Blog

Apr 22 (BNP): Solidus has commissioned the largest captive open access solar power plant in Punjab, marking a significant step forward in the state’s renewable energy landscape.

The project is designed to provide dedicated clean power for captive consumption, reducing reliance on conventional grid electricity and lowering carbon emissions. By utilising the open access model, the plant enables efficient and cost-effective energy supply directly to consumers, improving energy security for industrial users.

The commissioning of this large-scale solar facility reflects the growing momentum toward renewable energy adoption among businesses, driven by sustainability goals, regulatory support, and the need for long-term energy cost stability.

With this development, Solidus strengthens its presence in the clean energy sector while contributing to Punjab’s expanding solar capacity and India’s broader transition toward sustainable power generation.

The project is expected to encourage further investments in captive renewable energy solutions, highlighting solar power as a viable and scalable alternative for industrial energy needs.

Apr 22 (BNP): NavPrakriti, an eastern India-based lithium-ion battery recycling and refurbishment company, has announced plans to invest over ₹1 billion (approximately $10.7 million) to establish a greenfield critical minerals refining facility in Odisha. The project marks a significant expansion of the company’s presence in India’s growing battery recycling and clean energy ecosystem.

 The proposed facility will focus on recovering key critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s domestic supply chain for essential minerals while addressing the rising challenge of battery waste management.

The company has stated that the facility is expected to become operational by the financial year 2029. Once operational, it will enhance large-scale recycling capacity and contribute to the development of a circular economy in the battery materials sector.

NavPrakriti’s expansion into Odisha reflects the increasing importance of sustainable resource recovery in India’s energy transition. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities and support regional industrial growth while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

With this investment, NavPrakriti aims to play a key role in advancing India’s critical minerals strategy and supporting the country’s shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy technologies.

New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): Indian equity markets began the day on a subdued note, with benchmark indices opening lower despite positive global developments following the extension of a US-led ceasefire. Investor sentiment remained cautious, reflecting deeper economic concerns rather than immediate geopolitical relief.

 A key factor weighing on the markets is the persistence of elevated crude oil prices, which continue to hover near the $90 mark. For an import-dependent economy like India, higher oil prices pose risks to inflation, corporate profitability, and overall economic stability.

Additionally, pressure on the Indian Rupee has added to market unease, as a weaker currency increases the cost of imports and contributes to broader financial strain. Investors are also seen engaging in profit booking, while global uncertainties continue to influence capital flows.

Market movements today highlight a cautious undertone, where optimism from easing geopolitical tensions is tempered by structural economic challenges.

Beyond the indices, the impact is felt at the ground level. Rising fuel costs and currency fluctuations can translate into higher living expenses, affecting households and small businesses alike. The current environment underscores the importance of stability in energy prices and macroeconomic conditions for sustained market confidence.

Vadodara, April 22: Quest Global, one of the world’s largest independent pure-play engineering services company announced the growing impact of its dedicated engineering center in Vadodara for Integrated Asset Performance Engineering in Oil & Gas, reinforcing Gujarat’s role as a key hub for global energy engineering talent.

Operational since January 2026, the Vadodara center delivers advanced engineering solutions for global energy customers, focused on asset integrity, reliability, and performance optimization across complex energy infrastructure worldwide. The center plays a critical role in helping customers improve operational efficiency, enhance asset availability, and reduce lifecycle maintenance costs.

Located in one of India’s most prominent refining and petrochemical hubs, the Vadodara center leverages Gujarat’s deep industry heritage and strong engineering ecosystem. The region’s long-standing association with oil & gas, refining, and petrochemicals enables Quest Global to build domain‑specialized teams that work on technically complex, safety critical, and globally distributed energy programs.

As part of Quest Global’s global delivery network, the Vadodara center brings together local engineering talent and global program ownership, providing engineers with opportunities to work on international assets, large-scale industrial systems, and next-generation energy challenges.

From Vadodara, Quest Global engineering teams deliver solutions across the upstream, midstream, and downstream energy value chain, including:

• Asset integrity management for offshore and onshore energy infrastructure
• Reliability engineering and predictive maintenance programs
• Lifecycle optimization of refinery and petrochemical assets
• Performance improvement solutions for complex industrial systems

These capabilities support global energy assets, covering offshore production, onshore operations, and refining and petrochemical facilities.

Looking ahead, the Vadodara Centre of Excellence is expected to play a growing role in enabling customers to navigate evolving industry priorities around reliability, sustainability, digitalization, and operational resilience. The center also represents a long-term investment in Gujarat’s engineering talent, offering professionals opportunities to upskill & build deep domain expertise, work on global programs, and shape the future of energy engineering.

