Category: Business

Apr 16 (BNP): India is accelerating the integration of compressed biogas (CBG) into city gas distribution (CGD) networks as global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies tighten amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The move reflects a broader push to strengthen domestic energy security and reduce dependence on imported natural gas.

The government has shifted from a voluntary adoption model to a structured mandate under the Compressed Biogas Obligation (CBO). As per the phased rollout, CBG blending in compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) will begin at 1% in FY 2025–26 and gradually increase to 5% by FY 2028–29.

The policy push comes at a time when India imports nearly half of its natural gas requirements, making it vulnerable to global price volatility and supply disruptions. The recent LNG supply crunch has further reinforced the urgency to diversify into domestic renewable fuel sources.

To support large-scale adoption, the Union Budget 2026–27 has removed central excise duty on the green component of blended CNG, improving cost efficiency and enhancing the financial viability of compressed biogas production. The move is expected to encourage greater private investment in the sector.

Infrastructure expansion is also gathering momentum, with around 170 compressed biogas plants currently operational and more than 300 additional plants under construction. These developments are being supported through policy frameworks that aim to strengthen linkages between biomass collection systems and city gas networks.

The programme is designed to convert agricultural residue, organic waste, and sewage into usable clean fuel, offering both environmental and economic benefits while reducing waste disposal challenges.

Officials believe the structured expansion of biogas blending will play a key role in reducing import dependence, supporting rural income generation, and advancing India’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Washington, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held meetings with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and former US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, as both countries continue discussions on a proposed bilateral trade agreement.

The meetings come at a time when India and the US are working to refine the details of their bilateral trade framework, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and addressing tariff and market access issues.

According to official inputs, a delegation of Indian officials is expected to travel to the United States for further negotiations on the agreement in the coming weeks.

In an earlier social media post, the Indian envoy noted that discussions covered a wide range of bilateral cooperation areas and also included exchanges on key global developments. The engagement was described as constructive, with both sides reaffirming support for stronger India-US relations.

The trade talks follow the announcement of a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement earlier this year, under which tariff reductions and market access measures were discussed as part of broader negotiations.

However, the evolving global trade environment and policy shifts in the United States have influenced the timeline for finalisation. Officials have indicated that the agreement is expected to move forward once the revised tariff structure becomes clearer.

The negotiations are also taking place amid broader trade-related reviews initiated by the US under its trade enforcement mechanisms, adding further complexity to ongoing discussions.

Despite these challenges, both sides continue to express commitment to advancing the trade partnership and strengthening economic ties.

Balancing indulgence with mindful eating, Flax  Healthy Living introduces summer dishes that lean into mango while staying true to its health-first philosophy. The hero here is the Chipotle mango dressing, which brings together smoky heat and tropical sweetness across dishes.

The Chipotle Mango Nachos are built on gluten-free chips layered with refried beans, guacamole, salsa crudo, parmesan, and Greek yoghurt, offering both texture and depth. The Chicken Mango Chipotle Nachos elevate this with grilled chicken and mango salsa, making it a more filling option.

For a wholesome, bowl-style meal, the Mediterranean Bowl combines arugula, spinach, couscous, grilled vegetables, broccoli, roasted red peppers, grilled paneer, feta, walnuts, basil, and pesto dressing, fresh, herbaceous, and nutrient-dense. In contrast, the Chipotle Cowboy Bowl delivers a heartier profile with mixed beans, corn, grilled chicken, guacamole, ragi chips, and chipotle mango dressing, tying it all together.

Where: Multiple outlets across Mumbai
When: Ongoing (Summer Menu)

Mumbai, April 16 (BNP): The Indian rupee strengthened in early trade on Thursday, appreciating by 6 paise to 93.27 against the US dollar, supported by easing crude oil prices and a softer American currency.

The domestic currency opened at 93.29 per dollar at the interbank foreign exchange market and later firmed to 93.27 in early deals.

Market sentiment was buoyed by a decline in global crude oil prices, which remained below the USD 95-per-barrel mark. Expectations of easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia also contributed to improved investor confidence.

However, forex analysts noted that the rupee’s gains were limited due to continued dollar demand from importers and sustained foreign fund outflows, which kept pressure on the currency.

Traders also pointed out that stability in global energy prices provided some support to domestic equities, although broader macroeconomic factors continued to influence currency movements.

Overall, the rupee’s movement reflected a mix of positive global cues and persistent domestic demand for the US dollar, resulting in a narrow range of gains in early trade.

Gujarat, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s clean energy sector received a boost as Adani Wind commissioned a 5 MW wind turbine prototype at Mundra, marking a significant step in domestic renewable energy innovation.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The prototype is among the largest wind turbines developed in India and is expected to enhance power generation efficiency while lowering the cost of wind energy. The project reflects the company’s focus on building advanced, locally manufactured renewable energy solutions.

Located in Gujarat’s key renewable energy hub, the Mundra facility will serve as a testing ground for next-generation wind technologies before large-scale deployment. The development aligns with India’s broader push to expand its renewable energy capacity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Industry observers note that larger turbine capacities can generate more electricity per unit, improving project viability and accelerating the country’s transition toward clean energy.

