Category: Business

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? 

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, hails decisive step towards making roads safer and delivering lasting change worldwide 

Dubai, UAE, 30^th April 2026:  The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the expansion of a major road safety initiative into the Middle East and Africa. 

The FIA Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programme aims to support local authorities and organisations with training, mentorship, and evidence-based actions to develop concrete projects that improve road safety for everyone. 

Road traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death worldwide, with the burden falling disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries.

According to the World Health Organization, the African region records the highest road traffic fatality rate globally, while countries across the MENA region continue to face significant and persistent road safety challenges. 

The expansion of the FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme into the Middle East and Africa, following its successful introduction in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions, further strengthens the Federation’s global effort to promote and protect safe mobility for road users worldwide. 

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “Following the success of the first FIA Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programmes, I am delighted to announce we are expanding the initiative to Africa and the Middle East. This marks a decisive step towards making roads safer and delivering lasting change worldwide. 

“Through our partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), we are working together with our Members to equip them with the essential tools and networks needed to drive global action and build a safer future for all road users.” 

The FIA Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programme was developed by the FIA in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and with the support of the FIA Foundation. 

FIA Region I MENA Mobility Council President Essa Hamza Alfailakawi said: “Across the Middle East and North Africa, improving road safety requires strong collaboration and a shared commitment to change. 

“Through the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme, we can strengthen regional cooperation and support our Member Clubs to play a leading role in shaping safer mobility systems.” 

FIA Region I ACTA President Jinaro Kibet said: “Road safety is one of the most urgent public health challenges across Africa, and initiatives like FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life are critical in helping us address it at scale. 

“This programme empowers our Member Clubs with global expertise to deliver practical, life-saving solutions within their communities.”

 

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The government has reviewed India’s export ecosystem with an aim to further strengthen the country’s global trade performance, with special emphasis on MSMEs, agriculture exports, and the promotion of “Brand India”.

During the review, officials discussed measures to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exporters in global markets. A key focus was placed on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, which play a crucial role in employment generation and export diversification.

The discussions also highlighted the need to boost agricultural and food product exports by improving quality standards, strengthening supply chains, and expanding access to new international markets. In addition, efforts to promote “Brand India” were emphasized to improve the country’s global trade identity and attract stronger demand for Indian goods.

The initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to increase export volumes, reduce trade barriers for domestic producers, and ensure more inclusive participation in international trade growth.

Mumbai, Apr 30: As global M&A activity rebounded strongly in 2025, Indian dealmakers are increasingly turning to transactional risk insurance to navigate complexity, manage execution risks, and drive deal certainty, according to the latest insights from Marsh’s Transactional Risk Insurance 2025: Year in review report.

Globally, M&A deal value surged nearly 37% year-on-year to approach USD 5 trillion, with a sharp rise in large and mega deals. This trend is mirrored in India, where growing deal sizes, cross-border activity, and regulatory scrutiny are accelerating demand for structured risk solutions. Marsh recorded a 34% increase in global transactional risk insurance limits to USD 91.6 billion, alongside a 37% rise in policy volumes, reflecting the increasing role of insurance as a core component of deal-making.

Key India insights

In India, transactional risk insurance is gaining traction across both private equity and strategic corporate transactions, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and energy, where deal sizes and regulatory considerations are intensifying.

• Deal complexity: Larger and more complex deals are driving demand for higher insurance limits and multi-layered coverage structures
• Buyer shift: Corporate buyers now account for a larger share of insured transactions globally (54%), a shift increasingly visible in India as corporates pursue strategic acquisitions
• Claims trends: Claims frequency and severity are rising globally, signalling a maturing market and reinforcing the need for early engagement and robust deal structuring

Additionally, pricing trends have shifted, with premium rates increasing across regions, including Asia (up 8% year-on-year), indicating a transition toward a more disciplined underwriting environment.

