Category Archives: News

PhonePe Surpasses 700 Million Registered Users in India

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Digital payments platform PhonePe has crossed 700 million registered users as of April 29, 2026, marking a major milestone in its growth journey in India.

The company said the achievement reflects its wide user base and expanding presence across digital payments and financial services. It attributed the growth to increasing customer trust, strong distribution reach, and a focus on simple and reliable payment solutions.

PhonePe also highlighted the rapid pace of its expansion, noting that while it initially took 136 days to add its first million users, it is now adding a million users in just a few days. Between FY23 and FY25, the platform reported steady growth momentum, supported by rising adoption of digital payment services across the country.

ETF Inflows Reach Record High in FY26, Led by Gold and Silver Demand

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in India have recorded a sharp rise in investments, with inflows reaching a record ₹1.8 lakh crore in FY26, driven largely by growing interest in gold and silver-backed funds, according to a report.

The surge reflects increased investor preference for safe-haven and commodity-linked assets amid global economic uncertainty and market volatility. Precious metal ETFs, in particular, have seen strong traction as investors look for stability and diversification.

The report highlights that the strong inflows mark a significant jump compared to previous years, indicating rising participation from both retail and institutional investors in ETF products.

Noida is surpassing Gurugram as a smart choice for homebuyers

New Delhi, Apr 30: Due to lower prices, better planning, and rapid infrastructure growth, boosting demand for both investment and living.The property market in Delhi-NCR is showing a shift in balance. While Gurugram was once the first choice for premium housing, Noida is now emerging rapidly. Due to affordable prices, better urban planning, and strong connectivity, this city is attracting both end-users and investors.

Budget-Friendly Options

Properties in Noida and Greater Noida are still at levels where the middle class can easily buy homes. In the same budget, buyers get larger areas, better layouts, and modern amenities here. In contrast, high prices in Gurugram are limiting buyer access.

Infrastructure Edge

Noida’s planned development is its biggest strength. Sector-based design, wide roads, and expressway networks keep the city organized. The Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Yamuna Expressway, and under-construction international airport are elevating its connectivity.

In comparison, Gurugram faces traffic pressure and unplanned expansion as major challenges.

Policy Boost

New building policies and regulatory changes are promoting high-rise construction in Noida. This will create more housing units on limited land, balancing the market in the coming times.

Job and Rental Surge

Expansion of IT parks, data centers, Film City, and industrial hubs is rapidly increasing job opportunities in Noida. This is directly impacting rental demand.

Meanwhile, high prices in Gurugram are limiting investment returns, while Noida offers better entry opportunities.

Expert Opinions

Nirala World CMD Suresh Garg said,

“Noida is emerging as a balanced real estate market with affordable prices and superior infrastructure benefits. Compared to Gurugram, planned development and new policies are clearly visible here, giving homebuyers more space, better amenities, and long-term value. Its strategic location, expressway network, and Delhi-Meerut Expressway strengthen it further. The under-construction Jewar International Airport is establishing it as a major business and residential hub. New policies and easy approvals promote green spaces and planned development. With low entry costs, stable growth, and better rental returns, Noida is becoming a wiser investment option than Gurugram.”

Exotica Group MD Dinesh Jain explained that commercial and IT projects are developing rapidly in Noida due to better connectivity. Expressway networks and the under-construction airport are turning it into a major business hub. Compared to Gurugram, planned development and less congestion create a more attractive environment for investors.

Renox Group Chairman Shailendra Sharma said that the pace and level of infrastructure development in Noida-Greater Noida is making it NCR’s most emerging real estate destination. Despite rising construction investments creating jobs, prices here remain balanced compared to Gurugram, offering better value and future growth for end-users and investors.

RG Group Director Himanshu Garg noted that new phases of old projects are becoming more practical options for buyers. Their locations are established, and prices are affordable compared to new launches. This is why end-users and investors are showing more interest in such projects in Noida.

Vision Business Park Co-Founder Atul Vikram Singh stated that Noida’s sector-based development and strong infrastructure make it a balanced, future-ready city. Features like better planning, wide roads, and low density make it a more organized living option than Gurugram.

Shri KB Group Founder Rakesh Singhal stated that property prices in Gurugram have already reached high levels, while Noida is still in a growth phase. Affordable rates, new policies, and rapid infrastructure make it more promising for investment with better returns expected.

Diligent Builders COO Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) said

Ashwini Nagpal said, “While infrastructure pressure is evident in Gurugram, Noida still has room for expansion. Planned development, better traffic management, law and order, and growing infra make it better than neighboring cities for work-life balance. This is why homebuyers see long-term stability and better lifestyle here.”

 

Govt Plans Rail Connectivity for Poonch, Rajouri and Uri: Vaishnaw

Jammu, Apr 30 (BNP): Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the government is working on plans to extend railway connectivity to remote and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including Poonch, Rajouri, and Uri in Baramulla district.

He informed that detailed project reports for these proposed rail links have already been prepared. The next step, he said, will be to move ahead with implementation to improve connectivity in these strategically important regions.

Vaishnaw made the announcement after inaugurating the first direct Vande Bharat Express service between Srinagar and Jammu. He highlighted that expanding rail infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir is aimed at improving travel convenience, strengthening regional connectivity, and supporting overall economic development in the area.

MNP or Buy New SIM, Get 1 Litre Petrol Free’ Offer by Telangana Mobile Store Goes Viral!

Hyderabad, Apr 30 (BNP): A promotional campaign by a mobile retail store in Telangana has gone viral on social media after offering customers 1 litre of petrol free for porting their number through Mobile Number Portability (MNP) or purchasing a new SIM card.

