New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): India’s export sector has started the new financial year on a strong note, recording more than 20 per cent growth in the first three weeks of April despite rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global trade routes linked to the West Asia conflict.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the sharp rise in exports reflects resilient global demand for Indian goods even as international supply chains face uncertainty due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Among the key drivers of growth were petroleum products and electronic goods, both of which witnessed strong overseas demand during the period between April 1 and April 21.

Industry observers said exports of refined petroleum products such as diesel and aviation fuel received a boost as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz affected normal supply flows from Gulf nations. The strategic waterway remains a critical route for global oil shipments, and tensions in the region have pushed up international energy prices.

India’s coastal refineries appear to have benefited from the shifting trade dynamics, helping increase exports of fuel products to several markets.

At the same time, electronic goods continued to emerge as a major strength for India’s export economy. Growing global demand for smartphones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment has significantly expanded the country’s presence in international markets.

The expansion of manufacturing operations by global technology companies, including Apple, has further accelerated India’s electronics exports in recent years.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said exporters remain optimistic despite the challenging global environment. He noted that shipments to West Asia are continuing through alternative routes as the Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure.

The minister also expressed confidence that India’s recently concluded free trade agreements would provide long-term support to domestic industries and help expand access to global markets.

India’s electronics exports have witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade. Between 2016 and 2024, exports from the sector increased nearly fivefold to over $42 billion, reflecting the country’s growing role in global manufacturing and supply chains.

A recent report by NITI Aayog highlighted that electronics has now become one of India’s largest export categories, supported by rising investments, policy incentives, and expanding domestic production capabilities.

The sector has also become increasingly important for industries such as telecom, renewable energy, defence, and automotive manufacturing, strengthening its role in India’s broader industrial growth story.

To further support the industry, the Union Budget allocated ₹40,000 crore under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, aimed at boosting domestic production capacity and reducing import dependence.

India, May 07: F5 today announced the appointment of Dhananjay Ganjoo as Country Manager for India and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region. In his new tenure, Dhananjay will be responsible for driving F5’s regional growth strategy, strengthening customer and partner relationships, and advancing F5’s leadership in application delivery, security and AI.

The announcement was made at AppWorld Mumbai, F5’s flagship conference dedicated to modern application delivery and hybrid-cloud security.

Dhananjay returns to F5 following a two-year leadership tenure at The Akshaya Patra Foundation, where he drove resource mobilization and large-scale brand advocacy for PM POSHAN. His efforts in driving high- impact communications and partnerships contributed to expand reach, stronger stakeholder engagement, and measurable resource mobilization outcomes.

“India and SAARC are at a critical inflection point in their digital evolution,” said, Dhananjay Ganjoo, Country Manager for India and SAARC. “It is a privilege to return to F5 at a time when our mission to deliver secure, AI-ready applications has never been more relevant. I look forward to working with our incredible team and ecosystem to drive the next wave of innovation for our customers.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dhananjay back to F5 at such a pivotal moment. The India and SAARC region remain a massive engine for our global strategy,” Adam Judd, SVP of Sales, APCJ, F5. “With his cross-industry expertise and knowledge of the region’s technology ecosystem and his relentless drive for innovation, I am confident that his leadership will empower our team to reach new heights and redefine what’s possible for F5 in the region.” 

Dhananjay brings over three decades of experience in the technology industry. Prior to F5, he held leadership roles across organisations including Microsoft, Juniper Networks, and Nortel, and founded Envoy Labs, a consultancy focused on startups and SMBs.

At AppWorld Mumbai, F5 showcased its latest innovations in AI security and post-quantum cryptography, highlighting its commitment to helping Indian enterprises deploy AI with confidence across multi-cloud environments.

