Archives April 2026

business

Garmin Expands Retail Footprint with Exclusive Experience Store in Connaught Place, Delhi

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Garmin Expands Retail Footprint with Exclusive Experience Store in Connaught Place, Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 20: Garmin, a global leader in GPS-enabled wearables and performance technology, has announced the launch of its Exclusive brand store, marking a significant step in strengthening its retail presence in the region. Located at No. 6, C Block, Middle Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi, the store is designed as an immersive experience centre, bringing together Garmin’s full ecosystem of performance and navigation technologies, enabling consumers to engage with solutions built for endurance, precision, and real-world conditions.

The store will feature Garmin’s complete portfolio of GPS-enabled smartwatches, which includes the Fenix series built for extreme endurance, Forerunner for advanced training insights, Instinct for rugged outdoor use, and the luxury MARQ collection. Wellness-focused ranges such as Venu Series and Vívoactive Series will also be available.

Extending beyond wearables, the store showcases Garmin’s broader ecosystem, including precision-driven golf technologies such as launch monitors and simulators, indoor cycling solutions from the Tacx range, including the Tacx Neo Bike Plus, as well as handheld GPS devices and marine systems designed for navigation in demanding environments.

The store is designed to function as a hands-on environment where consumers can experience how Garmin’s technologies perform across disciplines from endurance training and performance tracking to golf analytics, cycling efficiency, and outdoor navigation in real-world scenarios.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Deepak Raina, Director, AMIT GPS & Navigation LLP, said, “Today’s consumers are moving beyond basic tracking to solutions that deliver accuracy, consistency, and actionable performance insights. With this Exclusive store, we are creating an environment where customers can experience how Garmin’s technologies operate as an integrated ecosystem, supporting everything from everyday fitness to high-performance training and outdoor exploration”.

Garmin’s continued retail expansion aligns with the growing demand for precision-led wearables and performance technology in India through various offline retail channels like its Garmin Exclusive stores, Just in Time, Helios watch, Reliance Digital, Malabar Watches, etc.

In the online space, platforms like Garmin India Website, Amazon and Flipkart driven by a rising base of Healthy Lifestyle enthusiasts, serious fitness enthusiasts, endurance athletes, and outdoor users who prioritise reliability and data accuracy over basic tracking. This expansion also builds on Garmin’s growing ecosystem partnerships in India, including its recent collaboration with Giant Bicycles, further strengthening its presence within the cycling and performance community.

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India’s Economy Remains Resilient, Equities Near Correction Zone: HDFC Securities

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New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): India’s macroeconomic outlook continues to show resilience despite ongoing global uncertainties, even as domestic equity markets appear to be entering a phase of near-term correction, according to a latest assessment by HDFC Securities.

The report observed that India’s growth remains supported by strong domestic demand, steady consumption trends, and continued government-led infrastructure spending. These factors are helping cushion the economy from external shocks such as geopolitical tensions and volatile global commodity prices.

At the same time, the brokerage cautioned that equity markets may be undergoing a valuation reset after a period of sustained upward movement. Elevated valuations in select segments, combined with global risk-off sentiment, are contributing to increased volatility and profit-booking.

Market participants are expected to remain cautious in the near term, with global developments likely to influence sentiment and trigger intermittent corrections.

Despite short-term market fluctuations, the broader economic narrative for India remains constructive, supported by structural drivers such as urban consumption growth, investment activity, and policy stability.

Overall, the outlook highlights a clear divergence between a resilient real economy and a more cautious, volatility-prone equity market environment.

 

business

FTA Partners’ Share in India’s Trade Rises to 28.8 pc: NITI Aayog

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New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): India’s trade engagement with its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners has strengthened, with their share in the country’s overall trade rising to 28.8%, according to an assessment by NITI Aayog.

The report highlights that while trade diversification is gradually improving, India’s export basket remains heavily concentrated in gems and jewellery, indicating continued reliance on a limited range of high-value export products.

Officials noted that FTAs have played a significant role in expanding market access and deepening trade linkages with key global economies. However, the concentration of exports in select sectors underscores the need for broader product diversification to enhance long-term trade resilience.

The findings also suggest that increasing integration with FTA partners is contributing to higher trade volumes, but structural challenges remain in expanding India’s export base across manufacturing and high-technology sectors.