Quest Global is actively expanding its energy engineering teams in Vadodara and invites professionals with experience in oil & gas, refining, reliability, asset integrity, and industrial engineering to explore career opportunities. 

 

Apr 22 (BNP): India’s economic outlook continues to draw attention as experts highlight the dual themes of currency movement and the potential of untapped domestic wealth.

Market expert Nilesh Shah recently observed that the gradual depreciation of the Indian Rupee is a natural trend in a growing economy. He indicated that levels such as ₹100 per US dollar may be possible over time, emphasizing that such movement should be viewed in the context of broader economic fundamentals rather than immediate concern. A competitive rupee can, in fact, support exports and strengthen India’s position in global markets.

At the same time, attention has been drawn to the significant volume of gold held across Indian households—estimated at nearly $700 billion—which largely remains idle. Experts suggest that with the right policies and public trust, this gold can be monetized to support infrastructure development, economic expansion, and financial stability.

The discussion underscores the need for a balanced approach—managing external economic factors while effectively utilizing internal resources. Strengthening financial awareness, encouraging participation in monetization schemes, and building trust will be key to translating these opportunities into tangible growth.

India stands at a pivotal point where thoughtful economic strategies can help convert existing strengths into long-term, inclusive development.

New research reveals 6.1m UK workers with line management responsibility are not prepared for conversations about mental health with those they have a duty of care for.

The analysis, completed by health and safety training provider RRC International, found that one in four employees have management accountability, but 71% of them have no mental health training to support the people they look after.

This research into the disconnect between line managers and mental health training comes as data shows that mental ill health is the leading cause of long-term absence and the second most common cause of short-term absence in the workplace.

The study analysed data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) exploring health and wellbeing at work, as well as the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) data on the state of UK management and leadership. It revealed that 8.58m people have management responsibilities, yet only 29% of them are trained to support with employee mental health. This means 6.09m UK managers are currently operating with no idea on the best ways to navigate mental health conversations as they arise.

Richard Stockley, Managing Director at RRC International, says: “Mental ill health remains one of the leading causes of any type of absence from the workplace. So, it is surprising that significantly less than one third of people in a management role have the necessary training and skills required to support those who are suffering with their mental health.

“The scale of the issue is clear to see. Line managers have a duty to understand best practice in order to truly help those they have responsibility for to feel safe and supported. Without it, this can lead to enhanced stress, anxiety and a lack of belonging, and for the business poor retention rates, performance and culture.

“For many, disclosing problems can be difficult, but with the right training, line managers can help support and guide their colleagues through the process, making things easier in challenging times.”

Find out more about RRC International and how to correctly manage stress at work.

Apr 22: Zydus Wellness Ltd. today announced the expansion of its RiteBite Max Protein portfolio into three new formats ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, culturally rooted Ghee Jaggery protein bars, and Korean flavoured protein chips, marking a significant step in its strategy to build a comprehensive, multi-format protein ecosystem.

 With this expansion, the company is further strengthening its protein play and repositioning RiteBite Max Protein as an everyday protein platform. Through these launches, the brand also aims to tap into India’s rapidly growing protein market, which is estimated at $10–12 billion across supplements, functional foods, and everyday formats and is expanding at a mid-teen CAGR. In Q3 FY26, RiteBite Max Protein demonstrated strong momentum post-acquisition, and posted near double-digit EBITDA margins, underpinned by distribution expansion, innovation, and category tailwinds.

Commenting on the development, Tarun Arora, CEO, Zydus Wellness, said:

“Protein in India is no longer just a category conversation, it is a behaviour conversation. Awareness is building, but the real shift will come when protein becomes easier to choose, easier to enjoy and easier to sustain across everyday routines. That is where formats matter as much as the nutrition itself.”

As part of this, the company has entered the RTD (dairy based beverage) segment with RiteBite Max Protein functional protein shakes, available in Choco Burst and Berry Blush variants. Each serving of 250 ml delivers 26 grams of protein in a portable format designed for on-the-go consumption.

The company is also sharpening its multi-format strategy to capture a wider range of consumption occasions, it is building its snacking portfolio along two distinct consumer directions – cultural familiarity and global flavour trends.

Under the newly introduced RiteBite Max Protein Roots Ghee Jaggery Protein Bar range, the brand has combined traditional Indian ingredients with a whey and casein protein blend. The bar delivers 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fibre, offering a format that aligns with both taste familiarity of ancient Indian products and functional nutrition.

