17, Apr 2026
Veerappan’s Wife, Daughter Contest Tamil Nadu Polls from Different Parties
Chennai, April 17 (BNP): In a notable political development, the wife and daughter of slain forest brigand Veerappan have entered the electoral fray in Tamil Nadu, contesting from different constituencies on tickets of separate regional parties.
Muthulakshmi Veerappan is contesting as a candidate of the Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) from the Krishnagiri Assembly constituency. Her daughter, Vidha Rani Veerappan, is in the race from the Mettur Assembly constituency in Salem district on a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) ticket led by actor-politician Seeman.
Vidha Rani, a lawyer by profession, had earlier made her electoral debut in the 2024 elections.
The entry of Veerappan’s family members into mainstream politics has drawn considerable attention, given his controversial past. Veerappan, once known as one of India’s most notorious poachers and sandalwood smugglers, was killed in a police encounter in Papparappati village of Dharmapuri district in October 2004.
Both candidates have stated that their participation in politics is aimed at restoring Veerappan’s “pride” and presenting an alternative perspective on his legacy.
Political observers believe their candidature could influence voter dynamics, particularly among sections of the Vanniyar community, a significant group in western Tamil Nadu.
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- By Neel Achary
17, Apr 2026
Rasa Silver Enters Vijayawada, Bringing India’s Most Expansive Silver Jewellery Experience to Andhra Pradesh
Vijayawada, Apr 17: Rasa Silver Jewels, the Bengaluru-born brand redefining what silver can be, has arrived in Vijayawada, marking a significant moment for a city where jewellery is deeply tied to identity, tradition, and personal expression.
The store brings a story of the full Rasa universe with over 15,000 designs that span the breadth of a woman’s life—the bridal set she has imagined for years, the festive piece she reaches for every season, and the everyday jewellery that quietly becomes her signature. Each piece is crafted in 925 silver with the detailing and finish of fine gold jewellery – from uncut Kundan glasswork, gemstone-studded forms, and temple-inspired silhouettes to the classic Polki, Jadau, and Navaratna styles, every one is shaped by skilled artisan hands. Every piece in this store is made to be worn — not waited for, not stored away, not saved for someday.
Commenting on the expansion, Manan Bohra, Co-founder of Rasa Silver Jewels, said, “For us, it has always been about the emotion of jewellery and how it makes you feel when you wear it—and if that feeling can be preserved, there’s no reason it should be restricted by price. Luxury should never feel intimidating. Vijayawada, with its deep-rooted cultural connection to jewellery, feels like a natural extension of this belief, where tradition and personal expression go hand in hand. As we grow into new markets, our focus remains clear—to make design-led, craftsmanship-first jewellery more accessible, while staying true to its meaning, quality, and intent.”
Rasa is for every woman who has ever paused in front of a mirror and imagined more. It is a new kind of Legacy. The belief that true luxury was never about rarity, it was always about resonance. About the way a piece rests against your skin and quietly becomes a part of your story. About the confidence that blooms when you catch your reflection and see not just ornamentation, but expression. About a woman choosing herself—not someday, but today. That is the legacy Rasa is building, one city, one piece at a time.
Vijayawada is not just Rasa’s next city, it is a statement. Expanding into the Andhra–Telangana belt is a natural step, a declaration of intent: that beautifully made, thoughtfully designed silver jewellery belongs in every city, every home, and eventually, every corner of the world.
17, Apr 2026
IIID BRC Celebrates Founders’ Day and Women’s Day in Bengaluru; HMG Stones Hosts the Design Fraternity
Bengaluru, April 17: The Bangalore Regional Chapter of the Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID BRC) commemorated its Founders’ Day alongside Women’s Day with a meaningful evening that brought together the city’s leading design professionals. The event was graciously hosted at the HMG Stones Experience Centre, Sankey Road, reinforcing the brand’s continued engagement with the architecture and design community.
The evening celebrated the legacy of IIID, its founding vision, and the growing role of women in shaping the design ecosystem. The programme, as outlined in the event schedule, featured a blend of reflection, recognition, and forward-looking dialogue.
The event commenced with a traditional welcome, followed by an address by the IIID BRC leadership, highlighting the institution’s journey and its commitment to fostering a progressive, inclusive design community. A key highlight of the evening was the felicitation of a senior woman architect, acknowledging her contribution to the profession and underscoring the importance of Women’s Day within the design fraternity.
“Founders’ Day is a moment to reflect on the vision that built IIID and to reaffirm our commitment to a more inclusive and progressive design community. Celebrating it alongside Women’s Day makes it even more meaningful, as we recognise the growing leadership and influence of women in shaping the future of our profession.” Said Mr. V. Vishwanath, Chairperson of IIID BRC
In line with IIID’s evolving priorities, the chapter also spotlighted its ‘Safer Workspaces’ initiative, reinforcing the need for professional environments that are respectful, inclusive, and free from bias.
Mr. Anand Reddy, Founder & CEO, HMG Stones, said
“We are proud to host IIID BRC as they celebrate Founders’ Day and Women’s Day, two occasions that honour legacy, leadership, and progress. At HMG Stones, we believe in creating spaces that inspire dialogue, creativity, and community, and it is a privilege to bring the design fraternity together under one roof.”
Marking the significance of Founders’ Day, past chairpersons and senior members were invited on stage, culminating in a ceremonial cake-cutting celebration that paid tribute to IIID’s enduring legacy and community spirit.
Adding a contemporary dimension to the evening, a knowledge session on financial awareness and wealth creation was conducted by Team Alpha for design professionals, encouraging them to think beyond creativity and focus on long-term financial well-being.
