Category: Business

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): India must adopt a comprehensive and long-term policy approach to address the growing risks arising from currency depreciation, imported inflation, and a widening balance of payments (BoP) deficit, according to a recent report by the State Bank of India.

The report underscores that the primary concern is not just immediate external shocks, but their “second-round effects” on the broader economy. When the rupee weakens, the cost of essential imports such as crude oil and raw materials rises. Over time, businesses transfer these higher costs to consumers, resulting in sustained inflationary pressures.

It further notes that continued capital outflows are adding to the strain on the rupee, creating a cycle where depreciation fuels inflation, and inflation, in turn, weakens economic stability.

Importantly, the report points out that the current depreciation of the rupee appears misaligned with India’s macroeconomic fundamentals. This makes it crucial for policymakers to intervene with structural solutions rather than relying solely on short-term measures.

A central issue highlighted is the widening balance of payments deficit. A deficit occurs when a country’s total outflows—such as payments for imports, services, and investments abroad—exceed its inflows from exports and foreign investments. This imbalance can erode foreign exchange reserves and put downward pressure on the national currency.

The implications are far-reaching. A persistent deficit can lead to higher inflation, reduced investor confidence, and increased vulnerability to global financial shocks. It may also constrain the country’s ability to sustain stable economic growth.

The report calls for targeted structural reforms aimed at stabilizing the currency, managing inflation expectations, and reducing external imbalances. Addressing these challenges proactively will be essential to safeguarding India’s economic resilience amid an uncertain global environment.

Mumbai, Apr 29 (BNP): Indian stock markets opened higher on Wednesday, holding firm despite rising crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The BSE Sensex gained around 400 points, or 0.52%, to trade at 77,289.55 in early deals. The Nifty 50 also moved up by 0.53%, reaching 24,123.55.

Gains were seen across several sectors, with auto stocks leading the rally. Chemicals, real estate, oil & gas, and IT stocks also saw steady buying interest, reflecting positive investor sentiment in domestic markets.

However, not all stocks participated in the rally. Companies such as Hindalco Industries, JSW Steel, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Tata Steel, ICICI Bank, Asian Paints, and SBI Life faced selling pressure during the session.

Despite tensions in the Gulf region, markets remained stable for now. Analysts say investors are closely watching developments related to global energy supply, especially after disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

Crude oil prices continued to rise amid reports that the United States may extend restrictions on Iranian ports, which could tighten global supply. There are also concerns that changes within major oil-producing groups could further impact availability.

Brent crude was up 0.63% at $111.97 per barrel, while US WTI crude rose 0.81% to $100.74.

Global cues were mixed. Japan’s Nikkei declined, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng posted gains and South Korea’s Kospi traded slightly higher. In the United States, markets ended lower, with both the Nasdaq and S&P 500 closing in the red.

Hyderabad, Apr 29: Hyderabad Runners Society (HRS) today officially announced the launch of Charity Bibs for the 15^th Edition of NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2026, reinforcing its continued commitment to social impact through sport. The announcement was made at a press conference held at FTCCI, Lakdikapool, in the presence of elite marathon runner Sawan Barwal.

The Charity Bib initiative enables runners to raise funds for causes they care about, while participating in one of India’s premier marathon events. This year, 35 NGOs are already associated with the marathon, collectively working towards impactful fundraising and increased awareness for diverse social causes.

A Platform for Purpose-Driven Running

Speaking at the event, representatives of Hyderabad Runners Society highlighted how the marathon has evolved into more than just a sporting event—it is now a platform for community engagement and social change.

The Charity Bib program invites individuals, corporates, and running enthusiasts to contribute towards meaningful causes by combining fitness with philanthropy.

Inspiration from India’s Marathon Record Holder

Addressing the media, Sawan Barwal shared insights from his journey and emphasized the growing culture of long-distance running in India. Having recently set a new national marathon record of 2:11:58 at the Rotterdam Marathon, breaking a 48-year-old record, his achievement stands as a defining moment in Indian athletics.

He encouraged aspiring runners to take part in events like the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, not only for personal achievement but also to contribute to larger social causes.

