20, Apr 2026
7.4 Quake Hits Northern Japan, Triggers Tsunami Warning
Apr20(BNP): A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on Monday, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami warning for waves of up to three metres. The quake occurred at 4:53 PM (local time) in the Pacific waters off Iwate Prefecture and was strong enough to shake buildings as far away as Tokyo.
Approximately 40 minutes after the earthquake, an 80-centimetre tsunami wave was recorded at a port in Kuji, Iwate. Authorities immediately urged residents in coastal and riverside areas to evacuate to higher ground or designated evacuation buildings, warning that multiple waves could follow.
Officials cautioned that tsunami activity may continue and advised people not to return to low-lying areas until the warning is officially lifted. Emergency protocols were activated, and the Prime Minister’s Office set up a crisis management team to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appealed to residents in affected regions to prioritise safety and follow evacuation advisories, while authorities continue to assess potential damage and casualties. Initial visuals from national broadcaster NHK did not indicate any major destruction at key ports, though officials warned of possible aftershocks.
Japan, located along the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences earthquakes, and authorities remain on high alert as the situation develops.
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- By Neel Achary
20, Apr 2026
7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan, Tsunami Alert Issued
Pic Credit: Pexel
Tokyo, Apr 20 (BNP): A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting authorities to issue evacuation advisories in several coastal areas.
The quake, which occurred under the Pacific Ocean, was felt strongly across nearby regions, leading emergency services to move swiftly into action. Officials warned that tsunami waves could impact parts of the coastline, urging residents in vulnerable zones to move to higher ground as a precaution.
Initial reports indicated moderate sea-level changes along certain coastal stretches, while authorities continued to monitor the situation closely for any escalation.
As a safety measure, transport services in affected areas were temporarily halted, and emergency protocols were activated to assess potential damage and ensure public safety. Authorities have also cautioned about the possibility of aftershocks, advising residents to remain alert.
There were no immediate reports of large-scale damage or casualties at the time of reporting, though assessments are ongoing.
Japan, located along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes, and its disaster preparedness systems are designed to respond quickly to such events.
Officials have urged people to avoid coastal areas until further notice and to follow official advisories as the situation continues to evolve.
20, Apr 2026
Atul Projects Brings Cultural Harmony to Hillfront with Planned Jain Derasar
Apr 20: Atul Projects has announced a distinctive and culturally significant addition to its upcoming Hillfront development, the inclusion of a thoughtfully designed Derasar (Jain temple) within the project premises. This reflects the developer’s commitment to providing a living environment that encompasses all aspects of life, including one’s heritage, spirituality, and the surrounding social life, as well as the physical infrastructure.
The Derasar will be under the guidance of Maharaj Saheb Pujya Prabhav Kalaprabha Surishwar Ji. His presence will add spiritual significance to the space and support the religious and community activities within the development. The inauguration of the Derasar was held on 18th April at the Hillfront premises in Mulund and was attended by over 350+ people
Aakash Patel, Managing Director, Atul Projects, commented on the development, saying,
“Atul Projects has always been about building not just homes, but also creating communities that reflect their residents’ beliefs and aspirations. Adding a Derasar to the Hillfront Development demonstrates our commitment to providing a multi-dimensional living environment for today’s families.”
Over the past few years, Mulund has increasingly become a popular choice among many communities who like to reside there, with an increasing number of Gujaratis now being a part of the local community. The presence of facilities such as better urban infrastructure, along with greenery, as well as better connectivity to major commercial hubs, has helped attract individuals who would like to buy homes at the location. The changing social composition of the suburb, with the help of community centers, schools, and other facilities, has played a huge role in creating a balanced community.
The Hillfront development is designed as a well-planned community offering a wide range of amenities, open green spaces, and sustainable living, allowing residents to enjoy both an active lifestyle and the peace of nature. With excellent connectivity to major transport systems and easy access to shopping and services, it meets modern homebuyers’ needs, while the inclusion of a Derasar further enhances its appeal for families seeking cultural connection and spiritual well-being
Through this development, Atul Projects, Ltd, is demonstrating again how a developer can incorporate both new and old philosophies by creating a community that provides not only places to live but also a way to enjoy life, a healthy lifestyle with family, and the freedom to express both their culture and spirituality.
