17, Apr 2026
In Her Footsteps: Spotlight on the Great Women in the Himalayas
Global cultural initiative honours Alexandra David-Neel while re-framing history through the voices of women across the Himalayan region
India, Apr 17: The Embassy of France in India and the French Institute in India, in collaboration with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok, organised a landmark cultural initiative presenting an exhibition titled “Alexandra David-Neel in Sikkim: A Journey into Buddhism (1912–1916)”, alongside an international symposium in honour of Alexandra David-Neel, “In Her Footsteps: Great Women in the Himalayas.”
Bringing together scholars, institutions, and international partners, this ambitious project curated by anthropologist Dr Anna Balikci invited audiences to rediscover the legacy of Franco-Belgian explorer Alexandra David-Neel, while shining new light on the often-overlooked trajectories of remarkable women across the Himalayan region.
Across the Himalayas, extraordinary women have made lasting contributions to culture, education, religion, and social transformation—yet many of these narratives remain underrepresented. This initiative sought to foreground these voices, situating Alexandra David-Neel’s journey within a broader continuum of women who shaped the region as explorers, thinkers, spiritual practitioners, and cultural transmitters.
The exhibition opened at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in the presence of distinguished guests, including H.E. Mr Om Prakash Mathur, Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim; H.E. Dr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India; H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium to India and H.E. Ms Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Switzerland to India, whose respective embassies supported this project, likewise graced the opening with their presence.
A rich, immersive project, the exhibition wove together archival materials from the Maison Alexandra David-Neel museum in Digne-les-Bains, visual narratives, and historical research to retrace David-Neel’s transformative years in Sikkim—years that played a defining role in shaping her engagement with Buddhist philosophy and Himalayan cultures.
The international symposium brought together leading researchers from Europe and South Asia to explore the lives and legacies of Himalayan women who had distinguished themselves as figures of transmission, resistance, and innovation across cultural, spiritual, and social spheres.
During his address, Ambassador Thierry Mathou highlighted: “Alexandra David-Neel’s influence on young women in France has been significant. Her legacy could be understood in several ways: as a symbol of intellectual independence, a model for female explorers, and an early bridge between Europe and Asian spiritual traditions. (…) Her years in Sikkim created enduring intellectual and cultural ties between our two regions stretching back to over a century, and through her writings she brought the spiritual and cultural richness of the Himalayas to Europe. This initiative honoured not only Alexandra David-Neel, but all the women whose contributions continue to inspire us.”
- 0
- By Neel Achary
17, Apr 2026
Strong Credit Momentum in FY26, Deposit Growth Also Rises: RBI
Apr 17 (BNP): Bank lending in India picked up strong momentum in FY26, with credit expanding by 16.08% year-on-year, marking its fastest growth since FY24, when growth had crossed 20%, according to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data.
Deposits also showed healthy traction, rising 13.47% YoY—its strongest pace in the same period. Total bank credit stood at ₹213.61 trillion, while deposits reached ₹262.30 trillion.
In the fortnight ended March 31, credit rose sharply by 2.8% (₹5.92 trillion), compared with a marginal 0.1% increase in the previous fortnight. Deposits grew even faster during the same period, up 4.87% (₹12.18 trillion). However, analysts noted that year-end figures may appear elevated due to changes in RBI reporting dates.
Market experts said credit growth has improved in recent months, led by strong demand from corporates, MSMEs, and retail borrowers, particularly in segments like gold loans. Lower lending rates have also encouraged companies to shift back to bank borrowing, as bond market yields remained relatively high.
According to industry experts, external funding avenues such as overseas borrowing have become costlier due to elevated global yields and currency volatility, further boosting reliance on domestic bank credit.
Data shows major lenders including State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank have reported strong growth across corporate and MSME loan segments.
Analysts also pointed out that bond market activity has remained subdued due to higher yields, while tighter global financial conditions have constrained external commercial borrowing. This has further strengthened banks’ role as key lenders in the system.
However, experts cautioned that sustaining this pace of credit growth will require stronger deposit mobilisation, as rising credit demand is already creating pressure on liquidity and balance sheets. Banks have increasingly relied on certificate of deposits (CDs) to bridge funding gaps, with issuances rising sharply during FY26.
Overall, while credit momentum remains strong, analysts expect banks to focus on deposit growth and funding stability to support sustained lending expansion going forward.
17, Apr 2026
Suzuki Motorcycle India Concludes Suzuki Matsuri in Mumbai, Creating Four Records in India and Asia Book of Records
Mumbai, April 17: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, successfully concluded the Mumbai edition of its flagship motorcycling festival, Suzuki Matsuri, at Mulund in Mumbai. The celebration not only brought together nearly 4,000 two-wheeler riders & enthusiasts but also created history by setting four records recognised by the India Book of Records (IBR) and Asia Book of Records (ABR).
