Category Archives: News

Centre Approves New Rail Line to Boost Connectivity in Odisha’s Mining Belt

Apr 22 (BNP): The Central Government has approved a new railway project to strengthen connectivity in Odisha’s mineral-rich Rayagada district. The Cabinet has sanctioned the Gunupur–Therubali new rail line, a 73.62 km route aimed at improving transportation infrastructure in one of the state’s key mining regions.

The project, estimated at a cost of around ₹1,362 crore, is expected to enhance regional mobility and provide more efficient and reliable rail services. It will connect important industrial and mining zones, improving the movement of both passengers and freight.

Officials noted that the new rail corridor will play a significant role in supporting economic activity in southern Odisha by improving access to remote areas and strengthening logistics efficiency for the Indian Railways network.

The development is also expected to contribute to long-term regional growth by enabling smoother transportation of resources, boosting local connectivity, and integrating the region more effectively with broader economic corridors.

FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem hails collaborative effort as Formula One agrees 2026 regulatory refinements

Dubai, UAE, 22^nd April 2026:  FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem has paid tribute to all parties across the FIA Formula One World Championship for coming together to agree a package of targeted regulatory changes for the 2026 season.

A number of refinements to the current regulations were agreed during an online meeting between the FIA, Team Principals, CEOs of Power Unit Manufacturers and FOM on Monday.

The changes covered qualifying energy management, race safety and power controls, race start-line safety systems, and wet weather visibility and grip improvements.

The final proposals will now be put before a FIA WMSC e-vote with a view to implementation before the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, except for the race starts proposals which will be tested and analysed during that weekend. 

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “I would like to praise everyone across the Formula One ecosystem – the FIA staff, teams, drivers and the Power Unit Manufacturers – for the constructive and collaborative work carried out in a very short space of time.

“While we have faced an unexpected gap in the calendar due to circumstances beyond the sport, all parties have remained fully committed to acting in the best interests of Formula One.

“More than ever, the drivers have been at the heart of these discussions, and I would like to thank them for their valuable input throughout this process.

Speaking on the sidelines of the FIA Region I Spring Meeting in Budva, Montenegro today, the FIA President added: “Safety and sporting fairness remain the FIA’s highest priorities. These changes have been introduced to address the issues identified in the opening events and to ensure the continued integrity and quality of the competition.

“We now look forward to the rest of what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.”

Monday’s discussions around potential adjustments were based on data gathered from the first three events of the 2026 season. 

The agreed changes include an increase from 8 to 12 in the number of events where alternative lower energy limits may apply, allowing greater adaptation to circuit characteristics. 

Other measures are designed to reduce excessive closing speeds while maintaining overtaking opportunities and overall performance characteristics. 

Meanwhile, the rear light systems have been simplified, with clearer and more consistent visual cues to improve visibility and reaction time for following drivers in poor conditions. 

The FIA Region I Spring Meeting in Budva reaches its conclusion tomorrow after three days of discussions by representatives from 102 FIA Member Clubs in the Middle East, Europe and Africa to advance safe and sustainable mobility for motor sport fans and road users.

PM Modi Urges Civil Servants to Embrace ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’ in Governance

New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon India’s civil servants to place the principle of ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’—the citizen as god—at the core of all governance decisions, emphasizing that public service must remain firmly focused on people-centric delivery and welfare.

In letters addressed to over one crore civil servants ahead of Civil Services Day, the Prime Minister highlighted that governance should be guided by compassion, accountability, and a continuous commitment to learning. He stressed that those entrusted with public responsibility must set an example through dedication and ethical service.

The letters, issued on April 20, were released in 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Punjabi, Assamese, Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil. This multilingual outreach was aimed at ensuring wider accessibility across ministries, departments, states, and Union Territories.

The message underscores the government’s focus on strengthening citizen-centric governance and reinforcing the role of civil servants as key drivers of policy implementation and public trust.

Govt to Hold Open House on Steel Import Issues on April 27

Apr 22 (BNP): The Government is set to conduct an Open House session on April 27 to address concerns related to steel imports, bringing together key stakeholders from the industry, trade bodies, and policymakers.

The meeting is expected to focus on rising import pressures, pricing trends, and the impact of global steel supply dynamics on domestic producers. Industry participants are likely to present their views on competitiveness, demand conditions, and possible policy measures to ensure stability in the sector.

