Archives April 2026

New Delhi, Apr 27 (BNP): The Indian rupee continued to weaken on Monday, slipping 11 paise to 94.27 against the US dollar in early trade, as global headwinds kept pressure on the domestic currency.

The decline marks the fifth straight session of losses, driven by a combination of rising crude oil prices, sustained foreign fund outflows, and heightened geopolitical tensions. These factors have increased demand for the US dollar while dampening sentiment toward emerging market currencies.

A major concern remains the surge in Brent crude, which has crossed the $106-per-barrel mark. Higher oil prices raise India’s import costs, leading to greater dollar demand from oil companies and putting additional strain on the rupee.

Foreign institutional investors have also continued to pare their holdings in Indian equities, reflecting caution in global markets and a tilt toward safer assets. This trend has further weighed on the currency.

Despite the pressure on the rupee, domestic equity markets showed resilience. The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 both traded higher in early deals, supported by selective buying in heavyweight stocks.

The contrasting movement highlights a divergence between currency and equity markets. While equities are responding to domestic cues and sectoral strength, the rupee remains sensitive to external risks.

Going ahead, the currency’s movement will depend largely on global oil price trends, geopolitical developments, and the direction of foreign capital flows.

New Delhi, Apr 27 (BNP): India’s leather industry is poised for significant expansion, with projections to reach $50 billion by 2030, driven by the recently concluded free trade agreement with New Zealand and a strategic move toward value-added manufacturing.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the agreement will provide a major boost to exports by eliminating tariffs on all Indian goods from the date of implementation. Notably, duties on leather and footwear—earlier pegged at around 5%—will be brought down to zero, enhancing India’s competitiveness in international markets.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay underscored the strong synergy between the two economies during an industry outreach event in Agra. The partnership is expected to combine New Zealand’s raw material strength with India’s manufacturing scale and expertise.

Agra remains central to this vision, accounting for nearly three-fourths of India’s leather footwear output and holding a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Policymakers and industry leaders are positioning the city as a global sourcing hub, capable of driving exports and employment generation.

Beyond tariff cuts, the agreement spans a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, education, and traditional medicine. Industry participants have welcomed provisions aimed at faster regulatory approvals and reduced compliance burdens, particularly through recognition of global standards.

The pact also places emphasis on talent mobility and deeper people-to-people engagement, opening new opportunities for professionals and students in both countries.

Overall, the India–New Zealand FTA is being viewed as a comprehensive and forward-looking framework that not only strengthens bilateral trade but also supports India’s ambition to move up the global value chain in manufacturing.

New Dehi, Apr 27 (BNP): India’s push for energy security is shaping up to be a long-term investment theme, likely to drive a broad-based capital expenditure cycle across the sector, according to 360 ONE Capital Markets.

The brokerage noted that evolving geopolitical risks, particularly in West Asia, are reinforcing the country’s focus on resilience, reliability, and reduced dependence on imports. This shift is expected to accelerate investments across key segments such as power generation, transmission infrastructure, energy storage, and fuel substitution.

Importantly, the policy narrative is undergoing a transition—from prioritising affordability and decarbonisation to ensuring supply security and self-reliance. This realignment is creating fresh opportunities across the entire energy value chain.

Although many energy stocks have already seen strong gains and are trading near their target levels, the brokerage believes the structural story remains intact. It recommends that long-term investors consider building positions selectively during market corrections.

Overall, energy security is increasingly being viewed not just as a policy necessity but as a defining driver of India’s infrastructure and investment growth in the years ahead.

New Delhi, Apr 27 (BNP): Indian equity markets opened on a strong note Monday, recovering after three consecutive sessions of losses, even as rising crude prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions weighed on global sentiment.

The BSE Sensex surged by over 500 points in early trade, reaching around 77,200, while the NSE Nifty 50 moved past the psychologically important 24,000 mark, gaining nearly 170 points.

The rebound was largely supported by buying interest in heavyweight stocks, particularly Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, which saw its shares rise sharply. The rally followed the company’s announcement of a major acquisition deal involving US-based Organon & Co.. The transaction, valued at approximately $11.75 billion, is structured as an all-cash deal and is expected to strengthen Sun Pharma’s global presence.

Market sentiment also improved in line with positive cues from international equity markets, where investors showed resilience despite concerns over elevated crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainties.

Overall, the early gains suggest a cautious return of investor confidence, although volatility may persist given the broader global risk environment.