Driving Collective Impact

With 35 NGOs already onboard, the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2026 aims to significantly scale its fundraising impact this year. The initiative will support a wide range of causes including education, healthcare, environment, and community development.

HRS reiterated its vision to build a strong ecosystem where running becomes a vehicle for positive change, bringing together citizens, corporates, and non-profits.

Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel Highlight Asia as the Go-To for Spontaneous Summer Getaways

 

Apr 29: With summer already underway, Indian travellers are making the most of the season with spontaneous, experience-led getaways across East and Southeast Asia. Insights from Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel highlight a strong “Look East” trend, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, shorter travel durations and a rich mix of cultural, culinary and leisure experiences. From vibrant cities to island escapes, these destinations are emerging as the perfect playground for last-minute summer travel.

Japan Japan in summer is a sensory experience, where centuries-old traditions meet high-energy celebrations. Travellers can witness vibrant matsuri festivals with taiko drumming, parades and spectacular fireworks displays, while also exploring Tokyo’s immersive digital art museums and quirky themed cafés. In Kyoto, early morning heritage walks through temple districts and bamboo groves offer a quieter, cultural contrast. Food lovers can go beyond sushi—sampling regional ramen trails or joining izakaya hopping tours in Osaka. For a more offbeat experience, travellers can stay in a traditional ryokan, participate in a tea ceremony or take a scenic rail journey through the Japanese Alps, making every moment deeply immersive and uniquely local.

South Korea South Korea offers a compelling blend of pop culture, tradition and cutting-edge experiences that resonate strongly with Indian travellers. In Seoul, visitors can explore royal palaces like Gyeongbokgung in traditional hanbok, shop in vibrant districts such as Myeongdong and Gangnam, or dive into the city’s buzzing café and K-beauty culture. Food enthusiasts can indulge in Korean barbecue, street food markets and interactive cooking experiences. Beyond the capital, Busan’s coastal charm offers beachside relaxation and seafood markets, while Jeju Island provides scenic landscapes with waterfalls, lava tubes and hiking trails. From K-pop and K-dramas to heritage villages and wellness retreats, South Korea delivers a dynamic and trend-forward summer escape.

Indonesia Bali offers far more than just beaches, positioning itself as a holistic escape blending culture, wellness and adventure. Travellers can start their day with sunrise yoga overlooking rice terraces in Ubud, followed by a visit to Tirta Empul for a traditional water purification ritual. Evenings come alive with the dramatic Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple set against a cliffside sunset. Adventure seekers can trek up Mount Batur at dawn or explore hidden waterfalls in the island’s interior. Bali’s café culture, beach clubs and artisanal markets add a contemporary edge, while the Bali Arts Festival provides an authentic window into the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Thailand Thailand continues to deliver high-energy, multi-layered travel experiences that cater to every kind of traveller. In Bangkok, visitors can explore bustling floating markets by day and rooftop bars by night, while also indulging in guided street food tours through Chinatown. The islands offer a different pace—whether it’s kayaking through limestone caves in Krabi, snorkelling in the Phi Phi Islands or enjoying a private long-tail boat excursion at sunset. Wellness seekers can indulge in traditional Thai spa therapies, while culture enthusiasts can visit ornate temples or even take a Thai cooking class. Thailand’s versatility and vibrant atmosphere make it a perennial summer favourite.

Vietnam Vietnam offers a dynamic mix of landscapes and experiences that feel both immersive and refreshingly different. Travellers can spend a night cruising through Ha Long Bay, waking up to sunrise over limestone karsts, or wander through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, stopping for riverside dining and local craft shopping. For a more relaxed island escape, Phu Quoc offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and a slower pace of travel. Visitors can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, take the world’s longest over-sea cable car to Hon Thom Island, or explore the lively night markets known for fresh seafood and local delicacies. In Sapa, guided treks through terraced rice fields offer interactions with local communities, adding depth to the journey. Urban explorers can dive into Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a vintage Vespa food tour or discover hidden cafés serving Vietnam’s famous egg coffee. With its balance of culture, cuisine, island escapes and natural beauty, Vietnam is quickly becoming a must-visit destination.

