10, Apr 2026
Aparajita Sarangi Pushes for Revival of Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project
Bhubaneswar, Apr 10 (BNP): In a formal appeal to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, MP Aparajita Sarangi has urged the state government to reconsider the decision to halt the proposed Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project, stressing its importance for the city’s long-term urban development.
Highlighting the rapid pace of population growth and urbanisation in Bhubaneswar, Sarangi said the city’s existing transport system is already under severe strain, leading to increasing traffic congestion in the capital and nearby areas. She noted that a metro rail network would provide a safer, faster, and more reliable public transport option for all sections of society, including women, senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities.
She described the metro project as more than just a transport initiative, calling it a long-term investment in sustainable urban infrastructure and planned city growth.
On the economic front, the MP said the project could generate significant employment opportunities and attract fresh investments into the region. Improved connectivity to key cultural and religious landmarks such as the Lingaraj Temple, Dhauli, and ISKCON Temple Bhubaneswar, she added, could also give a strong boost to tourism and enhance the city’s profile as a modern urban centre.
Raising financial concerns, Sarangi pointed out that around ₹274 crore has already been spent on the project. She warned that stopping work at this stage could lead to a waste of public money and potentially increase costs if the project is restarted in the future.
She further emphasised that metro systems are long-term infrastructure assets that may not deliver immediate financial returns but provide substantial social and economic benefits over time.
Concluding her appeal, Sarangi urged the state government to consider public interest and long-term gains, and expressed willingness to work with the Centre to explore additional funding and support for the project.
The proposal to halt the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project has triggered fresh debate over urban mobility priorities and infrastructure planning in the state.
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- By Neel Achary
10, Apr 2026
Shaktikanta Das: Businesses Must Focus on Future Readiness
New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): At a time of “unprecedented volatility” in the global economy, Shaktikanta Das, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, has called on Indian industry to focus on safeguarding jobs, strengthening balance sheets, and making strategic investments to stay prepared for future challenges.
Speaking at the All-India Management Association National Leadership Conclave in New Delhi, where he was also conferred the Public Service Excellence Award, he delivered a keynote address titled “Turning Turbulence into Triumph: India’s Journey Through Crises.”
He said businesses must prioritise building organisational resilience, redesigning supply chains, and reducing overdependence on vulnerable networks. Companies—especially exporters—should also diversify into new markets and invest in skilling their workforce to improve adaptability.
“These measures are essential for ensuring long-term sustainability and enabling future growth for Indian industry,” he noted.
His remarks come amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have begun affecting global supply chains and pushing up input costs for Indian manufacturers. Crude oil prices have also surged sharply, adding inflationary pressure on businesses.
Recent data from S&P Global shows that manufacturing input costs have risen at their fastest pace in nearly four years, while new orders have slowed to their weakest level since mid-2022.
Against this backdrop, he underlined the importance of energy security, self-reliance, and diversification as key pillars for sustaining India’s economic momentum in an uncertain global environment.
10, Apr 2026
Cabinet Approves Key Bills to Implement Women’s Reservation and Expand Legislatures
New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): In a significant push towards expanding women’s representation in politics, the Union Cabinet has approved key proposals to accelerate the implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
The move involves amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam along with a new Delimitation Bill. The aim is to bypass delays linked to the next Census by using data from the 2011 Census, allowing the reservation policy to be rolled out sooner.
According to sources, the government is planning a series of legislative steps to delink the reservation from the pending Census exercise, which had earlier been a key condition for its implementation.
The Cabinet has also cleared a proposal to expand the size of legislative bodies. The Delimitation Bill is expected to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by around 50%, a move aimed at better representation as the population grows. A separate law is likely to address similar changes in Union Territories.
If implemented as planned, the expanded Lok Sabha could come into effect by the 2029 general elections, potentially reshaping India’s political landscape with a larger House and a substantial increase in women lawmakers.
This development marks a crucial step toward operationalizing the long-awaited women’s reservation policy, which has remained pending for years despite broad political consensus.
