Author: Neel Achary

India to Continue Russian Oil and LPG Imports After US Waiver Ends

India’s Construction Market to Double by 2034

Apr 17 (BNP): India’s construction sector, valued at around $685 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $1.2 trillion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.9 per cent, driven by sustained infrastructure investment and urban development, according to a report released on Friday.

The report by Savills India and Hotelivate said demand for office spaces remains strong, supported by the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and growing preference for Grade-A, sustainable workspaces. It also noted that construction costs have risen by 6.4 per cent to 7.6 per cent due to higher mechanical, electrical, and plumbing expenses.

According to the report, retail and residential segments have seen the sharpest rise in construction costs, with increases ranging from 3.8 per cent to 13.9 per cent between 2023 and 2025.

It added that mall construction costs have surged the most due to complex designs, deeper basements, and higher technical requirements. In the residential segment, luxury housing recorded the highest cost increase, followed by mid-income and affordable housing projects.

The report observed that residential demand continues to remain strong, with a growing shift towards premium and quality-focused developments across urban centres.

It further highlighted that rising input costs, wage inflation, and volatility in key raw materials such as steel, cement, and crude oil are impacting project economics. Construction labour wages have increased significantly in recent years, adding to overall expenses.

In the hospitality sector, performance has improved with occupancy levels stabilising at around 67–68 per cent and average room rates crossing ₹9,000. The sector also continues to attract investor interest, with a strong project pipeline and new developments underway.

The report advised developers to focus on efficiency, cost control, and sustainable planning to maintain long-term value and competitiveness in the evolving market.

India Plans 100 GW Nuclear Power Capacity by 2047: CEA Chairperson

Apr 17 (BNP): India is planning a major expansion of its nuclear energy capacity, targeting an increase from the current 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, according to the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The roadmap is part of the country’s long-term strategy to strengthen clean energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Nuclear power is expected to play a key role in meeting rising electricity demand while supporting India’s low-carbon growth goals.

The CEA Chairperson said the expansion plan is aligned with India’s broader energy transition efforts, which aim to raise the share of non-fossil fuel-based power in the overall energy mix.

He also noted that achieving this target will require sustained policy support, technological progress, and investment participation from both public and private sectors.

India Attracting Global Capital with Dollar 4.4 Trillion Market Cap

Apr 17 (BNP): India is increasingly being recognised as a stable destination for global investment, supported by a market capitalisation of around $4.4 trillion, according to Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

He said the country’s equity markets continue to show resilience, backed by steady economic fundamentals and long-term growth potential. This is helping strengthen investor confidence in India as a reliable capital market.

Pandey added that India’s expanding financial ecosystem and rising participation from both domestic and foreign investors are enhancing its position among major global investment destinations.

India’s Sugar Output Expected to Rise 8 pc to 274.8 Lakh Tonnes in 2025-26: ISMA

Oil Prices Drop as Trump Signals Possible Iran Agreement

Apr 17 (BNP): Crude oil prices fell more than 2 per cent in futures trade on Friday, as easing geopolitical tensions and expectations of a possible US-Iran agreement reduced concerns over global supply disruptions.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil futures for May delivery declined by ₹180, or 2.1 per cent, to ₹8,396 per barrel.

Market sentiment turned weaker following indications of progress toward a potential diplomatic understanding between the United States and Iran. This eased worries over extended supply disruptions in global crude markets.

Analysts said the development led traders to reassess the geopolitical risk premium that had recently supported oil prices, resulting in downward pressure on futures.

BULLET microdrama app crosses 10 million downloads on Google PlayStore

Apr 17: BULLET microdrama app has crossed 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store, marking a key moment in its growth as the platform continues to see rising user adoption. The milestone reflects BULLET’s expanding presence in India’s digital entertainment space, supported by its focus on short-form, engaging content.

Driven by its focus on snackable, high-impact storytelling, BULLET microdrama app has been steadily building strong connections with audiences across markets. This approach is reflected in the performance of its shows, with several titles garnering strong viewership. Among the most watched titles, Rickshaw Romeo leads with 9.1 million views, followed by Auto Raja (3.4 million), Laxmi Raj (2.6 million), Lady Boss, With Love (2.2 million) and Dear Didimoni (1.9 million).

Extending its footprint beyond the app, BULLET microdrama app has also crossed 100,000 followers on Instagram, pointing to a rapidly growing and engaged digital community.

Commenting on the milestone, Azim Lalani, Co‑Founder & Chief Business Officer, Bullet, said:

“Crossing 10 million downloads is a strong indicator of the resonance we are building with audiences across markets. Our focus has been on creating stories that feel engaging, relatable, and rooted in everyday experiences. It’s encouraging to see this reflected not just in downloads, but in the growing engagement across our shows and social platforms.”

Bullet stands out with micro-drama content across 7 Indian languages; one of the widest offerings in the category. The platform is strengthening its scale while building strong audience affinity in the short-form entertainment space.

ABHFL Secures INR 2,750 Crore Investment from Indriya in Stake Deal

Apr 17 (BNP): Aditya Birla Capital has announced that its housing finance subsidiary, Aditya Birla Housing Finance Ltd (ABHFL), has raised ₹2,750 crore through the sale of a 14.29 per cent stake to Indriya Ltd, an entity associated with private equity firm Advent International.

In a regulatory filing, the company said that following the transaction, ABHFL is no longer a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital. The parent company now holds an 85.505 per cent stake in the housing finance arm.

The board of ABHFL approved the allotment of 12.32 crore equity shares at a price of ₹223.12 per share to Indriya Ltd as part of the deal.

The transaction marks a strategic capital infusion aimed at strengthening the housing finance subsidiary’s balance sheet and supporting its future growth plans.