Varanasi, May 7: Shakti Energy Solutions marked a strong presence at PowerPax India – Renewable Energy Expo, held on May 2–3, 2026, at Deendayal Hasthkala Sankul, Varanasi. The two-day expo brought together key stakeholders from across the renewable energy ecosystem, serving as a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

At the event, Shakti Energy Solutions showcased its advanced on-grid solar rooftop systems under its Shakti On Roof offering. Designed for high efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance, these solutions reflect the company’s commitment to accelerating clean energy adoption across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

At its dedicated exhibit, the company presented a range of high-performance rooftop solar systems engineered to maximize energy output while ensuring long-term cost savings. The solutions attracted significant interest from business owners, institutional buyers, and industry professionals exploring dependable and sustainable energy alternatives.

The company received an encouraging response from visitors and partners, reinforcing confidence in its technology and approach. The participation further strengthened Shakti Energy Solutions’ positioning as a reliable provider of future-ready clean energy solutions.

Throughout the expo, the team engaged closely with attendees to understand evolving energy requirements, rising electricity costs, and the growing shift toward decentralized power generation. These interactions highlighted the increasing demand for efficient rooftop solar systems and reinforced the company’s customer-centric approach.

The participation also enhanced Shakti Energy Solutions’ presence in Uttar Pradesh—an emerging market for solar adoption driven by supportive government policies and increasing awareness. With rooftop solar gaining momentum across the region, the company is well-positioned to support this transition through scalable and dependable solutions.

PowerPax India 2026 served as a valuable platform for the company to showcase its capabilities, build meaningful industry connections, and contribute to India’s expanding renewable energy landscape.

 

Mumbai, May 7 (BNP): Indian benchmark indices traded in positive territory on Thursday morning as investor sentiment improved amid expectations of a possible diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran.

The BSE Sensex rose nearly 380 points, or 0.48 per cent, touching an intraday high of 78,339.24. The NSE Nifty also advanced by around 92 points, or 0.37 per cent, to trade near 24,423 in early deals.

Despite the broader gains, several heavyweight stocks witnessed selling pressure. Among the notable laggards on the Nifty were Tata Consumer Products, Power Grid Corporation, Hindustan Unilever, TCS, HDFC Bank, Titan, NTPC, and Sun Pharma.

Sector-wise, indices linked to real estate, FMCG, consumer durables, and private banks slipped up to 0.7 per cent. On the other hand, auto and metal stocks outperformed, with both sectors posting gains of nearly 0.8 per cent.

Analysts attributed the positive market mood to reports suggesting Iran is reviewing a peace proposal backed by the US. According to international reports, the proposed framework could help ease ongoing tensions in West Asia, although major concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.

An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson indicated that Tehran would soon share its response to the proposal, while US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Iran is willing to negotiate.

Market experts, however, cautioned that volatility may continue due to geopolitical uncertainty and fluctuating crude oil prices. They noted that investor sentiment is currently swinging between optimism over diplomatic progress and fears linked to the broader regional conflict.

Analysts also flagged concerns over rising valuations in the artificial intelligence segment globally, warning that any sharp correction in AI-related stocks could impact foreign portfolio investment flows into emerging markets, including India.

On the earnings front, market participants said investors are rewarding companies that delivered strong March quarter results, while firms missing expectations are facing sharp reactions.

In the commodities market, Brent crude traded around $102.50 per barrel, up 1.2 per cent, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained nearly 1.5 per cent to trade close to $96.50 per barrel.

Asian markets mirrored the positive momentum, with indices such as the Nikkei, Hang Seng, and KOSPI trading firmly higher. Overnight, Wall Street also ended on a strong note, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.46 per cent and the Nasdaq rising 2 per cent.

Seoul, Korea, May 07–SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM, hereinafter referred to as “SKT”) today announced its consolidated earnings for the first quarter of 2026, based on Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (K-IFRS): revenue of KRW 4.3923 trillion, operating income of KRW 537.6 billion, and net income of KRW 316.4 billion.

Revenue increased 1.5% quarter over quarter (QoQ), driven by a recovery in the wireless business and growth in the AI Data Center (AIDC) business. Through company-wide productivity improvement efforts, operating income exceeded KRW 500 billion on a quarterly basis for the first time since the first quarter of last year.

