20, Apr 2026
Modi’s Jhalmuri Stop in Jhargram Wins Hearts During Bengal Visit
Jhargram, West Bengal,Apr20(BNP): In a notable and candid moment during his election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unscheduled stop at a roadside jhalmuri stall in Jhargram, adding a local flavour to a day packed with rallies across the state.
During his visit to College Mor, the Prime Minister interacted warmly with the vendor, enquired about the price, and insisted on paying for the popular snack despite initial reluctance from the seller. He was also seen sharing jhalmuri with children and supporters present at the spot, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
The spontaneous gesture, captured on camera and widely shared on social media, drew positive reactions from locals and supporters. Such interactions are seen as part of the Prime Minister’s broader approach to connect with people through culturally relatable moments, especially in regions that hold significant political importance.
The brief pause amid a hectic campaign schedule blended local culinary culture with public engagement, further amplifying its impact beyond the immediate gathering.
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- By Neel Achary
20, Apr 2026
Tribe Amrapali Deepens Its Travel Retail Presence with New Store at Kolkata International Airport
Kolkata, Apr 20: Tribe Amrapali, the distinguished brand of handcrafted silver jewellery known for its modern interpretations of India’s cultural heritage, has unveiled its 38th store at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Located at Terminal 2, the new store marks a significant step in the brand’s continued expansion across key cultural and travel hubs in India.
A city that thrives on layered histories, artistic expression, and an enduring appreciation for craft, Kolkata offers a natural resonance with Tribe Amrapali’s design philosophy. From its legacy of literature and fine arts to its evolving contemporary culture, the city embodies a dialogue between the past and the present, much like the brand itself. With this new outpost, Tribe Amrapali brings its India-modern aesthetic into a space defined by movement, discovery, and cultural exchange.
Airports today serve as more than transit points; they are intersections of stories, identities, and inspiration. Positioned within this dynamic environment, the store becomes an invitation for travellers to engage with jewellery that carries the essence of India’s craft traditions, reimagined for the global, modern wearer.
Designed in line with the brand’s signature aesthetic, the store is both intuitive and immersive, balancing functionality with storytelling. The space houses a thoughtfully curated selection of Tribe Amrapali’s most distinctive pieces, from bold silver earrings and layered necklaces to stackable rings and versatile gifting options. The offering is designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of travellers, whether seeking statement keepsakes or everyday expressions of style, with the curation evolving in response to regional nuances and customer preferences.
Speaking on the launch, Akanksha Arora, CEO, Tribe Amrapali, said,
“Kolkata has always held a unique cultural depth and creative energy that aligns beautifully with our design ethos. The response to our first store at the airport encouraged us to expand further within this space. Airports bring together a diverse and curious audience, and this format allows us to present our collections in a way that feels both accessible and meaningful, especially for those discovering the brand for the first time, often through gifting or pieces that travel effortlessly across occasions.”
Rooted in India’s rich artisanal traditions and shaped by a contemporary design language, Tribe Amrapali continues to create jewellery that is expressive, versatile, and deeply narrative-led. Each piece reflects a balance between heritage and modernity, designed not just to be worn, but to be experienced.
With this launch, Tribe Amrapali strengthens its growing footprint across premium retail and travel destinations, furthering its vision of taking India-modern jewellery to a wider, global audience—one journey at a time.
20, Apr 2026
Nykaa Takes Over Bandstand with a Giant Pink Birthday Cake
~A birthday cake that turns every slice into a beauty giveaway~
Mumbai, Apr 20: This April, Nykaa turned its birthday celebration into an unmissable on-ground experience at Bandstand Promenade. Bringing its signature playfulness and consumer-first approach to life, Nykaa unveiled a giant birthday cake installation from April 18 to 19, 2026, inviting Mumbai to quite literally take home a slice of beauty.
