22, Apr 2026
IndiGoStretch Sweeps Multiple Global Awards for Innovation and Excellence at World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo Hamburg 2026
April 22: IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has bagged multiple awards recognizing IndiGoStretch, its tailor-made business product, at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) held in Hamburg, Germany. The airline was recognized across three prestigious industry platforms, underscoring its commitment to elevating customer experience through enhanced functional hospitality, thoughtful design, added comfort, and customer-centric innovation.
IndiGo was conferred the Gold Award – TravelPlus Judges’ Award for Innovation for its Blanket Collectable– the IndiGoStretch overlay at the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Awards 2026. This award recognizes excellence in onboard hospitality, with a strong focus on design, comfort, innovation, sustainability, and customer relevance, evaluated through a customer centric lens. IndiGo’s overlays are unique, thoughtfully designed, each displaying a legacy of regional craft, innovation, and distinctive design. Created to comfort IndiGoStretch customers, the overlays reflect a sense of warmth and connection that endures well beyond the journey. These overlays serve as meaningful keepsakes for passengers from each of their journeys, a one-of-a-kind concept introduced by IndiGo. The IndiGo overlays are accompanied by a booklet and custom-designed reusable fabric bag that embodies the airline’s philosophy of warmth, functionality, and understated style.
IndiGo was awarded with the Highly Commended honour in the Best Onboard Textiles category at the Onboard Hospitality Awards 2026. This award is among the most established and respected recognitions in the onboard hospitality sector. It acknowledges the airline’s business class textile portfolio, including jacquard overlays designed as collectibles, pillow covers featuring a global map, and onboard amenities such as eye masks and anti-skid socks that combine clever design with practical utility for a cozy, comfortable journey. The recognition was based on design, quality, comfort, and customer relevance.
IndiGo was also announced as the winner of the PAX International Readership Award for Best Business Class Bedding/Soft Product – South Asia, voted by over 15,500 aviation professionals across the PAX International and PAX Tech readerships. The recognition highlights IndiGo’s consistent delivery of superior quality, and thoughtful design across its Business Class product experience.
IndiGoStretch promises an elevated customer experience befitting a long-haul journey to destinations including Manchester, Amsterdam, London Heathrow, and Athens. IndiGoStretch customers can look forward to specially curated complimentary hot meals paired with beverages from award-winning iconic Indian brands, extra legroom, comfortable seating with increased recline, and a suite of premium benefits including priority check-in, anytime boarding, advance seat selection and higher baggage allowance. This is in addition to exclusive overlays onboard, specially designed pillows, a calming sleep spray and essentials such as sustainable dental kits, eye masks, and socks to ensure the overall journey is restful.
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- By Neel Achary
22, Apr 2026
Ultrahuman and Les Mills Launch Les Mills PowerPlug: First Smart Ring Integration To Deliver Expert-Led Workouts Guided by Your Recovery and Cycle
Today, most wearable users face a disconnect – their wearable tells them they’re under-recovered, but their training plan carries on regardless. The result is overtraining when fatigued, undertraining when ready, and a persistent gap between wearable insights and real-world training decisions. The Les Mills PowerPlug closes that gap.
- Workout stats: Calories, duration, and heart rate zones are captured automatically — no manual entry required.
- Recovery prediction: Updated post-workout forecasts show estimated readiness for the following day.
- Movement and muscle tracking: The movement score and muscle group radar chart reflect the completed session.
- Real-time goal tracking: Progress against daily goals updates immediately.
22, Apr 2026
PM Modi Reaffirms Zero Tolerance on Terror, Cites Operation Sindoor on Pahalgam Attack Anniversary
Apr 22 (BNP): On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s firm stand against terrorism, stating that the country will never bow to any form of terror and that such designs will always fail.
Remembering the victims of the attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Prime Minister said India remains fully committed to safeguarding national security and protecting its citizens from all threats.
Referring to India’s counter-terror response efforts, the Prime Minister also cited “Operation Sindoor” as part of the country’s continued resolve to act decisively against terrorism and its support networks.
He emphasized that India’s approach towards terrorism is uncompromising and rooted in a strong commitment to peace, security, and justice for victims.
The statement comes as the nation marks the anniversary of the attack, reaffirming unity and resilience in the fight against terrorism.
22, Apr 2026
Operation Sindoor Still On, Says Army; Strong Message to Terror Groups !
New Delhi,Apr22(BNP): Reaffirming its unwavering resolve against terrorism, the Indian Army on Tuesday issued a strong message on the eve of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that any act of terror or violation of national boundaries will be met with a decisive response.
On April 22 last year, terrorists killed 26 innocent people—mostly tourists—in Pahalgam, in an attack that shook the nation and drew widespread condemnation from governments and leaders across the world.
