Category Archives: Business

Walk Through Time in India’s Most Remarkable Heritage Cities on World Heritage Day

As travel continues to become more intentional and experience-led, travelers are moving beyond conventional sightseeing in favor of journeys that feel slower, richer, and more immersive. This World Heritage Day, heritage destinations in India are finding renewed relevance among travelers who want to engage more deeply with culture, architecture, and history, while also enjoying the comfort and convenience of well-located stays that make exploration effortless. From the poetic symmetry of Mughal architecture to the intricate artistry of ancient cave temples and the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal facades, India offers a heritage circuit where every destination tells a story worth lingering over.

Agra: A Timeless Ode to Love at the Taj Mahal 

No exploration of India’s heritage is complete without witnessing the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal. Built in white marble and celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship, this monument continues to captivate travelers from around the world. Agra’s charm extends beyond the Taj, with its rich Mughal legacy reflected across forts, gardens, and local artistry.

For those planning a cultural getaway, a stay at Holiday Inn Agra MG Road offers a convenient base in the heart of the city, allowing easy access to iconic landmarks while providing a comfortable and contemporary retreat.

Delhi: Layers of History at Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb      

Delhi stands as a living archive of India’s past, where centuries of history coexist with a vibrant, modern energy. The towering presence of the Qutub Minar and the serene symmetry of Humayun’s Tomb offer a glimpse into the architectural evolution of the capital. Located in South Delhi, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla provides a convenient base for travelers looking to explore the capital’s historic landmarks with ease.

Rajasthan: Living Royalty at Fort Barwara and Ranthambore Fort

Rajasthan offers a deeply immersive journey into India’s regal past, where grand forts and timeless traditions continue to shape its cultural identity. The historic Ranthambore Fort stands as a testament to the region’s layered history, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into its storied legacy. For those seeking to go beyond sightseeing, Six Senses Fort Barwara presents a unique opportunity to experience heritage from within. Thoughtfully restored, the property brings together architectural grandeur, cultural richness, and a slower, more mindful pace of travel, allowing guests to engage with Rajasthan’s past not just as observers, but as part of a living, evolving narrative.

Maharashtra: From Ancient Rock Cut Marvels to Coastal Icons

Maharashtra presents a diverse heritage narrative, from the intricate rock-cut brilliance of the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves to the colonial-era prominence of the Gateway of India. While the caves reflect centuries-old artistic and spiritual traditions, Mumbai offers a contemporary cultural lens shaped by history and urban evolution.
When in Mumbai, a stay at InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai places travelers along the iconic coastline, close to key landmarks, blending heritage exploration with scenic indulgence.

Jaipur: Royal Grandeur at the Hawa Mahal

Jaipur’s Pink City continues to enchant with its regal architecture and vibrant cultural fabric. The Hawa Mahal, with its distinctive façade and historical significance, stands as a testament to Rajasthan’s royal past and architectural ingenuity.

Enhancing this experience, a stay at InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road reflects the city’s character, where modern comforts are seamlessly woven with local design sensibilities, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in Jaipur’s rich heritage.

Jim Corbett: A Living Legacy of India’s Natural Heritage

Not all heritage is carved in stone- some of it lives and breathes in the wild. Jim Corbett National Park offers a unique perspective on India’s heritage, where conservation and wilderness take center stage, shaping a legacy that continues to evolve. Established as India’s first national park, it reflects the country’s early conservation efforts, with its dense forests, riverine landscapes, and rich biodiversity inviting travellers to experience nature in its most immersive form.

Enhancing this experience, a stay at Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa offers a tranquil base amidst the wilderness, where comfort blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, allowing us to engage with this natural heritage at a slower, more mindful pace.

Rupee Strengthens to 92.95; Commodities Trade Mixed

Silver Gains on Global Cues, Hits INR 2.51 Lakh/kg

Apr 17 (BNP): Silver prices rose sharply in futures trade on Friday, tracking positive global cues and improved investor sentiment.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver for May delivery climbed ₹3,371, or 1.36 per cent, to ₹2,51,999 per kilogram.

The rise in prices was supported by a weaker US dollar and easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which boosted demand for safe-haven assets in global markets.

Analysts said the metal also gained strength from supportive international trends, as investors reacted to a softer dollar and improving risk sentiment across commodities.

Crisil Sees India’s CAD Rising to 2 pc of GDP in FY27

Apr 17 (BNP): India’s current account deficit (CAD) is expected to widen to around 2 per cent of GDP in FY27, even if crude oil prices remain in the range of USD 82–87 per barrel, according to a report by Crisil.

The report noted that external pressures on the trade balance are likely to persist, driven by steady import demand and global economic factors. While stable oil prices may offer some relief, they are unlikely to fully offset the broader structural challenges impacting the current account.

Crisil said that rising domestic demand and continued dependence on imports, particularly in energy, could contribute to the widening deficit.

However, the report also indicated that strong services exports and remittance inflows are expected to provide some cushion, helping manage the overall impact on the external sector.

Overall, India’s external position is expected to remain manageable, though the widening deficit highlights the need for continued focus on export growth and reducing import dependence over the medium term.

Markets End Higher; Sensex Jumps 504 Points, Nifty Gains 156, FMCG Leads Rally

Apr 17 (BNP): Indian equity markets closed on a strong note on Friday, with benchmark indices posting solid gains, supported by buying across key sectors.

