Heatwave Drives Strong Uptick in India’s Consumer Durables Market

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Rising temperatures across several parts of India are leading to a noticeable rise in demand for consumer durable goods, particularly cooling appliances, according to a recent report.

The early and sustained heat conditions this season have encouraged households to step up purchases of air conditioners, fans, air coolers, and refrigerators. This seasonal demand is helping the sector regain momentum after a relatively subdued performance in earlier months.

Retailers and manufacturers report increased footfall and higher order volumes, especially in urban and semi-urban markets, as consumers look to cope with rising temperatures. The trend is also being supported by product upgrades, with many buyers opting for energy-efficient and smart appliances.

Industry observers expect the positive sales trend to continue in the coming weeks if heatwave conditions persist, potentially giving a stronger push to overall revenue growth in the consumer durables segment.

Philippines Enhances ATF 2026 Preparations in Cebu with Public-Private Support

Cebu, Apr 30 (BNP): The Philippines is intensifying preparations to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 in Cebu, with public-private partnerships playing a key role in supporting infrastructure development and event planning.

Officials said coordination between government agencies and private sector stakeholders is helping streamline preparations across multiple areas, including transport, hospitality, venue readiness, and visitor management systems. These collaborative efforts aim to ensure that Cebu is fully equipped to host international delegates and tourism leaders.

The initiative also focuses on improving overall tourism infrastructure and services in the region, with the goal of delivering a well-organised global event. Authorities believe the forum will not only strengthen regional tourism cooperation but also highlight Cebu’s position as a leading destination for major international gatherings.

First-Time Borrowers Reach 4.4 Crore Despite Stricter Lending Norms

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.”