27, Apr 2026
Crompton Launches Ameo Pro 5.5L Air Fryer with Even Heating Technology for Consistent Cooking
Hyderabad, Apr 27: The promise of healthier, oil-free cooking has made air fryers a kitchen essential, yet achieving evenly cooked, consistent results often continues to remain a challenge. Recognising this gap, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., India’s trusted name in home innovation, introduces the Ameo Pro 5.5L Air Fryer, designed to deliver a more consistent and reliable cooking experience for modern kitchens.
Air fryers have steadily found their way into Indian kitchens as a smarter, healthier alternative to traditional cooking but the experience hasn’t always matched the expectation. Uneven cooking remains the most common frustration, with users having to repeatedly pause mid-cook to check and rearrange food just to get consistent results. Add to that the noise during operation and the effort of cleaning up afterwards, and the convenience air fryers promise doesn’t always come through in practice.
The Ameo Pro 5.5L is built to change that. At its heart is Crompton’s Pro Heating Bowl – a uniquely designed structure with louvre-based airflow that enables optimised 360-degree heat circulation, ensuring food cooks evenly from all sides without the need for manual intervention. This not only enhances consistency but also reduces cooking time by up to 30%, while features such as low-noise operation and easy-to-clean components further simplify everyday use.
Key Features of the Crompton Ameo Pro 5.5L Air Fryer
The Ameo Pro 5.5L comes equipped with thoughtfully designed features that support a more convenient and consistent cooking experience:
- Even Heating with Pro Heating Bowl (Up to 30% Faster Cooking): A uniquely designed bowl structure enables optimised airflow for uniform heat distribution, ensuring consistent cooking results without the need to rearrange food
- Nutriguard Technology: Designed to support better nutrient retention while enabling low-oil cooking for everyday meals
- SilentPro Technology: Enables quieter operation at under 52 dB, making it suitable for use at any time of the day
- Instapeek Window with Integrated Lamp: Allows users to monitor the cooking process in real time without opening the appliance, helping maintain consistent results
- Easy Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe basket and tray enable hassle-free maintenance
- 11 Pre-Set Menus with Interactive Display: Offers ease of use through intuitive controls and preset cooking options
Speaking about the new launch, Ketan Chaudhari, Head – Small Domestic Appliances, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., said,
“Air fryers have seen tremendous adoption in Indian homes over the past few years, but the category has largely moved on volume rather than solving the core experience gaps. At Crompton, we felt it was time to go deeper. The Ameo Pro isn’t just another air fryer — it’s our answer to what consumers have actually been asking for: food that cooks right the first time, without the constant monitoring. The Pro Heating Bowl is the result of that thinking. Beyond performance, we’ve also been deliberate about the details that matter in daily use — the noise levels, the cleaning, the ease of operation. These may seem like smaller considerations, but they’re what determine whether a product actually stays on the kitchen counter or gets pushed to the back of a cabinet. We’re confident the Ameo Pro earns its place.”
The Crompton Ameo Pro 5.5L Air Fryer will be available at all major retail outlets (MOR/GT). Designed for busy families and working professionals aged 25–40 who prioritise health, convenience, and consistent results, the appliance brings together efficient performance, ease of use, and dependable cooking, making it a valuable addition to modern kitchens.
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- By Neel Achary
27, Apr 2026
Rajnath Singh Heads to SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting
New Delhi, Apr 27 (BNP): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting, a key multilateral forum focused on regional security and defence cooperation.
Ahead of the visit, Singh said he looks forward to representing India at the meeting and will underscore the country’s commitment to global peace amid ongoing security challenges worldwide. He also reiterated India’s consistent policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and extremism.
The SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting brings together member states to discuss critical issues such as counter-terrorism, regional stability, and enhanced military cooperation across the Eurasian region. This year’s discussions are expected to focus on emerging security threats and coordinated responses to extremism.
During his two-day visit on April 27–28, the Defence Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from participating countries to strengthen defence ties and expand strategic cooperation. He will also interact with members of the Indian community in Bishkek.
