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  • Markets Recover to End Higher; Sensex and Nifty Post Firm Gains

    Market Overview: Sensex, Nifty End Higher on Broad-Based Buying

    Mumbai, May 4 (BNP): Indian equity markets ended the trading session on a positive note on Monday, supported by buying in blue-chip stocks and overall firm investor sentiment.

    Benchmark indices saw a steady recovery during the day before closing with gains. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 355.90 points, or 0.46%, to settle at 77,269.40. During intraday trade, it had climbed as much as 997.25 points to hit 77,910.75.

    Similarly, the 50-share NSE Nifty advanced 121.75 points, or 0.51%, to close at 24,119.30.

    Market participants said buying interest in heavyweight stocks helped support the indices through the session, even as investors tracked broader economic and political developments.

    Overall, sentiment remained constructive, with markets managing to end the day firmly in the green after witnessing intraday volatility.

  • FTA Talks Between India and Canada Enter Second Round in New Delhi

    New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India and Canada have started the second round of discussions on a proposed free trade agreement aimed at deepening economic cooperation and boosting trade and investment between the two countries.

    FTA Talks Between India and Canada Enter Second Round in New Delhi

     The negotiations are being held under the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to cover a wide range of areas, including trade in goods, services, and other mutually agreed sectors.

    According to officials, the latest round of talks began on May 4 in New Delhi and will continue for five days. The first round of negotiations was held earlier in March this year.

    The proposed agreement is expected to open up new opportunities for businesses in both countries and further strengthen economic engagement between India and Canada.

  • Iraq Reroutes Oil via Syria as Hormuz Disruption Triggers Major Supply Crisis

    Baghdad/Damascus,May 4 (BNP): In a major strategic shift, Iraq has resumed oil exports through Syria after more than a decade, as ongoing conflict has severely disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

    Iraq Reroutes Oil via Syria as Hormuz Disruption Triggers Major Supply Crisis

    The move comes as Iraq grapples with what analysts describe as one of the largest energy supply disruptions in decades. While the Strait of Hormuz remains technically open, military tensions and heightened security risks have effectively curtailed tanker movement, forcing Baghdad to seek alternative export routes.

    Alternative Export Route

    In response, Iraqi crude is now being transported overland via tanker trucks through key border crossings into Syria, before reaching the Mediterranean port of Baniyas for onward shipment to global markets. Initial convoys have included hundreds of tankers, marking the beginning of a critical land-based export corridor.

    Revival of Strategic Infrastructure

    Authorities in both countries are also evaluating the revival of the historic Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline, along with proposals for new pipelines linking Iraqi oilfields directly to the Mediterranean. However, these projects are expected to take years to materialize.

    Impact on Production and Economy

    The disruption in Hormuz has dealt a severe blow to Iraq’s oil-dependent economy. Production has fallen sharply—from over 3–4 million barrels per day (bpd) before the crisis to nearly 1.3–1.5 million bpd—due to storage constraints and export bottlenecks.

    With nearly 90% of government revenue tied to oil, the crisis has significantly strained state finances, prompting urgent measures to diversify export routes and stabilize supply chains.

    Strategic Implications

    The resumption of exports via Syria marks a significant geopolitical and economic shift, reviving a corridor that had remained largely inactive since the early 2000s. The move not only underscores Iraq’s vulnerability to maritime chokepoints but also highlights the growing importance of alternative energy transit routes amid regional instability.

    As the situation evolves, global markets remain on edge, with energy security and supply stability emerging as key concerns.

    Further developments are expected as Iraq expands its contingency export strategies and monitors the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

     
     

  • India Advances Space Tech with First AI-Powered Orbital Computing Satellite

    New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India is set to take a major step in space technology with the planned launch of its first artificial intelligence-powered orbital data centre satellite, named Pathfinder, under a collaboration between space-tech company Pixxel and AI startup Sarvam AI. The mission is targeted for launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.

