Mumbai, Apr 10:  Network Advertising has conceptualised and executed a new campaign for Reliance Jewels for the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, featuring actors Gajraj Rao and Pratibha Ranta from Laapataa Ladies fame.

At the heart of the campaign lies a simple yet culturally resonant father–daughter exchange, capturing a meaningful shift in consumer behavior. Moving beyond traditional notions of ritualistic gold buying, the film reflects how a new generation is approaching gold with a more informed, value-led mindset.

The campaign anchored around the idea of ‘Shubh Akshaya Tritiya, Smart Akshaya Tritiya’, repositions gold not just as an auspicious purchase, but as a smart, wearable investment, especially given the gold price volatility. By blending emotion with evolving financial sensibilities, the narrative makes the age-old tradition more relevant to today’s consumers.

The film uses light, relatable storytelling to highlight how younger buyers are increasingly viewing gold through a dual lens – one of cultural significance and another of tangible value. Reliance Jewels, through this campaign, bridges this generational perspective by offering jewellery that align with both sentiment and smart investing.

“We wanted to convey the amazing offers on Akshaya Tritiya, through subtle storytelling. The classic old micro slice-of-life way. Scripting was a key to strike a balance between everyday conversation and brand speak. And since we had the amazing Gajraj Rao and a charming Pratibha Ranta, we were confident, they would pull it off with believable ease.” said Shayondeep Pal, Chief Creative Officer, Network Advertising.

“Akshaya Tritiya has always been about tradition and belief. What’s changing is the way that belief is being expressed. Today, it’s less about following a ritual blindly and more about making a considered choice. This campaign reflects that transition, positioning gold as both culturally rooted and thoughtfully relevant.” said Rohan Nair, Executive Vice President – Digital, Network Advertising.

The campaign is amplified across TV; print, OOH, digital and social platforms, targeting younger audiences while retaining its appeal for traditional consumers.

Strong execution of urban infrastructure projects drives major improvements in water supply and city living standards

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/MohanMOdisha

Odisha has achieved a major national milestone by securing the top position in India for overall performance under AMRUT 2.0, marking a significant step forward in its urban development journey. The recognition highlights the state’s strong execution capacity and consistent focus on improving essential urban services, particularly drinking water supply and infrastructure.

Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0), Odisha has emerged as one of the most efficiently performing states, demonstrating effective planning, timely implementation, and large-scale impact across its urban areas.

Large-scale implementation across 89 urban bodies

The AMRUT 2.0 programme in Odisha covers 89 urban local bodies, where 345 projects have been taken up with an overall investment of more than ₹4,030 crore. These projects focus primarily on strengthening water supply systems, upgrading urban infrastructure, and improving essential civic services.

The state’s performance has been driven by its ability to execute projects efficiently on the ground, ensuring that planned infrastructure translates into real, visible improvements in cities and towns.

Major boost to clean drinking water access

One of the most significant outcomes of these initiatives has been the improvement in access to safe and clean drinking water. Several modern water treatment facilities have been made operational in key urban centres, enhancing both water quality and supply reliability.

As a result, more than five lakh urban residents have directly benefited from improved drinking water infrastructure, marking a meaningful improvement in daily living conditions across the state.

Rapid expansion of household tap connections

Alongside large infrastructure upgrades, Odisha has also focused on improving last-mile water connectivity. More than 2.7 lakh households have been provided with direct tap water connections, ensuring that clean water reaches homes more efficiently and consistently.

This expansion has reduced dependence on traditional water sources and significantly improved convenience and hygiene for urban families across multiple cities.

Efficient execution driving urban transformation

Odisha’s top ranking under AMRUT 2.0 reflects not only investment levels but also strong governance and execution efficiency. Coordinated efforts between urban local bodies and implementing agencies have ensured steady project progress and timely completion.

The improvement in water supply systems and urban infrastructure is gradually reshaping cities, making them more livable, sustainable, and better prepared for future growth.

Strengthening the foundation of sustainable cities

AMRUT 2.0 aims to create long-term urban sustainability through improved water security, better infrastructure, and efficient service delivery. Odisha’s performance demonstrates how focused implementation can translate policy into real-world impact.

With continued work under progress, the state is moving steadily toward building more resilient and citizen-friendly urban spaces.

Conclusion

Odisha’s achievement as the top performer under AMRUT 2.0 reflects a clear success story in urban transformation. Through large-scale water infrastructure development, improved household connectivity, and efficient execution, the state has significantly enhanced the quality of urban life.

