Category Archives: Business

Two Homes, One Bond: Vedaanta Senior Living Celebrates the Evolving Journey of Mothers and Daughters

Bengaluru, May 9th: Vedaanta Senior Living, a leading provider of thoughtfully designed senior living communities, has unveiled its Mother’s Day campaign film that beautifully captures the evolving dynamic between mothers and their children, anchored in reassurance, love and everyday joy.

Conceptualised and executed in-house, the campaign adopts a warm, slice-of-life storytelling format that unfolds over the course of a single day. Reflecting everyday life today, the story take place across a series of video calls between a mother residing at Vedaanta and her daughter living abroad. The film presents a gentle yet distinct contrast between two lives.

On one side is the mother’s day at Vedaanta – structured, personalised and engaging. Her routine includes the much awaited morning tea served at her home, catch-up walks with friends, guided fitness sessions, interesting meals without the burden of cooking, and laid-back moments in the in-house movie theatre. On the other side is the daughter’s life, fast-paced and demanding, as she balances work, household responsibilities, and parenting.

As the day progresses, these parallel narratives unfold through candid, affectionate calls . What begins as routine check-ins gradually reveals a deeper emotional shift. The daughter, who once worried about her mother’s well-being, comes to realise that her mother is not only cared for but truly thriving. The film culminates in a tender Mother’s Day exchange, reinforcing Vedaanta’s positioning as not just a residence, but an ecosystem of everyday care, independence, and peace of mind.

The campaign features professional models and is designed to feel authentic and relatable, drawing from real-life experiences of modern families navigating distance, responsibilities, and care. Link to the campaign: https://youtu.be/FpKiDP8bvTo

Commenting on the campaign, Shreya Anand,Director and Head of Marketing, Vedaanta Senior Living said, “This campaign is deeply personal and reflective of a reality many families live in today. We wanted to move away from portraying ageing as a phase of dependence and instead celebrate it as it is today in our communities – active and independent. Through this film, we are reassuring families that choosing Vedaanta is not about stepping away from loved ones, but about ensuring they are truly cared for, even in your absence. It is a message of emotional security, told through simple, everyday moments.”

The narrative is further elevated by glimpses of the vibrant Vedaanta community, where residents engage in community activities, fitness sessions, and lots of friendly chatter that foster a strong sense of belonging.

With this campaign, Vedaanta Senior Living continues to strengthen its brand ethos of redefining senior living in India, positioning it as an aspirational lifestyle choice rooted in independence, care, and emotional well-being

India’s Capital Markets to Drive Inclusive Wealth Creation and Viksit Bharat Vision by 2047: Shri Sudhanshu Trivedi at PHDCCI’s 8th Annual Convention

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) successfully organized the 8th Annual Convention on Capital Market & Commodity Market on the theme “Democratising Wealth Creation: Inclusive Capital Markets for a Prosperous India” on Friday, 8th May 2026 at PHD House, New Delhi. The convention brought together policymakers, regulators, financial market experts, industry leaders, and market participants to deliberate on the growing role of inclusive capital markets in India’s economic transformation.

The Welcome Address was delivered by Mr. Mohit Luthra, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, who welcomed the distinguished dignitaries, industry leaders, and participants and highlighted the importance of strengthening financial inclusion and investor participation for building a resilient and prosperous economy

The Chief Guest Shri Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and National Spokesperson, BJP, “while addressing the gathering, highlighted India’s remarkable economic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating that India has emerged as the world’s 4th largest economy, 4th largest stock market, 3rd largest automobile manufacturer, and the global leader in digital transactions, contributing nearly 49% of all digital transactions worldwide through UPI. Emphasising the success of Jan Dhan Yojana, DBT and digital inclusion, he noted that over 56 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, enabling direct transfer of benefits and significantly reducing leakages in welfare delivery. He underlined the exponential rise in Demat accounts from 2.2 crore in 2014 to over 21 crore today, reflecting deepening financial inclusion across districts and smaller towns. Shri Trivedi also highlighted India’s growing global stature in manufacturing, defence production, exports, semiconductors, electronics, startups and infrastructure development, citing investments by global companies such as Foxconn, Samsung and Google. Referring to India’s increasing role in global growth and geopolitical trust, he stated that the world now sees India not merely as a superpower, but as a “world friend and world guru” capable of motivating and guiding the global community. He further cautioned against divisive narratives based on region, language and identity, stressing the need for national unity to sustain India’s economic rise and achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

Mr. Deepak Ranjan, Director (Financial Markets), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, “in his address highlighted that the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and efficiency in India’s financial regulatory framework through the proposed Securities Market Code. He noted that the reform aims to consolidate the existing SEBI Act, Securities Contracts Regulation Act, and Depositories Act into a single, comprehensive legislation, thereby streamlining the regulatory architecture of India’s capital markets. Emphasizing the importance of consultative policymaking, he stated that the new framework seeks to institutionalize greater stakeholder participation, periodic regulatory reviews, and a more transparent rule-making process to ensure that India’s securities market ecosystem remains robust, responsive, and globally competitive.”