India has consistently used the SCO platform to advocate stronger global action against terrorism and radicalisation, while promoting trust-building and peaceful regional engagement. In previous meetings, India has emphasised the need for clearer and more robust language on terrorism-related concerns.
The visit reflects India’s ongoing effort to deepen defence diplomacy while reinforcing its position on global security issues through multilateral engagement
27, Apr 2026
PM Reviews Policy Role with NITI Aayog Member
New Delhi, Apr 27 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Prof. Gobardhan Das, a newly inducted member of NITI Aayog, in New Delhi, where discussions focused on his role in contributing to India’s evolving policy and development priorities.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister acknowledged Prof. Das’s background in public health and immunology, noting that his academic experience could help strengthen evidence-based policymaking in key sectors such as healthcare and scientific research.
Prof. Das recently joined NITI Aayog as part of efforts to bring domain expertise into national planning and has expressed his commitment to supporting India’s long-term development goals, including the vision of a developed nation by 2047.
He has highlighted the need to improve healthcare and education systems, particularly in underserved regions, and stressed that reducing regional disparities will be essential for balanced national growth.
He also pointed to the importance of boosting industrial and manufacturing capabilities to create employment opportunities and support economic resilience. Strengthening local economies, he noted, would help address migration pressures and improve living standards.
The meeting comes as the government continues to emphasise expert-driven policymaking and inclusive development, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and equitable growth across states.
27, Apr 2026
Indian Flavours Win Global Praise in Latest World Food Rankings
Apr 27 (BNP): Indian cuisine has secured fresh international acclaim, with a wide range of dishes featuring in the World Food Guide Test Atlas list of the world’s top 100 foods released in April 2026.
Popular favourites such as butter garlic naan and rich preparations like malai kofta were among the Indian dishes highlighted, reflecting the global appreciation for the country’s diverse culinary traditions.
The recognition points to the growing influence of Indian food across international dining cultures, where its bold flavours, regional diversity, and distinctive spice combinations continue to attract food enthusiasts.
Experts note that Indian cuisine’s global popularity is being driven by both traditional home-style cooking and its modern adaptations in restaurants worldwide. Vegetarian delicacies, creamy curries, and tandoor-baked breads have all contributed to its expanding appeal.
The inclusion of multiple Indian dishes in the global ranking further reinforces the country’s position as a leading culinary force, with its food culture continuing to resonate strongly with audiences across the world.
27, Apr 2026
“Catch-Drop Virus” in Indian Premier League 2026 Intensifies as Costly Fielding Errors Shake Team Performances
Mumbai, Apr 27(BNP) The Indian Premier League 2026 season is witnessing a worrying trend dubbed the “catch-drop virus,” as a series of high-profile fielding lapses continue to influence match outcomes and team standings.
Recent matches have highlighted the severity of the issue. In the clash between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings on April 25, Delhi Capitals dropped as many as six catches, significantly altering the course of the game. Multiple reprieves allowed batters to capitalise, resulting in a record-breaking run chase.
In another high-scoring encounter, Rajasthan Royals faced Sunrisers Hyderabad, where an astonishing 15–17 catches were reportedly dropped across matches that day. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag acknowledged the impact, admitting that missed chances proved decisive as SRH chased down a massive total with ease.
Industry experts and former cricketers point to a broader decline in fielding standards. Catching efficiency, which stood at approximately 85% in 2020, has dropped to nearly 76% midway through 2025 and is projected to dip further in 2026, signalling a concerning trend in modern T20 cricket.
Several contributing factors have been identified. Extreme weather conditions, including intense heatwaves in cities like Delhi, have made tracking high balls challenging. Physical fatigue from a congested match schedule, coupled with extensive travel, has also impacted player concentration. Additionally, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif highlighted a potential shift in training priorities, with increased focus on batting and bowling possibly reducing emphasis on fielding drills.
Questions around game awareness have also emerged, with players occasionally appearing less alert during critical moments. This has prompted franchises to reassess their preparation strategies, placing renewed emphasis on fielding discipline and mental conditioning.
