Category Archives: News

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.

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.

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.

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.