4, May 2026
Gold Futures Decline to INR 1.50 Lakh on Global Cues
New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): Gold prices declined in futures trade on Monday, tracking weak global cues as a stronger US dollar and rising crude oil prices weighed on bullion demand.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for June delivery fell by ₹1,149, or 0.76 percent, to ₹1,50,203 per 10 grams, with a total trading volume of 9,510 lots.
The decline comes after a similar trend in the previous week, when gold prices dropped by about 1 percent, or ₹1,347, to settle at ₹1.51 lakh per 10 grams.
Market analysts said pressure on gold was largely driven by firmness in the dollar index, which reduces the appeal of the yellow metal, along with elevated crude oil prices that continue to influence global commodity markets.
Overall, bullion prices remain volatile, with investors closely tracking global economic indicators, currency movements, and geopolitical developments for further direction.
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- By Neel Achary
4, May 2026
India’s Remittances Remain Resilient Amid West Asia Tensions, Says Morgan Stanley
New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India’s remittance inflows continue to remain strong despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, although policymakers may need to focus on supporting the reintegration of returning workers into the domestic economy, according to a report by Morgan Stanley.
The report noted that inflows from overseas Indian workers have held up well even amid uncertainty in key Gulf economies, highlighting the resilience of remittance-driven household income in India.
However, it cautioned that if labour market conditions in the West Asia region weaken further, a portion of returning workers may require structured support to transition back into domestic employment opportunities.
Experts suggest that targeted skill development, job placement initiatives, and sector-specific absorption strategies could help ease reintegration challenges and maximise the productive use of returning labour.
Overall, while remittance flows remain stable for now, the report underscores the importance of proactive policy measures to manage potential labour market shifts and sustain income stability for affected households.
4, May 2026
Domestic Capital Fuels 37 pc Jump in India Real Estate Investments: Report
New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India’s real estate sector recorded a strong uptick in investment activity during the January–March period, with total inflows rising 37 percent year-on-year, according to a report by JLL India.
The growth was primarily driven by robust participation from domestic investors, including institutions, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, highlighting increasing confidence in India’s property market amid global economic uncertainties.
The report noted that domestic capital has emerged as a key pillar of support for the sector, helping offset fluctuations in foreign investment flows and ensuring steady funding across residential, commercial, and industrial real estate segments.
Market experts believe the trend reflects a structural shift in investment behaviour, with local investors taking a more active and long-term view of real estate assets such as office spaces, warehousing, and premium housing projects.
Despite global headwinds, India’s real estate sector continues to attract sustained capital inflows, underscoring strong investor sentiment and long-term growth prospects. The rising share of domestic funding is also seen as a stabilising factor for the industry’s expansion.
Overall, the report highlights a resilient investment environment, with domestic capital playing an increasingly central role in shaping India’s real estate growth story.
4, May 2026
Oriflame Appoints Orkun Gül as Chief Commercial Officer
New Delhi, May 04: Oriflame has announced the appointment of Orkun Gül as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In this role, Orkun will join the company’s Global Leadership Team and lead its commercial strategy across international markets, as Oriflame strengthens its global business and expands its social selling ecosystem.
Orkun Gül brings over two decades of leadership experience across FMCG, direct selling, and network marketing. He has previously held senior roles at Procter & Gamble and spent more than a decade in executive leadership at Avon. Throughout his career, he has driven growth across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific by enhancing distributor engagement, improving market execution, and building consumer-centric business models.
In addition to his corporate experience, Orkun has been an advocate for ethical and sustainable direct selling practices, having served as President of the Turkey Direct Selling Association.
In his new role, Orkun will focus on strengthening Oriflame’s global social selling model, enhancing commercial capabilities across key markets, and improving productivity across its network of over three million Beauty Entrepreneurs worldwide.
Commenting on his appointment, Orkun Gül said,
“Oriflame has built a unique global community rooted in entrepreneurship and strong consumer relationships. I look forward to working closely with our teams and Beauty Entrepreneurs to accelerate growth and unlock new opportunities across markets.”
Edyta Kurek, Senior Vice President and Head of Oriflame India and Indonesia, welcomed the appointment, highlighting Orkun’s strong leadership in scaling people-centric commercial organisations and reinforcing the company’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, particularly in high-growth markets like India.
Founded in 1967, Oriflame operates in over 60 markets globally, offering a wide range of beauty and wellbeing products across skincare, cosmetics, fragrances, personal care, and nutrition. The company continues to promote micro-entrepreneurship through its social selling model while advancing sustainability and community impact initiatives.
4, May 2026
India Manufacturing Shows Resilience as PMI Edges Up to 54.7
New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India’s manufacturing sector saw a slight improvement in activity during April, with the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 54.7 from 53.9 in March, according to a private survey.
The reading indicates continued expansion in factory activity, though the pace of growth remains relatively subdued compared to previous years. A PMI above 50 reflects expansion in the sector.
The survey showed that both new orders and production increased during the month, supported by steady domestic demand and improving export performance. However, growth was partially restrained by competitive market conditions and global uncertainties.
Cost pressures remained elevated, with input prices rising at their fastest rate in over a year and a half. Higher costs of raw materials such as fuel, chemicals, aluminium, and petroleum products contributed to inflationary pressures, influenced in part by global geopolitical tensions.