Experts believe that improving export diversification, strengthening manufacturing capabilities, and boosting value-added production will be crucial for sustaining trade growth and reducing dependency on a narrow set of commodities.

Overall, the report points to steady progress in India’s global trade integration, while also highlighting the need for a more balanced and diversified export strategy.

business

STL Launches Neuralis in the US: A High-Performance Data Center Portfolio Engineered for the AI Era

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Business Wire India

STL Optical Connectivity NA, LLC, (STLOC), a U.S. subsidiary of STL (Sterlite Technologies Ltd.) [NSE: STLTECH], a leading connectivity solutions provider for AI-ready digital infrastructure, today announced the U.S. launch of Neuralis, its flagship suite of data center connectivity solutions, at Data Center World 2026 in Washington, D.C.

As AI, hyperscale computing, and edge workloads redefine the digital landscape, STL Neuralis emerges as the “central nervous system” for modern data centers. Drawing its name from the intricate, interconnected pathways of a neural network, STL Neuralis portfolio is designed to provide the seamless connectivity and ultra-high-speed processing power required to sustain today’s most demanding data center environments.

Click here for the video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1E8D2Wyz5o

Neuralis is the result of deep co-creation with STL’s customers, solving density and space challenges for data center builders. With a nationwide presence, STLOC is committed to helping U.S. Data Center operators scale their AI infrastructure with speed, reliability, and high-quality products.

Modern AI data centers are shifting from traditional North-South traffic to intensive East-West traffic patterns, driven by front-end and back-end networks and AI training workloads. Neuralis addresses these challenges by offering a robust, integrated foundation that scales effortlessly.

The STL Neuralis suite is categorized into two mission-critical pillars:

  • Maximizing the AI Whitespace: Utilizing ultra-high-density, MMC and MPO cabling, Neuralis supports the massive fiber counts required by GPU clusters. By moving terminations to the factory, STL reduces onsite labor risks and accelerates deployment timelines.
  • High-Speed Data Center Interconnect (DCI): Engineered for the Data Center campus edge, this infrastructure ensures petabyte-scale data moves seamlessly. The flagship Celesta IBR series leads the industry with ultra-compact cables featuring up to 6,912 rollable ribbon fibers, available in SM A2 fiber with 8,12 & 16F ribbon, designed to withstand the intense thermal and safety demands of AI deployments.

With the launch of STL Neuralis, STL further establishes its unique position as a fully vertically integrated partner with its customers, incorporating the entire lifecycle of connectorization: 

  1. Ultra-Pure Preform: Creating the glass preform from silica.
  2. Fiber Drawing: Precision-pulling fiber to exacting standards.
  3. Advanced Cabling: Integrating fibers into the Celesta IBR series.
  4. Connectorization: Delivering tested, plug-and-play pre-terminated assemblies and associated connectivity hardware.

“AI demands a level of precision and density that traditional cabling simply cannot meet,” said Ankit Agarwal, Managing Director, STL. “With STL Neuralis, we are providing the high-speed, low-latency foundation that allows GPU clusters to perform at their peak, moving complexity out of the field and into a controlled, high-precision factory environment.”

The launch of STL Neuralis marks a significant milestone in STL’s journey to enable customers in North America. By combining its state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities in Lugoff, South Carolina, STL ensures that hyperscalers and Neoclouds providers can build future-ready AI infrastructure that meets the specific demands of the US digital economy.

news

US-Iran Tensions Escalate After Naval Seizure; Peace Talks Remain in Doubt

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Apr20(BNP): Tensions between the United States and Iran have further intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a U.S. Navy destroyer fired on and seized an Iran-flagged cargo vessel attempting to evade a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel reportedly ignored repeated warnings before being disabled and taken into custody by U.S. forces.

The incident marks a major escalation in the ongoing maritime standoff, with U.S. operations reportedly aimed at restricting Iranian shipping activity in the strategically critical waterway, which plays a vital role in global energy supply chains.

In response, Iran has vowed to retaliate once the safety of the vessel’s crew and passengers is ensured, according to state media reports, further heightening regional tensions.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. President Trump indicated that a U.S. delegation, including Vice President JD Vance and senior officials, is expected to travel to Pakistan for renewed peace talks. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has firmly stated that there are “no plans” for negotiations at this stage.