20, Apr 2026
India’s JSW Steel, South Korea’s POSCO Tie Up for Odisha Plant
New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): In a significant development for India’s steel sector, JSW Steel and South Korea’s POSCO have announced a 50:50 joint venture to establish a new steel manufacturing facility in Odisha.
The announcement comes during the official visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to India, highlighting growing economic and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The proposed plant in Odisha is expected to strengthen steel production capacity, enhance technology collaboration, and support long-term industrial integration between Indian and South Korean companies. Officials indicated that the project will focus on advanced steel manufacturing processes and sustainable production practices.
The joint venture is also expected to contribute to Odisha’s position as a major steel hub in India, attracting further investment and generating employment opportunities in the region.
Industry observers note that the partnership reflects increasing confidence in India’s manufacturing ecosystem and aligns with broader efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties between India and South Korea.
Further details regarding investment size, capacity, and project timelines are expected to be announced in the coming stages of the partnership.
20, Apr 2026
‘Z’ to broadcast DP World ILT20 Season 5 beginning Sunday, 22 November 2026
Apr 20: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (‘Z’), India’s leading content and technology powerhouse, announced the live broadcast schedule of DP World International League T20 (ILT20). Season 5 of the biggest cricket league in the Gulf region – the second-most watched T20 league in the world – DP World International League T20 will begin on Sunday, 22 November 2026. The six-team, 34-match tournament, which has featured some of the biggest T20 stars over the years, will climax with the Season 5 finale on Sunday, 20 December, at the Dubai International Stadium.
The league moved to a December window in Season 4; the first three seasons were played in the January-February window. Season 4 was a big success with enhanced broadcast numbers, and spectator attendance. The tournament’s final (4 January 2026) was played in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium as the Desert Vipers collected their maiden trophy with a 46-run win over the MI Emirates.
Sandeep Mehrotra, Chief Operating Officer – Advertisement Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. said, “We are excited to strengthen our association with DP World ILT20 as it enters its fifth season, building on the strong momentum of viewership growth and fan engagement witnessed in previous editions. Our focus is on delivering a high-impact and immersive experience for cricket fans through a seamless blend of platforms, and with Season 5, we aim to further expand the league’s reach, deepen audience connect, and reinforce its position as one of the most compelling T20 leagues globally.”
Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts across India can continue to enjoy the LIVE action on ‘Z’s linear TV channels and its OTT platform, Zee 5. As the network strengthens its sports portfolio, ‘Z’ is also exploring the opportunity to showcase the tournament on its dedicated sports channels, which are slated for launch soon.
CEO DP World ILT20 David White: “We are pleased to confirm the DP World International League T20 Season 5 window. The biggest cricketing spectacle in the Gulf region will be played from Sunday, 22 November to Sunday, 20 December 2026. We are delighted with Season 4’s success. Season 4 was a major success, accumulating 397 million unique viewers across TV and OTT, a 7.49% increase over Season 3, driven by strong broadcast numbers, high spectator interest and the participation of top T20 stars, which further elevated the league’s quality.
“The DP World ILT20 continues to make massive strides and our strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket are already making a big impact. This year, these partnerships will be consolidated further through our development tournaments which will be played in both countries prior to Season 5.
“The DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction was a great success as well and we are already gearing up for this year’s auction. There are a number of exciting announcements and initiatives that will be revealed in the coming days.”
DP World ILT20’s Season 4 featured some of the biggest T20 stars including: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers) – Player of the Tournament and winner of the Best Batter award (Red and Green Belts); Waqar
Salamkheil (MI Emirates) – Best Bowler and White Belt winner; and Muhammad Waseem – Best UAE Player and Blue Belt winner. The star-studded squads also featured the likes of Andre Russell, Azmatullah Omarzai, Dinesh Karthik, Pathum Nissanka, Fakhar Zaman, Jason Holder, Jason Roy, Kieron Pollard, Moeen Ali, Mohammad Nabi, Naseem Shah, Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Romario Shepherd, Shakib Al Hasan, Sikandar Raza, Sunil Narine, Tim David, and Tim Southee.
20, Apr 2026
KKR Bounce Back with Thrilling First Victory Led by Rinku Singh, While PBKS Stay Unstoppable with Record-Breaking Performance Against LSG
Kolkata, Apr 20: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) registered their first victory of the Indian Premier League 2026 season with a thrilling four-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Eden Gardens on April 19.
