20, Apr 2026
Over 39,000 Users Voluntarily Surrender LPG Connections as PNG Adoption Rises
New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): A nationwide appeal to encourage a shift towards cleaner cooking fuel has gained strong response, with more than 39,000 piped natural gas (PNG) users voluntarily surrendering their LPG connections, according to official data.
The initiative, aimed at promoting cleaner and more efficient energy usage, is part of the government’s broader push to expand the adoption of piped natural gas as a primary cooking fuel in urban households.
Authorities noted that the growing preference for PNG reflects increasing awareness about convenience, safety, and environmental benefits associated with cleaner fuel alternatives compared to traditional LPG usage.
Officials said the response highlights a gradual behavioural shift among consumers, supported by expanding gas distribution infrastructure and improved last-mile connectivity across cities.
The move is also aligned with India’s long-term energy transition goals, which focus on reducing dependence on high-emission fuels and encouraging cleaner household energy solutions.
Industry observers believe that as PNG networks expand further, more households are likely to transition, supporting both sustainability objectives and energy efficiency targets.
Overall, the trend indicates rising acceptance of cleaner cooking fuel solutions, marking a steady shift in India’s domestic energy consumption patterns.
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- By Neel Achary
20, Apr 2026
Meesho Allocates Over 94.79 Lakh Shares to Employees Under ESOP Scheme
New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): E-commerce platform Meesho has allotted 94,79,380 equity shares to eligible employees under its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), reinforcing its focus on employee participation in long-term value creation.
According to a regulatory filing, the allotment was approved by the company’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee through a circular resolution. The shares, with a face value of ₹1 each, have been issued upon the exercise of vested stock options under the company’s ESOP 2024 plan.
The company stated that the newly allotted shares will rank pari passu with existing equity shares, ensuring equal rights for shareholders across all parameters.
With this allotment, Meesho’s issued and paid-up equity capital has increased, reflecting continued expansion in its employee ownership structure as part of its broader talent retention and incentive strategy.
The move highlights the growing trend among Indian new-age technology companies to use stock-based compensation as a key tool to attract, retain, and reward talent in a competitive startup ecosystem.
Overall, the ESOP allotment underscores Meesho’s emphasis on aligning employee interests with long-term business growth and value creation.
20, Apr 2026
Markets End Flat as Global Uncertainty Over US Iran Talks Keeps Investors Cautious
Mumbai, Apr 20 (BNP): Indian equity markets ended on a subdued note on Monday, as investors adopted a cautious stance amid lingering uncertainty over US-Iran diplomatic developments and mixed global market signals.
Benchmark indices remained volatile throughout the session, with intermittent swings in both directions. However, lack of strong domestic triggers and unclear global cues led the Sensex and Nifty to close with only marginal changes.
Sentiment was largely shaped by geopolitical developments in West Asia, where market participants continue to track tensions and negotiations that could influence global crude oil supply and overall risk sentiment.
While selective buying in frontline stocks provided some support, it was not enough to drive a decisive market move, keeping indices largely range-bound.
Market observers noted that in the absence of fresh catalysts, global geopolitical risks are dictating short-term direction, even as domestic liquidity conditions help prevent deeper corrections.
Overall, the session reflected a cautious trading environment, with investors remaining on the sidelines and awaiting clearer global signals before taking firm positions.
20, Apr 2026
Real-Time Analysis of Performance Degradation in Water Electrolysis
Changwon, South Korea, Apr 20 (BNP): Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), led by President Chul-jin Choi, announced that a research team led by Sung Mook Choi, principal researcher at KIMS, in collaboration with Professor Yangdo Kim of Pusan National University, has developed a two-electrode-based real-time diagnostic technology capable of precisely analyzing the causes of performance degradation in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) systems under actual operating conditions. This study is significant in that it introduces a new analytical framework that separates and quantifies voltage loss mechanisms within complex water electrolysis systems by individual components.
Water electrolysis is a key technology for hydrogen production through the electrochemical splitting of water. Among its various types, anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) has attracted attention as a next-generation hydrogen production method due to its low cost and efficient hydrogen production. However, performance degradation caused by voltage increases during long-term operation has remained a major challenge, with difficulties in clearly identifying its underlying causes. Conventional electrolysis systems are based on a two-electrode configuration, which allows monitoring of overall performance but makes it difficult to pinpoint specific degradation factors. While previous studies have relied on three-electrode configurations or half-cell experiments to analyze individual electrode reactions, these approaches differ from actual single-cell operating conditions, limiting their applicability to real-world systems.
