May 8 (BNP): KPIT Technologies has announced the passing of its Co-Founder and Chairman, Dr. S.B. (Ravi) Pandit, who died in Pune on Friday at the age of 71, according to a regulatory filing by the company.

Dr. Pandit was a key architect in building KPIT Technologies into a global mobility-focused technology firm. Under his leadership, the company grew its international presence across 15 countries and established itself in areas such as automotive software, autonomous driving, electric mobility, and clean energy solutions.

Beyond his corporate role, he was actively involved in public policy, sustainability, and social development initiatives. He co-founded institutions like Pune International Centre and Janwani, and contributed to research and policy work through the Centre for Sustainable Development at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE).

Pandit also played an important role in industry bodies, serving as President of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) and participating in various committees of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), where he contributed to discussions on industry growth and policy development.

Following the news, KPIT Technologies shares were trading 1.37 per cent higher at ₹732.50 on the BSE on Friday. The stock has seen significant movement over the past year, touching a 52-week high of ₹1,433 and a low of ₹625.

In its latest earnings update earlier this week, the company reported a 33 per cent year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to ₹163 crore for the March quarter, compared to ₹245 crore in the same period last year. Despite the drop in profit, the company recorded a 12 per cent rise in revenue, reflecting steady business growth in its core segments.

May 8 (BNP): Gold and silver prices traded higher on Friday, gaining up to 1 per cent in domestic and international markets, as renewed geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran boosted demand for safe-haven assets.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures (June 5 contract) opened at ₹1,52,672 per 10 grams, slightly higher than the previous close of ₹1,52,261. During the session, the metal strengthened further, touching an intraday high of ₹1,53,103 before trading at ₹1,52,853 per 10 grams, up 0.38 per cent.

Silver futures (July 3 contract) also opened on a stronger note at ₹2,59,999 per kg compared to the previous close of ₹2,58,540. The metal extended its gains through the day, rising to an intraday high of ₹2,62,723 before trading at ₹2,61,666 per kg, up over 1 per cent.

Market analysts said gold continues to show steady upward momentum, supported by sustained buying interest. They noted that a firm move above the ₹1,53,000 level could further strengthen bullish sentiment, while key support is seen near the ₹1,52,000–₹1,51,600 range.

For silver, experts pointed out that prices have remained strong after opening above the ₹2,60,000 mark. A breakout above the ₹2,64,000–₹2,66,000 resistance zone could pave the way for further upside, while support is placed around ₹2,56,000.

In global markets, precious metals also gained. COMEX gold rose 0.28 per cent to $4,725 per ounce, while silver edged up 0.17 per cent to $80.30 per ounce.

The rally was driven by heightened tensions in West Asia after reports of renewed conflict-related developments involving the US and Iran, raising concerns over regional stability and supply risks. At the same time, Brent crude rose nearly 3 per cent to $102.89 per barrel, while US WTI crude climbed 4 per cent to $98.64 per barrel, reflecting broader market unease.

Overall, safe-haven demand and geopolitical uncertainty continued to support precious metal prices across global markets.

May 8 (BNP): The Indian rupee weakened on Friday, slipping 25 paise to close at 94.47 (provisional) against the US dollar, after posting gains in the previous two trading sessions. The decline came as fresh geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran weighed on investor sentiment.

Forex market participants said concerns intensified after reports of renewed conflict-related developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route. While Iran accused the US of violating a ceasefire agreement, the US maintained that the ceasefire remained in place despite ongoing strikes and rising tensions in the region.

The uncertainty in the Middle East also impacted global oil markets. Brent crude prices, which had eased earlier to around USD 98 per barrel following hopes of a ceasefire, edged higher again to nearly USD 100 per barrel as investors reassessed the stability of supply routes and the possibility of prolonged tensions.

Traders noted that rising crude prices and geopolitical risks contributed to volatility in currency markets, keeping pressure on emerging market currencies, including the rupee.

Overall, sentiment remained cautious as global developments continued to influence currency movements and energy price trends.

