20, Apr 2026
Strong Jewellery Sales Mark Akshaya Tritiya Despite Record High Gold Prices
New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): Jewellery retailers across India reported strong consumer demand on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, with buoyant sales in the gems and jewellery segment despite elevated gold prices.
Industry players said customer footfall remained healthy throughout the day, with buyers continuing to make purchases of gold jewellery, coins, and investment products, driven by the traditional belief that buying gold on this auspicious day brings long-term prosperity.
The resilience in demand comes even as gold prices remain at high levels, indicating sustained consumer confidence and strong cultural sentiment associated with the festival.
Retailers noted that while some buyers opted for lighter-weight jewellery and digital gold options, overall sales volumes remained encouraging compared to expectations, reflecting the enduring significance of Akshaya Tritiya in India’s gold buying season.
The festival once again reinforced its position as one of the most important occasions for the gems and jewellery industry, blending tradition, sentiment, and investment-driven purchasing behaviour.
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- By Neel Achary
20, Apr 2026
MENA Fintech Association Welcomes Facephi as a Member to Support Digital Identity and Secure Financial Onboarding Across the Region
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Apr 20 – The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), the region’s leading not-for-profit fintech industry body and globally ranked among the top fintech associations, is pleased to welcome Facephi, a global technology company specializing in digital identity verification and AI driven fraud prevention solutions, as a new scaleup member.
Facephi joins MFTA at a time when financial institutions across the Middle East are accelerating digital transformation initiatives and prioritizing secure digital onboarding, identity verification, and fraud prevention capabilities. As banks and fintech providers continue to expand digital services, robust identity technologies are becoming a critical foundation for secure, compliant, and seamless financial experiences.
Facephi delivers advanced end-to-end solutions that enable financial institutions to securely verify users, prevent fraud, and streamline digital onboarding processes. Its technology combines artificial intelligence, biometric recognition, and digital identity verification to help organizations provide secure, frictionless access to financial services while meeting evolving regulatory requirements.
With a strong global footprint, Facephi works with banks, financial institutions, and digital service providers across multiple regions, supporting secure customer authentication, regulatory compliance, and digital identity management in increasingly digital financial ecosystems.
As part of its engagement with the Association, Facephi will contribute its expertise to MFTA’s ecosystem initiatives focused on digital identity, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and secure financial infrastructure. As digital banking adoption accelerates across the region, biometric authentication and identity verification technologies are playing a growing role in enabling trusted financial services and protecting both institutions and customers.
Henry Rosas, Senior Commercial Director, Facephi Middle East, commented:
“Joining the MENA Fintech Association marks a strategic step in reinforcing our commitment to the region’s digital transformation. At Facephi, we are seeing a significant acceleration in demand for secure digital identity and fraud prevention solutions, driven by the rapid growth of digital banking and financial inclusion initiatives”.
Digital identity and biometric authentication have become key enablers of financial inclusion and secure digital transformation. Financial institutions across the Middle East are increasingly investing in identity technologies to support digital onboarding, strengthen compliance frameworks, and mitigate fraud risks while delivering seamless user experiences for customers.
MFTA continues to serve as a trusted platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators through working groups, roundtables, partnerships, and thought leadership initiatives. Facephi’s membership further strengthens the Association’s commitment to advancing secure digital infrastructure, responsible fintech innovation, and collaboration across the MENA ecosystem.
Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association and Founder of Fils, added:
“The MENA region continues to demonstrate strong progress in digital financial services, underpinned by resilience, regulatory advancement, and increasing institutional participation. At the MENA Fintech Association, we remain committed to actively supporting this growth by working closely with regulators, financial institutions, and technology leaders across the region. As digital identity becomes increasingly critical to enabling secure and inclusive financial ecosystems, we welcome Facephi to the Association. Their expertise will further strengthen our collective efforts to build trusted, compliant, and resilient financial infrastructure across MENA.”
20, Apr 2026
Ministry of Industry Joins ALUMINIUM Arabia as Strategic Partner
20, Apr 2026
UP Simplifies Wheat Purchase System, Eases MSP Procurement Norms for Farmers
Lucknow, Apr 20 (BNP): In a significant relief for farmers, the Uttar Pradesh government has relaxed procurement norms by allowing wheat sales at government purchase centres without mandatory online registration.
