Category Archives: News

Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Rising Oil Prices and Stronger Dollar

The Indian rupee weakened sharply on Friday, dropping 74 paise to touch a new record low of 94.70 against the US dollar in intra-day trading. The decline comes amid rising global crude oil prices and a firm US dollar, with ongoing tensions in West Asia showing no signs of resolution.

The currency opened at 94.18 and continued to fall through the session, slipping past the 94.50 level before hitting its lowest-ever mark.

Market participants say the rupee is under pressure from multiple fronts. Strong demand for dollars from oil-importing companies, coupled with continued foreign investor outflows from Indian equities, has weighed heavily on the local currency. Exporters, meanwhile, are delaying conversions in anticipation of more favorable rates, further tightening dollar supply.

The weakness in the currency also coincides with a downturn in domestic stock markets, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

In the previous session on Wednesday, the rupee had already fallen to 93.96, which was its closing record low at the time. Financial markets remained shut on Thursday due to Ram Navami.

Experts note that sustained demand for the US dollar—especially from importers—continues to keep the rupee under pressure.

Globally, the US dollar remains firm, with the dollar index edging higher, indicating strength against major currencies. At the same time, Brent crude prices climbed significantly before easing slightly, hovering around $107 per barrel. Elevated oil prices are particularly impactful for India, which depends heavily on imports to meet its energy needs.

Silver Prices Drop Sharply in Bhubaneswar Amid Global Uncertainty

Pic Credit: Pexel

Bhubaneswar: Silver prices witnessed a significant decline in Bhubaneswar today, falling by ₹15,000 per kilogram. As a result, the price of silver now stands at ₹2,45,000 per kg.

In recent days, both gold and silver prices have shown noticeable fluctuations. Market experts attribute this volatility to ongoing global uncertainties, particularly concerns related to geopolitical tensions and the possibility of war.

Meanwhile, gold prices have moved in the opposite direction. The price of 22-carat gold increased by ₹150, reaching ₹1,32,650. Similarly, 24-carat gold rose by ₹160 and is now priced at ₹1,44,710.

The current trend reflects an unstable market, with precious metal prices continuing to react to global developments.

IMS Noida Students Win First and Second Prizes at National-Level Hackathon

Noida, Mar 27: Students of IMS Noida’s BCA program showcased exceptional talent at the exclusive GeeksforGeeks Classroom All India Level Grand Finale Hackathon, bringing laurels to the institute. The event was held in Sector-63, Noida, and witnessed participation from 50 teams representing prestigious institutions from Delhi-NCR and across the country.

 The hackathon challenged participants to develop an AI-based fact-checking engine, incorporating key components such as claim extraction, real-time evidence retrieval, and accuracy reporting. Demonstrating remarkable innovation, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities, IMS Noida students impressed the judges with their impactful solutions.

Congratulating the students, Mr. Rajeev Kumar Gupta, President, IMS Noida, stated that this outstanding achievement reflects the students’ dedication, perseverance, innovative mindset, and strong technical skills. He emphasized that securing both first and second positions at a national-level competition is a matter of immense pride. He further added that such hackathons provide students with opportunities to solve real-world problems while strengthening their creativity, teamwork, and industry-ready skills.

IMS Noida Advisor, Professor (Dr.) J.K. Sharma, highlighted that the institute remains committed to providing a dynamic learning environment where students can apply their knowledge practically and prepare themselves to tackle global challenges. He expressed confidence that IMS students will continue to excel and contribute significantly to the fields of technology and innovation.

Dr. Ajay Kumar Gupta, Head of IMS School of IT, remarked that this achievement reflects the institute’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence. He congratulated the students and wished them continued success in their future endeavors.

Dr. Jyoti Kumari Tripathi, Coordinator of the IMS Coding Club, informed that in the GeeksforGeeks Classroom Hackathon, Team “Stack Sprinters” (Mudit Tyagi and Shubh) secured the First Position, winning a trophy along with a cash prize of ₹25,000. Meanwhile, Team “Jha Himanshu” (Himanshu Jha, Shivkant Mishra, and Nitin Prakash) secured the Second Position, winning a trophy along with a cash prize of ₹15,000.

This remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to IMS Noida’s continuous efforts to nurture innovation, technical excellence, and industry-oriented learning among its students.

La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by novelist of Indian origin Nathacha Appanah wins the Goncourt Choice of India 2026

L TO R Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Gregor Trumel Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Action, French Embassy in India H.E. Mr. & Mrs. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India

New Delhi, Mar 27: La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by Nathacha Appanah has been awarded the Goncourt Choice of India 2026. The winner was announced by a jury of Indian students following a day of deliberations held in New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished guests including Ms Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited and H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.

The prize honours a work of French literature from the shortlist of the prestigious Goncourt Prize. The winning title is subsequently translated into at least one Indian language. The jury members formally announced the winner for the 2026 edition: La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by Nathacha Appanah.

The Goncourt Choice of India, supported by Apeejay Surrendra Group Director Priti Paul through the Apeejay Trust, aims to foster cultural exchanges and strengthen ties between Indian readers and French authors. 

In La Nuit au cœur (Night in the Heart, 2025), Nathacha Appanah examines the unbearable enigma of intimate partner femicide, when the dark night takes the place of love, through the intertwined stories of three women who are victims of their partner’s violence. The book won the prestigious Prix Femina in France and has now become the Goncourt Choice of India.

Nathacha Appanah is a prize-winning French-Mauritian novelist of Indian origin. Born in Mauritius, she is descended from Telugu-speaking Indian indentured labourers who immigrated to the island. Her writing often addresses themes of identity, displacement, and the memory of her Indian heritage in a Mauritian context. Her debut novel, The Rocks of Gold Dust (Les Rochers de Poudre d’Or, 2003) traces the journey of Indian indentured labourers to Mauritius, and Washed-Out Memory (La Mémoire délavée, 2023) recounts the story of her grandparents.

Programme Expansion & Future Initiatives

Under a new partnership with the Apeejay Trust, the programme will expand with additional initiatives. A translation competition will be launched this month, inviting translators to submit excerpts of the winning title in languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, and Marathi.

The winning translator will receive a publication contract supported by Institut Français India and Apeejay.

Event Highlights

The jury members, literature lovers, publishers, and authors gathered at The Park Hotel for a distinguished literary soirée. A thought-provoking conversation between Meena Kandasamy, Prayaag Akbar, and Gautam Bhatia, moderated by Amrita Tripathi, on the theme, “In literature, are we always writing about ourselves?”

The theme reflects a growing trend in contemporary literature, particularly in France, where recent selections increasingly foreground intimate, personal narratives. The latest shortlist for the Prix Goncourt features works that intertwine family histories with broader historical events, prompting reflection on the autobiographical nature of writing.

About the Jury & Selection Process

For the fifth consecutive year, students of French from across India participated in the International Goncourt Prize programme, run by the Académie Goncourt and extended to more than forty countries by the French cultural network.

The Indian jury was composed of students from eight universities — The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Pondicherry University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Rajasthan, Banaras Hindu University, and University of Punjab — along with students from the network of Alliances françaises in India.

Over four months, the jurors read and discussed four shortlisted books in original French:

• Nathacha Appanah’s La Nuit au Cœur

• Emmanuel Carrère’s Kolkhoze

• Caroline Lamarche’s Le Bel Obscur

• Laurent Mauvignier’s La Maison Vide

A series of online sessions helped familiarise participants with the Goncourt Prize, literary criticism, and the publishing journey behind the titles.

This edition was particularly special as it was patronized by eminent Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun, member of the Prix Goncourt jury and winner of the prize in 1987.

The presidents of each of the nine juries met at the Embassy of France in Delhi on the morning of March 17, where they debated their choices before a lunch hosted by the Ambassador — following a tradition established by the Goncourt Academy over a century ago. The jury arrived at their decision early in the afternoon.

