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.
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- By Neel Achary
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.
20, Apr 2026
UP Simplifies Wheat Purchase System, Eases MSP Procurement Norms for Farmers
Lucknow, Apr 20 (BNP): In a significant relief for farmers, the Uttar Pradesh government has relaxed procurement norms by allowing wheat sales at government purchase centres without mandatory online registration.
As per an official statement, the earlier requirement of completing a digital Farmer Registry for crop identification and verification will now be optional for wheat procurement under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.
The decision has been taken to reduce procedural hurdles and address difficulties faced by farmers, particularly those in rural areas with limited access to digital facilities.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed all District Magistrates to ensure immediate implementation of the revised guidelines across the state.
Officials said the move is aimed at making the procurement process more accessible, ensuring that farmers can sell their produce smoothly without being affected by technical or administrative barriers.
The change is expected to boost participation in government procurement centres and improve ease of selling wheat during the current procurement season.
20, Apr 2026
India and Sri Lanka Discuss Proposed Oil Pipeline and Strengthening of Bilateral Cooperation
Colombo, Apr 20 ( BNP): Vice President of India C P Radhakrishnan held discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Sunday, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation, including a proposed India–Sri Lanka energy link.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, both leaders discussed the idea of a cross-border oil pipeline, which could serve as a key component of future energy connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.
The talks also covered a wide range of issues aimed at deepening the multifaceted partnership between India and Sri Lanka. These included cooperation in housing development projects, energy security initiatives, and long-standing concerns related to fishermen from both countries.
Officials noted that several India-led initiatives already underway were reviewed during the meeting, along with new proposals aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration. The proposed energy corridor was highlighted as a significant step toward strengthening long-term strategic and economic ties.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, reflecting the shared vision of stable and forward-looking relations between the two South Asian neighbours.
The discussions are expected to pave the way for closer coordination on infrastructure, energy, and people-centric development initiatives in the coming years.
20, Apr 2026
Modi’s Jhalmuri Stop in Jhargram Wins Hearts During Bengal Visit
Jhargram, West Bengal,Apr20(BNP): In a notable and candid moment during his election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unscheduled stop at a roadside jhalmuri stall in Jhargram, adding a local flavour to a day packed with rallies across the state.
During his visit to College Mor, the Prime Minister interacted warmly with the vendor, enquired about the price, and insisted on paying for the popular snack despite initial reluctance from the seller. He was also seen sharing jhalmuri with children and supporters present at the spot, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
The spontaneous gesture, captured on camera and widely shared on social media, drew positive reactions from locals and supporters. Such interactions are seen as part of the Prime Minister’s broader approach to connect with people through culturally relatable moments, especially in regions that hold significant political importance.
The brief pause amid a hectic campaign schedule blended local culinary culture with public engagement, further amplifying its impact beyond the immediate gathering.
20, Apr 2026
ICC hosts An Exclusive Session withFormer Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai on ‘Indian Legal System: Investors’ Confidence & EoDB’
Kolkata, Apr 20: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted an exclusive session with Justice B. R. Gavai, Hon’ble Former Chief Justice of India, on the theme “Indian Legal System: Investors’ Confidence & Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)”, bringing together eminent legal experts, policymakers, and industry leaders.
The session witnessed participation from distinguished speakers including Debanjan Mandal, Mahesh Agarwal, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, O. V. Nandimath, and Rajeev Singh. The panel deliberated on India’s evolving legal framework and its critical role in strengthening investor confidence while fostering a business-friendly environment.
Opening the session, Debanjan Mandal emphasised that ease of doing business is not a singular reform but the outcome of alignment between institutions, regulations, and market expectations. He highlighted that investor confidence is shaped by real-world experiences such as speed of decision-making, consistency in regulatory interpretation, and predictability in contract enforcement.
Alapan Bandyopadhyay reflected on the broader philosophical and cultural dimensions of EoDB, noting that it should be rooted in reciprocal trust between the state and businesses. He stressed the importance of balancing ease of business with social responsibility, transparency, and sustainable economic practices.
Mahesh Agarwal introduced the concept of “ease of mind” in doing business, underlining that beyond procedural efficiency, businesses require certainty of laws, dignity, and timely justice. He remarked that a strong and efficient judiciary is not only vital for democracy but also for sustaining economic confidence.
Prof. O. V. Nandimath highlighted that while India’s legal framework is globally competitive, the key challenge lies in effective implementation. He identified certainty, speedier dispute resolution, and sustainability as the three pillars essential for a robust business ecosystem.
Delivering the keynote address, Justice B. R. Gavai underscored the foundational role of the legal system in economic growth. He stated that markets depend on trust in institutions and the rule of law, which ensures protection of rights, enforcement of contracts, and predictability in decision-making. He emphasised that while India’s constitutional framework provides a strong foundation, consistent application of laws, timely dispute resolution, and judicial efficiency are crucial to enhancing investor confidence. He also highlighted the role of digitalisation, including e-courts and virtual hearings, in improving access and efficiency within the legal system.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Rajeev Singh, who reiterated the importance of building a transparent, trust-based system that ensures certainty, timeliness, and fairness—key factors in strengthening India’s ease of doing business and attracting sustainable investment.
20, Apr 2026
Ceremonial Reception Marks Start of South Korean President’s India Visit
New Delhi , Apr 20 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today attended the ceremonial reception held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, marking the beginning of his official state visit to India. The visit underscores the growing strength of the India–South Korea relationship and reaffirms both nations’ commitment to deepening their Special Strategic Partnership.
President Lee Jae Myung was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full state honours, including a guard of honour, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and senior dignitaries. The reception highlighted the importance India places on its diplomatic engagement with the Republic of Korea.
The visit comes at a crucial time when both countries are seeking to expand cooperation across key sectors such as trade, advanced manufacturing, defence, semiconductors, digital technologies, and clean energy. It also reflects a shared vision for building resilient and diversified global supply chains.
Following the ceremonial reception, President Lee is scheduled to pay tribute at Rajghat and hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening economic collaboration, enhancing investment opportunities, and advancing cooperation in emerging technologies.
Both sides are also likely to explore expanded partnerships in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, shipbuilding, and green energy transition, along with efforts to further boost bilateral trade and private sector engagement.
The visit includes participation from leading business representatives, reinforcing the strong economic dimension of the India–South Korea relationship and highlighting growing opportunities for industrial and technological collaboration.
This high-level engagement marks an important milestone in India–South Korea relations and sets the stage for a more dynamic and future-oriented partnership in the years ahead.
