17, Apr 2026
India Replaces China in US Smartphone Supply
Apr 17 (BNP): India has significantly strengthened its position in the US smartphone supply chain, capturing around 40 per cent share and emerging as a major manufacturing hub, according to a recent report.
The shift reflects a broader realignment in global supply chains, with companies diversifying production away from China and increasingly turning to India for manufacturing and exports.
The report highlighted that India’s growing role is supported by government initiatives, improved infrastructure, and rising investments in electronics manufacturing.
This transition marks a notable change in global sourcing strategies, as companies seek more resilient and diversified supply chains amid geopolitical and economic considerations.
Industry experts believe that India’s expanding manufacturing ecosystem and policy support will continue to drive its growth as a preferred destination for smartphone production and exports.
- 0
- By Neel Achary
17, Apr 2026
Global Tech Industry Continues Workforce Restructuring in 2026 as AI Transformation Accelerates
Apr 17 (BNP): The global technology industry is undergoing a continued phase of workforce restructuring in 2026, with more than 95,000 employees impacted across 241 companies as of mid-April. This trend follows a significant wave of layoffs in 2025, during which over 245,000 workers were affected across the sector.
The ongoing workforce adjustments reflect a broader transformation within the industry, as companies shift focus toward artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and automation-driven operations. This transition is prompting organizations to realign talent strategies, reduce excess capacity from previous expansion cycles, and prioritize efficiency and profitability.
Major technology firms across software, hardware, and IT services have implemented restructuring measures, impacting a wide range of roles. The increasing integration of AI technologies is also contributing to job consolidation, enabling companies to operate with leaner teams.
Regionally, the effects are most visible in global technology hubs such as the United States, while markets like India are also experiencing shifts, particularly within IT services and Global Capability Centres (GCCs), as companies adapt to evolving global demand.
Despite the current wave of layoffs, industry analysts view this period as a structural transition, with long-term growth expected to be driven by innovation, digital transformation, and the expanding role of AI in business operations.
17, Apr 2026
Mobilla Signs Shivam Dube for Brand Endorsement
Apr 17 (BNP): Mobilla, a mobile accessories and power solutions brand in India, has announced Indian cricketer Shivam Dube as its new brand ambassador.
The company said the association comes at a significant moment following India’s recent cricket success and reflects shared values of performance, resilience, and ambition.
Founded in 2010, Mobilla stated that it is preparing for its next phase of growth and aims to strengthen its presence across India’s offline and retail markets through this partnership.
The collaboration is intended to help the brand connect with younger consumers and reinforce its positioning in the competitive mobile accessories segment.
Mobilla Co-Founder Jignesh Shah said the brand focuses on building reliable products designed for important everyday moments, and noted that Shivam Dube represents a similar spirit of consistency and performance.
17, Apr 2026
10 Indian AI Startups Chosen for IndiaAI Global Expansion Initiative
Apr 17 (BNP): The IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has selected 10 Indian artificial intelligence startups for the second cohort of its global acceleration programme. The initiative is designed to support Indian AI companies in scaling their operations internationally and strengthening their presence in global technology markets.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with Station F in Paris and HEC Paris as part of a broader government strategy to boost innovation, international collaboration, and market access for Indian startups in the artificial intelligence sector.
Selected startups will receive structured support including mentorship, access to global industry networks, and exposure to international innovation ecosystems. Each cohort consists of 10 startups chosen through a multi-stage evaluation process focused on innovation potential and scalability.
The startups selected in the second cohort include AI Health Highway, Awiros, Cognecto, Flaunt, GreenFi.ai, Climateforce Technologies, Infiheal Healthtech, InLustro Learning, PredCo, SkyServe (Hyspace Technologies), and TestAIng Solutions.
The programme will begin with a three-week online preparatory phase, followed by a three-month residency in Paris. During this period, participants will engage with global experts, industry leaders, and venture ecosystem stakeholders to support their international expansion plans.
The initiative aligns with India’s National AI Strategy, which emphasizes building global partnerships, enhancing research and development capacity, and integrating Indian startups into leading technology ecosystems worldwide.
Officials also noted that under the wider IndiaAI Mission, significant computing infrastructure has been developed, including large-scale GPU deployment and approval of multiple AI projects, while parallel semiconductor initiatives continue under the Semicon India Programme to strengthen domestic chip manufacturing capabilities.
17, Apr 2026
Herbalife India and IIT Madras Sign Agreement to Establish Centre of Excellence
Apr 17 (BNP): Herbalife International India Private Limited and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have entered into a partnership to set up a Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology at IIT Madras Research Park.
The centre will focus on advanced research in plant cell fermentation, a biotechnology process used to grow plant cells in controlled environments to produce useful compounds such as herbal ingredients and bioactive substances.
The initiative aims to:
- Promote research in plant-based biotechnology and fermentation science
- Support development of scalable and sustainable production methods
- Encourage collaboration between academia and industry
- Provide training and innovation opportunities in bio-manufacturing
This facility is intended to strengthen translational research, helping move scientific discoveries from the lab toward practical applications in health, nutrition, and wellness industries.
17, Apr 2026
Apple Expands Sustainability Push in 2025
Apr 17 (BNP): US tech giant Apple Inc. has reported a major expansion in its sustainability efforts, saying that a record 30% of all materials used in products shipped in 2025 came from recycled sources.
In its latest statement, the Cupertino-based company said it has eliminated plastic from product packaging and now uses 100% recycled cobalt in Apple-designed batteries. It also confirmed the use of fully recycled rare earth elements in all magnets across its devices.