Jan Dhan Accounts Turn Active as Deposits Cross INR 3 Lakh Crore

India’s flagship financial inclusion initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), is showing remarkable progress as average account balances reach a record ₹5,233. Total deposits across the scheme have now crossed ₹3 lakh crore, reflecting a growing trust in the banking system.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia

As of March 11, 2026, aggregate balances stood at approximately ₹3.03 lakh crore, spread across nearly 578.6 million beneficiaries. The steady increase signals a shift from dormant, zero-balance accounts to actively used financial instruments for savings, direct benefit transfers (DBT), and daily transactions.

Analysts note that the trend highlights greater financial literacy and the increasing adoption of formal banking channels among rural and low-income populations. With PMJDY accounts now playing a crucial role in government benefit disbursements and routine financial activities, the program continues to strengthen India’s foundation for inclusive economic growth.

This milestone not only underscores the success of PMJDY but also points to a broader transformation in India’s banking ecosystem, where digital and formal financial access is becoming an everyday reality for millions.

Founder of Leadership Story Lab Esther Choy Turns Traditional Business Storytelling on Its Head in Transformational New Book

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 27, 2026) – Esther Choy started teaching leadership storytelling long before it was “a thing.” Since 2010, Choy has coached thousands of business leaders across a wide array of industries, harnessing the power of story to build trust, ignite connection, and inspire action as CEO and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab.

In her highly anticipated second book, Winning Without Persuading: A New Framework for Leading with Curiosity and Story Discovery (HarperCollins Leadership, May 5, 2026), Choy offers a revolutionary approach – leadership storytelling built on uncovering the hidden stories that change everything.

“If you lead today, you are operating in a time when trust is brittle, attention is fractured, and AI and automation are redrawing the boundaries of what human communication even means,” writes Choy. “Leaders cannot afford to wait until they are on stage or under pressure to begin.”

In the book, Choy turns conventional business storytelling on its head, showing that the real power of story in leadership isn’t only about spotlighting yourself. As Esther says, “the best way to get someone’s attention is by giving them yours. By encouraging others to share their stories, leaders not only gain a deeper understanding but also demonstrate a genuine desire to connect on a human level.”

Choy shares many of these revolutionary storytelling principles and stories in the book, based on her experience with guiding individuals, teams, and organizations on leadership communication.

Since 2020, she has taught leaders to master the art of storytelling and equipped them to empower others to tell their stories through the transformative 6-week Certified Story Facilitator course.

 This book is written for now, for the leaders who recognize that every conversation holds more than content, every team carries more than metrics, every moment could be a mirror.

Esther K. Choy is the CEO and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab, where she coaches leaders across industries to harness the power of story to build trust, ignite change, and inspire action. The author of Let the Story Do the Work and a top contributor to Forbes’ Leadership Strategy channel, her work has also been featured in Harvard Business Review, the New York Times, and Entrepreneur magazine. Currently completing her MFA in Creative Writing at DePaul University, Esther blends business rigor with narrative craft to redefine leadership as an act of connection and transformation. Her latest book, Winning Without Persuading, will be available nationwide on May 5, 2026.

Leadership Story Lab equips leaders with skills in business storytelling through coaching, training, and certification in facilitation. For 15 years, the firm has coached thousands of leaders—from Fortune 500 executives to entrepreneurs and changemakers—helping them communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.

HarperCollins Leadership publishes content from leaders who redefine or expand what a reader previously thought possible. Authors provide unique inspiration and experiences to those who seek to learn, make a difference, and find their own version of success.

Dr Bhargav Mallappa Hails Narendra Modi’s Cultural Initiatives on Ram Navami

New Delhi, March 26:

 On the occasion of Shri Ram Navami, Dr Bhargav Mallappa, National Youth President of ‘ Akhil Bhartiya Gau Raksha Mahasangh’ , extended his warm greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, while also conveying festive wishes to citizens across the country.

