Category Archives: Business

With Dhurandhar Marking Her Grand Arrival, Sara Arjun Steps Into The Spotlight Like Never Before In Femina’s April–May Issue

Having spent nearly two decades in front of the camera, Sara Arjun emerges as a force to watch in Femina’s April–May issue, stepping into a space that feels both earned and inevitable. From being one of Indian cinema’s most memorable child actors to starring opposite Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar, one of the biggest films of recent times, Sara’s journey is a testament to persistence, craft, and evolution. 

Helmed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is a sprawling espionage epic that has captured attention for its scale and storytelling. Against this larger-than-life backdrop, Sara’s performance as Yalina Jamali stands out for its emotional depth and restraint. 

Speaking about how she approaches emotions in her performances, Sara shares, “If I have to show that I care, I’ve experienced the basic core of what care means to me. I just need to amplify it to the degree Yalina would feel it.” 

Looking back at her journey as a child actor, she says, “I’ve had a lot of fun doing all the performances that I’ve done. I revisited Deiva Thirumagal and I’m proud and quite happy with how I acted in it, considering I was only five!” 

On how she has always maintained emotional distance from her roles, she adds, “Even as a child, once I was through with a project, I would put effort into trying to forget about it, or at least not hold on to the emotions associated with it, and just move on.” 

Crediting her father for shaping her perspective towards acting, Sara shares, “I cannot imagine reaching anywhere without my father’s presence. He’s held my hand throughout. He considers acting a sacred art. The kind of value he has for it has been passed down to me.” 

Talking about her experience working with Ranveer Singh, she says, “Nobody will ever top Ranveer Singh as a co-actor. He really thinks it’s not his film; it’s everybody’s film… And he never let his seniority come off as superiority. It is just support.” 

As Dhurandhar continues to make waves globally, Sara Arjun emerges as a talent to watch, bringing together years of experience with a fresh, grounded perspective.

Find out more about Sara Arjun’s journey, her approach to acting, and her experience working on Dhurandhar in Femina’s April–May issue

Real Estate Sector Sees 63% Fall in Deal Value in Q1

New Delhi, Apr 24 (BNP): India’s real estate sector saw a sharp decline in deal value during the January–March quarter, even as transaction activity remained strong, according to a report by Grant Thornton Bharat.

The report said total deal value fell 63% to about $763 million compared to the previous quarter, largely due to the absence of large-ticket transactions that had boosted earlier numbers.

Despite the drop in value, the sector recorded healthy deal activity with 32 transactions during the quarter, making it the second-highest quarterly volume on record, just behind Q3 2025.

Analysts noted that the market continued to show interest in real estate investments, but the composition of deals shifted towards smaller and mid-sized transactions, leading to lower overall value.

The report highlighted that while investor participation remains steady, the lack of high-value deals significantly impacted quarterly totals.

Overall, the data suggests a more balanced but value-light phase for the sector, with sustained activity but cautious capital deployment.

Consumption Remains Growth Engine, Says FM Sitharaman; Calls for Policy Stability

Pune, Apr 24 (BNP): Domestic consumption continues to remain a key driver of India’s economic growth, and predictable policy support is essential to sustain the country’s GDP expansion momentum, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday.

Speaking at an event organised by State Bank of India in Pune, the Finance Minister highlighted that strong consumer demand is helping the economy maintain steady growth despite global uncertainties. She emphasised the need for consistent and predictable policy measures to support long-term economic stability.

Sitharaman also said that a committee of bankers is currently examining whether banks should be allowed to enter exclusive tie-ups for distributing third-party financial products or move towards an open-architecture model that allows wider participation.

She further advised banks to maintain a strong focus on customer relationships and physical interaction, even as the sector rapidly expands its digital and global footprint.

The remarks underline the government’s emphasis on balancing digital transformation in banking with strong customer engagement and a stable policy environment to support sustained economic growth.

Markets Under Pressure as IT, Pharma Drag Indices Lower

Mumbai, Apr 24 (BNP): Domestic equity markets opened on a weaker note on Friday, tracking heightened global uncertainties and a mixed start to the Q4 earnings season, with selling pressure seen across key sectors.

 The Sensex declined around 400 points, or 0.51%, to trade near 77,263 in early deals, while the Nifty slipped about 100 points, or 0.41%. Broad-based weakness was observed in IT, financial services, and pharma stocks, while select buying in FMCG and chemicals offered limited support.

Heavyweights such as Cipla, Infosys, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Tata Consultancy Services, and ICICI Bank were among the top losers, dragging key indices lower.

Sectorally, the Nifty IT index fell over 1.5%, reflecting pressure on technology stocks amid global risk-off sentiment. Banking and pharma indices also ended in the red, while broader market sentiment remained cautious.

Market experts said volatility is likely to persist in the near term due to geopolitical tensions, crude oil price movements, and ongoing earnings announcements. They advised investors to remain selective and focus on fundamentally strong stocks during market corrections.