The eye-catching advertisement, which reads “MNP or Buy New SIM, Get 1 Litre Petrol Free,” quickly attracted widespread attention online, with many users praising the innovative marketing strategy amid rising fuel prices. The unusual offer has sparked curiosity and generated heavy footfall at the store.

According to reports, the retailer launched the campaign to attract new telecom customers and boost SIM sales in a highly competitive market. With petrol prices remaining a major concern for consumers, the incentive resonated strongly with the public and gained rapid traction across digital platforms.

Marketing experts say the campaign highlights how small businesses are increasingly using creative local offers to capture consumer interest and build brand visibility.

The store’s identity and duration of the offer were not immediately confirmed, but the campaign has already become one of the most talked-about local promotional ideas in recent days.

Penguin Random House India and Kuku FM Launch 12 Hindi Audiobooks from Exclusive Partnership

 New Delhi, Apr 30: Penguin Random House India and Kuku FM have announced the launch of 12 Hindi audiobooks as part of their exclusive 15-title collaboration, marking a significant step in expanding regional-language audio content in India.

The newly launched audiobooks span a diverse range of genres, including mythology, memoir, biography, business, self-help, and science. Popular titles such as Ram ki Gatha and Jaya – Mahabharat Ka Sachitra Punarkathan by Devdutt Pattanaik, Tata Stories by Harish Bhat, and Make Epic Money by Ankur Warikoo are now available on the platform.

This initiative marks the first time these titles are being offered in Hindi audiobook format, reflecting Penguin Random House India’s strategic move to cater to evolving content consumption patterns and reach a wider, audio-first audience base.

Vidhi Nangia, Lead – Audiobook Division at Penguin Random House India, said the selection of titles was carefully curated to appeal to a wide range of listeners and represents a new phase in the company’s publishing journey, focused on immersive and high-quality audio storytelling.

Commenting on the partnership, Ankit Saraswat, Vice President – Business at Kuku FM, noted that the collaboration strengthens the platform’s position as a destination for premium content and supports its mission to deliver high-quality audiobooks to India’s rapidly growing regional-language audience.

The partnership underscores the rising popularity of audiobooks, particularly in regional languages, and highlights a shared commitment to making storytelling more inclusive and accessible across the country.

The remaining three titles from the 15-book Hindi audiobook slate are expected to be released in the coming months, further strengthening the presence of both Penguin Random House India and Kuku FM in India’s expanding digital audio ecosystem.

Exit Polls Signal Tight Bengal Contest, BJP Sweep in Assam; UDF Poised for Kerala Comeback

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Exit polls for the 2026 Assembly elections have projected a dramatic political contest across five key regions, indicating a close fight in West Bengal, a strong showing for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam, a possible return of the United Democratic Front in Kerala, and continued dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu.

According to multiple poll projections, West Bengal is headed for one of the most closely watched contests of the election cycle. Several surveys suggest the BJP may breach the long-standing bastion of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and challenge the ruling All India Trinamool Congress for power after 15 years. However, some polls have also predicted a strong comeback for the TMC, indicating a razor-edge battle in the 294-member Assembly.

In Assam, nearly all exit polls forecast a decisive return for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP-led alliance, with projections suggesting a comfortable majority and a possible third consecutive term for the NDA in the northeastern state.

In Kerala, exit polls have largely indicated a return of the Congress-led UDF after a decade in opposition. If the predictions hold, it would end the Left Democratic Front’s tenure under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had scripted back-to-back wins in 2016 and 2021.

Tamil Nadu is projected to remain with the ruling DMK-led alliance under Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, with most polls predicting the party could overcome anti-incumbency and secure another term. However, some projections also point to a strong debut performance by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, adding uncertainty to the contest.

In Puducherry, almost all surveys predict that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance will retain power.

Political analysts cautioned that exit polls are only indicative and have previously missed actual outcomes in several major elections, including West Bengal in 2021 and parts of the 2024 general elections. Final results will be declared on May 4.

The outcome of these elections is expected to have far-reaching implications for national politics, setting the tone for upcoming state polls and shaping the political momentum ahead of future parliamentary contests.

Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Six Odisha Districts by IMD

Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (BNP): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar has issued a short-term weather alert forecasting thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall in parts of Odisha within the next three hours.

As per the nowcast issued at 06:55 am, wind speeds may reach 30–40 kmph, with gusts up to 50 kmph, during the thunderstorm activity. The weather conditions are likely to affect one or two places in Cuttack (including Cuttack city), Khordha, Puri, Koraput, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts.

Authorities have advised residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions, especially in open and vulnerable areas, and to move to safer locations in case of worsening weather conditions.

PM Highlights Citizens’ Hard Work as Key to National Strength

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted that the hard work, dedication, and energy of citizens are the true foundation of a nation’s strength.

In a message shared publicly, he noted that people across the country contribute continuously to national progress through their efforts in different fields. He emphasized that this collective commitment plays an important role in driving development and strengthening the country’s growth journey.

The Prime Minister also underlined that discipline, perseverance, and unity among citizens help accelerate progress, making their contribution central to building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Vikram Doraiswami Presents Credentials as India’s Ambassador to China

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Senior Indian diplomat Vikram Doraiswami has formally taken over as India’s Ambassador to China after presenting his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held in the national capital.

A seasoned officer of the Indian Foreign Service, Doraiswami brings extensive diplomatic experience to one of India’s most significant overseas postings. His appointment comes at a time when India–China relations remain closely watched, with ongoing efforts to maintain dialogue while addressing outstanding bilateral concerns.

As the new envoy in Beijing, he is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic communication, managing sensitive issues between the two countries, and supporting efforts to stabilize and advance ties through sustained engagement.