Set against the iconic seafront, the installation transformed the promenade into a beauty-first celebration zone. Engineered as an interactive, gamified experience, the cake went beyond a visual stunt. Beauty lovers could pull out a slice of the cake, each designed as a gift box filled with curated beauty goodies, with the surprise element built into every slice. This playful “pick your slice” mechanic brought alive Nykaa’s core proposition of discovery, surprise and delight, in a format that was both experiential and shareable. In true birthday spirit, Nykaa flipped the script: “It was Nykaa’s birthday, but the gifts were for you!”
More than just a visual spectacle, the activation was designed to spark organic conversations both on-ground and online. With its picture-perfect design and interactive mechanic, the cake doubled up as a social-first moment, encouraging consumers to celebrate, share and engage with the brand in a fun, memorable way.
Conceptualised as a phygital extension of Nykaa’s birthday campaign, the installation acted as a powerful bridge between offline engagement and online commerce. While consumers could show up and claim their slice of beauty in person, the celebration did not stop there.
For those who could not make it to Bandstand, Nykaa’s Birthday Sale is also live till April 21 across the app and website, bringing exclusive deals, offers and surprises directly to consumers nationwide.
With this activation, Nykaa continued to push the envelope on experience-led marketing, turning a brand milestone into a high-energy, consumer-centric celebration that blended content, community and commerce seamlessly.
20, Apr 2026
ICC hosts An Exclusive Session withFormer Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai on ‘Indian Legal System: Investors’ Confidence & EoDB’
Kolkata, Apr 20: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted an exclusive session with Justice B. R. Gavai, Hon’ble Former Chief Justice of India, on the theme “Indian Legal System: Investors’ Confidence & Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)”, bringing together eminent legal experts, policymakers, and industry leaders.
The session witnessed participation from distinguished speakers including Debanjan Mandal, Mahesh Agarwal, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, O. V. Nandimath, and Rajeev Singh. The panel deliberated on India’s evolving legal framework and its critical role in strengthening investor confidence while fostering a business-friendly environment.
Opening the session, Debanjan Mandal emphasised that ease of doing business is not a singular reform but the outcome of alignment between institutions, regulations, and market expectations. He highlighted that investor confidence is shaped by real-world experiences such as speed of decision-making, consistency in regulatory interpretation, and predictability in contract enforcement.
Alapan Bandyopadhyay reflected on the broader philosophical and cultural dimensions of EoDB, noting that it should be rooted in reciprocal trust between the state and businesses. He stressed the importance of balancing ease of business with social responsibility, transparency, and sustainable economic practices.
Mahesh Agarwal introduced the concept of “ease of mind” in doing business, underlining that beyond procedural efficiency, businesses require certainty of laws, dignity, and timely justice. He remarked that a strong and efficient judiciary is not only vital for democracy but also for sustaining economic confidence.
Prof. O. V. Nandimath highlighted that while India’s legal framework is globally competitive, the key challenge lies in effective implementation. He identified certainty, speedier dispute resolution, and sustainability as the three pillars essential for a robust business ecosystem.
Delivering the keynote address, Justice B. R. Gavai underscored the foundational role of the legal system in economic growth. He stated that markets depend on trust in institutions and the rule of law, which ensures protection of rights, enforcement of contracts, and predictability in decision-making. He emphasised that while India’s constitutional framework provides a strong foundation, consistent application of laws, timely dispute resolution, and judicial efficiency are crucial to enhancing investor confidence. He also highlighted the role of digitalisation, including e-courts and virtual hearings, in improving access and efficiency within the legal system.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Rajeev Singh, who reiterated the importance of building a transparent, trust-based system that ensures certainty, timeliness, and fairness—key factors in strengthening India’s ease of doing business and attracting sustainable investment.
20, Apr 2026
Ceremonial Reception Marks Start of South Korean President’s India Visit
New Delhi , Apr 20 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today attended the ceremonial reception held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, marking the beginning of his official state visit to India. The visit underscores the growing strength of the India–South Korea relationship and reaffirms both nations’ commitment to deepening their Special Strategic Partnership.