Singapore Singapore stands out as a destination that effortlessly combines efficiency with high-impact experiences. Travellers can begin with a sunrise walk at Gardens by the Bay before exploring the city’s diverse neighbourhoods—from Chinatown’s heritage streets to Kampong Glam’s trendy cafés. Thrill-seekers can head to Sentosa for ziplining or indoor skydiving, while families can enjoy Universal Studios and the Night Safari. Food lovers can embark on a hawker trail, sampling everything from chilli crab to Michelin-recognised street food. Evening experiences like river cruises or skyline light shows add to Singapore’s appeal as a compact yet experience-rich getaway.

Malaysia Malaysia offers a well-balanced itinerary with a mix of urban energy, cultural exploration and natural beauty. Kuala Lumpur’s skyline and shopping districts provide a lively start, while nearby Batu Caves offer a striking cultural landmark. In Langkawi, travellers can take the cable car up to the Sky Bridge for panoramic island views or enjoy mangrove kayaking through geoparks. Penang adds a creative and culinary layer, with street art trails, heritage walks and hands-on cooking classes. This diversity allows travellers to seamlessly combine multiple experiences within a single trip, making Malaysia both practical and rewarding.

Mauritius Mauritius goes beyond the typical beach holiday, offering a rich blend of relaxation and exploration. Travellers can sail on a catamaran along the coast, snorkel in coral reefs or take a helicopter ride to witness the island’s famous “underwater waterfall” illusion. Inland, lush national parks and waterfalls provide opportunities for hiking and nature trails, while cultural experiences—from sega dance performances to local rum tastings—offer insight into the island’s heritage. Whether it’s a scenic road trip or a luxury beachfront stay, Mauritius delivers a well-rounded, indulgent escape.

Maldives The Maldives offers an unparalleled sense of escape, where the focus is on slowing down and reconnecting. Beyond relaxing in overwater villas, travellers can snorkel alongside vibrant marine life, enjoy guided night fishing excursions or indulge in underwater dining experiences. Wellness is a key highlight, with spa therapies set against ocean views and sunrise yoga sessions on private decks. Unique experiences such as sandbank picnics, dolphin cruises and personalised butler-led stays elevate the destination beyond a typical beach holiday, making it ideal for those seeking exclusivity and tranquillity.

Philippines The Philippines is emerging as an offbeat yet highly rewarding destination, especially for travellers drawn to untouched natural beauty. Island-hopping in Palawan reveals hidden lagoons, limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, while Boracay offers a more vibrant beach scene with water sports and nightlife. Adventure seekers can go kayaking through secret caves, snorkel in coral gardens or take cliff-jumping excursions. Its relatively less crowded appeal compared to other Southeast Asian destinations makes the Philippines perfect for those looking to explore something new and less conventional this summer.

Australia Australia offers a diverse mix of experiences, from cosmopolitan cities to dramatic coastal landscapes. Travellers can explore Sydney’s iconic harbour, take coastal walks like Bondi to Coogee or enjoy wildlife encounters at conservation parks. A road trip along the Great Ocean Road provides stunning ocean views and access to natural landmarks like the Twelve Apostles. Food and wine enthusiasts can explore regions such as Yarra Valley, while adventure seekers can try surfing or diving along the Great Barrier Reef. Australia’s vastness makes it ideal for travellers looking to curate a varied and immersive itinerary.

New Zealand New Zealand is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Travellers can cruise through the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound, take scenic drives through rolling landscapes or explore glowworm caves for a unique natural spectacle. Queenstown, known as the adventure capital, offers everything from bungee jumping and jet boating to more relaxed vineyard tours. For a slower pace, visitors can enjoy lakeside stays, scenic ट्रेन journeys and immersive Māori cultural experiences. The country’s pristine beauty and wide range of activities make it a truly unforgettable destination.

SAN DIEGO & NEW YORK, April 29, 2026 – Kyriba, the global leader in liquidity performance and treasury management, and Circle (NYSE:CRCL), one of the world’s leading financial platform companies and the issuer of USDC through its regulated entities, today announced a collaboration to bring digital dollar capabilities into the treasury systems many enterprises already use — helping treasury teams begin putting stablecoins to work within familiar tools, controls, and workflows..

