30, Apr 2026
Gola Sizzlers Unveils Gola Privé: A More Refined Expression of Its Iconic Legacy

A contemporary space with a sharper focus on ambience, curated additions, and the brand’s enduring culinary identity

Gola Sizzlers

 

New Delhi, Apr 30: Gola Sizzlers expands its footprint with the launch of Gola Privé at Unity One Elegante, Netaji Subhash Place, marking a thoughtful evolution of the brand into a more refined, experience-led dining space. Known for its legacy of indulgent sizzlers and consistent flavours, Gola Sizzlers now steps into a format that prioritises ambience, detail, and a more elevated culinary journey.

Gola Privé has been conceptualised as a natural extension of the brand, one that retains its core identity while reimagining how guests engage with it. The space moves away from the high-energy, casual familiarity of traditional outlets, offering instead a more polished, intimate setting defined by design, comfort, and a slower, more intentional dining pace.

While the foundation of the menu remains rooted in Gola Sizzlers’ well-loved offerings, Gola Privé introduces a layer of sophistication through thoughtful additions. A curated selection of fresh salads and a range of Pan-Asian dishes expand the menu, bringing in lighter, more diverse flavour profiles that complement the brand’s signature indulgence. The idea is not to replace what works, but to enhance it. allowing diners to experience the brand in a more versatile way.

This launch reflects Gola Sizzlers’ continued ability to adapt to changing dining preferences while maintaining its emotional connect with customers. Over the years, the brand has built a strong reputation for consistency, generous portions, and flavours that resonate across generations. With Gola Privé, that legacy is carried forward into a more contemporary, design-conscious format.

Speaking on the launch, Manik Kapoor, Director, Gola Sizzlers, said,
 “With Gola Privé, we wanted to create something that feels more immersive and elevated without losing the essence of who we are. It’s about offering our audience a more refined environment where the same flavours they love can be experienced differently, more thoughtfully, more comfortably.”

Rajat Kapoor, Director, Gola Sizzlers, added,
 “The idea was to evolve with our audience. Dining today is as much about the space and overall experience as it is about the food. Gola Privé allows us to explore that balance, introducing new elements while staying true to the warmth and familiarity that define Gola Sizzlers.”

Strategically located in Netaji Subhash Place, Gola Privé is positioned to cater to a discerning, urban audience seeking both comfort and novelty within a single dining experience.

With this new chapter, Gola Sizzlers continues to demonstrate its ability to grow with intent bridging its legacy with a more elevated, future-facing approach to hospitality.

30, Apr 2026
etrailer First in St. Charles County to Offer Missouri Child Care Works

The company is the first in the county to introduce the shared child care support solution for its employees.

(St. Louis, Mo., April 30, 2026) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), in partnership with Kids Win Missouri, recently worked with etrailer to launch the Missouri Child Care Works Tri-Share program. As the first local business to adopt the program, etrailer is expanding access to shared child care support for its workforce.

Missouri Child Care Works is designed to increase family access to affordable, high-quality child care through locally coordinated cost-sharing partnerships. St. Charles County-based etrailer is bringing this new shared child care support model to its employees. The program is modeled after the Tri-Share approach, which divides the cost of child care among employers, families and either state government or a philanthropic partner.

etrailer First in St. Charles County to Offer Missouri Child Care Works

 

This initiative helps employee families with children age five and under to receive child care support through funding from etrailer and the state. Administered by CCAMO, the employer and state contributions are paid directly to participating child care providers, making the benefit easy to use for etrailer employees.

etrailer is a family-owned and operated business specializing in RV, trailer and towing accessories. Founded in 1946, the company’s showroom and installation facility is located at 1507 Highway A in Wentzville, Missouri. etrailer.com is the world’s leading online retailer of custom-fit towing accessories.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the support this program brings to growing families around the shop, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next,” said Greg McCarthy, Team Enthusiast at etrailer.

“When employers invest in child care benefits, they play a critical role in removing barriers for families returning to the workforce while strengthening their ability to attract and retain talent,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri. “With full-time child care representing one of the largest expenses for working families, our partnership with etrailer offers a meaningful solution to support employee retention.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

30, Apr 2026
India Used-Car Market Poised for Strong Growth

India Used-Car Market Poised for Strong Growth

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): India’s used-car market is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, nearly doubling to around $70 billion by FY31 from about $35 billion in FY26, driven by rising affordability, faster vehicle replacement cycles, and growing formalisation of the sector, according to a new report.