President Lee Jae Myung was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full state honours, including a guard of honour, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and senior dignitaries. The reception highlighted the importance India places on its diplomatic engagement with the Republic of Korea.
The visit comes at a crucial time when both countries are seeking to expand cooperation across key sectors such as trade, advanced manufacturing, defence, semiconductors, digital technologies, and clean energy. It also reflects a shared vision for building resilient and diversified global supply chains.
Following the ceremonial reception, President Lee is scheduled to pay tribute at Rajghat and hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening economic collaboration, enhancing investment opportunities, and advancing cooperation in emerging technologies.
Both sides are also likely to explore expanded partnerships in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, shipbuilding, and green energy transition, along with efforts to further boost bilateral trade and private sector engagement.
The visit includes participation from leading business representatives, reinforcing the strong economic dimension of the India–South Korea relationship and highlighting growing opportunities for industrial and technological collaboration.
This high-level engagement marks an important milestone in India–South Korea relations and sets the stage for a more dynamic and future-oriented partnership in the years ahead.
20, Apr 2026
Sensex, Nifty Slip into Volatility After Early Gains Amid Global Uncertainty
Mumbai, Apr 20 (BNP): Indian equity markets witnessed a choppy session on Monday, with early gains quickly fading as caution gripped investors.
The BSE Sensex opened on a firm note, rising over 200 points in initial trade, while the Nifty 50 also advanced, reflecting a positive start to the day.
However, the upward momentum proved short-lived. As trading progressed, both indices turned volatile and slipped into negative territory. The Sensex erased its gains to trade lower, while the Nifty also dipped, indicating a shift in market sentiment.
The volatility comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and increasing crude oil prices, factors that tend to weigh heavily on investor confidence. Elevated oil prices can fuel inflation concerns and impact corporate profitability, prompting a more cautious approach in the markets.
Overall, the session reflected a fragile balance between optimism and uncertainty, as investors remained sensitive to global developments influencing domestic market trends.
20, Apr 2026
IMS-DIA Showcases Innovation and Design Thinking at Open Day
Noida, Apr 20 (BNP): IMS Design & Innovation Academy (IMS-DIA) successfully organised Open Day 2026. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, parents, and educators interested in understanding career opportunities in the field of design. During the programme, participants attended live workshops in various disciplines including Fashion, Jewellery, Interior, Communication, Luxury Product Design, and Foundation. Through these sessions, attendees actively engaged in creative processes and gained valuable hands-on experience.
IMS-DIA Vice President Mr. Chirag Gupta said that the institution’s aim is not only to provide academic knowledge but also to prepare students for future challenges and emerging opportunities. He added that under the National Education Policy (NEP), the academy is placing special emphasis on skill-based learning and a creative education model.
He further stated that through partnerships with schools, IMS-DIA is connecting students at an early stage with design thinking, innovation, and practical learning. Gupta also highlighted that the institute strongly focuses on project-based learning, ensuring that students move beyond theoretical knowledge and work on real projects aligned with industry requirements. This approach helps develop problem-solving abilities, innovation, and professional skills among students.
IMS-DIA Dean Professor (Dr.) MKV Nair said that the main attraction of the event was the panel discussion, where experts shared their views on contemporary topics such as the real impact of AI versus perceived threats, sustainability, the creator economy, freelancing versus jobs versus entrepreneurship, and design as a business tool. The session helped students and parents better understand the evolving landscape of design careers.
He added that the design industry is changing rapidly and offers immense opportunities for young people. Keeping this in mind, IMS-DIA is providing students with industry-oriented education, modern labs, and expert guidance to help them build successful careers.
20, Apr 2026
IIIT-Delhi Team Wins AI for Bharat Hackathon by AWS in the Student Track
New Delhi, Apr 20: The Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), has achieved a significant milestone with its student team, Rayquaza EX, securing first place in the Student Track at the ‘AI for Bharat Hackathon’ organised by Amazon Web Services.