While addressing the gathering Ms. Shashi Kajle, Director (Financial Markets), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, “talked about India’s rapid transformation into a globally significant financial and economic powerhouse, driven by inclusive capital markets, digital public infrastructure, and expanding retail participation. She noted that India’s market capitalization has grown to nearly USD 5 trillion, supported by over 21 crore demat accounts, rising mutual fund participation, and strong fintech adoption, reflecting a major shift towards formal and long-term wealth creation. She further emphasized the role of digital initiatives such as Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, mobile connectivity, and UPI in deepening financial inclusion across the country. Stressing the importance of investor trust, transparency, and wider participation, particularly among women, MSMEs, and young investors, she underlined that India’s capital markets are increasingly emerging as instruments of entrepreneurship, innovation, and national development. She also highlighted the growing significance of GIFT City in strengthening India’s integration with global financial markets and supporting the country’s long-term vision of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”

Dr. D K Aggarwal, Former President, PHDCCI, “highlighted India’s emergence as a rapidly growing economic powerhouse, stating that the country is on track to become a USD 20 trillion economy by 2047, with capital markets expected to play a transformative role in wealth creation. Emphasizing the theme of democratizing wealth creation, he noted that advancements in digitalization, financial innovation, and regulatory reforms have made investments increasingly accessible to common households through products such as mutual funds, SIPs, ETFs, bonds, and fractional ownership platforms. He further underlined the strong investor protection framework established by regulators, which has significantly enhanced trust and safety in Indian markets. Highlighting the remarkable long-term growth potential of Indian equities, he expressed confidence that India’s capital markets would continue to expand rapidly, creating unprecedented opportunities for inclusive and sustainable wealth creation.”

While addressing the masses Mr. Pradeep Ramakrishnan, Executive Director, IFSCA, talked about “the extraordinary evolution of GIFT City into a globally emerging international financial hub, reflecting India’s growing prominence in the international financial ecosystem. Emphasizing the vision behind the development of GIFT-IFSC, he noted that the centre was established to create a world-class financial and business environment comparable to leading global financial destinations. He further shared that GIFT-IFSC today hosts over 1,500 registered entities across international banking, capital markets, insurance, fintech, investment funds, and foreign universities, while steadily strengthening its position as a strategic gateway for global capital flows, innovation, and next-generation financial services.”

Mr. Narinder Wadhwa, Co-Chair, Capital Market & Commodity Market Committee, PHDCCI, “in his closing remarks said that despite global political uncertainties and tensions in West Asia, India’s growth story remains strong and resilient. He emphasized that financial inclusion is the need of the hour and highlighted the importance of converting savers into investors and citizens into stakeholders in India’s economic growth journey. He also shared that the convention would further deliberate on emerging opportunities across various market segments and asset classes.”

The session was moderated by Mr. B. K. Sabharwal, Chair, Capital Market & Commodity Market Committee, PHDCCI, who facilitated engaging discussions on strengthening investor participation, expanding financial literacy, and leveraging capital markets as a catalyst for inclusive economic development.

The convention concluded with a strong call for enhancing financial literacy, encouraging wider retail participation, and building globally competitive capital markets that support India’s vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047. The deliberations reflected a shared commitment towards creating a transparent, resilient, and inclusive financial ecosystem for sustainable wealth creation.

During the convention, PHDCCI also launched the Knowledge Report titled “Profit Pool Analysis for Selecting Emerging Industries and Stocks in India”, providing key insights into emerging sectors, investment trends, and future growth opportunities in the Indian economy.

