Category Archives: Business

Govt Eases Wheat Export Curbs to Boost Shipments

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): The Government of India has lifted restrictions on wheat exports after a gap of four years, opening the door for increased international demand as several countries line up to purchase Indian wheat.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

Countries including Egypt, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh have shown strong interest in importing wheat from India. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is expected to soon issue export quotas to facilitate shipments.

Officials and trade experts believe geopolitical uncertainties, along with adequate domestic stocks, are supporting export opportunities this year. India had earlier allowed limited exports, including around 2.5 million tonnes of grain and an additional 0.5 million tonnes of processed wheat in February.

Export prices to Bangladesh are estimated at around $275–$280 per tonne, which traders say remains competitive and profitable even after including freight costs.

India’s wheat production has remained strong, supported by record output and sufficient government reserves. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) currently holds about 22 million tonnes of wheat, well above the buffer requirement of 7.46 million tonnes, helping maintain stability in domestic markets where average prices stand at around ₹30.81 per kg.

For the 2025–26 season, wheat production is projected to rise to around 120 million tonnes, according to the Agriculture Ministry, aided by expanded cultivation area. However, officials have noted that unseasonal rains have caused some crop damage, particularly affecting wheat quality in certain regions.

Despite these challenges, India remains the world’s second-largest wheat exporter after China, and the government is targeting procurement of 30 million tonnes this year from key producing states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

The move is expected to strengthen India’s position in global grain markets while ensuring adequate domestic supply remains stable.

AmpliNxt Foundation launches NEXACON 100 to accelerate market-ready innovation in AECO sector

Pune, Apr 13: AmpliNxt Foundation, backed by the legacy of SoftTech Engineers Ltd, has launched NEXACON 100 – Market Readiness Cohort, a focused initiative aimed at enabling startups in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) sector to transition from innovation to real-world deployment.

 The inaugural cohort comprises 10 startups: Shegruh, PredictTec AI, Real Horizons, SafetyCloudAI, Prancevia, Propenize, SITEPACE.ai, Cobotiks, Vividobots, and BUILDINREALITY working across construction technology, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. The programme is designed as an intensive 100-day journey centred on execution, market alignment, and scalable growth.

The launch was attended by Dr. Shrikant Patil, Chief Executive Officer of Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), Government of Maharashtra, as Special Guest.

Drawing on over three decades of experience in digitising the AEC ecosystem, SoftTech Engineers Ltd has played a pivotal role in enabling technology-led transformation across urban infrastructure. Building on this foundation, NEXACON 100 is positioned as a deployment-first accelerator, addressing a key gap where innovation often remains confined to pilots without achieving real-world scale.

Speaking at the launch, Vijay Gupta, Founder & CEO of SoftTech Engineers Ltd and Director at AmpliNxt Foundation, said,

“The AEC sector remains complex and deeply trust-driven. Startups need patience, strong ecosystem understanding, and a focus on solving real on-ground challenges. With AI shaping the future, bridging the gap between innovation and execution is more critical than ever.”

Dr. Shrikant Patil noted that India’s startup ecosystem is entering a phase of expanding opportunity, supported by initiatives such as CM Maha Funds and growing infrastructure development across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, enabling startups to scale faster and build impactful solutions.

Madhav Bhisa, Program Director at NASSCOM, highlighted the importance of market readiness in today’s ecosystem, noting that structured programmes play a crucial role in helping startups transition from innovation to real-world adoption, particularly as AI unlocks new possibilities across industries.

Jay Dhadhal, investor, emphasised that execution and clarity of market fit remain the defining factors for startup success, adding that programmes like NEXACON 100 are instrumental in building scalable and investment-ready businesses.

The launch also witnessed participation from leading investment partners, including Ankur Capital, Kalpataru, Y Point, MU Ventures, and Indian Angel Network, reflecting strong investor confidence and growing alignment between startups and capital in driving scalable innovation.

Closing the announcement, Varsharani Bhagatpatil, Head of AmpliNxt Foundation, said:

“The shift today is clear success is no longer defined by pilots, but by what scales on the ground. In AECO, innovation has often remained confined to PoCs with limited adoption pathways. NEXACON 100 is designed to enable startups that are ready for market integration and connect them with the right industry, government, and capital ecosystem to drive real impact.”

With a strong focus on areas such as construction technology, proptech, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and sustainability, NEXACON 100 aims to build a pipeline of startups capable of delivering practical, scalable, and industry-integrated solutions for the AECO ecosystem.

Rupee Slides Sharply in Early Trade Amid Global Uncertainty

Mumbai, Apr 13 (BNP): The Indian rupee weakened significantly in early trading on Monday, falling by 49 paise to 93.32 against the US dollar, as global tensions and rising oil prices weighed heavily on the currency.

