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  • Philippines Enhances ATF 2026 Preparations in Cebu with Public-Private Support

    Cebu, Apr 30 (BNP): The Philippines is intensifying preparations to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 in Cebu, with public-private partnerships playing a key role in supporting infrastructure development and event planning.

    Officials said coordination between government agencies and private sector stakeholders is helping streamline preparations across multiple areas, including transport, hospitality, venue readiness, and visitor management systems. These collaborative efforts aim to ensure that Cebu is fully equipped to host international delegates and tourism leaders.

    The initiative also focuses on improving overall tourism infrastructure and services in the region, with the goal of delivering a well-organised global event. Authorities believe the forum will not only strengthen regional tourism cooperation but also highlight Cebu’s position as a leading destination for major international gatherings.

  • First-Time Borrowers Reach 4.4 Crore Despite Stricter Lending Norms

    New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The number of first-time borrowers in India has increased to around 4.4 crore, even as lending conditions have become stricter, according to a recent report.

    The report indicates that access to credit continues to expand across the country, driven by growing financial inclusion and wider adoption of formal banking services. This trend has persisted despite tighter lending norms introduced by financial institutions.

    It also highlights that more individuals are entering the formal credit system for the first time, reflecting improved awareness and easier access to loans through digital platforms and organised financial channels.

    Overall, the findings suggest a steady deepening of India’s credit market, with a rising number of new borrowers participating in the formal financial ecosystem.

     

  • New Study Shows Mental Health Campaigns and Digital Tools Reduce Risk in Slums

    New Study Shows Mental Health Campaigns and Digital Tools Reduce Risk in Slums

     New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): A recent study has found that community-based anti-stigma programmes, along with a digital mental health support tool, have helped reduce risks of depression, self-harm, and suicide among adolescents living in urban slum areas.

    The research covered 60 slum clusters across New Delhi and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on improving awareness and access to mental health care for vulnerable teenagers.

    India has one of the largest adolescent populations in the world, and a significant share of young people face mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, according to global health estimates.

    Researchers observed that adolescents in urban slums are particularly at risk due to factors such as poverty, low awareness about mental health, and limited access to professional support services.

    The study suggests that combining community outreach efforts with digital tools can help strengthen mental health support systems in underserved communities.

     

  • PhonePe Surpasses 700 Million Registered Users in India

    New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Digital payments platform PhonePe has crossed 700 million registered users as of April 29, 2026, marking a major milestone in its growth journey in India.

    The company said the achievement reflects its wide user base and expanding presence across digital payments and financial services. It attributed the growth to increasing customer trust, strong distribution reach, and a focus on simple and reliable payment solutions.

    PhonePe also highlighted the rapid pace of its expansion, noting that while it initially took 136 days to add its first million users, it is now adding a million users in just a few days. Between FY23 and FY25, the platform reported steady growth momentum, supported by rising adoption of digital payment services across the country.

  • ETF Inflows Reach Record High in FY26, Led by Gold and Silver Demand

    New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in India have recorded a sharp rise in investments, with inflows reaching a record ₹1.8 lakh crore in FY26, driven largely by growing interest in gold and silver-backed funds, according to a report.

    The surge reflects increased investor preference for safe-haven and commodity-linked assets amid global economic uncertainty and market volatility. Precious metal ETFs, in particular, have seen strong traction as investors look for stability and diversification.

    The report highlights that the strong inflows mark a significant jump compared to previous years, indicating rising participation from both retail and institutional investors in ETF products.

  • Hero MotoSports Team Rally Welcomes Michael Docherty to International Rider Line-Up

    New Delhi, Apr 30: Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport arm of Hero MotoCorp, has announced the addition of South African rally-raid rider Michael Docherty to its international line-up.

    Hero MotoSports Team Rally Welcomes Michael Docherty to International Rider Line-Up

    Docherty, a standout performer in the Rally2 category, will make his debut for the team at the upcoming Desafío Ruta 40, the third round of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) 2026 season.

    A record-holder in Rally2 with 37 stage wins, Docherty has established himself as one of the most consistent and competitive riders in the category. His achievements include a third-place finish in the 2025 Rally2 World Cup and multiple stage victories in overall FIM classifications, competing alongside RallyGP contenders.

    Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Docherty began his career in motocross before transitioning to rally-raid in 2021. He made an immediate impact by winning the Rally2 category at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge during his debut. Since then, he has competed with teams such as BAS World KTM and SRG Motorsports, steadily building a strong international profile.

    The signing aligns with Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s long-term vision of strengthening its global talent pool and preparing for major competitions, including the Dakar Rally 2027.

    Commenting on the development, Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager, said the team is excited to welcome Docherty, highlighting his speed, work ethic, and potential to evolve into a top RallyGP contender.

    Michael Docherty added that joining Hero MotoSports marks a significant milestone in his career, as he steps into a factory rider role and looks forward to contributing to the team’s global ambitions.

    The team continues to build on its recent successes, including its World Championship achievement with Ross Branch in 2024, and its growing presence in the Rally2 category. Previous milestones include participation in the 2024 Desafío Ruta 40 with Ramiro Barco Oliva and a breakthrough stage win at the 2025 South African Safari Rally by Tobias Ebster.

