Category Archives: Business

REHAU Strengthens Its Role as a Key Enabler in India’s Modular Kitchen Ecosystem at India Kitchen Congress 2026

New Delhi, Apr 11:  REHAU India’s presence at the Indian Kitchen Congress 2026 as Silver Sponsor brought into focus a role the company has steadily built over the years i.e., one of a component specialist enabling the growth and reliability of India’s modular kitchen ecosystem. As conversations at IKC 2026 centered around design evolution alongside consumer expectations, a clear shift stood out. The industry is placing greater emphasis on what lies beneath the surface. Materials and components that determine how kitchens perform over time are now central to decision making. 

This is where REHAU’s contribution continues to deepen. Working alongside OEMs as well as designers and manufacturers, the company has consistently focused on engineering precision and material consistency. Two factors that directly influence durability along with finish quality and user experience. Edgebands remain one of the most critical elements in this system. REHAU has been among the early pioneers in introducing engineered edgebands in India. Over time, they have become essential in ensuring edge strength besides surface continuity & long term performance across kitchen applications. Something that was once seen as a finishing detail now defines the overall quality of furniture.

The same progression is visible in storage solutions. REHAU’s roller shutter systems show a shift towards smarter & more efficient cabinetry. With the introduction of the world’s first plug & play glass roller shutters, the German company intends to simplify installation while ensuring smooth operation in everyday use. They also optimize space alongside maintaining a clean and uninterrupted visual flow across kitchen layouts. Together, these solutions point to a larger industry movement i.e., a move away from surface-led choices towards performance-driven systems that support long term use. It’s about components that work quietly yet define how a kitchen functions day after day. 

During a panel discussion at IKC 2026, Mr. Tushar Verma, Executive Vice President, REHAU India and Subcon, highlighted; “In India, the real challenge for our industry is finding the right balance between customization and standardization. While consumers today seek highly personalized solutions, scaling manufacturing efficiently requires a degree of uniformity. As manufacturers, our responsibility is to deliver complete, reliable solutions that combine quality, speed, and cost efficiency.” 

Mr. Verma further added, “India’s diversity makes this complex, with every region having its own design language and preferences. However, as the market matures, we will gradually move towards greater uniformity, enabling better scalability without compromising on customer expectations. With the right systems, collaboration, and industry alignment, the future of the sector looks extremely promising” 

As modular kitchens scale across markets, consistency besides safety & efficiency is becoming central to how brands grow. REHAU’s approach addresses the same through precision engineered components.  They ensure uniform finishes across locations besides dependable performance over time. Right from lead free edgebands to smart surface solutions coupled with plug & play systems that simplify production, the focus remains on enabling manufacturers to scale with confidence while maintaining quality alongside long term reliability. 

REHAU’s presence at IKC 2026 strengthens its position as a key enabler in the modular kitchen segment – thereby supporting the industry through materials and systems that ensure long term performance alongside consistent quality.

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Hosts Chef Diego Martinelli for a Limited-Time Culinary Showcase at Sorrento

New Delhi, Apr 10: Shangri-La Eros New Delhi presents a refined celebration of Italian gastronomy at Sorrento this April, as it welcomes Chef Diego Martinelli for an exclusive five-day culinary artistry from 15th to 19th April 2026. Hailing from Bologna in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Chef Diego brings with him over 25 years of global culinary expertise, shaped across luxury hotels, acclaimed fine dining establishments, and uniquely demanding high-performance kitchens. His return to the capital sets the stage for one of the season’s most anticipated dining showcases, inviting guests to experience an authentic expression of Italian cuisine through both à la carte offerings and a thoughtfully curated set menu, available for lunch and dinner.

Diego has traveled extensively. He has been on a professional journey that has navigated many countries, touching each time different food and social cultures and enable him to learn new techniques and flavours in country such as England, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Egypt, India, Indonesia and Singapore to name a few. From humble beginnings in the Four Seasons Hotel London, to his current appointment as a creator and founder of Cibo Restaurant in Bali, has persisted in perfecting his craft through the years.

