14, Apr 2026
Rising Heat in Kerala Triggers Government Advisory
Apr 14 (BNP): Kerala has issued a heat alert as temperatures are expected to rise sharply in the coming days across several districts.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warned that Palakkad may record temperatures close to 40°C, while Kollam could reach around 39°C. Most other regions are likely to experience temperatures between 36°C and 37°C.
The State Disaster Management Authority has advised residents to take precautions, especially during peak afternoon hours. People have been urged to avoid direct sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm, stay hydrated, and take necessary steps to prevent heat-related illnesses such as sunstroke.
Authorities have also asked vulnerable groups, including children, elderly citizens, and outdoor workers, to remain cautious during the intense heat conditions.
The advisory comes amid a steady rise in summer temperatures across the state, signalling a continuing heatwave-like situation in several parts of Kerala.
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- By Neel Achary
14, Apr 2026
Asian Lawn Bowls: Navneet Leads India to Men’s Pairs and Fours Golds
New Delhi, Apr 14 ( BNP):India delivered a standout performance at the Asian Lawn Bowls Championships, securing a remarkable double gold in the men’s pairs and men’s fours events.
At the heart of this success was Navneet, whose steady composure and precise execution played a decisive role in India’s dominance across both categories.
In the men’s pairs event, the Indian duo showcased excellent coordination and tactical awareness, maintaining control in key moments to outclass their opponents. The momentum carried forward into the men’s fours, where a well-balanced team effort ensured another confident victory.
Navneet’s ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver accurate shots at crucial stages stood out throughout the tournament, making him one of the key contributors to India’s success.
The double gold marks an important milestone for India in lawn bowls, a sport steadily gaining recognition on the international stage. The performance also reflects the growing depth and competitiveness of Indian athletes in emerging global sporting disciplines.
This victory is expected to further boost confidence within the squad as they prepare for future international competitions.
14, Apr 2026
IMD Forecast Indicates Likelihood of Below-Normal Southwest Monsoon in 2026; El Niño Emergence Raises Concern
New Delhi / Kolkata, April 14 (BNP): The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its first long-range forecast issued on April 13, 2026, has indicated that India’s primary rainfall season—the South West Monsoon (SWM)—is likely to be below normal or deficient in 2026.
According to IMD, the seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole is expected to be around 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA), which translates to approximately 800 mm, with a model error margin of ±5%. The LPA is based on rainfall data from 1971–2020, averaging about 868.6 mm.
Key Probabilistic Outlook
The IMD has also outlined the distribution of probabilities for the 2026 monsoon season:
35% chance of deficient rainfall (below 90% of LPA) — significantly higher than the climatological probability of 16%
31% chance of below-normal rainfall (90–95% of LPA)
27% chance of normal rainfall (96–104% of LPA)
6% chance of above-normal rainfall
1% chance of excess rainfall
Based on these projections, the likelihood of below-normal or deficient rainfall conditions is notably higher than the long-term average, signaling a potential stress year for monsoon-dependent sectors.
Climatic Drivers Behind the Forecast
The IMD has identified key large-scale climate drivers influencing the 2026 monsoon outlook, including:
El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
Eurasian snow cover extent
Currently, weak La Niña conditions are prevailing over the Equatorial Pacific. However, IMD expects a transition to ENSO-neutral conditions between April and June, followed by the possible development of El Niño conditions during the monsoon season.
El Niño conditions are generally associated with weakened monsoon circulation and reduced rainfall over the Indian subcontinent, although historical records indicate that outcomes can vary depending on the interaction of other ocean-atmospheric factors.
Impact Concerns
The forecast has raised concern for India’s agriculture sector, particularly as nearly 60% of farmers depend directly on monsoon rainfall for Kharif cultivation.
A weak monsoon, if realized, could:
Disrupt Kharif sowing and yield prospects
Impact rural incomes and agricultural productivity
Increase dependence on irrigation and groundwater resources
Add pressure on food prices and supply chains
This outlook comes at a challenging time, following reported crop losses in several regions due to hailstorms and flooding during the 2026 pre-monsoon season, compounding risks for the agricultural economy.
Advisory and Preparedness
The IMD has urged stakeholders, including central and state governments, to strengthen preparedness measures, including:
Efficient water resource management
Crop contingency planning
Strengthening irrigation support systems
Monitoring of evolving ENSO and IOD conditions throughout the season
The IMD emphasized that while long-range forecasts provide early guidance, monsoon variability remains dynamic and subject to intra-seasonal changes.
14, Apr 2026
Patna’s Landmark Ekta Bhawan Pulled Down for Urban Project
Patna, Apr 14 ( BNP): One of the city’s most distinctive modern-era structures, Ekta Bhawan, has been demolished, bringing an end to a landmark that stood for nearly four decades.
Known for its unusual and eye-catching design, the building had become a familiar sight near the banks of the Ganga, close to Gandhi Maidan. Its unique appearance even earned it the nickname of a “satellite building” among locals.
The structure was recently pulled down to clear space for the upcoming Patna Haat project, part of efforts to develop new urban infrastructure in the area.
However, the demolition has triggered concern among conservation architects and sections of the public. Many believe the building, despite not being very old, held architectural and cultural value and could have been preserved or integrated into the new development.
Critics argue that removing such distinctive structures erases elements of the city’s evolving identity, while others see the move as part of necessary urban transformation.
The debate highlights a broader challenge faced by growing cities—how to balance development with the preservation of unique architectural heritage.
14, Apr 2026
Kharif Season Under Pressure Amid Climate and Oil Risks
New Delhi, Apr 14 (BNP): India’s upcoming kharif cropping season is facing a period of uncertainty, with experts pointing to a combination of climate risks and global geopolitical pressures.
