New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The Indian Premier League 2026 season has witnessed explosive batting performances, with the race for the coveted Orange Cap becoming increasingly competitive. Several star batters and emerging talents have dominated the early phase of the tournament, playing crucial roles in their teams’ campaigns. Leading the charts so far is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals, who has amassed 400 runs in…
Heatwave Drives Strong Uptick in India’s Consumer Durables Market
New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Rising temperatures across several parts of India are leading to a noticeable rise in demand for consumer durable goods, particularly cooling appliances, according to a recent report. The early and sustained heat conditions this season have encouraged households to step up purchases of air conditioners, fans, air coolers, and refrigerators. This seasonal demand is helping the sector regain momentum after…
Payoneer launches ‘Global Payments, Simply Done’ campaign for Indian SMBs
Apr 30: Payoneer has launched its new campaign, ‘Global Payments, Simply Done’, centred on making cross-border payments simpler and more reliable for Indian SMBs. Aimed at service exporters working with international clients and eCommerce sellers engaging with marketplaces abroad, the campaign positions Payoneer as a simpler and more reliable platform for businesses growing across borders. Built on the thought that global payments don’t need to…
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…
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…
Odisha Proposes 190 EV Charging Stations in Six Cities Under PM E-DRIVE Scheme
Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (BNP): In a major push toward clean and sustainable mobility, the Odisha government has proposed the installation of 190 electric vehicle (EV) public charging stations across six key cities under the Centre’s PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme. The initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070 and…
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.…
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…
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…
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…