The menu takes Emilia-Romagna as its anchor, while drawing from Chef Diego’s decades of international cooking experience as its wider frame of reference. Among its standout highlights, the Tuna Crudo with Citrus Gel, sets an immediate tone of precision and brightness. The Lobster Spaghetti, cooked entirely in bisque and finished with heirloom tomatoes, emerges as one of the menu’s most compelling signatures.

The other signatures include the Roasted Seabass, Braised Lamb Shank, Charcoal Grilled Tiger Prawns, Lamb Shoulder Agnolotti with Mint Cream, Compressed Egg Plant Layers, Tagliolini, Lemon Butter and Bottarga Snow amongst others.

To conclude, the Amalfi Lemon Tart, finished with torched lemon curd, basil sorbet, and Amalfi Lemon Tart delivers a dessert that is both elegant and refreshing.

The exclusive menu is available for Lunch and Dinner. The set menu is priced at INR 5,000 plus taxes and the wine-paired set menu is priced at INR 8,000 plus taxes per person.

BNW Developments Stands Tall with the UAE

One of the first firms to showcase its belief in the UAE through multi-emirate OOH tributes, new projects, and a zero-layoffs policy.

DUBAI, UAE — Apr 10 — BNW Developments has unveiled prominent installations in both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, serving as a visual tribute to the leadership of the UAE and a public reaffirmation of the nation’s enduring resilience.

The installation along Al Khail Road in Dubai features His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Simultaneously, the developer has unveiled a dedicated tribute in Ras Al Khaimah featuring His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

As one of the UAE’s fastest-growing developers, BNW’s growth has been built on the country’s foundation of stability and ambition. These installations are a statement of intent, aligning the developer’s trajectory with the UAE’s wider vision for the future.

At a time when global markets face uncertainty, BNW is proving that nothing is stopping its momentum. Following the recent launch of its latest landmark project, Orvessa Residences by Michel Adam in Dubai, the firm is demonstrating its conviction through tangible action.

Furthermore, while many industries have tightened operations, BNW has maintained a strict “zero layoffs” policy, choosing instead to invest in its human capital. The company continues to roll out internal promotions and is actively expanding its footprint, recently welcoming a wave of new senior management leadership to steer its next phase of development.

“The UAE provides more than just a platform for business; it provides a sense of certainty,” said Dr. (CA) Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman and Founder of BNW Developments. “This tribute is rooted in a genuine belief in the resilience that defines this nation. We chose to build here because the leadership’s clarity makes the impossible feel like a standard.

“Our internal growth—retaining every member of our team and expanding our leadership suite—is a direct result of the confidence we have in this market. We aren’t just building structures; we are building a legacy that mirrors the grit of the UAE. This is our way of acknowledging the inspiration that fuels our own progress.”

The Al Khail and Ras Al Khaimah installations underscore BNW’s commitment to the region, moving beyond real estate to reflect a deeper investment in the national identity. For BNW, business continuity and national pride are not separate; they are the same mission.

RXIL TReDS Crosses Landmark INR 3,00,000 Crore Milestone in Cumulative Invoice Financing

Mumbai, Apr 10:  Receivables Exchange of India Ltd (RXIL), India’s leading RBI-regulated Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform, today announced that the cumulative value of invoices financed in the platform since inception, has crossed ₹3,00,000 Crore becoming the first TReDS platform to achieve this milestone. During FY 26, RXIL achieved a total throughput (invoices financed) of ₹1,21,105 crore, registering a 51% growth, reflecting strong momentum in platform adoption and increased participation across stakeholders.

RXIL is now a central pillar of India’s MSME Financing Infrastructure and has , onboarded 72,000+ MSMEs and 3,400+ corporate buyers since inception, and facilitated the financing of over 1.2 crore invoices. The platform enables MSME suppliers to convert their approved receivables into cash without collateral in under 24 hours, through a transparent multi-financier bidding mechanism. This has helped MSMEs reduce their receivable cycles, strengthen creditworthiness and sustain business growth.

After achieving  cumulative throughput of ₹2,00,000 crore in July 2025, RXIL accelerated its growth trajectory by facilitating financing of MSME invoices of another ₹1,00,000 crore in just eight months.