The inaugural session was followed by panel discussions on Investment During Uncertain Times: Opportunities and Challenges for Wealth Creation and Investment, Empowerment and Financial Inclusion through various Asset Classes. Distinguished speakers included Mr. Gurmeet Chadha, CIO & MD, Complete Circle; Mr. Ashu Madan, MD, JM Financial Services; Mr. Kunal Saraogi, SEBI Registered Research Analyst; Dr. Sharad Kohli, Tax Guru, Founder & Chairman, KCC Group; Dr. Neha Singh, Editor, DRS Insights; Mr. Ankur Jalan, CEO, Golden Growth Fund; Mr. Jayendra Malhotra, Senior Economist; Mr. Puneet Agarwal, Element One Alternatives; Dr. Ravi Singh, Chief Research Officer, Master Trust Ltd. & Mr. Sanjeev Gupta, MD, NEXGEN Financial Solutions.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from representatives of government bodies, regulatory authorities, stock and commodity exchanges, market intermediaries, law firms, financial institutions, academia, and industry associations. Interactive technical sessions and panel discussions enabled meaningful exchange of ideas and recommendations for strengthening India’s financial architecture.

The Convention was supported by Globe Capital as the Presenting Partner; MSEI as an Exchange Partner; NSDL as Depository Partner; Wealth Discovery as the Associate Partner; Choice Broking, Dhan, Jainam Securities, SMC Capital, Steel City Securities, Starfinvest & SMIFS Ltd. as Co- Partners; Findoc, Agroy, Nexgen & Golden Globe Fund as Supporting Partners, Anand Rathi as the Logo Partner & The CPAI as the Association Partner.

The convention was attended by more than 250 delegates and reaffirmed the critical role of robust, transparent, and inclusive capital and commodity markets in shaping India’s growth story. The enriching discussions on investor participation, regulatory reforms, technological advancements, financial literacy, market resilience, and the expanding role of India in global financial markets provided meaningful direction for the future.

India–EU Partnership Enters Stronger Phase of Engagement: Sitharaman at Europe Day 2026

New Delhi, May 9 (BNP): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the India–European Union partnership has gained fresh momentum, reflecting deeper cooperation across economic, trade, and strategic areas.

Speaking at the Europe Day 2026 event, she noted that the relationship between India and the EU has steadily strengthened, supported by shared priorities such as economic stability, sustainable growth, and a fair global trading system.

She highlighted that both sides are actively working to expand collaboration in key areas including trade, investment, technology, clean energy transition, and strengthening supply chains. According to her, these efforts are helping convert long-standing strategic understanding into concrete outcomes for businesses and economies on both sides.

Sitharaman also underlined that India and the EU, as major global economic partners, have significant scope to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors while jointly addressing global economic challenges. She expressed optimism that continued dialogue and engagement will further enhance the partnership in the coming years.

The statement reflects the growing importance of India–EU relations in supporting global economic stability and advancing shared development goals.

Markets Have Already Adjusted to Slower Growth and Higher Inflation, Says SEBI Analyst

May 9 (BNP): A SEBI analyst has said that financial markets have already taken into account expectations of weaker GDP growth and rising inflation following recent shocks in global oil prices.

According to the analyst, investors have been gradually pricing in the impact of higher crude oil costs, which are likely to put upward pressure on inflation and weigh on economic growth. As a result, much of the expected downside has already been reflected in current market levels.

Despite concerns over global uncertainty and energy price volatility, markets have shown a degree of stability, suggesting that participants are not being caught off guard by these macroeconomic risks.

Overall, the commentary indicates that while inflationary pressures and slower growth remain key concerns, they are largely anticipated by investors rather than emerging as fresh surprises.

India Pushes for Quick Resolution of Issues in EFTA Trade Pact to Boost Benefits

May 9 (BNP): India has called for the early resolution of implementation-related issues in its trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to ensure that businesses on both sides can fully benefit from the pact, according to an official statement.

The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which came into effect in October 2025, was a key focus during Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal’s recent visit to Switzerland on May 6–7. The visit aimed at strengthening trade and investment cooperation and improving the on-ground implementation of the agreement.

During discussions, India emphasised the need to address operational and regulatory challenges at an early stage so that the market access opportunities under TEPA can be effectively utilised by exporters, investors, and industry stakeholders from both regions.

Officials noted that the agreement is already showing encouraging early results. Within 200 days of its implementation, new Indian product categories have entered the Swiss market, services trade has expanded, and investor interest between India and EFTA countries has strengthened.