Following a period of subdued performance last year, SKT posted a clear turnaround in the first quarter of 2026, driven by efforts to innovate customer value and restore trust. The company’s AI business, built on a strategy of focus and selectivity, also improved its profitability and delivered tangible results.

On a non-consolidated basis, the company reported revenue of KRW 3.1058 trillion, operating income of KRW 409.5 billion, and net income of KRW 332.7 billion. SKT also reinstated its quarterly dividend, with a dividend of KRW 830 per share for the first quarter.

■ Handset subscribers up 210,000 as trust restoration efforts bring customers back

SKT achieved net additions of approximately 210,000 handset subscribers in the first quarter of 2026. Mobile service revenue increased 1.7% QoQ. These results are attributable to the company’s commitment to placing customers at the core of its business and implementing a range of measures to strengthen fundamental competitiveness.

SKT recently revamped its membership program to expand customer benefits and improve ease of use. The company is also advancing a restructuring of its rate plans to further enhance customer choice.

SK Broadband, the company’s fixed-line subsidiary, recorded revenue of KRW 1.1498 trillion and operating income of KRW 116.6 billion, up 3.2% and 21.4% year over year (YoY), respectively, driven by growth in high-speed internet subscribers.

■ AI Data Center business accelerates, fuelling full-scale push into AI B2B market

SKT’s AI business is delivering tangible results through its strategy of focus and selectivity.

The AIDC business, a key growth engine, recorded revenue of KRW 131.4 billion in the first quarter, surging 89.3% YoY. Performance was driven by higher utilization rates at data centers including the Gasan (Seoul) data center, as well as increased revenue from GPUaaS (GPU-as-a-Service), adding further momentum to the business.

A service that provides GPU resources in a cloud-based model according to customer demand

As AI infrastructure demand from global Big Tech companies accelerates rapidly, SKT plans to reinforce its competitiveness across the full AIDC value chain and continuously expand its infrastructure footprint.

The company will also broaden its push into the AI Business-to-Business (B2B) market. As the only domestic provider with full-stack capabilities spanning AI infrastructure, models, and services, and drawing on its accumulated experience in the enterprise business, SKT plans to make a full-scale entry into the AI B2B market going forward. To this end, the company has recently established an integrated organization to drive enterprise business, reporting directly to the CEO.

In the AI Business-to-Consumer (B2C) space, SKT plans to enhance its fundamental competitiveness by creating synergies between the AI agent business and the telecommunications industry. In particular, its flagship AI service ‘A.’ (pronounced “A-dot”) is set to enhance its performance by leveraging a sovereign AI foundation model on par with leading global models, thereby strengthening its standalone competitiveness.

“The first quarter of 2026 was a meaningful period in which we delivered tangible results in line with this year’s goals — strengthening fundamental competitiveness centered on customer value and restoring profitability through a focused AI business,” said Park Jong-seok, CFO of SK Telecom. “Going forward, we will make every effort to restore our earnings by generating sustained results.”

※ The conference call in regard to SKT’s 1Q 2026 earnings results can be heard via SKT’s webpage on Thursday, May 7, from 16:00 Seoul Time.

※ Attachment 1. Summary of Consolidated Income Statement (Unit: KRW billion)

※ Attachment 2. Summary of Non-Consolidated Income Statement (Unit: KRW billion)

SYDNEY, May 07– As the official digital print and projector partner of the Australian Fashion Council (AFC), Epson Australia has announced its participation in Australian Fashion Week 2026, taking place from 11–15 May 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and venues across Sydney.

 (l-r) Epson Australia Managing Director Craig Heckenberg, Samantha Delgos, General Manager, Australian Fashion Council, Marianne Perkovic, Executive Chair, Australian Fashion Council and Epson Australia Corporate Marketing Manager, Priscilla Dickason

This year’s event will bring together the nation’s most creative and forward‑thinking designers and innovators in a celebration of Australian culture, design and sustainable fashion manufacturing. 

For Epson, participation in Australian Fashion Week builds on its continuing partnership with the Australian Fashion Council, strengthening a shared commitment to fostering a more sustainable, innovative and locally empowered fashion industry.