By embedding USDC within Kyriba’s platform and pairing it with its Trusted Agentic AI (TAI), the collaboration will enable treasury teams to manage intercompany liquidity more efficiently, access 24/7 liquidity, and make more informed, policy-driven liquidity decisions. It operates within existing workflows and controls, without requiring new systems or costly infrastructure changes.

At the core of the collaboration is Kyriba’s TAI, purpose-built for enterprise treasury operations. TAI continuously monitors USDC positions and liquidity conditions in real time, identifies when action is required, and supports treasury teams with intelligent decisioning and policy-based, agentic orchestration within predefined policies and approval frameworks.

From payment initiation through settlement and audit logging, the collaboration helps enterprises bring stablecoin capabilities into established treasury operations. Every action remains fully traceable, with transactions routed through existing approval structures and no customer data stored externally or used for model training.

Solving real treasury friction

These capabilities are especially relevant for treasury activity, including intercompany flows where settlement cutoffs, delays, and cash-in-transit can slow close processes and tie up working capital. With USDC embedded in Kyriba and powered by TAI, treasury teams can now:

• Settle eligible cross-border and intercompany payments in near real-time, eliminating multi-day settlement delays, reducing FX exposure, and shrinking cash-in-transit..

• Access liquidity 24/7, including outside traditional banking hours.

• Manage stablecoin balances alongside traditional cash positions within a familiar treasury environment, supporting multi-entity treasury operations without changing existing workflows.

• Choose to automate liquidity decisions and facilitate execution through AI-driven monitoring and policy-based workflows.

• Execute with full governance, with every transaction subject to the same controls, payment policies, and audit standards as traditional payments.

Enterprise demand for this infrastructure is accelerating. USDC in circulation reached $75.3 billion at year-end 2025, up 72% year-on-year, with quarterly on-chain transaction volume hitting $11.9 trillion—a 247% increase in a single year. At the same time, greater regulatory clarity and growing enterprise familiarity with stablecoins are helping organizations move from exploration toward practical implementation, positioning programmable money at the center of enterprise treasury strategy. By integrating USDC directly into Kyriba’s platform, used by over 4,000 customers worldwide, including many Fortune 100 enterprises—the collaboration extends stablecoin-powered capabilities into mainstream treasury environments and across a broad ecosystem of banking partners.

Greater regulatory clarity and growing enterprise familiarity with stablecoins are helping organizations move from exploration toward practical implementation, positioning programmable money at the center of enterprise treasury strategy.

Melissa Di Donato, Chair and Chief Executive Officer at Kyriba, said: “Treasury teams have been waiting for a way to access the speed and efficiency of digital currencies without compromising the governance and control their organizations require. By embedding USDC into Kyriba’s TAI agentic orchestration layer, we’ve eliminated that trade-off. This is agentic finance operating at enterprise standards – and we are thrilled to make it available today.”

Nikhil Chandhok, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Circle, said: “Enterprises increasingly see the value of digital dollars, but many have lacked a practical way to use them within existing treasury operations. Our collaboration with Kyriba helps remove that barrier by bringing USDC into the systems treasury teams already trust and making intercompany and global money movement faster, more efficient, and easier to operationalize within familiar controls and workflows.”

EDINBURGH, Scotland, April 29, 2026 — Metacarpal, the Edinburgh-based medical device company and creators of the world’s first multi-articulated body-powered prosthetic hand, celebrates a landmark milestone as Founder and CEO Fergal Mackie earns a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe Science and Healthcare list for 2026. The recognition arrives as Metacarpal accelerates its commercial push into the United States and Canada, backed by FDA registration, 40 active users, and a host of investors.

Forbes recognized Fergal Mackie, 28, alongside researchers, doctors, and entrepreneurs improving healthcare and building the hardware of the future. The honor reflects not only the company’s rapid commercial traction since launching sales in September 2025, but also the human story at the heart of Metacarpal’s mission. Before his final year at the University of Strathclyde, Fergal Mackie broke both wrists and was forced to rethink how he completed everyday tasks. That experience gave him something no laboratory could replicate: a firsthand understanding of what upper-limb amputees actually need.