In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor during the intervening night of May 6 and 7. The operation involved well-coordinated and precise strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists, including trainers, handlers, and associates linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The strikes were carried out with a focus on maximizing damage to terrorist infrastructure while minimizing civilian casualties.
In a social media post, the Army issued a stern warning to perpetrators of terrorism, stating that “when boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive. Justice is served. India stands united.” The post also featured a digital poster referencing Operation Sindoor with the message: “Some boundaries should never be crossed. India does not forget.”
Senior military officials have reiterated over the past year that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance and a high level of military preparedness round the clock.
As a tribute to the victims, a memorial has been erected in the meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam. Built of black marble along the banks of the Lidder River, the memorial bears the names of the 26 victims, including 25 tourists and a local resident, Adil Shah, honoring their memory and sacrifice.
22, Apr 2026
PLI Food Processing Scheme Creates 3.39 Lakh Jobs, Exceeds Target
New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): The Government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the Food Processing Industry has achieved a significant milestone by generating approximately 3.39 lakh direct and indirect jobs as of February 2026, surpassing its target of 2.5 lakh jobs set for 2026–27.
Since its inception, the scheme has facilitated the disbursement of over ₹2,162 crore in incentives to beneficiaries, supporting growth, capacity expansion, and technological advancement in the sector.
PLI scheme for food processing creates 3.39 lakh jobs, disburses ₹2,162 crore in Incentiveshttps://t.co/vzfq4OTdLc
via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/tmDzj8fq78
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 22, 2026
The initiative has played a key role in strengthening India’s food processing ecosystem by encouraging investment, enhancing value addition, and improving supply chain efficiency. It has also contributed to increased income opportunities for farmers and supported the growth of food-based industries across the country.
The continued success of the PLI scheme reflects the government’s commitment to boosting manufacturing, generating employment, and promoting sustainable growth in the food processing sector.
22, Apr 2026
Tesla Expands India Journey with New Model YL and Stronger Service Network
Mumbai, Apr 22 (BNP): Tesla has announced the launch of its second offering in India, the Model YL, a three-row, six-seater electric SUV .
The launch marks a significant step in Tesla’s India expansion, aimed at meeting the growing demand for premium electric vehicles with greater space and versatility.
In addition to expanding its product portfolio, Tesla will strengthen its service and body shop network across cities including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. The company is also enhancing its charging infrastructure along major highways to support seamless intercity travel.
Commenting on the development, Sharad Agarwal, General Manager, Tesla India, stated that the company is committed to improving accessibility and delivering a superior ownership experience through expanded infrastructure and customer support.
Tesla’s continued investments underscore its long-term commitment to the Indian market and its role in advancing the transition to sustainable mobility.
22, Apr 2026
Chardham 2026: Helicopter Operator Warns of Rising Booking Scams
Apr 22 (BNP): As the Chardham Yatra 2026 season gets underway, a Dehradun-based helicopter operator has alerted pilgrims about a rise in fraudulent booking activities targeting devotees planning helicopter travel to Himalayan shrines.
The operator has reported an increase in fake websites, impersonated travel agents, and misleading social media promotions offering guaranteed or discounted helicopter bookings for routes including Kedarnath. These scams, officials say, are particularly active during the early phase of the pilgrimage season when demand is high.
In response, the operator has released a free safety advisory guide aimed at helping pilgrims identify authentic booking channels, avoid advance-payment frauds, and verify authorised service providers before making reservations.
The advisory emphasises that helicopter services for the Chardham circuit are strictly regulated and bookings should only be made through verified and official platforms. Pilgrims have been urged to exercise caution and avoid unverified online offers.
Tourism stakeholders note that such fraudulent activities tend to spike during peak pilgrimage periods due to heavy demand and limited service slots. Authorities are expected to step up awareness efforts to protect devotees and ensure safe travel arrangements.
With increasing pilgrim turnout expected in 2026, officials have also highlighted the need for stronger digital vigilance and public education to curb scam networks targeting religious tourism.
22, Apr 2026
India Faces Food Inflation Risks Ahead of Kharif Season
Apr 22 (BNP): India could witness emerging food inflation risks ahead of the Kharif agricultural season, even with significant government support measures in place, including subsidies valued at approximately USD 18.6 billion, according to a senior economist from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The outlook is influenced by disruptions in global supply chains, particularly those linked to geopolitical tensions affecting critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. These disruptions have contributed to volatility in the movement of essential commodities and agricultural inputs.
While domestic policy interventions and subsidy mechanisms continue to provide stability to the agriculture sector, external supply-side pressures remain a key concern for price control and market equilibrium.
The FAO economist noted that maintaining food security will require a combination of strong domestic production, efficient supply chain management, and close monitoring of global trade dynamics.
Authorities are expected to remain vigilant to ensure price stability and protect consumer interests during the upcoming agricultural cycle.