This milestone highlights how strong planning and effective implementation can drive meaningful change in cities, setting a benchmark for urban development across the country.

India, Apr 10:  India leads the world in AI talent acquisition, with an annual hiring rate of about 33%, according to the Stanford HAI 2025 AI Index Report. With over 65% of its population under 35, India has the opportunity to reskill its workforce and integrate AI in a gradual, inclusive, and productivity-enhancing manner. This is the foundation of a strategic argument that a high-powered gathering in Midtown Manhattan made formal: India is not a spectator in the global AI race. It is, increasingly, the player the world is watching. 

The Consulate General of India, New York hosted an invite-only roundtable on April 7, 2026, organized in collaboration with NASSCOM and CambrianEdge.ai. The discussion brought together five senior leaders to examine how a nation with the world’s youngest major workforce and its deepest AI optimism converts that advantage into irreversible momentum. 

Forbes Contributor Anjalee Khemlani moderated the panel titled “India-U.S. Trade Opportunities in Software Services: Focusing on India’s Demographic Dividend & Emerging Opportunities in the AI Age” . Panelists include Harjiv Singh, Founder & CEO, CambrianEdge.ai; Mayank Gautam, Director of Global Trade, NASSCOM; Sree Srinivasan, Co-founder & CEO, DigiMentors; Rostow Ravanan, Chairman & CEO, Alfahive. 

AI business adoption globally jumped from 55% to 78% of organizations in a single year, according to Stanford HAI’s 2025 report. The tools are everywhere. The fluency is not. The panel’s central argument: India’s young, English-speaking, technically educated population sees AI the way a previous generation saw the internet, not as a threat to be managed, but as an infrastructure to be mastered. 

Mayank Gautam, Director Global Trade of NASSCOM gave the room its clearest frame: “AI is the biggest opportunity for democratization of this generation.” 

“Every company, every single one, needs to ask itself one question right now: are your people AI-literate? Not eventually. Today.” – Harjiv Singh, Founder & CEO, CambrianEdge.ai 

Sree Srinivasan, Co-founder & CEO of DigiMentors, brought the most concrete technology signal of the evening. The rise of “vibe coding,” building functional, deployable applications through natural language without writing every line of code, has collapsed the barrier between having an idea and shipping a product. For India’s developer community, already the second-largest contributor to global AI projects on GitHub at 19.9%, this is not an incremental shift. It is a structural expansion of what Indian builders can create, and how fast. 

Rostow Ravanan, Chairman & CEO of Alfahive, grounded the ambition with the challenge that will define whether the dividend compounds or stalls. Investment in AI is accelerating sharply, but the infrastructure required to support it at scale, from power and connectivity to regulatory coherence and deep talent pipelines, must keep pace. The Deloitte-NASSCOM report projects India’s AI talent demand will more than double from 650,000 to 1.25 million professionals by 2027, with the AI market expected to grow at 25-35%, signaling an urgent need for upskilling at scale. 

India’s demographic dividend, a median age of 28 and a government that has already enrolled over 16 lakh candidates in AI and digital fluency programmes through FutureSkills PRIME, is not a promise. It is a platform. The panel’s verdict: the training is underway. The urgency is to accelerate it. 

Moderator Anjalee Khemlani closed with the frame that captured the evening: “AI has become an inescapable reality. If we are note finding our place in this new economy now, we will lose our footing. How we choose to do this as a society will define how we exist for future generations.” 

One of the first firms to showcase its belief in the UAE through multi-emirate OOH tributes, new projects, and a zero-layoffs policy.

DUBAI, UAE — Apr 10 — BNW Developments has unveiled prominent installations in both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, serving as a visual tribute to the leadership of the UAE and a public reaffirmation of the nation’s enduring resilience.

The installation along Al Khail Road in Dubai features His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Simultaneously, the developer has unveiled a dedicated tribute in Ras Al Khaimah featuring His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

As one of the UAE’s fastest-growing developers, BNW’s growth has been built on the country’s foundation of stability and ambition. These installations are a statement of intent, aligning the developer’s trajectory with the UAE’s wider vision for the future.

At a time when global markets face uncertainty, BNW is proving that nothing is stopping its momentum. Following the recent launch of its latest landmark project, Orvessa Residences by Michel Adam in Dubai, the firm is demonstrating its conviction through tangible action.