Sanjay Kedia, CEO & President, Marsh India, said, “As India continues to position itself as a global investment hub, the ability to effectively manage transaction-related risks will be critical. We are seeing growing awareness and adoption of transactional risk solutions among Indian dealmakers, especially as cross-border transactions and regulatory complexities increase. This trend is expected to accelerate further in 2026 as businesses seek greater resilience and confidence in deal execution.”

Aditya Samag, Private Equity and M&A Leader, Marsh India, said, “India is witnessing a clear shift toward larger, more complex transactions, particularly in high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, and infrastructure. In this environment, transactional risk insurance is no longer optional—it has become a strategic tool for investors and corporates to enhance deal certainty, manage regulatory exposures, and remain competitive in auction processes.”

Looking ahead, India is expected to remain a key growth market for M&A, supported by strong domestic fundamentals, investor confidence, and increasing cross-border interest. However, global geopolitical uncertainty and evolving regulatory frameworks may continue to influence deal activity and risk strategies.

Transactional risk insurance is therefore expected to play a critical role in enabling deal certainty, bridging valuation gaps, and protecting against downside risks in India’s evolving deal landscape.

Washington, Apr 30 (BNP): Several companies in the United States are increasingly focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs) as a next-generation option in nuclear energy, according to a report by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The report highlights that SMRs are being developed to address long-standing challenges in the nuclear sector, particularly high construction costs and lengthy approval timelines that have limited new capacity additions.

The United States currently has nearly 98 gigawatts of installed nuclear power capacity, but expansion has remained limited over recent decades due to financial and regulatory constraints.

Unlike conventional nuclear plants, which generate between 550 MW and 1,500 MW per unit, SMRs are compact systems typically producing up to around 300 MW. Their modular structure allows major components to be built in factories and transported to sites for assembly, potentially reducing both construction time and overall costs while offering greater deployment flexibility.

Mumbai, Apr 30 (BNP): The Indian rupee slipped to a fresh all-time low in early trade on Thursday, falling 32 paise to 95.20 against the U.S. dollar.

The currency came under pressure due to sustained strength in the U.S. dollar and a sharp rise in global crude oil prices. Brent crude, trading around $122 per barrel, added further strain on India’s import-heavy economy, increasing demand for the dollar from oil importers.

Forex traders said persistent foreign fund outflows and concerns over elevated energy prices also contributed to the weakening bias in the rupee. Market sentiment remained cautious as global economic uncertainties continued to influence currency movements

Chandigarh, Apr 30: Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), a pioneer and one of India’s most trusted brands in safety and security solutions, today announced the launch of NX Pro Ncrypt, India’s first facial recognition‑enabled home locker, at Smart Home Expo 2026. The Group also showcased its smart connected home ecosystem powered by Advantis IoT9, highlighting how design‑led innovation and intelligent technology are redefining safety and everyday living for modern Indian homes.

Aligned with this vision, Godrej Enterprises Group also announced an investment commitment of 100 crores over the next three years to accelerate the development of digital, connected, and consumer‑centric security solutions, enabling greater personalization, enhanced privacy, and everyday convenience.

The newly launched NX Pro Ncrypt marks a first for the Indian market by introducing facial recognition technology into the home locker category. The solution integrates facial recognition, biometric fingerprint access, and digital PIN into a single system, allowing users to choose between single‑mode or dual‑mode security. Built on advanced AES encryption, facial data is converted into secure digital templates rather than stored as images, significantly strengthening privacy and data protection. 

GEG also launched a fully integrated ‘Made in India’ connected home app experience powered by Advantis IoT9, showcasing how homes can intuitively respond to their residents. The moment a user unlocks the door using biometrics, the environment adapts automatically to the user’s pre-sets. The lights adjust to personal preferences, the air conditioner sets itself to the ideal temperature, and the space configures seamlessly to the individual, no manual inputs. Creating a home that understands. 

Mr. Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head, Security Solutions Business, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “At Godrej, we believe security should not feel complicated or distant, but reassuring, accessible, and built around our customers. As modern Indian consumers embrace smarter, more connected lifestyles, safety solutions must go beyond being strong and reliable to deliver thoughtful design, intuitive usability, and superior experiences.