Analysts further noted that a sustained uptrend in the Nifty would require a decisive move above the 24,500 level, which could signal improved market sentiment and renewed bullish momentum.

On the global front, crude oil prices remained firm, with Brent trading near $107 per barrel and WTI around $97.6, adding to inflation and margin concerns for markets worldwide.

Asian markets showed a mixed trend, with Nikkei posting gains while Hang Seng and KOSPI traded in the red, reflecting uneven regional sentiment.

Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their selling streak for the fourth straight session, offloading equities worth ₹3,254 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs), however, provided some support by purchasing shares worth ₹941 crore, helping to cushion broader losses.

Overall, markets remained sensitive to global cues, with investors closely tracking geopolitical developments and commodity price trends for near-term direction.

Shang Palace at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi presents An Exclusive Cantonese Showcase with Chef Liew from Shangri-La Taipei

New  Delhi, Apr 24: Shangri-La Eros New Delhi presents an extraordinary culinary moment at Shang Palace this April, as it welcomes Chef Liew Chin Fei, Executive Chef of Shang Palace, Shangri-La Taipei for an exclusive five-day Cantonese culinary showcase from 29 April to 3 May 2026.

Chef Liew is set to lead guests on a Contemporary Classics Cantonese journey. He spent years honing his skills at the Michelin-starred “Summer Palace” in Singapore. From the most fundamental tasks to mastering the essence of heat control, he built a rock-solid foundation.

To him, food is not merely a tool for sustenance; it is a universal language that transcends regions and connects hearts.

Chef Liew’s cooking philosophy is built upon three pillars: Ingredients, Temperature, and Timing. He emphasizes that the soul of Cantonese cuisine lies in Wok Hei (The breath of the wok). Every dish must be served piping hot to fully preserve its vitality and essence.

The signature dishes feature Shang Palace Signature Crispy Prawns with Mango Sauce, Wok-fried black cod with Black Truffle Sauce, Shang Palace Taiwan Signature Seafood Fried Rice, Wok-fried Lobster with Almond Flakes in Superior Soup, Stir-fried Champignon Mushroom Mixed Vegetables and Macadamia Nuts Served in A Pumpkin, Wok-Fried Glass Noodle with Minced Chicken, Brinjal Round and Morel Mushroom along with Avocado Cream with Dark Chocolate.

On his visit to New Delhi, Chef Liew shares “I dedicated countless nights to mastering the art of flame and stir-frying under Hong Kong masters. Seeing guests smile after tasting the soul of my dishes is my greatest motivation. Through this culinary exchange, I hope everyone can not only taste the excellence of Cantonese cuisine but also feel the sincerity and warmth behind every plate. I cordially invite all food enthusiasts to join me at Shang Palace to witness traditional craftsmanship elevated to new heights of modern luxury”.

Shang Palace becomes the setting for a dining experience shaped by legacy, precision, and a deeply rooted understanding of Cantonese cuisine. Guests are invited to engage with this expression through curated lunch and dinner experiences, available as both set menus and à la carte.

Crude Oil Prices Jump as Middle East Tensions Fuel Supply Concerns

Mumbai: Global crude oil prices surged on Friday, rising up to 2% as renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East kept energy markets volatile, even as the United States announced a unilateral ceasefire move.

Brent crude climbed to around $107 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose to nearly $97.6 per barrel, reflecting persistent concerns over global supply stability.

In the domestic market, crude oil futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) traded lower at around ₹9,077 per barrel, down nearly 1%, indicating mixed sentiment between global and local benchmarks.

For the week, both major global crude benchmarks recorded strong gains—Brent up nearly 19% and WTI rising about 17%—driven by fears of supply disruptions and heightened geopolitical risk.

Market analysts said ongoing uncertainty around key maritime routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, continues to support prices. Any disruption in this critical shipping corridor could significantly impact global oil flows.

Brent crude faces near-term resistance around $99, with potential upside towards $104–$110 if bullish momentum continues. On the downside, support is seen near $95, with stronger levels around $90–$88.

Geopolitical developments, including shifting signals on ceasefires and military activity in the region, have added to market volatility. While diplomatic efforts are underway, traders remain cautious.

Domestic equity markets also reflected global risk aversion, with Sensex and Nifty trading lower in early sessions amid broad-based selling pressure.

Overall, analysts expect crude oil to remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments in the near term, with volatility likely to persist.

Gold, Silver Prices Under Pressure in Early Market Trade

Mumbai, Apr 24 (BNP): Precious metals witnessed weakness in early trade on Friday, with both gold and silver prices declining on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) amid a broadly cautious global market sentiment.