The proposed discussions face several critical sticking points, including the status of Iran’s uranium stockpiles and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions have already impacted global energy flows for weeks. The current ceasefire framework, already strained by mutual accusations of violations, is set to expire soon, adding further uncertainty to the diplomatic process.

The latest developments have raised serious concerns over regional stability, maritime security, and global oil supply, as tensions continue to build in one of the world’s most sensitive strategic corridors.

business

Over 39,000 Users Voluntarily Surrender LPG Connections as PNG Adoption Rises

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New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): A nationwide appeal to encourage a shift towards cleaner cooking fuel has gained strong response, with more than 39,000 piped natural gas (PNG) users voluntarily surrendering their LPG connections, according to official data.

The initiative, aimed at promoting cleaner and more efficient energy usage, is part of the government’s broader push to expand the adoption of piped natural gas as a primary cooking fuel in urban households.

Authorities noted that the growing preference for PNG reflects increasing awareness about convenience, safety, and environmental benefits associated with cleaner fuel alternatives compared to traditional LPG usage.

Officials said the response highlights a gradual behavioural shift among consumers, supported by expanding gas distribution infrastructure and improved last-mile connectivity across cities.

The move is also aligned with India’s long-term energy transition goals, which focus on reducing dependence on high-emission fuels and encouraging cleaner household energy solutions.

Industry observers believe that as PNG networks expand further, more households are likely to transition, supporting both sustainability objectives and energy efficiency targets.

Overall, the trend indicates rising acceptance of cleaner cooking fuel solutions, marking a steady shift in India’s domestic energy consumption patterns.

business

Meesho Allocates Over 94.79 Lakh Shares to Employees Under ESOP Scheme

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New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): E-commerce platform Meesho has allotted 94,79,380 equity shares to eligible employees under its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), reinforcing its focus on employee participation in long-term value creation.

According to a regulatory filing, the allotment was approved by the company’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee through a circular resolution. The shares, with a face value of ₹1 each, have been issued upon the exercise of vested stock options under the company’s ESOP 2024 plan.

The company stated that the newly allotted shares will rank pari passu with existing equity shares, ensuring equal rights for shareholders across all parameters.

With this allotment, Meesho’s issued and paid-up equity capital has increased, reflecting continued expansion in its employee ownership structure as part of its broader talent retention and incentive strategy.

The move highlights the growing trend among Indian new-age technology companies to use stock-based compensation as a key tool to attract, retain, and reward talent in a competitive startup ecosystem.

Overall, the ESOP allotment underscores Meesho’s emphasis on aligning employee interests with long-term business growth and value creation.

 
business

Mindful Strides: Himalaya Wellness Company Unites Delhi in Walk to Champion Mental Health

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Business Wire India

Himalaya Wellness Company hosted the Delhi edition of the ‘Mindful Strides 5K Walkathon’ today at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Now in its fourth year, the 5K walkathon, inaugurated by KG Umesh, Director–Human Resources, Dr. Babu U V, Director–R&D, and Dr. Rangesh, Director–Intellectual Property, Himalaya Wellness Company. This event brought together over 4,000 participants from across the city to promote mental well-being and raise awareness about mental health.

Delhi was chosen as the host city, having been identified as India’s most stressed city with 37.7% of residents reporting significant stress levels according to Himalaya’s nationwide Stress Test. This highlighted an urgent need for proactive mental health conversations and solutions in the capital.

The walkathon started at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, covered C-Hexagon, Kartavya Path, and the Janpath crossing, and concluded at the National Stadium.

“Mental well-being is an essential aspect of overall health, and we believe in fostering awareness through community-driven initiatives like the Mindful Strides Walkathon,” said KG Umesh, Director–Human Resources, Himalaya Wellness Company. “Walking together, even for a single morning, can build mental resilience and help break the stigma surrounding mental health. It can spark vital conversations that genuinely shift how people think about their mental well-being and encourage them to seek support.”

Mindful Strides has demonstrated consistent growth, originating in Bengaluru in 2023, followed by Chennai in 2024, and Mumbai in 2025. The Delhi edition attracted a diverse group from across the city, including corporate professionals, fitness enthusiasts, students, families, and mental health advocates, reflecting a growing public appetite for open discussions on mental health. Many expressed gratitude for an initiative that provided a safe, supportive, and accessible platform to address mental health concerns openly.