10, Apr 2026
Blue Star unveils a comprehensive new range of Unitary Cooling products to drive next phase of growth
Apr 10: Blue Star Limited has announced the launch of its new range of Room Air Conditioners for Summer 2026, further strengthening the Company’s presence in India’s residential and commercial cooling segments. The comprehensive portfolio comprises 125 models of Room Air Conditioners, including a flagship premium range, catering to a wide spectrum of customer requirements and usage environments. All models comply with the new Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) standards that came into effect on January 1, 2026. The expanded lineup has been strategically developed to address the growing demand for energy-efficient, high-performance cooling solutions across diverse applications.
India’s room AC industry is witnessing sustained structural growth, supported by rising affluence, rapid urbanisation, and increasing climate intensity. The category is projected to expand from approximately 14 million units to 30 million units by FY30, driven by strong first-time adoption in low-penetration markets as well as replacement demand in more mature urban centres. Tier 3, 4 and 5 markets are emerging as key growth engines, outpacing Tier 1 and 2 cities, albeit on a smaller base.
The comprehensive portfolio includes inverter, fixed-speed, and window air conditioners, catering to diverse customer segments across multiple price points. A key highlight is the launch of ‘Iconia’, a premium range in an elegant Midnight Silver finish, designed to appeal to discerning consumers.
The Company has launched a formidable range of flagship models, including ‘Super Energy-Efficient ACs’, ‘Heavy-Duty ACs’, ‘Hot & Cold ACs’ and ‘ACs with Anti-Virus Technology’.
Blue Star’s ‘Super Energy-Efficient ACs’ feature a unique Dynamic Drive Technology to achieve enhanced energy efficiency with optimised cooling by delivering high airflow volumes. As a result, the 1TR inverter split ACs achieve an ISEER of 6.25, making it 45% more energy efficient than a 3 star inverter AC.
The ‘Heavy-Duty ACs’ range is built with superior specifications and delivers exceptional cooling power and comfort, even in scorching heat of up to 56°C. Featuring a robust air throw of up to 55 feet, the ACs maintain full cooling capacity even at 43°C, ensuring optimal performance in extreme conditions.
The Company’s ‘Hot & Cold ACs’ are engineered to provide year-round comfort across diverse climates. Blue Star offers a specialised model that operates at ambient temperatures as low as -15°C, ideal for extreme winter markets like Srinagar, along with models designed to perform efficiently down to -5°C for regions experiencing harsh winters.
The range of ‘Anti-Virus Technology ACs’ enhances indoor air quality by filtering harmful microbes and particulate matter. These units can also operate in air purification mode, offering added protection, particularly during the winter season.
Nearly 50 models are Smart WiFi enabled, offering features such as AI-driven adaptive cooling, customised sleep modes, voice command technology and energy management features. The range also incorporates advanced multi-layer filtration systems to enhance indoor air quality, along with convertible cooling modes, self clean and defrost clean technology, DigiQ Octa Sensors, and Nano BluProtect technology for superior anti-corrosion protection.
The Company offers a lifetime warranty on the inverter compressor, a five-year warranty on PCBs, and attractive financing options to enhance affordability and accessibility.
Expanding Manufacturing Footprint
To support the growth of its Room Air Conditioners business, Blue Star has strengthened its manufacturing footprint across multiple facilities. The Company’s current production capacity is approximately 1.4 million units, scalable to 1.8 million units to meet rising demand. Blue Star operates a state-of-the-art plant at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, along with two plants in Himachal Pradesh, all dedicated to room AC production. These facilities feature advanced automation technologies, including modern assembly lines and automated material handling systems, complemented by IoT integration and digitalisation initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability.
Sustainable Technologies and R&D Infrastructure
Blue Star continues to strengthen its advanced R&D infrastructure, backed by accredited testing laboratories and dedicated product development facilities. The Company is integrating eco-friendly refrigerants and energy-efficient systems across its portfolio in line with evolving environmental standards. Through sustained investments in innovation, IoT integration, and digitalisation, Blue Star aims to deliver technologically advanced and environmentally responsible cooling solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Expanding Distribution and Service Network
Blue Star has established a strong pan-India presence, spanning 900 towns and retailing through more than 10000 outlets across the country. Its Gold Standard Service programme, supported by an extensive service network of over 2100 partners and robust digital platforms, ensures dependable after-sales support.
