Category Archives: Business

National Stock Exchange of India Launches Electronic Gold Receipts for Transparent Trading

New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has introduced Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs), marking a significant step toward modernising gold trading in the country. The new segment aims to improve transparency and make price discovery more efficient in one of India’s most widely traded commodities.

Electronic Gold Receipts are digital securities that represent ownership of physical gold. The underlying gold is securely stored in vaults approved by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and held in electronic form through depositories, ensuring safety and reliability for investors.

With this initiative, NSE seeks to connect the traditional gold market with the formal financial system. Investors can now trade gold in a regulated environment without the need to handle physical assets, making the process more convenient and accessible.

Market participants believe the introduction of EGRs could encourage broader participation by offering a transparent, secure, and technology-driven platform. The move is also expected to strengthen trust and bring greater efficiency to gold trading in India.

Markets Slip at Open as Middle East Tensions Push Oil to Dollar 113

New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): Global equity markets opened on a subdued note following renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have unsettled investor sentiment worldwide. Concerns over potential disruptions to crude supply routes have led to a sharp increase in oil prices, with benchmarks rising to $113 per barrel.

The surge in oil prices has heightened fears of inflationary pressures and posed fresh challenges to global economic stability. Investors remain cautious as rising energy costs could impact corporate margins and consumer spending in the near term.

Market participants are closely monitoring developments in the region, particularly around key shipping routes, as any escalation may further influence commodity prices and financial markets. Analysts expect volatility to persist as geopolitical risks continue to shape market dynamics.

Epson announces Call for Entries for The 17th Epson International Pano Awards and launches inaugural Epson International Pano Awards Exhibition

SYDNEY, May 05 – Epson has announced the call for entries for the 17th edition of the landmark Epson International Pano Awards – the world’s largest competition devoted to the craft and art of panoramic photography. It has also detailed the launch of the inaugural Epson International Pano Awards Exhibition – an evening of breathtaking panoramic photography, featuring a curated collection of award-winning images from past Pano Awards.

Overall winner of the 2025 Open Photographer of the Year and the Nature/Landscape category Last Fireworks by Alex Wides

The unique Epson International Pano Awards Exhibition 2026 runs from 4 -10 June 2026 and will be set within the iconic Garden Gallery at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Attendees will see a striking showcase of award-winning panoramic images – all printed on an Epson SureColor P9560 Professional Photo and Fine Art Printer – and be able to take part in a silent auction.

The Garden Gallery at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

 The proceeds from the silent auction on selected pieces will be donated to Epson’s corporate partner Botanic Gardens of Sydney, to support the Australian Institute of Botanical Science and the Australian PlantBank’s Rainforest Seed Conservation Project. This important initiative helps preserve at-risk rainforest plants against threats like deforestation, climate change and disease. Winners of the silent auction will be notified and collect their pieces at the end of the exhibition.

Following a successful 2025 awards, Epson Australia and Epson Southeast Asia again join forces as the main sponsors of The Pano Awards 2026, which is now one of the most highly regarded and acclaimed photography awards in the world.

Epson Australia corporate marketing manager ANZ Priscilla Dickason said, “Every year we feel it is a real privilege to sponsor of these amazing awards. They mean so much to the industry and occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of photographers from all around the world. Epson is 100% committed to helping and supporting creativity through photography and print and the Pano awards are the perfect way to help us to achieve that goal. We are also delighted that we get to celebrate these amazing photographers and their incredible creations in such a prestigious gallery this year and have a wonderful exhibition of previous winners to complement them too.”

In 2025, The Epson International Pano Awards saw many thousands of entries submitted from hundreds of photographers across the globe. This year’s competition looks likely to be even more successful.

The winner of The Epson Digital Art Prize 2025

The Epson International Pano Awards’ Curator David Evans said, “I’m always delighted when I can officially announce that professional and amateur photographers around the world are now invited to enter the next Epson International Pano Awards. I can also announce that there is a new Aerial category in the Open and Amateur competitions, if you enter five or more images at once during the early bird period you save 20% and you’ll also be in the running to win the $1000 curator’s award.”

The Epson International Pano Awards’ Curator David Evans

Hattori Tai, Regional Director Commercial Products & Industrial Inkjet, Epson Southeast Asia, said, “Southeast Asia’s photography community is one of the most dynamic anywhere in the world. Panoramic work is a powerful way for our region’s visual storytellers to show how quickly their cities, coastlines and cultures are evolving. The Epson International Pano Awards gives these photographers a rare opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best on a truly global platform. By supporting the awards, Epson Southeast Asia is committed not only to providing the print technology behind the final exhibition, but also to helping more photographers from our region gain the recognition their work deserves.”

 The judging panel for the 2026 Pano Awards includes some of the world’s top photographers and industry professionals, including Bill Bailey, Aaron Spence, Dan Zafra, Jacky Lee, Daniel Kordan, Abe Blair, Annette Mossbacher and Jennifer Renwick amongst others.

To hear from previous Pano Awards winners go to: https://youtu.be/vJ0AkDxLUuY and to hear from David Evans go to: https://youtu.be/EjL4DoQIHwY

Early-bird entries for the Epson International Pano Awards 2025 are now open until 22 June 2026 and final entries are due by 13 July 2026.

