Category: Business

Participants include Filmmaker Ken Burns, IAC Chairman and Executive Barry Diller, Hedgeye Asset Management Portfolio Manager and Author Neil Howe, Kalshi Co-Founder and COO Luana Lopes Lara, Robinhood Co-Founder and CEO Vlad Tenev, Atlassian Williams F1 Team Principal James Vowles and more 

New York, NY [April 30, 2026] – The Wall Street Journal’s award-winning The Future of Everything event returns on May 4-5 at The Glasshouse in New York City.

Now in its eighth year, WSJ’s Future of Everything convenes an exclusive cohort of business titans and emerging leaders to debate and discuss the future of key industries, ranging from finance, technology and economic policy to sports, streaming and style.

Bringing the coverage of The Wall Street Journal to a live, in-person executive audience, event programming features rigorous interviews designed to provide insights from the experts on stage. This year’s event sessions will focus on key themes including the forces shaping business and technology, resilience in an AI-enabled world, strengthening organizations and careers amid economic and technological change and more. 

Participants at this year’s event include:

• Colin Angle | Co-Founder and CEO, Familiar Machines & Magic
• John Arnold | Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Arnold Ventures
• David Boone | CEO, The Michaels Companies
• Ken Burns | Filmmaker
• Lia Dean | President, Banking and Premium Products, Capital One
• Barry Diller | Chairman and Senior Executive, IAC
• Ariel Ekblaw | Founder, MIT Space Exploration Initiative; CEO, Aurelia Institute
• Joe Gebbia | U.S. Chief Design Officer; Co-Founder, Airbnb
• Neil Howe | Portfolio Manager, Hedgeye Asset Management; Co-Author, “The Fourth Turning”
• Gunjan Kedia | CEO, U.S. Bancorp
• Luana Lopes Lara | Co-Founder and COO, Kalshi
• Scott Mezvinsky | CEO, KFC Global
• Danny Rensch | Chief Chess Officer, Chess.com
• Kyla Scanlon | Financial and Economic Commentator, Educator and Content Creator
• Joanna Stern | Technology Journalist
• Vlad Tenev | Co-Founder and CEO, Robinhood
• James Vowles | Team Principal, Atlassian Williams F1 Team

The full list of speakers and program schedule can be found here. 

In addition to the programming at The Glasshouse, attendees will have access to hands-on demos, from the latest AI-powered products to technologies shaping the future. Attendees will have a firsthand look at an immersive showcase of groundbreaking products including:

• Clicks | Clicks Tech is a mobile company empowering people through purpose-built technology. After launching the Clicks Keyboard Case in 2024, Clicks has shipped over 150,000 keyboards for iPhone, Google Pixel and Motorola Razr, with customers in more than 100 countries. Introduced in 2026, Clicks Communicator and Clicks Power Keyboard enable people to cut through the noise and do more on the go. Founded by a team of creators and technologists with decades of experience at some of the world’s most well-known mobile brands.
• Dreamie | Dreamie by Ambient is a bedside companion designed to help you sleep better and break free from your phone. Built specifically to support better sleep habits, Dreamie takes an app-free approach to sleep tech by bringing light, sound, and podcasts into one seamless, distraction-free device. Between blue light, notifications, and endless scrolling, our devices are actively working against quality sleep. Dreamie changes that by eliminating the impulse to reach for your phone and creating a calmer, more intentional nighttime experience designed for real rest.
• Joyride | “No Junk. Less Sugar. All Joy.” Joyride is on a mission to change the way the world eats and experiences candy. With less sugar than the leading brands, no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives and over two million followers on social media (@joyride), Joyride is growing and redefining what better-for-you candy tastes, looks and feels like.
• Neurable | Neurable Inc. is a Boston-based neurotechnology company specializing in developing AI-powered tools for brain signal translation and brain-computer interface technology (BCI). Powered by patented signal processing, developed through years of pioneering research across leading labs and institutions, and advanced by a leading scientific and expert product team, the Neurable AI platform enables high-performance brain-computer interface in everyday devices. Neurable is dedicated to creating a world where individuals can better understand their minds, optimize human performance, and conquer the most pressing health challenges of our generation. Earning validation from the US Air Force, the company continues to work with its licensing partnership network to make non-invasive BCI technology the standard in everyday devices across industries.
• SensVita | SensVita is making at-home monitoring effortless through a groundbreaking AI-powered, touchless health sensor platform. The revolutionary in-bed health monitor tracks patient health daily, generating critical health data beyond basic heart and breath rates, to manage aging patients without the need for user input. This consistent data enables SensVita to create a personal data layer and context for AI-driven proactive healthcare. For overburdened caregivers and a growing elderly population, SensVita’s  technology replaces missed symptoms and expensive outcomes with peace-of-mind and AI-assisted longevity.