More than just a fitness event, Mindful Strides primarily aims to break the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health. While research consistently highlights the positive link between regular physical activity and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, the successful Delhi edition marked another milestone in Himalaya Wellness Company’s broader commitment to making mental health awareness a mainstream, everyday conversation across India.

business

At Kenya State House, Merck Foundation in Partnership With Kenya First Lady and Ministry of Gender Launch Their “Educating Linda” Program to Support Girl Education

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Business Wire India

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany officially launched their Educating Linda program in Kenya in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” at the Kenya State House. The program was chaired by Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej and The First Lady of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign said, “I am very happy to meet my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, and officially launch our Educating Linda program in the country, to support girl education.

As a part of Educating Linda, we are providing annual scholarships to 47 deserving, high-performing, yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, till they finish their education. This will ensure they are not forced to abandon their education due to financial hardship. We truly believe that an educated girl transforms the entire community.”

H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, expressed, “I deeply appreciate all the programs of Merck Foundation including the Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships to our 47 deserving schoolgirls to support their education until they graduate. We believe that every girl in Kenya, and across Africa, deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Every barrier that prevents a girl from going to school must be dismantled, and this program is one powerful means of doing exactly that. I am confident these young girls will reach their full potential and go on to inspire many others.”

During the program, the Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with the First Lady of Kenya, took the opportunity to meet and encourage the Kenyan schoolgirls who are the beneficiaries of the Educating Linda program, and to hear directly from them and their parents about the impact the scholarships have had on their lives.

The Educating Linda program by Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies, is providing annual scholarships to more than 1,250 schoolgirls across 21 African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others. The program also ensures that thousands of schoolgirls across Africa receive essential school supplies, removing further practical obstacles to their education.

“When a girl is educated, entire nation is empowered. Educated girls grow into empowered women, who drive prosperity, strengthen families, and advance nations. That is the vision behind everything we do: Girl Education today for Women Empowerment tomorrow,” said Dr. Kelej.

Merck Foundation together has provided 328 scholarships for Kenyan healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties; including Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Oncology, Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Gastroenterology, Psychiatry, Neurology, and many more. During the visit, Merck Foundation also conducted their Alumni Summit 2026, to acknowledge and meet their Alumni. Moreover, they also met and recognized the Merck Foundation Awards Winners of 2024 and 2025.

Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of Kenya is also launching children’s storybooks: “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”. These storybooks address critical social and health issues and will be available in both English and Swahili. Thousands of copies of these storybooks will be distributed to schoolchildren across Kenya.

Merck Foundation and the First Lady of Kenya also annually launch their 8 important awards for best media, film, fashion designs and songs. Together, they have also conducted several editions of Merck Foundation Health Media Training Program, enabling Kenyan journalists to be equipped to be the voice of the voiceless and report responsibly and effectively on sensitive subjects, including infertility, child marriage, gender-based violence, diabetes, and hypertension.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

 

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

 

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

 

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

 

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

 

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

 

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

 

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

 

Apply here: https://merck-foundation.com/Awards-Online-Application-Form

 

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

 

Click the link below to Download Merck Foundation App

https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection

 

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard

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X: @MerckFoundation
YouTube: MerckFoundation
Instagram: Merck Foundation
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Flickr: Merck Foundation
Website: www.merckfoundation.com

news

Markets End Flat as Global Uncertainty Over US Iran Talks Keeps Investors Cautious

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Mumbai, Apr 20 (BNP): Indian equity markets ended on a subdued note on Monday, as investors adopted a cautious stance amid lingering uncertainty over US-Iran diplomatic developments and mixed global market signals.

Benchmark indices remained volatile throughout the session, with intermittent swings in both directions. However, lack of strong domestic triggers and unclear global cues led the Sensex and Nifty to close with only marginal changes.

Sentiment was largely shaped by geopolitical developments in West Asia, where market participants continue to track tensions and negotiations that could influence global crude oil supply and overall risk sentiment.

While selective buying in frontline stocks provided some support, it was not enough to drive a decisive market move, keeping indices largely range-bound.

Market observers noted that in the absence of fresh catalysts, global geopolitical risks are dictating short-term direction, even as domestic liquidity conditions help prevent deeper corrections.

Overall, the session reflected a cautious trading environment, with investors remaining on the sidelines and awaiting clearer global signals before taking firm positions.