Category Archives: Business

India and New Zealand FTA to Boost Gems & Jewellery Exports, Industry Welcomes Move

New Delhi, Apr 28 (BNP): The gems and jewellery industry has welcomed the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand, calling it a major step toward expanding exports and strengthening India’s global position.

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said the agreement will create new opportunities for exporters by providing zero-duty access to the New Zealand market.

Currently, India exports gems and jewellery worth around $16.61 million to New Zealand. With the FTA in place, exports are expected to grow significantly to nearly $50 million over the next three years.

Industry Perspective

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, said the agreement comes at an important time when global markets are uncertain and businesses are looking to diversify.

He noted that India’s ongoing trade agreements are helping reduce reliance on traditional markets such as the US and the GCC region, while opening doors to newer regions like Oceania.

Key Benefits of the FTA

• Zero-duty access for Indian jewellery exports
• Improved competitiveness against countries like China and Thailand
• Higher export potential, especially in gold, silver, platinum, and fashion jewellery
• Increased investment opportunities in the sector
• Market diversification into Oceania, including Australia and Fiji

Growth Opportunities

New Zealand’s high per capita jewellery consumption makes it a promising market for Indian exporters. The FTA is expected not only to boost trade but also to strengthen long-term economic ties between the two countries.

Industry experts believe this agreement will support sustainable growth, improve market share, and make the sector more resilient in a changing global environment.

How Indian Rug Brands Are Moving from OEM to Global Labels

Jaipur, Apr 28: There is a quiet shift underway in the way rugs are being chosen, placed, and understood within contemporary interiors.

Once considered a finishing layer, the rug is now part of the design conversation from the outset. It anchors proportion, softens architecture, and often determines how a space is experienced. In this evolving context, where every element is expected to carry both function and intent, the question of where a rug comes from has begun to matter in a more visible way.

For decades, India has been central to this story, though not always in plain sight.

Its weaving clusters have supported some of the most widely distributed rug collections in the world. The craftsmanship, the scale, and the technical fluency have long positioned the country as a preferred production base. Yet, much of this work entered global markets under different labels, becoming part of a larger design ecosystem without asserting its origin.

What is changing now is not the making, but the meaning attached to it.

A number of Indian brands have begun to shape their own presence with greater clarity. Jaipur Rugs has brought attention to the human narratives behind weaving, connecting artisans to a global audience in a way that feels both direct and considered. Obeetee Carpets continues to evolve its legacy through collaborations and a renewed engagement with design. The Rug Republic has expanded into international retail environments, presenting Indian rugs within a contemporary lifestyle framework.

Together, these shifts suggest a broader movement. The focus is no longer limited to production capability. It is moving towards authorship.

Within this landscape, a newer set of brands is approaching the category with a distinctly design-led lens. Man Made Rugs, founded by Nimrit Khanna, reflects this direction. The rugs are conceived less as standalone objects and more as elements that sit in dialogue with the space around them.

“A rug should not feel applied to a space,” Khanna notes. “It should feel like it belongs to it.”

The approach aligns with a wider shift in how interiors are being composed. There is a move towards restraint, towards material depth, and towards pieces that reveal themselves gradually rather than immediately. In such spaces, the rug is expected to support rather than dominate, to add texture without excess.

The brand works across residential and hospitality projects, with a focus on customisation and design adaptability

This kind of engagement reflects a more direct relationship between brand, designer, and space. It also signals a departure from the earlier model, where production and identity operated separately.

India’s advantage in this transition lies in its ability to bridge both worlds. The infrastructure that once enabled large-scale manufacturing is now supporting more nuanced, design-driven outputs. Craft remains central, but it is increasingly guided by a clearer point of view.

There is also a growing sensitivity among global buyers towards origin. Materials, processes, and provenance are being considered with greater care. In this context, visibility becomes important. Not as a marketing tool, but as a way of understanding the object itself.

The move from OEM to global label is, in many ways, a move towards recognition.

Not only of where a rug is made, but of how it is imagined, developed, and placed within a space.

India has long been part of the global rug vocabulary.What is emerging now is a more distinct voice within it.

SBI General Insurance Registers Solid FY26 Growth, Expands Lead Over Industry

Mumbai, Apr 28 (BNP): SBI General Insurance has reported a robust financial performance for FY26, registering strong growth well above the industry average and further strengthening its position in India’s general insurance sector.