Chasing 156, KKR overcame early setbacks, slipping to 5/2 and later 70/5, before a match-winning 76-run partnership between Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy turned the game. Rinku remained unbeaten on 53 off 34 balls, guiding the team home with two balls to spare and ending KKR’s six-match winless streak.
Earlier, RR got off to a strong start with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (46) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (39) powering them to 81/0. However, KKR’s spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy (3/14) and Sunil Narine (2/26) triggered a middle-order collapse, restricting RR to 155/9.
PBKS Crush LSG with Batting Firepower
In another high-scoring clash, Punjab Kings (PBKS), led by Shreyas Iyer, continued their dominant run with a commanding 54-run win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Mullanpur.
PBKS posted a massive 254/7 in 20 overs, the highest total of the season, powered by Priyansh Arya (93 off 37) and Cooper Connolly (87 off 46). The duo stitched together a remarkable 182-run partnership for the second wicket, setting the tone for the innings.
In response, LSG managed 200/5 despite a solid 61-run opening stand by Ayush Badoni (35) and Mitchell Marsh (40), along with a late 43 from Rishabh Pant. However, the target proved too steep as PBKS bowlers, led by Marco Jansen (2/37), maintained control.
With this victory, PBKS remain at the top of the points table with five wins in six matches, continuing their unbeaten streak and reinforcing their status as strong title contenders.
The contrasting results highlight the evolving dynamics of IPL 2026, with KKR gaining momentum after a slow start, while PBKS continue to set the pace with consistent, high-impact performances.
20, Apr 2026
Gujarat Titans Take on Mumbai Indians in Crucial IPL 2026 Clash
Ahmedabad, Apr 20: Gujarat Titans (GT) will host Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 30 of the Indian Premier League 2026 today at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss at 7:00 PM IST. It will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed live on JioHotstar.
Team Form & Standings
Gujarat Titans enter the contest in strong form, currently placed sixth on the table with three consecutive wins. Led by in-form skipper Shubman Gill, who has scored 251 runs this season, GT will look to continue their winning momentum at home. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Rashid Khan, remains a key strength.
Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, are struggling at the lower end of the table with four consecutive losses. The team will be hoping for a turnaround, with all eyes on Rohit Sharma, whose fitness remains under observation, and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Head-to-Head & Venue Record
Gujarat Titans hold the advantage in head-to-head encounters, leading 5–3 overall. Notably, GT boast a perfect 4–0 record against MI at Ahmedabad, making them formidable at home. However, Mumbai Indians had the upper hand in their last meeting, winning the IPL 2025 Eliminator by 20 runs.
Pitch & Weather Conditions
The Ahmedabad pitch is expected to favour pace bowlers early on, while the large boundaries could bring spinners into play during the middle overs. Weather conditions are set to be extremely warm, with temperatures around 41°C during the day, cooling to approximately 34°C in the evening. No rain interruptions are expected.
Key Match-Ups to Watch
- Shubman Gill vs MI Bowlers: Gill is in strong form and closing in on a significant milestone against Mumbai.
- Rashid Khan vs MI Middle Order: Rashid’s spin could prove decisive in restricting MI’s scoring.
- Rohit Sharma’s Fitness: His availability could significantly influence Mumbai’s batting strength.
With both teams at contrasting points in the standings, the match promises high intensity. Gujarat Titans will aim to extend their winning streak, while Mumbai Indians will look to bounce back and revive their campaign.
20, Apr 2026
Asit Tripathy Takes Charge as President of Odisha Steel Producers’ Association
Bhubaneswar, Apr 20 (BNP): Senior administrator Asit Tripathy has been elected as the President of the Odisha Steel Producers’ Association (OSPA), marking a key leadership transition in the state’s steel industry body.
The announcement was made by the association, which represents leading steel producers and stakeholders in Odisha’s growing industrial sector.
Tripathy’s appointment is expected to enhance coordination between industry stakeholders and policymakers, particularly as Odisha continues to strengthen its position as a major hub for steel production in India.
Industry representatives said his administrative experience will help streamline engagement on policy matters, investment facilitation, and sectoral growth initiatives.
The Odisha Steel Producers’ Association plays an important role in addressing industry concerns, supporting industrial expansion, and fostering dialogue between the government and steel manufacturers.
The leadership change comes at a time when the state’s mineral-based industries are witnessing steady expansion, with increasing focus on infrastructure, capacity building, and long-term industrial growth.