    With the addition of Michael Docherty, Hero MotoSports Team Rally aims to further strengthen its competitive edge and scale new heights on the global rally-raid stage.

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  • Gold Prices Surge Past 1.50 Lakh per 10 Grams on Global and Geopolitical Factors

    Gold Prices Surge Past 1.50 Lakh per 10 Grams on Global and Geopolitical Factors

    New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Gold prices advanced in futures trade on Thursday, climbing by ₹1,791 to cross the ₹1.50 lakh mark per 10 grams, supported by firm international trends and safe-haven buying.

    The rise came after the US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, which boosted demand for gold amid ongoing global uncertainty. Continued geopolitical tensions in West Asia also added to investor interest in the precious metal.

    On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold contracts for June delivery gained 1.2% to settle at ₹1,50,841 per 10 grams, with a trading volume of over 9,200 lots.

    Domestic commodity markets will remain closed for the morning session on Friday on account of Maharashtra Day.

     
     

  • India’s FDI Expected to Surpass Dollar 90 Billion in FY26 on Strong Investor Interest

    New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India is expected to exceed $90 billion in the financial year 2025–26, reflecting strong global investor confidence in the country’s economy.

    According to senior government officials, India has already received over $88 billion in gross FDI between April 2025 and February 2026. This steady inflow points to an estimated growth of around 10% compared to the previous year.

    Officials noted that key sectors driving this investment include manufacturing, computer services, financial services, and communication services. Major investment sources continue to be Singapore, the United States, Mauritius, Japan, and the Netherlands.

    The overall increase in inflows is expected to push FDI closer to 2% of India’s GDP, marking sustained long-term interest from global investors. The government, through ongoing policy reforms and facilitation measures, continues to focus on improving the investment climate and encouraging further foreign participation in the economy.

     

  • RAKEZ to spotlight industrial growth and investment opportunities at Make it in the Emirates 2026

    RAKEZ to spotlight industrial growth and investment opportunities at Make it in the Emirates 2026

     Ras Al Khaimah, Apr 30: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is set to participate in the fifth edition of the Make it in the Emirates exhibition, taking place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 4 to 7 May 2026, reinforcing its role in advancing the UAE’s industrial landscape and attracting high-value investments.

    As part of its participation, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad will join a panel discussion titled “Industrial Zones as Engines of Growth: Powering the UAE’s Industrial and Investment”, where he will share insights on how integrated economic zones are enabling sustainable industrial expansion and supporting long-term investor confidence.

    The economic zone will also mark the occasion by signing lease agreements with companies across manufacturing and industrial sectors, highlighting continued demand for Ras Al Khaimah as a base for business growth.

    During the exhibition, RAKEZ will showcase its comprehensive ecosystem designed to support investors across diverse industrial sectors. This includes advanced infrastructure, tailored solutions, and value-added services that enable businesses to establish, operate, and scale efficiently. With around 1,000 manufacturing companies operating within RAKEZ across sectors such as packaging, F&B, automotive, aviation, construction, and defence, the economic zone continues to contribute to Ras Al Khaimah’s broader manufacturing base of around 3,400 companies.

    Companies operating within RAKEZ benefit from a cost-competitive environment, with development costs approximately 10% lower and operating costs around 50% lower than the regional average. In addition, seamless connectivity through ports and airports ensures efficient global market access, while an ecosystem built around sustainability supports businesses in translating ESG ambitions into practical operations. Networking platforms and B2B matchmaking initiatives further enable collaboration and growth within the business community.

    Commenting on RAKEZ’s participation, Ramy Jallad said: “Our presence at Make it in the Emirates reflects the growing role we play in shaping the UAE’s economic future. What we are seeing today is a strong shift towards long-term, value-driven investment, where businesses are looking for stability, efficiency, and the ability to scale with confidence. At RAKEZ, we continue to focus on creating an environment where manufacturers and industrial players can operate with clarity, expand sustainably, and connect to global markets with ease.”

    He added: “Through our integrated ecosystem and close engagement with our business community, we are enabling companies at every stage of their journey to grow and evolve. This is aligned with the UAE’s broader industrial vision and our ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives such as Operation 300bn.”

    As RAKEZ continues to strengthen its presence at national platforms, its participation in Make it in the Emirates 2026 underscores its commitment to attracting high-quality investments, supporting industrial growth, and enabling local manufacturers to expand regionally and globally.

     

    Industrialists are invited to connect with the RAKEZ team at Make It In the Emirates from 4 to 7 May at Stand 7-EN22 in Hall 7 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.

  • Govt Plans Rail Connectivity for Poonch, Rajouri and Uri: Vaishnaw

    Jammu, Apr 30 (BNP): Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the government is working on plans to extend railway connectivity to remote and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including Poonch, Rajouri, and Uri in Baramulla district.

    He informed that detailed project reports for these proposed rail links have already been prepared. The next step, he said, will be to move ahead with implementation to improve connectivity in these strategically important regions.

    Vaishnaw made the announcement after inaugurating the first direct Vande Bharat Express service between Srinagar and Jammu. He highlighted that expanding rail infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir is aimed at improving travel convenience, strengthening regional connectivity, and supporting overall economic development in the area.