Mr Samyak Jain, Director, Siddha Group

“The RBI’s decision to hold rates steady reflects a calibrated approach to navigating elevated global uncertainty—particularly inflationary pressures from crude oil—while preserving India’s domestic growth momentum. For real estate, a stable interest rate environment continues to support end-user demand, even as energy-led input cost pressures remain a key monitorable. In this backdrop, projects with strong locational fundamentals and disciplined execution—especially in emerging, infrastructure-led corridors—are well positioned to see sustained buyer traction.”

By Mr. Vineet Agrawal, co–founder of Jiraaf.

Quote: “RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% while maintaining a neutral stance suggests that the central bank is prioritising flexibility at a time when the external environment remains unsettled. With FY27 inflation projected at 4.6% and growth at 6.9%, the policy does not materially alter the macro narrative, but it does indicate that the RBI is not yet ready to lean decisively in either direction. For markets, this keeps expectations anchored around a data-dependent path, where incoming cues on inflation, global commodity prices, liquidity conditions and external risks will matter more than the headline hold itself. The reference to global uncertainty and the West Asia conflict also tells investors that the RBI is closely watching imported inflation risks, which could limit room for any premature policy pivot.”

Mumbai, April 8 — Commercial services on the first phases of Mumbai Metro corridors 9 and 2B began Wednesday morning, a day after they were inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, officials confirmed.

The new lines mark significant milestones in Mumbai’s mass-transit network. Metro Line 9 provides the first direct metro connectivity between Mira-Bhayandar in Thane district and Mumbai, while Line 2B introduces metro services to the Harbour Line for the first time.

The Phase 1 stretch of Metro Line 9 spans 5.6 km with four stations: Dahisar East, Pandurangwadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon. According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Line 9 is expected to cut travel time between Mira-Bhayandar and Mumbai to about 30 minutes, compared with the current journey of one to two hours. Built at a cost of ₹6,607 crore, the line will eventually link to other corridors, offering seamless connectivity to South Mumbai.

Metro Line 2B (Phase 1) covers 5.53 km and includes five stations: Deshbhakt N G Acharya Udyan (Diamond Garden), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Deonar, Mankhurd, and Maharashtra Nagar–Mandale. Services commenced at 6 am, providing a vital new option for commuters on the eastern side of the city.

With these additions, Mumbai’s operational Metro network now spans six corridors, including:

• Line 1 (Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova)
• Line 2A (Andheri West-Dahisar East)
• Line 7 (Dahisar East-Andheri East)
• Line 3 (Colaba-Bandra Kurla Complex–SEEPZ, underground)
• Newly opened Line 9 and Line 2B

The MMRDA also implemented revised timetables for Line 2A and Line 7 to improve frequency, predictability, and the overall commuter experience. Line 2A will now operate as a standalone corridor between Andheri West and Dahisar East, from 5:50 am to 11 pm, with a peak frequency of six minutes.

Additionally, the integrated Line 7–9 corridor, stretching 19.79 km from Gundavali to Kashigaon, will run from 5:50 am to 11 pm, with a peak frequency of under six minutes, providing 276 services on weekdays.

The inauguration of Lines 9 and 2B marks a new chapter in Mumbai’s urban mobility, promising faster, more efficient, and reliable transportation for commuters across the metropolitan region.

New Delhi, Apr 8: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday projected the country’s GDP growth for 2026-27 at 6.9%, slightly lower than the 7.6% estimated for 2025-26. The downward revision reflects concerns over elevated commodity prices and supply chain disruptions stemming from the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Announcing the first bi-monthly monetary policy for the new financial year, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted that India’s merchandise exports could face challenges due to interruptions in key shipping routes, alongside rising freight and insurance costs.

Governor Malhotra noted that while India’s domestic economy remains resilient, global uncertainties, particularly in energy and logistics, are likely to influence growth and inflation trends. The RBI continues to monitor external pressures closely to maintain macroeconomic stability while supporting sustainable growth.

The central bank’s cautious outlook underscores the importance of strategic fiscal and trade measures to mitigate the impact of global disruptions and sustain India’s growth momentum in the coming year.

Apr 08: DBS Foundation has announced INR 34.40 crore in grant funding for its 2025 cohort of grantees, comprising 22 businesses for impact – purpose-driven social enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises – across its core markets in Asia. The winners include three innovative impact enterprises from India: Ikure Techsoft, Lernern and Kadam Haat Basketry.

This marks the 11th edition of DBS Foundation’s grant programme, which was launched in 2015 to support entrepreneurs tackling pressing societal challenges through innovative and scalable solutions. Beyond funding of up to INR 1.75 CR (SGD 250,000) each, grantees will also gain access to holistic support from DBS Foundation’s and DBS’ ecosystem, including mentorship, capacity building, preferential banking solutions and collaboration opportunities with other like-minded players, to accelerate their growth and impact.