With India’s first facial recognition‑enabled home locker and our connected home ecosystem powered by Advantis IoT9, we are eliminating friction from everyday living, creating homes that anticipate needs and respond seamlessly to the those who occupy it. Rooted in design‑led innovation and advanced technology, these solutions are built to keep pace with evolving Indian homes, reinforcing our commitment to trusted, future‑ready security that places convenience, customer experience at the centre.”

In addition, the Group also unveiled India’s first ‘Made in India’ web‑based access solution for connected hospitality locks, designed to simplify guest access through a secure weblink, eliminating the need to wait in queues for the reception for check-in or check-out thus enabling a faster, contactless and convenient check‑ins. This solution can be a game changer re-defining the future of Hospitality. 

Together, these innovations reaffirm Godrej Enterprises Group’s role as a technology‑first leader, shaping the future of safety, secured access, and smart living across homes and hospitality spaces in India.

Mumbai, Apr 30 (BNP): Indian equity markets came under significant selling pressure in early trade on Thursday, as a sharp rally in crude oil prices above $120 per barrel unsettled investors and triggered risk-off sentiment.

Benchmark indices opened sharply lower, extending losses as the session progressed. The decline was driven by a combination of factors, including surging global oil prices, weak international market trends, and continued foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows from domestic equities.

Higher crude oil prices raised concerns over inflationary pressures and increased input costs for key sectors such as aviation, automobiles, logistics, and manufacturing. This led to broad-based selling across frontline stocks, with major index constituents facing downward pressure.

Investor sentiment remained cautious amid global economic uncertainty, prompting traders to reduce exposure to equities in early deals. Market analysts noted that volatility could persist in the near term if oil prices remain elevated and global cues stay weak.

Chandigarh, Apr 30 : IndusInd Bank has announced the appointment of Mr. Ganesh Sankaran, Head  Wholesale Banking Group, and Mr. Jagdeep Mallareddy, Head  Consumer Banking, as Additional Directors in the category of Executive Directors (Whole-time Directors) of the Bank.

 Mr. Ganesh Sankaran is a seasoned banking leader with over three decades of experience across wholesale banking, retail credit and SME segments. He has held senior leadership roles at leading private sector banks and has been instrumental in building businesses and driving large-scale transformations. Prior to joining IndusInd Bank, he has been associated with Axis Bank, Federal Bank and HDFC Bank.

Mr. Jagdeep Mallareddy brings over three decades of experience in the financial services sector, with exposure across retail banking, lending, and credit, operations and risk management. Prior to joining IndusInd Bank, he was a part of leadership at Piramal Finance Limited and has also held senior leadership roles at Axis Bank.

Their appointments are for a period of three years, subject to the approval of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank’s shareholders. Upon their appointment taking effect, both will also serve as Key Managerial Personnel of the Bank. In the interim, Mr. Ganesh Sankaran and Mr. Jagdeep Mallareddy have been designated as Executive Director  Designate with effect from April 24, 2026, until their appointments come into effect.

Nearly 9 in 10 Indians Are Planning or Have Booked Their Summer 2026 Holiday with Hidden Gems Topping Their Travel Wishlists

Indian Travellers Are Choosing Smarter Summer Holidays from offbeat destinations to flexible travel dates and last-minute bookings

Delhi, Apr 30: Despite a backdrop of uncertainty, summer travel is still on for many, with 77% of Indians confident about travelling in the next 3 months. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 Indians are planning or have already booked their Summer 2026 holiday. With only about 38% yet to book their summer holidays, but are actively looking, showing sustained desire for travel despite ongoing uncertainty.

However, planning is becoming increasingly complex. This evolving approach is being shaped by a few key considerations:

• Airfare trends, with nearly half of travellers (48%) factoring in fluctuating flight prices

• Overall trip value, as 45% weigh total travel costs more carefully

• Travel advisories, influencing decisions for 34% of travellers

• Operational disruptions, such as airport closures, are impacting 32% of plans

However, there are early signs of more informed planning, with 58% believing July offers cheaper flights compared to August, highlighting a growing awareness of when to travel for better value.