Comprehensive Range of Commercial Refrigeration Solutions
As part of the Unitary Cooling products portfolio, Blue Star also offers an extensive range of commercial refrigeration products designed to meet diverse industry requirements. The portfolio includes deep freezers, storage water coolers, bottled water dispensers, visi coolers and freezers, cold rooms, supermarket refrigeration systems, kitchen refrigeration equipment and healthcare refrigeration products such as ultra-low temperature freezers and vaccine transporters. Together, these solutions cater to a wide range of sectors, including Horticulture, Floriculture, Banana Ripening, Dairy, Ice Cream, Poultry, Processed Foods, Quick Service Restaurants, HoReCa, Sericulture, Marine, Pharmaceuticals, and Healthcare.
The commercial refrigeration business is witnessing strong structural momentum, driven by the growth in out-of-home consumption, expansion of food retail and quick commerce, and the increasing need for reliable temperature-controlled storage and logistics solutions. Rising disposable incomes, higher consumption of fresh and frozen foods, and the rapid expansion of modern trade and convenience formats are further supporting segment growth.
Future Prospects
Speaking to the press at a conference held in Kolkata, B Thiagarajan, Managing Director, Blue Star Limited, said, “India’s cooling demand is at an inflection point, supported by favourable demographics and structural shifts in consumption. Nearly 150 million households in India are expected to be able to afford air conditioners in the future, indicating significant headroom for penetration. The new range of Unitary Cooling products, including a comprehensive portfolio of commercial refrigeration solutions, further strengthens our ability to capitalise on the growing opportunities and expand our presence across both residential and commercial segments. By aligning our product strategy with key structural shifts, from first-time AC adoption to evolving refrigeration needs, Blue Star is well positioned to lead in the next phase of cooling demand.”
Place: Kolkata
Date: April 9th, 2026
10, Apr 2026
Harivansh Renominated to Rajya Sabha by President Murmu
New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): Droupadi Murmu has nominated Harivansh Narayan Singh to the Rajya Sabha, marking his return to the Upper House shortly after his previous term came to an end.
Harivansh’s earlier tenure in the Rajya Sabha concluded on April 9. His fresh nomination fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Ranjan Gogoi, who had been serving as a nominated member.
A seasoned parliamentarian and current Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh is widely regarded for his experience in legislative proceedings and parliamentary affairs. His re-entry is expected to bring continuity and stability to the functioning of the House.
The move also underscores the importance of experienced voices in the Upper House, especially at a time when legislative debates continue to play a crucial role in shaping policy and governance.
10, Apr 2026
Godrej Properties Hits Record Sales, Emerges as Real Estate Leader
New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): Godrej Properties Ltd has reported a strong performance for the last financial year, with its pre-sales rising 16% to a record ₹34,171 crore, driven by robust demand for housing projects across key markets.
The company not only surpassed its own target of ₹32,500 crore but also strengthened its position in the sector. With this growth, it is on track to become the largest listed real estate developer in India in terms of sales bookings during FY26.
The impressive numbers reflect sustained buyer interest, especially in urban housing, as well as the company’s focus on launching well-located, high-demand residential projects. Its ability to consistently deliver and maintain brand trust has also played a key role in attracting homebuyers.
This milestone highlights how Godrej Properties is scaling up rapidly in India’s competitive real estate market, combining strong execution with favorable housing demand to cement its leadership position.
10, Apr 2026
ADB Projects Steady Growth for India, Warns of Global Risks
New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected that India’s economy will continue to grow at a healthy pace, estimating GDP growth at 6.9% for the current financial year and 7.3% for the next.
Pic Credit: Pexel
The outlook is supported by strong domestic demand, improving financial conditions, and relatively lower US tariffs on Indian goods. These factors are expected to help sustain momentum despite global uncertainties.