As the host, HMG Stones welcomed members of the design fraternity to its experience centre, offering an immersive environment that reflects innovation in natural stone and design applications. The evening concluded with networking over dinner, strengthening bonds within the community.
17, Apr 2026
Mobilla Signs Shivam Dube for Brand Endorsement
Apr 17 (BNP): Mobilla, a mobile accessories and power solutions brand in India, has announced Indian cricketer Shivam Dube as its new brand ambassador.
The company said the association comes at a significant moment following India’s recent cricket success and reflects shared values of performance, resilience, and ambition.
Founded in 2010, Mobilla stated that it is preparing for its next phase of growth and aims to strengthen its presence across India’s offline and retail markets through this partnership.
The collaboration is intended to help the brand connect with younger consumers and reinforce its positioning in the competitive mobile accessories segment.
Mobilla Co-Founder Jignesh Shah said the brand focuses on building reliable products designed for important everyday moments, and noted that Shivam Dube represents a similar spirit of consistency and performance.
17, Apr 2026
India to Continue Russian Oil and LPG Imports After US Waiver Ends
Apr 17 (BNP): India will continue importing Russian crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) even after the expiry of the 30-day US sanctions waiver on April 11, 2026, officials said, according to a report.
Officials noted that India’s energy procurement decisions are based on national interest and supply security. They added that Indian refiners will keep sourcing crude and LPG through compliant and non-sanctioned trade channels, following existing purchasing practices.
Despite the US decision not to extend the waiver, refiners are expected to maintain their current import strategy to ensure stable and affordable energy supplies.
17, Apr 2026
India’s Construction Market to Double by 2034
Apr 17 (BNP): India’s construction sector, valued at around $685 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $1.2 trillion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.9 per cent, driven by sustained infrastructure investment and urban development, according to a report released on Friday.
The report by Savills India and Hotelivate said demand for office spaces remains strong, supported by the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and growing preference for Grade-A, sustainable workspaces. It also noted that construction costs have risen by 6.4 per cent to 7.6 per cent due to higher mechanical, electrical, and plumbing expenses.
According to the report, retail and residential segments have seen the sharpest rise in construction costs, with increases ranging from 3.8 per cent to 13.9 per cent between 2023 and 2025.
It added that mall construction costs have surged the most due to complex designs, deeper basements, and higher technical requirements. In the residential segment, luxury housing recorded the highest cost increase, followed by mid-income and affordable housing projects.
The report observed that residential demand continues to remain strong, with a growing shift towards premium and quality-focused developments across urban centres.
It further highlighted that rising input costs, wage inflation, and volatility in key raw materials such as steel, cement, and crude oil are impacting project economics. Construction labour wages have increased significantly in recent years, adding to overall expenses.
In the hospitality sector, performance has improved with occupancy levels stabilising at around 67–68 per cent and average room rates crossing ₹9,000. The sector also continues to attract investor interest, with a strong project pipeline and new developments underway.
The report advised developers to focus on efficiency, cost control, and sustainable planning to maintain long-term value and competitiveness in the evolving market.
17, Apr 2026
India Plans 100 GW Nuclear Power Capacity by 2047: CEA Chairperson
Apr 17 (BNP): India is planning a major expansion of its nuclear energy capacity, targeting an increase from the current 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, according to the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
The roadmap is part of the country’s long-term strategy to strengthen clean energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Nuclear power is expected to play a key role in meeting rising electricity demand while supporting India’s low-carbon growth goals.
The CEA Chairperson said the expansion plan is aligned with India’s broader energy transition efforts, which aim to raise the share of non-fossil fuel-based power in the overall energy mix.
He also noted that achieving this target will require sustained policy support, technological progress, and investment participation from both public and private sectors.
17, Apr 2026
India Attracting Global Capital with Dollar 4.4 Trillion Market Cap
Apr 17 (BNP): India is increasingly being recognised as a stable destination for global investment, supported by a market capitalisation of around $4.4 trillion, according to Tuhin Kanta Pandey.
He said the country’s equity markets continue to show resilience, backed by steady economic fundamentals and long-term growth potential. This is helping strengthen investor confidence in India as a reliable capital market.
Pandey added that India’s expanding financial ecosystem and rising participation from both domestic and foreign investors are enhancing its position among major global investment destinations.
17, Apr 2026
India’s Sugar Output Expected to Rise 8 pc to 274.8 Lakh Tonnes in 2025-26: ISMA
Apr 17 (BNP): sugar production is projected to increase by around 8 per cent to 274.8 lakh tonnes in the 2025-26 season, according to the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA).
The industry body attributed the expected rise to improved production prospects compared to the previous season, supported by stable sugarcane availability across major producing states.
ISMA said the overall outlook for the sector remains steady, with sufficient output expected to meet domestic demand and maintain balanced supply conditions in the market.
It also noted that factors such as rainfall patterns, cane yield, and diversion of sugar towards ethanol production will continue to play a key role in shaping the final production numbers during the season.
17, Apr 2026
Oil Prices Drop as Trump Signals Possible Iran Agreement
Apr 17 (BNP): Crude oil prices fell more than 2 per cent in futures trade on Friday, as easing geopolitical tensions and expectations of a possible US-Iran agreement reduced concerns over global supply disruptions.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil futures for May delivery declined by ₹180, or 2.1 per cent, to ₹8,396 per barrel.
Market sentiment turned weaker following indications of progress toward a potential diplomatic understanding between the United States and Iran. This eased worries over extended supply disruptions in global crude markets.
Analysts said the development led traders to reassess the geopolitical risk premium that had recently supported oil prices, resulting in downward pressure on futures.
