13, Apr 2026
MI Need Balance Beyond Bumrah: Faf du Plessis
Mumbai, ApR 13 (BNP): Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has said that Mumbai Indians need to ease their reliance on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah if they want to achieve greater consistency in the ongoing IPL season.
Mumbai Indians, known for slow starts in past editions, have lost three consecutive matches after winning their opening game of the tournament.
In their most recent outing on Sunday night, the team conceded 240 runs, exposing bowling weaknesses and putting additional pressure on key performers.
Du Plessis noted that while Bumrah remains a match-winner, over-dependence on a single bowler could hurt the team’s overall balance and performance in a long tournament.
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- By Neel Achary
13, Apr 2026
Mobile Makers Push for Extension of PLI Scheme to Sustain Growth
New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): India’s mobile phone manufacturing sector is expanding at a fast pace, with the country now accounting for nearly 15% of global mobile phone production, according to industry estimates.
The growth has been significantly driven by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to boost domestic manufacturing and attract global electronics companies.
However, the scheme officially ended on March 31, prompting mobile phone manufacturers to seek an extension until 2031 to sustain the current growth momentum. Industry representatives have held discussions with the Ministry of Electronics and IT regarding the proposal.
Stakeholders believe that extending the PLI programme could help India increase its share in global mobile production to 30–35% in the coming years. They also project that total mobile phone manufacturing in the country could rise to $110–130 billion, with exports expected to reach $55–70 billion.
Currently, India’s mobile phone production is valued at around $64 billion annually, positioning the country as a key global manufacturing hub in the electronics sector.
Experts say continued policy support will be crucial for maintaining investment inflows and strengthening India’s position in global supply chains.
13, Apr 2026
Foreign Investors Continue Heavy Sell-Off in Indian Markets Amid Global Uncertainty
New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have continued their aggressive selling in Indian equities, pulling out around ₹48,213 crore (about $5.14 billion) during the first 10 days of April, according to market data.
The sustained outflow is being driven by rising geopolitical tensions and broader global economic uncertainty, which have reduced investor appetite for riskier assets like emerging market equities.
This follows a massive withdrawal of ₹1.17 lakh crore in March, marking the steepest monthly outflow on record. In contrast, February had seen strong inflows of ₹22,615 crore, the highest in 17 months, indicating a sharp shift in investor sentiment.
Market experts say the volatility highlights the sensitivity of foreign capital flows to global developments, with investors quickly adjusting positions based on changing risk conditions.
13, Apr 2026
India’s Rural Economy Faces Pressure from Monsoon and Cost Rise: Report
New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): India’s rural economy could face significant headwinds in 2026 due to the combined impact of a possible monsoon shortfall and increasing agricultural input costs, according to a recent report.
The study warns that uneven rainfall patterns may affect crop output, while higher prices of seeds, fertilizers, and other farming essentials could further strain farm incomes.
It notes that the twin challenges may weigh on rural demand and overall economic activity, especially in regions heavily dependent on agriculture.
However, the report also suggests that timely policy support, improved irrigation systems, and stable input supply chains could help cushion the impact on farmers and rural households.
13, Apr 2026
Krunal Pandya Highlights Shift in IPL Batting Approach
New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Indian cricketer Krunal Pandya has said that batting in the Indian Premier League has evolved significantly due to the introduction of the Impact Player rule, which has reshaped team strategies and match dynamics.
Reflecting on the changing nature of the game, he noted that batting in earlier seasons required a different mindset, whereas the current format encourages more aggressive and flexible approaches throughout the innings.
Pandya highlighted that the rule has given teams greater tactical depth, allowing them to adjust their line-ups based on match situations and conditions, which in turn has influenced how batters approach their innings.
He added that modern IPL cricket has become more fast-paced, with players adapting quickly to evolving strategies and expectations.
13, Apr 2026
Row Over Paddy Incentives: Sitharaman Rejects Stalin’s Claim
New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday dismissed allegations made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin regarding paddy cultivation incentives, calling them “factually baseless” and a “deliberate distortion.”
Pic Credit: Pexel
Responding to the remarks, she clarified in a post on X that the Centre had not directed states to stop incentives for farmers. Instead, she said the suggestion was aimed at encouraging states to align their bonus and support policies with broader national agricultural priorities.
These priorities, she noted, include promoting crop diversification and strengthening self-sufficiency in key crops such as pulses, rather than continuing excessive focus on a single crop.
The exchange comes amid ongoing political debate over agricultural policy and Centre–State coordination in farmer support measures.
13, Apr 2026
Govt Eases Wheat Export Curbs to Boost Shipments
New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): The Government of India has lifted restrictions on wheat exports after a gap of four years, opening the door for increased international demand as several countries line up to purchase Indian wheat.
Pic Credit: Pexel
Countries including Egypt, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh have shown strong interest in importing wheat from India. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is expected to soon issue export quotas to facilitate shipments.
Officials and trade experts believe geopolitical uncertainties, along with adequate domestic stocks, are supporting export opportunities this year. India had earlier allowed limited exports, including around 2.5 million tonnes of grain and an additional 0.5 million tonnes of processed wheat in February.