The report by Redseer Strategy Consultants notes that India is currently the fifth-largest used-car market in the world and is likely to become the third-largest by the end of the decade, after the United States and China.

Annual used-car sales are projected to rise to nearly 10 million units by FY31, supported by strong demand, increasing car ownership, and improved financing options.

A key trend highlighted in the report is the shortening of vehicle replacement cycles, which is expected to fall from 7–8 years in FY21 to around 4–5 years by FY31, especially in metro cities and Tier 1 markets.

The report adds that rising incomes, growing preference for better-equipped vehicles, and easier access to loans are helping both demand and supply in the used-car ecosystem. Financing penetration is also expected to increase to around 40% by FY31, making cars more affordable for a larger population.

At present, about 80% of used-car transactions in India still take place in the unorganised sector. However, the market is gradually shifting towards organised, trust-driven platforms that offer better transparency and quality assurance.

The report also points out that around 65% of used-car buyers are first-time owners, showing how the segment is playing a key role in expanding personal mobility across the country.

India’s used-to-new car ratio currently stands at 1.4 and is expected to improve to 1.7 by FY31, though it still remains below levels seen in more mature global markets, indicating strong room for further growth.

30, Apr 2026
OMCs May Benefit as Oil Markets Adjust to Supply Shock: Report

OMCs May Benefit as Oil Markets Adjust to Supply Shock: Report

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Global oil markets are likely to move toward balance through demand adjustment in response to recent supply disruptions, according to a new industry report.

The report notes that any supply shock in the oil sector is expected to be offset by “demand destruction,” which may help stabilise prices over time. Despite short-term volatility, the overall outlook for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) remains positive.

It highlights that refining margins and demand recovery trends could support the performance of downstream oil companies in the coming period. However, global factors such as crude price movements, geopolitical developments, and consumption patterns will continue to influence market dynamics.

Analysts suggest that while temporary pressures may persist, structural demand and improving economic activity are likely to support medium-term stability in the oil sector.

The report indicates that OMCs are well-positioned to benefit from a gradual rebalancing of supply and demand conditions in global energy markets.

30, Apr 2026
FY26: Invest India Facilitates Strong Dollar 6.1 Billion Investment Push

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Invest India, the national investment promotion and facilitation agency under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has facilitated the grounding of 60 projects worth over $6.1 billion across 14 states in FY 2025–26, according to an official statement.

These investments are expected to generate more than 31,000 jobs. The report highlights a sharp rise in investment activity, with grounded projects nearly tripling compared to the previous financial year and the average deal size increasing significantly, reflecting a shift towards higher-value investments.

European countries accounted for around 42% of the total investment value, while strong participation also came from the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Emerging investors such as Brazil, New Zealand, and Canada further indicate a widening global investor base in India.

Sector-wise, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and food processing together contributed nearly 65% of total investments. Growth was also seen in electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM), aerospace and defence, and electric vehicle-related sectors.

Among states, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh emerged as key investment destinations, while Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh also recorded strong activity. Established industrial hubs such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Haryana, and Delhi continued to attract steady inflows. At the same time, states like Assam, Bihar, and Sikkim showed increasing investor interest, reflecting wider geographic distribution.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia said the investment momentum reflects policy stability, institutional support, and growing global confidence in India’s economic environment.

He added that initiatives such as Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, along with infrastructure development, have strengthened India’s position as a global manufacturing hub.

Invest India also stated that it continues to support investors through the entire investment lifecycle—from initial guidance to post-investment assistance—while helping build integrated industrial ecosystems across sectors.

30, Apr 2026
Kimbal raises USD 22 million in Series B led by GEF Capital, with Niveshaay backing the company for the third consecutive round

New Delhi, Apr 30: Kimbal Private Limited, an India-headquartered energy engineering company, has closed a USD 22 million Series B round at a time when global capital for technology businesses has tightened sharply. GEF Capital Partners, a global sustainability-focused private equity firm, led the round with Niveshaay, Kimbal’s early institutional backer, returning with follow-on through the Sambhav Fund, its domestic Category II AIF. The capital will fund product development across power quality, energy management, and battery storage; deepen Kimbal’s AMI vertical and manufacturing operations; and seed international expansion. Amit Agrawal, CFO of Kimbal Private Limited, led the deal, which was facilitated by ICICI Securities as the banker and advisor.