The team included Ammar Saifee (CSE), Sarthak Bhudolia (CSAI), Sakshat Sachdeva (CSSS), and Prabal Minotra (CSD) with their unmatched coordination. They came out victorious in an extremely competitive environment by outperforming 96,000 developers from across the nation. The team made it to the Top 36 Grand Finalists before ultimately rising to the top position, displaying its exceptional technical and problem-solving skills.
This Hackathon designed in two-phases had three problem statements in the Student’s track, with IIIT-Delhi students winning the first position under the theme ‘AI for Communities, Access & Public Impact’. The platform encouraged participants to build scalable solutions that could face real-world challenges.
IIIT-Delhi’s winning solution was named ‘Bimasathi’. It is a WhatsApp-first insurance claim assistant with voice-control and multilingual features that can simplify and speed up the claiming process. The team focused on integrating multiple language features to minimise complexities, positioning it as a reliable and secure solution. The solution aims to make insurance claims more accessible for a diverse user base.
Bimasathi draws inspiration from the impact of UPI on digital payments in India and visualises a similar shift in the insurance ecosystem. It aims to bridge the gaps in accessibility to make insurance processes simpler for the people, especially in communities that are underserved.
This achievement shows how IIIT-Delhi has always focused on learning through innovation, while utilising new technologies like AI for the public good.
20, Apr 2026
Special Handloom Expo to celebrate India’s Living Handloom Traditions at Janpath
New Delhi: The Development Commissioner (Handlooms), is organizing a Special Handloom Expo- “Vastra Sanskriti- The Timeless Weave” at the Handloom Haat, Janpath. Scheduled from 21st to 30th April 2026. The ten-day exhibition will showcase the rich heritage, colors, and craftsmanship of India’s traditional handlooms.
Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, the expo will feature 75 handloom weavers, self-help groups (SHGs), and cooperatives from across the country, offering a vibrant display of India’s textile traditions.
The event aims to promote traditional handlooms while connecting weavers directly with buyers, exporters, and wholesalers, providing them with better market access and recognition.
The expo celebrates the skill and dedication of Indian weavers, featuring handloom products and cultural stories from various states, making it a perfect opportunity for festival shopping. Visitors can explore a wide range of real handloom silks, cotton sarees, suit-dupatta sets, shawls, stoles, bedsheets, home furnishings, dhotis, kurtas, and rugs, all under one roof.
The exhibition underscores the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and National Design Centre’s joint efforts to empower weavers, preserve India’s weaving legacy, and promote sustainable growth of the handloom sector.
Event Details:
What: Special Handloom Expo: “Vastra Sanskriti- The Timeless Weaves”
When: April 21st to 30th, 2026
Time: 11AM- 8PM
Where: Handloom Haat, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Access to Venue : Nearest Metro: Janpath Metro Station (Gate No. 2), nearby Janpath market area
19, Apr 2026
“AI is not a replacement, but a powerful second opinion”: Dr Soma Raju
Hyderabad, Apr 19: TEDxHyderabad 2026 held on Sunday at Akshaya Convention, Vattinagulapally, near Financial District, Gandipet, Hyderabad, bringing together a powerful lineup of 14 thinkers, creators, and changemakers under the theme “FIRE-UP.” Over 1,200 attendees, including prominent personalities such as Allu Arvind, witnessed inspiring ideas and journeys. Four curated performances added vibrancy to the day-long event.
Now in its 11th year, the TEDxHyderabad community has impacted over 7,000 individuals and continues to be a platform for ideas that drive real-world change.
The event opened with a dynamic percussion performance by Vikram Venkatapuram, setting the tone for a day of powerful storytelling.