Export prices to Bangladesh are estimated at around $275–$280 per tonne, which traders say remains competitive and profitable even after including freight costs.
India’s wheat production has remained strong, supported by record output and sufficient government reserves. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) currently holds about 22 million tonnes of wheat, well above the buffer requirement of 7.46 million tonnes, helping maintain stability in domestic markets where average prices stand at around ₹30.81 per kg.
For the 2025–26 season, wheat production is projected to rise to around 120 million tonnes, according to the Agriculture Ministry, aided by expanded cultivation area. However, officials have noted that unseasonal rains have caused some crop damage, particularly affecting wheat quality in certain regions.
Despite these challenges, India remains the world’s second-largest wheat exporter after China, and the government is targeting procurement of 30 million tonnes this year from key producing states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
The move is expected to strengthen India’s position in global grain markets while ensuring adequate domestic supply remains stable.
13, Apr 2026
AmpliNxt Foundation launches NEXACON 100 to accelerate market-ready innovation in AECO sector
Pune, Apr 13: AmpliNxt Foundation, backed by the legacy of SoftTech Engineers Ltd, has launched NEXACON 100 – Market Readiness Cohort, a focused initiative aimed at enabling startups in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) sector to transition from innovation to real-world deployment.
The inaugural cohort comprises 10 startups: Shegruh, PredictTec AI, Real Horizons, SafetyCloudAI, Prancevia, Propenize, SITEPACE.ai, Cobotiks, Vividobots, and BUILDINREALITY working across construction technology, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. The programme is designed as an intensive 100-day journey centred on execution, market alignment, and scalable growth.
The launch was attended by Dr. Shrikant Patil, Chief Executive Officer of Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), Government of Maharashtra, as Special Guest.
Drawing on over three decades of experience in digitising the AEC ecosystem, SoftTech Engineers Ltd has played a pivotal role in enabling technology-led transformation across urban infrastructure. Building on this foundation, NEXACON 100 is positioned as a deployment-first accelerator, addressing a key gap where innovation often remains confined to pilots without achieving real-world scale.
Speaking at the launch, Vijay Gupta, Founder & CEO of SoftTech Engineers Ltd and Director at AmpliNxt Foundation, said,
“The AEC sector remains complex and deeply trust-driven. Startups need patience, strong ecosystem understanding, and a focus on solving real on-ground challenges. With AI shaping the future, bridging the gap between innovation and execution is more critical than ever.”
Dr. Shrikant Patil noted that India’s startup ecosystem is entering a phase of expanding opportunity, supported by initiatives such as CM Maha Funds and growing infrastructure development across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, enabling startups to scale faster and build impactful solutions.
Madhav Bhisa, Program Director at NASSCOM, highlighted the importance of market readiness in today’s ecosystem, noting that structured programmes play a crucial role in helping startups transition from innovation to real-world adoption, particularly as AI unlocks new possibilities across industries.
Jay Dhadhal, investor, emphasised that execution and clarity of market fit remain the defining factors for startup success, adding that programmes like NEXACON 100 are instrumental in building scalable and investment-ready businesses.
The launch also witnessed participation from leading investment partners, including Ankur Capital, Kalpataru, Y Point, MU Ventures, and Indian Angel Network, reflecting strong investor confidence and growing alignment between startups and capital in driving scalable innovation.
Closing the announcement, Varsharani Bhagatpatil, Head of AmpliNxt Foundation, said:
“The shift today is clear success is no longer defined by pilots, but by what scales on the ground. In AECO, innovation has often remained confined to PoCs with limited adoption pathways. NEXACON 100 is designed to enable startups that are ready for market integration and connect them with the right industry, government, and capital ecosystem to drive real impact.”
With a strong focus on areas such as construction technology, proptech, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and sustainability, NEXACON 100 aims to build a pipeline of startups capable of delivering practical, scalable, and industry-integrated solutions for the AECO ecosystem.
13, Apr 2026
India Marks Siachen Day, Pays Tribute to Operation Meghdoot Soldiers
New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force on Monday observed Siachen Day, honouring the courage and sacrifice of soldiers who have served in the world’s highest and one of the toughest battlefields.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The day also marked 42 years since the launch of Operation Meghdoot, which secured India’s position on the strategically important Siachen Glacier.
Both forces paid tribute to the unwavering commitment of personnel deployed in extreme weather conditions, where temperatures often drop far below freezing and survival itself is a challenge.
Officials highlighted the dedication of troops who continue to safeguard the region, calling their service a symbol of extraordinary bravery and resilience.
13, Apr 2026
Rohit Sharma Hits 6000 IPL Runs for Mumbai Indians
New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma has achieved a major milestone in the Indian Premier League, completing 6000 runs while playing for Mumbai Indians.
The veteran batter reached the landmark during a recent IPL match, further strengthening his status as one of the most consistent performers in the tournament’s history. Known for his elegant stroke play and leadership, Rohit has been a key figure in Mumbai Indians’ success over the years.
The achievement adds another chapter to his impressive IPL career, where he has remained one of the league’s most influential and dependable players.
Fans and cricket experts have widely celebrated the milestone, highlighting his longevity and impact in the tournament.