Apple said its products are now shipped in fibre-based packaging designed for easy household recycling, marking a significant shift away from plastic-based materials.
The company also reported a more than 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 compared to 2015 levels, with emissions remaining stable from 2024 despite strong business growth.
Highlighting progress across multiple sustainability areas, Apple pointed to improvements in renewable energy use, recycling systems, water conservation, and zero-waste initiatives.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company remains committed to environmental responsibility, adding that its sustainability goals are also driving innovation across its product ecosystem.
The company further stated that Apple-designed circuit boards now use 100% recycled gold plating and tin soldering, and it has avoided more than 15,000 metric tons of plastic over the past five years through packaging redesign.
Over the last decade, Apple engineers have replaced several plastic components in packaging with recycled or responsibly sourced paper alternatives, including screen protectors and trays.
The company also noted an increase in iPhone production in India, reflecting its ongoing effort to diversify manufacturing locations.
17, Apr 2026
Wipro Stock Drops After Profit Decline and Soft Future Guidance
New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): Shares of IT major Wipro slipped in early trade on Friday, falling nearly 4% after the company reported a marginal decline in quarterly earnings and issued a subdued outlook.
The stock was under pressure following the company’s March quarter results for FY26, where net profit stood at ₹3,501.8 crore, marking a 1.89% drop compared to the same period last year. Investors also reacted negatively to the firm’s muted guidance for the coming quarters.
In morning trade, the stock declined 3.61% to ₹202.60 on the BSE, while on the NSE it fell 3.69% to ₹202.
Market participants said the reaction reflected concerns over near-term demand visibility in the IT sector, with investors remaining cautious amid global macroeconomic uncertainty and selective client spending.
Despite the fall, analysts note that broader sector trends will continue to depend on deal pipeline strength and discretionary IT spending recovery in key markets.
16, Apr 2026
DuploCloud Strengthens Enterprise Trust Position with SOC 2 Type II and ISO/IEC 42001 Milestones
Certifications reinforce the company’s commitment to secure cloud operations and responsible AI management
SAN JOSE, Calif. – April 16, 2026 – DuploCloud, the industry pioneer for DevOps automation and built-in compliance, today announced that it has successfully completed its SOC 2 Type II compliance in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) standards for SOC for Service Organizations, also known as SSAE 18, and achieved ISO/IEC 42001 certification. These attributions will further strengthen the company’s foundation for enterprise security, governance, and responsible AI management.
These milestones reflect DuploCloud’s continued investment in the controls, processes, and management systems that enterprise customers increasingly expect as they evaluate cloud infrastructure platforms and AI-enabled operational technologies.
“Enterprises are moving quickly to modernize infrastructure and adopt AI, but they also need confidence that these systems are being built and managed responsibly,” said Venkat Thiruvengadam, Founder and CEO of DuploCloud. “Completing our SOC 2 Type II examination and achieving ISO/IEC 42001 certification are important milestones for DuploCloud and for the customers who rely on us to help them operate securely, stay compliant, and scale with confidence.”
A SOC 2 Type II examination evaluates the design and operating effectiveness of controls relevant to security and other Trust Services Criteria over a defined period. ISO/IEC 42001 is an international standard for AI management systems that helps organizations establish a structured approach to governing AI responsibly.
Together, these milestones support DuploCloud’s broader mission to help organizations streamline cloud operations while maintaining strong security, compliance, and governance standards. They also reinforce the company’s position as enterprises increasingly look for partners that can support both infrastructure automation and responsible AI adoption.
DuploCloud’s platform helps teams automate cloud operations, accelerate deployment, and manage compliance across complex environments. The company’s growing AI capabilities are designed to help engineering and operations teams move faster while maintaining visibility, control, and accountability.
16, Apr 2026
Pinky Promise Opens First Physical Clinic in Mumbai, Expands Hybrid Women’s Healthcare Model
Mumbai, Apr 16(BNP): Pinky Promise, an AI-enabled women’s healthcare platform, has launched its first physical clinic in Mumbai, expanding its digital-first model into in-person care.
The company, which has served over 4 lakh women across India through its mobile platform, aims to combine online consultations with physical healthcare services for a more seamless experience.
The clinic has been designed as a women-focused, empathetic care space, prioritising comfort, privacy, and a non-intimidating environment.
The company said the initiative reflects its goal of making women’s healthcare more accessible, supportive, and patient-friendly across both digital and physical channels.
16, Apr 2026
Indian Railways Records Sharp Safety Gains, Accidents Fall 89 pc in 10 Years
Apr 16 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the significant transformation of Indian Railways, noting that sustained reforms and technology-led upgrades have strengthened the system and improved safety standards.
Sharing an article by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Prime Minister emphasized that safety has remained a core priority, supported by policy changes, modern technology adoption, and consistent funding over the past decade.
According to the article, Indian Railways has undergone a major safety overhaul since 2014–15. Train accidents have declined from 135 incidents in 2014–15 to 16 in 2025–26, marking an 89% reduction, even as passenger traffic and train operations have increased significantly.
The consequential accident index, which measures accidents per unit of train running distance, has also improved sharply—from 0.11 to 0.01—reflecting a much safer operational system.
Fatalities have similarly reduced over the period, with rail accident-related deaths falling from 292 in 2014–15 to 16 in 2025–26.
The government said the improvements reflect a broader shift toward a technology-driven safety ecosystem aimed at enhancing reliability and public trust in one of the world’s largest railway networks.
