New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in India have recorded a sharp rise in investments, with inflows reaching a record ₹1.8 lakh crore in FY26, driven largely by growing interest in gold and silver-backed funds, according to a report.

The surge reflects increased investor preference for safe-haven and commodity-linked assets amid global economic uncertainty and market volatility. Precious metal ETFs, in particular, have seen strong traction as investors look for stability and diversification.

The report highlights that the strong inflows mark a significant jump compared to previous years, indicating rising participation from both retail and institutional investors in ETF products.

 Ras Al Khaimah, Apr 30: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is set to participate in the fifth edition of the Make it in the Emirates exhibition, taking place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 4 to 7 May 2026, reinforcing its role in advancing the UAE’s industrial landscape and attracting high-value investments.

As part of its participation, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad will join a panel discussion titled “Industrial Zones as Engines of Growth: Powering the UAE’s Industrial and Investment”, where he will share insights on how integrated economic zones are enabling sustainable industrial expansion and supporting long-term investor confidence.

The economic zone will also mark the occasion by signing lease agreements with companies across manufacturing and industrial sectors, highlighting continued demand for Ras Al Khaimah as a base for business growth.

During the exhibition, RAKEZ will showcase its comprehensive ecosystem designed to support investors across diverse industrial sectors. This includes advanced infrastructure, tailored solutions, and value-added services that enable businesses to establish, operate, and scale efficiently. With around 1,000 manufacturing companies operating within RAKEZ across sectors such as packaging, F&B, automotive, aviation, construction, and defence, the economic zone continues to contribute to Ras Al Khaimah’s broader manufacturing base of around 3,400 companies.

Companies operating within RAKEZ benefit from a cost-competitive environment, with development costs approximately 10% lower and operating costs around 50% lower than the regional average. In addition, seamless connectivity through ports and airports ensures efficient global market access, while an ecosystem built around sustainability supports businesses in translating ESG ambitions into practical operations. Networking platforms and B2B matchmaking initiatives further enable collaboration and growth within the business community.

Commenting on RAKEZ’s participation, Ramy Jallad said: “Our presence at Make it in the Emirates reflects the growing role we play in shaping the UAE’s economic future. What we are seeing today is a strong shift towards long-term, value-driven investment, where businesses are looking for stability, efficiency, and the ability to scale with confidence. At RAKEZ, we continue to focus on creating an environment where manufacturers and industrial players can operate with clarity, expand sustainably, and connect to global markets with ease.”

He added: “Through our integrated ecosystem and close engagement with our business community, we are enabling companies at every stage of their journey to grow and evolve. This is aligned with the UAE’s broader industrial vision and our ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives such as Operation 300bn.”

As RAKEZ continues to strengthen its presence at national platforms, its participation in Make it in the Emirates 2026 underscores its commitment to attracting high-quality investments, supporting industrial growth, and enabling local manufacturers to expand regionally and globally.

Industrialists are invited to connect with the RAKEZ team at Make It In the Emirates from 4 to 7 May at Stand 7-EN22 in Hall 7 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.

Vadodara, Apr 30: INOX India Ltd., a leading global player in cryogenic technology solutions, flagged-off the simulated Liquid Oxygen (LOX) storage module developed for Test & Trial of Energy Module for India’s indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, being spearheaded by Naval Material Research Laboratory (NMRL), Ambernath, a premier laboratory under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The tank, manufactured at INOXCVA’s Kalol Facility, for AIP production agency partner and was flagged off from INOXCVA by Dr Suman Roy Choudhury, Director NMRL and Deepak Acharya, CEO, INOXCVA.

INOXCVA’s scope for this strategic programme includes the design, engineering, fabrication, testing, and supply of cryogenic LOX storage tank developed for the ground-based prototype system. The highly specialised tank stores oxygen in liquid form at cryogenic temperatures and are engineered to ensure the highest standards of purity, safety, and reliability.

Deepak Acharya, Chief Executive Officer, INOX India Ltd, said,

“The flag-off of the simulated LOX module marks a proud milestone for INOXCVA and a meaningful contribution to India’s strategic defence capabilities. The AIP programme represents a critical advancement in enhancing the endurance and stealth of our submarines, and we are honoured to support it with our specialised cryogenic expertise. This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering high-precision, mission-critical systems that uphold the highest standards of safety, reliability, and engineering excellence in service of the nation.”

Jammu, Apr 30 (BNP): Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the government is working on plans to extend railway connectivity to remote and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including Poonch, Rajouri, and Uri in Baramulla district.

He informed that detailed project reports for these proposed rail links have already been prepared. The next step, he said, will be to move ahead with implementation to improve connectivity in these strategically important regions.

Vaishnaw made the announcement after inaugurating the first direct Vande Bharat Express service between Srinagar and Jammu. He highlighted that expanding rail infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir is aimed at improving travel convenience, strengthening regional connectivity, and supporting overall economic development in the area.

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): A recent industry report highlights a clear shift in how Indian consumers are choosing smartphones, with artificial intelligence features and design aesthetics playing a major role in purchase decisions.

The report indicates that buyers are no longer focusing only on price or basic specifications. Instead, they are increasingly drawn to smartphones that offer smarter AI-based features such as enhanced photography, improved battery optimisation, voice assistance, and personalised user experiences. These upgrades are making everyday phone use more convenient and interactive.

Alongside technology, design has become equally important. Consumers are showing strong preference for slim builds, premium finishes, and modern looks that match their lifestyle and personal style. This change reflects a growing demand for devices that combine functionality with visual appeal.

The findings also suggest that many customers are now willing to spend more for smartphones that deliver a better overall experience. This trend points to a gradual shift in the Indian smartphone market towards more premium and feature-rich devices, as user expectations continue to evolve.

Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (BNP): The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has declared the ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) examination results for 2026 on Thursday at 11:00 AM, as per the scheduled timeline.

Students can access their results through the official CISCE websites by selecting the ICSE Result 2026 or ISC Result 2026 links and entering the required credentials to view their scorecards.

In addition to the official portal, results are also available through DigiLocker, where students can log in using their registered mobile number and Aadhaar details to download digital marksheets. Candidates can also check results via SMS by sending their unique ID in the prescribed format to the designated number. The UMANG mobile application further provides an option to view results by entering the student’s UID and index number.

The council is expected to release detailed statistics soon, including pass percentages, subject-wise performance, and toppers’ lists.

Hyderabad, Apr 30 (BNP): A promotional campaign by a mobile retail store in Telangana has gone viral on social media after offering customers 1 litre of petrol free for porting their number through Mobile Number Portability (MNP) or purchasing a new SIM card.

The eye-catching advertisement, which reads “MNP or Buy New SIM, Get 1 Litre Petrol Free,” quickly attracted widespread attention online, with many users praising the innovative marketing strategy amid rising fuel prices. The unusual offer has sparked curiosity and generated heavy footfall at the store.

According to reports, the retailer launched the campaign to attract new telecom customers and boost SIM sales in a highly competitive market. With petrol prices remaining a major concern for consumers, the incentive resonated strongly with the public and gained rapid traction across digital platforms.

Marketing experts say the campaign highlights how small businesses are increasingly using creative local offers to capture consumer interest and build brand visibility.

The store’s identity and duration of the offer were not immediately confirmed, but the campaign has already become one of the most talked-about local promotional ideas in recent days.