Presenting sponsors of this year’s The Future of Everything are: Genspark AI, Google, HPE, NYU Langone Health, EY-Parthenon, Philip Morris International, Samsung and Veeam. Contributing sponsors are: Claude, PMG, Publicis Sapient, TIAA and Supporting sponsors are: Atlassian Rovo, The Glasshouse, Next Era Leaders and Spectrum Business. 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 29 April 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry and logistics solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON Holding) to explore strategic collaboration across ports, shipping, logistics, and digital trade solutions in Azerbaijan.

The MoU establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between the parties to explore investment opportunities and advance collaboration in integrated transport and logistics infrastructure, including maritime and digital solutions in Azerbaijan. 

The MoU signing was witnessed by His Excellency Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State at the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan; in the presence of His Excellency Mohammed Al Blooshi, the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan; His Excellency Elchin Baghirov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the UAE; and Shahin Babayev, Executive Director of AZCON Holding. The MoU was signed by Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group; and Vugar Mirzazada, Deputy Executive Director of AZCON Holding. 

Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO – AD Ports Group, said: “Our MoU with AZCON Holding marks a further step in advancing AD Ports Group’s corridor-focused strategy, strengthening trade links between Central Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan’s pivotal position bridging East and West offers strong opportunities, we look forward to leveraging our integrated capabilities across ports, maritime, logistics, and digital solutions to enable more efficient, connected, and commercially attractive trade routes.” 

Vugar Mirzazada, Deputy Executive Director of AZCON Holding, said: “This MoU with AD Ports Group marks an important step in exploring opportunities that can further strengthen Azerbaijan’s transport, trade and maritime ecosystem. As Azerbaijan continues to enhance its role as a strategic link between East and West, cooperation across port development, shipbuilding, logistics, digital integration and multimodal connectivity can contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of the national economy. We see strong potential in this collaboration to support trade facilitation, improve supply chain efficiency and reinforce Azerbaijan’s position as a key logistics hub.”

This collaboration comes as the UAE-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially entered into force on 15 April 2026. The agreement will accelerate bilateral trade flows, create new opportunities for investments and joint-ventures, and enhance market access and global reach for exporters in both countries by eliminating or reducing tariffs on the majority of goods and services, in addition to enhancing private-sector collaboration and empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs.

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade with Azerbaijan has already demonstrated robust growth, underscoring the strength and resilience of this bilateral relationship. Non-oil trade grew by 31.4% over the past two years to exceed $2.2 billion in 2025.

This collaboration also aligns with Azerbaijan’s improving economic outlook. According to Fitch Solutions’ BMI, real GDP growth is forecast to reach 2.5% in 2026, up from an estimated 1.4% in 2025, with improved domestic demand, investment activity and trade expected to support the recovery, reinforcing the importance of initiatives that enhance connectivity, trade facilitation and logistics efficiency.

The MoU complements AD Ports Group’s broader focus on Central Asia, where the Group is investing in logistics, port terminals, and shipping assets to strengthen connectivity along the Middle Corridor and support the movement of trade between Asia and Europe.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): India has set an ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, highlighting the country’s strong performance in climate action.

Speaking at a climate resilience dialogue in New Delhi, Goyal said India has already met its earlier renewable energy targets ahead of schedule and continues to rank among the top performers globally in meeting its climate commitments under the G20 framework.

He noted that India’s solar energy capacity target, initially set at 20 GW, was significantly scaled up to 100 GW after 2014 and achieved within the planned timeframe, reflecting the country’s accelerated push toward clean energy expansion.

Goyal said India has evolved from being viewed as a cautious participant in global climate discussions to becoming a key leader, especially since the Paris COP21 agreement, where it played a significant role in building consensus among developed and developing nations.

He also pointed to India’s growing global economic engagement, with active trade discussions underway with several countries across regions including North America, the Middle East, Africa, and Eurasia. According to him, the world is increasingly recognising India’s growth potential and its expanding role in global trade partnerships.

The minister added that climate action in India is no longer seen as a burden but as an economic opportunity, with the renewable energy sector contributing to job creation, industrial growth, and export potential.

He highlighted major reforms in the power sector, including the development of a unified national grid, expansion of transmission infrastructure, and efforts to strengthen base-load capacity to support renewable integration.