“Being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list is a reminder of why we started this company,” said Fergal Mackie, Founder and CEO of Metacarpal. “The prosthetics industry has spent decades chasing complexity, and millions of people have simply stopped using devices that don’t work for their lives. We built GEM because amputees deserve a hand that works every single time, that they can trust and rely upon.”

With 41,000 Americans living with major upper-limb amputations and 50% of upper-limb prosthetic users abandoning their devices, the North American market represents a largely unserved opportunity. Despite decades of innovations in robotic hands, hooks have remained the most popular devices. Users have been telling the industry that they value reliable performance and durability over complex features.

Metacarpal’s flagship device, the GEM Hand, addresses this gap directly. Powered by the user’s own body motion through patented Reactive Grasp Technology, the GEM Hand delivers multiple grip patterns, immediate proportional pressure feedback, and long-term reliability without electronic components, batteries, or complex control systems. For the first time, prosthetic users have access to advanced abilities without compromising their performance or control. 

David Bowie, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Metacarpal, brings 35 years of MedTech experience to the company’s leadership. His confidence in Metacarpal’s potential led him from an early advisory role to a formal position as a non-executive director and investor in late 2021.

“In the five years I have known Fergal Mackie, he has continued to grow as a leader, building a team of recognized, credible people with the experience and expertise to compete at the highest level,” said David Bowie, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Metacarpal. “What he has built at Metacarpal has the potential to change the landscape and functionality of prosthetics and bring this technology to the people who need it most. It is a valuable and exciting journey to be part of.”

Erica Karlson, North American Director of Metacarpal, leads the U.S. rollout of the GEM Hand and brings more than 18 years of device sales experience to the company’s expansion, with nearly 12 years focused specifically on upper-limb prosthetic solutions. Karlson builds clinical and distributor networks, leads prosthetist training, and channels user feedback to drive adoption of GEM across North America.

“I’ve seen firsthand the level of focus, drive, and intention behind what we’re building, and it’s exciting to be part of it,” said Erica Karlson, North American Director of Metacarpal. “What Fergal Mackie and this team have accomplished in Europe is already creating real momentum in the U.S. market, and everything that is ahead for this company is something I am proud to be leading from the North American side.”

Metacarpal has secured $2.7 million from investors, including SIS Ventures, Scottish Enterprise, Worth Capital, and Oxford Technology, and operates out of the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, one of Europe’s leading robotics and AI research facilities. The company’s long-term vision extends beyond North America, with plans to bring its technology to developing countries and conflict zones where access to reliable, affordable prosthetics remains critically limited.

Mackie was selected for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in April 2026, and featured among some of the region’s best professionals dedicated to science and health. A panel of expert judges drawn from venture capital, entrepreneurship, and industry leadership chose the winners based on innovation, impact, and the potential to shape their field. The full Science and Healthcare list is available at forbes.com.

Leading auction house presents spectacular summer lineup, anchored by expanded Goldin 100 experience and highly-anticipated USA 250 Auction

April 29, 2026 –  Goldin, the internationally recognized auction house known for rare and record-breaking collectible sales, today announced “Goldin’s Summer of Greatness,” a comprehensive series of auctions and experiences running throughout May and June 2026. 

The company’s recent record-setting $16.5 million sale of Logan Paul’s PSA Grade 10 Pikachu Illustrator card—the most expensive trading card ever sold—propels Goldin’s momentum into the summer months with astounding auctions and experiences across sports, history, and entertainment.

“Whether you’re a collector of Americana, you grew up watching Star Wars, or you’re an avid global soccer fan, Goldin is your go-to all summer long,” said Ken Goldin, Founder and CEO of Goldin. “This is truly Goldin’s greatest summer ever – across sports, history, and entertainment. And it all leads up to our in-person Goldin 100 closing event, which is going to be absolutely amazing. We’re so excited to share it with you!”