May 08 | Bengaluru: Reinforcing their commitment to strengthening primary healthcare systems, United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), in partnership with Optum India, handed over 45 ebikes to primary health centers (PHCs) at an event held at the Bengaluru Rural Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Designed to enhance last-mile connectivity, these e-bikes will significantly improve the reach, efficiency, and responsiveness of frontline healthcare workers, enabling them to better serve remote and underserved communities across the Bengaluru rural district, such as Hoskote, Doddaballapur, and other areas.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Vasanthi Amar B V, CEO Bengaluru Rural; Uma Ratnam Krishnan, Managing Director (MD), Optum India, and Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru, along with district officials, representatives from Optum and United Way Bengaluru, PHC staff, and community stakeholders.

“The e-bike program supports the Government of Karnataka’s vision of inclusive healthcare, where strong partnerships with NGOs, corporates, and communities ensure timely, accessible services reach every rural doorstep through innovative e-mobility. By empowering frontline health workers with efficient last-mile connectivity, this initiative not only improves service delivery but also strengthens trust within communities,” – Dr. Vasanthi Amar B V, IAS, CEO, Bengaluru Rural Zilla Panchayat.

“The future of healthcare will be defined by how well we empower those working closest to the community. By investing in mobility at the primary care level, we are enabling a more proactive and responsive system, one that is grounded in the everyday realities of the people it serves. As a force for good in India for India, our partnership with United Way Bengaluru aligns our shared vision to strengthen primary healthcare systems and drive meaningful impact at the grassroots,” said Uma Ratnam Krishnan, Managing Director (MD), Optum India.              

“This collaboration signals the start of a purposeful partnership with Optum India, built on a common focus on advancing public health outcomes. It reflects a shared, long-term commitment to strengthening community health systems and supporting models of care that are better equipped to meet local needs,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.

New Delhi, May 8: Expanding beyond conventional fitness into the fast-growing holistic wellness segment, Avaa Wellness Pvt. Ltd. has announced the launch of its new premium wellness initiative  Sadhya Studios.

The official brand announcement will take place during the inauguration of Avaa Wellness Pvt. Ltd.’s 11th Anytime Fitness India club at Anytime Fitness Delta 1 on May 9, 2026, from 12 noon onwards.

Founded under the leadership Of Ceo Neha Kapur, Sadhya Studios has been conceptualised as a premium wellness and mindful movement brand focused on alignment, movement quality, recovery, mobility, and sustainable lifestyle practices.

The brand aims to bridge the gap between fitness and holistic well-being by combining Yoga, Pilates, breathwork, recovery practices, and nutrition-led experiences under one integrated platform.
The venture is being developed in strategic collaboration with ARC, led by Puneet Dhingra and Narender Kumar, who are overseeing the brand’s business strategy, expansion roadmap, operational systems, and long-term growth planning.

Speaking about the vision behind the brand, Neha Kapur, Ceo, Sadhya Studios said,

“With Sadhya, our vision is to build one of India’s most holistic wellness brands, a space where movement, recovery, nutrition, and community come together with members at the center of the experience. This is just the beginning, and we aim to introduce several more premium wellness, recovery, and health-focused services under the Sadhya brand in the future.”

Adding to the brand’s long-term vision, Puneet Dhingra, Co founder ARC said,

“Our vision with Sadhya is to create a brand that delivers consistency, experience, and long-term value at scale. While many wellness businesses in India are built around individuals, we are focused on building Sadhya as a systems-led and process-driven brand with strong operational standards, coaching frameworks, member experience systems, and scalable infrastructure at its foundation. The goal is to create a premium wellness ecosystem that can consistently deliver high-quality experiences across every future location.”

Built around the philosophy of Alignment, Form & Movement, Sadhya Studios will offer a curated range of services including Yoga, Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates, Mobility & Stretch Sessions, Breathwork & Recovery Practices, personalized wellness programs, and bespoke wellness café concepts focused on clean nutrition and mindful living.

As part of its initial expansion phase, two Sadhya Studios are currently under development and are expected to launch in the coming months. The brand plans to expand through a structured premium studio network across key urban markets, with a long-term vision of building one of India’s most premium and holistic wellness ecosystems.
The brand announcement event will also feature a special appearance by Vindu Dara Singh.