Participants can submit their entries here: https://thepanoawards.com/enter-awards/

For more information, contact David Evans at contact@thepanoawards.com

The Epson International Pano Award Exhibition details

• Date: Thursday, 4 -10 June 2026
• Location: Garden Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

 Picture credits

Overall winner of the 2025 Open Photographer of the Year and the Nature/Landscape category Last Fireworks by Alex Wides

The Garden Gallery at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

The winner of The Epson Digital Art Prize 2025

The Epson International Pano Awards’ Curator David Evans

BIS-IIA Delhi Initiative Highlights Role of Standards in MSME Growth

New Delhi, 05 May 2026

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in collaboration with the Indian Industries Association (IIA), Delhi State Chapter, organised a high-impact industry awareness programme today at Crowne Plaza, Rohini, New Delhi, under the joint chairpersonship of Smt. Sneh Lata, Deputy Director General, Central Region, BIS, and Dr. Mamtamayi Priyadarshini, State Chairperson, IIA Delhi. The event drew an overwhelming response, with nearly 200 MSME leaders, manufacturers, exporters and entrepreneurs from Delhi-NCR participating.

The programme commenced with a ceremonial Lamp Lighting Ceremony led by senior dignitaries from BIS, Indian Industries Association, and prominent industry leaders, symbolising a shared commitment towards quality, standards, industrial excellence and nation-building.

Smt. Sneh Lata, Deputy Director General, Central Region, BIS, highlighted the vital role of standardisation in strengthening the economy and ensuring consumer trust. She reaffirmed BIS’s commitment to supporting industries, especially MSMEs, through simplified certification processes, awareness initiatives and technical guidance. She added that standards-driven growth is key to India’s development journey.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mamtamayi Priyadarshini said that quality, certification and compliance are essential for sustainable business growth in today’s competitive economy. She stated that Indian MSMEs have immense potential and, with proper standards adoption, can successfully scale from local markets to global platforms. She urged entrepreneurs to see certification as an investment in credibility and long-term success.

Sh. Ved Prakash, Director & Head, Delhi Branch Office-II, welcomed the participants and reaffirmed BIS’s commitment towards industry partnership, quality awareness and responsive facilitation for enterprises.

Sh. V. Ramesh, Director & Head, Delhi Branch Office-I, stressed that standardisation and compliance help industries reduce inefficiencies, improve product acceptance and strengthen brand confidence.

Sh. Kartick Pal, Assistant Director, BIS, delivered an insightful presentation on the overall functioning, mandate and industry support ecosystem of BIS.

Sh. Aakash Singh, Assistant Director, BIS, gave a practical presentation on the BIS certification process and important digital resources available on the BIS website for applicants and industry stakeholders.

Dr. L.K. Pandey, CEC Member, IIA, emphasised agripreneurship as a strong avenue for employment generation and rural economic growth. He encouraged youth and MSMEs to explore agriculture-linked entrepreneurship for India’s self-reliant future.

Ms. Renuka Aghav, Branch Manager, ECGC Limited, said that ECGC supports exporters through credit risk protection and financial security. She highlighted that MSMEs can expand confidently into global markets with ECGC assistance and risk coverage.

One of the key highlights of the programme was an extensive and highly engaging interactive session with industry participants. A total of 45 questions raised by industry leaders were taken up in detail, along with supplementary queries, reflecting the seriousness and enthusiasm of the participating entrepreneurs. Experts and officials responded comprehensively on issues relating to certification, standards, compliance, export facilitation and operational challenges.

The programme received an overwhelming response with packed attendance and active participation, reflecting growing industry awareness towards quality, market readiness and global competitiveness. It concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration between institutions and industry to build a future-ready, quality-driven industrial ecosystem for India.

Other dignitaries and representatives present included Aditya Raj, Devesh Sharma, Md. Israfil and Rahul from BIS; Mrigendra Kumar, Vice Chairperson; Neeraj Bajaj, Secretary; Rishabh Gupta, IYC Convenor; Convenors Jatin Sharma, CA H K Gupta Narendra Kothari and Sushil Tiwari; and organising committee members including Manish Chawla, Anoop Aggarwal Mohan Nirwan, along with other distinguished members of IIA Delhi and other industry associations of Delhi-NCR.

P.C. Chandra Group Confers 33rd Puraskaar on Javed Akhtar

P.C. Chandra Group, the parent company of P.C. Chandra Jewellers, conferred the 33rd P.C. Chandra Puraskaar upon Shri Javed Akhtar, The poetic luminary of the Indian literary world 

Kolkata, 3rd May 2026: P.C. Chandra Group, an 85 plus-year legacy and one of the leading business houses from the East, with its esteemed luxury jewellery brand P.C. Chandra Jewellers, conferred the prestigious 33^rd P.C. Chandra Puraskaar upon the legendary wordsmith Shri Javed Akhtar at a grand ceremony in Kolkata. Instituted by the P.C. Chandra Group, this award recognizes exceptional achievements across diverse fields, honouring the legacy of its visionary founder, Shri Purna Chandra Chandra.

