4, May 2026
India Should Strengthen Monitoring of Economic Risks, Says EAC PM Chairman
New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India needs to take a more prepared and forward-looking approach to managing economic risks, especially in key sectors such as energy, food, fertilisers, and critical minerals, according to S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman of the EAC-PM.
Highlighting lessons from ongoing global tensions, particularly in West Asia, Dev said such developments show how quickly supply chains and prices can be disrupted. He stressed the importance of identifying potential vulnerabilities early and keeping a close watch on them.
According to him, regular monitoring of essential sectors can help the country respond faster to sudden changes, ensuring stable supplies and controlling price fluctuations. He also underlined the need to diversify sources and strengthen preparedness to reduce dependence on any single region.
The statement reflects a growing focus on building a more resilient economy that can better handle global uncertainties and protect domestic stability.
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- By Neel Achary
4, May 2026
Hira Industries strengthens industrial presence in Ras Al Khaimah with 7,450 m² new production facility
Ras Al Khaimah, May 04: Hira Industries, a global manufacturer and supplier serving the construction sector since 1980, has expanded its operations at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) with the addition of a new factory and warehouse facility at Al Ghail Industrial Zone.
Spanning approximately 7,450 m2, the new facility will support the increased production of thermal and acoustic insulation solutions under Hira’s Aerofoam and Aerosound divisions, adding a total production capacity of over 500,000 m2 per month. The expansion is also expected to create more than 100 jobs, reflecting Hira Industries’ continued contribution to Ras Al Khaimah’s industrial sector.
Hira Industries Operations Director – Middle East & Africa, Umesh Unni, said, “Our expansion in Ras Al Khaimah reflects sustained demand for high-performance insulation solutions and our confidence in the emirate as a strong base for industrial growth. RAKEZ has supported our journey with efficient processes and reliable coordination, enabling us to scale our operations smoothly. With this expansion, we are well-positioned to enhance our production capabilities and serve key markets with greater agility.”
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Hira Industries’ continued investment reflects the confidence long-term partners place in Ras Al Khaimah as a base for sustainable growth. We are seeing businesses take a long-term view, choosing environments that give them the clarity and consistency needed to scale with confidence.”
Hira Industries has operated from RAKEZ since 2008, and its latest expansion highlights the continued momentum of industrial growth in Ras Al Khaimah, as more manufacturers strengthen their presence and deepen their operations within RAKEZ’s ecosystem.
4, May 2026
India’s Small Businesses Benefit as Digital Access Widens
New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): The rapid expansion of digital infrastructure and internet access is playing a key role in strengthening small business growth across India, enabling entrepreneurs to reach wider markets and improve operational efficiency.
Increased adoption of smartphones, digital payment systems, and online platforms has helped small and medium enterprises (SMEs) expand their customer base beyond local boundaries. This shift has also improved access to financial services, making it easier for businesses to manage transactions, secure credit, and scale operations.
Industry observers note that digital tools are helping reduce traditional barriers such as high distribution costs and limited market visibility. As a result, small businesses in both urban and rural areas are increasingly able to compete in a more connected economy.
The rise of e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces has further supported this transition, allowing local sellers, artisans, and service providers to showcase their products to a national audience.
Experts believe that continued investment in digital infrastructure, along with digital literacy initiatives, will further accelerate small business growth and contribute significantly to employment generation and economic development across the country.
Overall, expanding digital access is emerging as a key driver of inclusive growth, empowering small businesses to become a stronger pillar of India’s economy.
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.
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
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
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.
