May 6 (BNP): Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held discussions with the India head of Airbus, focusing on strengthening aerospace manufacturing and expanding Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in the country.

The meeting centered on enhancing India’s role in the global aviation supply chain, with emphasis on boosting domestic manufacturing capacity, skill development, and investment opportunities in the aerospace sector.

Both sides discussed ways to deepen collaboration in aircraft production ecosystems and improve India’s MRO infrastructure, which is seen as a key growth area for the aviation industry.

Officials said the engagement reflects India’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a major hub for aerospace manufacturing and services, supported by policy reforms and growing industrial capacity.

Karlsruhe, Germany – Wibu-Systems, a global leader in software protection, licensing, and cybersecurity, announces its integration with instellix, a next-generation monetization platform designed for subscription, usage-based, hybrid, and marketplace-driven business models.

The joint solution transforms software licensing from a supporting function into an operational backbone, where entitlement management, usage tracking, and financial processes operate as one continuous system. By combining CodeMeter’s secure licensing and protection technologies with instellix’s advanced monetization capabilities, software vendors can automate the entire lifecycle from contract to revenue.

“Software monetization is undergoing a structural shift. Licensing is no longer a back-office function: it is becoming part of the operational infrastructure of digital business,” said Stefan Bamberg, Director Sales and Key Account Management at WIBU-SYSTEMS AG. “With instellix, we extend CodeMeter beyond protection and licensing into a fully integrated monetization environment.”

From Entitlement to Revenue: One Continuous Process
The integration is enabled through standardized APIs that connect instellix with CodeMeter, linking commercial transactions directly to technical enforcement.

When a customer purchases a license, instellix automatically triggers CodeMeter to generate the corresponding entitlement. The license is delivered instantly, enabling immediate use without manual intervention.

At the same time, CodeMeter captures detailed usage data directly at the application level. This data is transferred to instellix, where it is processed into billing events, enabling precise usage-based invoicing and transparent customer reporting.

The result is a closed-loop system where every transaction, entitlement, and usage event is consistently aligned across technical and financial domains.

“Growth stalls when licensing and billing operate in silos. At instellix, we’ve eliminated that gap and with Wibu-Systems as our partner, companies can now scale usage-based and hybrid models globally, with full confidence that every license event translates directly into revenue. Together, we give them something they’ve never had before: a single, automated path from license to revenue, across any business model, any market, any scale, stated Juergen Schmiezek, CGO & Managing Director, instellix.”

Built for Modern Monetization Models
The combined solution supports the increasing complexity of software-driven business models across industries such as automotive, e-mobility, software & technology, and manufacturing. It enables subscription, usage-based, hybrid, and marketplace-driven licensing strategies, combining automated license provisioning with real-time usage tracking and integrated billing.

Designed for global operations, the architecture scales across currencies, tax regimes, and compliance requirements. This allows software vendors to introduce new pricing models without reengineering their existing systems, while maintaining full control over security, licensing, and revenue flows.

Strategic Impact for Software Vendors
As software becomes the core of industrial value creation, monetization must evolve beyond static licensing models.

The integration of CodeMeter and instellix enables companies to align product usage, contractual logic, and revenue realization in real time. This reduces operational complexity, eliminates reconciliation gaps, and creates a foundation for scalable, data-driven business models.

Software vendors can respond faster to market demands, experiment with new offerings, and expand globally, while ensuring that every licensed feature, every usage event, and every invoice follows a consistent, secure, and automated process.

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has approved a revised Viability Plan 2.0 for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) for the period 2025–26 to 2027–28, aimed at strengthening financial sustainability, governance, and long-term competitiveness in the rural banking sector.

The new framework builds on the earlier viability plan implemented from FY22 to FY25, which helped improve financial performance and strengthen monitoring systems across RRBs.

Viability Plan 2.0 introduces a structured performance evaluation system based on 30 key parameters under four major pillars — operational excellence, asset quality, profitability, and growth. These indicators are designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of RRB performance.

Key metrics under the framework include capital adequacy ratio (CRAR), credit-deposit ratio, non-performing assets (NPAs), recovery performance, profitability, and digital adoption levels. The plan also incorporates performance in implementing Government of India schemes to align operational outcomes with national priorities.

The government said the revised framework will enhance oversight, improve efficiency, and promote financial discipline across the 28 Regional Rural Banks in the country.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen rural credit delivery, deepen financial inclusion, and support digital banking expansion in underserved areas.

May 6 (BNP): The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two new semiconductor manufacturing projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (India Semiconductor Mission), further strengthening India’s push towards becoming a global chip manufacturing hub.

The approved projects involve a combined investment of around ₹3,936 crore and will be set up in Gujarat, generating employment for over 2,200 skilled professionals.

One of the key projects will see Crystal Matrix Limited establish an integrated compound semiconductor facility in Dholera. The unit will focus on Mini and Micro-LED display manufacturing using advanced GaN technology, with applications ranging from televisions and commercial displays to smartphones, tablets, and emerging devices like AR/VR glasses and smartwatches.

The second project, being developed by Suchi Semicon Private Limited in Surat, will be an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility. It will produce over one billion chips annually, catering to sectors such as automotive, industrial automation, power electronics, and consumer devices.

With these approvals, the total number of projects under the India Semiconductor Mission has reached 12, with cumulative investments of around ₹1.64 lakh crore. Several projects are already under execution, with some expected to begin commercial production soon.

Officials said the latest approvals mark another step forward in building a strong domestic semiconductor ecosystem, supported by expanding chip design capabilities across academic institutions and startups in the country.