A potential El Niño event could disrupt the monsoon, raising concerns about below-normal rainfall during a critical sowing period. Since kharif crops depend heavily on timely and adequate rains, any deviation in weather patterns may affect both planting and yields.
At the same time, ongoing tensions in West Asia are adding another layer of concern. Rising global energy prices could increase the cost of fuel and fertilisers, placing additional financial strain on farmers already dealing with uncertain weather conditions.
Experts believe that this combination of climatic and external economic pressures could influence farm output, rural incomes, and even food price trends in the months ahead.
While the full impact will depend on how both the monsoon and global situation evolve, stakeholders are keeping a close watch, as the kharif season remains crucial for India’s agricultural stability and food security.
14, Apr 2026
Sanju Samson Recognised for Match Winning Role in T20 World Cup Campaign
Dubai, Apr 14 ( BNP): India’s Sanju Samson has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March, in recognition of his impactful performances during the T20 World Cup campaign.
The India batter played a crucial role in the latter stages of the tournament, delivering strong performances in key matches that helped strengthen India’s batting lineup during important moments.
Although he did not feature consistently in the early matches, Samson stepped up when it mattered most, contributing significantly in high-pressure situations as India went on to secure the title.
The award highlights his growing importance in the national setup and his ability to perform on big occasions at the international level.
The ICC monthly honour has seen a variety of winners in recent months, reflecting strong performances across global cricket. Previous recipients include South Africa’s Simon Harmer, Australia’s Mitchell Starc, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, and Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan.
Samson’s recognition adds another milestone to his international career and underscores his rising consistency in white-ball cricket.
14, Apr 2026
PM Modi Launches Key Delhi Dehradun Economic Corridor in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, Apr 14 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, a major infrastructure project developed at an estimated cost of around ₹12,000 crore.
The corridor is aimed at transforming regional connectivity by significantly reducing travel time between Delhi and Dehradun while improving road safety and traffic efficiency along the route.
Built as a high-capacity expressway corridor, the project is expected to ease congestion on existing highways and provide smoother movement for both passenger and freight traffic.
Officials said the corridor has been developed with modern engineering standards, including upgraded road design and safety features intended to improve driving conditions and reduce bottlenecks.
Beyond connectivity, the project is expected to give a strong boost to economic activity in Uttarakhand by improving access to tourism hubs, trade centres, and emerging investment zones.
It is also likely to enhance regional logistics efficiency, supporting faster movement of goods between the national capital region and northern hill states.
With this inauguration, the government has further strengthened its focus on expanding high-speed road infrastructure to improve intercity connectivity and support long-term economic growth.
14, Apr 2026
Iranian Crude Returns to India After 7 Years; Tanker Docks at Paradip
Paradip/New Delhi, Apr 14 (BNP): In a significant development for India’s energy sector, Iranian crude oil has resumed flows to the country after a gap of nearly seven years, amid temporary easing of US sanctions and tightening global supply conditions.
A very large crude carrier (VLCC), MT JAYA, carrying around 2 million barrels of crude from Kharg Island, docked at Paradip Port on April 9, marking the first such delivery since 2019 when sanctions halted trade.
According to port authorities, the vessel delivered approximately 277,321 metric tonnes of crude oil to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) refinery at Paradip. Officials described the arrival as a step that further strengthens the port’s role as a key gateway for India’s energy imports.
Adding to the development, another VLCC, Felicity, also carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Iranian crude, is currently anchored near Sikka, taking the total recent inflow to about 4 million barrels.
While it remains unclear which refiners have procured the cargoes, industry sources note that IOCL operates the Paradip refinery, while Reliance Industries Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited receive crude at Sikka.
The resumption of Iranian oil supplies comes at a time of heightened global energy volatility and reflects shifting trade dynamics, as countries seek to secure stable crude sources amid geopolitical uncertainties.
14, Apr 2026
Inflation Edges Up to 3.4%, Middle East Conflict and Weak Monsoon Pose Risks
New Delhi, Apr 14 (BNP): India’s retail inflation rose modestly to 3.4 per cent in March, marking its highest level since January, according to official data released on Monday.
Despite the increase, inflation remains below the 4 per cent target set by the Reserve Bank of India, indicating that price levels are still within the central bank’s comfort zone.
However, concerns are mounting over potential upward pressure on inflation in the coming months. A prolonged conflict in the Middle East could push global crude oil prices higher, posing a significant risk for India, which imports nearly 90 per cent of its oil requirements.
Additionally, forecasts of below-average monsoon rainfall—possibly the first such instance in three years—have raised apprehensions about agricultural output and food prices.
Economists caution that the combined impact of global geopolitical tensions and domestic weather uncertainties may lead to an increase in the cost of living, prompting policymakers to remain vigilant and responsive to emerging inflationary trends.
14, Apr 2026
Income Tax Collection in Odisha Hits INR 18,500 Crore; Filers Drop to 15 Lakh
Bhubaneswar, Apr 14 (BNP): Odisha recorded a net income tax collection of around ₹18,500 crore in the financial year 2025–26, according to official data shared by the Income Tax Department.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The number of income tax return filers in the state declined to nearly 15 lakh in FY25–26, compared to about 16.7 lakh in the previous financial year. The drop of around 1.7 lakh taxpayers is attributed to the increase in the income tax exemption limit announced in the Union Budget, which reduced the number of individuals required to file returns.
The information was shared during a press briefing held after the assumption of office by Odisha’s new Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Dr. D. Sudhakar Rao.
Officials also noted that Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) emerged as the highest corporate taxpayer in the state, contributing about ₹3,750 crore in taxes during the year.
For FY26–27, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is expected to set a new collection target for the state, with preliminary estimates placing it close to ₹20,000 crore. Authorities expressed confidence in meeting the upcoming target.