To overcome these limitations, the research team developed an advanced analytical framework that integrates electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data obtained from operating single cells with distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis, along with a proprietary method for overpotential separation.
Through this approach, the team successfully quantified voltage loss contributions by categorizing them into charge transfer resistance, hydroxide ion (OH⁻) transport resistance, membrane and contact resistance, and mass transport resistance. The results revealed that voltage increase in water electrolysis systems arises not only from electrode degradation but also from combined effects such as ion transport limitations and mass transfer constraints. The reliability of the analysis was validated through repeated experiments under various electrolyte concentrations and membrane conditions, demonstrating strong reproducibility. The findings are expected to serve as key diagnostic indicators for electrode material development, membrane–electrode assembly design, and optimization of system operation strategies.
Notably, the developed technology enables differentiation of electrode-specific reaction characteristics within practical two-electrode-based systems without requiring additional three-electrode setups. By allowing real-time tracking and analysis of performance degradation during long-term operation, the technology is expected to serve as a commercialization-friendly diagnostic platform, contributing to the design of high-efficiency and high-durability water electrolysis systems.
“This study presents a new analytical framework that enables real-time deconvolution and interpretation of voltage loss mechanisms in complex water electrolysis systems under actual operating conditions,” said Sung mook Choi, principal researcher at Korea Institute of Materials Science. “We aim to further develop this technology into a key diagnostic platform that will accelerate the commercialization of green hydrogen production.”
This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea under the “H2 NEXT ROUND” program, as well as KIMS’s institutional research program and the NRF Nano and Materials Technology Development Program. The findings were published online on March 27, 2026, in the international journal ACS Energy Letters (Impact Factor: 18.9).
20, Apr 2026
TAC Infosec’s Arm Cyberscope Web3 Security Partners with Pionex to Align Security with Trading and Exchange-Ready Environments
Mumbai, Apr 20: Cyberscope, the Web3 security subsidiary of TAC InfoSec Ltd. (NSE: TAC), has entered into a strategic partnership with Pionex, a centralized cryptocurrency exchange known for its built-in trading bots and retail trading infrastructure, as the company expands its presence within trading and exchange-related environments in the digital asset ecosystem
The collaboration is focused on aligning security validation with stages where projects are preparing for trading activity, liquidity expansion, and broader market participation. As digital assets move closer to exchange readiness, the need for structured security validation continues to gain importance.
Pionex provides infrastructure for retail-focused cryptocurrency trading, including integrated trading tools and automated strategies. Through this partnership, Cyberscope’s capabilities in smart contract auditing, protocol assurance, and compliance will be positioned to support projects operating in or preparing for exchange-linked environments.
The partnership reflects an evolving requirement within Web3, where security is increasingly being considered in the context of trading readiness and ecosystem participation, rather than only during development phases. As projects transition toward broader market access, security validation plays a role in supporting reliability and user confidence.
For Cyberscope, the collaboration extends its engagement into stages of the digital asset lifecycle where trading activity and liquidity become central. This includes environments where projects interact with exchanges and user-facing trading platforms, making security an important component of overall ecosystem trust.
The move builds on Cyberscope’s ongoing efforts to align with multiple layers of the blockchain ecosystem. The company is active within the TON ecosystem, a Layer 1 blockchain network, and has previously announced a collaboration with Circle, the issuer of USDC, focused on supporting secure and compliant digital asset infrastructure.
“Trading environments introduce a different set of considerations for Web3 projects,” said Saransh Rawat, CTO at TAC Security and President of Cyberscope. “Security validation plays an important role as projects move toward broader market participation. Our partnership with Pionex is aligned with supporting that transition in a structured manner.”
The partnership comes as digital asset markets continue to evolve, with increasing participation from retail users and growing expectations around security, transparency, and reliability across trading platforms.
Cyberscope continues to expand its presence across global blockchain ecosystems, with capabilities spanning smart contract auditing, protocol assurance, and compliance.
20, Apr 2026
NIFTEM Thanjavur Empowers 82 Young Entrepreneurs Through Food Start-Up Training Programme
Thanjavur, Apr 20 (BNP): The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur, has successfully conducted a two-day capacity-building programme aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in the food processing sector.
The initiative brought together 82 aspiring food entrepreneurs, offering them structured training designed to strengthen both technical understanding and business readiness for launching start-ups in the food industry.
The programme focused on core aspects of food entrepreneurship, including product development, food safety standards, regulatory compliance, packaging innovation, branding strategies, and financial planning. Participants also received guidance on market linkages, funding opportunities, and scaling early-stage ventures.