Goyal also stressed the importance of collective action in addressing climate challenges, urging individuals and industries to adopt energy-efficient practices such as reducing consumption, improving efficiency, and supporting sustainable behaviour changes.

He said such combined efforts will be crucial not only for achieving climate goals but also for unlocking new economic opportunities in emerging sectors.

Ahmedabad, Apr 29 (BNP): Adani Power Limited reported a strong 64% year-on-year jump in its consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter of FY26, reaching Rs 4,271 crore, supported by improved operational efficiency and lower tax expenses.

The company’s revenue rose 10% to Rs 15,989 crore, while EBITDA increased 27% to Rs 6,498 crore. Power sales volume also saw a marginal rise to 27.2 billion units, backed by steady long-term demand.

For the full year FY26, the company posted a net profit of Rs 12,971 crore, slightly higher than the previous year, with annual revenue at Rs 55,583 crore. Total power generation stood at 105 billion units.

Adani Power continued to expand its long-term portfolio, adding significant capacity tie-ups during the year and securing new long-term supply agreements, strengthening future revenue visibility.

The company said thermal power will remain crucial for grid stability as renewable energy capacity expands, while reaffirming its long-term growth and expansion plans.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): India and Kenya have recorded a strong rise in bilateral trade, reflecting deepening economic engagement between the two countries.

Total trade reached USD 4.31 billion in 2025–26, marking an increase of 24.91% compared to USD 3.45 billion in 2024–25.

The growth highlights strengthening commercial ties and expanding trade flows across key sectors. India continues to be one of Kenya’s important trading partners, with both sides witnessing steady momentum in economic cooperation.

Officials indicated that the upward trend points to increasing opportunities for further diversification and long-term partnership between the two economies.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): Air India has welcomed the government’s “hub-and-spoke” aviation model aimed at transforming India into a global aviation hub, while also announcing plans to introduce international routes from Varanasi under the new framework.

The airline said the initiative is a major step toward strengthening India’s aviation ecosystem, improving connectivity, and making better use of airport infrastructure across the country.

Air India’s CEO and Managing Director described the policy direction as a transformative move for the sector, crediting it with enhancing India’s position in global air travel and supporting long-term industry growth.

As part of its expansion strategy, the airline plans to connect Varanasi with international destinations, improving access for passengers from eastern Uttar Pradesh and nearby regions.

Officials associated with the airline said the model will help extend international connectivity beyond major metro cities, making global travel more accessible for passengers from smaller cities and emerging urban centres.

The hub-and-spoke approach is expected to shift India’s aviation landscape from a point-to-point system to a more integrated transit network, enabling smoother passenger movement between regional airports and international destinations.

Government officials have stated that the framework will also strengthen connectivity under regional aviation initiatives and reduce dependence on foreign transit hubs currently used by a large share of Indian international travellers.

The overall objective is to develop globally competitive aviation hubs within India and position the country as a major global air travel centre.

Mumbai, Apr 29: CRIF High Mark today released its latest report, “Bridging The Gap: Unlocking Growth from New–to–Credit Borrowers”, highlighting the expanding role of first-time borrowers in driving credit growth and financial inclusion in India.

The report notes that as of Feb’26, the total credit active population reported to the consumer bureau stood at 29 crore. Correspondingly, the new–to–credit (NTC) borrower base in India has expanded steadily, with borrowers entering the formal credit system rising from 3.6 crore in 12M Ending Feb’22 to 4.4 crore in 12M Ending Feb’26, reflecting a CAGR of 5.1%.

NTC borrowers continue to be key contributors, accounting for 17.8% of overall borrowers who originated loans in the 12 months ending Feb’26. However, this comes amid a more calibrated and selective lending approach by financial institutions, with the share reducing from 23.5% in the 12 months ending Feb’2

A key trend identified is the rising participation of women borrowers, whose share in NTC accounts has increased from 33% to 41% over the past five years, indicating growing financial inclusion and entrepreneurial participation.

