16, Apr 2026
India, US Advance Trade Talks as Envoy Meets US Officials in Washington
Washington, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held meetings with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and former US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, as both countries continue discussions on a proposed bilateral trade agreement.
The meetings come at a time when India and the US are working to refine the details of their bilateral trade framework, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and addressing tariff and market access issues.
According to official inputs, a delegation of Indian officials is expected to travel to the United States for further negotiations on the agreement in the coming weeks.
In an earlier social media post, the Indian envoy noted that discussions covered a wide range of bilateral cooperation areas and also included exchanges on key global developments. The engagement was described as constructive, with both sides reaffirming support for stronger India-US relations.
The trade talks follow the announcement of a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement earlier this year, under which tariff reductions and market access measures were discussed as part of broader negotiations.
However, the evolving global trade environment and policy shifts in the United States have influenced the timeline for finalisation. Officials have indicated that the agreement is expected to move forward once the revised tariff structure becomes clearer.
The negotiations are also taking place amid broader trade-related reviews initiated by the US under its trade enforcement mechanisms, adding further complexity to ongoing discussions.
Despite these challenges, both sides continue to express commitment to advancing the trade partnership and strengthening economic ties.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
16, Apr 2026
WEF Highlights Middle Income Economies as Growth Engine
Apr 16 (BNP): Middle-income economies are poised to become the primary drivers of global economic growth in the coming years, even as the world economy continues to face a range of new and evolving challenges, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The outlook highlights that these economies are gaining importance due to strong demographic trends, expanding industrial capacity, and rising domestic consumption. Together, these factors are expected to support sustained economic expansion despite global uncertainties.
At the same time, the global growth environment remains uneven. Advanced economies are projected to experience relatively slower momentum, while middle-income nations are increasingly contributing a larger share to overall global output.
However, the WEF also cautions that multiple risks could weigh on this trajectory. These include geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and broader global financial volatility, all of which may affect the pace of recovery and long-term stability.
Overall, the global economic landscape is expected to remain balanced between opportunity and uncertainty, with middle-income economies emerging as key engines of growth while navigating a complex external environment.
16, Apr 2026
Indian investors now hold 50.3 Percent stake, strengthening local ownership
Paytm, India’s full stack merchant payments leader serving MSMEs and enterprises, and a leading financial services distribution company, and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox, today announced that it has become an Indian Owned and Controlled Company (IOCC).
As per the shareholding pattern for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, domestic investors now hold 50.3% of the Company’s equity share capital, establishing majority Indian ownership and control.
Domestic institutional investors continue to increase their participation, with their holding rising to 23.1% in Q4 FY26 from 20.3% in the previous quarter and 14.0% a year ago. Indian mutual funds hold 16.6% stake in the Company, with 41 mutual funds as shareholders. Domestic insurance companies have also increased their holding to 5.1%.
This milestone reflects growing confidence of Indian investors in Paytm’s business and its role in expanding mobile payments and financial services across the country.
With this, Paytm further strengthens its commitment to building for India, with ownership increasingly aligned with domestic institutions and investors.
16, Apr 2026
Rupee Rises 6 Paise to 93.27 as Crude Oil Eases, Dollar Weakens
Mumbai, April 16 (BNP): The Indian rupee strengthened in early trade on Thursday, appreciating by 6 paise to 93.27 against the US dollar, supported by easing crude oil prices and a softer American currency.
The domestic currency opened at 93.29 per dollar at the interbank foreign exchange market and later firmed to 93.27 in early deals.
Market sentiment was buoyed by a decline in global crude oil prices, which remained below the USD 95-per-barrel mark. Expectations of easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia also contributed to improved investor confidence.
However, forex analysts noted that the rupee’s gains were limited due to continued dollar demand from importers and sustained foreign fund outflows, which kept pressure on the currency.
Traders also pointed out that stability in global energy prices provided some support to domestic equities, although broader macroeconomic factors continued to influence currency movements.
Overall, the rupee’s movement reflected a mix of positive global cues and persistent domestic demand for the US dollar, resulting in a narrow range of gains in early trade.
16, Apr 2026
Study Explores Why Fasting Can Lead to a Longer Lifespan
DALLAS, April 16: Restricting calories has long been recognized as a powerful way to live longer, with periods of intermittent fasting proving more effective than a steady diet. However, the mechanism behind this phenomenon has been unclear.
