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.
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- By Neel Achary
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.
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.
30, Apr 2026
Gold Prices Surge Past 1.50 Lakh per 10 Grams on Global and Geopolitical Factors
New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Gold prices advanced in futures trade on Thursday, climbing by ₹1,791 to cross the ₹1.50 lakh mark per 10 grams, supported by firm international trends and safe-haven buying.
The rise came after the US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, which boosted demand for gold amid ongoing global uncertainty. Continued geopolitical tensions in West Asia also added to investor interest in the precious metal.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold contracts for June delivery gained 1.2% to settle at ₹1,50,841 per 10 grams, with a trading volume of over 9,200 lots.
Domestic commodity markets will remain closed for the morning session on Friday on account of Maharashtra Day.
30, Apr 2026
India’s FDI Expected to Surpass Dollar 90 Billion in FY26 on Strong Investor Interest
New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India is expected to exceed $90 billion in the financial year 2025–26, reflecting strong global investor confidence in the country’s economy.
According to senior government officials, India has already received over $88 billion in gross FDI between April 2025 and February 2026. This steady inflow points to an estimated growth of around 10% compared to the previous year.
Officials noted that key sectors driving this investment include manufacturing, computer services, financial services, and communication services. Major investment sources continue to be Singapore, the United States, Mauritius, Japan, and the Netherlands.
The overall increase in inflows is expected to push FDI closer to 2% of India’s GDP, marking sustained long-term interest from global investors. The government, through ongoing policy reforms and facilitation measures, continues to focus on improving the investment climate and encouraging further foreign participation in the economy.
30, Apr 2026
RAKEZ to spotlight industrial growth and investment opportunities at Make it in the Emirates 2026
Ras Al Khaimah, Apr 30: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is set to participate in the fifth edition of the Make it in the Emirates exhibition, taking place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 4 to 7 May 2026, reinforcing its role in advancing the UAE’s industrial landscape and attracting high-value investments.
As part of its participation, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad will join a panel discussion titled “Industrial Zones as Engines of Growth: Powering the UAE’s Industrial and Investment”, where he will share insights on how integrated economic zones are enabling sustainable industrial expansion and supporting long-term investor confidence.
The economic zone will also mark the occasion by signing lease agreements with companies across manufacturing and industrial sectors, highlighting continued demand for Ras Al Khaimah as a base for business growth.
During the exhibition, RAKEZ will showcase its comprehensive ecosystem designed to support investors across diverse industrial sectors. This includes advanced infrastructure, tailored solutions, and value-added services that enable businesses to establish, operate, and scale efficiently. With around 1,000 manufacturing companies operating within RAKEZ across sectors such as packaging, F&B, automotive, aviation, construction, and defence, the economic zone continues to contribute to Ras Al Khaimah’s broader manufacturing base of around 3,400 companies.
Companies operating within RAKEZ benefit from a cost-competitive environment, with development costs approximately 10% lower and operating costs around 50% lower than the regional average. In addition, seamless connectivity through ports and airports ensures efficient global market access, while an ecosystem built around sustainability supports businesses in translating ESG ambitions into practical operations. Networking platforms and B2B matchmaking initiatives further enable collaboration and growth within the business community.
Commenting on RAKEZ’s participation, Ramy Jallad said: “Our presence at Make it in the Emirates reflects the growing role we play in shaping the UAE’s economic future. What we are seeing today is a strong shift towards long-term, value-driven investment, where businesses are looking for stability, efficiency, and the ability to scale with confidence. At RAKEZ, we continue to focus on creating an environment where manufacturers and industrial players can operate with clarity, expand sustainably, and connect to global markets with ease.”
He added: “Through our integrated ecosystem and close engagement with our business community, we are enabling companies at every stage of their journey to grow and evolve. This is aligned with the UAE’s broader industrial vision and our ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives such as Operation 300bn.”
As RAKEZ continues to strengthen its presence at national platforms, its participation in Make it in the Emirates 2026 underscores its commitment to attracting high-quality investments, supporting industrial growth, and enabling local manufacturers to expand regionally and globally.
Industrialists are invited to connect with the RAKEZ team at Make It In the Emirates from 4 to 7 May at Stand 7-EN22 in Hall 7 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.
30, Apr 2026
The Summer Ritual: Discovering Soulinaire Alibaug
Apr 30: Alibaug has always had a special kind of summer magic, and Soulinaire has quickly become the heart of that experience. Situated right on the Mandwa boardwalk, this flagship destination by IHCL is a stunning, two-storey retreat designed for those looking to swap the city’s hustle for sea breezes and poolside lounging. It’s a space that invites you to slow down, offering a front-row seat to the ocean that makes you want to stay just a little bit longer.
The space itself is built for easy, coastal living. You can spend your afternoon downstairs by the circular bar and indoor pool, or head up to the deck for a long lunch with uninterrupted views of the water. Every corner feels intentional yet relaxed, blending the polished soul of the Taj with the kind of barefoot luxury that Alibaug is famous for. It’s the perfect sanctuary to retreat to after a day in the sun, perhaps ending on a sweet note with the Mellow Mango Pista or the refreshing Chilli Guava or Jamun sorbets, or for a quiet moment before heading back to Mumbai.
At its heart, Soulinaire is about great food shared in good company. The menu is a thoughtful mix of global favourites and fresh local flavours, all served with the warmth and care you’d expect from India’s finest hospitality. Whether it’s a sun-drenched breakfast or a slow sunset dinner, it’s a place that encourages you to disconnect from the world and simply enjoy the moment.
