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Mumbai, Apr 29: CRIF High Mark today released its latest report, “Bridging The Gap: Unlocking Growth from New–to–Credit Borrowers”, highlighting the expanding role of first-time borrowers in driving credit growth and financial inclusion in India.

The report notes that as of Feb’26, the total credit active population reported to the consumer bureau stood at 29 crore. Correspondingly, the new–to–credit (NTC) borrower base in India has expanded steadily, with borrowers entering the formal credit system rising from 3.6 crore in 12M Ending Feb’22 to 4.4 crore in 12M Ending Feb’26, reflecting a CAGR of 5.1%.

NTC borrowers continue to be key contributors, accounting for 17.8% of overall borrowers who originated loans in the 12 months ending Feb’26. However, this comes amid a more calibrated and selective lending approach by financial institutions, with the share reducing from 23.5% in the 12 months ending Feb’2

A key trend identified is the rising participation of women borrowers, whose share in NTC accounts has increased from 33% to 41% over the past five years, indicating growing financial inclusion and entrepreneurial participation.

Key insights from the report include:

• NBFCs lead NTC lending, contributing over 60% of total NTC accounts, while banks remain relatively cautious
• Consumer durable loans dominate as the primary entry product (32% share of NTC accounts), followed by gold and two-wheeler loans. These three loan categories together accounted for about 60% of the overall NTC account distribution for the 12M ending Feb’26.
• Borrowers show a clear progression path, typically starting with small-ticket loans and gradually moving toward more structured credit products
• The 26–35 age group drives the majority of NTC originations for Consumer Durables, Gold Loans, and Business Loans, while younger borrowers (<25) dominate personal and two-wheeler loans
•  Beyond Top 100 (BT100) cities account for over 50% of NTC originations for major NTC loan types, highlighting strong demand from semi-urban and rural markets

Encouragingly, the report also highlights improving credit behaviour among first-time borrowers. Nearly 67% of NTC borrowers transition to low-risk or very low-risk categories within one year of entering the formal credit system, indicating strong repayment discipline when supported by appropriate product structures and risk-calibrated lending.

Women borrowers are increasingly active across consumer durable, gold, and business loans, with business loans emerging as a key driver of female entrepreneurship. Geographically, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra lead in women-led NTC originations.

The report underscores that while lenders are becoming more selective, the NTC segment continues to offer scalable, calibrated growth opportunities, particularly across emerging geographies and younger demographics.

Mumbai, April 29: redBus, the world’s largest online bus ticketing platform, has launched ‘Aai Shappath’ films under the existing Maharashtra-focused campaign ‘Majhi Bus, Manjhe redBus’, positioning it as the go-to choice for everyday travel. The campaign coincides with the summer travel surge tapping into strong intercity connectivity. Through humour and relatable moments, it showcases passenger-first features such as booking in Marathi, free bus date changes, bus photos and ratings, and in-app discounts that add value to everyday travel.

Rooted in authentic Marathi experiences, the campaign unfolds through four films under the creative route ‘Aai Shappath’, and will be delivered through a series of ad films. A widely used colloquial expression in Maharashtra, ‘Aai Shappath’ is often invoked to emphasise honesty or conviction in everyday conversations. redBus leverages this cultural cue as a distinctive creative device across the films, using it to trigger a humorous and memorable narrative reveal. The route highlights ease of use and inclusivity through key product features. The campaign is set to roll out across leading Marathi television channels, alongside a strong digital presence on YouTube, Instagram, and OTT platforms such as JioHotstar.

The ‘Aai Shappath’ ad films focus on inclusivity and accessibility, showcasing how the platform caters to diverse travel needs through its features. Each film opens in settings such as a bus, bus stand, or a bus ticket booking point, before transitioning into product demonstration. Across the films, a recurring visual device adds a distinctive and clutter-breaking layer to the storytelling. In moments where the protagonist exclaims “Aai Shapath,” the mother appears unexpectedly, creating a humorous and memorable reveal that ties back to everyday Marathi expressions and cultural familiarity. This device not only enhances recall but also reinforces the local authenticity of the narrative.

Each film brings out key aspects of planning and managing travel through features such as booking in Marathi, free bus date change, bus photos and ratings and discounts; reinforcing convenience, flexibility and informed choices for a wide set of travellers.

Pallavi Chopra, Chief Marketing Officer, redBus commented:

“redBus’ regionification-led approach brings everyday travel stories to life in a way that feels local and authentic, shaped by language, culture, and everyday interactions. Our Aai Shappath ad campaign highlights key aspects of our offerings, including bus ratings and photos, value-led pricing, flexibility, and regional language access, making bus travel more relevant and accessible for users across Maharashtra.