Alappuzha, May 6 (BNP): In a remarkable electoral upset, A D Thomas, a former fisherman-turned-politician, has emerged as one of Kerala’s youngest MLAs after winning the Alappuzha Assembly seat.

Representing the Indian National Congress, Thomas’s victory is being hailed as a powerful grassroots success story. His journey from the coastal fishing community to the state legislature has struck a chord with voters, symbolising aspiration, resilience, and the promise of inclusive politics.

Thomas defeated a seasoned rival in a closely watched contest, scripting a stunning upset in a constituency traditionally marked by intense political competition. His campaign focused on local livelihood issues, welfare of fishermen, youth employment, and development concerns in the region.

Party leaders and supporters have welcomed the victory, describing it as a reflection of people’s trust in young leadership and fresh perspectives. Thomas is expected to play a key role in voicing the concerns of coastal communities and youth in the Assembly.

The win adds to the Congress party’s momentum in the state, while also spotlighting the rise of new-generation leaders in Kerala’s political landscape.

Government’s Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) targets additional credit flow of Rs. 2,55,000 crore to Support Stability, Resilience, and Employment

New Delhi, May 6: The Government of India’s Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) to target industrial continuity, preserving employment, and strengthening liquidity access for businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), during periods of economic uncertainty is a proactive step in the right direction said Mr. Rajeev Juneja, President, PHDCCI.

The scheme provides government-backed credit guarantees to banks and financial institutions, enabling faster and collateral-free emergency lending to eligible businesses, he added.

ECLGS is designed to address temporary liquidity shortages faced by industries during periods of economic stress by reducing lending risk for financial institutions through sovereign-backed guarantees to enable continued credit flow to viable businesses across manufacturing, services, trade, logistics, healthcare, hospitality, aviation, and among others.

Under the scheme, eligible firms are able to access additional working capital support without the requirement of fresh collateral which will help industries meet operational expenses, maintain production cycles, pay suppliers, and retain employees, he added

The availability of guaranteed emergency credit will help MSMEs:

• Maintain working capital operations
• Continue wage payments
• Procure raw materials
• Prevent supply-chain disruptions
• Avoid insolvency and business closures

“Further,the scheme will play an important role in stabilizing industrial supply chains and protecting employment. By ensuring continuity of credit production stoppages are reduced, vendor payment cycles are maintained and large-scale layoffs were mitigated”, added Juneja

“The government guarantee mechanism supports financial-sector stability by encouraging banks and non-banking financial institutions to continue lending during uncertain economic environment. The scheme continues to be regarded as one of India’s largest emergency credit-support interventions aimed at safeguarding industrial activity, MSME resilience, and employment continuity” said Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, SG & CEO, PHDCCI.

New Delhi, May 06 (BNP): The Indian rupee registered a strong rebound on Wednesday, appreciating by 61 paise to close at 94.57 (provisional) against the US dollar, supported by easing crude oil prices and improved global sentiment.

The gain came as Brent crude softened from recent highs near the $100 per barrel mark, easing pressure on import costs and currency markets. Sentiment was further lifted by signs of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which helped calm investor concerns.

Market participants noted that the Reserve Bank of India (Reserve Bank of India) has been taking indirect steps to manage volatility and support stability in the foreign exchange market.

Overall, the rupee’s recovery reflected a mix of softer oil prices, reduced global risk, and steady policy support, contributing to improved confidence in currency markets.

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): India’s manufacturing sector continued to show a positive growth outlook in the fourth quarter of FY26, even as businesses faced rising raw material costs and global economic uncertainties, according to a latest FICCI survey.

The survey indicates that overall industry sentiment remains steady across key manufacturing segments, despite cost pressures impacting input expenses. Capacity utilisation witnessed a marginal decline to around 72%, compared to the previous quarter.

However, manufacturers continue to remain optimistic about the next six months, with a stable investment outlook reflecting confidence in demand conditions and long-term business prospects.

The survey covered major industries including automobiles, capital goods, chemicals, fertilizers and pharmaceuticals, electronics and electricals, machine tools, metals, and textiles.

Overall, the findings highlight the resilience of India’s manufacturing sector, with sustained optimism expected to support production growth, investment activity, and broader industrial expansion in the coming months.

May 6 (BNP): Indian equity markets continued their upward momentum on Wednesday, with benchmark indices closing strongly in positive territory amid broad-based buying across sectors.

The BSE Sensex surged by 941 points, while the NSE Nifty 50 advanced by 298 points, reflecting strong investor sentiment.

The rally was supported by positive global cues and sustained domestic inflows, with financials, energy, and IT stocks leading the gains. Market participants noted improved risk appetite and continued optimism in key sectors.

Overall, the trading session highlighted strong bullish momentum, with benchmarks extending their gains on broad market participation.

Chennai, May 6 (BNP): Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on Wednesday met Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and formally staked claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu following the Assembly election results.

TVK has emerged as the single-largest party in the state, significantly altering the political landscape. During the meeting at Raj Bhavan, Vijay submitted his claim to form the government and is expected to be invited to take the next constitutional steps.

However, the party still faces a numerical challenge. It requires at least 118 seats to secure a majority in the Assembly and is currently short by around 10 seats. The next crucial step will be to prove its majority on the floor of the House.

While the Indian National Congress has extended support, its tally of five seats is insufficient to bridge the gap entirely. There is no clarity yet on additional support, including from independent legislators or smaller parties, that could help TVK cross the majority mark.

Political developments are being closely watched, with further announcements expected regarding government formation and a possible floor test in the coming days.