The decline comes amid renewed instability in West Asia, particularly after recent US–Iran talks failed to produce a clear outcome. Concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial route for global oil shipments—have pushed crude oil prices higher, adding pressure on oil-importing countries like India.

At the same time, the US dollar remained strong, further dragging down the rupee. Market participants noted that foreign investors have been pulling funds out of Indian equities, intensifying the currency’s fall.

The combination of geopolitical uncertainty, elevated crude prices, and capital outflows has created a cautious mood in the currency markets, with traders closely monitoring global developments for further direction.

Stocks Decline as Breakdown in US–Iran Talks Fuels Uncertainty

Mumbai, Apr 13 (BNP): India’s benchmark stock indices, the Sensex and Nifty, opened sharply lower on Monday, reflecting growing global anxiety after crucial talks between the United States and Iran ended without an agreement.

The failure of the high-stakes negotiations has raised fears that tensions between the two nations could escalate further, potentially leading to a prolonged period of instability. Investors reacted swiftly, pulling back from equities amid uncertainty.

One of the biggest concerns stemming from the stalled talks is the surge in crude oil prices. As geopolitical risks rise in the Middle East, oil markets tend to react strongly, and this time was no different. Higher oil prices are particularly worrying for countries like India, which rely heavily on imports, as they can fuel inflation and strain the economy.

The discussions, which reportedly stretched over 21 hours in Pakistan, were seen as a critical opportunity to ease hostilities. However, both sides have blamed each other for the breakdown, leaving the fragile two-week ceasefire hanging in the balance.

With no clear resolution in sight, market participants are expected to remain cautious in the coming days, closely watching global developments for any signs of progress or further escalation.

The General Assembly of Estithmar Holding Approves Financial Results and distributes 20% of capital as share dividends to shareholder for the Year Ended December 31, 2025

Doha, Qatar – Apr 13: Both the Ordinary General Assembly and the Extraordinary General Assembly of Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C. convened on April 12, 2026, and approved the Company’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025. Additionally, the Ordinary General Assembly approved the Board of Directors’ proposal to distribute dividends for the same period, amounting to two shares for every ten shares, equivalent to 20% of the Company’s capital. Both assemblies also approved the agenda items, with the following highlights:

Ordinary General Assembly:

1. The General Assembly approved the Board of Directors’ report on the Company’s activities and financial position for the year ending 31/12/2025, as well as the Company’s future plan for 2026.

2. The General Assembly approved the auditors’ report on the financial statements of the Company for the year ending 31/12/2025.

3. The General Assembly approved the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the financial year ending 31/12/2025.

4. The General Assembly approved the distribution of dividends for the period ending December 31, 2025, at a rate of 20% of the Company’s capital by distributing free shares at a rate of two shares for every ten shares, equivalent to 0.2 share per share, and the allocation of fractional shares resulting from the distribution process to Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C., if any.

5. The General Assembly approved the auditors’ report on the Company’s compliance with corporate governance requirements applicable to listed companies.

6. The General Assembly approved the Company’s Governance Report for the financial year ending on 31/12/2025.

7. The General Assembly approved discharging the members of the Board of Directors from liability for the financial year ending 31/12/2025 and approved the distribution of Board remuneration totaling QAR 3,959,374.

8. The General Assembly approved the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as the auditors for the financial year ending 31/12/2026 and approved their fees as per the Board’s recommendations.

Extraordinary General Assembly:

1. The General Assembly approved a 20% capital increase to distribute free shares at a ratio of two shares for every ten shares, to be issued after obtaining the necessary approvals, making the Company’s capital QAR 4,493,329,500, distributed over 4,493,329,500 shares, and allocating fractional shares resulting from the distribution process to Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C., if any.

2. The General Assembly approved amendments to Article 5 (Company Capital) and related provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association.

3. The General Assembly authorized the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, individually, to take the necessary actions and complete all procedures with the relevant authorities — including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, Qatar Stock Exchange, and Qatar Central Securities Depository — to amend the Company’s Articles of Association and finalize the issuance of shares.

Authorizing the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors individually, and any person selected by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C. to apply for the required approvals and to review with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, the Qatar Stock Exchange, Qatar Central Securities Depository, and any other relevant authority in the State of Qatar, in order to amend the company’s Articles of Association, sign it, submit any necessary documents for making those amendments, and represent the company to any public or private entity concerning the issuance of shares. This includes signing and submitting on behalf of the company all documents, notifications, permits, or agreements that the authorized person considers appropriate concerning the issuance of shares.

