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Apr 17 (BNP): India’s current account deficit (CAD) is expected to widen to around 2 per cent of GDP in FY27, even if crude oil prices remain in the range of USD 82–87 per barrel, according to a report by Crisil.

The report noted that external pressures on the trade balance are likely to persist, driven by steady import demand and global economic factors. While stable oil prices may offer some relief, they are unlikely to fully offset the broader structural challenges impacting the current account.

Crisil said that rising domestic demand and continued dependence on imports, particularly in energy, could contribute to the widening deficit.

However, the report also indicated that strong services exports and remittance inflows are expected to provide some cushion, helping manage the overall impact on the external sector.

Overall, India’s external position is expected to remain manageable, though the widening deficit highlights the need for continued focus on export growth and reducing import dependence over the medium term.

Apr 17 (BNP): Indian equity markets closed on a strong note on Friday, with benchmark indices posting solid gains, supported by buying across key sectors.

The BSE Sensex surged 504 points, while the NSE Nifty advanced 156 points, reflecting positive investor sentiment through the trading session.

Gains were led by the FMCG sector, which rose around 2.65 per cent, emerging as the top performer. The rally was driven by strong buying interest in consumer-focused stocks, as investors showed confidence in demand-driven sectors.

Market participants also remained encouraged by improving global cues and steady foreign fund inflows, which helped sustain the upward momentum.

Overall, the session reflected broad-based buying, with multiple sectors contributing to the market’s positive close.

April 17: Mars Incorporated announced the launch of a new digital-first campaign for the PEDIGREE® brand in India, in collaboration with Indian cricketer and pet parent Jemimah Rodrigues. The campaign is based on the changing reality of modern pet-parenting, which encourages a shift towards more informed, nutrition-led feeding without compromising on what their pets love: taste. Equivalent to the protein of 8 chicken livers¹, combined with 100% complete and balanced nutrition, when fed as recommended, PEDIGREE® Gravy is a delicious and nourishing choice for pets. 

As a devoted pet parent and one of India’s prominent young sports personalities,  Jemimah is known for her discipline, energy and performance-driven mindset. She lends her strong voice to the campaign, not only as a cricketer but also as a pet parent who understands the importance of making the right feeding choices for pets.

PEDIGREE® Gravy is positioned as an everyday feeding solution, supported by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. This reflects Mars Pet Nutrition’s leadership in the wet food category in India. By integrating decades of global nutritional research with formats that align with local feeding habits, the brand has significantly helped make balanced nutrition more intuitive and a complement to home-cooked meals.  

The campaign brings this to life through cricket-themed films featuring Jemimah Rodrigues, capturing everyday moments between pets and their parents, and highlighting how PEDIGREE® Gravy can turn routine feeding into moments of joy and connection.

Ayesha Huda, Chief Marketing Officer, Mars Pet Nutrition India, said,

“As the pioneers, Mars Pet Nutrition has contributed significantly towards creating the gravy category in India. Backed by decades of research from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, we have helped shape the understanding of wet food as a complete nutritional option that aligns with familiar feeding habits. She added, “While pet parent intent is evolving, there remains a gap in everyday feeding practices, especially with over-reliance on home-cooked food that may not meet pets’ nutritional needs. With PEDIGREE® Gravy, we bring together irresistible taste and complete, balanced nutrition, making better feeding choices simpler, more relatable, and part of everyday routines.”

Jemimah Rodrigues shared,

“As a pet parent, I’ve always believed that caring for your pet goes beyond just feeding; it’s about knowing what’s right for them. Like in cricket, where the right nutrition fuels performance, I’ve realised the same applies to our pets. What I love about PEDIGREE® Gravy is that my pet Jade genuinely enjoys it, and at the same time, I know it provides complete nutrition. This campaign reflects those simple, everyday moments that matter to pet parents.”

This campaign launch is part of Mars’ broader commitment to drive category growth and build stronger awareness of wet food as a complete everyday feeding option, while encouraging more pet parents to adopt scientifically formulated food.

 

Apr 17 (BNP): India’s construction sector, valued at around $685 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $1.2 trillion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.9 per cent, driven by sustained infrastructure investment and urban development, according to a report released on Friday.

The report by Savills India and Hotelivate said demand for office spaces remains strong, supported by the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and growing preference for Grade-A, sustainable workspaces. It also noted that construction costs have risen by 6.4 per cent to 7.6 per cent due to higher mechanical, electrical, and plumbing expenses.

According to the report, retail and residential segments have seen the sharpest rise in construction costs, with increases ranging from 3.8 per cent to 13.9 per cent between 2023 and 2025.

It added that mall construction costs have surged the most due to complex designs, deeper basements, and higher technical requirements. In the residential segment, luxury housing recorded the highest cost increase, followed by mid-income and affordable housing projects.

The report observed that residential demand continues to remain strong, with a growing shift towards premium and quality-focused developments across urban centres.

It further highlighted that rising input costs, wage inflation, and volatility in key raw materials such as steel, cement, and crude oil are impacting project economics. Construction labour wages have increased significantly in recent years, adding to overall expenses.

In the hospitality sector, performance has improved with occupancy levels stabilising at around 67–68 per cent and average room rates crossing ₹9,000. The sector also continues to attract investor interest, with a strong project pipeline and new developments underway.

The report advised developers to focus on efficiency, cost control, and sustainable planning to maintain long-term value and competitiveness in the evolving market.