    The 200-kg class satellite is designed to process data directly in space, reducing the need to transmit large volumes of raw information back to Earth. This approach is expected to enable faster, real-time insights for applications such as environmental monitoring, defence analysis, and resource management.

    India Advances Space Tech with First AI-Powered Orbital Computing Satellite

    Sarvam AI will provide the artificial intelligence systems for the mission, including advanced language models and onboard GPU-based computing for in-orbit data processing, training, and inference.

    Pixxel will be responsible for the development, manufacturing, launch, and operation of the satellite. The spacecraft will be built at its upcoming Gigapixxel facility, which is designed for large-scale satellite production.

    The project also aims to address limitations of traditional ground-based data centres, such as high energy consumption, land requirements, and cooling challenges, by leveraging solar power in space.

    The initiative reflects a broader push toward digital and space sovereignty, focusing on running India-developed AI models on Indian-built infrastructure in orbit, reducing dependence on external cloud systems.

    In parallel developments, Indian space startups are also expanding capabilities in advanced satellite technologies. GalaxEye has recently introduced “Drishti,” an OptoSAR satellite combining optical and radar imaging for all-weather observation, while other ventures like NeevCloud and AgniKul are exploring space-based data centre concepts, with pilot projects expected in the coming years.

    Overall, the Pathfinder mission marks a significant step in integrating artificial intelligence with space infrastructure, positioning India at the forefront of next-generation space computing technologies.

  • Bengaluru Poised for Rapid Global Growth, May Lead Major Cities by 2035

    New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): Bengaluru is expected to become the world’s fastest-growing major city by 2035, supported by its strong pool of skilled professionals and expanding role as a global business hub, according to a recent report.

    The report highlights that the city’s growth is being driven by its established technology ecosystem, vibrant startup culture, and increasing presence of multinational companies setting up Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

    Bengaluru continues to attract significant investment across information technology, engineering, research, and digital services. This steady inflow of businesses has strengthened its position as one of India’s leading innovation centres.

    Experts note that the rise of GCCs has been a key factor in this expansion, as global firms increasingly move high-value operations to India to benefit from talent availability and operational efficiency.

    Overall, the report indicates that Bengaluru’s combination of skilled workforce, growing infrastructure, and diversified industries is likely to support sustained urban growth in the coming years.

     
     
     

  • Rays Power Infra Commissions 1.1 GW of Solar Capacity in a Single Year Marking Its Strongest Year of Execution

    New Delhi, May 04: Rays Power Infra Pvt. Ltd., announced that it has commissioned 1.1 GW of solar capacity in a single financial year the strongest year of execution in the company’s history. Delivered across Karnataka, Rajasthan and Gujarat, the achievement takes Rays Power Infra’s cumulative commissioned portfolio past 2.4 GWp and positions the company among India’s most active integrated solar platforms as the country accelerates toward its 500 GW non-fossil capacity target. Building on the momentum, Rays Power Infra is expanding its EPC order book, scaling its long-term IPP portfolio and selectively entering adjacencies including hybrid solar-wind, battery energy storage (BESS) and round-the-clock renewable solutions for utilities, large C&I customers, & Green Hydrogen and its derived Green fuels.

    Ketan Mehta, Managing Director, Rays Power Infra said 

    “Commissioning 1.1 GW in a single year is the most defining moment in our journey so far. It is a testament to the trust our customers place in us, the resilience of our execution teams and the platform we have patiently built over more than a decade. With this single-year delivery, our cumulative footprint has crossed 2.4 GWp, and Rays Power Infra is structurally positioned to play a meaningful role in India’s clean-energy transition,”

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  • Centre Pushes Highway Development in Maharashtra, Gadkari Reviews Projects

    New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari reviewed a range of ongoing and proposed highway projects in Maharashtra, with a focus on improving connectivity and speeding up infrastructure development.