22, Apr 2026
India–Sweden Collaboration Strengthens Industrial Decarbonization Efforts at ISIA Workshop in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, April 22:The India–Sweden Innovations Accelerator (ISIA) successfully hosted its 27th workshop with the Swedish cleantech delegation in Hyderabad bringing together key industry leaders, technology providers, and sustainability experts to accelerate the deployment of innovative clean technologies in India.
The India–Sweden Innovations Accelerator (ISIA) is Sweden’s flagship bilateral initiative with India to drive cleantech and green energy collaborations. Supported by the Swedish Energy Agency and implemented in partnership with Business Sweden and CII–Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, the program facilitates the entry of Swedish cleantech companies into India while enabling Indian industries to adopt globally proven sustainable technologies and deploy these at scale.
The 27th workshops in Hyderabad was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) through the CII–Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre (CII-GBC), in collaboration with the Swedish Energy Agency and Business Sweden.
The event witnessed participation from 40 leading Indian companies, along with 7 leading Swedish cleantech companies, showcasing cutting-edge solutions across sectors such as energy efficiency, smart grids, IoT-enabled systems, clean mobility, advanced industrial material, resource optimization and many more.
Since its inception, the ISIA program has emerged as a cornerstone of bilateral cleantech collaboration, having:
- Introduced 80+ advanced clean technologies to the Indian market
- Enabled 250+ pilot and commercial projects across sectors
- Facilitated 50+ industry partnerships
- Supported the establishment of 7 local subsidiaries
- Engaged with over 1,500 Indian stakeholders
The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Gaurav Maheswari, Vice Chairman, CII Telangana and Managing Director, Signode India Limited, who emphasized that the global sustainability agenda has shifted decisively from commitments to implementation. He highlighted the growing demand within Indian industry for scalable, cost-effective, and deployable solutions to achieve decarbonization goals.
In the theme address, Mr. Pawan Tahlani, Head – New Delhi, Business Sweden, underlined the strong alignment between India’s rapidly growing energy needs and Sweden’s strengths in clean technologies, calling for deeper industry collaboration to accelerate the green transition. Highlighting India and Sweden’s shared vision for a Green Future leading opportunity in India’s energy transition and how this program can serve as a collaboration model for accelerating the transition.
Mr. Edgar Darbinyan, representing the Swedish Energy Agency, reinforced Sweden’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that enable large-scale deployment of sustainable technologies. Emphasised on how Swedish Energy Agency helps in promoting Cleantech Swedish companies and help India in its journey to energy transition through bilateral collaboration programs like ISIA and Lead IT 2.0 program.
In the concluding remarks, Mr. K. Muralikrishnan, Principal Counsellor, CII-Green Business Centre, emphasized that the transition to sustainability now requires execution at scale, supported by proven technologies and strong industry partnerships. He encouraged participants to translate discussions into actionable collaborations and pilot deployments.
The workshop featured a series of technical presentations from companies including Candela, ECAPS, Lixea, Waltero, Plexigrid and Affectus. The event also showcased success cases, including industry collaborations such as Krahn Specialty Fluids & Metalex Cryogenics Limited, followed by interactive sessions and discussions. Swedish companies presented innovative solutions tailored to India’s industrial and energy transition needs.
A key highlight of the event was the focused B2B meetings, enabling direct engagement between Swedish technology providers and Indian industry representatives to explore pilot projects, partnerships, and long-term collaborations. The ISIA platform continues to play a pivotal role in bridging global innovation with India’s industrial ecosystem, reinforcing both nations’ shared commitment to sustainable growth, industrial decarbonization, and a low-carbon future.
22, Apr 2026
Odisha Steps Up Safety Measures for Census 2027 Enumerators Amid Field-Work Risks
Apr 22 (BNP): The Odisha Government’s Revenue and Disaster Management Department has issued a fresh advisory to district collectors and municipal commissioners, stressing enhanced safety protocols for enumerators engaged in the first phase of Census 2027—the houselisting and housing census exercise.
The field operation, which began on April 16, 2026, and will continue till May 15, 2026, involves door-to-door surveys across the state to collect data on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets owned by families.
The advisory comes after reports of multiple incidents during fieldwork in different districts, including a suspected health-related death of an enumerator in Subarnapur, a missing enumerator case in Mayurbhanj, heat-related illness and minor accidents in Balasore, and a road accident in Rourkela.
In view of these concerns, the department has directed local administrations to strengthen on-ground monitoring, ensure real-time tracking of field staff, and take preventive steps to reduce exposure to heat and other operational risks. District authorities have also been asked to identify vulnerable areas and ensure quick medical response wherever required.
Officials have further been instructed to sensitise enumerators on safety guidelines, particularly given the physically demanding nature of door-to-door data collection and prevailing weather conditions.
The advisory underscores the state’s focus on balancing the efficiency of the nationwide census exercise with the safety and well-being of frontline field workers.
