2, Apr 2026
IMS Noida Signs MoU with Indo Icelandic Business Association to Expand Global Learning Opportunities
New Delhi, Mar 02: In a step towards strengthening international academic collaboration and industry engagement, IMS Noida has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo Icelandic Business Association (IIBA). The partnership aims to create new opportunities for knowledge exchange, global exposure, and skill development for students.
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- By Neel Achary
2, Apr 2026
PM Modi Launches India’s First Fully Digital Census 2027 by Completing Self‑Enumeration
New Delhi, Apr 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed his self‑enumeration, marking the official launch of India’s first fully digital Census 2027. This year’s census introduces a modern approach that allows households to submit their information online before the traditional house‑to‑house surveys begin.
The first phase focuses on collecting detailed information about households and living conditions. Citizens across selected states and Union Territories can now use the digital portal to provide their data, while field enumerators will follow up with in-person visits to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Highlighting the importance of public participation, the Prime Minister emphasized that the self-enumeration facility empowers citizens to contribute directly to this historic exercise. He urged all households to take part and complete their details digitally, ensuring efficient data collection.
Census 2027 represents a significant shift from paper-based methods to a digitally driven system. Officials note that this approach will improve accuracy, reduce manual workload, and accelerate the processing of data. This initiative is one of the largest administrative exercises in the world, covering millions of households nationwide.
The digital census is expected to enhance the quality and timeliness of demographic data, supporting better policy-making, planning, and governance in India for years to come.
2, Apr 2026
CBSE to Introduce Computational Thinking and AI for Classes 3–8 from 2026–27
New Delhi, Apr 2: In a landmark move to prepare students for a technology-driven future, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students in Classes 3 to 8, starting from the 2026–27 academic year.
The initiative aims to equip young learners with critical problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and a foundational understanding of AI concepts. By introducing these subjects early, the board hopes to nurture creativity, analytical thinking, and digital literacy among students.
The curriculum will include age-appropriate modules that help children understand how computers solve problems, interpret data, and make decisions. Teachers will receive comprehensive training and support materials to ensure these concepts are delivered effectively in classrooms.
Education officials believe that integrating computational thinking and AI into school education will not only make students comfortable with digital tools but also foster curiosity and innovation. This step is part of a broader effort to modernize education in India, emphasizing critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and skills for the 21st century.
With this rollout, students across India will gain early exposure to future-ready skills, enabling them to navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence and creativity.
2, Apr 2026
Odia Samaj Tripura Commemorates Utkal Dibas with Cultural Splendor and a Renewed Commitment to Social Impact
Odia Samaj Tripura marked the 90th Utkal Dibas (Odisha Day) alongside the 16th Foundation Anniversary of the Samaj with remarkable enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy at the Muktadhara Auditorium, Agartala. The grand celebration stood as a testament to the enduring cultural ties between Odisha and Tripura, resonating with the patriotic spirit of “Vande Utkal Janani.”
The event was graced by Swami Amartyananda, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, Dhaleswar as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he underscored the significance of spiritual values, ethical living, and collective responsibility as pillars for building a harmonious and resilient society.
Sanjeev Kumar Janjua, Asset Manager of ONGC Tripura, attended as the Guest of Honour. Acknowledging ONGC’s steadfast support since 2011, the Samaj proposed a forward-looking collaboration to channel CSR initiatives into impactful sectors such as healthcare access, digital education, and sustainable livelihood generation particularly focusing on tea garden communities across Tripura.
The event was also graced by the distinguished Odia personalities serving in Tripura like Sarat Kumar Patra, Director of NIT Agartala, Dr. Hemant Kumar Pratihari, Director of NFSU & FSL and others. Dr. Pratihari announced financial assistance to the meritorious tea garden students as a token of inspiration.
The coveted “Priya Odia–2026” award was conferred to Dr. Sarat Kumar Das for his unwavering dedication and outstanding service, symbolizing humility, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to collective progress.
The audience was enthralled by an exceptional cultural performance by a renowned troupe from the Sanskruti Bharati Dance Academy, deputed by the Government of Odisha as well as the family members and children of Odia Samaj showcased their beautiful performances on richness of Odissi, Sambalpuri, and traditional folk dance forms, evoking deep cultural pride.
In a heartening display of unity, members of the Odia community from various tea garden regions across Tripura participated enthusiastically, presenting vibrant folk performances.