At the event, SMIPL achieved the record for the Largest Gathering of a Single Scooter Model at One Location, with 390 Suzuki Burgman customers coming together with their scooters. Additionally, SMIPL also marked another record for the Maximum Single Model Scooter Delivered in a Single Day, as 175 new Suzuki Burgman scooters were delivered to customers at the event. Both achievements stand as a testament to the Suzuki Burgman’s growing popularity and the strong trust it enjoys among customers.
Speaking about the success of the Mumbai edition, Mr. Deepak Mutreja, Vice President Sales, Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd., said,
“Suzuki Matsuri is a celebration of the riding community and their passion for two-wheelers. Setting two prestigious records at this year’s Mumbai edition is a proud moment for all of us and reflects the strong connect we share with our customers. The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm reaffirm our commitment to delivering value-packed products and meaningful experiences. We will continue to engage closely with riders to build an inclusive riding culture in India.”
Event Highlights
Designed as a community-led celebration, Suzuki Matsuri in Mumbai featured a mix of experiences and engagement zones, creating a festival-like atmosphere throughout the day. A major highlight was the customer-led launch of the New Suzuki Burgman Street, which drew strong interest from nearly 4,000 attendees. Further elevating the excitement, SMIPL showcased the globally renowned Suzuki Burgman 400, giving participants a close look at Suzuki’s international maxi-scooter legacy and engineering excellence.
Participants explored curated riding zones featuring the New Burgman Street, Access ABS, e‑Access, and V‑Strom SX, while the celebration extended beyond riding with a Suzuki Parade, professional stunt performances, and interactive sessions with customers. Engagement zones such as tattoo booths, graffiti walls, merchandise booth, and cosplay artists, along with high‑energy performances by Khaanzadi and DJ Lady Barot, completed the festive experience.
Suzuki Matsuri continues to strengthen its position as a unique platform that goes beyond products bringing together people, experiences, and the spirit of motorcycling under one roof.
17, Apr 2026
India Advancing Green Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy to Boost Clean Power Capacity
New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): India is steadily strengthening its position in the global clean energy transition through a combination of policy support, technological development, and industry participation, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.
Addressing the World Hydrogen Energy Summit alongside the World Petrocoal Congress in New Delhi, he said India is pursuing a balanced energy strategy that integrates sustainability with energy security, while advancing across multiple sectors including green hydrogen, nuclear energy, and renewables.
The Minister highlighted that India is actively developing indigenous capabilities in key technologies such as electrolyzers and is encouraging greater public-private collaboration to accelerate innovation and scale-up clean energy solutions.
He noted that under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the country is targeting large-scale adoption of alternative fuels to decarbonise industries such as steel and cement, while also working to reduce production costs through domestic manufacturing.
On nuclear energy, he said India is aiming for 100 GW of capacity by 2047 under its Nuclear Energy Mission, along with development of small modular reactors, including indigenous projects currently in progress.
Dr. Singh also pointed to planned investments in the oil and gas sector and efforts to expand exploration areas, while increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix as part of a broader transition strategy.
He added that emerging sectors such as electric mobility, battery recycling, and renewable manufacturing are creating new green job opportunities and supporting India’s shift toward a low-carbon economy.
Overall, the Minister said India’s demographic strength, innovation ecosystem, and policy direction position it as a key player in global decarbonisation efforts while ensuring long-term energy security.
17, Apr 2026
India’s Global GDP Share Likely to Reach 7pc by 2050, Says McKinsey
New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): India’s share of the global economy is projected to grow steadily over the long term, reaching around 7% by 2050, according to a report by McKinsey & Company.
The report attributes this expected rise to a combination of factors, including strong domestic demand, ongoing structural changes in the economy, and the expanding role of private capital and alternative investment markets. These developments, it notes, are helping unlock new sources of funding for businesses and supporting broader economic expansion.
It also highlights India’s demographic advantage, rapid urbanisation, and accelerating digital adoption as key drivers that could strengthen growth momentum in the coming decades.
At the same time, McKinsey cautions that maintaining this trajectory will depend on sustained reforms, productivity improvements, and deeper integration with global trade and investment flows.
Overall, the findings underline India’s growing weight in the global economy, with the country expected to play a more prominent role in shaping global growth trends by mid-century.
17, Apr 2026
India Pushes Trade Expansion as Piyush Goyal Holds Talks with South Korea and Austria
New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): India continues to broaden its global economic engagement, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal holding discussions with senior leadership from South Korea and Austria aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and business cooperation.
The discussions focused on expanding bilateral economic ties, improving market access, and identifying new areas of collaboration across sectors such as manufacturing, technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
According to officials, the engagements are part of India’s ongoing effort to diversify its trade partnerships and attract long-term foreign investment, particularly as global supply chains continue to shift. Both sides also explored ways to boost business-to-business linkages and encourage greater private sector participation.
India is actively positioning itself as a reliable and competitive investment destination while seeking deeper integration with major economies in Asia and Europe. The latest diplomatic outreach reflects New Delhi’s intent to build more balanced and resilient global economic relationships.
