, is honoured to present Hari Se Hari Tak, a rare and intimate celebration of Indian classical music. Taking place on May 9, 2026, from 7:30 PM onwards, the evening will bring together two of the most revered names in Indian music Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Ji and Padma Shri Hariharan Ji  for an unforgettable musical experience.

Curated as a soulful confluence of sound and storytelling, Hari Se Hari Tak is more than a concert; it is a tribute to India’s rich musical legacy. The evening will take audiences on a journey through ghazals, classical ragas, and timeless melodies, blending the depth of the human voice with the transcendental notes of the bansuri. As the velvet tones of Hariharan meet the evocative flute of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, the experience promises to be both deeply moving and spiritually uplifting.

Set within the vibrant cultural landscape of Jio World Drive, the performance is designed to offer an intimate, immersive musical experience, allowing audiences to connect closely with the artistry and emotion that define these legendary performers. The evening celebrates not only the mastery of two icons but also the enduring beauty of Indian classical and semi-classical music that continues to resonate across generations.

With Hari Se Hari Tak, Jio World Drive continues its commitment to bringing world-class cultural experiences to the city, creating meaningful moments that bring communities together through music, art and shared emotion.

Join us for an extraordinary evening where melody, devotion and legacy come together on a seamless musical journey.

April 30: Pune-based Definedge Securities today announced the appointment of industry veteran Hemant Luthra as Chairman, alongside the induction of Ajay Srivastava and D. Prasad to its Board of Directors.

The appointments come at a significant stage in Definedge’s evolution as it deepens its positioning as a wealth-tech platform, combining technology-led market access with research-driven investing frameworks and investor education.

Mr. Prashant Shah, Co-founder, Definedge Securities, remains the architect of the firm’s core philosophy and technology-led market approach. Mr. Rajesh Badiye, Co-founder, Definedge Securities, will continue to drive product innovation and the development of scalable trading and analytics platforms powering the company’s wealth-tech ecosystem.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Prashant Shah, CEO & Co-founder of Definedge Securities, said,

“Hemant’s appointment marks an important milestone in our growth journey. His deep expertise in building and scaling institutions, coupled with his global market experience, will be invaluable as we strengthen our leadership and governance framework. Alongside the induction of Ajay Srivastava and D. Prasad to the Board, these appointments bring diverse strategic perspectives and domain depth that will further accelerate Definedge’s expansion and enhance our engagement with high-value investor segments.”

Mr. Luthra brings over four decades of leadership across technology, private equity, telecom, aerospace, and manufacturing. He began his career at IBM and later served as CFO & COO of a leading industrial group. During his 20-year tenure at Mahindra & Mahindra, he held multiple leadership roles, including chairman of Mahindra CIE.He is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

Mr Ajay Srivastava, Founder, Dimensions Corporate Finance Services, is a veteran financial markets expert and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience across transaction banking, investment banking, capital markets, and corporate restructuring.

He began his career at Citibank, where he worked extensively in Transaction Services and Corporate & Investment Banking. He subsequently founded Dimensions Corporate Finance Services (P) Ltd., establishing it as a pioneer in corporate and financial restructuring and investment banking in India. His innovative, customized financial structures are widely adopted by client organizations, with a strong focus on execution and implementation.

Known for his disciplined approach and deep market insight, Ajay continues to shape strategic direction and long-term value creation across his business and investment platforms.

Mr. D. PRASAD, Ultra HNI investor with a proven track record of backing high-growth businesses across sectors. He has been instrumental in identifying scalable opportunities early and supporting companies through critical growth phases to achieve their targeted business goals.

The strengthened Board is expected to significantly enhance governance depth, strategic foresight, and institutional credibility, supporting Definedge’s ultimate goal to become a full-scale wealth-tech platform.

Mumbai, Apr 30: Godrej Vikhroli Cucina, the culinary owned media property of Godrej Industries Group, unveiled the Godrej Food Trends Report 2026 (GFTR 2026) with an exclusive launch at Tasting India: Culinary Conversations, a three-day celebration of creative expressions around food and drink hosted at a bookstore in New Delhi. The by-invitation ‘feastival’ gathering brought together chefs, authors, historians, and media voices to spark early conversations around the trends shaping the future of food in India. The choice of a bookstore launch, an intimate space rooted in community and culture, reflected this year’s theme of  “Stories”, making it the perfect setting for the launch.

