Pune, Apr 24 (BNP): Domestic consumption continues to remain a key driver of India’s economic growth, and predictable policy support is essential to sustain the country’s GDP expansion momentum, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday. Speaking at an event organised by State Bank of India in Pune, the Finance Minister highlighted that strong consumer demand is helping the economy maintain steady growth despite…
Markets Under Pressure as IT, Pharma Drag Indices Lower
Mumbai, Apr 24 (BNP): Domestic equity markets opened on a weaker note on Friday, tracking heightened global uncertainties and a mixed start to the Q4 earnings season, with selling pressure seen across key sectors. The Sensex declined around 400 points, or 0.51%, to trade near 77,263 in early deals, while the Nifty slipped about 100 points, or 0.41%. Broad-based weakness was observed in IT, financial…
Shang Palace at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi presents An Exclusive Cantonese Showcase with Chef Liew from Shangri-La Taipei
New Delhi, Apr 24: Shangri-La Eros New Delhi presents an extraordinary culinary moment at Shang Palace this April, as it welcomes Chef Liew Chin Fei, Executive Chef of Shang Palace, Shangri-La Taipei for an exclusive five-day Cantonese culinary showcase from 29 April to 3 May 2026. Chef Liew is set to lead guests on a Contemporary Classics Cantonese journey. He spent years honing his skills at…
Crude Oil Prices Jump as Middle East Tensions Fuel Supply Concerns
Mumbai: Global crude oil prices surged on Friday, rising up to 2% as renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East kept energy markets volatile, even as the United States announced a unilateral ceasefire move. Brent crude climbed to around $107 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose to nearly $97.6 per barrel, reflecting persistent concerns over global supply stability. In the domestic market, crude…
Gold, Silver Prices Under Pressure in Early Market Trade
Mumbai, Apr 24 (BNP): Precious metals witnessed weakness in early trade on Friday, with both gold and silver prices declining on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) amid a broadly cautious global market sentiment. Gold futures for June delivery opened lower at ₹1,51,167 per 10 grams, down 0.39%, compared with the previous close. The metal extended losses during the session, touching an intraday low of ₹1,50,750…
India Approves INR 30 Billion SAARC Currency Swap Facility for Maldives
New Delhi, Apr 24 (BNP): India has approved a ₹30 billion currency swap arrangement for the Maldives under the SAARC framework, aiming to provide financial stability support to the island nation and strengthen regional economic cooperation. The facility is part of India’s ongoing commitment to assist neighbouring countries in managing foreign exchange liquidity pressures and maintaining macroeconomic stability during periods of financial stress. Officials said…
Quick Commerce Surge in India Seen Driving Market to Dollar 70 Billion by 2030
New Delhi, Apr 24 (BNP): India’s quick commerce sector is gaining remarkable momentum, with rapid expansion over the past two years positioning it as one of the fastest-growing segments in the country’s digital economy. A recent report suggests the market could reach as much as $65–70 billion by 2030 if current trends continue. The segment, built around delivering groceries and daily essentials within minutes, has…
AU Small Finance Bank raises rates on Savings Accounts, FDs and RDs
India, April 24: AU Small Finance Bank India’s largest Small Finance Bank, today announced an upward revision in interest rates across Savings Accounts, Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits Senior citizens will now earn up to 7.75% p.a. on term deposits, while Savings Account rates have been revised to a peak of 6.75% p.a. The revised rates are effective April 23, 2026. For regular customers, FD…
Aurafest Launches Pranom and SOAM in Mumbai: Premium Incense Collections Now Available Nationwide
Mumbai, Apr 24: Aurafest, the premium Indian lifestyle company founded by serial entrepreneur Sumit Govind Sharma and home décor specialist Manojkumar Sharma, held a formal launch event at Eve, Santacruz, Mumbai, to celebrate the debut of its two brands — Pranom and SOAM — and the wider availability of its prized incense stick collection across India. The evening brought together media, lifestyle tastemakers, and creative community members in an immersive brand experience that placed Indian artisanship, fragrance, and heritage at its centre. The launch marks a…
Kerala Grameena Bank sets its sights on a INR 1 lakh crore milestone for FY26-27, charting a bold path for growth, innovation and inclusive rural banking
Apr 24: Kerala Grameena Bank (KGB), sponsored by Canara Bank has unveiled an ambitious strategic roadmap for the financial year 2026–27, setting a target to achieve ₹1 lakh crore in total business. The roadmap was discussed and formalised during a high-level Strategic Meet of the Board of Directors held on Tuesday, 21st April 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram. The Bank aligned its business growth targets with the…