22, Apr 2026
NavPrakriti to Invest Over INR 1 Billion in Odisha for Critical Minerals Refining Facility
Apr 22 (BNP): NavPrakriti, an eastern India-based lithium-ion battery recycling and refurbishment company, has announced plans to invest over ₹1 billion (approximately $10.7 million) to establish a greenfield critical minerals refining facility in Odisha. The project marks a significant expansion of the company’s presence in India’s growing battery recycling and clean energy ecosystem.
The proposed facility will focus on recovering key critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s domestic supply chain for essential minerals while addressing the rising challenge of battery waste management.
The company has stated that the facility is expected to become operational by the financial year 2029. Once operational, it will enhance large-scale recycling capacity and contribute to the development of a circular economy in the battery materials sector.
NavPrakriti’s expansion into Odisha reflects the increasing importance of sustainable resource recovery in India’s energy transition. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities and support regional industrial growth while promoting environmentally responsible practices.
With this investment, NavPrakriti aims to play a key role in advancing India’s critical minerals strategy and supporting the country’s shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy technologies.
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- By Neel Achary
22, Apr 2026
Indian Markets Open Lower as Oil Prices Weigh on Sentiment Despite Ceasefire Extension
New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): Indian equity markets began the day on a subdued note, with benchmark indices opening lower despite positive global developments following the extension of a US-led ceasefire. Investor sentiment remained cautious, reflecting deeper economic concerns rather than immediate geopolitical relief.
A key factor weighing on the markets is the persistence of elevated crude oil prices, which continue to hover near the $90 mark. For an import-dependent economy like India, higher oil prices pose risks to inflation, corporate profitability, and overall economic stability.
Additionally, pressure on the Indian Rupee has added to market unease, as a weaker currency increases the cost of imports and contributes to broader financial strain. Investors are also seen engaging in profit booking, while global uncertainties continue to influence capital flows.
Market movements today highlight a cautious undertone, where optimism from easing geopolitical tensions is tempered by structural economic challenges.
Beyond the indices, the impact is felt at the ground level. Rising fuel costs and currency fluctuations can translate into higher living expenses, affecting households and small businesses alike. The current environment underscores the importance of stability in energy prices and macroeconomic conditions for sustained market confidence.
22, Apr 2026
India’s Growth Narrative: Balancing Currency Trends and Unlocking Idle Gold
Apr 22 (BNP): India’s economic outlook continues to draw attention as experts highlight the dual themes of currency movement and the potential of untapped domestic wealth.
Market expert Nilesh Shah recently observed that the gradual depreciation of the Indian Rupee is a natural trend in a growing economy. He indicated that levels such as ₹100 per US dollar may be possible over time, emphasizing that such movement should be viewed in the context of broader economic fundamentals rather than immediate concern. A competitive rupee can, in fact, support exports and strengthen India’s position in global markets.
At the same time, attention has been drawn to the significant volume of gold held across Indian households—estimated at nearly $700 billion—which largely remains idle. Experts suggest that with the right policies and public trust, this gold can be monetized to support infrastructure development, economic expansion, and financial stability.
The discussion underscores the need for a balanced approach—managing external economic factors while effectively utilizing internal resources. Strengthening financial awareness, encouraging participation in monetization schemes, and building trust will be key to translating these opportunities into tangible growth.
India stands at a pivotal point where thoughtful economic strategies can help convert existing strengths into long-term, inclusive development.
22, Apr 2026
Usha on Board as Title Sponsor For CII-IWN’s First Pickleball Invitational in the Capital | Usha International
New Delhi, Apr 22: With pickleball gaining traction globally and increasingly in India’s urban and corporate communities, CII Indian Women Network (CII-IWN), in association with Usha, will host the Usha CII-IWN Pickleball Invitational in New Delhi on April 26 at REPPP, Mehrauli. 12 corporate teams comprising approximately 70 participants including business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, will participate in the Davis Cup-stye format in a mixed team reinforcing collaboration and equal participation on court. This event showcases a significant shift in how corporate India is moving beyond traditional boardroom settings and adopting fitness as an important part of their lifestyle.