The BSE Sensex surged 504 points, while the NSE Nifty advanced 156 points, reflecting positive investor sentiment through the trading session.

Gains were led by the FMCG sector, which rose around 2.65 per cent, emerging as the top performer. The rally was driven by strong buying interest in consumer-focused stocks, as investors showed confidence in demand-driven sectors.

Market participants also remained encouraged by improving global cues and steady foreign fund inflows, which helped sustain the upward momentum.

Overall, the session reflected broad-based buying, with multiple sectors contributing to the market’s positive close.

Rasa Silver Enters Vijayawada, Bringing India’s Most Expansive Silver Jewellery Experience to Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada, Apr 17:  Rasa Silver Jewels, the Bengaluru-born brand redefining what silver can be, has arrived in Vijayawada, marking a significant moment for a city where jewellery is deeply tied to identity, tradition, and personal expression.

The store brings a story of the full Rasa universe with over 15,000 designs that span the breadth of a woman’s life—the bridal set she has imagined for years, the festive piece she reaches for every season, and the everyday jewellery that quietly becomes her signature. Each piece is crafted in 925 silver with the detailing and finish of fine gold jewellery – from uncut Kundan glasswork, gemstone-studded forms, and temple-inspired silhouettes to the classic Polki, Jadau, and Navaratna styles, every one is shaped by skilled artisan hands. Every piece in this store is made to be worn — not waited for, not stored away, not saved for someday.

Commenting on the expansion, Manan Bohra, Co-founder of Rasa Silver Jewels, said, “For us, it has always been about the emotion of jewellery and how it makes you feel when you wear it—and if that feeling can be preserved, there’s no reason it should be restricted by price. Luxury should never feel intimidating. Vijayawada, with its deep-rooted cultural connection to jewellery, feels like a natural extension of this belief, where tradition and personal expression go hand in hand. As we grow into new markets, our focus remains clear—to make design-led, craftsmanship-first jewellery more accessible, while staying true to its meaning, quality, and intent.”

Rasa is for every woman who has ever paused in front of a mirror and imagined more. It is a new kind of Legacy. The belief that true luxury was never about rarity, it was always about resonance. About the way a piece rests against your skin and quietly becomes a part of your story. About the confidence that blooms when you catch your reflection and see not just ornamentation, but expression. About a woman choosing herself—not someday, but today. That is the legacy Rasa is building, one city, one piece at a time.

Vijayawada is not just Rasa’s next city, it is a statement. Expanding into the Andhra–Telangana belt is a natural step, a declaration of intent: that beautifully made, thoughtfully designed silver jewellery belongs in every city, every home, and eventually, every corner of the world.

India to Continue Russian Oil and LPG Imports After US Waiver Ends

India’s Construction Market to Double by 2034

Apr 17 (BNP): India’s construction sector, valued at around $685 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $1.2 trillion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.9 per cent, driven by sustained infrastructure investment and urban development, according to a report released on Friday.

The report by Savills India and Hotelivate said demand for office spaces remains strong, supported by the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and growing preference for Grade-A, sustainable workspaces. It also noted that construction costs have risen by 6.4 per cent to 7.6 per cent due to higher mechanical, electrical, and plumbing expenses.

According to the report, retail and residential segments have seen the sharpest rise in construction costs, with increases ranging from 3.8 per cent to 13.9 per cent between 2023 and 2025.

It added that mall construction costs have surged the most due to complex designs, deeper basements, and higher technical requirements. In the residential segment, luxury housing recorded the highest cost increase, followed by mid-income and affordable housing projects.

The report observed that residential demand continues to remain strong, with a growing shift towards premium and quality-focused developments across urban centres.

It further highlighted that rising input costs, wage inflation, and volatility in key raw materials such as steel, cement, and crude oil are impacting project economics. Construction labour wages have increased significantly in recent years, adding to overall expenses.

In the hospitality sector, performance has improved with occupancy levels stabilising at around 67–68 per cent and average room rates crossing ₹9,000. The sector also continues to attract investor interest, with a strong project pipeline and new developments underway.

The report advised developers to focus on efficiency, cost control, and sustainable planning to maintain long-term value and competitiveness in the evolving market.

India Plans 100 GW Nuclear Power Capacity by 2047: CEA Chairperson

Apr 17 (BNP): India is planning a major expansion of its nuclear energy capacity, targeting an increase from the current 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, according to the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The roadmap is part of the country’s long-term strategy to strengthen clean energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Nuclear power is expected to play a key role in meeting rising electricity demand while supporting India’s low-carbon growth goals.

The CEA Chairperson said the expansion plan is aligned with India’s broader energy transition efforts, which aim to raise the share of non-fossil fuel-based power in the overall energy mix.

He also noted that achieving this target will require sustained policy support, technological progress, and investment participation from both public and private sectors.

India Attracting Global Capital with Dollar 4.4 Trillion Market Cap

Apr 17 (BNP): India is increasingly being recognised as a stable destination for global investment, supported by a market capitalisation of around $4.4 trillion, according to Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

He said the country’s equity markets continue to show resilience, backed by steady economic fundamentals and long-term growth potential. This is helping strengthen investor confidence in India as a reliable capital market.

Pandey added that India’s expanding financial ecosystem and rising participation from both domestic and foreign investors are enhancing its position among major global investment destinations.