Sagarmala Initiative Accelerates Maritime Infrastructure Growth

Apr 11 (BNP): India’s flagship port-led development initiative, the Sagarmala programme, continues to strengthen the country’s maritime economy with significant progress in infrastructure expansion, cargo movement, and employment generation.

According to official updates, the programme has already completed 315 projects, while 210 projects are currently under implementation and another 320 are in the planning stage. These initiatives are aimed at modernising ports, improving connectivity, and boosting industrial activity along India’s coastline.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

A major focus has been port modernisation, with 120 projects completed, adding more than 400 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of new handling capacity. In addition, 106 completed road and rail connectivity projects have significantly improved cargo evacuation efficiency, reducing delays and improving trade competitiveness.

The shift toward coastal shipping and inland waterways has also seen strong growth. Coastal cargo movement has increased to 195 MTPA from 87 MTPA, marking a rise of 118%, while inland waterway cargo has surged dramatically to 145.50 MTPA from 18.10 MTPA, reflecting a growth of nearly 700%. This transition has helped reduce logistics costs by moving freight from road to more efficient water-based transport systems.

Officials note that the programme is playing a crucial role in strengthening India’s economic growth by lowering transportation costs, improving supply chain efficiency, and enhancing export competitiveness.

The Sagarmala initiative is also expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities, with an estimated potential of around one crore jobs, including 40 lakh direct and 60 lakh indirect positions through port-led industrialisation and related infrastructure development.

Overall, the programme is emerging as a key driver in transforming India’s maritime sector into a modern, efficient, and globally competitive logistics hub, supporting the country’s long-term economic growth ambitions.

US, India Discuss Expanded Energy Cooperation After Landmark Nuclear Bill

New Delhi, Apr 11 ( BNP): United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday said he held a “productive interaction” with US Secretary of State Wright and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi, with discussions centered on strengthening future energy cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting comes shortly after India’s passage of the Sustainable and Holistic Advancement of Nuclear Technology and Infrastructure (SHANTI) Bill, a landmark legislation aimed at expanding the country’s civil nuclear energy framework and boosting long-term clean energy development.

According to officials, the discussions focused on opportunities for deeper collaboration in the energy sector, particularly in areas such as nuclear technology, clean energy transition, and strategic energy security partnerships.

The engagement reflects growing momentum in India–US relations, with both sides exploring ways to enhance cooperation in critical and emerging energy technologies amid global efforts to transition toward sustainable energy sources.

Mega Trade Fair Opens in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Apr 11 (BNP): The 13th Bhubaneswar International Trade Fair 2026 was officially inaugurated Yesterday at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. The event is being organized by Gupta Event Management Pvt. Ltd. and marks another major edition of the city’s prominent trade exhibition.

 Pi Credit: Pexel

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including Odisha Olympic Association President Samir Mohanty, BJP Bhubaneswar State Coordinator Rashmi Ranjan Kanungo, former MLA Priyadarshi Mishra, social worker Rosalin Patashani, Managing Director of Gupta Event Management Sujit Kumar Gupta, former Red Cross Secretary Kalpana Das, and social activist Ravi Samal.

Organizers expect more than five lakh visitors to attend the 11-day event, which features a large B2B and B2C exhibition platform. The fair brings together participants from 22 Indian states and 10 countries, showcasing over one lakh national and international products in an air-conditioned exhibition setup.

Visitors can explore a wide range of products, including Kashmiri handicrafts and furniture, Afghan dry fruits, Bangladeshi Jamdani sarees, Iranian dates and herbal oils, Dubai perfumes and apparel, Thai jewellery and footwear, Korean cosmetics, and a variety of Indian traditional crafts. The exhibition also features antiques, metal crafts, marble sculptures, leather goods from various Indian states, and consumer electronics.

The food zone at the fair offers a diverse selection of cuisines, adding to the cultural and commercial experience of the event.

NSE to Introduce Nanosecond Level Order Acknowledgement Across All Market Segments

New Delhi, Apr 11 (BNP): The National Stock Exchange of India is set to roll out a major technology upgrade that will allow nanosecond-level order delivery acknowledgements across its equity, derivatives, currency, and commodity segments.

This advancement is aimed at significantly improving the speed and efficiency of trade processing on one of India’s leading stock exchanges. With the new system, traders will receive near-instant confirmation when their orders are received and processed, reducing latency to extremely fine time intervals.

The upgrade is expected to benefit high-frequency trading participants and institutional investors who rely heavily on ultra-fast execution and system reliability. It also reflects NSE’s continued focus on strengthening its technological infrastructure and keeping pace with global standards in modern electronic trading systems.

By extending this capability across all market segments, NSE is moving toward a more unified and high-performance trading environment, enhancing overall market responsiveness and operational efficiency.

Delhi Govt Seeks Public Views on Draft EV Policy 2026