From a regulatory standpoint, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has reiterated rules under Clause 33.3, clarifying that a catch is only deemed valid when a fielder has complete control over both the ball and their body before celebrating, reinforcing the importance of precision in fielding execution.
As the tournament heads into its decisive phase, teams that can address these lapses and improve their fielding standards are expected to gain a significant competitive edge. In a format defined by fine margins, the ability to convert chances into wickets could ultimately determine the road to the playoffs.
27, Apr 2026
Bengaluru Launches Landmark Double Decker Flyover, Boosts Commuter Ease
New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): Commuters in Bengaluru received significant relief as the city’s first double-decker metro flyover at the Central Silk Board junction became fully operational with the opening of Flyovers D and E.
With this development, all five flyovers forming part of the structure are now open to traffic, marking a major milestone in easing congestion at one of the city’s busiest and most traffic-heavy corridors.
The project, built by Afcons Infrastructure Limited, is part of a larger elevated metro and road infrastructure initiative along the Outer Ring Road–Central Silk Board stretch. The structure is also notable for being South India’s first combined road-and-rail (metro) double-decker flyover system.
The newly operational flyovers are expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease daily traffic bottlenecks for thousands of commuters who regularly navigate the junction, which has long been considered one of Bengaluru’s most congested points.
Officials said the project aims to improve urban mobility by integrating metro rail infrastructure with road transport, offering a more seamless and efficient commuting experience.
Overall, the completion of the full flyover system marks a key step in Bengaluru’s ongoing efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and address chronic traffic congestion in the city.
27, Apr 2026
VST Tillers Tractors Showcases Innovative Farm Mechanisation Solutions at FKCCI Global AgriTech Summit 2026
Bengaluru, Apr 27: VST Tillers Tractors Ltd., a pioneer in compact agricultural machinery in India, showcased its latest portfolio of advanced farm mechanisation solutions at the FKCCI Global AgriTech Summit 2026. The company’s new product range reflects a significant step forward in fuel efficiency, performance, and versatility, tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern small and mid-sized farming operations. Shri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, visited the VST stall at the exhibition and reviewed the innovative products on display, after the inaugural session of the Summit. Agriculture Minister, Shri N Chaluvaraya Swamy also accompanied the Chief Minister to the VST stall.
At the summit, VST unveiled a series of innovations, including the FENTM Series Tractors, Electric Power Tiller, and Electric Power Weeder, each underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainable, technology-driven agriculture.
The FENTM Series features five high-performance, fuel-efficient models, 180 FENTM, 224 FENTM, 225 FENTM, 929 FENTM EX , and 929 FENTM VX , spanning a horsepower range of 19 HP to 30 HP. Available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, these tractors are engineered to deliver enhanced productivity, superior operator comfort, and long-term reliability. Designed as compact yet powerful solutions, the FENTM Series offers exceptional versatility across diverse terrains and agricultural applications, striking an optimal balance between power, manoeuvrability, and fuel efficiency.
Further strengthening its sustainability focus, VST showcased its Electric Power Tiller and Electric Power Weeder. These electric solutions are designed to deliver high performance with minimal environmental impact, aligning with India’s clean energy and decarbonisation goals. The electric range enables farmers to benefit from eco-friendly operations, reduced running costs, and ease of use—marking a significant shift towards green farming practices.
Building on its strong legacy of engineering excellence and indigenous innovation, VST is leveraging global EV advancements to strengthen India’s small-farm mechanisation ecosystem. With a focus on future-ready, locally developed solutions, the company continues to drive productivity, sustainability, and affordability for the next generation of farmers.
27, Apr 2026
Gig Economy Workers Seek Stronger Heatwave Safety Net from Government
New Delhi, Apr 27 (BNP): As heatwave conditions intensify across India, a major platform workers’ union has called for legally enforceable protections for gig workers exposed to extreme outdoor working conditions.
The Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers has written to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, urging the government to introduce binding safeguards under the Code on Social Security, 2020 to protect delivery personnel, ride-hailing drivers, and other platform-based workers.
The union has proposed a range of measures, including paid cooling breaks during severe heat alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department, along with protection from penalties, account blocks, or loss of incentives if workers pause duties due to extreme heat conditions.