Founded in 2011, Advanced Metering Infrastructure remains Kimbal’s largest business, with over 10 million AMI endpoints already deployed. It is the foundation on which Kimbal’s proprietary solutions are built. Vayu, their RF-mesh connectivity suite covers a connected land area roughly the size of the United Kingdom, making it one of the largest IoT mesh footprints deployed globally. Vaani is their cloud-based Head-End-System handling millions of data packets seamlessly. Their latest incubation is Kimbal Edge Intelligence (KEI), a compute platform built for the edge of the grid.

“Energy transition is fundamentally changing how energy is measured, managed, and traded. Sustainability, efficiency, and responsible innovation remain at the very core of it. With Niveshaay’s continued trust and GEF Capital joining as a global sustainability investor, we now have the runway to deepen our engineering capabilities, scale faster with our agility intact, and take Kimbal global,” said Ayush Sinhal, Kimbal’s Founder and CEO.

Niveshaay’s reinvestment marks its third consecutive round in Kimbal since 2024, a continuity rare in the current market and a strong signal of repeat institutional conviction. The firm first backed Kimbal through their Niveshaay Hedgehogs Fund. Kimbal sits squarely within Niveshaay’s long-held energy investment thesis shaped around renewables, India’s grid modernization, the growing sophistication of domestic engineering, and the emergence of Indian companies with genuine global relevance.

Arvind Kothari, Founder, Niveshaay, said,

“Our conviction in Kimbal has only grown over time. They sit at the intersection of themes we have believed in for years. Indeed, energy security and energy transition have become global priorities, driving the need for smarter and adaptive power grids worldwide. The company’s agility, along with Ayush’s ability to attract top global talent, continues to keep it ahead of the curve. I truly appreciate the top-notch co-investor the current round has attracted.”

Sridhar Narayan, Managing Partner, GEF Capital Partners, said,

“India’s energy transition is among the most consequential sustainability opportunities of this decade. Kimbal’s technology platform, engineering capability, and proven execution make them a good fit for GEF Capital’s investment program. Alipt Sharma, Partner at GEF Capital Partners, added, “Kimbal drew GEF’s attention for its engineering depth, the breadth of its product roadmap beyond AMI, and the role its platform plays in supporting decarbonization in live deployments across Indian utilities. We look forward to supporting the team as they scale both within India and internationally.”

As of April 2026, Kimbal’s 300+ engineering team operates under a single ‘One Engineering’ structure across multiple time zones spanning Delhi, Bengaluru, Singapore, Seoul, and Australia. Recognized among India’s top 35 Best Workplaces in 2025 by the Great Place to Work Institute, the company deeply values its culture built on trust, candor, and high talent density, codified in its ‘Book of Trust’. Series B proceeds will be duly put to further strengthening Kimbal’s talent capital in India and globally.

30, Apr 2026
Oben Electric Launches Rorr EVO with Advanced Features and Performance Boost

Oben Electric Launches Rorr EVO with Advanced Features and Performance Boost

Bengaluru, Apr 30: Oben Electric, India’s homegrown R&D-driven electric motorcycle manufacturer, today announced the launch of the all-new Rorr EVO. Designed to mark a clear shift in the category, the Rorr EVO brings together design, performance, and functionality into one cohesive package, redefining what riders can expect from an electric motorcycle.

Built around the idea that riders should not have to choose between thrill and practicality, the Rorr EVO is engineered as a complete, no-compromise motorcycle for real-world riding. It combines aggressive streetfighter design with strong performance and thoughtfully integrated features that make it as engaging to ride as it is easy to live with.

At first glance, the Rorr EVO stands out with its bold, muscular proportions and commanding stance. The front is defined by a projector headlamp with a signature front position lamp, delivering both strong visual identity and enhanced visibility for everyday riding conditions. Sculpted body panels, premium detailing, and a well-balanced silhouette further reinforce its road presence.

Underneath this design is performance built to deliver consistently. The Rorr EVO reaches a top speed of 110 km/h and offers a certified range of 180 km IDC, ensuring it is equally capable for even demanding daily rides. It supports 0–80% fast charging in just 90 minutes with Oben Plug (fast charger), and comes equipped with Oben Port, its onboard charger, for convenient everyday charging.