One of the most prominent seasonal events for the company, Goldin 100 Auctions consistently generate excitement from collectors for their rare, hand-selected offerings–and they are about to get even bigger. Starting this summer, all Goldin 100 Auctions will culminate in an immersive, in-person livestream experience, hosted at the Goldin Headquarters, to celebrate the close of the sale, featuring box breaks, special guests, and more. Scheduled for May 27 – June 27, the Summer Goldin 100 Auction is led by a 2003-04 Exquisite Collection LeBron James Limited Logos Patch Autograph (#23) and a Shohei Ohtani Superfractor. 

The summer slate also celebrates Americana through the highly-anticipated USA 250 Auction, opening May 8, which highlights formative moments of American history and identity ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary. The auction will feature historically important material connected to the nation’s founding and enduring legacy, including an original 1776 Declaration of Independence Broadside, an Aug. 14, 1945 Glenn McDuffie signed and personally owned U.S. Navy uniform as seen in the “V-J Day in Times Square” photograph, and a Bob Ross-painted U.S. bomber jacket, offering collectors access to artifacts that reflect pivotal moments and American leaders.

Goldin dives into the history of popular culture with multiple entertainment-focused auctions, including a Vintage Star Wars Auction opening May 1, led by a 1979 Kenner Star Wars Boba Fett Rocket Firing/J-Slot Prototype Action Figure, as well as the Spring Pop Culture Auction, set for May 21 and led by the “Iceman” Prop Helmet from Top Gun. In addition to action figures and screen-used props and costumes, the entertainment auctions will span music, celebrity, and broader pop culture moments, allowing fans to embrace nostalgia and obtain tangible pieces of core memories.

“Goldin’s Summer of Greatness,” further features spectacular sports auctions tied to some of the most recognizable athletes, teams, and moments across global competition. 

The Global Football Auction is planned to open May 11, timed ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, and is led by a 2019-20 Topps Chrome Bundesliga Autographs SuperFractor #72 Erling Haaland signed rookie card (#1/1). With overwhelming interest and highly coveted soccer consignments in queue, Goldin is also preparing for a Global Football Auction Part 2 later in the summer. 

The company’s first ever Combat Sports Auction is scheduled to open May 14 and is led by a 2013 Topps Chrome Conor McGregor 1/1 rookie card. The 2026 June Vintage Elite Auction is slated to begin late May, boasting both a 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle PSA NM-MT 8–one of the finest pack-fresh copies in existence–and a 1933 Goudey #144 Signed Babe Ruth PSA VG 3 (MC) and PSA/DNA NM 7 Autograph, POP 1, with only three higher-graded copies known. These specialty sales will be hosted in conjunction with Goldin’s monthly Sports Elite auctions throughout May, June, and July.

Simultaneously, Goldin continues to expand its presence in live commerce through initiatives like Lights, Camera, Bid, a nationwide search for the auction house’s new eBay Live host, which runs through May 22 and highlights the growing role of personality-driven programming within the collectibles space.

“Goldin’s Summer of Greatness” aligns multiple categories under a single campaign, reflecting the breadth and depth of the company’s expertise and highlights Goldin’s position as an internationally renowned leader across collectibles, where interest continues to grow across sports, pop culture, and historical artifacts alike.

Additional details, including a larger list of featured items and expanded auction highlights, will be announced nearer to each auction’s opening date.

NEW YORK, US – 29 April 2026 – De Beers Group recently announced the launch of its new Desert diamonds Bridal campaign undersigned by A Diamond Is Forever, celebrating a fresh and authentic vision for the modern proposal. This campaign marks a significant moment in De Beers’ ongoing commitment to redefining how natural diamonds express individuality, love, and timeless beauty.

Desert diamonds, first unveiled as a beacon in October 2025, draw inspiration from the colors of the earth from which they originate. The campaign celebrates a unique spectrum of colors — each shade telling a story of resilience, authenticity, and enduring love. The bridal campaign will build upon the success and momentum of the Q4 Desert diamonds launch.