Roorkee, Uttarakhand Apr 27: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, in collaboration with Swadeshi Shodh Sansthan, successfully inaugurated the International Conference on “Vision 2047: Prosperous and Great Bharat 2.0” at its Convocation Hall, bringing together eminent academicians, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on India’s developmental roadmap.

The inaugural session commenced with the formal welcome of distinguished dignitaries on the dais, graced by Shri Kavinder Gupta Ji, Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. A cordial welcome is also extended to the esteemed guests on the dais including Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee; Prof. U. P. Singh, Deputy Director, IIT Roorkee; Prof. N. P. Padhy, Director, MNIT Jaipur; Prof. Somnath Sachdeva, Executive Chairperson, Swadeshi Shodh Sansthan; Prof. Ajit Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, Banaras Hindu University; and Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Vice Chancellor, Doon University whose distinguished presence adds great value to the gathering.

The programme began with the rendition of the National Anthem, Kulgeet, and ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by the felicitation of guests. In his welcome address, Prof. K. K. Pant highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between academia, governance, and industry in shaping a self-reliant and prosperous India by 2047. He also stressed on guiding quality product development driven research leading to entrepreneurial innovation with the support from Industry. Prof. Somnath Sachdeva delivered the thematic introduction, setting the tone for discussions on national growth, innovation, and policy reforms. A key highlight of the inaugural session was the introduction and launch of the National Employment Policy, reflecting a forward-looking approach toward employment generation and economic resilience.

The event featured a series of impactful addresses, including a virtual address by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Science and Technology, and a keynote address by Shri Satish Kumar Ji from Swadeshi Jagran Manch. Shri Upendra Rai, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Express News Network, and Prof. Ajit Chaturvedi also shared their perspectives on nation-building and higher education. Shri K. N. Raghunandan Ji addressed the gathering on the role of educational institutions in national development, followed by a virtual address by Shri J. P. Nadda, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare.

The Chief Guest, Shri Kavinder Gupta Ji, delivered a comprehensive address emphasizing India’s growth trajectory and the importance of integrated policy frameworks to achieve the vision of a developed nation by 2047.

The conference witnessed participation from over 100 institutions across India and abroad, with focused deliberations aligned to the Vision 2047 agenda-emphasizing inclusive economic growth, technological innovation, employment generation, sustainable development, and India’s emergence as a globally competitive and self-reliant nation.

The inaugural function was marked by a vibrant blend of academic depth and ceremonial significance, creating a dynamic platform for dialogue between policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders. The launch of the National Employment Policy emerged as a key highlight, sparking discussions on future-ready skills and workforce transformation in line with the Vision 2047 roadmap. The presence of distinguished dignitaries, insightful addresses, and the unveiling of forward-looking initiatives collectively set an inspiring tone for the conference, encouraging meaningful exchanges on innovation, governance, and nation-building.

The dignitaries also participated in the physical inauguration of the Center for Precision Manufacturing-an initiative supported by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), Severn, Forvia HELLA, iHub Divyasampark, ICAT, OMRON, and other industry partners-marking a significant milestone in the institute’s infrastructure development. The facilities inaugurated under this initiative have been developed under the guidance and leadership of Prof. Akshay Dvivedi, whose efforts have been instrumental in establishing these advanced research capabilities.

During the visit, the dignitaries also toured the Electric Vehicle (EV) Laboratory at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, where they inspected advanced equipment and ongoing research facilities. The delegation was presented with an innovative “Accessible Mobility Vehicle for Divyangjan,” manufactured by Yali Mobility in collaboration with AARTI Foundation, IIT Roorkee, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), and International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT). The vehicle showcases inclusive design and technological innovation aimed at enhancing mobility solutions for persons with disabilities.

The conference also featured an engaging exhibition segment where several startups showcased their cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, highlighting the role of entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises in driving the Vision 2047 agenda of innovation-led growth and self-reliance.

The inaugural ceremony set a strong foundation for the conference, which aims to promote innovation, and actionable strategies toward building a prosperous and globally competitive Bharat.

Damascus, Apr 27 — Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C., listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange, has signed an agreement to invest in Shahba Bank through its subsidiary Estithmar Capital. Under the deal, concluded this morning in Damascus, Masaref Holding, a subsidiary of Estithmar Capital, takes a 49% stake in Shahba Bank, marking a further step in Estithmar Holding’s regional expansion and deepening exposure to the financial services sector.