Despite these challenges, employment conditions remained positive, with manufacturers increasing hiring at the fastest pace in ten months, reflecting continued business confidence.
Export demand also strengthened, with new overseas orders rising to a seven-month high, driven by improved demand from several international markets.
Economists noted that while the manufacturing sector continues to support India’s economic growth through output, jobs, and exports, rising costs and global headwinds may weigh on profitability in the coming months.
Overall, the data points to a steady but uneven recovery, with the sector remaining an important driver of India’s broader economic momentum.
4, May 2026
Mittal–Poonawalla Consortium Buys Stake in Rajasthan Royals in INR 15,660 Crore Deal!
New Delhi,May 4 (BNP): In a major development in the Indian Premier League, UK-based Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal and Adar Poonawalla have acquired a significant stake in Rajasthan Royals (RR) through a consortium deal valued at approximately ₹15,660 crore ($1.65 billion).
The two business leaders have partnered with existing principal owner Manoj Badale to form a new consortium that will not only control Rajasthan Royals but also its sister franchises—Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 league and Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League.
According to an official statement, post-transaction ownership will see the Mittal family holding around 75% stake in the franchise, while Adar Poonawalla will own approximately 18%. The remaining 7% will be retained by existing approved investors, including Manoj Badale, who will continue to play a key role, providing continuity and leveraging his extensive experience in cricket management.
The deal, announced after months of speculation over ownership changes, is subject to approvals from the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Competition Commission of India.
Founded in 2008 as one of the original IPL franchises, Rajasthan Royals was initially acquired by Badale for $67 million and has since grown into a globally recognized cricket brand. The new investment underscores the rising valuation and international appeal of IPL teams.
The Mittal family already has a footprint in global sports, including investments in the NBA’s Boston Celtics and English football club Queens Park Rangers. Sources indicate that Aditya Mittal could emerge as a key figure representing the franchise going forward.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Lakshmi Mittal said he has a deep personal connection with both cricket and Rajasthan, adding that he looks forward to contributing to the team’s future success and engaging with its passionate fan base.
The transaction marks one of the largest deals in IPL history and is expected to further boost investor confidence in the league’s commercial potential.
4, May 2026
Ather Energy Posts Improved Q4 Results, Loss Narrows Significantly
Mumbai, May 4 (BNP): Ather Energy has reported a sharp improvement in its financial performance for the January–March quarter, with net loss narrowing by 57 percent year-on-year.
The company posted a net loss of ₹100.23 crore in the fourth quarter, compared with ₹234.36 crore in the same period last year, according to a regulatory filing. The reduction reflects improving operational efficiency and stronger demand in the electric vehicle segment.
Revenue from operations grew significantly during the quarter, rising 74 percent to ₹1,174.66 crore from ₹676.8 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
The Bengaluru-based EV maker, which was listed on the stock exchanges in May last year, continues to benefit from rising adoption of electric two-wheelers and expanding market presence across key regions.
Overall, the results indicate steady progress in scaling operations while narrowing losses as the company strengthens its position in the competitive EV market.
4, May 2026
Cyclone Alert? Low Pressure Likely in Bay of Bengal Mid-May; IMD Yet to Confirm
Bhubaneswar, May 4 (BNP): A potential weather system over the Bay of Bengal is drawing attention, with early model projections indicating the possible formation of a low-pressure area during the second week of May.
According to preliminary forecasts from the Global Forecast System, conditions may become conducive for the development of a cyclonic system around mid-May. Some projections even hint at a possible intensification, raising concerns of a cyclone threat.
However, the India Meteorological Department has not issued any official confirmation or warning regarding such a development so far. Meteorological experts caution that while environmental conditions appear favorable for cyclogenesis, it is too early to determine whether the system will intensify into a cyclone.
As of now, the situation remains under close watch, with further clarity expected in the coming days as more data becomes available. Authorities have advised
4, May 2026
New Market Segments Launched as NSE Points to Strong Capital Market Growth
May 4 (BNP): The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has introduced two new segments—PaRRVA and EGR—aimed at expanding market participation and improving trading efficiency.
Speaking at the launch, the NSE Chairman highlighted the resilience of India’s capital markets, noting their ability to withstand global uncertainties and maintain steady growth.
The introduction of these segments is expected to deepen market participation and offer investors new avenues for trading and risk management. Market officials said the move aligns with efforts to enhance transparency, liquidity, and innovation in the financial ecosystem.
Overall, the development reflects continued efforts to strengthen India’s capital market infrastructure and support its long-term growth trajectory.
4, May 2026
India’s LPG Shipment Clears Strategic Strait, Heads to Visakhapatnam Port
Visakhapatnam, May 4 (BNP): An LPG tanker carrying cargo destined for India has safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz and is currently en route to Visakhapatnam, according to official sources. The movement of the vessel comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have raised global concerns over key energy shipping routes.
Authorities confirmed that despite the challenging regional environment, maritime operations remain stable and uninterrupted. There has been no disruption reported to Indian-flagged vessels or energy shipments bound for the country.
The consignment is expected to support domestic LPG availability and reinforce the country’s energy supply chain, which is being closely monitored to ensure steady distribution across regions.
Officials further stated that shipping activities in the region are under continuous surveillance to safeguard critical imports and maintain smooth logistical operations. The government has assured that all necessary measures are in place to ensure energy security and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.
