Category Archives: Business

India’s Exports Rise in FY26, But Higher Imports Widen Trade Gap

CAE and InterGlobe Inaugurate New Pilot Training Centre in Mumbai to Support India’s Aviation Growth

Apr 15: CAE Simulation Training Private Limited (CSTPL), a joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises and CAE, has inaugurated its fourth advanced pilot training centre in India. Located in Mumbai, the 44,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility supports India’s growing aviation training sector and strengthens domestic pilot training capacity. Designed to provide an immersive and highly realistic training environment that upholds the industry’s highest safety and proficiency standards, the centre begins operations with its first Airbus A320 full-flight simulator (FFS). A second Airbus A320 FFS is scheduled to enter service later this year, with the capacity to scale up to six FFS over time, in line with market demand. 

This addition reinforces CSTPL’s position as the largest pilot training organization in the country. With established centres in Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Bengaluru, the network currently has a collective capacity of 16 full-flight simulators, with plans to scale to 23 in the coming years. The Mumbai centre will support comprehensive pilot training services, complemented by Airbus, ATR, and Boeing training delivered across the CSTPL network in India, including type rating, recurrent training, and proficiency checks. 

This growth underscores the shared commitment of InterGlobe and CAE to setting the highest industry standards for pilot training and flight safety. 

As one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, India’s rapid expansion requires a robust and sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, India will need approximately 22,000 new pilots by 2034 to support the continued growth of its aviation sector. Maharashtra stands as a premier aviation hub, and CSTPL’s Mumbai centre is uniquely positioned to serve the evolving operational needs of both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports. By expanding domestic training capacity, the facility enables airlines to meet regulatory and operational standards with greater efficiency. 

The inauguration ceremony was attended by leadership teams from CAE, InterGlobe, and CSTPL, along with strategic stakeholders from across the aviation industry. The event marked a collaborative milestone for the sector, underscoring the centre’s role as a key hub for airline partners and its contribution to building a steady pipeline of world-class pilots to support their operations. 

Alexandre Prévost, President, Civil Aviation, CAE, said, “India is one of the fastest‑growing aviation markets in the world, and the opening of the Mumbai centre strengthens our ability to support that growth with world‑class training capabilities. It reinforces CAE’s global Civil Aviation training network and is aligned with our broader transformation, focusing on disciplined capacity alignment and market‑led growth. Delivered through CSTPL, in partnership with our long‑standing partner InterGlobe, this centre expands domestic training capacity and provides airlines with access to advanced, high‑fidelity simulation close to where they operate.” 

Aditya Pande, Group Chief Executive Officer, InterGlobe Enterprises, said, “The opening of our new pilot training centre in Mumbai is a defining milestone for India’s aviation ecosystem and a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. For over 12 years, our strategic partnership with CAE has been at the forefront of aviation training in India, consistently evolving to meet the industry’s needs. As the country’s largest pilot training organization, this fourth centre significantly scales CSTPL’s collective capacity to meet the critical demand for highly skilled pilots. We are proud to continue leading the way in nurturing aviation talent and driving the safety standards that support the growth of the industry.” 

NBFCs to Rely More on Bank Borrowings in FY27 Amid Lower Interest Rates

Apr 15 (BNP): Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in India are expected to depend more on bank borrowings in FY27 as lower interest rates make bank funding more attractive, according to a rating agency report.

The report noted that the share of bank borrowings in overall NBFC funding rose to about 43% in FY26, supported by strong lending activity in the second half of the year. This share is likely to increase further, reaching up to 45% in FY27.

With banks offering comparatively cheaper loans, NBFCs are gradually shifting away from debt capital market issuances, which are expected to see slower growth in the coming period.

Overall, the trend reflects a changing funding mix in the NBFC sector, with bank credit playing a larger role in meeting financing needs.

Gold ETFs AUM Surges to INR 1.7 Lakh Crore in March Amid Global Uncertainty

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in India recorded strong growth in March 2026, with total assets under management (AUM) rising to ₹1,71,468.4 crore.

According to ICRA Analytics data, the AUM has nearly tripled compared to the same period last year, reflecting rising investor interest in gold as a safe-haven asset amid global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

The report also shows that gold ETFs have delivered a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 64.76% over the past five years, increasing significantly from ₹14,122.72 crore in March 2021.