Furthermore, while many industries have tightened operations, BNW has maintained a strict “zero layoffs” policy, choosing instead to invest in its human capital. The company continues to roll out internal promotions and is actively expanding its footprint, recently welcoming a wave of new senior management leadership to steer its next phase of development.

“The UAE provides more than just a platform for business; it provides a sense of certainty,” said Dr. (CA) Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman and Founder of BNW Developments. “This tribute is rooted in a genuine belief in the resilience that defines this nation. We chose to build here because the leadership’s clarity makes the impossible feel like a standard.

“Our internal growth—retaining every member of our team and expanding our leadership suite—is a direct result of the confidence we have in this market. We aren’t just building structures; we are building a legacy that mirrors the grit of the UAE. This is our way of acknowledging the inspiration that fuels our own progress.”

The Al Khail and Ras Al Khaimah installations underscore BNW’s commitment to the region, moving beyond real estate to reflect a deeper investment in the national identity. For BNW, business continuity and national pride are not separate; they are the same mission.

Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with My Travel Bazaar, marking a significant step forward in enhancing its offerings through an integrated platform for airline booking, hotel reservations, railway ticketing, and end-to-end hospitality and travel experiences. With access to a network of over 20,000 travel agents, this collaboration is set to significantly expand reach and service capabilities in the B2B segment. 

The collaboration was formalized following a productive meeting between Chairman Vinod Kumar Tripathi and the leadership team of My Travel Bazaar, including Co-founder Bhavesh Oza. This partnership brings together two organizations that share a commitment to quality service, customer-centric solutions, and sustainable growth. 

With Eco Hotels and Resorts’ focus on eco-conscious hospitality and My Travel Bazaar’s expertise in travel technology and distribution, the alliance aims to create seamless experiences for travelers. From curated stays to efficient travel planning, the partnership is designed to deliver greater convenience, value, and reliability to customers, particularly within the B2B ecosystem. 

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman of Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited, said: “This partnership with My Travel Bazaar marks an important milestone in our growth journey. By combining our strengths in hospitality with their expertise in travel services and distribution, we aim to create a more integrated and seamless experience for our customers. We believe this collaboration will not only enhance value but also set new benchmarks in service excellence and sustainable growth.” 

This partnership reflects a shared ambition to innovate within the hospitality and travel sectors, ensuring that customers benefit from integrated services tailored to evolving travel needs. Eco Hotels and Resorts looks forward to building a strong and sustainable relationship with My Travel Bazaar, paving the way for continued growth and excellence in the industry. 

Eco Hotels & Resorts Limited extends its sincere appreciation to Bhavesh Oza and the entire My Travel Bazaar team for their trust and collaboration. The company looks forward to building a strong and mutually rewarding partnership.

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): Silver prices saw a noticeable dip on Friday, reflecting a cautious mood among traders. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver futures for May delivery dropped by ₹3,549, settling at ₹2,40,219 per kilogram—a decline of 1.46%.

Market activity showed moderate participation, with a turnover of 1,718 lots. According to analysts, the fall was largely driven by traders scaling back their positions, leading to a wave of selling pressure in the market.

This pullback suggests a shift in sentiment, as participants appear to be booking profits or adopting a wait-and-watch approach amid uncertain market cues. While such fluctuations are common in commodity markets, the sharp drop highlights how quickly prices can react to changes in trader confidence.

For investors, the movement serves as a reminder of the volatility in precious metals, where prices are often influenced not just by demand and supply, but also by broader market sentiment.

Apr 10 (BNP): In a key leadership move, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has announced the appointment of Sanjay Khanna as its new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD). The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet following recommendations from the selection panel under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Currently serving as Director (Refineries), Khanna brings years of hands-on experience in refinery operations and large-scale project execution. He will take charge from the date he assumes office and is set to lead the company until his retirement on May 31, 2029, unless directed otherwise.

His elevation comes at a time when BPCL is navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape. With a strong technical and operational background, Khanna is expected to steer the company toward greater efficiency, expansion in petrochemicals, and a sharper focus on value-added products.

Beyond strategy, his leadership is likely to play a crucial role in balancing business growth with sustainability goals—an increasingly important priority for energy companies in India and globally.

As BPCL continues its transition amid evolving energy demands, Khanna’s appointment signals continuity in expertise while aiming for forward-looking growth and long-term energy security.