Intercity travel across Maharashtra is driven by frequent, everyday journeys, often shaped by spontaneity and familiarity. With this campaign, we are tapping into this behaviour to reflect how people actually plan and experience travel across the state.”

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): India is increasingly being seen as an important force in shaping global peace, economic stability, and technological progress, according to global experts speaking at a recent international forum.

Experts noted that amid rising geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, India is gaining prominence for its ability to support multilateral cooperation and contribute to global stability. They also highlighted the country’s growing influence in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

An economics expert from a leading university in Singapore said that shifting global trade patterns, rising uncertainty, and weakening international trust are creating challenges for the world economy. In this context, India is viewed as a potential stabilising power capable of contributing to peace and cooperation at a global level.

He added that India’s role in international leadership will depend on how it chooses to engage with evolving global challenges.

A director from a leading science institution in London highlighted India’s positive approach toward artificial intelligence. He noted that while many Western populations remain cautious about AI, India is actively investing in building AI capacity and developing related infrastructure.

He also pointed out that India’s development model reflects a balance between economic growth and improving quality of life, even as the country manages challenges such as rising energy demand.

Experts further observed that India’s progress represents a broader shift in the Global South, where nations are increasingly focusing on innovation-led and inclusive development.

Overall, India’s growing engagement in technology, economy, and global cooperation is positioning it as a key contributor to future global stability.

Mumbai, Apr 29 (BNP): Indian equity markets closed higher on Wednesday, though they gave up part of their intraday gains due to a sharp rise in global crude oil prices and weak global cues.

The Sensex rose 609.45 points to close at 77,496.36, while the Nifty gained 181.95 points to end at 24,177.65.

Market sentiment turned cautious after Brent crude surged over 3 per cent amid geopolitical concerns and supply uncertainty. Despite this, select heavyweights such as ITC, Tech Mahindra, and Maruti Suzuki supported the indices.

Broader markets showed mixed performance, with small-cap stocks outperforming while mid-caps ended slightly lower. Sectorally, FMCG and realty stocks led gains, while construction and media sectors underperformed.

Analysts said rising crude prices and global developments are likely to keep markets volatile in the near term, with investors also watching upcoming US Federal Reserve policy signals.

Guwahati, April 29: Interio by Godrej, a leading furniture brand from the Godrej Enterprises Group, has launched ‘Moments That Matter’ (MTM), a study that delves into how everyday experiences at home and at work shape emotional well-being, connection and comfort for modern Indians consumers. The study finds that everyday routines such as sleep, cooking and quiet personal time are central to how Indians engage with their living spaces today.

The Moments That Matter (MTM) study highlights how homes in Guwahati are shaped by togetherness and a strong sense of pride. 82% of respondents say that welcoming guests is an important way to showcase their home, reflecting a strong culture of hosting. In addition, both the living and dining room (60%) and bedroom (60%) are seen as key spaces where everyday moments unfold, highlighting how homes support both shared and personal experiences.

Commenting on the findings, Dr. Dev Narayan Sarkar, Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business (B2C), Interio by Godrej, said:

“The ‘Moments That Matter’ study represents more than a research. It offers a perspective into how Indian consumers envision the future of home and workplace design. In an increasingly fast-paced world, homes and workplaces are no longer just physical spaces, they are sanctuaries of well-being, connection and personal expression. The study reaffirms Interio’s commitment to understanding the evolving relationship between Indians and their living spaces. Our vision is to lead the transformation of how Indians experience their everyday environments, creating furniture that enriches the moments that truly matter for modern Indian consumers.”

The findings reveal that Indian homes are increasingly perceived as emotional anchors that restore balance and belonging amid the pressures of modern life. Bedrooms emerged as the emotional core of the home, with 90% of respondents associating them with comfort, rejuvenation and rest. 54% respondents associate their most cherished home moments with going to sleep in their own bed, underscoring the deep connection between sleep, familiarity and emotional security.

The kitchen has evolved from a purely functional space into an emotional one, with 97% of respondents linking cooking, whether alone or with family to mindfulness and bonding. The living and dining rooms continue to serve as the social heart of the home, where mealtimes remain the most joyful ritual of the day, bringing families together through conversation and laughter.

The study further found that balconies have become urban sanctuaries, with three in four respondents describing them as peaceful escapes that provide calm and perspective in the midst of city life. 53% said that early morning moments on the balcony help them begin the day on a grounded note.

At the workplace, the study highlights that informal connections such as casual chats, café breaks and shared lunches play a key role in fostering collaboration and belonging. Well-designed spaces and welcoming first-day setups were also seen as essential to creating comfort, motivation and trust among employees.