The company posted a Gross Direct Premium (GDP) of ₹15,904 crore, marking a year-on-year growth of 14.5%. This performance represents a key milestone, as the insurer surpassed the ₹15,000 crore premium mark since its inception.

Demonstrating sustained momentum, SBI General Insurance grew at 1.6 times the industry rate, reflecting its focused strategy, diversified product portfolio, and expanding customer base across retail and corporate segments.

The company’s growth was supported by strong distribution capabilities, digital innovation, and continued emphasis on customer-centric solutions. Its performance also highlights increasing insurance penetration and rising awareness among customers in both urban and emerging markets.

Industry observers note that the company’s ability to consistently outperform peers underscores its operational efficiency and strategic execution in a competitive landscape.

Going forward, SBI General Insurance aims to build on this momentum by enhancing its digital ecosystem, expanding distribution networks, and introducing innovative insurance solutions tailored to evolving customer needs.

Unlimit fuels Brevistay’s expansion with next-generation payment infrastructure in India

GURUGRAM, INDIA| Apr 28 — Unlimit, the global financial infrastructure for the borderless economy, has partnered with Brevistay to rebuild the financial nervous system for India’s high-velocity travel market. By plugging into Unlimit’s unified programmable layer, Brevistay is eliminating the structural friction of India’s fragmented payment landscape, gaining instant, frictionless access to UPI and global card networks through a singular infrastructure integration.

In a unique global paradox, financial infrastructure is rapidly consolidating into primary layers, yet consumer payment methods are becoming more hyper-localised and fragmented than ever. For a high-frequency platform like Brevistay, where micro-stays demand micro-precision, the challenge is maintaining global-standard reliability across these fragmented local rails. Unlimit solves this by abstracting the complexity of the Indian ecosystem into a high-octane operating layer, turning geographical and technical barriers into a seamless stream of value.

“For Brevistay, payments are not a service; they are the critical circulatory system of their business,” said Irene Skrynova, CEO, Global Payments at Unlimit. “By providing Brevistay access to our primary financial infrastructure, we are enabling scale across borders without the operational debt of fragmented systems.”

Brevistay’s model, offering flexible, on-demand room bookings, requires a payment experience that matches the speed of the modern traveller. Unlimit’s architecture ensures that time-to-market collapses from months to configuration time, allowing Brevistay to operate with the precision of a global leader while mastering the local friction of the Indian market.

“Payments must move at the speed of the booking journey itself,” said Nikhil Kumar Pathak, CTO & Co-Founder at Brevistay. “Unlimit provides the powerful infrastructure rails we need to simplify India’s payment complexity. They have given us the architectural freedom to scale without being held back by the limitations of legacy financial stacks.”

As Brevistay prepares for its next phase of expansion, Unlimit’s hard-won regulatory depth and global license portfolio ensure that international growth is no longer a matter of geography, but a matter of code.

Gold Investment Demand Strengthens in India; Share Climbs to 42 pc in CY25

New Delhi, Apr 28 (BNP): Investment demand for gold in India rose sharply, accounting for 42 per cent of total consumption in CY25 compared to 29 per cent in CY24, according to CareEdge Ratings.

The increase was driven by strong inflows into gold ETFs and higher demand for bars and coins, reflecting investor preference for safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty.

Globally, gold investment demand surged to a record 2,175 metric tonnes in CY25, surpassing the previous peak of 1,805 metric tonnes in CY20. ETF investments contributed over 800 metric tonnes to the total.

The report attributed the trend to diversification needs, volatile market conditions, and rising geopolitical risks, which have boosted gold’s appeal among investors.

Indian Markets Edge Lower on FII Outflows and Global Uncertainty

Altair Semiconductor completes spinoff from Sony Semiconductor Solutions, closing initial funding of $50 million led by Pitango Group

Hod Hasharon, Israel — Apr 28— Altair Semiconductor announced the successful completion of its transition to an independent company, following a strategic spinoff from Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation. The transaction, led by Pitango Group, secured $50 million in initial funding. Sony will remain a shareholder, demonstrating continued confidence in Altair’s market leadership and long-term vision for connectivity powering the Physical AI transformation.