At the same time, the ADB has flagged potential risks. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East could impact India’s economy by driving up energy prices, disrupting trade, and affecting remittance flows from the region.
Overall, the report reflects confidence in India’s growth story, while highlighting the need to stay alert to external challenges.
10, Apr 2026
Rising Global Concerns Over Potential War and Nuclear Threat
Fears rise over a possible major war and nuclear threat following predictions attributed to “China’s Nostradamus.”
Chaina, Apr 10(BNP): Growing fears have emerged worldwide over the possibility of a major conflict and potential nuclear escalation, following recent predictions attributed to so-called “China’s Nostradamus.” The forecasts, which have gained traction across social media and online platforms, have sparked widespread speculation and anxiety among the public.
While such predictions remain unverified and speculative in nature, they have reignited discussions around global security, geopolitical tensions, and the risks associated with modern warfare. Experts have urged caution, emphasizing the importance of relying on credible sources and official statements rather than unsubstantiated claims.
Authorities and analysts continue to monitor international developments closely, while calling for calm and responsible dissemination of information to prevent unnecessary panic.
10, Apr 2026
Rupee Edges Higher in Early Trade Amid Global Uncertainty
Mumbai, Apr 10 (BNP): The Indian rupee opened on a slightly stronger note on Friday, gaining 10 paise against the US dollar in early trade, even as global tensions continue to weigh on market sentiment.
The currency rose to 92.41 per dollar after opening at 92.58 in the interbank foreign exchange market, marking a modest recovery from its previous close.
However, traders remain cautious. Ongoing geopolitical concerns, particularly tensions involving the United States and Iran, are expected to keep the rupee volatile during the day.
Market participants are also closely watching a key regulatory deadline from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which requires banks to scale back their overnight dollar positions to USD 100 million. The move is likely to trigger increased trading activity and short-term fluctuations in the currency.
While the rupee has shown some early strength, experts believe that a mix of global risks and domestic policy factors could lead to unpredictable movements in the near term.
10, Apr 2026
Nidec Appoints Michael Briggs as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Business Units to Lead the Next Phase of Transformation and Growth
St. Louis, MO – Apr 10 – Nidec, a global leader in electric motors, drives, and controls powering critical industries worldwide, announced the appointment of Michael Briggs as Chairman of the Motion & Energy Business Unit and Chief Executive Officer of the Appliance & Automotive Division, effective April 1, 2026. In this role, he will oversee a global portfolio of businesses, focused on deepening customer relationships, driving performance, and advancing the company’s next phase of transformation and growth.
Michael steps into the role at a pivotal moment for Nidec, as the company continues to solidify its operating foundation, enhance governance, and position the business for long-term, sustainable growth. His appointment reflects Nidec’s commitment to disciplined execution, transparency, and the delivery of high-quality, reliable products and solutions that power critical industries worldwide.
“We are enhancing our governance framework and global management structure to reinforce accountability, improve operational discipline, and support long-term performance,” said Mitsuya Kishida, Representative Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Nidec. “Michael’s experience across commercial and operational strategy, combined with leading large-scale business integration, will be critical as Nidec continues to strengthen its culture and build a more resilient organization.”
Michael has been a highly impactful member of Nidec’s Executive Leadership Team, most recently serving as President of the Nidec Motion & Energy business. Prior to this role, he served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Nidec Appliance Commercial and Industrial Motor Business, and as President of Nidec Control Techniques, where he successfully led the integration of complex global operations, enabling greater alignment and agility in response to evolving industry demands.
“I’m honored to take on this role at such a defining moment,” said Michael Briggs. “Nidec is built on innovation and the strength of its people. As we move forward, our focus is to execute with excellence, strengthen trust with our customers and partners, and continue advancing the capabilities that will shape the future of Nidec.”
Nidec is a leading manufacturing organization, with deep technical expertise and a proven ability to deliver at scale. At the core of its transformation are Nidec’s people who bring a relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and customer success. The company continues to invest in its people and capabilities to deliver excellence, every day, everywhere.