In his message, Dr. Mallappa appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Modi towards promoting Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma. He said that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, there has been a visible emphasis on strengthening India’s cultural values and preserving its rich spiritual traditions. He noted that these efforts have helped reconnect people with their roots and have encouraged greater awareness and respect for the country’s ancient heritage.

Elaborating further, Dr Mallappa stated that the initiatives taken in recent years reflect a deeper commitment to safeguarding India’s civilizational identity. He added that the focus on cultural revival and spiritual consciousness has played an important role in fostering a sense of unity and pride among citizens. According to him, such measures not only preserve traditions but also inspire future generations to carry forward the legacy of Sanatan Dharma.

Dr. Mallappa also praised Prime Minister Modi for his dedication and consistent approach towards these goals. He remarked that strong leadership is essential for maintaining the balance between development and cultural preservation, and said that the Prime Minister’s efforts have contributed significantly in this regard.

On the auspicious occasion, Dr Mallappa offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and happiness across the country. He expressed hope that the blessings of Lord Ram would bring harmony and stability to the nation and guide it on the path of continuous growth and progress. He also extended his heartfelt wishes for the well-being and success of the Prime Minister, along with prosperity for the people of his state.

Concluding his message, Dr. Mallappa said that Ram Navami is not just a festival but a reminder of the values of righteousness, duty, and compassion as exemplified by Lord Ram. He urged citizens to imbibe these values in their daily lives and work collectively towards building a stronger, more united, and progressive nation.

Swaranjali Delhi to Host ‘Colours of India 2026 – Tripura’ in Agartala on April 17

Agartala, Tripura, March 26, 2026:
Swaranjali Delhi, in association with Manjir, will present Colours of India 2026 – Tripura, a vibrant cultural evening celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage, on April 17, 2026. The event will be held at Sukanta Academy, located in Indranagar, West Tripura, starting at 6 PM.

The programme will feature an eclectic lineup of classical music and dance performances. Renowned sitar maestro Subrata De will lead the instrumental segment, while noted vocalist Nibedita Bhattacharjee Bagchi will present a classical vocal recital.

The dance segment will showcase performances by prominent cultural groups including Nrityabhumi, Reformist Society, Dhwani, Rudraksh, Ghungru, and Manjir, reflecting a diverse spectrum of Indian dance traditions.

The evening will also feature accomplished co-artists, including vocalist Krishnadhan Lodh, tabla artists Subir Thakur and Saikat Chakraborty, along with violinist Siddhartha Sarkar. The event will be anchored by announcer Udaysankar Bhattacharjee.

Notably, Shreyas Webmedia Solutions has been announced as the official media partner for the event, supporting its outreach and visibility.

Organisers said the event aims to promote cultural exchange and bring together artists from across regions to celebrate the essence of Indian classical and contemporary performing arts.

For further details and RSVP, attendees can contact Swaranjali Delhi at 9910300319 or Manjir Agartala at 9436136577. More information is available on the official website: www.swaranjali.org.

The Baker’s Dozen becomes the Official Bakery Partner for Royal Challengers Bengaluru for 2026!

India-wide release, March 26: As the cricketing fever grips the nation, The Baker’s Dozen (TBD), India’s leading artisanal bakery brand, known for creating authentic and quality baked goods, has collaborated with cricketing franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), as their official bakery/snaking partner for 2026. The partnership will see TBD bring the match excitement straight to your homes with RCB-themed product packaging across all their products, showcasing RCB players on their packs. In a unique brand move, TBD will also give out limited-edition RCB collectible stickers, featuring RCB legend Virat Kohli, captain Rajat Patidar, and other marquee players such as Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and more, packed in their best-selling Protein Chips. 