Evolving the modern bridal aesthetic and highlighting the distinct character of each stone, Desert diamonds’ warm hues echo diverse forms of love, with sunlit whites and champagnes, soft sand tones and sunset blush and dawn colors reflecting the uniqueness of nature’s beauty. Together, these colors celebrate the evolving journey of love in all its forms – authentic, true and timeless.

The Desert diamonds bridal campaign is an industry-wide umbrella program, the goal of which is to create demand for natural diamonds by reigniting consumer desire with a new and relevant message. Retailers and designers across the industry have been working to develop pieces that showcase the full desert-inspired palette, including notable jeweler Kindred Lubeck, who will unveil her first bridal collection in conjunction with the campaign launch.

Launching 13 April 2026 across the United States, De Beers’ A Diamond Is Forever Desert diamond bridal campaign is supported by an integrated marketing effort across digital, social, and experiential channels, while also including out-of-home, social media and publishing partnerships. Using evocative storytelling, that creative spotlights how each natural diamond is as unique as the love it represents. Premium targeting efforts across digital platforms and geotargeting around key retailers will result in an estimated reach of 25 million American consumers – placing Desert diamonds in bridal content while leveraging shopper data and look-a-like audiences. Further amplification across the Brides, Martha Stewart, and greater People Inc. portfolio will educate, inspire and reinforce Desert diamonds as the enduring choice.

Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands & Diamond Desirability, said:
“The success of Desert diamonds reinforces the spirit of authentic, evolving love. Today’s brides want something truly unique that delivers meaning and individuality. Natural diamonds, forged by nature over billions of years, in a range of color choices are the perfect symbol of a love that is uniquely theirs – resilient, genuine, timeless, colorful. This soft palette of natural colors celebrates the modern couple’s desire to celebrate the individuality of their commitment and the promise of a forever that truly reflects their story.”

 

Peer-reviewed Physical Review Research paper shows efficient preparation of financial distributions on quantum hardware

NEW YORK CITY – April 28, 2026 – Haiqu, a leading developer of quantum middleware, today announced the publication of joint research with HSBC in Physical Review Research demonstrating an efficient approach to encoding real-world probability distributions into quantum circuits.

Quantum state preparation, the process of encoding classical data into quantum states, is widely recognized as a major bottleneck when implementing many quantum algorithms on hardware. This challenge is particularly relevant for applications such as financial risk modelling and simulation, where complex probability distributions must be loaded onto quantum devices.

The research uses matrix product state (MPS) methods to construct shallow quantum circuits that encode smooth functions, including probability distributions, directly into quantum states. It also introduces a sampling-based workflow that avoids storing the full discretized dataset in classical memory, enabling larger encoding circuits to be generated.

The approach was validated on finance-relevant models including heavy-tailed Lévy distributions, commonly used to capture extreme market events. 

On IBM quantum hardware, circuits up to 25 qubits produced samples that passed standard statistical tests, showing the method can accurately reproduce the probability distributions these models rely on in practice. 

Using the sampling-based workflow, the researchers also executed circuits up to 64 qubits, reproducing qualitative features of the target distributions under realistic device noise and demonstrating feasibility at larger scales. Similar behavior was observed in simulations up to 156 qubits, indicating the approach can extend to substantially larger problem sizes.

“Preparing complex probability distributions efficiently is a key step in many quantum algorithms,” said Dr. Philip Intallura, Group Head of Quantum Technologies at HSBC. “This work shows how they can be implemented with much shallower quantum circuits, bringing practical applications such as financial risk modelling closer.”

“One of the biggest practical barriers is getting realistic financial data onto today’s quantum hardware,” said Mykola Maksymenko, Co-founder and CTO of Haiqu. “This work shows a scalable path around that barrier and helps move quantum finance workflows from theory toward execution.”

Read the paper in Physical Review Research.

India, Apr 28:: Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has unveiled its Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA) Whitepaper – India’s Affluent Economy 2025- 2026. 

The VCA Whitepaper examines “affluence in India“ primarily from a behavioural perspective rather than solely in terms of income. Drawing on insights from a Visa-commissioned YouGov study, supplemented by recent Visa-Net data encompassing travel, dining, retail, and lifestyle sectors, the whitepaper analyses how affluence is influencing consumption patterns across the country. 

