India Revises CAFE 2027 Fuel Efficiency Norms, Shifts to Phased Compliance Framework

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): The government has proposed revised fuel efficiency standards under CAFE 2027, moving away from a strict target-based system to a phased and more flexible compliance approach, according to a draft prepared by the Ministry of Power in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The updated framework introduces a flatter compliance curve, aimed at creating a more balanced system…

Rising Energy Costs to Pressure Cement Makers’ Margins by Up to 200 bps: Crisil

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Rising energy costs are expected to weigh on the profitability of cement manufacturers, potentially compressing operating margins by up to 200 basis points, according to a report by Crisil. The report noted that higher fuel and power expenses remain a key concern for the sector, even as demand conditions stay relatively stable. Cement production is energy-intensive, making manufacturers particularly sensitive…

Gold Slips in Futures Market Amid Weak Demand

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Gold prices declined on Monday, slipping by ₹602 to ₹1,52,050 per 10 grams in futures trading, as weak spot demand weighed on sentiment. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold contracts for June delivery were trading lower by 0.39% at ₹1,52,050 per 10 grams, with a total business turnover of 1,491 lots. Analysts said the decline in prices was largely…

MK Cafe Launches at Al Manara Centre, Dubai

Dubai, Apr 13: Emirati athlete and entrepreneur Musa Khalfan has announced the launch of MK Cafe, a modern café concept designed to deliver quality, efficiency, and consistency for today’s fast-paced lifestyles. Located at Dubai Court within Al Manara Centre, the café offers a refined yet accessible experience rooted in real, everyday needs rather than fleeting trends.  Open daily from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, MK…

Vikram Solar Reaches 10 GW in Global Solar Installations

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Vikram Solar on Monday announced that it has surpassed 10 GW in cumulative global solar module deployments, marking a key milestone in its growth journey in the renewable energy sector. The achievement is equivalent to more than 25 million solar modules installed worldwide and is capable of powering over 5 million households in India, according to a company statement. The…

BTM Energy Storage Market in India Projected to Hit 39 GWh by 2033

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): India’s energy storage sector is expected to see strong growth over the next decade, with the Behind-the-Meter (BTM) stationary storage market projected to rise significantly, according to a report by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA). The report estimates that annual demand for BTM storage systems will increase from about 32 GWh in 2025 to over 39 GWh by 2033,…

transcosmos and transcosmos online communications support Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, in upgrading its LINE official account into a multilingual platform

Tokyo, Japan, Apr 13: On March 30, 2026, transcosmos and transcosmos online communications began offering an automated message translation feature of KANAMETO—a LINE-powered Government DX tool—to Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, as part of the city’s existing KANAMETO services to support the implementation of multilingual functionality on the city’s LINE official account.   Kumamoto City began using a LINE official account in 2018 and has since…

Bengaluru’s Water Stress Brings India’s Plumbing & Water Industry to the Forefront at PlumbexIndia 2026

Bengaluru, Apr 13: As Indian cities grapple with mounting water stress, PlumbexIndia 2026, India’s largest platform dedicated to water, plumbing and sanitation, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, engineers and innovators in Bengaluru from 16th to 18th April at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru. Organised by the Indian Plumbing Association, the event comes at a time when cities such as Bengaluru face acute pressure…

LPG Shortage Hits Catering Sector Amid Wedding Season; Iran War Disrupts Supply Chain

Bhubaneswar, Apr 13 (BNP): The ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is beginning to severely impact banquet halls and catering services during the peak wedding season, raising concerns over rising food costs and service disruptions. Industry sources say the rationing of commercial LPG supply has significantly affected large-scale cooking operations, forcing caterers to cut menus, delay bookings, or seek alternative fuel sources. In several cases,…

Blancpain Unveils the Villeret “Golden Hour” Collection in IndiaAn ode to timeless elegance, reimagined for a new era of collectors

Hyderabad, Apr 13: Swiss Haute Horlogerie maison Blancpain announces the Hyderabad launch of its latest Villeret “Golden Hour” collection, with an exclusive launch event in partnership with Kamal Watch Co., Hyderabad, on April 10, 2026. Marking a significant moment for the brand in the Indian luxury landscape, the collection will also be available across five select points of sale (POS) retailers nationwide.   Rooted in Blancpain’s…