Usha’s collaboration with CII-IWN is particularly significant, given the network’s focus on women’s leadership and takes forward Usha’s larger vision of enabling emerging sports and encouraging wider participation across communities – especially inclusive, community-driven sporting experiences.
At the centre of this initiative is CII-IWN’s continued focus on enabling women leaders and building platforms that foster visibility, confidence, and cross-industry collaboration. While women today hold only around 18 – 20% of leadership roles across corporate India, participation in sport presents an additional gap, with less than 30% of women in urban India actively engaging in sports or fitness activities. Creating accessible and inclusive formats is therefore critical to expanding both participation and representation.
Participating teams include leading names such as Usha, Lovak Capital, and Bajaj Capital Insurance, with players ranging from senior leadership to emerging professionals – highlighting the growing adoption of sport-led engagement within corporate ecosystems. By introducing pickleball into its programming, CII-IWN is extending its leadership mandate into a format that is contemporary, inclusive, and reflective of evolving professional lifestyles.
Speaking on the association, Ms Komal Mehra, Head – Sports Initiatives and Associations, Usha International, said,
“Supporting the larger sporting ecosystem wherein we can empower and enable communities to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle is deeply entrenched into our foundation, especially when it means encouraging more and more women. We believe gender agnostic; inclusive sports go a long way in neutralising power dynamics to grow the team spirit and sportsmanship across ecosystems and are in sync with what the Usha CII-IWN Pickleball Invitational is setting out to achieve.”
Ruchika Jain, Chairperson, CII-IWN, added,
“We are delighted to welcome Usha International as the Title Sponsor of the CII-IWN Pickleball Invitational. Their commitment to promoting inclusive sports and empowering women strongly aligns with our vision at CII-IWN. This collaboration strengthens our effort to create meaningful platforms where women leaders can engage, compete, and connect. We look forward to building this initiative together and driving greater participation through sport.”
With participation from corporate teams and a curated set of players, the Invitational is expected to bring together a diverse mix of professionals, reflecting the evolving role of sport as a shared space for leadership, interaction, and community-building.
22, Apr 2026
Earth Day 2026: BCSSL Commends Sustainable Innovation with AI, Blue Energy Platform and Future-Ready Tech Solutions
By Tejesh Kodali, Group Chairman, Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited,
“Earth Day is a reminder that innovation must go hand in hand with sustainability. At Blue Cloud Softech Solutions Limited (BCSSL), we are embedding this into our approach—through energy-efficient, high-density AI data centres, developing our ‘Blue Energy’ platform to enable renewable and distributed energy adoption at scale, and advancing Edge AI capabilities that enable smarter, lower-resource operations. From AI-driven healthcare to 5G-enabled digital infrastructure, our focus is on building solutions that deliver both performance and responsibility. As we continue to evolve as a future-ready technology player, we remain committed to leveraging AI and advanced technologies to support a more sustainable and resilient tomorrow.”
22, Apr 2026
More than 6 million UK managers don’t have mental health training
New research reveals 6.1m UK workers with line management responsibility are not prepared for conversations about mental health with those they have a duty of care for.
The analysis, completed by health and safety training provider RRC International, found that one in four employees have management accountability, but 71% of them have no mental health training to support the people they look after.
This research into the disconnect between line managers and mental health training comes as data shows that mental ill health is the leading cause of long-term absence and the second most common cause of short-term absence in the workplace.
The study analysed data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) exploring health and wellbeing at work, as well as the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) data on the state of UK management and leadership. It revealed that 8.58m people have management responsibilities, yet only 29% of them are trained to support with employee mental health. This means 6.09m UK managers are currently operating with no idea on the best ways to navigate mental health conversations as they arise.
Richard Stockley, Managing Director at RRC International, says: “Mental ill health remains one of the leading causes of any type of absence from the workplace. So, it is surprising that significantly less than one third of people in a management role have the necessary training and skills required to support those who are suffering with their mental health.
“The scale of the issue is clear to see. Line managers have a duty to understand best practice in order to truly help those they have responsibility for to feel safe and supported. Without it, this can lead to enhanced stress, anxiety and a lack of belonging, and for the business poor retention rates, performance and culture.