20, Apr 2026
Sovereign Gold Bonds Deliver Over 200 pc Gains as RBI Allows Early Exit
Apr 20 (BNP): The Reserve Bank of India (Reserve Bank of India) has opened a premature redemption window for Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2020–21 Series VII, allowing investors to exit ahead of maturity and book significant gains.
The redemption price has been fixed at ₹15,254 per unit, calculated on the basis of the average closing price of 999-purity gold over the previous three trading sessions.
Investors who purchased at the issue price of ₹5,051 per unit are now earning returns of over 200%, excluding interest income. Those who availed the online subscription discount have recorded even higher effective gains of around 205%.
In addition to capital appreciation, SGB holders also receive 2.5% annual interest, paid semi-annually during the holding period.
The tranche, issued on October 20, 2020, has become eligible for early redemption after completing five years, as per RBI guidelines. While the scheme has an eight-year maturity period, investors are not required to hold until final redemption.
Redemption requests must be submitted through the issuing bank, post office, or SHCIL, with proceeds credited directly to registered bank accounts on the redemption date.
Tax treatment varies based on holding period and mode of purchase, with premature exits subject to applicable capital gains tax rules.
The update highlights strong investor participation and significant wealth creation through sovereign-backed gold investment instruments.
20, Apr 2026
Odisha Intensifies Survey and Digitisation of Ancient Manuscripts Under ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’
Bhubaneswar, Apr 20 (BNP): Odisha has stepped up efforts to document and preserve its rich manuscript heritage through an extensive survey and digitisation initiative under the Government of India’s Gyan Bharatam Mission.
A review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhavan was chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, where progress on the ongoing survey of palm-leaf manuscripts and ancient texts was assessed.
Preserving a Rich Literary Legacy
Odisha is home to a vast collection of traditional manuscripts written on palm leaves and paper, preserved over centuries in Sanskrit, Odia, Pali, and other regional languages. These manuscripts are considered a vital source of the state’s cultural, historical, and intellectual heritage.
Officials informed that nearly 53,950 manuscripts have already been registered across the state, with survey and digitisation work actively underway by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture.
Digital Preservation Push
The initiative aims to create a comprehensive National Digital Repository, ensuring that rare and fragile manuscripts are preserved in digital form and made accessible for researchers, students, and institutions.
ପ୍ରାଚୀନ ତାଳପତ୍ର ପୋଥି ଏବଂ ପାଣ୍ଡୁଲିପି ଗୁଡ଼ିକର ସର୍ବେକ୍ଷଣ, ସଂରକ୍ଷଣ ଓ ଡିଜିଟାଇଜେସନ ସଂପର୍କରେ ଏକ ବୈଠକ ଆଜି ଲୋକସେବା ଭବନଠାରେ ମୁଖ୍ୟ ଶାସନ ସଚିବ ଶ୍ରୀମତୀ ଅନୁ ଗର୍ଗଙ୍କ ଅଧ୍ୟକ୍ଷତାରେ ଅନୁଷ୍ଠିତ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି।
ଏହିସବୁ ମୂଲ୍ୟବାନ ସମ୍ପଦର ସଂରକ୍ଷଣ ଓ ସୁରକ୍ଷା ପାଇଁ ସହଯୋଗ କରିବା ଓ ସ୍ୱେଚ୍ଛାକୃତ ଭାବେ ନିଜ ପାଖରେ ଥିବା… pic.twitter.com/nR7dzPp7Q4
— I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) April 18, 2026
Authorities have encouraged public participation, urging individuals, monasteries, temples, and libraries to voluntarily register manuscripts in their possession. Registration can be done through the dedicated Gyan Bharatam mobile application, while departmental teams will also conduct field visits to assist in documentation.
Focus on High-Priority Districts
The current phase of the survey, which began on March 16, 2026, will continue for three months. Special focus is being given to districts such as Ganjam, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Nayagarh, and Puri, which have reported significant manuscript collections.
Officials said manuscripts will be systematically mapped and verified district-wise to ensure accurate documentation and smooth coordination with local administrations.
Safeguarding Knowledge for Future Generations
The state government emphasized that the project is not only about preservation but also about ensuring long-term digital access to India’s traditional knowledge systems.
The initiative is expected to strengthen research, promote cultural awareness, and safeguard Odisha’s manuscript heritage for future generations by bringing centuries-old knowledge into the digital era.
