AI Astrology Emerges as a ‘Private Support System’ for Indians, Finds iMeUsWe, a Lineage-Tech Company

Mumbai, April 21 (BNP): iMeUsWe, India’s first lineage-tech platform, released findings from a pilot user behaviour study indicating growing adoption of AI-led astrology in India, with nearly 30% of consultations on the platform conducted through its AI astrologer chatbot.

The findings point to a clear behavioural shift, with users increasingly turning to AI not just for predictions, but for instant, private, and judgment-free guidance during moments of decision-making and emotional uncertainty.

During the pilot phase, relationship and marriage-related queries accounted for nearly 70% of all AI-led consultations, making emotional clarity the dominant use case on the platform, while career and finance-related concerns contributed around 20% of interactions. This indicates that while the interface of astrology is evolving, the underlying need for guidance around personal and life-stage decisions remains consistent.

Usage patterns further reinforce this shift. Engagement peaks during the afternoon hours between 1 PM and 3 PM, when users are likely seeking clarity around immediate decisions related to relationships, career, or personal concerns. A second surge in activity is observed between 9 PM and 11 PM, pointing to more emotionally driven interactions where users turn to the platform for reassurance, reflection, and guidance in private moments.

The study also highlights a strong gender skew, with women accounting for nearly 70% of AI astrology users on the platform, indicating higher adoption among users who value discretion, accessibility, and the ability to engage openly on personal topics. Geographically, the highest concentration of usage is observed across key urban and semi-urban markets, reflecting adoption patterns that align with digitally active and culturally rooted regions of the country.

In addition to frequency of use, the nature of engagement itself is evolving. Users are increasingly engaging in multi-message, exploratory conversations rather than one-off queries, suggesting deeper interaction and early signs of trust in AI-led guidance. This conversational behaviour reflects a shift from transactional usage toward more reflective and iterative engagement.

“These insights reflect a broader shift in how people are seeking support today. Users value the immediacy, privacy, and comfort that AI can offer, especially when it comes to deeply personal questions around relationships and life decisions,” said Arvind Subbarao, Co-founder and CEO, iMeUsWe. He added that AI is not replacing traditional astrologers, but is emerging as a complementary layer that makes guidance more accessible and approachable, particularly for younger and digitally native users.

The findings also suggest that AI-led astrology is becoming part of a wider digital wellness ecosystem, where users increasingly seek on-demand, discreet, and emotionally safe avenues for guidance. In a country where astrology has long been embedded in cultural and social decision-making, this shift reflects how tradition is adapting to modern expectations of speed, privacy, and accessibility.

Gold, Silver Futures Slip Amid Profit Booking and Weak Global Demand

New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Precious metal prices edged lower in futures trade on Tuesday, with both gold and silver witnessing selling pressure amid weak global cues and profit booking by traders.

 Gold futures declined to ₹1,53,940 per 10 grams, reflecting a soft trend in international markets and reduced investor demand at higher levels.

Silver futures also slipped, falling by ₹946 to ₹2,51,599 per kilogram, as participants offloaded positions following recent gains.

Market analysts said the decline was largely driven by profit booking and cautious sentiment in global bullion markets, as investors assessed interest rate expectations and broader economic signals.

Overall, precious metals remained under pressure in the near term, tracking volatility in global financial markets.

Crude Oil Futures Drop on Weak Global Demand, Oversupply Fears

 New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Crude oil prices fell in futures trade on Tuesday, tracking weak global cues and concerns over excess supply in the international market.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), crude oil futures for May delivery declined by ₹154, or 1.88%, to ₹8,030 per barrel, with a trading volume of 4,226 lots.

Analysts said the fall was driven by selling pressure as traders trimmed positions amid subdued demand in the spot market. Expectations of ample global supply further weighed on sentiment, keeping prices under pressure.

India GDP Growth Projected at 6.4 pc: UN Report

New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.4% in 2026 and 6.6% in 2027, according to a United Nations report, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies despite global uncertainties.

The ESCAP Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 said India continues to drive regional growth, supported by strong domestic demand, services expansion, and steady investment inflows.

The report noted that while global trade tensions and slower exports pose challenges, India’s resilient consumption and policy support continue to sustain growth momentum.

It also highlighted India’s strong foreign investment inflows and its role as a leading destination for greenfield FDI in Asia-Pacific, alongside growth in green jobs and renewable energy sectors.

The UN said India’s outlook reflects broader stability in an otherwise uneven global economy, reinforcing its position as a key engine of global growth.

Chicco Strengthens Its Retail Presence with New Store Launch at Phoenix Palladium Mall, Ahmedabad

Apr 21(BNP): Chicco, the global baby care brand trusted by parents for over 65 years across more than 120 countries, continues to expand its retail footprint in Western India with the launch of a new Exclusive Brand Store at Phoenix Palladium Mall, Ahmedabad. The store opening marks an important step in Chicco’s ongoing effort to bring its complete baby and parenting ecosystem closer to families in key urban markets.