The annual souvenir “Chakadola” was ceremoniously released by the distinguished guests during the event. The publication encapsulates literary expressions, cultural reflections, and chronicles the inspiring journey of Odia Samaj Tripura over the years.
The President of Odia Samaj Tripura, Bishnu Charan Pati, and the Secretary, Samir Diabagh, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Tripura for their continued affection and “bhalobasha” towards the Odia community. They emphasized that the cultural and emotional bond between Odisha and Tripura continues to strengthen with each passing year.
The event concluded on a warm and celebratory note with traditional Odia cuisine being served to all participants and guests, further enriching the cultural experience and fostering a spirit of togetherness.
2, Apr 2026
Airtel Reaches 650 Million Customers, Solidifying Global Telco Standing
New Delhi, April 2: Bharti Airtel, the world’s second largest telecom operator by customer base and one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, has achieved another milestone – crossing 650 million customers.
According to GSMA Intelligence, Bharti Airtel is ranked second globally by mobile customer base, with operations spread across India and Africa.
Commenting on this milestone, Gopal Vittal, Executive Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel, said: “Achieving the milestone of 650 million customers to be the second largest operator globally is a great responsibility for us to serve our customers better every day.
This is why we invest in state-of-the-art technologies to not only provide connectivity but to also deliver a safe network.
Our purpose is clear: as we deepen and expand our presence, we will strive to raise the bar on innovation, reliability, and experience so that every customer interaction is an opportunity to earn trust and deliver value connection.”
Airtel’s rank as the second-largest telecom operator by mobile customer base underscores a sustained improvement in its global standing.
The company’s operations span India and Africa, supported by a growing portfolio of digital services and infrastructure capabilities across its markets of operation:
- India
- Serving over 368 million mobile customers, Airtel was the first to launch 5G Plus services, which now anchor a converged ecosystem including Xstream AirFiber (FWA) and an integrated IPTV service. Airtel now serves over 13 million homes with high-speed internet services and over 15 million through our Digital TV offering. This “customer-obsessed” innovation is supported by the world’s first network-based AI spam protection solution.
- Airtel Business offers mission-critical solutions to enterprise customers. These span across Airtel IQ, cybersecurity, SD-WAN, cloud, managed services, and IoT in addition to secure connectivity. These offerings are powered by an expansive network of over 400,000 route kms of subsea fiber and Nxtra’s green data centers, which sustainably support the nation’s rising AI and digital workloads.
- Furthering its digital services, Airtel has recently announced its foray into the NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) space, leveraging its data insights to offer personalized credit and financial products through the Airtel app.
- Airtel Africa
- With a base of over 179 million customers across 14 countries, Airtel Africa provides a vital digital lifeline through integrated mobile voice, high-speed data, and international roaming services. The core of its regional strategy is Airtel Money, a transformative mobile financial platform with over 52 million customers, which drives financial inclusion by providing banking and instant payments to millions of previously unbanked users across the continent.
- Global Space & Connectivity
- Beyond its regional hubs, Airtel is bridging the digital divide through strategic partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb and SpaceX, utilizing a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband to the most remote maritime, aviation, and rural areas.
2, Apr 2026
Duolingo English Test shows Gen Z how to turn passion into profession at Red Bull Moto Jam
New Delhi, Apr 02: The Duolingo English Test (DET) partnered with Red Bull India’s Moto Jam, one of the country’s largest motorsport festivals, for a youth-first integrated campaign designed to engage Gen Z audiences, particularly STEM and engineering students aspiring to study abroad. Held in Greater Noida, Red Bull Moto Jam 2026 brought together around 10,000 fans and featured global motorsport talent, including F1’s only rookie for the 2026 season, Arvid Lindblad. For India’s rapidly growing Formula 1 fanbase, the event represented more than just motorsport, it was a cultural moment and DET positioned itself at the centre of it.
Tara Kapur, Marketing Head, Duolingo English Test said “Red Bull Moto Jam was a defining cultural moment for young India and we wanted DET to play a meaningful role in it. Young people today do not view career paths the way earlier generations did. They are increasingly looking to bring their passions and professions closer together. With India seeing one of the fastest-growing motorsports fandoms in the world, especially among Gen Z, we saw an opportunity to use this campaign to expand how they think about their future within the sport they love. Every element of the campaign was designed to connect with ambitious young Indians, particularly STEM aspirants towards a future abroad. The energy and enthusiasm we saw from students were incredible, and it reaffirmed that this is exactly the space DET should be in.”