Commenting on the milestone, Shri Manoj Mittal, CMD, SIDBI, and Chairman, RXIL said: “The growing relevance of the TReDS ecosystem underscores its role in addressing MSME working capital needs in a more efficient and transparent manner. Platforms like RXIL TReDS are enabling timely access to finance through digital, market-based mechanisms. As the ecosystem evolves, wider participation from buyers and  financiers will be key to unlocking its full potential.”

This milestone reflects the collective commitment of the Government of India, Reserve Bank of India, and RXIL’s promoter institutions SIDBI, NSE, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and YES Bank. 

Over the years, RXIL has played a defining role in shaping the TReDS landscape connecting buyers, sellers and financiers on a single digital platform, streamlining payment cycles, and improving working capital efficiency across industries.

The recent policy direction in the Union Budget 2026, with its increased emphasis on scaling the TReDS ecosystem, is expected to further accelerate adoption and deepen credit access for MSMEs.

As India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, RXIL remains committed to enhancing access to formal credit, expanding platform participation, and building a future-ready trade finance ecosystem that empowers enterprises of every scale.

Silver Futures Drop 1.46 pc as Selling Pressure Weighs on Prices

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): Silver prices saw a noticeable dip on Friday, reflecting a cautious mood among traders. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver futures for May delivery dropped by ₹3,549, settling at ₹2,40,219 per kilogram—a decline of 1.46%.

Market activity showed moderate participation, with a turnover of 1,718 lots. According to analysts, the fall was largely driven by traders scaling back their positions, leading to a wave of selling pressure in the market.

This pullback suggests a shift in sentiment, as participants appear to be booking profits or adopting a wait-and-watch approach amid uncertain market cues. While such fluctuations are common in commodity markets, the sharp drop highlights how quickly prices can react to changes in trader confidence.

For investors, the movement serves as a reminder of the volatility in precious metals, where prices are often influenced not just by demand and supply, but also by broader market sentiment.

KFON Signs MoU with C-DIT to Strengthen Surveillance Against Waste Dumping

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 10: To support efforts by grama panchayats to prevent waste dumping in public places, Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Centre for Information Technology (C-DIT). As part of the initiative, CCTV cameras will be installed in selected panchayats across various districts in Kerala, with KFON providing the required internet connectivity.

“This collaboration, which leverages technology to control indiscriminate waste dumping, is a timely intervention by KFON,” said Dr. Santhosh Babu IAS (Retd.), Managing Director, KFON. “By providing reliable internet services, KFON will extend full support to efforts aimed at ensuring cleaner and better-managed public spaces,” he added.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Santhosh Babu IAS (Retd.), Managing Director, KFON, Jayadev Anand, Registrar, C-DIT and other KFON officials. As part of the first phase, C-DIT cameras have already been installed and made operational with KFON internet connectivity in Vadakkanchery (Palakkad), Panniyannur (Kannur), and Pattanakkad (Alappuzha).

The initiative is expected to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and support local bodies in maintaining cleaner public spaces across the state.

RITES-led consortium delivers its 1st Retrofit Metro Trainset to DMRC, equipped with ‘Next-Gen’ PAPIS

Gurugram, April 10: RITES Ltd., the leading Transport Infrastructure Consultancy and Engineering firm, along with its consortium partners r2p Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd., Australia and ACT Fibreglass Ltd., today delivered the first refurbished metro trainset equipped with an advanced IP-based Passenger Announcement and Passenger Information System . The upgraded trainset was flagged-off by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director Dr. Vikas Kumar at the Najafgarh Depot, New Delhi.

The system is designed to enhance operational efficiency, passenger convenience & safety and provide onboard communication systems for metro networks. It features an advanced integrated IP-based architecture with a centralized Human Machine Interface, enabling seamless control of passenger information, public address, CCTV and communication systems.

Built on Power over Ethernet (PoE), the PAPIS reduces wiring complexity and lifecycle costs while improving reliability and maintenance efficiency. It also integrates safety features such as CCTV, emergency communication and alarm systems, along with real-time diagnostics for efficient operations. The solution is compliant with BIS, EN and MeitY/STQC standards.

Apart from PAPIS, re-painting of saloon interiors, provision of IV couplers, fire detection system and mobile charging socket, refurbishment of EDB and relay panels have also been completed. 