At the core of this experience is the introduction of SmartIQ, Oben’s new AI ride mode that analyses riding patterns in real time and optimises power delivery to extend range by up to 15%. By automatically adapting to rider behaviour, SmartIQ removes the need for constant manual intervention, making performance and efficiency work seamlessly together.

Powering the motorcycle is an IP68-rated motor, designed, developed, and manufactured in-house by Oben Electric. This is paired with a newly introduced single-stage chain drive, which enhances durability while delivering stronger on-wheel torque and a more direct, engaging riding experience. The Rorr EVO is equipped with Oben’s proprietary 3.4 kWh high-performance LFP battery, engineered for Indian conditions. Offering 50% higher heat resistance and 2X lifecycle compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, it delivers consistent performance over time while maintaining high levels of safety and reliability. The battery is housed in a high-strength aluminium structure for improved impact resistance and is backed by an 8-year warranty, reinforcing long-term ownership confidence.

This level of engineering is enabled by Oben’s deep vertical integration, where critical components including the motor, battery, charger, display and vehicle control systems along with the entire software and firmware stack are developed entirely in-house. This approach allows for tighter quality control, faster innovation, and a more reliable ownership experience.

Beyond performance, the Rorr EVO sets a new benchmark in practicality within its segment. It features the longest seat in the segment of 680mm, designed as a single unit to enhance both rider and pillion comfort and is one of the most accessible seat heights of 780mm in its class. For the first time in a motorcycle, the Rorr EVO offers 10 liters of total storage, combining under-seat storage and tank pod storage with dual USB charging ports, bringing a level of everyday convenience rarely seen in this category. A reverse mode further improves ease of use in tight urban environments.

A unique combination of seat height of 780 mm along with 200 mm ground clearance, makes it one of the most comfortable and practical motorcycles in the Indian market. Rorr EVO also offers 230 mm water-wading capability, making it well-suited for varied road and weather conditions.

Safety and connectivity are also integral to the Rorr EVO experience. The motorcycle introduces Fall Alert with Emergency Assist, a feature that detects a fall and triggers alerts via the Oben app, notifying emergency contacts if required. Additional safety features include Unified Brake Assist (UBA), Driver Alert System (DAS), secure charge and a wide rear tyre for improved stability.

The Rorr EVO comes equipped with a 5-inch colour TFT display, providing navigation, ride data, and smart alerts for call, text and music. Through the Oben Electric app, riders can access ride history, geo-fencing, remote diagnostics, theft protection, and ‘Find My Rorr’ and 24×7 service support along with access to a 68,000+ charging network, ensuring a fully connected ownership experience.

Commenting on the launch, Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO, Oben Electric, said: “Electric motorcycling in India is entering a new phase, where riders are no longer evaluating electric vehicles as alternatives, but as motorcycles in their own right. Rorr EVO is built on that belief. It is a no-compromise product designed to prove that electric can match and exceed the full spectrum of real-world riding, not selectively, but completely. Rorr EVO is built to make that shift tangible on the road.”

The Rorr EVO is available in four colour options, Pulse Red, Neutron Blue, Magnetic Black, and Photon White, each designed to complement its bold and aggressive character.

The motorcycle is now open for bookings, with test rides and customer deliveries set to begin from June 2026 across Oben’s 150 showrooms nationwide.

30, Apr 2026
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Inaugurates Advanced Auto Steel Line to Boost ‘Make in India’ Push

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India has started operations of a new automotive steel production line at its Gujarat plant, aiming to boost local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.

The new Pickling Line and Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM), with a capacity of 2 million tonnes per year, was inaugurated by Keiichi Ono. The facility will produce high-quality steel used in the automobile industry.

The company said the plant will help produce Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), which is widely used in modern vehicles to make them safer, lighter, and more fuel-efficient.

The facility is equipped with modern technology and will manufacture different types of automotive steel, including galvanised and press-hardened steel.

This project is part of the company’s ₹60,000 crore expansion plan at its Hazira site.

Ambassador Ono said the project reflects stronger cooperation between India and Japan and supports the “Make in India” initiative.

CEO Dilip Oommen said the new plant will reduce imports and support the growth of India’s auto industry.

India’s demand for automotive steel is about 7.8 million tonnes per year and is expected to grow in the coming years.

