21, Apr 2026
Odisha’s Bhavesh Patra Secures AIR 13 in JEE Main 2026 Session 2
Bhubaneswar, Apr 21 (BNP): Bhavesh Patra has emerged as the top performer from Odisha in the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 examination, securing an outstanding All India Rank (AIR) 13, as per results announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Monday.
The examination witnessed strong competition nationwide, with over 11 lakh candidates appearing across India and abroad. A total of 26 students achieved 100 percentile scores in the exam.
The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 was conducted from April 2 to April 8 at 566 centres across 304 cities in India and 14 international locations. The provisional answer key was released on April 11, 2026, before the declaration of final results.
The achievement highlights Bhavesh Patra’s strong academic performance in one of the country’s most competitive engineering entrance examinations.
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- By Neel Achary
21, Apr 2026
ASICS Elevates Retail Experience at Linking Road Store in Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 21: ASICS, the global Japanese sportswear brand, elevates its retail presence in Mumbai with the launch of its revamped Linking Road store. Located in one of Mumbai’s most prominent high-street retail destinations, the space brings a more refined and contemporary design language aligned with ASICS’ global standards and inspired by its philosophy of ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’
The store defines the next generation of ASICS retail spaces, focusing on the brand’s commitment to innovation, design, and performance. Creating an immersive customer-centric retail experience, it features ASICS’ proprietary Foot ID technology, enabling customers to better understand their foot profile and make more informed footwear choices. It is designed to offer a seamless and intuitive shopping journey, with dedicated zones across Performance Running, SportStyle, Core Performance, and Apparel, enabling easy navigation and product discovery.
As part of its India expansion strategy, the brand continues to focus on premiumisation and deeper customer engagement.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia, said, “India continues to be a key growth market for ASICS, and Mumbai remains an important region for us. With the enhancement of our Linking Road store, we are further strengthening our commitment to delivering elevated and meaningful consumer experiences. Our focus is on creating retail spaces as experience centres that showcase our product portfolio and enable consumers to make more informed choices through innovation-led solutions. As we continue to expand our presence, we remain committed to bringing the best of ASICS to consumers across the country.”
ASICS currently operates over 137 stores across India and continues to expand its retail footprint, with a strong focus on key urban centres. The enhanced Linking Road store reflects the brand’s continued investment in elevating retail experiences and strengthening its connection with consumers in the country.
21, Apr 2026
Indian Railways Expands Accessibility Measures for Persons with Disabilities, Reaffirms Travel Provisions
New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Indian Railways has reaffirmed key travel provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), allowing them to travel in unreserved Divyangjan coaches in Mail and Express trains, provided they carry valid identification such as the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card. The clarification is part of the national transporter’s continued push toward more inclusive and accessible public transport.
The railways said the move aims to ensure smoother travel and better access for Divyangjan passengers across the network, particularly in long-distance train services where accessibility support is often essential.
Focus on inclusive passenger support
As part of its broader accessibility initiatives, Indian Railways has introduced multiple welfare measures for PwDs. These include concessional fare benefits, availability of wheelchairs at major stations, battery-operated vehicles for assistance, and dedicated support services such as Yatri Mitra Sewa, which helps passengers requiring mobility assistance during boarding, travel, and deboarding.
Officials said these measures are designed to reduce travel barriers and improve the overall passenger experience for differently-abled travellers.
Comfort-focused berth allocation policy
In addition to accessibility upgrades, the railways has also strengthened its berth allocation system. It has permitted the reassignment of vacant lower berths to senior citizens, PwDs, and pregnant women, even if they were initially allotted middle or upper berths. The step aims to enhance safety, comfort, and ease of travel for vulnerable passenger groups.
Towards more inclusive rail travel
The initiatives reflect Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to make train travel more equitable and passenger-friendly. By combining accessibility infrastructure with supportive onboard and station services, the railways continues to move toward a more inclusive transport system that caters to the needs of all sections of society.
21, Apr 2026
AWS, SHI India Join Hands to Boost Indigenous AI Under IndiaAI Mission
New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Amazon Web Services has partnered with SHI India to accelerate indigenous artificial intelligence development under the IndiaAI Mission, aiming to expand access to advanced AI tools across government, enterprises, startups, and research institutions.
The collaboration will leverage AWS platforms such as Amazon SageMaker and Amazon Bedrock to simplify large-scale AI model training and reduce infrastructure complexity through automated and scalable cloud systems.
Officials said the initiative will help organisations build and customise large language models more efficiently, while supporting India’s push for digital self-reliance and AI innovation.
The partnership is expected to strengthen AI adoption across key sectors and support the development of locally relevant, scalable AI solutions in the country.
21, Apr 2026
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.
21, Apr 2026
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.
21, Apr 2026
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.
21, Apr 2026
RBI Flags Inflation Risk, Keeps Policy Cautious Amid West Asia Conflict
New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is adopting a cautious, data-driven approach to interest rates amid global uncertainty triggered by the West Asia conflict, Governor Sanjay Malhotra said.
He noted that the region is important for India’s economy, accounting for major shares of crude oil imports, exports, fertilisers, and remittances, making the impact of disruptions significant.
Malhotra warned that prolonged supply shocks could lead to second-round inflation effects, where temporary price rises become more persistent in the economy.
He said the RBI remains in a “wait-and-watch mode”, with the Monetary Policy Committee maintaining a neutral stance and not committing to any specific rate path.
On the currency, he said the RBI intervenes to reduce volatility but does not target a fixed exchange rate. He also highlighted India’s strong foreign exchange reserves of around $710 billion, which provide a buffer against external shocks.
He further pointed to resilient domestic indicators, including strong digital transactions and improving fiscal metrics, as factors supporting overall economic stability.
21, Apr 2026
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.
21, Apr 2026
Meta, CBRE Launch ‘LevelUp’ Training Program
Apr 21 (BNP): Meta Platforms and global real estate and infrastructure services firm CBRE Group have jointly introduced a new workforce initiative titled “LevelUp”, aimed at building a skilled pipeline of fibre technicians to support the rapid expansion of advanced data centre infrastructure in the United States.
The multi-year programme is designed to address a growing shortage of trained professionals in the field of digital and AI-driven infrastructure, particularly as demand for large-scale data centres continues to accelerate worldwide.
Under the initiative, CBRE will establish and operate dedicated training centres across the United States starting this summer. These centres will provide hands-on technical training in fibre installation, maintenance, and data centre operations. Participants who successfully complete the programme will be considered for deployment at Meta’s data centre construction sites through its network of contractors.
The companies say the initiative is focused on creating job-ready skills that align with the evolving needs of the artificial intelligence and cloud computing ecosystem.
Speaking on the launch, Meta executive Dina Powell McCormick highlighted the importance of workforce development in supporting next-generation infrastructure. She noted that the growth of AI technologies depends heavily on skilled technicians capable of building and maintaining complex digital systems.
The “LevelUp” programme reflects a broader industry trend where technology companies are increasingly investing in training and upskilling initiatives to bridge talent gaps in critical infrastructure sectors.
As global demand for data processing and AI capabilities continues to surge, such initiatives are expected to play a key role in strengthening the workforce backbone of the digital economy.