“For many, disclosing problems can be difficult, but with the right training, line managers can help support and guide their colleagues through the process, making things easier in challenging times.”
Find out more about RRC International and how to correctly manage stress at work.
22, Apr 2026
Dubai luxury developers must raise their game as market enters new era, says Keturah founder
Dubai, UAE, 22nd April 2026: Dubai’s luxury real estate market is demanding greater discipline from developers as it enters a more selective era shaped by the current geopolitical climate.
Talal M. Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the luxury Keturah brand, says the high-end property market is shifting toward reliable execution, controlled supply, and stronger focus on what end-users actually want, rather than short-term deal flow.
And he believes developers, collectively, now have a bigger role to play in boosting confidence in the market through execution and project quality during periods of uncertainty.
“We need to raise our game, and ensure we maintain discipline in both planning and delivery, particularly in challenging times,” says Talal. “That means controlling supply, staying focused on long-term value, and being held accountable for what we promise to build.
“Dubai’s luxury real estate sector has weathered regional instability before and emerged stronger. We now have an increasingly selective environment, with buyers taking more considered decisions, driven by quality, long-term liveability, and value retention.
“While current sentiment is being tested by external pressures, Dubai’s fundamentals remain intact. Its regulatory framework, infrastructure, and strategic planning continue to make it one of the most resilient destinations for international capital.”
The city’s forward-looking approach has influenced Keturah’s philosophy from the outset. Keturah Reserve, the AED5.7 billion bio-living community under development in Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7, is an example of a long-term residential model shaped around controlled supply and end-user living.
Meanwhile, Keturah Resort, a wellness-certified community under development along Dubai Creek adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, was similarly conceived for buyers who intend to make Dubai their home, not their next transaction.
Both projects integrate residential, hospitality, and wellness elements within a low-density environment designed around nature and permanent living, rather than conventional high-density developments.
“The definition of luxury in real estate is moving beyond location and prestige,” says Talal. “Buyers are placing greater importance on wellness, liveability, environmental quality, privacy, and long-term residency potential.
“Luxury is no longer defined solely by address. Increasingly, it is measured by how a home performs for the people who live in it, every day.”
22, Apr 2026
Assam actor, screenwriter Rajdeep Choudhury’s film selected for Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico
Guwahati, Apr 22: Assam-born filmmaker, writer and actor Rajdeep Choudhury’s film A Teacher’s Gift has been selected for the 41st Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico, where it will be screened on April 24 as part of the Premio Maguey section, one of the festival’s prominent competitive strands.
Regarded as one of the leading film festivals in Latin America, the Guadalajara International Film Festival has, over the years, showcased a diverse range of global cinema and emerging voices, making it a significant platform for international filmmakers. Each year, it draws a wide international audience and showcases films across multiple competitive and non-competitive sections.
Directed by Artur Ribeiro of Portugal and produced by Eric Ollerenshaw of the UK, A Teacher’s Gift features an ensemble cast including Anjali Patil, Dhruv Sehgal, and Varun Buddhadev, alongside Choudhury, who also serves as the film’s writer and lead actor.
Originally from Silchar in Assam, Rajdeep Choudhury has previously appeared in Hindi films such as Jack & Dil, alongside Amit Sadh, Arbaaz Khan and Sonal Chauhan, and Mister Mummy, featuring Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh. His journey – from Northeast India to the UK and now onto an international platform – adds a personal dimension to the film’s growing global presence, reflecting the increasing visibility of regional voices in contemporary cinema.
Before its selection in Guadalajara, A Teacher’s Gift had already built a steady presence across the international festival circuit, with official selections at Tribeca Film Festival Lisboa, International Film Festival of India, and the IRIS Prize Film Festival, where it screened in competition. It also won Best British Asian Feature Film of Bridging Cultures at UK Asian Film Festival in London 2025.
Following its screening at the IRIS Prize Film Festival, Jacquie Lawrence, a former content executive at Channel 4 and producer, said: “Beautifully atmospheric and much needed story from and for the South Asian diaspora.”
The film has also been selected for the Unrestricted View Film Festival, a BIFA-qualifying festival, making it eligible for consideration at the British Independent Film Awards 2026. In addition, it was included in the WAVES Bazaar film market, connecting it with industry professionals and expanding its reach within global networks.