The company also announced leadership changes, with Dilip Oommen stepping down as CEO on June 30 and Amit Harlalka taking over from July 1.

30, Apr 2026
Indian Markets End Lower as Sensex Drops 582 Points, Nifty Slips Below 24,000

Mumbai, Apr 30 (BNP):  Indian stock markets closed sharply lower on Thursday, with benchmark indices facing significant selling pressure throughout the session.

The BSE Sensex declined by 582 points, reflecting broad-based weakness across key sectors. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty fell below the crucial 24,000 mark, signaling cautious investor sentiment.

Market participants remained wary amid a mix of global uncertainties and domestic factors, which weighed on investor confidence. Selling was seen across sectors, with heavyweight stocks dragging the indices down.

Analysts suggest that volatility may continue in the near term as investors closely track global trends, economic data, and corporate earnings for further direction.

30, Apr 2026
Finvolve & IA Back Vikra Ocean Tech with USD 1 Million Seed Round to Power India’s Indigenous Deep Ocean Robotics Revolution

Apr 30: Finvolve, a multi-stage venture capital fund, has announced a seed investment of $1 million in Vikra Ocean Tech, a Chennai-based deeptech startup developing India’s first fully indigenous ocean robotics stack for underwater and surface operations. The investment, led by Finvolve along with India Accelerator, will be utilized to scale product manufacturing, strengthen the company’s sales pipeline across defence and public sector undertakings (PSUs), and establish recurring revenue streams through service contracts and annual maintenance agreements.

Finvolve & IA Back Vikra Ocean Tech with USD 1 Million Seed Round to Power India’s Indigenous Deep Ocean Robotics Revolution

Founded in 2019, Vikra Ocean Tech is developing an indigenous, modular ocean robotics ecosystem that includes deep-water ROVs, autonomous surface vessels, amphibious crawling robots, and AI-enabled imaging and communication systems. Built for interoperability through a unified control platform, its solutions address India’s dependence on imported underwater robotics by offering cost-effective, mission-ready systems tailored for defence, subsea inspection, hydrographic surveys, and disaster response. Its integrated hardware stack is supported by indigenous cameras, lighting, diver communication systems, and AI-based video enhancement tools for simplified and scalable operations.

VIKRA has gained strong early traction across both defence and commercial sectors, including securing two iDEX grants from the Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard, along with several other prestigious innovation awards. The company has developed India’s first 2000-meter depth-rated deep-ocean camera and lighting systems. Its Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) systems are also seeing wide adoption for offshore marine exploration applications.

The investment comes at a time when global and domestic tailwinds are accelerating the adoption of subsea robotics. With increasing maritime security concerns, rising climate-related disasters, and a strong policy push towards indigenous innovation, the demand for reliable, locally built ocean-tech solutions is growing rapidly. The global subsea robotics market is projected to expand significantly by 2030, while India’s domestic opportunity across inspection, monitoring, and blue economy applications continues to scale, creating a strong foundation for companies like Vikra to emerge as category leaders.

Commenting on the investment, Ashish Bhatia, Co-Founder of Finvolve and Founder & CEO of India Accelerator said,

“Subsea robotics is fast becoming a strategic priority for India across defence, infrastructure, and disaster response. Vikra Ocean Tech is addressing this need with a fully indigenous, integrated robotics stack that combines deep-tech innovation with strong on-ground validation. Their ability to build and deploy scalable, high-performance systems positions them well to lead this space from India.”

Rajagurunathan, Co-Founder, Vikra Ocean Tech, added,

“Our vision is to build a globally competitive ocean robotics ecosystem from India. This investment enables us to accelerate product development, scale deployments, and deepen our engagement with defence and industrial stakeholders. We aim to significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported systems while delivering robust, cost-effective solutions built for real-world conditions.”

Rajeuv, Co-Founder, further added,

“This investment will strengthen our R&D capabilities, scale manufacturing, and accelerate deployments across defence, offshore energy, research, and marine infrastructure sectors. We are committed to building reliable, world-class technologies that position India as a leader in ocean innovation.”

With a vertically integrated product stack, growing commercial traction, and strong alignment with India’s strategic priorities, Vikra Ocean Tech is well positioned to scale its operations and play a defining role in shaping the country’s subsea robotics and ocean-tech landscape.