16, Apr 2026
India Steps Up Biogas Blending in CGD Networks Amid Global LNG Supply Pressure
Apr 16 (BNP): India is accelerating the integration of compressed biogas (CBG) into city gas distribution (CGD) networks as global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies tighten amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The move reflects a broader push to strengthen domestic energy security and reduce dependence on imported natural gas.
The government has shifted from a voluntary adoption model to a structured mandate under the Compressed Biogas Obligation (CBO). As per the phased rollout, CBG blending in compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) will begin at 1% in FY 2025–26 and gradually increase to 5% by FY 2028–29.
The policy push comes at a time when India imports nearly half of its natural gas requirements, making it vulnerable to global price volatility and supply disruptions. The recent LNG supply crunch has further reinforced the urgency to diversify into domestic renewable fuel sources.
To support large-scale adoption, the Union Budget 2026–27 has removed central excise duty on the green component of blended CNG, improving cost efficiency and enhancing the financial viability of compressed biogas production. The move is expected to encourage greater private investment in the sector.
Infrastructure expansion is also gathering momentum, with around 170 compressed biogas plants currently operational and more than 300 additional plants under construction. These developments are being supported through policy frameworks that aim to strengthen linkages between biomass collection systems and city gas networks.
The programme is designed to convert agricultural residue, organic waste, and sewage into usable clean fuel, offering both environmental and economic benefits while reducing waste disposal challenges.
Officials believe the structured expansion of biogas blending will play a key role in reducing import dependence, supporting rural income generation, and advancing India’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
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- By Neel Achary
16, Apr 2026
Odisha Mandates Odia Language in All Educational Institutions
Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the Odia language will be made compulsory in all schools across the state, reinforcing efforts to strengthen linguistic heritage and cultural identity.
The announcement was made during the concluding ceremony of the ‘Odia Paksha’ celebrations, highlighting the state government’s focus on promoting the mother tongue among students from an early age.
The Chief Minister stated that the directive will be implemented across all educational institutions in Odisha. As part of the initiative, more than 18,000 copies of Odia Barnabodha and Shishu Lekha Pustak will be distributed to students to deepen their understanding of the language and its cultural significance.
Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening students’ connection with Odia language, literature, and traditions, while ensuring its wider usage in academic learning.
The government also reiterated its commitment to expanding educational infrastructure and promoting inclusive learning through initiatives aligned with national education objectives.
16, Apr 2026
India, US Advance Trade Talks as Envoy Meets US Officials in Washington
Washington, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held meetings with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and former US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, as both countries continue discussions on a proposed bilateral trade agreement.
The meetings come at a time when India and the US are working to refine the details of their bilateral trade framework, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and addressing tariff and market access issues.
According to official inputs, a delegation of Indian officials is expected to travel to the United States for further negotiations on the agreement in the coming weeks.
In an earlier social media post, the Indian envoy noted that discussions covered a wide range of bilateral cooperation areas and also included exchanges on key global developments. The engagement was described as constructive, with both sides reaffirming support for stronger India-US relations.
The trade talks follow the announcement of a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement earlier this year, under which tariff reductions and market access measures were discussed as part of broader negotiations.
However, the evolving global trade environment and policy shifts in the United States have influenced the timeline for finalisation. Officials have indicated that the agreement is expected to move forward once the revised tariff structure becomes clearer.
The negotiations are also taking place amid broader trade-related reviews initiated by the US under its trade enforcement mechanisms, adding further complexity to ongoing discussions.
Despite these challenges, both sides continue to express commitment to advancing the trade partnership and strengthening economic ties.
16, Apr 2026
WEF Highlights Middle Income Economies as Growth Engine
Apr 16 (BNP): Middle-income economies are poised to become the primary drivers of global economic growth in the coming years, even as the world economy continues to face a range of new and evolving challenges, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The outlook highlights that these economies are gaining importance due to strong demographic trends, expanding industrial capacity, and rising domestic consumption. Together, these factors are expected to support sustained economic expansion despite global uncertainties.
At the same time, the global growth environment remains uneven. Advanced economies are projected to experience relatively slower momentum, while middle-income nations are increasingly contributing a larger share to overall global output.
However, the WEF also cautions that multiple risks could weigh on this trajectory. These include geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and broader global financial volatility, all of which may affect the pace of recovery and long-term stability.
Overall, the global economic landscape is expected to remain balanced between opportunity and uncertainty, with middle-income economies emerging as key engines of growth while navigating a complex external environment.
16, Apr 2026
Indian investors now hold 50.3 Percent stake, strengthening local ownership
Paytm, India’s full stack merchant payments leader serving MSMEs and enterprises, and a leading financial services distribution company, and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox, today announced that it has become an Indian Owned and Controlled Company (IOCC).