Gold futures for June delivery opened lower at ₹1,51,167 per 10 grams, down 0.39%, compared with the previous close. The metal extended losses during the session, touching an intraday low of ₹1,50,750 before recovering some ground. At the last update, gold was trading marginally lower at around ₹1,51,449.

Silver futures also came under pressure, slipping nearly 1% in early trade. The May contract fell to an intraday low of ₹2,39,200 per kg before recovering slightly to trade around ₹2,41,345.

In international markets, precious metals mirrored the weak trend, with gold and silver both trading lower on COMEX amid profit-booking and risk-off sentiment.

Market analysts attributed the decline to a stronger US dollar, elevated bond yields, and ongoing global uncertainty. Rising crude oil prices, which have moved above the $100 per barrel mark, have also added inflation concerns, influencing investor sentiment across commodity markets.

Broader financial markets remained under pressure as well, with domestic equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty trading lower in early sessions, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors.

Experts suggest that near-term volatility in gold and silver is likely to continue as global macroeconomic factors, including inflation trends and geopolitical developments, remain in focus.

India Approves INR 30 Billion SAARC Currency Swap Facility for Maldives

New Delhi, Apr 24 (BNP): India has approved a ₹30 billion currency swap arrangement for the Maldives under the SAARC framework, aiming to provide financial stability support to the island nation and strengthen regional economic cooperation.

The facility is part of India’s ongoing commitment to assist neighbouring countries in managing foreign exchange liquidity pressures and maintaining macroeconomic stability during periods of financial stress.

Officials said the swap arrangement will allow the Maldives to access foreign currency support when needed, helping it meet short-term balance of payments requirements and stabilise its external financial position.

The move is also seen as a reflection of India’s broader strategy to deepen economic engagement within South Asia through mechanisms such as the SAARC Currency Swap Framework, which is designed to provide financial backstops to member countries during currency volatility.

The Maldives, a key maritime neighbour of India, has been working to manage fiscal pressures amid global economic uncertainties. The latest support is expected to ease immediate liquidity concerns and reinforce financial cooperation between the two countries.

Analysts note that such arrangements not only provide short-term relief but also contribute to strengthening regional financial resilience and trust among South Asian economies.

Quick Commerce Surge in India Seen Driving Market to Dollar 70 Billion by 2030

New Delhi, Apr 24 (BNP): India’s quick commerce sector is gaining remarkable momentum, with rapid expansion over the past two years positioning it as one of the fastest-growing segments in the country’s digital economy. A recent report suggests the market could reach as much as $65–70 billion by 2030 if current trends continue.

The segment, built around delivering groceries and daily essentials within minutes, has moved well beyond its early-stage appeal in metro cities. It is now steadily expanding into tier-2 and tier-3 markets, supported by wider internet access, improved logistics networks, and evolving consumer expectations.

Industry observers say convenience is now a key driver of growth. More consumers are choosing speed and reliability over heavy discounts, leading to frequent orders and stronger platform loyalty. This shift is encouraging companies to invest further in supply chain efficiency and last-mile delivery capabilities.

At the same time, quick commerce platforms are diversifying their offerings. Beyond groceries, many are adding categories such as personal care, electronics, and household items, aiming to increase order value and customer retention.

While the growth outlook remains strong, profitability continues to be a challenge. High operational costs, especially in maintaining dense delivery networks and dark stores, are pushing companies to refine their business models and focus on sustainable scaling.

Despite these concerns, the sector is expected to play a transformative role in India’s retail landscape over the coming years, reshaping how consumers shop and how brands reach their customers.

AU Small Finance Bank raises rates on Savings Accounts, FDs and RDs

India, April 24: AU Small Finance Bank  India’s largest Small Finance Bank, today announced an upward revision in interest rates across Savings Accounts, Fixed Deposits  and Recurring Deposits Senior citizens will now earn up to 7.75% p.a. on term deposits, while Savings Account rates have been revised to a peak of 6.75% p.a. The revised rates are effective April 23, 2026.

For regular customers, FD and RD rates have been raised to a peak of 7.25% p.a. The revisions cover popular medium-term FD tenures between 12 and 36 months, and RD tenures up to 36 months. A detailed, tenure-wise rate card is enclosed with this release and is also available on the Bank’s website and at all AU SFB branches.

The revisions apply across AU SFB’s three core deposit products: Savings Accounts, which offer customers liquidity on everyday balances; Recurring Deposits, which support systematic monthly savings to build a long-term corpus; and Fixed Deposits, which offer assured returns on a lump-sum investment locked in for a chosen tenure. Together, they cover customer needs across short-to-medium-term liquidity and longer-term, assured-return savings.

The revised rates are available to new and existing customers across AU SFB’s 2,726+ banking touchpoints spread over 21 States and 4 Union Territories, and through the Bank’s digital channels including the AU 0101 app, WhatsApp Banking, and 24×7 video banking.

Detailed tenure-wise rates and applicable terms are also available on the Bank’s website.