20, Apr 2026
Crude Oil Futures Rise on Strong Spot Demand and Fresh Buying Interest
New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): Crude oil prices witnessed a sharp rise in futures trading on Monday, supported by firm spot demand and increased participation from market players.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange of India, crude oil futures for May delivery rose significantly, reflecting strong buying momentum in the market. The upward movement was driven by fresh positions built by traders amid steady demand conditions in the spot market.
Market analysts noted that the increase in open interest indicated renewed confidence among participants, contributing to the sustained strength in prices during the trading session.
The rally in crude oil futures highlights the influence of underlying demand trends and trader sentiment on commodity markets, as energy prices continue to respond to both domestic and global factors.
Overall, the session reflected a positive bias in crude oil trading, with demand-side support playing a key role in price movement.
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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
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
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.
19, Apr 2026
India’s First Advanced 3D Chip Packaging Unit Launched in Odisha, Boosting AI and Semiconductor Ambitions
Bhubaneswar, April 19 (BNP): In a major step towards strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem, the foundation stone for the country’s first advanced 3D semiconductor packaging unit was laid at Info Valley in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
The project, promoted by 3D Glass Solutions, marks a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in high-end electronics manufacturing under the vision of Narendra Modi.
The ceremony was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Speaking on the occasion, Majhi described the project as a “historic milestone,” noting that Odisha would host one of the world’s most sophisticated chip packaging technologies. He added that global technology players such as Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Applied Materials have shown interest in advanced packaging technologies, reflecting growing investor confidence in the state.
The facility, with an investment of nearly ₹2,000 crore, is expected to manufacture 70,000 glass panels annually along with 50 million assembled units and 13,000 advanced 3D modules. It will cater to emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, 5G/6G communications, defence electronics, and aerospace applications.
Vaishnaw said the project would significantly strengthen India’s semiconductor value chain and highlighted that the country’s electronics manufacturing sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade. He added that Odisha is evolving from a minerals-based economy into a hub for advanced technology sectors, including semiconductors and IT.
The project is being implemented through the Indian arm of 3D Glass Solutions and is expected to begin commercial production by August 2028, with full-scale operations targeted by 2030.
Officials said the initiative would generate large-scale employment for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and skilled workers, while positioning Odisha as a key player in India’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing landscape.
18, Apr 2026
Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center Leads the Way with New Jersey’s First MAMMOMAT B.brilliant Mammography System
MONTCLAIR, New Jersey April 18: Mountainside Medical Centeris raising the standard for breast imaging with the installation of MAMMOMAT B.brilliant from Siemens Healthineers. This new system combines exceptional image quality with remarkable speed and comfort to support earlier and more confident detection.
Powered by PlatinumTomo technology, MAMMOMAT B.brilliant captures a 50-degree image sweep in just five seconds1. This allows radiologists to see more tissue detail in less time, helping to improve accuracy and reduce the need for repeat imaging.
“We’re committed to offering our patients the most advanced care possible,” said Tim O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer, Mountainside Medical Center. “MAMMOMAT B.brilliant delivers an outstanding balance of image clarity, speed, and comfort, which makes a real difference in both diagnosis and patient experience.”
Confidence in every scan
The system’s wide 50° angle and UltraHD image reconstruction provide highly detailed views of breast tissue structures. This level of clarity supports earlier detection and greater confidence in every exam.
Designed for comfort
MAMMOMAT B.brilliant features personalized compression that adapts to each patient’s anatomy, minimizing discomfort while maintaining image precision. Faster scans also mean less time under compression, creating a more comfortable experience overall.
“Our goal is to make mammography more comfortable and accessible to our patients,” says O’Brien. “This technology helps us provide the best possible care in a faster, more comfortable way.”
With the addition of MAMMOMAT B.brilliant, Mountainside Medical Center continues to invest in advanced technology that supports accuracy, comfort, and confidence in breast cancer screening.
18, Apr 2026
American Academy of Ophthalmology Appoints Bennie H. Jeng, MD, as Editor-in-Chief for Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology today announced the appointment of Bennie H. Jeng, MD, as Editor-in-Chief of its flagship journal, Ophthalmology. Dr. Jeng is the chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and director of the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. He currently serves on the editorial boards of Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology Science. In a forthcoming editorial, Dr. Jeng vowed to harness the efficiency of artificial intelligence to help curate the highest-quality, clinically relevant research for the benefit of all patients. Dr. Jeng also announced a new partnership with The Lancet.
Dr. Jeng, who currently serves as the Academy’s Secretary for Annual Meeting, is a longtime Academy volunteer. Dr. Jeng has served on several Academy committees, including the Special Interest Team, the chair of the Self-Assessment Committee, the Ophthalmic News and Education Network (ONE) Editorial Board, the Research, Regulations, and External Affairs Committee, and the Awards Committee. He also served two terms on the Academy Council, as well as on the editorial board of EyeNet Magazine.
As artificial intelligence becomes an unavoidable part of scientific publishing, Dr. Jeng said the editorial board will continue to curate the most important research in ophthalmology with outstanding judgment, ethics, and foresight to make it the source of truth it is today.
“While all of our jobs will be harder as we tackle obstacles and hit curveballs served up by AI, our publisher will continue to help detect materials generated with “too much” AI assistance,” Dr. Jeng said. “These tools must never be used as a substitute for the critical thinking, expertise, and evaluation that only humans can do. This is where our editorial boards must step up and weigh in. Excellence is pursued through unbiased peer review, the advancement of innovation and discovery, and the promotion of lifelong learning. This unbiased peer review must not be outsourced to AI; it must be conducted by actual reviewers and editors.”
Additionally, Dr. Jeng announced that Ophthalmology will soon launch a new partnership with The Lancet.
Under the partnership, Ophthalmology retains right of first refusal for research presented at the Academy’s annual meeting, with one new exception. Authors who first submit to The Lancet would satisfy the Academy’s requirement for first submission to Ophthalmology.
If the research is not accepted by The Lancet, manuscripts will transfer directly to Ophthalmology with no reformatting required. This transfer pathway reflects a general agreement with The Lancet for all ophthalmologic research submitted to The Lancet not just annual meeting submissions, all of which now have the option of a direct path to Ophthalmology without reformatting.
“This partnership joins together two global leaders in clinical science publishing that both share a commitment to disseminating the most rigorous and impactful science,” Dr. Jeng said. “Ophthalmology remains committed to the highest standards for the most meaningful work as we strive to improve care for our patients through discovery and dissemination.”
18, Apr 2026
Government Strengthens Norms Committees to Enhance Ease of Doing Business for Exporters
New Delhi, Apr 18 (BNP): The Government of India has taken a series of targeted reforms to improve trade facilitation and strengthen the functioning of Norms Committees under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), in line with its broader commitment to Ease of Doing Business for exporters.

Pic Credit: Pexel
The reforms aim to make decision-making faster, more transparent, and more efficient for export-related processes. By improving the functioning of Norms Committees, the government seeks to reduce delays in approvals and simplify procedural requirements faced by exporters.
These committees play a key role in setting and reviewing input-output norms, which determine the quantity of raw materials required for producing export goods. Streamlining their functioning is expected to help exporters receive quicker clarifications and approvals, thereby improving operational efficiency.
The initiative is also intended to strengthen India’s export ecosystem by reducing compliance burden and improving predictability in trade procedures. This is expected to benefit businesses, especially small and medium exporters, by making processes more responsive and business-friendly.
Overall, the reforms reflect the government’s continued focus on improving trade facilitation, enhancing administrative efficiency, and supporting exporters in accessing global markets more effectively.