As travellers navigate these trade-offs, planning is becoming more dynamic than ever. Rather than locking in early, many are keeping an eye on price movements and exploring alternative destinations before committing

Neel Ghose, Travel and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India, said, “Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most intent-driven travel seasons we’ve seen in India, but what’s changing is how that intent is translating into action. Travellers are not stepping back; they are adapting within constraints. Instead of cancelling, they are staying flexible on where they go, with many willing to switch destinations in response to changing costs and conditions.

We’re also seeing a clear shift in mindset from ‘where everyone is going’ to ‘where else can I go’. This growing openness to alternative and lesser-known destinations signals a more confident and value-aware traveller, one who is more open to switching plans if it improves the overall experience. With these pressures shaping decisions, travellers are looking for smarter ways to unlock value without compromising on the trip. Tools like Skyscanner’s ‘Whole Month’ search are helping travellers make smarter decisions by making it easier to compare options, track fares, and identify better-value travel windows.”

Outsmart Travel Planning Hurdles

As travel intent remains strong, planning is becoming more dynamic. Rather than cancelling trips, travellers are increasingly adapting, switching destinations, adjusting timing, or rethinking how to get the most out of their travel budgets.

Features like Skyscanner’s Price Alerts are helping simplify these decisions by allowing travellers to track fare changes and book when prices are right.

Outsmart Destination Choices and Summer Crowds

This shift is already visible in destination choices and travel pattern:

• 81% are open to lesser-known destinations

• 60% are actively seeking quieter, less crowded places

• 9 in 10 say it is important that their holiday spend benefits local communities and small businesses

A significant behavioural shift is underway, as travellers move away from crowded hotspots towards more meaningful, offbeat and community-driven experiences.

[See the top most popular and cheapest destinations for Summer 2026 below in the appendix.]

Zostel, a hostel network available on Skyscanner, is already seeing this shift in action.

Aviral Gupta, CEO of Zostel and Zo World, said, “At Zostel, we’ve been watching this shift happen in real time. Offbeat destinations across our network grew 88% year-on-year, and a significant 60% of those guests were first-time travellers, many of them from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Smaller-town India is no longer just a backdrop for travel stories; it’s where the story begins. Partnering with Skyscanner on this report only reinforces what we see on the ground every day. The Indian traveller is smarter, bolder, and more curious than ever.”

Outsmart Flexible Travel Planning

While travel intent remains strong, flexibility is also reshaping how plans are executed. Although 58% of travellers have fixed travel dates due to work or school commitments, 30% are choosing to switch destinations rather than cancel trips, showing how adaptability is becoming central to travel planning.

As travellers balance fixed schedules with evolving preferences, the findings point to a clear shift towards more flexible, value-led decision-making, where being open to alternatives is becoming the defining factor in making summer travel plans work.

Outsmart Group Travel Planning Hurdles

Planning group summer holidays is known to be effortful. On average, Indians spend over 15 hours coordinating a group trip, with nearly half saying it is more stressful than major life events such as moving house or planning a wedding.

The biggest challenge often lies in aligning preferences, budgets and schedules, making group travel one of the most time-consuming parts of the journey. As a result, travellers are increasingly looking for ways to simplify decision-making and reduce friction when planning together. The Skyscanner app has multiple travel planning tools to help travellers compare options and find the best deals available.

Beyond Planning: The Emotional Side of Travel

But beyond the planning, travel remains an emotional experience shaped by the moments, sounds, and memories that stay with us long after the trip ends. Complementing these insights from the Smarter Summer Report, Skyscanner has also curated a summer soundtrack, in collaboration with musician and artist Mayur Jumani, created from familiar sounds of travel, from planes taking off to security check in, luggage trollies, and airport announcements, bringing the rhythm of the journey itself to life.

The campaign will be launched on Skyscanner India’s official Instagram on 1st May.

As always, travellers are encouraged to stay informed and keep up to date with local government travel advice before booking and compare live prices as they plan.