All posts by Neel Achary

Apr 17 (BNP): Indian equity markets closed on a strong note on Friday, with benchmark indices posting solid gains, supported by buying across key sectors.

The BSE Sensex surged 504 points, while the NSE Nifty advanced 156 points, reflecting positive investor sentiment through the trading session.

Gains were led by the FMCG sector, which rose around 2.65 per cent, emerging as the top performer. The rally was driven by strong buying interest in consumer-focused stocks, as investors showed confidence in demand-driven sectors.

Market participants also remained encouraged by improving global cues and steady foreign fund inflows, which helped sustain the upward momentum.

Overall, the session reflected broad-based buying, with multiple sectors contributing to the market’s positive close.

Apr 17 (BNP): The global technology industry is undergoing a continued phase of workforce restructuring in 2026, with more than 95,000 employees impacted across 241 companies as of mid-April. This trend follows a significant wave of layoffs in 2025, during which over 245,000 workers were affected across the sector.

The ongoing workforce adjustments reflect a broader transformation within the industry, as companies shift focus toward artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and automation-driven operations. This transition is prompting organizations to realign talent strategies, reduce excess capacity from previous expansion cycles, and prioritize efficiency and profitability.

Major technology firms across software, hardware, and IT services have implemented restructuring measures, impacting a wide range of roles. The increasing integration of AI technologies is also contributing to job consolidation, enabling companies to operate with leaner teams.

Regionally, the effects are most visible in global technology hubs such as the United States, while markets like India are also experiencing shifts, particularly within IT services and Global Capability Centres (GCCs), as companies adapt to evolving global demand.

Despite the current wave of layoffs, industry analysts view this period as a structural transition, with long-term growth expected to be driven by innovation, digital transformation, and the expanding role of AI in business operations.

Bhubaneswar, Apr 17 (BNP): The Odisha government has announced a fresh round of transfers and appointments of senior officials in the Health and Family Welfare Department, aimed at improving administrative efficiency and strengthening the public health system.

As part of the reshuffle, Director of Public Health Dr. Nilakantha Mishra has been moved to the role of Special Secretary in the department. He will be succeeded by Dr. Pradeep Hota, currently serving as Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer of Sambalpur.

The changes are seen as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance governance, ensure better coordination, and improve delivery of healthcare services across Odisha.

Officials indicated that such leadership adjustments are intended to bring greater focus and efficiency to the implementation of public health programmes.

Chennai, April 17 (BNP): In a notable political development, the wife and daughter of slain forest brigand Veerappan have entered the electoral fray in Tamil Nadu, contesting from different constituencies on tickets of separate regional parties.

Muthulakshmi Veerappan is contesting as a candidate of the Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) from the Krishnagiri Assembly constituency. Her daughter, Vidha Rani Veerappan, is in the race from the Mettur Assembly constituency in Salem district on a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) ticket led by actor-politician Seeman.

Vidha Rani, a lawyer by profession, had earlier made her electoral debut in the 2024 elections.

The entry of Veerappan’s family members into mainstream politics has drawn considerable attention, given his controversial past. Veerappan, once known as one of India’s most notorious poachers and sandalwood smugglers, was killed in a police encounter in Papparappati village of Dharmapuri district in October 2004.

Both candidates have stated that their participation in politics is aimed at restoring Veerappan’s “pride” and presenting an alternative perspective on his legacy.

Political observers believe their candidature could influence voter dynamics, particularly among sections of the Vanniyar community, a significant group in western Tamil Nadu.

Apr 17 (BNP): Mobilla, a mobile accessories and power solutions brand in India, has announced Indian cricketer Shivam Dube as its new brand ambassador.

The company said the association comes at a significant moment following India’s recent cricket success and reflects shared values of performance, resilience, and ambition.

Founded in 2010, Mobilla stated that it is preparing for its next phase of growth and aims to strengthen its presence across India’s offline and retail markets through this partnership.

The collaboration is intended to help the brand connect with younger consumers and reinforce its positioning in the competitive mobile accessories segment.

Mobilla Co-Founder Jignesh Shah said the brand focuses on building reliable products designed for important everyday moments, and noted that Shivam Dube represents a similar spirit of consistency and performance.

Apr 17 (BNP): India’s construction sector, valued at around $685 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $1.2 trillion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.9 per cent, driven by sustained infrastructure investment and urban development, according to a report released on Friday.

The report by Savills India and Hotelivate said demand for office spaces remains strong, supported by the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and growing preference for Grade-A, sustainable workspaces. It also noted that construction costs have risen by 6.4 per cent to 7.6 per cent due to higher mechanical, electrical, and plumbing expenses.

According to the report, retail and residential segments have seen the sharpest rise in construction costs, with increases ranging from 3.8 per cent to 13.9 per cent between 2023 and 2025.

It added that mall construction costs have surged the most due to complex designs, deeper basements, and higher technical requirements. In the residential segment, luxury housing recorded the highest cost increase, followed by mid-income and affordable housing projects.

The report observed that residential demand continues to remain strong, with a growing shift towards premium and quality-focused developments across urban centres.

It further highlighted that rising input costs, wage inflation, and volatility in key raw materials such as steel, cement, and crude oil are impacting project economics. Construction labour wages have increased significantly in recent years, adding to overall expenses.

In the hospitality sector, performance has improved with occupancy levels stabilising at around 67–68 per cent and average room rates crossing ₹9,000. The sector also continues to attract investor interest, with a strong project pipeline and new developments underway.

The report advised developers to focus on efficiency, cost control, and sustainable planning to maintain long-term value and competitiveness in the evolving market.

Apr 17 (BNP): India is planning a major expansion of its nuclear energy capacity, targeting an increase from the current 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, according to the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The roadmap is part of the country’s long-term strategy to strengthen clean energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Nuclear power is expected to play a key role in meeting rising electricity demand while supporting India’s low-carbon growth goals.

The CEA Chairperson said the expansion plan is aligned with India’s broader energy transition efforts, which aim to raise the share of non-fossil fuel-based power in the overall energy mix.

He also noted that achieving this target will require sustained policy support, technological progress, and investment participation from both public and private sectors.

Apr 17 (BNP): India is increasingly being recognised as a stable destination for global investment, supported by a market capitalisation of around $4.4 trillion, according to Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

He said the country’s equity markets continue to show resilience, backed by steady economic fundamentals and long-term growth potential. This is helping strengthen investor confidence in India as a reliable capital market.

Pandey added that India’s expanding financial ecosystem and rising participation from both domestic and foreign investors are enhancing its position among major global investment destinations.