India reiterated that smoother implementation and timely resolution of outstanding issues will be crucial in maximising the benefits of TEPA and deepening long-term economic engagement with the EFTA bloc, which includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

General Manager Ashish Tiwari Strengthens Team Leadership & Training Initiatives at Andaaz Restaurant, New Jersey

Andaaz Restaurant continues to strengthen its hospitality standards through enhanced team leadership and employee training initiatives under the guidance of Ashish Tiwari, General Manager of the restaurant.

Recognizing that exceptional hospitality begins with empowered teams, Ashish Tiwari has introduced a focused leadership and training program aimed at improving operational efficiency, service excellence, staff development, and guest engagement across all departments.

The initiative includes structured training sessions in guest relations, communication skills, fine dining service standards, food knowledge, operational coordination, and workplace professionalism. The program is designed to help employees build confidence, improve performance, and deliver a more refined dining experience to guests.

Speaking about the initiative, Ashish Tiwari said,

“In the hospitality industry, a motivated and well-trained team is the foundation of guest satisfaction. At Andaaz Restaurant, we believe leadership is not only about managing operations but also about mentoring people, encouraging growth, and building a positive work culture where every team member feels valued.”

The restaurant management has also placed strong emphasis on continuous learning and teamwork by encouraging staff participation in skill enhancement workshops, operational briefings, and service improvement strategies. The goal is to create a collaborative workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Under Ashish Tiwari’s leadership, the restaurant has continued to focus on maintaining premium hospitality standards while fostering a culture of discipline, creativity, and accountability. The training initiatives are expected to further elevate service quality and strengthen the restaurant’s reputation for delivering memorable guest experiences.

Known for its contemporary Indian cuisine and modern dining atmosphere, Andaaz Restaurant remains committed to innovation, employee development, and customer-centric hospitality practices in the evolving restaurant industry.

New Income Tax Act 2025 Aims to Simplify Filing, Expand India’s Taxpayer Base

New Delhi, May 9 (BNP): India’s newly introduced Income Tax Act 2025 is being positioned as one of the country’s most significant tax simplification reforms in recent years, with the government focusing on making tax filing easier, clearer, and more accessible for ordinary citizens.

Speaking at a taxpayer awareness programme in Mumbai, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (IT & TP) Nirupama Kotru said the new law, along with the upcoming Income Tax Rules 2026, has been designed to reduce complexity in the tax system and encourage greater voluntary compliance.

According to Kotru, the reforms aim to help individuals understand and file their taxes independently without relying heavily on chartered accountants or tax professionals for basic returns. She noted that many citizens still perceive tax filing as overly technical and difficult, often discouraging them from entering the formal tax system altogether.

To address these challenges, the government has introduced several taxpayer-friendly measures under the new framework. These include simplified language in the legislation, fewer sections and technical provisions, multilingual informational brochures, and digital support tools such as the “Aaykar Sathi” chatbot. Dedicated guidance resources have also been made available through the Income Tax Department’s online platforms to assist taxpayers in resolving queries more easily from home.

Kotru clarified that while the structure and presentation of the law have been simplified, there has been no major shift in India’s overall tax policy. She stated that India continues to maintain one of the more taxpayer-friendly tax regimes globally, supported by relatively low tax rates and progressive reforms introduced over the years.

The new Income Tax Act is particularly important because it seeks to remove long-standing barriers that have prevented many individuals from participating in the formal tax ecosystem. Complex terminology, difficult procedures, and confusion around different sources of income have historically made tax compliance intimidating for first-time or small taxpayers. In many cases, even honest taxpayers struggled with filing errors due to lack of clarity.

Officials believe the simplified format of the new law will improve public understanding of tax obligations, reduce unintentional mistakes, and build greater confidence among taxpayers. By making compliance easier, the government hopes to gradually widen India’s relatively narrow taxpayer base and strengthen overall revenue participation.

The reform also reflects the government’s broader push toward digital governance and citizen-centric public services. Tools such as AI-enabled chat support and simplified online guidance are expected to make the filing process more transparent, efficient, and accessible, especially for salaried individuals, small business owners, and first-time filers.

With the upcoming filing season expected to be governed by the new framework, tax authorities will closely monitor how effectively the simplified system improves compliance and encourages more citizens to file returns independently.

Commerce Secretary Visits Switzerland to Strengthen India–EFTA Trade Partnership

India’s Ornamental Fisheries Exports Reach INR 41 Crore, PMMSY Driving Growth and Global Opportunities

New Delhi, May 9 (BNP): India’s ornamental fisheries sector is witnessing rapid growth, supported by increasing global demand, rich aquatic biodiversity, and focused government initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). With ornamental fish exports estimated at nearly ₹41 crore, the sector is steadily emerging as a promising contributor to rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and India’s fisheries economy.