New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s gem and jewellery exports saw a slight decline in FY26, as global trade challenges and tariff pressures weighed on demand. However, the industry showed resilience by expanding into new markets and adapting to changing conditions.

Pic Credit: Pexel 

Exports during the year stood at $27.72 billion, reflecting a modest drop compared to the previous year in dollar terms, even as rupee earnings remained broadly stable.

The slowdown was largely due to weaker demand from the United States, where higher tariffs and policy uncertainties affected export volumes. At the same time, ongoing geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in global markets added to the pressure on the sector.

Despite these challenges, Indian exporters made steady progress in diversifying their reach. Markets such as the UAE, Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada emerged as important growth drivers, helping offset declines in traditional destinations.

Trade agreements with countries like the UAE and Australia supported this shift, making it easier for exporters to access new opportunities. While some geopolitical tensions in West Asia impacted momentum toward the end of the year, overall demand from these regions remained encouraging.

The industry is also witnessing a gradual shift in product demand. While certain segments like cut and polished diamonds faced pressure, others such as silver and platinum jewellery gained traction, reflecting changing global consumer preferences.

Experts believe that this phase marks a transition for the sector, with a stronger focus on market diversification and value-added products. Looking ahead, potential trade deals with regions like the UK and the European Union could further support growth and help the industry regain momentum.

Pic Credit: Pexel

New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): Global steel demand is expected to remain subdued in the near term, with meaningful recovery likely only in 2027, according to a recent report by Centrum citing estimates from the World Steel Association.

The report projects global steel demand growth of just 0.3% in 2026, reflecting continued weakness in key markets. China, the world’s largest steel consumer, is expected to remain the primary drag on demand, with consumption forecast to decline by 1.5% year-on-year in calendar year 2026 and remain flat in 2027.

In contrast, India is emerging as a major growth driver. The report highlights that India’s steel demand is expected to grow by 7.4% in 2026 and accelerate further to 9.2% in 2027, positioning the country as a key contributor to the global demand rebound.

Despite muted demand conditions, steel prices have risen across major markets. Input costs have shown mixed trends, with iron ore and non-coking coal prices moving higher, while coking coal prices have softened compared to the previous month.

Among non-ferrous metals, aluminium continues to outperform, with prices remaining firm. Meanwhile, other metals such as copper, zinc, and nickel have witnessed marginal declines, reflecting uneven trends in the broader commodities market.

The report underscores that while near-term challenges persist due to weak global demand, particularly from China, India’s strong growth outlook offers a positive signal for the steel sector’s recovery in the coming years.

Kolkata, Apr 16: Embee Software Pvt. Ltd., a leading digital transformation and technology solutions provider announced the expansion of its operations in Kolkata with the launch of a new, larger office facility spanning approximately 10,000 sq. ft. This move reinforces Embee’s commitment to strengthening regional capabilities while enhancing customer experience and service delivery.

 The new office has been designed to support the company’s growing teams and evolving business needs, featuring modern collaboration zones, advanced infrastructure, and dedicated Network Operations Center (NOC) and Security Operations Center (SOC) capabilities. These enhancements will enable real-time monitoring, faster response times, and stronger delivery across cloud, cybersecurity, and managed services.

This expansion reflects Embee Software’s strategic focus on deepening its presence in key markets rather than just expanding geographically. Kolkata has long been an integral part of the company’s growth journey, and this investment underscores its continued commitment to the region.

“Growth is not always about entering new markets, it’s about strengthening the foundations where you already are,” said Sudhir Kothari, CEO and Managing Director, Embee Software. “Our expanded Kolkata office enables us to be more agile, responsive, and closely aligned with our customers’ evolving needs. It also empowers our teams with the environment and tools needed to deliver greater value.”

The new facility is not only an infrastructure upgrade but also a step toward fostering a more collaborative and innovation-driven work culture. Designed to bring teams together, the space encourages knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and continuous improvement in delivering customer outcomes.

Adding a people-centric perspective to the expansion, Abira Bhattacharjee, CHRO, Embee Software, emphasized the importance of culture and workplace experience:

“This expansion is as much about our people as it is about our capabilities. We have invested in creating a workplace that reflects our culture- collaborative, inclusive, and innovation-driven. With enhanced infrastructure, modern collaboration spaces, and advanced NOC and SOC environments, we are enabling our teams to do their best work while continuously raising the bar on customer value. Kolkata has always been a key part of our journey, and we are excited to further strengthen our presence here.”

As organizations increasingly demand secure, scalable, and responsive technology solutions, Embee Software continues to evolve its operational capabilities to meet these expectations. The addition of enhanced NOC and SOC functions further strengthens its ability to deliver proactive monitoring and rapid incident response.

This expansion follows the recent launch of Embee’s new office in Chennai and is part of the company’s broader growth strategy. With 12+ offices across India, Embee is well-positioned to support customers nationwide while maintaining strong regional engagement.