Experts and resource persons engaged with participants through interactive sessions and case-based learning, helping them understand the practical challenges and opportunities within India’s rapidly expanding food processing ecosystem.
Officials highlighted that the initiative is aligned with national efforts to promote food sector innovation, value addition in agriculture, and youth-led enterprise development, particularly in emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.
The training also underscored the importance of sustainable practices, encouraging entrepreneurs to adopt efficient production methods, reduce waste, and explore opportunities in organic and health-focused food segments.
By equipping participants with industry-relevant skills and entrepreneurial insights, the programme aims to support the creation of scalable food enterprises, contributing to employment generation and strengthening rural and semi-urban economies.
NIFTEM-Thanjavur reaffirmed its commitment to building a strong ecosystem of food innovators who can leverage India’s agricultural base and growing consumer demand to build competitive and sustainable businesses.
20, Apr 2026
7.4 Quake Hits Northern Japan, Triggers Tsunami Warning
Apr20(BNP): A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on Monday, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami warning for waves of up to three metres. The quake occurred at 4:53 PM (local time) in the Pacific waters off Iwate Prefecture and was strong enough to shake buildings as far away as Tokyo.
Approximately 40 minutes after the earthquake, an 80-centimetre tsunami wave was recorded at a port in Kuji, Iwate. Authorities immediately urged residents in coastal and riverside areas to evacuate to higher ground or designated evacuation buildings, warning that multiple waves could follow.
Officials cautioned that tsunami activity may continue and advised people not to return to low-lying areas until the warning is officially lifted. Emergency protocols were activated, and the Prime Minister’s Office set up a crisis management team to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appealed to residents in affected regions to prioritise safety and follow evacuation advisories, while authorities continue to assess potential damage and casualties. Initial visuals from national broadcaster NHK did not indicate any major destruction at key ports, though officials warned of possible aftershocks.
Japan, located along the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences earthquakes, and authorities remain on high alert as the situation develops.
20, Apr 2026
7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan, Tsunami Alert Issued
Pic Credit: Pexel
Tokyo, Apr 20 (BNP): A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting authorities to issue evacuation advisories in several coastal areas.
The quake, which occurred under the Pacific Ocean, was felt strongly across nearby regions, leading emergency services to move swiftly into action. Officials warned that tsunami waves could impact parts of the coastline, urging residents in vulnerable zones to move to higher ground as a precaution.
Initial reports indicated moderate sea-level changes along certain coastal stretches, while authorities continued to monitor the situation closely for any escalation.
As a safety measure, transport services in affected areas were temporarily halted, and emergency protocols were activated to assess potential damage and ensure public safety. Authorities have also cautioned about the possibility of aftershocks, advising residents to remain alert.
There were no immediate reports of large-scale damage or casualties at the time of reporting, though assessments are ongoing.
Japan, located along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes, and its disaster preparedness systems are designed to respond quickly to such events.
Officials have urged people to avoid coastal areas until further notice and to follow official advisories as the situation continues to evolve.
20, Apr 2026
BHIM App Adds Credit Score Feature, Expands Role Beyond Payments
New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): The National Payments Corporation of India-backed BHIM app has introduced a new feature enabling users to check their credit scores directly within the app.
Launched in collaboration with TransUnion CIBIL, the feature allows users to securely access their CIBIL Score and credit report through a consent-based system.
The update, available on version 4.0.19 and above, aims to expand BHIM’s role beyond digital payments by promoting financial awareness and responsible credit usage.
This development aligns with India’s growing focus on digital financial inclusion, as the Unified Payments Interface ecosystem continues to see rapid adoption across the country.
20, Apr 2026
SAEL Launches 600 MW Solar Plant in Andhra Pradesh, Boosts Clean Energy Capacity
New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): SAEL Industries has operationalised a 600 MW solar power project in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, further strengthening India’s renewable energy infrastructure.
The large-scale project, spread across over 2,400 acres, has been developed in two units of 300 MW each through its subsidiary companies. The plant will feed clean electricity directly into the national grid, contributing to the country’s increasing reliance on sustainable power sources.
To ensure long-term financial stability, the company has secured a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India, providing assured offtake for the generated power.
SAEL stated that the project is expected to offset approximately 11 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions annually, aligning with India’s climate commitments and efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The commissioning of the plant highlights the growing pace of large-scale solar deployment in India, driven by policy support, rising energy demand, and the push toward a cleaner energy mix.
Experts note that projects of this scale not only add to generation capacity but also play a crucial role in advancing energy transition goals, improving grid sustainability, and supporting long-term environmental targets.