As part of efforts to strengthen the sector, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India, visited the Ornamental Fisheries Brood Bank at Mangrul village in Raigad district, Maharashtra. The facility was established by Mrs. Yashodhara Sanjay Khandagale under the PMMSY scheme and has become a notable example of innovation and sustainable growth in ornamental aquaculture.

During the visit, the Union Secretary interacted with PMMSY beneficiaries and local stakeholders to understand on-ground challenges, identify operational gaps, and assess opportunities for further strengthening the sector. The interaction highlighted the growing role of small entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises in transforming ornamental fisheries into a sustainable livelihood model.

The Raigad-based brood bank is regarded as one of the first initiatives of its kind in India and currently conserves and breeds more than 25 varieties of ornamental fish. Through her brand “Sam Discus,” Mrs. Yashodhara Sanjay Khandagale has successfully established a strong presence in the domestic ornamental fish market, particularly in premium discus fish production.

The facility has produced nearly 7.7 lakh ornamental fish across 20 species, generating an estimated revenue of ₹1.93 crore while creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for approximately 25–30 people. Equipped with more than 700 tanks, the brood bank also serves as a centre for skill development, best-practice training, and entrepreneurship promotion in ornamental aquaculture.

The unit exports ornamental fish to several international markets, including the United States, Italy, France, Mauritius, South Korea, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, China, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, and Israel, showcasing India’s growing global footprint in the ornamental fisheries trade. The brood bank is also covered under government support schemes such as the Group Accident Insurance Scheme (GAIS) and the National Fisheries Development Programme (NFDP), ensuring regulatory compliance and institutional backing.

India possesses immense potential in ornamental fisheries, with nearly 700 indigenous freshwater species and over 300 marine ornamental species available domestically. Leveraging this biodiversity, the government has significantly expanded infrastructure support under PMMSY. So far, 1,986 backyard ornamental fish rearing units, 6,018 fish kiosks and aquariums, and 117 retail markets — including dedicated ornamental fish and aquarium markets — have been supported across the country.

In addition, five freshwater ornamental fish brood banks and 199 integrated ornamental fish units have been established to strengthen breeding, production, marketing, and value-chain development. The Department of Fisheries has also identified 34 fisheries production and processing clusters nationwide, including a dedicated ornamental fisheries cluster in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Maharashtra continues to play a vital role in India’s fisheries sector due to its strong marine and inland fishery resources. The state has a coastline of nearly 878 km, 173 fish landing centres, and 526 fishing villages, supporting over 15 lakh fisherfolk. Fish production in Maharashtra reached approximately 5.9 lakh tonnes during 2022–23. Inland fisheries resources in the state span reservoirs, rivers, ponds, and brackish water areas, offering substantial scope for aquaculture expansion.

Officials noted that initiatives such as PMMSY and the Blue Revolution scheme have helped improve hatcheries, aquaculture infrastructure, cage farming, and fisher welfare in the state. However, continued investment, technology adoption, and stronger market linkages will be essential to unlock the sector’s full potential.

The visit by the Union Secretary is expected to further strengthen the ornamental fisheries ecosystem by encouraging stakeholder participation, enabling policy-level interventions, and promoting sustainable growth and export opportunities in the sector.

Nifty, Sensex End Week Higher as Easing Crude Prices and Stronger Rupee Boost Sentiment

New Delhi, May 9 (BNP): Indian equity markets closed the week on a positive note, with benchmark indices Nifty and Sensex recording strong gains amid improving investor confidence. Market sentiment remained upbeat throughout the week, supported by easing global crude oil prices, a strengthening rupee, and encouraging global market trends.

The decline in crude oil prices offered relief to investors, easing concerns around inflation and import-related costs for the Indian economy. At the same time, the rupee’s appreciation against the US dollar further strengthened market confidence and supported foreign investor sentiment.

Buying activity was witnessed across major sectors, particularly banking, IT, and automobile stocks, which contributed significantly to the market rally. Analysts noted that stable domestic fundamentals and improving global cues helped maintain positive momentum in equities during the trading sessions.

Market participants are expected to closely monitor upcoming economic data, global commodity price movements, and policy signals from central banks for further direction in the weeks ahead.