The store has been thoughtfully designed as a welcoming and convenient space where parents can explore Chicco’s full range of solutions across every stage of early childhood. From newborn essentials to products supporting toddlers and kids, the store brings together categories including baby clothing, baby gear, feeding and nursing solutions, baby cosmetics, oral care, toys as well as cots and cribs.

Chicco’s baby clothing range focuses on comfort-led design along with skin-friendly fabrics that are also OEKO-Tex® certified, and practical fabrics that allow children to move freely while staying comfortable through changing seasons. The baby cosmetics range is developed with gentle formulations, free from phenoxyethanol, dermatologically tested, and thoughtfully created for baby’s gentle skin. Feeding and nursing solutions, including breast pumps, sterilizers, and accessories, are designed to support smoother feeding routines for both mothers and babies. The oral care range features age-appropriate toothpastes & toothbrushes that encourage healthy habits from an early age. Moreover, a range of soothers & teethers add to the complete care when it comes to the mother & baby. Completing the offering is a range of toys that brings a great blend of fun & learning bysupporting cognitive, sensory, and motor development, along with cots, cribs, bouncers & highchairscrafted with a strong emphasis on safety, comfort, and restful sleep.

Speaking about the upcoming launch, Mr. Rajesh Vohra, CEO of Artsana India, said,

“Ahmedabad is a wonderful city and an important market for us, with many young parents who thoughtfully seek quality, trust, and long-term reliability in the products they choose for their babies. With this new store at Phoenix Palladium Mall, we want to offer parents a space where they can take their time, understand what works best for their child, and feel confident in every choice they make. For decades, parents around the world have placed their trust in Chicco, and we look forward to building the same relationship with families in Ahmedabad as we continue to grow across India.”

The Chicco store at Phoenix Palladium Mall, Ahmedabad offers parents a dedicated destination to experience Chicco’s entire range under one roof along with its approach to thoughtful, dependable baby care.

ENTECH 2026 national Australian roadshows completely sold out

SYDNEY, Apr 21 – Continuing its amazing run of success and growth ENTECH, the only event for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major population centre in Australia and New Zealand, has officially sold out its 2026 national Australian roadshows.

ENTECH Roadshow to Experience event

Following a complete sell-out of its previous events which have historically been capped by a three-truck touring format, this year due to increased industry demand ENTECH expanded its national roadshow capacity for 2026 with the addition of an additional B-double trailer to its fleet.

ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie

ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie explained, “This logistics upgrade increased freight capability and unlocked exhibitor demand across all cities. As a direct result, ENTECH has confirmed major new exhibitors including Barco, Panasonic, and Jands further strengthening the show’s position as Australia’s leading AV industry showcase.”

The expanded format also allows for more equipment on the tradeshow floor – now over 66 tonnes – and more live demonstrations.

McKenzie added, “The benefits don’t end there as with our expanded capacity and sold-out shows we have an even deeper cross-section of the professional audio, lighting and visual technology sectors without compromising the speed and efficiency that define the proven ENTECH roadshow model.

ENTECH trucks on tour

ENTECH have built and grown their roadshows on trust, reliability and delivery and each year moves national exhibitor freight over thousands of kilometres across Australia and New Zealand on time and on budget.

The roadshows deliver meaningful demos, tech talks and interactions between suppliers, manufacturers, practitioners and distributors of professional audio visual and entertainment technology creating significant value for exhibitors and attendees alike.

Kate McKenzie concluded, “ENTECH now has five attractions within the show: the traditional Chameleon ENTECH cafe (and Happy Hour), the NW Group ENTECH theatre zone for silent disco headphone presentations on the floor, the new Interactive Audio Demo Zone and the Interactive Vision Demo Zone. Finally, we have added dedicated meeting rooms for curated meetings using our new proprietary ENTECH-CONNECT registration and meetings system. The outcome is that ENTECH 2026 is unlike any previous, making our 33rd year our biggest ever.”

ENTECH will visit Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in May 2026, Auckland and Wellington in July 2026 and Christchurch in August 2026.

Whilst the national Australian roadshows are sold out limited single city spots (excluding Melbourne which is also sold out) are still available.

Registration for the 2026 Australian and New Zealand ENTECH Roadshows is free and open now.

India, South Korea Boost Economic Ties

New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal engaged in strategic discussions with senior leadership from South Korea, reinforcing the shared commitment to deepen economic and technological cooperation.

The dialogue centred on expanding bilateral trade, accelerating investment flows, and strengthening collaboration in high-growth sectors such as digital innovation, green energy, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. Both sides also explored ways to enhance supply chain resilience and promote industry partnerships in emerging technologies, including semiconductors.

Highlighting India’s reform-driven growth trajectory, the ministers underscored the country’s focus on ease of doing business and its attractiveness as a global investment destination. They invited greater participation from Korean enterprises in India’s expanding industrial and innovation ecosystem.

The discussions reflected a forward-looking approach, with both nations expressing confidence in scaling up their strategic partnership through targeted initiatives and deeper institutional engagement. The meetings are expected to catalyse new opportunities for cooperation and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

This engagement marks another step in strengthening the long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship between India and South Korea, anchored in shared economic priorities and global outlook.