The transition will enable Altair to operate with greater agility and focus on IoT and Physical AI, while maintaining technological superiority and customer commitments. Altair’s chipsets power the largest share of the world’s cellular smart meters and are leading the LTE-M market in smart cities, energy grids, logistics, vehicle asset trackers, and sports wearables. Altair’s technology is essential to the Physical AI revolution, seamlessly connecting the physical world: machines and robots to the cloud and between themselves anywhere across the globe, and connecting AI-powered wearables and next-generation consumer devices that require ultra-low power, continuous connectivity.

 “This is an exciting new chapter for Altair. As an independent company, we can move faster and respond more flexibly to rapidly changing market dynamics. We are fully committed to leading the industry’s transition from 4G to 5G IoT.” said Nohik Semel, CEO of Altair Semiconductor.

Altair recently outlined its vision for 5G eRedCap as the foundation for next-generation IoT, with the ALT1550 modem currently in advanced silicon testing. The company’s roadmap reflects its commitment to delivering cost-efficient, power-efficient solutions built for a 20-year device lifespan.

Altair Semiconductor will continue to support and expand its existing customer base, ensuring a seamless transition for partners worldwide.

Umiya Buildcon Consolidated Reports Strong Q4 FY26; Products Segment Hits Decade-High Sales, Real Estate Portfolio Gains Traction

Bengaluru, Apr 28: Umiya Buildcon Limited a publicly listed dual-sector enterprise announced its financial results for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026, reporting robust growth led by its Products segment, alongside steady execution in Solutions and continued traction in its Real Estate business.

Financial Highlights

Consolidated Performance

• Strong year-on-year growth driven by improved operational performance
• Earnings per share (EPS) recorded significant growth during the financial year

Segment Performance

Products Segment (Strongest Performer)

• Delivered its highest quarterly sales in the last decade
• Achieved strong year-on-year growth, driven by demand for indigenous networking solutions

Solutions Segment

• Maintained stable execution across projects
• Continued contribution to overall business performance

Real Estate Segment

• Recorded strong growth supported by project traction and customer engagement
• Continued expansion across key markets

Leadership Commentary

Aniruddha Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director, said:

“We are extremely pleased with our performance this quarter, with the Products segment delivering its strongest results in the last decade. This reflects our continued focus on indigenous innovation, disciplined execution, and alignment with India’s digital infrastructure priorities. Our real estate business has also gained traction with key developments in Goa and Bengaluru, and we remain focused on scaling this portfolio in a calibrated manner.”

C S Krishnadas, Chief Executive Officer, added:

“Our performance reflects steady progress across all three business segments. The Products business continues to benefit from increasing adoption of our indigenous solutions, while the Solutions segment has maintained consistent execution. The traction in our real estate vertical reinforces our hybrid business model, where technology and infrastructure work together to drive sustainable growth.”

Operational Highlights

Telecom & Networking

The Products segment witnessed strong demand across:

• High-capacity switches
• Data centre networking solutions
• Indigenous networking technologies

The company continues to invest in research and development, including its proprietary Network Operating System (NOS), while maintaining a strong pipeline of government and public sector digital infrastructure projects.

Real Estate

• Umiya Bricklane, Candolim (Goa): Received encouraging customer response and regulatory approvals
• Umiya Prism, Cunningham Road (Bengaluru): Ultra-luxury boutique residential project launched with initial development underway

The company remains focused on expanding its premium real estate portfolio through strategic developments.

Outlook

Umiya Buildcon Limited remains optimistic about its growth trajectory, supported by:

• A resilient hybrid business model
• Strong order pipeline in the Products segment
• Continued investments in innovation and R&D
• Expansion across telecom, networking, and real estate

The company aims to sustain its growth momentum in the coming financial year through disciplined execution and alignment with India’s infrastructure and manufacturing priorities.

Vodia Version 70 Features WhatsApp Business Calling and Messaging

BOSTON: Apr 28- Vodia Networks, Inc., a provider of unified cloud communications solutions to enterprises, contact centers, and service providers, is pleased to announce Version 70, the newest version of the industry-standard Vodia PBX, features WhatsApp Business Calling and Messaging, as V70 now integrates with WhatsApp Business Services.

 WhatsApp Business Services enable rich, conversational experiences between businesses and WhatsApp users for more personal interactions along each customer’s journey. With V70, WhatsApp can be connected directly to the PBX, allowing businesses to manage messaging and calls from a single platform. Messages can be sent and received, calls can be routed through the PBX, and conversations can be handled alongside existing voice infrastructure.