As per an official statement, the earlier requirement of completing a digital Farmer Registry for crop identification and verification will now be optional for wheat procurement under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.
The decision has been taken to reduce procedural hurdles and address difficulties faced by farmers, particularly those in rural areas with limited access to digital facilities.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed all District Magistrates to ensure immediate implementation of the revised guidelines across the state.
Officials said the move is aimed at making the procurement process more accessible, ensuring that farmers can sell their produce smoothly without being affected by technical or administrative barriers.
The change is expected to boost participation in government procurement centres and improve ease of selling wheat during the current procurement season.
20, Apr 2026
Gold and Silver Futures Decline Amid Weak Demand and Profit Booking
New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): Precious metals witnessed a decline in futures trading on Monday, with both gold and silver prices falling due to weak spot demand and increased selling pressure from market participants.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange of India, silver futures for May delivery dropped sharply, reflecting a broad-based sell-off. The decline was attributed to reduced investor interest and profit booking after recent price movements.
Gold futures for June delivery also traded lower during the session, weighed down by subdued spot demand and weak global cues. Market analysts noted that cautious sentiment in international markets contributed to the downward pressure on prices.
Traders observed that both metals came under selling pressure as participants reduced positions amid uncertain global trends. The movement indicated a shift toward caution in the precious metals segment, with investors reassessing short-term price direction.
Overall, the session reflected a softer tone in bullion markets, driven by weak demand signals and global market influences.
20, Apr 2026
Crude Oil Futures Rise on Strong Spot Demand and Fresh Buying Interest
New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): Crude oil prices witnessed a sharp rise in futures trading on Monday, supported by firm spot demand and increased participation from market players.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange of India, crude oil futures for May delivery rose significantly, reflecting strong buying momentum in the market. The upward movement was driven by fresh positions built by traders amid steady demand conditions in the spot market.
Market analysts noted that the increase in open interest indicated renewed confidence among participants, contributing to the sustained strength in prices during the trading session.
The rally in crude oil futures highlights the influence of underlying demand trends and trader sentiment on commodity markets, as energy prices continue to respond to both domestic and global factors.
Overall, the session reflected a positive bias in crude oil trading, with demand-side support playing a key role in price movement.
20, Apr 2026
India and Sri Lanka Discuss Proposed Oil Pipeline and Strengthening of Bilateral Cooperation
Colombo, Apr 20 ( BNP): Vice President of India C P Radhakrishnan held discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Sunday, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation, including a proposed India–Sri Lanka energy link.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, both leaders discussed the idea of a cross-border oil pipeline, which could serve as a key component of future energy connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.
The talks also covered a wide range of issues aimed at deepening the multifaceted partnership between India and Sri Lanka. These included cooperation in housing development projects, energy security initiatives, and long-standing concerns related to fishermen from both countries.
Officials noted that several India-led initiatives already underway were reviewed during the meeting, along with new proposals aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration. The proposed energy corridor was highlighted as a significant step toward strengthening long-term strategic and economic ties.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, reflecting the shared vision of stable and forward-looking relations between the two South Asian neighbours.
The discussions are expected to pave the way for closer coordination on infrastructure, energy, and people-centric development initiatives in the coming years.
20, Apr 2026
Modi’s Jhalmuri Stop in Jhargram Wins Hearts During Bengal Visit
Jhargram, West Bengal,Apr20(BNP): In a notable and candid moment during his election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unscheduled stop at a roadside jhalmuri stall in Jhargram, adding a local flavour to a day packed with rallies across the state.
During his visit to College Mor, the Prime Minister interacted warmly with the vendor, enquired about the price, and insisted on paying for the popular snack despite initial reluctance from the seller. He was also seen sharing jhalmuri with children and supporters present at the spot, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
The spontaneous gesture, captured on camera and widely shared on social media, drew positive reactions from locals and supporters. Such interactions are seen as part of the Prime Minister’s broader approach to connect with people through culturally relatable moments, especially in regions that hold significant political importance.
The brief pause amid a hectic campaign schedule blended local culinary culture with public engagement, further amplifying its impact beyond the immediate gathering.