Key insights from the report include:

• NBFCs lead NTC lending, contributing over 60% of total NTC accounts, while banks remain relatively cautious
• Consumer durable loans dominate as the primary entry product (32% share of NTC accounts), followed by gold and two-wheeler loans. These three loan categories together accounted for about 60% of the overall NTC account distribution for the 12M ending Feb’26.
• Borrowers show a clear progression path, typically starting with small-ticket loans and gradually moving toward more structured credit products
• The 26–35 age group drives the majority of NTC originations for Consumer Durables, Gold Loans, and Business Loans, while younger borrowers (<25) dominate personal and two-wheeler loans
•  Beyond Top 100 (BT100) cities account for over 50% of NTC originations for major NTC loan types, highlighting strong demand from semi-urban and rural markets

Encouragingly, the report also highlights improving credit behaviour among first-time borrowers. Nearly 67% of NTC borrowers transition to low-risk or very low-risk categories within one year of entering the formal credit system, indicating strong repayment discipline when supported by appropriate product structures and risk-calibrated lending.

Women borrowers are increasingly active across consumer durable, gold, and business loans, with business loans emerging as a key driver of female entrepreneurship. Geographically, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra lead in women-led NTC originations.

The report underscores that while lenders are becoming more selective, the NTC segment continues to offer scalable, calibrated growth opportunities, particularly across emerging geographies and younger demographics.

Mumbai, April 29: redBus, the world’s largest online bus ticketing platform, has launched ‘Aai Shappath’ films under the existing Maharashtra-focused campaign ‘Majhi Bus, Manjhe redBus’, positioning it as the go-to choice for everyday travel. The campaign coincides with the summer travel surge tapping into strong intercity connectivity. Through humour and relatable moments, it showcases passenger-first features such as booking in Marathi, free bus date changes, bus photos and ratings, and in-app discounts that add value to everyday travel.

Rooted in authentic Marathi experiences, the campaign unfolds through four films under the creative route ‘Aai Shappath’, and will be delivered through a series of ad films. A widely used colloquial expression in Maharashtra, ‘Aai Shappath’ is often invoked to emphasise honesty or conviction in everyday conversations. redBus leverages this cultural cue as a distinctive creative device across the films, using it to trigger a humorous and memorable narrative reveal. The route highlights ease of use and inclusivity through key product features. The campaign is set to roll out across leading Marathi television channels, alongside a strong digital presence on YouTube, Instagram, and OTT platforms such as JioHotstar.

The ‘Aai Shappath’ ad films focus on inclusivity and accessibility, showcasing how the platform caters to diverse travel needs through its features. Each film opens in settings such as a bus, bus stand, or a bus ticket booking point, before transitioning into product demonstration. Across the films, a recurring visual device adds a distinctive and clutter-breaking layer to the storytelling. In moments where the protagonist exclaims “Aai Shapath,” the mother appears unexpectedly, creating a humorous and memorable reveal that ties back to everyday Marathi expressions and cultural familiarity. This device not only enhances recall but also reinforces the local authenticity of the narrative.

Each film brings out key aspects of planning and managing travel through features such as booking in Marathi, free bus date change, bus photos and ratings and discounts; reinforcing convenience, flexibility and informed choices for a wide set of travellers.

Pallavi Chopra, Chief Marketing Officer, redBus commented:

“redBus’ regionification-led approach brings everyday travel stories to life in a way that feels local and authentic, shaped by language, culture, and everyday interactions. Our Aai Shappath ad campaign highlights key aspects of our offerings, including bus ratings and photos, value-led pricing, flexibility, and regional language access, making bus travel more relevant and accessible for users across Maharashtra.

Intercity travel across Maharashtra is driven by frequent, everyday journeys, often shaped by spontaneity and familiarity. With this campaign, we are tapping into this behaviour to reflect how people actually plan and experience travel across the state.”

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): India is increasingly being seen as an important force in shaping global peace, economic stability, and technological progress, according to global experts speaking at a recent international forum.

Experts noted that amid rising geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, India is gaining prominence for its ability to support multilateral cooperation and contribute to global stability. They also highlighted the country’s growing influence in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

An economics expert from a leading university in Singapore said that shifting global trade patterns, rising uncertainty, and weakening international trust are creating challenges for the world economy. In this context, India is viewed as a potential stabilising power capable of contributing to peace and cooperation at a global level.

He added that India’s role in international leadership will depend on how it chooses to engage with evolving global challenges.

A director from a leading science institution in London highlighted India’s positive approach toward artificial intelligence. He noted that while many Western populations remain cautious about AI, India is actively investing in building AI capacity and developing related infrastructure.

He also pointed out that India’s development model reflects a balance between economic growth and improving quality of life, even as the country manages challenges such as rising energy demand.

Experts further observed that India’s progress represents a broader shift in the Global South, where nations are increasingly focusing on innovation-led and inclusive development.

Overall, India’s growing engagement in technology, economy, and global cooperation is positioning it as a key contributor to future global stability.