Dr. M. Subrahmanyam, founder of Sparsh Hospice, spoke on compassionate end-of-life care. “When cure is not possible, care must step in. Every soul has the right to die with dignity,” he said, highlighting how his initiative has served over 15,000 patients. He emphasized the urgent gap in palliative care, noting that while 15 lakh cancer cases emerge annually in India, less than 5% receive such care. “Death is not the failure of medicine,” he added.
Pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh shared her eight-year legal battle against misleading ORS products. She warned against deceptive marketing practices, stating, “Misinformation in something as basic as oral rehydration can cost lives,” and called for greater public awareness and regulation.
Karate coach Ritesh Tiwari from Madhya Pradesh highlighted the power of “skill as service.” Over 25 years, he has trained more than 67,000 individuals, especially young girls, in self-defense. “I may not have wealth, but I have a skill—and I chose to give it away,” he said, urging society to value sports and confidence-building.
Uttam Kumar brought attention to the realities of deafblindness, reminding the audience that for over 500,000 Indians, this is everyday life. He emphasized that the real barrier lies in societal design, not disability, calling for inclusion with dignity.
Dr. Soma Raju spoke about innovations in medicine, including the Kalam–Raju stent, developed with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, making cardiac care more affordable. He also highlighted the role of AI, stating, “AI is not a replacement, but a powerful second opinion,” and outlined five pillars of healthcare integration.
In her powerful talk, Dr. Suravi Kumar challenges the way we think about menopause—not as an ending, but as a critical turning point for brain and long-term health.
Environmental storyteller Uday Krishna captivated the audience with stories of India’s heritage trees. Having travelled over 40,000 km and helped save over 5,000 trees, he urged people to rethink how cities measure wealth. “The true wealth of a city stands quietly in its trees,” he said.
Shezzi M shared her unconventional journey from finance to radio, emphasizing courage and authenticity. “Fortune favours the brave,” she remarked.
Education innovator Pavan Goyal challenged rote learning systems, stating that 80% of students struggle with memorization. “What matters today is not what you learned, but what you built,” he said, advocating for innovation-driven education.
Cybersecurity expert Krishna Sastry Pendyala warned about the future of digital risks, emphasizing that trust in technology is critical. “The real danger isn’t technology—it’s treating cybersecurity as an afterthought,” he noted.
Srikanth Badiga spoke about dignity in death, sharing the inspiration behind Mahaprasthanam crematorium. “Cremation grounds are a mirror of society,” he said, highlighting the need for humane infrastructure.
Hemakshi Meghani, co-founder of the Indian School of Democracy, called for principled political leadership. “We don’t just need better politicians—we need deeper politicians,” she said, urging citizens to actively engage in shaping democracy.
Rajiv Chilaka, creator of Chhota Bheem, spoke about building a global animation brand from India. Quoting Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, he noted that over 27 million households outside India watched Mighty Little Bheem. “If you are afraid, don’t do it. If you do it, don’t be afraid,” he advised entrepreneurs.
The day concluded with Rajni Bakshi, who reflected on nonviolence and humane economics. “If violence is a choice, so is compassion—we must consciously choose the world we want to build,” she said.
The event also featured other captivating performances, including sitar by Ramprapanna Bhattacharya, handpan by Vikrant Dhadwal and Trilok Chander, and a fusion set by “A Sonic Voyage.”
At the engagement zone, artists Swathi and Vijay drew attention with their “End Begging Mafia” campaign through evocative art on construction debris, while Navid Ahmed showcased “Planterior Design,” integrating plants into interiors, with over 240 projects completed.
Viiveck Verma, Curator & Licensee, said, “TEDxHyderabad has always been about ideas that inspire action. FIRE-UP reflects the urgency of turning ideas into impact.”
Ramesh Loganathan added, “It’s the diversity of ideas and people that creates lasting conversations beyond the stage.”
TEDxHyderabad, active since 2015, has curated 29+ events, engaged over 20,000 attendees, featured 113 speakers, and garnered over 15 million views globally.
