New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): Silver prices gained in futures trade on Thursday, rising 0.82% to ₹2,53,800 per kilogram, supported by fresh buying interest and global market uncertainty. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver contracts for May delivery advanced by ₹2,058 per kg, with a total trading volume of 2,095 lots during the session. Market participants attributed the rise to renewed position-building activity, as…
Unemployment Edges Up to 5.1 pc in March, Urban Areas Drive Rise
New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above rose to 5.1% in March 2026, up from 4.9% in the previous month, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin released by the statistics ministry. The increase was largely driven by rising joblessness in urban areas, where the unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in March, compared…
India Steps Up Biogas Blending in CGD Networks Amid Global LNG Supply Pressure
Apr 16 (BNP): India is accelerating the integration of compressed biogas (CBG) into city gas distribution (CGD) networks as global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies tighten amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The move reflects a broader push to strengthen domestic energy security and reduce dependence on imported natural gas. The government has shifted from a voluntary adoption model to a structured mandate under…
India, US Advance Trade Talks as Envoy Meets US Officials in Washington
Washington, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held meetings with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and former US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, as both countries continue discussions on a proposed bilateral trade agreement. The meetings come at a time when India and the US are working to refine the details of their bilateral trade framework, aimed at strengthening…
WEF Highlights Middle Income Economies as Growth Engine
Apr 16 (BNP): Middle-income economies are poised to become the primary drivers of global economic growth in the coming years, even as the world economy continues to face a range of new and evolving challenges, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). The outlook highlights that these economies are gaining importance due to strong demographic trends, expanding industrial capacity, and rising domestic consumption. Together, these…
Indian investors now hold 50.3 Percent stake, strengthening local ownership
Paytm, India’s full stack merchant payments leader serving MSMEs and enterprises, and a leading financial services distribution company, and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox, today announced that it has become an Indian Owned and Controlled Company (IOCC). As per the shareholding pattern for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, domestic investors now hold 50.3% of the Company’s equity share capital, establishing…
Rupee Rises 6 Paise to 93.27 as Crude Oil Eases, Dollar Weakens
Mumbai, April 16 (BNP): The Indian rupee strengthened in early trade on Thursday, appreciating by 6 paise to 93.27 against the US dollar, supported by easing crude oil prices and a softer American currency. The domestic currency opened at 93.29 per dollar at the interbank foreign exchange market and later firmed to 93.27 in early deals. Market sentiment was buoyed by a decline in global…
Study Explores Why Fasting Can Lead to a Longer Lifespan
DALLAS, April 16: Restricting calories has long been recognized as a powerful way to live longer, with periods of intermittent fasting proving more effective than a steady diet. However, the mechanism behind this phenomenon has been unclear. Research led by UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists and published in Nature Communications suggests it’s not the fast itself that extends life, but how the body metabolically pivots during refeeding after…
Adani Wind Unveils 5 MW Turbine Prototype in Mundra, Strengthening India’s Clean Energy Ambitions
Gujarat, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s clean energy sector received a boost as Adani Wind commissioned a 5 MW wind turbine prototype at Mundra, marking a significant step in domestic renewable energy innovation. Pic Credit: Pexel The prototype is among the largest wind turbines developed in India and is expected to enhance power generation efficiency while lowering the cost of wind energy. The project reflects the company’s…
India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports Slip in FY26, but New Markets Offer Hope
New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s gem and jewellery exports saw a slight decline in FY26, as global trade challenges and tariff pressures weighed on demand. However, the industry showed resilience by expanding into new markets and adapting to changing conditions. Pic Credit: Pexel Exports during the year stood at $27.72 billion, reflecting a modest drop compared to the previous year in dollar terms, even…