Masaref Holding LLC signed the agreement with representatives of Bemo Saudi Fransi Bank and Ahli Trust Bank.

The transaction forms part of Estithmar Holding’s strategy to diversify its portfolio and enter high-potential markets through targeted investments that support long-term growth, contribute to economic development in its operating geographies, and deliver sustainable value to shareholders. The move is expected to enable Masaref Holding to capitalize on opportunities in the Syrian market while supporting Shahba Bank’s growth and development plans, enhancing its operational efficiency and competitive positioning.

Commenting on the agreement, Juan Leon, Holding Chief Executive Officer of Estithmar Holding, said: “This transaction marks an important milestone in Estithmar Holding’s journey to expand its presence in the regional financial sector. It also reflects our commitment to contributing to the recovery of the Syrian economy and supporting its path towards renewed prosperity and relevance. Taking a significant stake in Shahba Bank aligns with our strategy to build a diversified investment platform that delivers sustainable growth and creates added value for our shareholders, while supporting economic development across the region.”

The agreement represents a key building block in the rehabilitation of Syria’s banking infrastructure and its reintegration with regional and global markets. This includes attracting foreign investment, modernizing the Syrian banking sector and raising its standards, enabling reconstruction efforts, as well as creating employment opportunities and developing national talent.

Fadi Al Faqih, Chief Executive Officer of Estithmar Capital, added: “This step reflects our investment approach of selectively targeting high-potential opportunities. We see Shahba Bank as a promising platform on which to build, enhancing performance and operational efficiency. We look forward to working closely with the management team to support expansion plans and deliver banking services that meet market expectations, strengthening the bank’s competitiveness and standing.”

Estithmar Holding had previously announced the establishment of its latest group, Estithmar Capital, a dedicated platform focused on financial investment management, strengthening corporate governance, and operating within robust compliance and risk management frameworks, reflecting its emphasis on sustainable, disciplined growth.

Estithmar Holding is a Qatari public shareholding company with a market capitalization exceeding $4.8bn. Its shareholder base comprises 4,509 shareholders, including 14% non-Qataris and 86% Qatari nationals, with 29% institutional and global investment funds and 71% individual investors. The Company operates across several sectors, including healthcare, services, real estate development and tourism investments, as well as specialized contracting and industries, in addition to financial investments. It employs more than 28,000 people from over 100 nationalities and has operations spanning more than 10 countries.

Guwahati, April 27: The much-awaited Assamese feature film ‘Moromor Deuta’, based on a celebrated novel by Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia, officially unveiled its trailer, poster, and title track at Jyoti Chitraban on Saturday. The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, along with the cast and crew of the film.

Adapted from one of Dr Saikia’s most popular literary works, originally published in children’s magazine ‘Xophura’ during 1989–90, ‘Moromor Deuta’ carries forward a legacy that has resonated deeply with readers across generations. The film aims to bring this timeless story to the big screen with a fresh contemporary cinematic vision.

The film is slated for a theatrical release on May 15, promising an emotional and nostalgic experience for audiences.

Preeti Saikia, wife of late Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia and Managing Trustee of Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia Children Welfare Trust shared her thoughts, saying:

“It is both a proud and deeply emotional moment to see ‘Moromor Deuta’ brought to life on the big screen. This work was especially meaningful to Dr Saikia, and over the years it has touched countless readers. Watching it find new expression through cinema is truly special, as it carries his legacy forward to a whole new generation of audiences.”

Producer Mamata Mahilary said:

“It has been a deeply meaningful journey to bring such a beloved story to life. We believe ‘Moromor Deuta’ will connect with audiences of all ages and remind them of the beauty of relationships and memories.”

Director Himjyoti Talukdar added:

“Adapting a work of such emotional depth was both a responsibility and an honour. We have tried to retain the soul of the original while presenting it in a way that speaks to today’s audience.”

Director Himjyoti Talukdar previously established his directorial voice with acclaimed works like ‘Calendar’ (2018) and ‘Taarikh’ (2025).

The title track ‘Edin’ features vocals by Bishrut Saikia, with lyrics penned by Ibson Lal Baruah and music composed by Arnab Bashistha.

The main characters of the film are portrayed by a mix of newcomers and experienced actors in Assamese cinema, including Bodhisattva Sharma, Mintu Baruah, Aparna Dutta Choudhury, Arun Nath, Gaurav Bora, and Kul Kuldeep, among others.