The Open House initiative is seen as part of the government’s broader effort to engage directly with industry stakeholders and develop a balanced approach that supports both domestic manufacturing and market requirements.

Steel remains a critical sector for infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing, and any policy discussion around imports is expected to have wide-ranging implications for pricing, supply chains, and industrial growth.

The session is likely to play an important role in shaping future decisions aimed at strengthening India’s steel ecosystem while addressing concerns over import dependency and market fluctuations.

Usha on Board as Title Sponsor For CII-IWN’s First Pickleball Invitational in the Capital | Usha International

New Delhi, Apr 22: With pickleball gaining traction globally and increasingly in India’s urban and corporate communities, CII Indian Women Network (CII-IWN), in association with Usha, will host the Usha CII-IWN Pickleball Invitational in New Delhi on April 26 at REPPP, Mehrauli. 12 corporate teams comprising approximately 70 participants including business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, will participate in the Davis Cup-stye format in a mixed team reinforcing collaboration and equal participation on court. This event showcases a significant shift in how corporate India is moving beyond traditional boardroom settings and adopting fitness as an important part of their lifestyle.

Usha’s collaboration with CII-IWN is particularly significant, given the network’s focus on women’s leadership and takes forward Usha’s larger vision of enabling emerging sports and encouraging wider participation across communities – especially inclusive, community-driven sporting experiences.

At the centre of this initiative is CII-IWN’s continued focus on enabling women leaders and building platforms that foster visibility, confidence, and cross-industry collaboration. While women today hold only around 18 – 20% of leadership roles across corporate India, participation in sport presents an additional gap, with less than 30% of women in urban India actively engaging in sports or fitness activities. Creating accessible and inclusive formats is therefore critical to expanding both participation and representation.

Participating teams include leading names such as Usha, Lovak Capital, and Bajaj Capital Insurance, with players ranging from senior leadership to emerging professionals – highlighting the growing adoption of sport-led engagement within corporate ecosystems. By introducing pickleball into its programming, CII-IWN is extending its leadership mandate into a format that is contemporary, inclusive, and reflective of evolving professional lifestyles.

Speaking on the association, Ms Komal Mehra, Head – Sports Initiatives and Associations, Usha International, said,

“Supporting the larger sporting ecosystem wherein we can empower and enable communities to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle is deeply entrenched into our foundation, especially when it means encouraging more and more women. We believe gender agnostic; inclusive sports go a long way in neutralising power dynamics to grow the team spirit and sportsmanship across ecosystems and are in sync with what the Usha CII-IWN Pickleball Invitational is setting out to achieve.”

Ruchika Jain, Chairperson, CII-IWN, added,

“We are delighted to welcome Usha International as the Title Sponsor of the CII-IWN Pickleball Invitational. Their commitment to promoting inclusive sports and empowering women strongly aligns with our vision at CII-IWN. This collaboration strengthens our effort to create meaningful platforms where women leaders can engage, compete, and connect. We look forward to building this initiative together and driving greater participation through sport.”

With participation from corporate teams and a curated set of players, the Invitational is expected to bring together a diverse mix of professionals, reflecting the evolving role of sport as a shared space for leadership, interaction, and community-building.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Register Third Straight Win with 47-Run Victory Over Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026

 

Solitario Diamonds Draws Crowds Nationwide with ‘Free Diamond’ Akshaya Tritiya Campaign

Apr 22(BNP): This Akshaya Tritiya, Solitario Diamonds drew strong footfall across its stores nationwide with a “free diamond” offer for the first 101 customers at each store.

The campaign drove over 2,000 walk-ins, with more than 150 transactions recorded in a single day – marking the brand’s highest ever single-day sales. Weekend conversion rates stood at 11–12%, indicating strong buying intent.

City-level trends highlighted distinct consumer behaviour. Mumbai and Delhi together contributed nearly 40% of overall sales, while Bengaluru and Pune saw the highest number of first-time buyers. Chennai and Kolkata reflected steady, family-led purchases with a strong gifting skew.

A key takeaway from the campaign was the profile of the consumer. A significant share of buyers were purchasing a diamond for the first time, often for themselves or as gifts – pointing to a shift away from occasion-led buying towards more personal, intent-driven consumption. As one customer in Mumbai noted, “I’ve always associated Akshaya Tritiya with gold, but this was my first diamond purchase—it felt special and spontaneous.”