Research led by UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists and published in Nature Communications suggests it’s not the fast itself that extends life, but how the body metabolically pivots during refeeding after fasting. Although the findings were made in Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm often used as a lab model, they could eventually lead to new ways to boost health in humans.
“Our discoveries shift the focus toward a neglected side of the metabolic coin – the refeeding phase. Our data suggest that the health-promoting effects of intermittent fasting are not merely a product of the fast itself, but are dependent on how the metabolic machinery recalibrates during the subsequent transition back to a fed state,” said study leader Peter Douglas, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and a member of the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine at UT Southwestern. Dr. Douglas co-led the study with Lexus Tatge, Ph.D., a former member of the Douglas Lab.
When organisms undergo fasting, their cells quickly burn through meager glucose reserves and shift to breaking down stored lipids, a potent source of energy. This process, called catabolism, is mediated by a protein known as NHR-49, which activates when glucose runs low and prompts cells to digest lipids. Refeeding causes NHR-49 to shut down, preventing cells from breaking down lipids and allowing them to rebuild their reserves. In 2022, Dr. Douglas and his colleagues published a study showing that NHR-49 also serves as a sensor for intracellular lipid stores, activating a mechanism that prevents cellular starvation when lipid supplies deplete.
Dr. Douglas and colleagues suspected that NHR-49’s activity could be key to fasting’s life-extending benefits. To test this idea, the team used genetic engineering to delete NHR-49 in C. elegans, then fasted the worms for 24 hours. Surprisingly, this did not diminish life extension. Fasting still boosted the altered worms’ average lifespan by about 41% and made older worms behave more youthfully, reflected in more movement, much like fasting did in C. elegans with intact NHR-49.
On a hunch, the researchers decided to examine the flip side of NHR-49 activation: What happened when the worms were refed after fasting and NHR-49 shut off?
To do this, they needed to better understand how NHR-49 naturally becomes inactivated. Experiments led by Vincent Tagliabracci, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Molecular Biology at UTSW and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, and Victor Lopez, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Tagliabracci Lab, revealed that this occurs when an enzyme known as protein kinase CK1 alpha 1 (KIN-19) chemically modifies NHR-49 through a process called phosphorylation. When Dr. Douglas and his colleagues tampered with this system to keep NHR-49 turned on – which maintained lipid breakdown even when C. elegans was refed – it eliminated any life extension from fasting.
Together, Dr. Douglas said, these results suggest that being able to efficiently deactivate NHR-49 after fasting is a key factor in caloric restriction’s ability to lengthen lifespan. Finding ways to manipulate this system could eventually help people live longer without the need to fast.
“Our findings bridge a gap between lipid metabolism and aging research,” Dr. Douglas said. “By targeting aging, the single greatest risk factor for human disease, we move beyond treating isolated conditions toward a preventive model of medicine that enhances quality of life for all individuals.”
Dr. Douglas is a Southwestern Medical Foundation Scholar in Biomedical Research. Dr. Tagliabracci is a Michael L. Rosenberg Scholar in Medical Research.
A complete list of other UTSW authors who contributed to this research can be found in the study.
This study was funded by the Clayton Foundation for Research, The Welch Foundation (I-2061-20210327), the American Federation of Aging Research (AFAR 2023), and the National Institutes of Health.
16, Apr 2026
Adani Wind Unveils 5 MW Turbine Prototype in Mundra, Strengthening India’s Clean Energy Ambitions
Gujarat, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s clean energy sector received a boost as Adani Wind commissioned a 5 MW wind turbine prototype at Mundra, marking a significant step in domestic renewable energy innovation.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The prototype is among the largest wind turbines developed in India and is expected to enhance power generation efficiency while lowering the cost of wind energy. The project reflects the company’s focus on building advanced, locally manufactured renewable energy solutions.
Located in Gujarat’s key renewable energy hub, the Mundra facility will serve as a testing ground for next-generation wind technologies before large-scale deployment. The development aligns with India’s broader push to expand its renewable energy capacity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Industry observers note that larger turbine capacities can generate more electricity per unit, improving project viability and accelerating the country’s transition toward clean energy.
16, Apr 2026
India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports Slip in FY26, but New Markets Offer Hope
New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s gem and jewellery exports saw a slight decline in FY26, as global trade challenges and tariff pressures weighed on demand. However, the industry showed resilience by expanding into new markets and adapting to changing conditions.
Pic Credit: Pexel
Exports during the year stood at $27.72 billion, reflecting a modest drop compared to the previous year in dollar terms, even as rupee earnings remained broadly stable.