The study reveals ‘affluent India’ is growing and entering a new phase where consumption is more intentional and deliberate and closely tied to personal identity. Rather than buying more, affluent consumers are choosing purchases that feel meaningful, visible and worth repeating. 

Interestingly, as consumers move up the affluence ladder, discretionary categories account for a larger share of credit card spending, underscoring the role of credit cards as primary enablers of bespoke lifestyle spending. 

A rapidly expanding affluent base 

The VCA Whitepaper highlights a sharp expansion in India’s affluent population. Recently, individuals earning over ₹10 lakh rose from 69 lakh to 130 lakh, highlighting a significantly larger base of consumers with the capacity to spend beyond necessities, and participate more actively in discretionary categories. 

Affluence spreads beyond metros and is defined by behaviour 

Affluence is no longer limited to metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. Wealth is increasingly spreading to emerging cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur and Lucknow, with consumption behaviour in these markets mirroring metropolitan patterns. 

Key Highlights from the report: 

Credit-cards are the primary instrument empowering the growing Indian affluent cohort enabling access to the premium products and exclusive experiences they seek.

 Luxury is moving from ownership to access:

• Over 50% of affluent consumers use cards for elite memberships, and 7 in 10 are drawn to limited‑edition drops and gated collections.
• Status today comes from belonging, curation, and seamless access, not just visible possessions. For example: Consumers increasingly prefer concierge‑led travel, or curated dining experiences and only through trusted intermediaries because the real premium is time saved and effort removed.
• Luxury retail intensity increases:
• The report shows that 2 in 5 affluent consumers spend over ₹5 lakh annually on luxury retail, and 4 in 1 exceed ₹10 lakh in annual luxury spending.
• Technology as lifestyle:
• Technology is increasingly becoming a lifestyle category, with average spends of ₹60,000 or more per visit on high-end gadgets, and 2 in 5 Ultra Elite consumers treating technology as a luxury purchase.
• Wellness becomes routine:
• Ultra Elite consumers are eight times more likely to visit spas and show five times higher penetration for cosmetic stores compared to non affluent consumers.
• Travel as the primary driver of affluent spending:

• Among the Ultra Elite, travel accounts for 58% of discretionary spends, while retail and luxury together account for 28%, indicating a strong tilt toward experience led consumption.

• Global spending rises with affluence:

• Cross border spending penetration in elite tiers is at 63%

• Dining becomes frequent:

• Nearly 4 in 5 affluent Indians dine at premium establishments at least three times a year, while 1 in 4 visit luxury venues more than five times annually.

• Higher dining benchmarks:

• An annual dining spend marker of around ₹2 lakh, with ₹20,000 emerging as a new spend floor per experience and ₹50,000 cited as a premium benchmark.

• Retail turns selective:

• 3 in 4 affluent consumers make a high-end retail purchase at least once every quarter, while 1 in 4 buys something premium every two weeks.

Commenting on the findings, Sushmit Nath, Head of Visa Consulting & Analytics, India and South Asia, said, “Our analysis in this VCA Whitepaper – India’s Affluent Economy, shines a light on how affluence is no longer episodic. The propensity towards discretionary spends is far higher and not just reserved for milestones. This marks a definite shift in how premium consumption contributes to the broader economy, especially as affluence expands beyond large metros. Increasingly, this premium spend is experience-led, driven by demand for exclusivity, bespoke journeys and seamless access across travel, dining, wellness and curated lifestyle moments.” 

What the data signals about India’s affluent economy

The VCA Whitepaper points to a fundamental reshaping of India’s affluent economy.

• As the number of high-income individuals and affluence expands beyond metros, discretionary spends across the segment are seen to be central to everyday consumption.
• Affluent consumers increasingly seek – ecosystems, not products. They value an integrated ecosystem as a coherent lifestyle stack that combines their choice of experiences across – travel, dining, wellness, payments, and digital identity.
• The affluent cohort seeks seamless, connected experiences that are naturally a part of their lifestyle. They place a higher premium on saving time and an access to bespoke, exclusive experiences through reliable enablers.