With its evocative storytelling, music, and visuals, “Moromor Deuta” is expected to strike a chord with audiences when it releases in theatres on May 15.

Apr 27: SK Group announced it will collaborate with Vietnam to build the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) industry ecosystem and develop core AI infrastructure.

At the Korea–Vietnam Business Forum held in Hanoi on April 23, SK Group signed separate memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Nghe An Provincial Government and Vietnam’s National Innovation Center (NIC) to foster AI ecosystem development.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources of Korea, and Ngo Van Tuan, Minister of Finance of Vietnam.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee and SK Group was signed by Vo Trong Hai, Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee; Choo Hyeong-wook, President & CEO of SK Innovation; and Jung Jai-hun, President & CEO of SK Telecom.

Another MOU between the National Innovation Center (NIC) and SK Group was signed by Vu Quoc Huy, Director General of NIC; Choo Hyeong-wook, President & CEO of SK Innovation; and Jung Jai-hun, President & CEO of SK Telecom.

Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group and Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), also attended the ceremony.

Earlier, at the Korea–Vietnam Summit, the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in future growth sectors such as AI, semiconductors, and energy. SK Group’s MOUs with Vietnam represent this bilateral cooperation being put into action by the private sector.

Through these partnerships, SK Group plans to support Vietnam’s growth as a key partner in its national AI strategy. In addition, building on AI data center development and stable power supply, SK Group is expected to lay the groundwork for the first overseas expansion of its “Korean-style AI full-stack” model, linking AI model development and validation with the rollout of industry-specific AI services.

Joint AIDC feasibility study in Nghe An linked to the Quynh Lap LNG Power Project

SK Innovation and SK Telecom signed an MOU with the Nghe An provincial government to jointly explore developing an AIDC and related infrastructure projects in the region. Nghe An is a major economic hub in north-central Vietnam and has emerged as a fast-growing region for manufacturing, energy and advanced industries, supported by its port and logistics infrastructure.

SK Innovation will explore broad cooperation opportunities in energy solutions, including supplying electricity to the data center and building dedicated generation facilities connected to the Quynh Lap LNG Power Project, for which it was recently selected as the developer.

SK Telecom plans to review options for developing, building, and operating the AIDC while also seeking to secure global demand. The Nghe An provincial government agreed to discuss support measures to help advance the partnership, including permits, administrative procedures, inter-ministerial coordination and incentive programs.

In February, SK Innovation was selected as a developer for the Quynh Lap LNG power project in Nghe An Province, together with PV Power, a power generation subsidiary of Vietnam’s state-owned oil and gas group PVN, and local company NASU. The project is a large-scale energy infrastructure initiative that includes the development of a 1,500-MW gas-fired combined cycle power plant, an LNG terminal, and a dedicated port, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and completion targeted for 2030. From the proposal stage, SK Innovation also presented a model to foster high value-added industries by integrating SK Group’s AI and semiconductor capabilities in areas near the power plant, thereby laying the foundation for the current partnership.

At the forum, the Nghe An government also presented the SK Innovation consortium with the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) for the Quynh Lap Power Project, reaffirming its commitment to the development.

“Drawing on SK Group’s experience in operating large-scale power generation and diverse energy solution businesses, we will ensure the successful development of the local power infrastructure,” said Choo Hyeong-wook, President & CEO of SK Innovation, during a presentation titled “Vietnam’s Economic Leap through AI + Energy Innovation.”

Cooperation with NIC to Build Vietnam’s AI Ecosystem

SK Telecom and SK Innovation also signed a comprehensive MOU with Vietnam’s NIC to support the development of the country’s AI ecosystem.

The two sides agreed to cooperate on AIDC development, energy infrastructure development and the establishment of policy and institutional frameworks to foster the AI industry.

Under the agreement, SK Telecom will support AI ecosystem development in Vietnam through technology collaboration and investment promotion, and SK Innovation will provide energy solutions for AIDCs and related industries. The NIC will provide institutional support, such as coordinating with government agencies, improving regulations and developing policy, while also identifying and connecting local partners to facilitate project execution.

Established in 2019 by the Vietnamese government, NIC serves as the country’s national innovation hub, leading initiatives in AI, semiconductors and investment promotion. SK Group has maintained a close partnership with NIC, including a previous $30 million contribution toward its establishment.

