Business Bureau

The Reserve Bank of India has kept key policy rates and its stance unchanged, in line with expectations, according to Upasna Bhardwaj, Chief Economist at Kotak Mahindra Bank. Reacting to the latest monetary policy, Bhardwaj said recent measures, including restrictions on offshore speculative activity and easing geopolitical tensions, have provided some relief to the Indian rupee. This, she noted, gives the central bank room to better assess the evolving impact on growth and inflation, as well as the persistence of the balance of payments (BOP) deficit. She added that the RBI is expected to remain firmly data-dependent amid the current…

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited has activated a nationwide supply and enforcement mechanism to manage a temporary surge in fuel and LPG demand across select markets, the company said on April 8. In the first week of April, HPCL recorded fuel sales of 2,64,548 KL of  Petrol  and 4,77,030 KL of Diesel between April 1 and 7. To meet rising demand, the company dispatched 48,099 tankers carrying petrol, diesel and subsidised kerosene, ensuring steady replenishment across its retail network. The LPG segment also operated at full capacity, with 89 lakh cylinders delivered during the same period. HPCL enhanced last-mile access by…

A recent assessment by TATA AIG General Insurance has flagged a widening gap between increasing health risks and financial preparedness in India, raising concerns on World Health Day. The findings show that serious illnesses, particularly heart disease, are increasingly affecting younger populations, while financial readiness remains alarmingly low. According to a survey conducted among doctors, 59% said that fewer than 40% of heart disease patients are financially prepared for advanced treatment. The situation is further aggravated by a surge in critical illness claims, with lung cancer cases doubling in 2025. Smoking continues to be the primary cause, linked to over…

Jayant Chaudhary on Wednesday launched a national campaign to build a first-of-its-kind Skills Outcomes Fund, aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for youth from low-income backgrounds by directly linking skilling investments to verified employment outcomes. The proposed fund will be anchored by National Skill Development Corporation under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, with support from industry and philanthropic partners. It seeks to mobilise public and private capital to scale outcomes-based financing (OBF), positioning India as a global leader in this model, as highlighted at the Outcomes Finance Alliance Summit 2026. Addressing a funder roundtable hosted by British Asian…

India’s bridal jewellery segment is witnessing renewed traction ahead of the wedding season, with Tanishq launching its ‘Maithili’ collection under the Rivaah sub-brand, timed with Akshaya Tritiya. The collection, inspired by Madhubani art, reflects a growing market trend of culturally rooted yet contemporary jewellery offerings. Crafted in 18KT gold, the collection features traditional motifs such as lotus, peacock and fish, alongside intricate filigree and rawa craftsmanship. It offers a complete bridal trousseau, including chokers, haars, jhumkas and nathiya. Key innovations include a modular Maang Tikka with detachable elements and a reinterpreted Chudamani—linked to the Ramayana—designed for dual use as a…

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has maintained uninterrupted supply of fuel and LPG across the country despite a recent surge in demand in some regions. Between April 1 and 6, the company recorded petrol sales of 2,27,086 KL and diesel sales of 4,05,398 KL, indicating strong consumption trends. To support this demand, HPCL dispatched 40,215 tankers carrying petrol, diesel and PDS kerosene, ensuring smooth availability across its retail network. In the LPG segment, HPCL delivered 75,18,000 cylinders during the same period. This included 1,45,447 Free Trade LPG cylinders of 5 kg and 13,600 cylinders of 2 kg, aimed at improving…

A new study by Snap Inc. and Kantar India has highlighted how Augmented Reality (AR) is emerging as a powerful tool to counter rising ad fatigue among Gen Z users in India. The report, titled State of AR in India, found that 92% of Indian consumers believe AR will transform how they shop, learn, and connect online. The study shows that AR is delivering stronger engagement compared to traditional formats. AR lenses generate over twice the effectiveness and three times the efficiency in capturing active user attention. Notably, three in five Gen Z users said AR holds their attention longer…

Amid ongoing LPG cylinder shortages across several parts of India, marked by supply delays, refill constraints and longer waiting periods, daily cooking routines have been disrupted for many households. In response, Godrej Jersey, a subsidiary of Godrej Agrovet Limited, has put forward a practical approach to help consumers adapt during the crisis. Through a recent content initiative, the brand is encouraging households to adopt alternative cooking methods using appliances such as microwaves, air fryers and electric kettles. It highlights that meals like pulao, paneer dishes, sandwiches and chaat-style snacks can still be prepared without LPG, promoting flexibility and creativity in…

Tanishq has introduced its ‘Hues’ collection, signalling a broader shift in India’s jewellery consumption pattern towards design-led and value-added segments ahead of Akshaya Tritiya. The move aligns with evolving consumer behaviour, where jewellery is increasingly seen as a form of personal expression rather than solely a store of value. The collection, crafted in 18kt gold, features 100% natural gemstones including emeralds, amethysts, citrines, tourmalines and tanzanites, sourced globally and selected through strict quality standards. Inspired by the vibrance of an Indian summer, ‘Hues’ incorporates sculptural designs, layered colour compositions and cuts such as marquise, tabiz and cabochon. Techniques like bunching…

AAA Conclave 2026 saw participation from leading industry players as Stonelam showcased its design and material expertise at the second edition of the event held in Shillong from April 3 to 5. Centered on the theme “Regionalism in Architecture – A New Paradigm,” the conclave brought together architects, designers, and stakeholders from North-East India and across the country. The event featured exhibitions, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions focusing on the role of regional identity in shaping contemporary architecture. Stonelam used the platform to engage with the architectural community and highlight its capabilities as a comprehensive façade solutions provider. The company…