The campaign also delivered strong digital momentum, generating over 3 million impressions, a 2.5X spike in engagement across social media channels, and a 35% increase in website traffic during the campaign period. This year’s performance marked a step-up from last year, with a 2X increase in footfall and a 1.8X rise in conversions, alongside a visible uptick in younger consumers and first-time buyers entering the category.

“Akshaya Tritiya has always been synonymous with gold buying. This year, we wanted to open the occasion to a new category of consumers,” said Ricky Vasandani, Co-founder & CEO, Solitario Diamonds, “The number of first-time buyers we saw is a strong signal that diamonds are increasingly being viewed as something more immediate and personal, rather than just legacy purchases.” 

Kabir Kate, CMO, Solitario Diamonds, added,

“ The idea of offering a free diamond was not just about an incentive; it was about giving people a reason to experience the brand firsthand. The scale of  participation and the conversations it sparked—both in-store and online—show us that consumers today are far more open to rethinking traditional categories.”

The campaign has since emerged as Solitario’s most successful retail initiative to date, reflecting a broader shift towards accessible, experience-led luxury and a changing approach to how diamonds are being discovered and purchased in India.

 

Kansas City Launches First Child Care Program for First Responders

Tri-Share pilot program receives $6 million to make child care more accessible and affordable. 

(St. Louis, Mo., April 21, 2026) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO) has been selected by the City of Kansas City and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to launch the city’s first Tri-Share Child Care pilot program designed specifically to support first responders.

The $6 million initiative, funded by House Bill 2 in the Missouri Legislature and a match from the City of Kansas City, will make it easier for first responders to access and afford quality child care. The Tri-Share model divides the cost of child care among the employer, the employee, and the state—easing the financial burden on working families while helping to retain essential workers.

CCAMO anticipates serving up to 500 children of first responders – including police, fire, 911 dispatch, and aviation police personnel – with enrollment offered on a first-come, first served basis through April 30, 2026. Eligible first responders can access a digital application here.

Modeled after Missouri’s Child Care Works initiative, the pilot aligns with statewide goals to strengthen workforce participation and promote child care affordability. CCAMO serves as the third-party program administrator, using the TOOTRiS technology platform to manage eligibility, enrollment, payments, and reporting.

“Our first responders serve our community at all hours, often balancing demanding schedules with family responsibilities,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw. “This program helps remove one of the biggest barriers they face by making child care more accessible and affordable. It is about supporting families so they can continue showing up for Kansas City.”

“First responders are the backbone of community safety, often working long and unpredictable hours,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri. “This program gives them the reliable and affordable child care they need to stay focused on protecting others.”

Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Advances Towards a Carbon-Neutral Future on Earth Day 2026

Chandigarh, Apr 21 (BNP): On this Earth Day 2026, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) reiterates its commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and environmental stewardship under the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’. Building on its continued progress, the company is strengthening its efforts toward a carbon-neutral future by integrating sustainability across products, manufacturing operations and the wider mobility ecosystem.

Aligned with Toyota’s global Environmental Challenge 2050, TKM continues to take a holistic approach across all six challenges spanning clean mobility, green supply chains, renewable energy & energy efficient technology adoption, water stewardship, circular economy practices and biodiversity conservation. It is accelerating its journey towards achieving carbon-neutral manufacturing operations by 2035.

In India’s evolving mobility landscape, TKM is advancing a multi-pathway approach to electrification offering diverse clean mobility solutions. By aligning technology innovation with India’s unique energy mix and infrastructure readiness, the company aims to deliver accessible, low-emission mobility solutions at scale while reducing lifecycle carbon emissions. As part of its unwavering commitment to India’s national objectives, TKM is undertaking multiple pilot projects involving Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) and Electrified Flex‑Fuel Vehicles (FFV SHEV). These initiatives are aimed at contributing to the advancement of a clean, secure and Atmanirbhar energy ecosystem that leverages India’s abundant domestic green energy resources and reduces dependence on energy imports.