Experts attribute the surge to growing participation from both retail and institutional investors, who prefer gold ETFs for their ease of trading, transparency, and convenience compared to physical gold.

The trend highlights a continued shift toward digital gold investment as part of diversified portfolios during volatile market conditions.

Srishti Group Introduces Limited-Edition Akshaya Tritiya Offers on Craft dé Srishti and Srishti Oasis

Mumbai, Apr 15: Srishti Group, a trusted and established name in Mumbai’s real estate sector, proudly celebrates 35 years of excellence; its Coral Anniversary by unveiling exclusive, limited-period offers across its premium residential developments, Craft dé Srishti and Srishti Oasis. Timed to coincide with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya a festival symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings these special offers are thoughtfully designed to enhance the joy of homeownership.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Kamlesh Thakur, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Srishti Group, said, “Celebrating 35 years is not just a milestone, but a testament to the trust our customers have placed in us. On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, we are delighted to introduce value-driven offers that make homeownership more accessible and rewarding. With benefits like Zero GST, No Floor Rise, flexible payment plans, and assured savings, we continue our commitment to delivering quality homes with transparency, innovation, and long-term value.”

Adding to the festive spirit, every homebuyer will receive a complimentary 10 gm gold coin with every booking an offering that aligns with the tradition of investing in gold on Akshaya Tritiya, making the purchase even more auspicious and meaningful.

Reinforcing its position as a customer-centric developer, Srishti Group has designed these offerings to cater to both end-users and investors seeking modern lifestyles combined with strong investment potential.

Project Highlights:

• Craft dé Srishti, located along Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) in Nahur (West), offers premium 2 and 3 Bed Sun-deck Homes starting from ₹1.74 crore onwards. Designed for contemporary urban living, the project features spacious layouts, refined aesthetics, and premium amenities.
• Srishti Oasis, situated at GMLR One, Bhandup (West), presents elegant 1, 2, and 3 Bed Sun-deck Homes starting from ₹96 lakhs onwards, making it an ideal choice for first-time buyers and growing families seeking affordability without compromising on lifestyle.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, customers can also benefit from the exclusive “Best of Four” scheme, which includes:

• Zero GST
• No Floor Rise
• Spot Discount
• Go-Flexi Pay Plan

These limited-period offers are valid until April 30, 2026, creating a compelling window for prospective homebuyers.

Both developments benefit from their strategic location along the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR)—a transformative infrastructure corridor set to significantly enhance east-west connectivity in Mumbai. Once operational, GMLR will seamlessly connect the Western and Eastern Express Highways, improving accessibility between key suburbs such as Goregaon, Powai, Mulund, Nahur, and Bhandup, while reducing travel time and easing congestion.

With a legacy spanning over three decades, Srishti Group continues to set benchmarks in quality construction, timely delivery, and customer-focused innovation. As it celebrates this significant milestone, the brand reaffirms its commitment to shaping modern urban living while remaining a preferred choice among discerning homebuyers in Mumbai.

Lucknow Plant Sees Tata Motors’ 10 Lakh Vehicle Rollout

Apr 15 ( BNP): Tata Motors has achieved a major production milestone with the rollout of its 10 lakhth vehicle from its facility in Lucknow, marking a significant achievement for the company and the state’s industrial growth.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the milestone reflects the state’s rapid progress in becoming a key manufacturing hub in India. He noted that such developments are strengthening industrial capacity, generating employment opportunities, and boosting investor confidence in the region.

The achievement underscores the growing importance of Uttar Pradesh in India’s automobile manufacturing ecosystem, with increasing participation from leading industry players like Tata Motors.

Officials highlighted that the expansion of manufacturing activities in the state is aligned with its broader goal of industrial development and economic growth.

CFTI Forays into Women Empowerment & Livelihoods with the launch of Startup Sakhi

Apr 15: Marking a significant and strategic expansion into the livelihood and women empowerment space, the Centre for Transforming India (CFTI) has launched Startup Sakhi—a transformative initiative designed exclusively for women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to build sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship. By unlocking access to financial support, structured training, and continuous mentorship, the program is aimed at breaking barriers that often limit women’s economic participation, empowering SHG members to step out, take charge, and collectively drive change within their communities. The initiative will be executed in Raigad district, Maharashtra, as its first implementation hub, where it is expected to receive 8,000–10,000 applications and directly support around 1,000 women, laying the foundation for a scalable, nationwide model of women-led economic empowerment.