Epson A/NZ MD Craig Heckenberg said, “As a key strategic partner of the AFC, we are fully committed to our support of Australian Fashion Week 2026. Together with the AFC, Epson is championing the future of Australian fashion manufacturing by creating meaningful opportunities between designers, brands and local makers. We’re showcasing how digital textile printing technology supports more sustainable, on‑demand production, helping designers bring their creativity to life locally and responsibly.”

A highlight of Epson’s program at Australian Fashion Week 2026 will be ‘Meet the Makers’, a curated matchmaking experience co‑hosted with the AFC and part of the AFC Talks, presented by Afterpay during AFW. The event brings Australian fashion brands and local manufacturers together under one roof, allowing designers to discover the craftsmanship, skill and production capacity available within Australia’s own borders.

Epson will take a leading role in the manufacturer showcase, demonstrating how digital textile printing technologies, such as the Epson Monna Lisa direct‑to‑fabric printer, integrate seamlessly into modern local production.

Featuring water‑based pigment inks and precision print technology, the Monna Lisa enables sustainable on‑demand manufacturing, reducing waste and making local production far more cost‑effective.

Epson Monna Lisa direct‑to‑fabric printer

By connecting brands with local manufacturing capability, Epson aims to help strengthen domestic supply chains, empower Australian fashion makers and reduce the environmental footprint of fashion creation.

Epson is also partnering with the AFC as the naming sponsor of the Epson Media Centre at AFW, providing a dedicated hub where local and international press can capture, file and share the stories shaping Australian fashion throughout the week. It’s also where the press and media can report on AFC Talks, presented by Afterpay.

“AFC Talks, presented by Afterpay, brings together the conversations that are most critical to our industry right now and shaping its future,” said Marianne Perkovic, Chair of the Australian Fashion Council. “These sessions go to the heart of the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead, from building global distribution to developing circular business models that deliver both commercial outcomes and cultural impact. They also recognise the broader economic importance of the fashion industry and the critical role it plays as a connected ecosystem. AFC Talks provides a platform to hear directly from industry leaders, share insights and bring the community together beyond the runway, creating space for everyone to engage, connect and help shape the future of Australian fashion.”

Epson’s involvement in Australian Fashion Week complements its ongoing collaboration with the AFC on long‑term initiatives that support onshore manufacturing, skills development and sustainability across the fashion and textile sector.

Since 2023, Epson and the AFC have worked together to:

• Deliver research on the current and future state of Australian fashion manufacturing

• Undertake a feasibility study for a smart manufacturing facility, integrating advanced machinery, software and digital production systems to support a local, on-demand model

• Explore circular economy pathways and sustainability programs to ensure the industry transitions responsibly by 2030

Epson also fully supported the AFC’s National Manufacturing Strategy launched in March 2026 at Parliament House to drive investment and innovation.

These collective efforts aim to build a future where Australian designers can produce collections sustainably and competitively on home soil supported by technologies that enhance efficiency and enable creative freedom.

Heckenberg added, “By showcasing what’s increasingly possible onshore, we will collectively strengthen local supply chains. The AFC’s National Manufacturing Strategy, which Epson proudly supports, represents an important step toward building a more resilient, sustainable and innovative future for Australian fashion.”

Epson’s global leadership in digital textile printing positions it as a technology partner of choice for designers and manufacturers seeking to produce responsibly and efficiently.

With solutions such as its Monna Lisa direct-to-fabric series printers Epson enables print‑on‑demand manufacturing that minimises waste, reduces energy use and shortens supply chains – all key goals for an industry striving to meet both environmental and creative challenges.

Epson’s participation in Australian Fashion Week 2026 underlines its role as a technology enabler for local innovation, connecting creativity with sustainability while supporting the AFC’s mission to future‑proof Australian fashion.

Australian Fashion Week 2026
Dates: 11–15 May 2026
Venues: Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and various locations around Sydney
Presented by: The Australian Fashion Council