With its expertise in transport infrastructure and system integration, RITES continues to deliver benchmarked, future-ready solutions to the urban mobility ecosystem.

Retail Investors Drive Strong Equity MF Inflows in March

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): Equity mutual funds in India recorded a sharp rise in inflows in March, showing strong investor participation despite ongoing market volatility. Data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) showed that net inflows into equity schemes surged 56% month-on-month to ₹40,450 crore, compared with ₹25,978 crore in February.

The figure marks an eight-month high, reflecting continued confidence in equity-linked investments among retail investors.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) contributions also remained strong, rising 7.5% to a record ₹32,087 crore, indicating steady and disciplined long-term investing behaviour.

Across categories, large-cap funds saw healthy growth in inflows, while mid-cap funds recorded strong gains. Small-cap funds also attracted higher investments, reflecting broad-based interest across market segments.

However, the overall mutual fund industry saw volatility, with net outflows of ₹2.39 lakh crore in March, driven largely by movements in non-equity segments.

Market experts said the trend highlights sustained retail participation and growing preference for equities through SIPs, even in uncertain market conditions.

‘Womaniya’ Initiative Drives Strong Growth for Women Entrepreneurs on GeM in FY26

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): The government’s ‘Womaniya’ initiative has recorded significant expansion, with over 2.1 lakh women-led micro and small enterprises (MSEs) registering on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in FY26.

According to official data, these enterprises secured around 13.7 lakh orders, with total contracts worth more than ₹28,000 crore awarded during the year. This represents a 27.6% year-on-year growth, reflecting rising participation of women entrepreneurs in government procurement.

The initiative enables women entrepreneurs and self-help groups (SHGs) to directly supply goods and services to government buyers through the GeM platform, improving market access and reducing dependence on intermediaries.

Women-led enterprises accounted for 5.6% of total GeM orders, comfortably exceeding the government’s 3% procurement target for women entrepreneurs.

The scheme supports sectors such as handicrafts, handloom, jute, coir, home décor, and office furnishings, where women-led businesses have a strong presence. At the ground level, district administrations and training institutions are conducting onboarding drives, workshops, and capacity-building programmes to improve seller participation.

Officials said the digital system—from registration to payments—ensures transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business for women entrepreneurs, helping them scale operations and gain wider market visibility.

They added that ‘Womaniya’ is not just a procurement platform but a step towards enhancing economic independence and strengthening women’s participation in formal markets.

Young Designers Shine at IndiaSkills 2025–26: AMHSSC Celebrates Excellence in Fashion Technology Skill

New Delhi, Apr 10: Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council proudly celebrates the outstanding performance of young designers at the IndiaSkills National Competition 2025–26, where the Fashion Technology skill competition emerged as a vibrant showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and industry-ready talent.

India’s premier platform for skills excellence, the competition was held from March 29 to April 2 at the India Expo Mart. Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation, the event marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards building a globally competitive and future-ready workforce.

The competition brought together some of the most promising young designers from across the country, who demonstrated exceptional design innovation, garment construction expertise, precision, and adherence to international standards.

Diksha Prajapati from Jammu & Kashmir clinched the gold medal, followed by Vidhi Suthar from Gujarat with silver and Aerla Manikantha from Telangana securing bronze.

Expressing her excitement, gold medallist Diksha Prajapati said, “This platform has been life-changing. Competing with the best in the country has pushed me to refine my skills and think globally. I now aspire to represent India at international platforms WorldSkills and make the nation proud.”

Congratulating the winners, Dr A Sakthivel, Chairman, AMHSSC said the competition serves as a crucial platform to nurture talent and align skills with global industry needs. “The performance of these participants reflects the growing strength of India’s skilled workforce in the apparel sector,” he said.

Ashish Srivastava, CEO, AMHSSC added that the competition underscores the importance of skill-based education. “These young professionals have showcased a blend of creativity and technical proficiency, making them industry-ready,” he said.

AMHSSC continues to play a key role in strengthening India’s apparel ecosystem through industry-aligned training and skill development initiatives, enabling youth to compete at both national and international levels.