Jung Jai-hun, President and CEO of SK Telecom, said, “AI data centers are key infrastructure that underpins the growth of the AI industry. Building on SK Group’s accumulated capabilities in the development, construction, and operation of AI data centers, we will further refine a collaboration model tailored to the Vietnamese market.”

First Overseas Expansion of Chairman Chey Tae-won’s “AI Full-Stack Provider” Vision

This partnership in Vietnam is significant as it could mark SK Group’s first overseas expansion of the “AI full-stack provider” strategy, integrating capabilities in AIDC, power, and energy solutions.

Chairman Chey Tae-won has consistently articulated his vision of transforming SK Group into an “AI full-stack provider.” Leveraging SK Group’s strengths across the AI value chain—including semiconductors, data centers, power and energy solutions, and AI services—the Group aims to build the most efficient AI infrastructure model.

Under this vision, SK Group is advancing the development of the 100-MW hyperscale “SK AI Data Center Ulsan,” targeted for completion in 2027. The Group has also been laying the groundwork for Korea to emerge as an Asia-Pacific AI hub by engaging in discussions with OpenAI on collaboration for AI data center development in Korea.

Ahead of the Korea–Vietnam Business Forum, Chairman Chey Tae-won said at a business roundtable, “AI will play a critical role in Vietnam’s continued growth. SK Group has a portfolio spanning the entire AI ecosystem—from energy and semiconductors to AI models and applications—and we will leverage this to make tangible contributions to the development of Vietnam’s AI industry.”

Hyderabad, Apr 26: Bhagwan Mahavir Jain Relief Foundation Trust (BMJRFT) has once again set a benchmark in affordable healthcare by replacing 129 dialysis machines worth ₹12 crore through donor support, further strengthening its mission of providing low-cost dialysis services.

BMJRFT has revolutionised access to dialysis by offering treatment at just ₹300 per session, compared to ₹2,500–₹5,000 typically charged in corporate hospitals. This initiative has significantly reduced the financial burden on patients while ensuring quality care.

Typically, dialysis machines have a lifespan of around 20,000 sessions or 5–7 years, depending on safety standards and performance audits. However, through efficient management and maintenance, BMJRFT has extended the life of its machines to 30,000–35,000 sessions. When the Trust decided to replace the machines, it was able to mobilise donor support within a week, reflecting the strong trust and goodwill it enjoys.

To honour this generosity, the Trust organised a Felicitation Ceremony for Donors of 129 Dialysis Machines on Saturday night at Marvel Imperial Garden, Secunderabad.

Praveen Kumar, Executive Director NMDC LIMITED and SMT KASARANENI DAMAYANTHI I.A.S (Retd.) were the guests at the felicitation

Among the key contributors, NMDC donated 40 machines worth ₹3.5 crore under its CSR initiative. Shivprakash Bansal, philanthropist and industrialist, contributed 16 machines and also pledged an annual donation of ₹50 lakh to support the Trust’s working capital needs.

Some of the big donors, such as Kailash Charan, Builder & Jeweller and the owner of Imperial Garden and P. Narendra, CEO -Pragati Offset Pvt Ltd, were also honoured

 Other prominent donors include Pokarna Engineered Stone Ltd and a well-wisher (8 machines each), PL Raju Construction (3 machines), and Sirisha Projects Pvt Ltd (2 machines).

Additional contributions came from Hariom Pipe Industries Limited, Goutam Chand and Santosh Bokadia (Chennai), and several individual donors, including members associated with Swastik Spices, as well as families such as that of Harish Gandhi Linga and Café Niloufer, each contributing one or more machines. In total, these contributions amount to 129 dialysis machines.

Delivering the welcome address, Trust Chairman P. C. Parakh, a former IAS officer, said that the ability to mobilise resources for replacing 129 machines within a short time reflects the confidence people have in BMJRFT’s work. Despite rising inflation and increasing costs of medicines, the Trust continues to provide dialysis at ₹300 per session, saving an estimated ₹200 crore in dialysis costs and an additional ₹100 crore in medicines for patients. He added that upgrading machines is not just a technical improvement but an enhancement of dignity in patient care, and expressed gratitude to NMDC and all donors.

Currently, BMJRFT performs around 600 dialysis sessions per day and approximately 15,000 sessions per month across 11 centres. The Trust has completed over 18 lakh dialysis sessions in 17 years and is expected to reach 20 lakh sessions by April–May next year.