In line with DBS Foundation’s mission to strengthen the social and financial resilience of vulnerable communities, the 2025 cohort addresses critical needs such as access to healthcare and income opportunities. Many are leveraging innovative approaches, including AI and digital tools, gamification, circular economy solutions and community-driven models, to scale their impact and reach underserved populations more effectively.

The grantees were selected from nearly 2,200 applications following a rigorous evaluation process, which involved 415 DBS employee volunteers, including senior management, who contributed their skills and expertise as grant evaluators.

The 2025 cohort reflects how businesses for impact are responding to emerging themes in their communities through innovative and scalable approaches.

The three grant awardees from India are:

• Ikure Techsoft, which provides affordable primary healthcare to rural communities through a network of digital health centres supported by trained community health workers, helping to improve access to essential medical services in underserved regions
• Lernern, an enterprise that aims to strengthen youth employability through work-integrated learning, skills training and apprenticeship programmes that connect young people to job opportunities and industry networks
• Kadam Haat Basketry, which supports rural artisans by enabling responsible market access for handcrafted products, helping create sustainable livelihoods while preserving traditional skills and crafts

Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation, said

“In an increasingly uncertain world, helping vulnerable communities to build resilience is more important than ever. This calls for a whole-of-society effort, with businesses playing an important role alongside community and public sector partners. At DBS Foundation, we support purpose-driven businesses tackling real challenges on the ground, providing holistic support including capital and capacity building to scale their impact, while also working across the ecosystem to co-create interventions. Together, we seek to uplift the lives and livelihoods of those with less and help them face the future with confidence.”

Gaurav Rajput, Managing Director and Head, Group Marketing and Communications, DBS Bank India, said

“The impact enterprises selected from India this year demonstrate the power of purpose-driven innovation in addressing some of our country’s most urgent developmental needs. Whether it is expanding access to primary healthcare, strengthening youth employability or creating sustainable livelihoods for rural artisans, these organisations are building solutions that uplift underserved communities in meaningful and lasting ways. We are proud to champion their work and to play a part in helping more individuals across India build a stronger, more resilient future.”

Strengthening Asia’s impact ecosystem since 2015

To date, DBS Foundation has catalysed the growth of more than 180 businesses for impact through its grant programme and the Impact Beyond Award. The Impact Beyond Award supercharges businesses with transformative solutions that address urgent needs in ageing societies, with winners receiving up to SGD 1 million each to scale their impact.

In 2024, marking the start of DBS Foundation’s second decade, DBS strengthened its support for the Foundation’s work by pledging up to SGD 1 billion and 1.5 million employee volunteering hours over the next ten years. Of this, DBS Foundation has committed over SGD 160 million as at end-2025 to support 48 businesses for impact through grants and awards, and to launch 29 new impact programmes in partnership with community and public sector partners. These initiatives are projected to collectively impact over 8 million lives by 2029.

By galvanising an ecosystem-wide approach, DBS Foundation aims to drive meaningful, sustainable and scalable change, empowering those with less to build forward and progress towards better circumstances in the long term.

New Delhi, Apr 8: Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy has emphasized the urgent need for India’s steel sector to embrace sustainability, green practices, and a circular economy.

Speaking at an industry workshop, he said that traditional growth models are no longer sufficient. The sector must reduce carbon emissions, optimize resource use, and adopt eco-friendly technologies to align with India’s vision of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” (developed nation).

Kumaraswamy also highlighted the role of innovation and research in building a globally competitive steel industry. Encouraging startups and indigenous solutions, he stressed that sustainable practices will not only support growth but also safeguard the environment.

Officials noted that with rising demand for steel in infrastructure and construction, India has a unique opportunity to lead in environmentally responsible manufacturing. By investing in cleaner technologies and efficient processes, the steel industry can achieve growth while minimizing its ecological footprint.

The minister’s message is clear: the future of India’s steel sector lies in smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, paving the way for a stronger and greener nation.

Apr 8: At a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state gave approval for setting up the Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre (MahaGeoTech). This new centre will use modern geospatial technology to support better planning, monitor environmental changes, and improve response during emergencies.

In addition, a resilience programme has also been cleared to enhance the state’s readiness for natural disasters and climate-related challenges. The programme will focus on improving coordination between departments and ensuring quicker, more effective action during crises.

Officials believe that these initiatives will help the government make more informed decisions and respond faster in critical situations. For the people of Maharashtra, this means improved safety, better planning, and stronger support during emergencies.

Overall, the move reflects the government’s growing focus on using technology to build a safer, more prepared, and future-ready state.