Startup Sakhi follows a simple, step-by-step format designed to be accessible even for first-time entrepreneurs. SHGs can apply by submitting their business ideas in simple or local languages within a one-month application window. From these entries, 100 SHGs will be selected in the first round and provided with ₹10,000 each, along with basic training. Recognising that even basic expenses like travel and participation can be beyond reach for many women, this support is designed to remove that barrier—ensuring they don’t miss out on the opportunity to step forward, access new avenues, and begin transforming their ideas into viable business ventures.

The final rounds of funding will include grants and funding at each level as ideas progress through all stages. In round two, 50 SHGs will receive ₹25,000 each and advanced mentorship to help them expand their businesses. In round three, the top 25 SHGs will enter an intensive incubation phase, during which they will learn how to create a business plan, manage finances, use digital tools, and develop a presentation. In round four, the top five SHGs will receive cash prizes as follows: ₹5 lakh for 1st place, ₹3 lakh for 2nd, ₹2 lakh for 3rd, and ₹50,000 each for 4th and 5th places. They will also continue receiving support to grow their businesses.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Amit Deshpande, Chief Operating Officer, Centre for Transforming India (CFTI), said, “Startup Sakhi is about giving rural women the right opportunity and support to succeed. Many women already have strong ideas and the drive to work hard, but they need guidance, confidence, and access to resources. Through this initiative, we are not just providing funding, but we are also helping women build skills, start businesses, and create better futures for themselves and their families. Our goal is to create a model that can be scaled across India to support many more women entrepreneurs.”

Startup Sakhi, which has both institutional support and CSR partnership funding, will combine financial resources with continuous mentorship, skills development, and on-the-job training to build women‘s long-term ability to establish and maintain their own businesses rather than just provide women with an immediate source of income. CFTI believes that this is a way to strengthen rural livelihoods and make a lasting grassroots impact.

India’s Housing Launches Concentrated in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune: Report

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): A recent report shows that India’s residential real estate market continued to be concentrated in major urban centres during the first quarter of 2026, with Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune accounting for nearly 60% of new housing launches.

 The data highlights strong activity in these key metropolitan markets, driven by steady demand, improved infrastructure, and continued interest from both end-users and investors.

Experts note that these cities remain attractive due to better job opportunities, urban development, and expanding housing options across multiple segments.

Overall, the report indicates that while housing supply is growing in several parts of the country, major metro cities continue to dominate new residential project launches.

Sensex, Nifty Rally in Early Trade Amid Positive Global Sentiment

Apr 15 ( BNP): Indian stock markets started the trading session on a strong note on Wednesday, supported by positive global cues and easing crude oil prices.

The BSE Sensex rose sharply by 1,422.85 points to 78,270.42 in early trade, while the Nifty 50 advanced 438.25 points to 24,280.90.

The upward movement was driven by gains in global equities and a decline in oil prices, which slipped below the $100 per barrel level. Market sentiment also improved amid expectations of renewed diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran.

All Sensex constituents traded in positive territory during early deals, with strong buying seen in stocks such as InterGlobe Aviation, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Eternal, Larsen & Toubro, and Bajaj Finance.

Overall, investors showed strong buying interest, reflecting improved risk appetite in global and domestic markets.

1Point1 Solutions lists on BSE, Strengthening Investor Reach and Market Visibility

Commenting on the development, Mr. Akshay Chhabra, Chairman and Managing Director, 1Point1 Solutions Limited, said: ‘Our listing on BSE is a strategic step towards strengthening our engagement with the capital markets and improving accessibility of our equity for a wider spectrum of investors. As we continue to scale our operations and invest in next-generation capabilities, including digital transformation and AI-led customer experience solutions, this milestone reinforces our commitment to sustainable growth and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.’

 

Mr. Sunil Jha, Chief Financial Officer, 1Point1 Solutions Limited, further added: ‘The dual listing enhances accessibility and visibility for investors as we advance into our next phase of growth. With a strong operating foundation and a clear focus on technology enabled expansion, the BSE listing supports our objective of building a resilient, future-ready BPM organization.’