30, Apr 2026
LTM Recognized as a Market Leader in HFS Next gen IT Infrastructure Services, 2026 Report
April 30: LTM has been recognized as a Market Leader in the HFS Horizons: Next-gen IT Infrastructure Services, 2026 report by HFS Research.
The report evaluates global service providers across the IT infrastructure value chain, assessing their strategies, execution capabilities, go-to-market approaches, and overall market impact. It highlights key areas such as AI readiness, hybrid and distributed architectures, regulatory compliance, platform-enabled operations, and autonomous infrastructure models.
LTM has been positioned among a select group of Market Leaders for its advanced capabilities in delivering AI-native, next-generation infrastructure services at enterprise scale. The recognition underscores the company’s ability to move beyond traditional modernization toward intelligent, policy-aware infrastructure designed for evolving enterprise needs.
The report specifically acknowledges LTM’s strengths in AI-native infrastructure, agent-led operational models, and deep engineering expertise. It also highlights the company’s proven execution across hybrid, cloud, and edge environments, supported by live deployments, strategic ecosystem partnerships, and strong capabilities in compliance-driven industries.
Commenting on the recognition, Krishnan Iyer said the acknowledgment reflects LTM’s commitment to reimagining IT infrastructure as an intelligent, AI-driven foundation for enterprise transformation, enabling organizations to modernize with confidence and scale.
Ashwin Venkatesan noted that LTM is emerging as a front-runner in AI-native infrastructure, driven by its focus on agentic operations and platform-led execution. He further highlighted the company’s investments in BlueVerse and knowledge fabric as a shift toward system-level intelligence embedded within operations.
The recognition reinforces LTM’s long-term focus on infrastructure transformation, as enterprises increasingly address challenges related to AI adoption, regulatory complexity, sustainability, and cost optimization.
With continued investments in platforms, partnerships, and innovative operating models, LTM aims to support enterprises in building resilient, adaptive, and future-ready infrastructure ecosystems.
30, Apr 2026
FIA expands major road safety initiative into Middle East, Africa
H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, hails decisive step towards making roads safer and delivering lasting change worldwide
Dubai, UAE, 30th April 2026: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the expansion of a major road safety initiative into the Middle East and Africa.
The FIA Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programme aims to support local authorities and organisations with training, mentorship, and evidence-based actions to develop concrete projects that improve road safety for everyone.
Road traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death worldwide, with the burden falling disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries.
According to the World Health Organization, the African region records the highest road traffic fatality rate globally, while countries across the MENA region continue to face significant and persistent road safety challenges.
The expansion of the FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme into the Middle East and Africa, following its successful introduction in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions, further strengthens the Federation’s global effort to promote and protect safe mobility for road users worldwide.
H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “Following the success of the first FIA Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programmes, I am delighted to announce we are expanding the initiative to Africa and the Middle East. This marks a decisive step towards making roads safer and delivering lasting change worldwide.
“Through our partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), we are working together with our Members to equip them with the essential tools and networks needed to drive global action and build a safer future for all road users.”
The FIA Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programme was developed by the FIA in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and with the support of the FIA Foundation.
FIA Region I MENA Mobility Council President Essa Hamza Alfailakawi said: “Across the Middle East and North Africa, improving road safety requires strong collaboration and a shared commitment to change.
“Through the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme, we can strengthen regional cooperation and support our Member Clubs to play a leading role in shaping safer mobility systems.”
FIA Region I ACTA President Jinaro Kibet said: “Road safety is one of the most urgent public health challenges across Africa, and initiatives like FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life are critical in helping us address it at scale.
“This programme empowers our Member Clubs with global expertise to deliver practical, life-saving solutions within their communities.”
30, Apr 2026
Government Boosts Export Strategy, Focus on MSMEs and Agriculture
New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The government has reviewed India’s export ecosystem with an aim to further strengthen the country’s global trade performance, with special emphasis on MSMEs, agriculture exports, and the promotion of “Brand India”.
During the review, officials discussed measures to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exporters in global markets. A key focus was placed on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, which play a crucial role in employment generation and export diversification.
The discussions also highlighted the need to boost agricultural and food product exports by improving quality standards, strengthening supply chains, and expanding access to new international markets. In addition, efforts to promote “Brand India” were emphasized to improve the country’s global trade identity and attract stronger demand for Indian goods.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to increase export volumes, reduce trade barriers for domestic producers, and ensure more inclusive participation in international trade growth.
30, Apr 2026
US Bets on Small Modular Reactors to Lower Nuclear Power Costs
Washington, Apr 30 (BNP): Several companies in the United States are increasingly focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs) as a next-generation option in nuclear energy, according to a report by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Pic Credit: Pexel
The report highlights that SMRs are being developed to address long-standing challenges in the nuclear sector, particularly high construction costs and lengthy approval timelines that have limited new capacity additions.
The United States currently has nearly 98 gigawatts of installed nuclear power capacity, but expansion has remained limited over recent decades due to financial and regulatory constraints.
Unlike conventional nuclear plants, which generate between 550 MW and 1,500 MW per unit, SMRs are compact systems typically producing up to around 300 MW. Their modular structure allows major components to be built in factories and transported to sites for assembly, potentially reducing both construction time and overall costs while offering greater deployment flexibility.