It has also recommended basic welfare provisions such as access to drinking water, oral rehydration solutions, and designated cooling shelters for workers operating in high-temperature environments. Additionally, it has called for emergency in-app distress features and public compliance monitoring systems to ensure accountability from digital platforms.
Highlighting growing occupational risks, the federation noted that gig workers continue to operate in harsh summer conditions without adequate safety measures, increasing their vulnerability to heat-related illnesses.
The body also cited international examples, pointing to countries such as South Korea, Singapore, France, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States (California), where similar heat protection frameworks for outdoor and platform workers have already been introduced.
It emphasised that heat protection should be treated not as a discretionary benefit, but as a fundamental labour right and a public health necessity, given the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
27, Apr 2026
Microland Launches Strategic Blueprint to Help Enterprises Enable Autonomous, AI-First Operations
Bengaluru, India Apr 27: Microland, a leading AI–first, platform-led technology infrastructure services company, today announced the release of a strategic blueprint, “Architecting Autonomous Operations: Powered by AI and a Platform-Led Technology Fabric,” This report provides a blueprint for enterprises seeking to modernize their technology infrastructure for an AI–first world. It positions autonomous, platform-led operations as a strategic imperative -not a long-term aspiration.
Commissioned by Microland and authored by Everest Group, the report outlines a new paradigm for enterprise operations—Systems of Autonomous Action (SoAA). Unlike conventional AI tools that stop at insights and recommendations, Systems of Autonomous Action (SoAA) represent a cognitive substrate that senses, reasons and acts across all elements of an enterprise. They are designed to navigate complexity and execute with intent, closing the divide between analysis and action and moving enterprises from assisted decision-making to self-directed outcomes.
These are not rule-based automations or scripted workflows. They are adaptive, context-aware systems that continuously learn, apply reasoning, and take real-time action to drive measurable impact. In this model, platforms become the intelligent core of the run environment, embedding resilience, efficiency, and superior experiences by design. As a result, enterprises can scale AI with confidence, unlock significant cost savings, and reduce operational disruptions by up to 70%.
“Enterprises are no longer merely powered by technology; they are defined by it,” said Sam Mathew, Chief Executive Officer, Microland. “As AI moves from experimentation to enterprise scale, the true differentiator is whether technology foundations are built for autonomy. The future of operations belongs to systems that can sense, reason, and act in real time. This blueprint demonstrates that platform-led, AI–first operations are becoming the intelligent core driving speed, resilience, and transformation at scale.”
“AI is compelling enterprises to reimagine infrastructure and operations as intelligent, value-generating platforms rather than reactive support functions,” said Yugal Joshi, Partner at Everest Group. “Our research shows that while 79% of enterprises are still experimenting with Gen AI, only 21% have scaled it into production and operational maturity is the key differentiator. A platform-led, autonomous operations model can drive tangible business impact, including improved resilience, faster time-to-market, lower operating costs, and sustained productivity gains.”
Read the report, “Architecting Autonomous Operations: Powered by AI and a Platform-led Technology Fabric,”
27, Apr 2026
Sikkim Marks 50 Years of Statehood as PM Modi Launches Major Projects Today
New Delhi, Apr 27 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Sikkim today as part of a two-day visit to mark the state’s 50th anniversary of statehood and inaugurate development projects worth approximately ₹4,000 crore.
Upon his arrival in Gangtok around 3 pm, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in a roadshow from the Libing helipad to Lok Bhawan, where public events have been organised as part of the celebrations.
The visit is centred on the golden jubilee of Sikkim’s statehood, highlighting its five-decade journey of political integration, development, and socio-economic progress within India.
Officials have put in place tight security arrangements across Gangtok and surrounding areas in view of the high-profile visit and large public gatherings expected during the programme.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will also unveil and lay the foundation stones for multiple infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening connectivity, improving public services, and accelerating economic development in the state.
Overall, the programme combines ceremonial significance with a strong development agenda, reflecting both the milestone of 50 years of statehood and renewed focus on infrastructure growth in the region.