This year’s edition highlights how food is increasingly experienced beyond taste, through the cultural, personal, and regional stories behind it. Experts emphasize how provenance, cultural memory, and human connection are becoming powerful drivers in defining value across the food ecosystem. 

Reflecting on the editorial vision, Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, Managing Director of Perfect Bite Consulting and Curating Editor of the Godrej Food Trends Report said,

“Over the years, the Godrej Food Trends Report has grown into a trusted compass for India’s evolving culinary landscape, and it has been deeply rewarding to see many of its predictions come to life. From celebrating the diversity of Indian food to exploring provenance and seasonality, each edition has traced a new dimension of our culinary identity. In 2026, the report turns its focus to stories recognising that the true value of food today lies not just in ingredients or technique, but in the narratives of people, places, and traditions that shape every bite.”

The launch featured leading chefs such as Manish Mehrotra, Sadaf Hussain, and Shri Bala, alongside celebrated authors and historians like Sarla Razdan and Swapna Liddle. Prominent media voices including Kaveree Bamzai, Rajesh Tara, and Anubhutii Krishna also contributed to the dialogue, enriching the conversations that marked the unveiling of the report.

Speaking on the theme, Tanya Dubash, Executive Director & Chief Brand Officer, Godrej Industries Group said,

“Over the years, the Godrej Food Trends Report has evolved from simply observing India’s food industry to actively shaping the dialogue between data, tradition and the future of food. The 2026 edition explores the theme of storytelling the powerful narratives of provenance, people, and connection that increasingly define value in our food ecosystem. Recognising the vital role of female farmers in shaping sustainable agricultural practices and the growing focus on pet nutrition as an extension of mindful living, reflect how deeply our relationship with food continues to evolve.”

Now in its ninth edition, the World Gourmand Award-winning Godrej Food Trends Report draws insights from over 200 culinary voices including chefs, nutritionists, mixologists, food writers, and entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2018, the report has become a defining voice in food trend forecasting, with many of its predictions shaping India’s culinary landscape.

Top Trends from GFTR 2026 – what do our experts say? 

1. Chatpata piquant flavours will rule palates: India will double down on its teekha-chatpatta roots as the food industry embraces maximalism by turning the volume on bold, piquant flavours. Expect “flavour-collision” dishes and mashups that create unapologetic, layered profiles and multi-sensory experiences. 

2. Female farmers will take center stage: The Indian female farmer, the invisible backbone of agriculture, will finally step into the light in 2026. Produce from women-led agri businesses will be celebrated as transparency, provenance and traditional ecological wisdom become premium storytelling assets. 

3. Mithai will go Indo-modern: The era of simple sugary treats is ending. Traditional sweets will transform into multi-sensory experiences with exciting texture mashups and adventurous flavour juxtapositions to stimulate the globalised Indian palate. 

4. Protein will go namkeen: Fatigue with sweet-centric protein products is sparking a savoury-first revolution in functional snacking. Protein-rich snacks will pivot toward namkeen profiles, with a surge in savoury protein bars inspired by bold Indian street-food flavours. 

5. Home cooking will evolve intelligently: Home cooking will evolve into a hybrid experience, blending high-quality, pre-prepared base preparations with the tactile joy of the final finish. This shift allows time-poor consumers to reclaim the emotional satisfaction of home cooking without labour-intensive prep

Sujit Patil, Chief Communications Officer, Godrej Industries Group added,

“As we unveil the 9th edition of the Godrej Food Trends Report, we celebrate a journey that began in 2018 with a simple ambition: to map India’s evolving culinary identity. Over the years, we have explored what, where and when of Indian food, its diversity, provenance, and seasonality. This year, we turn to the who and why through the theme of Stories, spotlighting the people, memories and cultural narratives that give every bite its meaning. As we move towards our 10th anniversary in 2027, this edition becomes a vital bridge between insight and emotion, reaffirming that the future of Indian food will be shaped by those who grow, cook, serve, and share it.”

This year, the report turns the spotlight on Storytelling. Moving beyond ingredients and formats, this edition asks deeper questions: Who tells our food stories? And how are they preserved, transformed, and amplified?