The Puraskaar, carrying a tax-free honorarium of ₹20 lakhs, is among the most respected honours and is awarded annually on the founder Shri. Purna Chandra Chandra‘s birth anniversary. Since its inception in 1993, it has celebrated national icons, including Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi Ji, veteran singer Smt Asha Bhosle, Dr. Devi Shetty, Shri Kapil Dev, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Smt Mary Kom, and Shri Somanath S, Shri Leader Peas among others.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Suvro Chandra, Joint Managing Director of P.C. Chandra Jewellers, said, “Today, we honour Shri Javed Akhtar with the 33^rd PC Chandra Puraskaar — a recognition that celebrates excellence, legacy, and enduring impact. Through his words as a poet, lyricist, and screenwriter, he has shaped generations and enriched Indian cinema and literature.”

He also added, “Much like the ethos of PC Chandra Group — celebrating stories, milestones, and moments that last — his work continues to inspire, resonate, and live on through time. We feel privileged to honour him. ”

The evening was also graced by the presence of Chief Guest Shri Goutam Ghosh, the renowned national award winning film director along with Shri Arun Kumar Chandra, Managing Director of P.C. Chandra Group; Mr. Suvro Chandra, Joint Managing Director of P.C. Chandra Jewellers; and Mr. Prosenjit Chandra, Director of P.C. Chandra Jewellers.

P.C. Chandra Group is a leading business conglomerate from East India, with a legacy of 85 plus years of trust and customer loyalty in jewellery through P.C. Chandra Jewellers, having over 75 plus showrooms across India. The Group has diversified into various sectors, including adhesives, chemicals, hospitality, software, environmental initiatives, real estate, rubber plantations, and rental services. With a strong reputation and trust among global consumers and prestigious clients, P.C. Chandra Group is a socially responsible corporation committed to numerous CSR initiatives. These include the J.L. Chandra Merit Scholarship, J.N. Chandra Anuprerna, Gyandhara, Neem Banani, and #StopTheDrop, focusing on education, environment, and community development.

 

NSE Highlights Market Strength, Unveils PaRRVA and EGR Initiatives

Mumbai, May 4 (BNP): The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has highlighted the resilience of India’s capital markets while announcing the launch of two new initiatives—PaRRVA and EGR—aimed at improving transparency and expanding market participation.

Speaking at the event, NSE leadership said India’s financial markets have shown strong stability despite global uncertainties, reflecting investor confidence and structural strength.

A key highlight of the development is the rollout of PaRRVA (Past Risk and Return Verification Agency), a framework designed to validate performance claims made by market intermediaries. The system is expected to improve transparency by ensuring that historical performance data shared with investors is independently verified.

The initiative has been developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders and is aimed at strengthening trust and improving the quality of disclosures in the financial ecosystem.

Alongside PaRRVA, the exchange also introduced the EGR (Electronic Gold Receipts) segment, which is designed to modernise gold trading and improve ease of access for investors.

Officials said these initiatives are part of broader efforts to deepen India’s capital markets, enhance investor protection, and build a more transparent and efficient trading ecosystem.

Jindal Stainless Q4 Earnings Jump on Improved Sales

New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): Jindal Stainless reported a strong performance in the fourth quarter ended March 31, with consolidated net profit rising over 41% year-on-year, supported by higher revenues.

The company posted a net profit of ₹834.21 crore in Q4, compared to ₹589.96 crore in the same period last year, according to an exchange filing.

Total income during the quarter also increased to ₹11,427.91 crore, up from ₹10,292.27 crore in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

The company said improved revenue performance contributed to the rise in profitability during the reporting quarter.

Crude Oil Moves Higher as Traders Track Global Supply Uncertainty

Markets Recover to End Higher; Sensex and Nifty Post Firm Gains

Market Overview: Sensex, Nifty End Higher on Broad-Based Buying

Mumbai, May 4 (BNP): Indian equity markets ended the trading session on a positive note on Monday, supported by buying in blue-chip stocks and overall firm investor sentiment.

Benchmark indices saw a steady recovery during the day before closing with gains. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 355.90 points, or 0.46%, to settle at 77,269.40. During intraday trade, it had climbed as much as 997.25 points to hit 77,910.75.

Similarly, the 50-share NSE Nifty advanced 121.75 points, or 0.51%, to close at 24,119.30.

Market participants said buying interest in heavyweight stocks helped support the indices through the session, even as investors tracked broader economic and political developments.

Overall, sentiment remained constructive, with markets managing to end the day firmly in the green after witnessing intraday volatility.

FTA Talks Between India and Canada Enter Second Round in New Delhi

New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): India and Canada have started the second round of discussions on a proposed free trade agreement aimed at deepening economic cooperation and boosting trade and investment between the two countries.

 The negotiations are being held under the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to cover a wide range of areas, including trade in goods, services, and other mutually agreed sectors.

According to officials, the latest round of talks began on May 4 in New Delhi and will continue for five days. The first round of negotiations was held earlier in March this year.

The proposed agreement is expected to open up new opportunities for businesses in both countries and further strengthen economic engagement between India and Canada.