Link to the post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWQt1SvA9p9/?hl=en

In India, cricket is more than just a sport. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a religion. It’s a festival in itself – and perhaps one of the biggest – that unites the country like no other. India doesn’t just watch cricket. India lives it. There’s chaos, humour and “lucky” rituals for match-day (like sitting in the same place while watching the match) that spills from the screens onto the streets, easily becoming part of daily conversations. And as one of the most beloved cricketing franchises that (finally) won hearts by winning the trophy last season, RCB is at the very centre of this cricketing frenzy, commanding a massive fan following. 

This collaboration is set to create memorable moments for these fans by combining the nail-biting excitement of the game with the taste of TBD’s authentic, artisanal offerings. The partnership leverages India’s collectible craze by launching a series of limited-edition collectible stickers in its Protein Chips packets in three levels – Black, Silver and Gold – featuring RCB players. Each sticker carries fixed points, and each Protein Chips packet will include one sticker. With a little luck, fans can create their very own collection by uncovering them all, and garner a certain level of points to win exciting prizes!

Aditi Handa, Co-founder & Head Chef at The Baker’s Dozen, said, “After RCB’s inspiring win last season, we are delighted to be a part of their journey forward! It is no secret that cricket-watching and snacking go hand-in-hand. So, we want to ensure that fans not only enjoy the excitement on the field, but also a guilt-free snacking experience with our authentic, quality range of products. They can relish sweet indulgences like cookies and cakes or munch on protein chips, rusks, or crackers while cheering for RCB, all without the guilt of unhealthy snacking.”

Sneh Jain, Co-founder of The Baker’s Dozen, added, “With millions tuning in and stadiums packed with passionate fans, this partnership positions The Baker’s Dozen at the very heart of India’s cricket craze. Apart from more eyeballs, it also presents the brand with an opportunity to connect deeply with RCB’s vast fanbase via the limited-edition collectibles. Partnering with an iconic franchise like RCB is indeed a huge step forward for us! And as a die-hard cricket and a Virat Kohli fan myself, I couldn’t have hoped for a bigger brand collab for TBD!”

The partnership is a strategic move that enables TBD to tap into the energy of cricket and RCB’s fanbase, positioning itself as a brand that understands and celebrates India’s evolving healthy snacking preferences. Don’t forget to catch legend Virat Kohli and other RCB players across TBD products while you snack and root for the team winning yet another T20 tournament! 

Capt. S. Divakar has taken over charge as Managing Director & CEO of Dredging Corporation of India on 25.03.2026

The Board of Directors of Dredging Corporation of India (DCIL), along with its Nomination and Remuneration Committee, has approved the appointment of Capt. S. Divakar as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (Additional Director – Executive & Non-Independent) and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company.

He will hold office as an Additional Director until the next General Meeting, to be convened within three months from the date of approval. Shareholders’ approval will be sought at the said meeting for his regular appointment as a Non-Independent & Executive Director.

Capt. Divakar brings over 35 years of rich and diverse experience in the dredging industry, marked by a unique blend of operational expertise and strategic leadership. He began his career with DCIL in 1987 as a Cadet under the prestigious All India Dredging Cadre (AIDC – V Batch). Over 22 years of seafaring service, he rose through the ranks from Cadet to Captain, ultimately serving as “Master of Dredger.” During this period, he commanded advanced dredgers and successfully executed numerous projects across India and overseas, including nearly seven years as Master.

Transitioning to shore-based leadership, he has spent more than 13 years in senior management roles, playing a pivotal role in operational planning, project execution, and techno-commercial decision-making. His deep technical knowledge is complemented by strong strategic and commercial acumen within the maritime sector.

He possesses extensive understanding of dredging requirements across Indian ports and maritime establishments, along with in-depth familiarity with government policies, regulatory frameworks, and industry guidelines. His ability to align operational efficiency with policy mandates has consistently enabled the delivery of cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

Known for his integrity, principled leadership, and results-driven approach, Capt. Divakar has been instrumental in driving performance and fostering organizational growth throughout his career.

His appointment comes at a significant juncture as DCIL continues to strengthen its position as India’s leading dredging organization while advancing its growth and expansion plans in the maritime infrastructure sector.