    The meeting looked at plans to upgrade several important road stretches, including widening key routes and developing major corridors that connect different parts of the state and beyond. These projects are expected to ease travel, reduce congestion, and support economic activity in the region.

    Among the projects discussed were the expansion of routes such as Nagpur–Bhandara and Taloda–Burhanpur, along with key corridors linking areas like Gadchiroli, Raipur, Vizag, and Nagpur.

    The minister also reviewed nine road projects planned under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, covering over 500 km of highways. This approach is aimed at bringing in private investment to accelerate construction and improve efficiency.

    Officials said the overall goal is to build faster, safer, and more reliable road networks that can support trade, improve mobility, and contribute to the state’s growth.

  • India Should Strengthen Monitoring of Economic Risks, Says EAC PM Chairman

    New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India needs to take a more prepared and forward-looking approach to managing economic risks, especially in key sectors such as energy, food, fertilisers, and critical minerals, according to S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman of the EAC-PM.

    Highlighting lessons from ongoing global tensions, particularly in West Asia, Dev said such developments show how quickly supply chains and prices can be disrupted. He stressed the importance of identifying potential vulnerabilities early and keeping a close watch on them.

    According to him, regular monitoring of essential sectors can help the country respond faster to sudden changes, ensuring stable supplies and controlling price fluctuations. He also underlined the need to diversify sources and strengthen preparedness to reduce dependence on any single region.

    The statement reflects a growing focus on building a more resilient economy that can better handle global uncertainties and protect domestic stability.

  • New Academic Block at Chanakya University Signals Shift Toward Future-Ready Education

    Bengaluru, May 4 (BNP): Chanakya University has inaugurated a new academic block at its Global Campus near Kempegowda International Airport.

    The facility was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the presence of Sudha Gopalakrishnan and Kris Gopalakrishnan, along with university officials.

    The newly built block is designed to support modern teaching and research, with classrooms, laboratories, and learning spaces for over 3,600 students. It also includes an auditorium named after K. Kasturirangan.

    Speaking at the event, Pradhan said institutions must focus on skills, innovation, and research to prepare students for the future. Gopalakrishnan highlighted the importance of technology and critical thinking in higher education.

    The new block aims to strengthen the university’s academic infrastructure and support future-ready learning.

  • Hira Industries strengthens industrial presence in Ras Al Khaimah with 7,450 m² new production facility

    Hira Industries strengthens industrial presence in Ras Al Khaimah with 7,450 m² new production facility

     

     

    Ras Al Khaimah, May 04: Hira Industries, a global manufacturer and supplier serving the construction sector since 1980, has expanded its operations at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) with the addition of a new factory and warehouse facility at Al Ghail Industrial Zone.

     

    Spanning approximately 7,450 m2, the new facility will support the increased production of thermal and acoustic insulation solutions under Hira’s Aerofoam and Aerosound divisions, adding a total production capacity of over 500,000 m2 per month. The expansion is also expected to create more than 100 jobs, reflecting Hira Industries’ continued contribution to Ras Al Khaimah’s industrial sector.

     

    Hira Industries Operations Director – Middle East & Africa, Umesh Unni, said, “Our expansion in Ras Al Khaimah reflects sustained demand for high-performance insulation solutions and our confidence in the emirate as a strong base for industrial growth. RAKEZ has supported our journey with efficient processes and reliable coordination, enabling us to scale our operations smoothly. With this expansion, we are well-positioned to enhance our production capabilities and serve key markets with greater agility.”

     

    RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Hira Industries’ continued investment reflects the confidence long-term partners place in Ras Al Khaimah as a base for sustainable growth. We are seeing businesses take a long-term view, choosing environments that give them the clarity and consistency needed to scale with confidence.”

     

    Hira Industries has operated from RAKEZ since 2008, and its latest expansion highlights the continued momentum of industrial growth in Ras Al Khaimah, as more manufacturers strengthen their presence and deepen their operations within RAKEZ’s ecosystem.