At its core, A Teacher’s Gift explores relationships, identity, and emotional connection through a character-driven narrative set within everyday life, with a focus on subtle storytelling and lived experiences.
Speaking about the selection, Rajdeep Choudhury said: “Bringing A Teacher’s Gift to an international audience at Guadalajara is a deeply meaningful moment for me. The story is rooted in personal experiences, and to see it travel across cultures and connect with diverse audiences is both humbling and encouraging.”
The film’s selection adds to the growing presence of voices from Northeast India finding space within global cinema platforms, marking another moment of international recognition for talent emerging from the region.
22, Apr 2026
Sunrisers Hyderabad Register Third Straight Win with 47-Run Victory Over Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026
Hyderabad, Apr 22(BNP): Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Delhi Capitals by 47 runs in Match 31 of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, powered by a sensational century from Abhishek Sharma and a match-winning bowling spell by Eshan Malinga.
Batting first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad posted a formidable total of 242/2 in their 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a stunning unbeaten 135 off 68 balls, featuring 10 fours and 10 sixes. The opener reached his century in just 47 deliveries, marking his second IPL hundred and ninth in T20 cricket.
He was well supported by Travis Head (37 off 26), as the duo provided a strong start, followed by a fluent partnership with Ishan Kishan that kept the momentum intact through the middle overs.
Chasing a steep target of 243, Delhi Capitals began positively, with Nitish Rana scoring 57 off 30 balls and KL Rahul contributing 37. However, the chase lost momentum as wickets fell at crucial intervals.
Eshan Malinga turned the game decisively in Hyderabad’s favour with an impressive spell of 4/32, including key breakthroughs that derailed Delhi’s progress. Harsh Dubey provided strong support with three wickets, cleaning up the lower order.
Delhi Capitals were eventually restricted to 195/9, falling 47 runs short of the target.
This victory marks Sunrisers Hyderabad’s third consecutive win in the IPL 2026 season, highlighting the team’s strong form and balanced performance across departments.
Hyderabad’s dominant display with both bat and ball reinforces their position as strong contenders this season, with key players stepping up at crucial moments to deliver match-winning performances.
22, Apr 2026
UNCTAD – UN Trade and Development – Driving greener, more resilient ports
Geneva, Apr 22 – UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have launched a new partnership to accelerate the transition toward more sustainable, resilient and inclusive global maritime transport.
Ports underpin global trade and economic development, handling over 80% of world trade by volume. But they are also energy-intensive and reliant on fossil fuels. As pressure grows to decarbonize and modernize, countries face a dual challenge: reducing emissions while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness.
The agreement marks a step forward in UNCTAD’s strategic engagement with Singapore, a global maritime hub and long-standing partner in advancing trade and transport solutions.
“This partnership brings together Singapore’s operational excellence and UNCTAD’s global development expertise,” said Pedro Manuel Moreno, Acting Secretary-General of UNCTAD.
“It will help accelerate a maritime transition that is not only greener and more efficient, but also resilient and inclusive – while contributing to global discussions at the UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2026.”
A strategic partnership with global reach
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to shaping the future of maritime trade through practical, scalable solutions.
Singapore’s role as one of the world’s most connected and efficient ports positions it as a key partner in testing and scaling innovations. UNCTAD complements this with global reach, policy expertise and on-the-ground support to developing countries.
Scaling solutions for a changing maritime sector
Under the agreement, the partners will promote cleaner fuels and digital technologies across ports and shipping networks.
Efforts will focus on solutions that can be adapted to different national contexts, alongside knowledge-sharing in sustainable finance, digital innovation and workforce development – key enablers of a successful transition.
Supporting developing countries and strengthening resilience
A central pillar of the initiative is support for developing countries, including training, advisory services and institutional strengthening.
Building on UNCTAD’s long-standing work with port communities, the partnership will help improve performance, strengthen connectivity and enhance preparedness for disruptions – an increasingly urgent priority in today’s volatile global environment.
The initiative will also feed into preparations for the UN Global Supply Chain Forum taking place in late 2026, where global stakeholders will address the future of trade logistics and resilience.
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