Extending its focus beyond products, TKM continues to make significant progress in decarbonising its manufacturing operations. For the fifth consecutive year, the manufacturing operations have recorded 100% renewable grid electricity usage across its facilities, leading to the elimination of 100% Scope 2 emissions along with the integration of environmental standards across its supplier and manufacturing ecosystem. Additionally, 24% of CBU logistics is now routed through railways, reducing logistics emissions from 185 kg/vehicle to 175 kg/vehicle. For shorter distances, EV trucks have been piloted, contributing to an annual reduction of approximately 950 tCO₂e.

Water stewardship remains a key priority, with approximately 89% of water requirements met through rainwater harvesting and recycling initiatives. Through its 4R approach—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recharge—TKM is actively working towards water positivity while ensuring responsible resource management across its operations.

In line with its commitment to a circular economy, the company has achieved over 96% waste recycling, maintaining its Zero Waste-to-Landfill status across manufacturing plants. Through initiatives such as end-of-life vehicle management and resource optimisation, TKM continues to drive sustainable material usage across the vehicle lifecycle.

TKM’s efforts toward environmental sustainability also extend to biodiversity conservation. Under the Toyota Green Wave Project and allied initiatives, the company has developed a thriving green ecosystem within its premises, with over 650+ plant species and 468+ faunal species contributing to enhanced biodiversity. The Green Wave afforestation project has helped sequester 8,118 tCO₂e within the TKM premises to date. Its Ecozone, a 25-acre experiential learning centre, continues to foster environmental awareness, having engaged over 95 schools and reaching more than 10095 students during this academic year and trained over 62729 students till date, inspiring future generations to adopt sustainable practices.

Reinforcing its commitment to driving impact beyond its operations, TKM is actively working across its value chain to enable ecosystem-wide sustainability. Through supplier engagement programs, the company has enabled significant carbon emission reductions, while its dealer and logistics initiatives are contributing to lowering emissions across the mobility lifecycle. This includes increased adoption of rail transport and transition to cleaner fuels that are contributing to lowering emissions across the mobility lifecycle.

Mr. B. Padmanabha, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, TKM said,

“On Earth Day 2026, Toyota Kirloskar Motor proudly reinforces its commitment to ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ advancing a carbon‑neutral future by embedding sustainability into every aspect of our products, operations, and partnerships.  Since 2021, our manufacturing facilities have been powered entirely by renewable grid electricity, eliminating Scope 2 emissions for five consecutive years and demonstrating that industrial growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Looking ahead, TKM remains focused on scaling its sustainability efforts through innovation, collaboration, and responsible growth. With investments in future-ready manufacturing facilities, and continued advancements in clean technologies such as hydrogen and alternative fuels, the company is strengthening its role in supporting India’s transition towards a low-carbon economy.

As India accelerates its journey towards energy independence and sustainable development, Toyota Kirloskar Motor remains committed to creating a ripple effect of positive change where every innovation, every partnership and every action contributes to building a cleaner, greener and more resilient future.

 

Indian Railways Expands Accessibility Measures for Persons with Disabilities, Reaffirms Travel Provisions

New Delhi, Apr 21 (BNP): Indian Railways has reaffirmed key travel provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), allowing them to travel in unreserved Divyangjan coaches in Mail and Express trains, provided they carry valid identification such as the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card. The clarification is part of the national transporter’s continued push toward more inclusive and accessible public transport.

The railways said the move aims to ensure smoother travel and better access for Divyangjan passengers across the network, particularly in long-distance train services where accessibility support is often essential.

 Focus on inclusive passenger support

As part of its broader accessibility initiatives, Indian Railways has introduced multiple welfare measures for PwDs. These include concessional fare benefits, availability of wheelchairs at major stations, battery-operated vehicles for assistance, and dedicated support services such as Yatri Mitra Sewa, which helps passengers requiring mobility assistance during boarding, travel, and deboarding.

Officials said these measures are designed to reduce travel barriers and improve the overall passenger experience for differently-abled travellers.

Comfort-focused berth allocation policy

In addition to accessibility upgrades, the railways has also strengthened its berth allocation system. It has permitted the reassignment of vacant lower berths to senior citizens, PwDs, and pregnant women, even if they were initially allotted middle or upper berths. The step aims to enhance safety, comfort, and ease of travel for vulnerable passenger groups.

Towards more inclusive rail travel

The initiatives reflect Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to make train travel more equitable and passenger-friendly. By combining accessibility infrastructure with supportive onboard and station services, the railways continues to move toward a more inclusive transport system that caters to the needs of all sections of society.