 With the WhatsApp Business Calling API, businesses can manage when and how to connect with customers when voice is required. The API enables both inbound and outbound calls with WhatsApp users via VoIP, using a single verified WhatsApp number for calling and messaging and it even makes it possible to chat while on a call.

 V70 supports direct SIP integration with the WhatsApp Business Calling API. WhatsApp users can call your business number, and those calls are routed directly into the PBX to extensions, queues, or IVRs, without requiring middleware or additional gateways, reducing deployment complexity and eliminating the need for external integration layers. This allows businesses to handle WhatsApp voice interactions using the same routing logic and infrastructure as traditional telephony.

 V70 integrates with the WhatsApp Business Platform to support both incoming and outgoing messaging via the PBX. Text and image messages are supported, allowing teams to manage customer communication within the same system used for voice.

V70 extends the role of the PBX from a voice system. By integrating channels like WhatsApp directly into the PBX, businesses can manage voice and messaging within a single environment, without adding external layers of complexity. 

eHealth Deepens Support for Consumers with End-of-Life Financial Planning Solutions

New Final Expense Life Insurance Plans help people and their families better plan for funeral and burial or cremation expenses

A new eHealth survey found 65% of Americans underestimate the cost of a funeral with viewing and cremation; 35% underestimate the cost of a funeral with cremation

INDIANAPOLIS — Apr 28 –eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH), a leading private online health insurance marketplace,  announced it now offers Final Expense life insurance plans, helping Americans and their families plan for funeral and burial or cremation expenses.

The new plans are part of eHealth’s strategy to better meet the coverage and wellness needs of individuals and families, offering an expanded portfolio of plans, services and support to help consumers live healthier, more financially secure lives.  

“Honoring loved ones upon passing is an important part of life for many families, yet this is an often-overlooked part of end-of-life planning,” said Derrick Duke, CEO of eHealth. “The cost of a traditional funeral and burial averages over $8,000, so these new plans can help people prepare for this part of life while helping protect their loved ones from the financial burden associated with a funeral and burial or cremation.”

Anew eHealth survey of more than 1,000 Americans aged 65 and older found many people are unprepared to cover the cost of funeral and burial expenses. Key findings:

·65% underestimate the average cost of a funeral with viewing and cremation, while 35% underestimate the average cost of a funeral with cremation.

·47% worry about burdening loved ones with the cost of a funeral and burial or cremation.

·62% plan to be cremated, while 23% prefer to be buried; 15% don’t know or have no preference.

Among survey respondents living on an income of less than $50,000 per year:

·56% worry about burdening their loved ones with the cost of a funeral and burial or cremation.

·33% have no insurance or money set aside to help cover these end-of-life expenses.

eHealth’s Final Expense plans are offered through Mutual of Omaha and available by phone, allowing licensed insurance agents to discuss coverage options as part of a broader, personalized financial protection discussion. The policies can provide tax-free funds for various purposes, including funeral and burial or cremation expenses, outstanding medical bills, travel costs, legal fees, or other related needs.

Two types of Final Expense plans are available:

• Level Benefit Plans, offered to people ages 45 to 85, with coverage amounts ranging from $2,000 to $50,000.
• Graded Benefit Plans, offered to people ages 45 to 80, with coverage amounts ranging from $2,000 to $20,000.

Applicants are not required to undergo a medical exam to qualify for coverage. Instead, eligibility is determined through responses to a limited set of health questions covering a lookback period of approximately two to four years. The plans are designed to be affordable and provide beneficiaries with quick access to guaranteed funds, helping reduce financial stress during a difficult time.

Theaverage cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial exceeds $8,000, while the average cost of a funeral with a viewing and cremation is more than $6,000.

“These new plans allow us to provide people with affordable, easy-to-qualify coverage that helps protect their loved ones from the financial burden associated with end-of-life expenses,” continued Derrick Duke. “It aligns with our commitment to expanding access to products that support financial peace of mind in retirement.”

Specific plan availability may vary by state; some plans may not be available in Arkansas, Montana, New York, and North Carolina. Coverage and premiums may vary based on qualifying factors.
Consult a tax professional for personal tax advice.