As per the shareholding pattern for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, domestic investors now hold 50.3% of the Company’s equity share capital, establishing majority Indian ownership and control.
Domestic institutional investors continue to increase their participation, with their holding rising to 23.1% in Q4 FY26 from 20.3% in the previous quarter and 14.0% a year ago. Indian mutual funds hold 16.6% stake in the Company, with 41 mutual funds as shareholders. Domestic insurance companies have also increased their holding to 5.1%.
This milestone reflects growing confidence of Indian investors in Paytm’s business and its role in expanding mobile payments and financial services across the country.
With this, Paytm further strengthens its commitment to building for India, with ownership increasingly aligned with domestic institutions and investors.
16, Apr 2026
Odisha’s Manisha Padhi Becomes First Woman ADC to Governor, Makes History in Armed Forces
Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi from Odisha’s Ganjam district has made history by becoming the first woman officer in India to be appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to a state Governor, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the Armed Forces.
Pic Credit: https://x.com/Defence_Squad_
Her appointment as ADC to the Governor of Mizoram reflects a breaking of long-standing barriers in military protocol roles, traditionally held by male officers, and highlights the growing inclusion of women in key leadership responsibilities within the defence services.
The historic moment gained further visibility when she participated in the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on January 3, 2025, symbolising her active role in high-level constitutional and ceremonial duties.
Selected from a Ministry of Defence shortlist, she took charge of the ADC position in Aizawl on November 29, 2023, after being chosen over other eligible officers, underscoring her professional capability and merit-based selection.
Hailing from Berhampur in Ganjam district, Squadron Leader Padhi comes from a defence-oriented family. Her father, a retired Honorary Flying Officer, played an important role in inspiring her journey towards the armed forces.
She completed her engineering education at C.V. Raman College of Engineering in Bhubaneswar before joining the Indian Air Force after clearing the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). Commissioned in December 2015 under the 46 Short Service Commission (Women) Ground Duty Course, she specialised as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC), a role that demands precision, discipline, and quick decision-making.
Her journey from a small town in Odisha to a prestigious ceremonial and operational role in the Air Force stands as an example of growing opportunities for women in uniformed services and the evolving face of leadership in India’s armed forces.
16, Apr 2026
Rupee Rises 6 Paise to 93.27 as Crude Oil Eases, Dollar Weakens
Mumbai, April 16 (BNP): The Indian rupee strengthened in early trade on Thursday, appreciating by 6 paise to 93.27 against the US dollar, supported by easing crude oil prices and a softer American currency.
The domestic currency opened at 93.29 per dollar at the interbank foreign exchange market and later firmed to 93.27 in early deals.
Market sentiment was buoyed by a decline in global crude oil prices, which remained below the USD 95-per-barrel mark. Expectations of easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia also contributed to improved investor confidence.
However, forex analysts noted that the rupee’s gains were limited due to continued dollar demand from importers and sustained foreign fund outflows, which kept pressure on the currency.
Traders also pointed out that stability in global energy prices provided some support to domestic equities, although broader macroeconomic factors continued to influence currency movements.
Overall, the rupee’s movement reflected a mix of positive global cues and persistent domestic demand for the US dollar, resulting in a narrow range of gains in early trade.
16, Apr 2026
Chief Secretary Anu Garg Chairs Review Meeting on Odisha Governance Priorities
Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): A high-level secretaries’ review meeting was held on Wednesday at Kharavel Bhavan, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, to assess departmental performance for March, review ongoing governance initiatives, and strengthen digital monitoring systems through the ‘Uplabdhi Portal’.
Pic Credit: https://x.com/_anugarg
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with senior officials including Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners, and departmental Secretaries. Koraput Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan joined virtually and presented a detailed update, while IAS probationers of the 2024 Odisha cadre batch participated as part of their administrative training exposure.
At the outset, the Chief Secretary reviewed key departmental achievements recorded in March and evaluated progress across sectors through performance-based indicators. She stressed the importance of real-time monitoring and data-driven governance using the ‘Uplabdhi Portal’ to improve accountability and efficiency in implementation.
She appreciated the Skill Development and Technical Education Department for Odisha’s strong performance in the India Skills 2025–26 competition and commended officials for the successful completion of the “Ganati-Manati” exercise related to the Ratna Bhandar of the Shree Jagannath Temple.
The meeting also reviewed the citizen outreach programme “Ame Janiba Ama Budget,” aimed at enhancing public awareness of budget provisions. It was decided to continue and further strengthen such initiatives. The Finance Department and Information & Public Relations Department were acknowledged for effectively taking budget-related information to the grassroots level.
Officials informed that participation on the i-GOT Karmayogi Bharat platform under the “Sadhana Saptaha” initiative has increased from 95 per cent to 98 per cent. The Chief Secretary appreciated the Gopabandhu Administrative Academy for its role in improving training participation across departments.
The Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture was also praised for the successful statewide observance of “Odia Pakhya,” along with other departments that contributed to its smooth execution.
The meeting concluded with directions to further strengthen digital governance, improve inter-departmental coordination, and enhance performance tracking through the Uplabdhi Portal to ensure more efficient service delivery across the state administration.
16, Apr 2026
Study Explores Why Fasting Can Lead to a Longer Lifespan
DALLAS, April 16: Restricting calories has long been recognized as a powerful way to live longer, with periods of intermittent fasting proving more effective than a steady diet. However, the mechanism behind this phenomenon has been unclear.
Research led by UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists and published in Nature Communications suggests it’s not the fast itself that extends life, but how the body metabolically pivots during refeeding after fasting. Although the findings were made in Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm often used as a lab model, they could eventually lead to new ways to boost health in humans.
“Our discoveries shift the focus toward a neglected side of the metabolic coin – the refeeding phase. Our data suggest that the health-promoting effects of intermittent fasting are not merely a product of the fast itself, but are dependent on how the metabolic machinery recalibrates during the subsequent transition back to a fed state,” said study leader Peter Douglas, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and a member of the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine at UT Southwestern. Dr. Douglas co-led the study with Lexus Tatge, Ph.D., a former member of the Douglas Lab.
When organisms undergo fasting, their cells quickly burn through meager glucose reserves and shift to breaking down stored lipids, a potent source of energy. This process, called catabolism, is mediated by a protein known as NHR-49, which activates when glucose runs low and prompts cells to digest lipids. Refeeding causes NHR-49 to shut down, preventing cells from breaking down lipids and allowing them to rebuild their reserves. In 2022, Dr. Douglas and his colleagues published a study showing that NHR-49 also serves as a sensor for intracellular lipid stores, activating a mechanism that prevents cellular starvation when lipid supplies deplete.
Dr. Douglas and colleagues suspected that NHR-49’s activity could be key to fasting’s life-extending benefits. To test this idea, the team used genetic engineering to delete NHR-49 in C. elegans, then fasted the worms for 24 hours. Surprisingly, this did not diminish life extension. Fasting still boosted the altered worms’ average lifespan by about 41% and made older worms behave more youthfully, reflected in more movement, much like fasting did in C. elegans with intact NHR-49.
On a hunch, the researchers decided to examine the flip side of NHR-49 activation: What happened when the worms were refed after fasting and NHR-49 shut off?
To do this, they needed to better understand how NHR-49 naturally becomes inactivated. Experiments led by Vincent Tagliabracci, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Molecular Biology at UTSW and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, and Victor Lopez, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Tagliabracci Lab, revealed that this occurs when an enzyme known as protein kinase CK1 alpha 1 (KIN-19) chemically modifies NHR-49 through a process called phosphorylation. When Dr. Douglas and his colleagues tampered with this system to keep NHR-49 turned on – which maintained lipid breakdown even when C. elegans was refed – it eliminated any life extension from fasting.
Together, Dr. Douglas said, these results suggest that being able to efficiently deactivate NHR-49 after fasting is a key factor in caloric restriction’s ability to lengthen lifespan. Finding ways to manipulate this system could eventually help people live longer without the need to fast.
“Our findings bridge a gap between lipid metabolism and aging research,” Dr. Douglas said. “By targeting aging, the single greatest risk factor for human disease, we move beyond treating isolated conditions toward a preventive model of medicine that enhances quality of life for all individuals.”
Dr. Douglas is a Southwestern Medical Foundation Scholar in Biomedical Research. Dr. Tagliabracci is a Michael L. Rosenberg Scholar in Medical Research.
A complete list of other UTSW authors who contributed to this research can be found in the study.
This study was funded by the Clayton Foundation for Research, The Welch Foundation (I-2061-20210327), the American Federation of Aging Research (AFAR 2023), and the National Institutes of Health.
16, Apr 2026
PNG Expansion Gains Momentum with 4.4 Lakh New Connections
New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): The Government of India has stepped up efforts to expand access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as part of a broader strategy to promote cleaner energy usage and reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuels, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
Under the ongoing expansion programme, around 4.40 lakh PNG connections have been commissioned since March 2026. In addition, nearly 4.88 lakh new consumers have registered for PNG connections, reflecting strong and growing adoption across regions.
The rapid scale-up is being supported by a structured policy framework aimed at improving execution efficiency and accelerating infrastructure rollout under the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network.
A key enabler of this progress is the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, which introduces time-bound guidelines for infrastructure development and streamlines implementation across authorised geographical areas.
Officials noted that the initiative is part of India’s long-term clean energy transition strategy, aimed at improving household access to cleaner fuel alternatives while strengthening the country’s energy distribution network.
The continued expansion of PNG infrastructure is expected to play a crucial role in reducing dependence on more polluting fuels and supporting India’s broader environmental and energy security goals.