20, Apr 2026
Tribe Amrapali Deepens Its Travel Retail Presence with New Store at Kolkata International Airport
Kolkata, Apr 20: Tribe Amrapali, the distinguished brand of handcrafted silver jewellery known for its modern interpretations of India’s cultural heritage, has unveiled its 38th store at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Located at Terminal 2, the new store marks a significant step in the brand’s continued expansion across key cultural and travel hubs in India.
A city that thrives on layered histories, artistic expression, and an enduring appreciation for craft, Kolkata offers a natural resonance with Tribe Amrapali’s design philosophy. From its legacy of literature and fine arts to its evolving contemporary culture, the city embodies a dialogue between the past and the present, much like the brand itself. With this new outpost, Tribe Amrapali brings its India-modern aesthetic into a space defined by movement, discovery, and cultural exchange.
Airports today serve as more than transit points; they are intersections of stories, identities, and inspiration. Positioned within this dynamic environment, the store becomes an invitation for travellers to engage with jewellery that carries the essence of India’s craft traditions, reimagined for the global, modern wearer.
Designed in line with the brand’s signature aesthetic, the store is both intuitive and immersive, balancing functionality with storytelling. The space houses a thoughtfully curated selection of Tribe Amrapali’s most distinctive pieces, from bold silver earrings and layered necklaces to stackable rings and versatile gifting options. The offering is designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of travellers, whether seeking statement keepsakes or everyday expressions of style, with the curation evolving in response to regional nuances and customer preferences.
Speaking on the launch, Akanksha Arora, CEO, Tribe Amrapali, said,
“Kolkata has always held a unique cultural depth and creative energy that aligns beautifully with our design ethos. The response to our first store at the airport encouraged us to expand further within this space. Airports bring together a diverse and curious audience, and this format allows us to present our collections in a way that feels both accessible and meaningful, especially for those discovering the brand for the first time, often through gifting or pieces that travel effortlessly across occasions.”
Rooted in India’s rich artisanal traditions and shaped by a contemporary design language, Tribe Amrapali continues to create jewellery that is expressive, versatile, and deeply narrative-led. Each piece reflects a balance between heritage and modernity, designed not just to be worn, but to be experienced.
With this launch, Tribe Amrapali strengthens its growing footprint across premium retail and travel destinations, furthering its vision of taking India-modern jewellery to a wider, global audience—one journey at a time.
20, Apr 2026
Nykaa Takes Over Bandstand with a Giant Pink Birthday Cake
~A birthday cake that turns every slice into a beauty giveaway~
Mumbai, Apr 20: This April, Nykaa turned its birthday celebration into an unmissable on-ground experience at Bandstand Promenade. Bringing its signature playfulness and consumer-first approach to life, Nykaa unveiled a giant birthday cake installation from April 18 to 19, 2026, inviting Mumbai to quite literally take home a slice of beauty.
Set against the iconic seafront, the installation transformed the promenade into a beauty-first celebration zone. Engineered as an interactive, gamified experience, the cake went beyond a visual stunt. Beauty lovers could pull out a slice of the cake, each designed as a gift box filled with curated beauty goodies, with the surprise element built into every slice. This playful “pick your slice” mechanic brought alive Nykaa’s core proposition of discovery, surprise and delight, in a format that was both experiential and shareable. In true birthday spirit, Nykaa flipped the script: “It was Nykaa’s birthday, but the gifts were for you!”
More than just a visual spectacle, the activation was designed to spark organic conversations both on-ground and online. With its picture-perfect design and interactive mechanic, the cake doubled up as a social-first moment, encouraging consumers to celebrate, share and engage with the brand in a fun, memorable way.
Conceptualised as a phygital extension of Nykaa’s birthday campaign, the installation acted as a powerful bridge between offline engagement and online commerce. While consumers could show up and claim their slice of beauty in person, the celebration did not stop there.
For those who could not make it to Bandstand, Nykaa’s Birthday Sale is also live till April 21 across the app and website, bringing exclusive deals, offers and surprises directly to consumers nationwide.
With this activation, Nykaa continued to push the envelope on experience-led marketing, turning a brand milestone into a high-energy, consumer-centric celebration that blended content, community and commerce seamlessly.
