Archives April 2026

Pune, Apr 20:  India’s fastest-growing luxury cinema chain, Connplex Cinemas, has launched its premium Luxuriance format at CINEBAR, Level 1, Tribeca Highstreet, NIBM, Pune, bringing a new era of cinematic indulgence to the city.

Strategically located in one of Pune’s most evolving lifestyle hubs, Connplex Cinemas is set to cater to a growing base of urban, affluent audiences seeking elevated entertainment experiences. With a rapidly expanding network of 300+ screens across 35+ locations, it continues to redefine movie-going through a blend of cutting-edge technology, refined aesthetics, and immersive comfort. Its three distinct formats—Express, Signature, and Luxuriance—are designed to cater to a wide spectrum of audiences across India.

The Pune property features four ultra-premium screens with a total seating capacity of 225 seats, designed to deliver an intimate yet high-end cinematic experience. Spread across a carpet area of 7,778 sq. ft., the multiplex is built to offer both exclusivity and comfort.

Each auditorium is equipped with plush recliner seating, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy for viewers. The advanced projection systems deliver sharp, vibrant visuals, while state-of-the-art audio technology creates a deeply immersive soundscape that enhances every frame on screen. The experience is further elevated through a curated gourmet food and beverage offering, paired with personalised service that transforms a regular movie outing into a boutique luxury experience. This is complemented by an eclectic mix of dining destinations at Tribeca Highstreet, including The Murphies, The Urban Foundry, and Hippie@Heart, offering a vibrant blend of bar and café experiences.

Kalpesh Mehta, Founder, Tribeca Developers, said, “As high-street developments evolve into lifestyle-driven ecosystems, experiences like Connplex Luxuriance play a pivotal role in shaping how people engage with retail and entertainment. At Tribeca Highstreet, our vision has always been to curate destinations that blend design, community, and premium experiences, and this launch is a strong step in that direction.”

Speaking on the launch, Anish Patel & Rahul Dhyani, Founders & Directors, Connplex Cinemas, said, “Pune, the future of cinema arrives with us. Connplex Cinemas is here to set a bold new benchmark in experience, innovation, and design because this city deserves nothing less than extraordinary.”

With this launch, Connplex Luxuriance is set to emerge as one of Pune’s most premium cinematic destinations, further strengthening the positioning of Tribeca Highstreet as a vibrant lifestyle hub. Strategically positioned on the NIBM Road, Tribeca Highstreet serves as the gateway to the entire South Pune micro-market. Covering an impressive 3.66 lakh sq. ft., and a frontage spanning across 950 ft., it is Pune’s largest shopping destination. It hosts over 90+ premium brands such as Westside, Decathlon, Croma, Shoppers Stop, Snitch, American Eagle, Allen Solly, Van Heusen, Puma, Reebok, Bluetokai, The Silence Space, Starbucks, Subway, Caratlane, Bluestone, PNG Jewellers, and many more.

New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): India’s record trade deficit is expected to ease in the coming months, supported by anticipated trade agreements and a possible decline in global crude oil prices, according to a recent report by Bank of Baroda.

The report notes that elevated imports, particularly of energy products, have been a key driver of the widening trade gap in recent months. However, easing geopolitical tensions and improved global supply conditions could help stabilise oil prices, providing relief to India’s import bill.

At the same time, ongoing and potential trade deals are expected to improve export competitiveness and support outbound shipments, contributing to a gradual correction in the trade imbalance.

Economists highlighted that India’s external sector remains sensitive to fluctuations in global commodity prices, especially crude oil, which accounts for a significant share of import costs.

The report suggests that a combination of favourable global price trends and stronger trade linkages could help bring down the trade deficit from recent record levels in the near term.

Overall, while external risks remain, the outlook points toward a more stable trade environment if current trends in oil prices and trade negotiations continue.

New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): In a significant development for India’s steel sector, JSW Steel and South Korea’s POSCO have announced a 50:50 joint venture to establish a new steel manufacturing facility in Odisha.

The announcement comes during the official visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to India, highlighting growing economic and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

The proposed plant in Odisha is expected to strengthen steel production capacity, enhance technology collaboration, and support long-term industrial integration between Indian and South Korean companies. Officials indicated that the project will focus on advanced steel manufacturing processes and sustainable production practices.

The joint venture is also expected to contribute to Odisha’s position as a major steel hub in India, attracting further investment and generating employment opportunities in the region.

Industry observers note that the partnership reflects increasing confidence in India’s manufacturing ecosystem and aligns with broader efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties between India and South Korea.

Further details regarding investment size, capacity, and project timelines are expected to be announced in the coming stages of the partnership.

The ‘Sone Pe Suhaaga’ campaign at Omaxe Chowk, Chandni Chowk concluded on a high note this Akshaya Tritiya, witnessing strong footfall and reaffirming its appeal as a go-to destination for festive shopping.

Held from April 17, the three-day campaign transformed festive jewellery shopping into an immersive experience by bringing together leading brands such as Kalyan Jewellers, Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, CaratLane, Mia by Tanishq, GIVA, and Kisna under one roof.

The campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from shoppers, with customers not only investing in gold and jewellery—considered auspicious during the festival—but also enjoying assured rewards in the form of food vouchers. This unique addition enhanced the overall shopping journey, encouraging longer visits and creating a more engaging, family-friendly festive environment.

Speaking on the campaign, Jatin Goel, Executive Director, Omaxe Group, said, “Festive shopping today is no longer just about purchase, it’s about experience. With ‘Sone Pe Suhaaga’, we brought together the emotional significance of Akshaya Tritiya with instant, tangible rewards that added value to every purchase. The idea was to create a more complete celebration where shopping, dining, and time spent with family came together seamlessly. Omaxe Chowk continued to evolve as a modern destination that retained the cultural essence of Chandni Chowk while offering the comfort and scale of organised retail.”

Omaxe Chowk showcased its strength as a one-stop destination for festive jewellery shopping by bringing together a curated mix of renowned and emerging brands. The campaign went beyond retail to deliver an enhanced consumer experience, with visitors enjoying a premium shopping environment in the heart of Chandni Chowk, complemented by vibrant dining options that made festive outings more engaging and complete.

With its focus on assured rewards and experiential shopping, the initiative successfully drove strong footfall, increased dwell time, and boosted overall consumer spending during the Akshaya Tritiya period, reinforcing Omaxe Chowk’s position as a preferred festive retail destination.

New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Rajasthan on Tuesday to inaugurate India’s first greenfield integrated refinery and petrochemical complex at Pachpadra in Balotra.

The project, built with an investment of over ₹79,450 crore, is among the largest energy infrastructure developments in the country. Officials said it marks an important step in expanding India’s refining capacity while strengthening its petrochemical manufacturing base.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The integrated facility is expected to enhance domestic production of key petrochemical products, reduce import dependence, and support industries such as plastics, textiles, fertilisers, and packaging.

Authorities noted that the project will also contribute to regional development by creating employment opportunities and encouraging industrial growth in Rajasthan.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a public gathering, where he is expected to highlight the project’s significance in advancing India’s energy security and industrial self-reliance.

The refinery-petrochemical complex is seen as a key addition to India’s energy infrastructure, aligning with the country’s long-term goals of boosting manufacturing capacity and meeting rising energy and industrial demand.

fäm Properties analysis shows city’s 4-year pipeline 71.45% committed, as absorption rate leaves major global markets far behind

Dubai, UAE, 20^th April, 2026:  Dubai’s leading developers have already sold the vast majority of homes scheduled for delivery in 2026, while buyers have also snapped up 71.45% of the city’s total off-plan pipeline due for completion between 2026 and 2029. 

A market analysis issued by fäm Properties today reveals a sustained alignment between supply and demand across one of the most active launch periods in the emirate’s history, maintaining an historic absorption rate that leaves other major global cities far behind. 

Data from DXBinteract shows that in 2026 alone, ten of Dubai’s major developers are scheduled to deliver 43,217 units, of which 41,015 are already sold, resulting in a blended absorption rate of 94.91%. 

Across the four-year pipeline from 2026 to 2029, all Dubai developers combined have 426,182 units scheduled for delivery, with 304,493 already sold, a level of buyer conviction few residential markets anywhere in the world have come close to matching. 

“Dubai continues to demonstrate a level of forward demand that is structurally different from most international property markets,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. 

“When nearly all of next year’s deliveries and more than 70% of the next four years are already sold, it fundamentally changes how supply risk and market stability should be assessed. 

“This reflects the confidence that buyers, both regional and international, have placed in a market built on transparency, strong regulatory foundations and a long-term vision that continues to attract commitment well ahead of delivery.” 

Within the 2026 pipeline, absorption is consistently high across all of the market’s leading developers. Emaar has sold 99.1% of its 9,085 scheduled units, Meraas 99.77% of 2,615, with Dubai Holding and Meydan both fully sold out. 

DAMAC stands at 99.17% and Danube at 99.55%, while Binghatti, carrying the largest single volume with 20,906 units due this year, has sold 87.31% of them. 

Spanning the full market, encompassing tens of thousands of homes launched across one of the most active periods of project activity the emirate has seen, the data tells a consistent story. 

Of the 111,408 units scheduled for delivery in Dubai in 2026, 87,514 have already been sold, an absorption rate of 78.55%. In 2027, 87,840 of 133,618 units are sold at 65.74%. 

In 2028 the figure stands at 71.97% with 89,879 of 124,889 units already placed, and in 2029, 39,260 of 56,267 units are sold at 69.77%. Across all four years, 304,493 of 426,182 tracked units have a buyer behind them, a blended rate of 71.45%. 

For context, since records began, the entire Dubai market inventory stands at 548,106 units launched, 400,038 sold, and an aggregate absorption rate of 72.99%. The four-year forward pipeline is performing in precise alignment with Dubai’s long-run market average. 

In London, one of the world’s most established residential markets, just 8,436 new private homes were sold across the whole of 2025, according to data from Molior and research from Knight Frank published in early 2026. 

This shows how rarely even the most mature markets sustain the level of forward absorption that Dubai has recorded across its entire active pipeline. 

PROJECTS TO BE HANDED OVER IN 2026 BY MAJOR DEVELOPERS

FOUR-YEAR DELIVERY PIPELINE FOR ALL DEVELOPERS