17, Apr 2026
Festive Rush Builds as Digital Gold Gains Popularity Ahead of Akshaya Tritiya
Mumbai, Apr 17 (BNP): With Akshaya Tritiya around the corner, gold buying activity is picking up across the country, and this year, much of the action is happening online.
Fintech platforms, financial service providers, and jewellery brands are rolling out festive offers and campaigns to tap into the seasonal demand. The growing buzz reflects not just the cultural significance of the festival, but also a clear shift in how consumers prefer to buy gold.
Data from the World Gold Council shows that India’s digital gold market expanded sharply in 2025, growing 69% year-on-year to 13.5 tonnes. The numbers underline how quickly digital gold is becoming a mainstream choice, especially among younger buyers looking for convenience and flexibility.
Sensing this trend, companies are sweetening the deal with incentives. Amazon Pay, for instance, is offering cashback on digital gold purchases—2% for Prime members and 1% for others—making small-ticket investments more attractive.
At the same time, platforms like PhonePe are promoting 24K digital gold options, allowing users to buy, sell, and store gold with just a few taps on their phones.
While buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya remains a long-standing tradition symbolising prosperity and good fortune, the way people participate in it is clearly evolving. Digital gold is steadily bridging the gap between tradition and technology, giving consumers a modern, hassle-free way to mark the occasion.
17, Apr 2026
CM N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated India’s first Open Access Quantum Reference Facilities in Amaravati on World Quantum Day
Apr 17: On the occasion of World Quantum Day, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated India’s first Open Access Quantum Test and Reference Facilities in Amaravati under the ambitious Quantum Valley initiative. The milestone marks a significant step in India’s transition from technology adoption to technology leadership in the field of quantum innovation.
Commenting on the development, Ashok Chandak, President of India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), said:
“World Quantum Day 2026 marks a pivotal step in India’s journey from technology adoption to technology leadership. The launch of India’s first Quantum Test and Reference Facilities in Amaravati under the Quantum Valley initiative is a strong signal that India is now building foundational capabilities in next-generation computing.
This milestone, led by Hon’ble CM of Andhra Pradesh, Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu, reinforces that technology sovereignty begins with building core infrastructure—compute, materials, and systems—within the country.
The quantum revolution will be fundamentally enabled by semiconductors. From cryogenic control electronics and advanced chip design to packaging and precision manufacturing, the semiconductor ecosystem is the backbone of scalable quantum systems. With India’s growing strengths in design, emerging fabrication initiatives, and the momentum under the National Quantum Mission, we are uniquely positioned to co-develop the quantum hardware stack domestically.”
He further added:
“At IESA, our focus is clear—to ensure that India’s ESDM ecosystem scales in lockstep with quantum ambitions by designing, fabricating, packaging, and testing quantum-class hardware in India. India has already set its sights on scaling globally competitive deep-tech capabilities, and this initiative is a strong step in that direction.”
17, Apr 2026
Asian Shares Ease as Investors Turn Cautious Despite US Market Rally
April 17 (BNP): Asian equity markets opened on a softer note Friday, even as US stocks recently touched record highs, with investors choosing caution amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
Attention remains focused on whether diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran will progress, as well as the fate of a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East that is due to expire soon. The lack of clarity on these fronts has kept risk appetite in check across regional markets.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined around 1%, pulling back after hitting a historic high in the previous session. South Korea’s Kospi also traded lower, shedding about 0.6%.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index dropped roughly 1%, reflecting broader weakness in the region, while China’s Shanghai Composite index was largely flat, slipping marginally.
In commodity markets, oil prices moved lower, indicating concerns about future demand and the uncertain geopolitical backdrop. Meanwhile, US stock futures pointed slightly upward, suggesting investors remain cautiously optimistic about the American market outlook.
Overall, the mixed signals highlight a market environment where strong momentum in US equities is being offset by global risks, prompting investors in Asia to take a more measured approach.
17, Apr 2026
Rupee Strengthens in Early Trade as Market Sentiment Improves
Mumbai, Apr 17 (BNP): The Indian rupee moved higher in early trading on Friday, gaining 28 paise to reach 92.86 against the US dollar, supported by a more positive global outlook and firm domestic equities.
The currency opened the session at 92.93 in the interbank foreign exchange market and extended its gains shortly after, reflecting renewed investor confidence.
Traders pointed to easing geopolitical tensions as a key factor lifting sentiment. Hopes that recent developments in the Middle East could lead to broader stability have encouraged investors to return to emerging markets, including India.
Another supportive factor for the rupee has been fresh buying in Indian equities by foreign institutional investors. These inflows tend to boost demand for the local currency, contributing to its upward movement.
However, gains in the rupee were somewhat limited by the continued strength of the US dollar in global markets. A firm dollar often weighs on emerging market currencies, keeping traders cautious despite positive domestic cues.
Overall, the rupee’s early performance reflects a balance between improving risk appetite and external pressures, with investors closely watching global developments and capital flows for further direction.