The slowdown was largely due to weaker demand from the United States, where higher tariffs and policy uncertainties affected export volumes. At the same time, ongoing geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in global markets added to the pressure on the sector.
Despite these challenges, Indian exporters made steady progress in diversifying their reach. Markets such as the UAE, Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada emerged as important growth drivers, helping offset declines in traditional destinations.
Trade agreements with countries like the UAE and Australia supported this shift, making it easier for exporters to access new opportunities. While some geopolitical tensions in West Asia impacted momentum toward the end of the year, overall demand from these regions remained encouraging.
The industry is also witnessing a gradual shift in product demand. While certain segments like cut and polished diamonds faced pressure, others such as silver and platinum jewellery gained traction, reflecting changing global consumer preferences.
Experts believe that this phase marks a transition for the sector, with a stronger focus on market diversification and value-added products. Looking ahead, potential trade deals with regions like the UK and the European Union could further support growth and help the industry regain momentum.
16, Apr 2026
Muted Global Steel Demand Through 2026, Strong Recovery Expected Led by India
Pic Credit: Pexel
New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): Global steel demand is expected to remain subdued in the near term, with meaningful recovery likely only in 2027, according to a recent report by Centrum citing estimates from the World Steel Association.
The report projects global steel demand growth of just 0.3% in 2026, reflecting continued weakness in key markets. China, the world’s largest steel consumer, is expected to remain the primary drag on demand, with consumption forecast to decline by 1.5% year-on-year in calendar year 2026 and remain flat in 2027.
In contrast, India is emerging as a major growth driver. The report highlights that India’s steel demand is expected to grow by 7.4% in 2026 and accelerate further to 9.2% in 2027, positioning the country as a key contributor to the global demand rebound.
Despite muted demand conditions, steel prices have risen across major markets. Input costs have shown mixed trends, with iron ore and non-coking coal prices moving higher, while coking coal prices have softened compared to the previous month.
Among non-ferrous metals, aluminium continues to outperform, with prices remaining firm. Meanwhile, other metals such as copper, zinc, and nickel have witnessed marginal declines, reflecting uneven trends in the broader commodities market.
The report underscores that while near-term challenges persist due to weak global demand, particularly from China, India’s strong growth outlook offers a positive signal for the steel sector’s recovery in the coming years.
16, Apr 2026
Indian Equity Markets Surge on Easing West Asia Tensions
News Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): Indian equity markets recorded a strong rally today, driven by improved global sentiment as geopolitical tensions in West Asia showed signs of easing. Benchmark indices posted notable gains, with the Nifty rising by 500 points and the Sensex advancing 0.7%.
The positive momentum was supported by renewed investor confidence, as concerns over potential disruptions in global markets and energy supplies began to recede. Easing tensions contributed to stability in crude oil prices, further encouraging buying across sectors.
Gains were broad-based, with key sectors such as banking, information technology, and energy leading the upward movement. Market participants responded positively to the reduced uncertainty, increasing exposure to equities.
Experts suggest that while the current trend reflects optimism, investors should continue to monitor global developments and macroeconomic indicators that may influence market direction in the coming weeks.
16, Apr 2026
Epson Earns AAA in MSCI ESG Ratings for the Third Consecutive Year
SYDNEY, Apr 16 – Epson has been awarded a AAA rating, the highest rating in the MSCI ESG Ratings, for the third consecutive year in 2026. MSCI ESG Ratings is a global ESG investment index provided by MSCI. MSCI researches and analyses a company’s response to ESG-related risks and opportunities and assigns one of seven ratings ranging from AAA at the top to CCC at the bottom.
Epson facility at Yennora, NSW
Epson has implemented initiatives to enhance transparency in raw material procurement, as well as measures to strengthen human rights and human capital.
The company believe these initiatives were instrumental in helping to maintain the AAA rating for the third consecutive year.
Epson has been selected as a constituent of the MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index and the MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN), as well as all other ESG indices covering Japanese equities adopted by the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).
The Epson Group purpose statement is “Our philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world.” To fulfill Epson’s purpose in society, the company will continue to evolve our sustainability management initiatives that both resolve societal issues and drive corporate growth.
The FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index, FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index, MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index, S&P/JPX Carbon Efficient Index, MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN), Morningstar Japan Ex-REIT Gender Diversity Tilt Index (GenDi) (current as of April 2, 2026).