In parallel, the company has introduced RiteBite Max Protein Korean Chips, a 7-grain protein snack range inspired by Korean flavours such as Hot Chilli, Barbeque and Gochujang. The product delivers 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fibre per 60 grams of serving, along with cues such as no palm oil and gluten-free formulation.

“Today, the protein category itself is fragmenting, reflecting a deeper behavioural shift. While one segment of consumers is gravitating towards familiarity and seeking culturally rooted formats that align with traditional diets, another cohort is driving demand for novelty, experimenting with global flavours and new-age snacking formats. With Max Protein’s new launches, we are meeting consumers where they are and aligning more closely with how they eat through the day,” Arora added.

The new product ranges will be rolled out nationwide, with availability across e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms.

Dubai, UAE, 22^nd April 2026:  Dubai’s luxury real estate market is demanding greater discipline from developers as it enters a more selective era shaped by the current geopolitical climate. 

Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the luxury Keturah brand, says the high-end property market is shifting toward reliable execution, controlled supply, and stronger focus on what end-users actually want, rather than short-term deal flow. 

And he believes developers, collectively, now have a bigger role to play in boosting confidence in the market through execution and project quality during periods of uncertainty. 

“We need to raise our game, and ensure we maintain discipline in both planning and delivery, particularly in challenging times,” says Talal. “That means controlling supply, staying focused on long-term value, and being held accountable for what we promise to build. 

“Dubai’s luxury real estate sector has weathered regional instability before and emerged stronger. We now have an increasingly selective environment, with buyers taking more considered decisions, driven by quality, long-term liveability, and value retention. 

“While current sentiment is being tested by external pressures, Dubai’s fundamentals remain intact. Its regulatory framework, infrastructure, and strategic planning continue to make it one of the most resilient destinations for international capital.” 

The city’s forward-looking approach has influenced Keturah’s philosophy from the outset. Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion bio-living community under development in Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7, is an example of a long-term residential model shaped around controlled supply and end-user living. 

Meanwhile, Keturah Resort, a wellness-certified community under development along Dubai Creek adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, was similarly conceived for buyers who intend to make Dubai their home, not their next transaction. 

Both projects integrate residential, hospitality, and wellness elements within a low-density environment designed around nature and permanent living, rather than conventional high-density developments. 

“The definition of luxury in real estate is moving beyond location and prestige,” says Talal. “Buyers are placing greater importance on wellness, liveability, environmental quality, privacy, and long-term residency potential. 

“Luxury is no longer defined solely by address. Increasingly, it is measured by how a home performs for the people who live in it, every day.”

Chandigarh, Apr 22(BNP): NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has onboarded Postal Life Insurance (PLI) as a biller under the Insurance category on Bharat Connect ecosystem. State Bank of India (SBI) as the Biller Operating Unit (BOU), has brought PLI onboard, enabling policyholders to make premium payments through their preferred Bharat Connect-enabled online and offline channels.

PLI is operated by the Department of Posts (India Post) and services more than 1.25 crore active policies, processing around 2.5 lakh transactions daily. With this integration, over 1.25 crore PLI and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) customers will be able to pay renewal premiums through Bharat Connect-enabled apps, websites, and offline agents across the country. Bharat Connect continues to expand the range of insurance billers under the category, which now stands at 65, reflecting growing demand for digital premium payments.

Speaking on this Sh. Jitendra Gupta, Director General Postal Services, said,

“The integration of Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) with Bharat Connect (BBPS) marks a significant milestone in the Department of Posts’ digital transformation journey. The Department of Posts continues to modernize its services while upholding its legacy of trust and reliability.”

State Bank of India said,

“We are delighted to facilitate the onboarding of Postal Life Insurance onto the Bharat Connect platform. By bringing PLI onto the Bharat Connect platform, we are strengthening the digital payments infrastructure for essential financial services and helping expand access to convenient, reliable, and recurring premium payment options for millions of policyholders. This collaboration reflects our continued efforts to support inclusive financial services and enhance customer experience across both urban and rural segments.”

Speaking on the development, Noopur Chaturvedi, MD & CEO, NBBL, said,

“We welcome Postal Life Insurance to the Bharat Connect ecosystem. With this addition, we aim to simplify premium payment journeys of policyholders nationwide. Bharat Connect has established itself as a trusted and convenient platform for recurring payments, and this integration is an important step toward our mission of promoting digital adoption across essential financial services.”

Beyond the Insurance category, Bharat Connect’s ecosystem has continued to grow and now comprises over 22,640 billers across more than 29 categories. The platform is accessible across more than 700 apps and over 5 lakh offline agents across the country, highlighting its role as one of the India’s most comprehensive interoperable digital payments infrastructures.