The campaign was built on a simple cultural insight: whether it’s a racer pushing limits on the track or a student preparing to move countries, both journeys require determination, preparation and self-belief. This became the foundation of the campaign, positioning DET not just as a test provider but as a brand embedded in ambition and global aspirations. It also introduced students to career pathways in motorsport, highlighting relevant international courses and colleges for those looking to turn their passion into a profession.
From campus classrooms to pit lanes and creator collaborations
Conceptualised by Kulfi Collective, the campaign connected India’s massive base of engineering and STEM students with the world of global motorsport, showing how passion can translate into international careers and positioning the Duolingo English Test as the first step in that journey.
At the heart of the campaign was the nationwide ‘DETermined to Drive’ contest, which invited engineering students to submit their car modification idea in 100 words or less. Amplified through creator collaborations, the contest generated around 1000 entries from students across India, with winners being flown to New Delhi for an all-expenses-paid Red Bull Moto Jam experience, where they not only an up-close look at the engineering and precision behind a racing car but got a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Arvid in person.
DET’s iconic mascot Duo also became a central content engine for the campaign, attending Moto Jam as a creator, gaining garage access and interacting with Arvid Lindblad. One of the most talked-about moments included the Thiccshaw, a custom F1-inspired hybrid rickshaw, developed by the Wrap2Earn team, that blended motorsport culture with a local twist, generating significant social buzz and shareable content. Influencer collaborations with Mahir Malhotra and The Sidepod also amplified the campaign’s reach with niche, but highly targeted audiences. The campaign also extended to campuses through the “Pen to Pitlane” activation at IIT Delhi, where DET set up interactive booths connecting education, global opportunities and motorsport engineering. The campus activation included engagement zones, study abroad information and a Moto Jam ticket giveaway, helping bridge the gap between aspiration and access.
Pourush Turel, Senior Account Director, Kulfi Collective said “Motorsports is fast becoming a strong cultural space for young India, especially among engineering and STEM students. Our focus was to translate that energy into something participative and tangible, while connecting students with real engineering and career pathways. We moved beyond a traditional campaign to create an experience that students could actively engage with from ideation through the contest to experiencing Moto Jam up close. Bringing that journey to life across creators, campus and on-ground at the event helped make the idea both immersive, relevant and positioned DET as a very natural first step in the journey from Indian campus to global education.”
2, Apr 2026
Premium Fuel Prices Surge Amid Global Supply Concerns
Oil marketing companies have increased the prices of premium petrol and diesel from April 1, reflecting the impact of global supply disruptions. The price of IndianOil XP100 petrol has risen by ₹11 per litre, reaching around ₹160 per litre.
Premium diesel has also seen a price hike, with rates increasing marginally from ₹91.49 to ₹92.99 per litre. Despite these revisions, the prices of regular petrol and diesel remain unchanged for now.
Fuel retailers, including Indian Oil Corporation, have attributed the increase to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting crude oil supply, particularly in the Middle East.
The price of commercial LPG has also gone up significantly. A 19-kg cylinder now costs ₹2,078.50 in Delhi after a steep hike of ₹195.50, continuing last month’s upward trend.
Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices also experienced volatility. Although an initial sharp increase was expected, the final revision was moderated following discussions between oil companies and government authorities, limiting the overall impact on the aviation sector.
The latest price adjustments underline how global uncertainties continue to influence domestic fuel markets, potentially adding to cost pressures across transport and commercial sectors.
2, Apr 2026
transcosmos receives approval from METI to renew its DX Certified Business Operator certification
Tokyo, Japan, Apr 2: transcosmos is proud to announce that on April 1, 2026, the company renewed its certification as a DX Certified Business Operator under the certification system administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), following a screening process conducted by the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA).
●DX Certification System – The DX Certification System (no translation available: https://www.ipa.go.jp/digital/dx-nintei/about.html) is Japan’s initiative to certify companies that have developed visions, strategies and systems to achieve digital transformation (DX), and are recognized as DX Ready to drive DX initiatives in accordance with the Digital Governance Code set by METI based on the Act on Facilitation of Information Processing.
– Find out list of DX certified business operators here (no translation available): https://disclosure.dx-portal.ipa.go.jp/p/dxcp/top transcosmos was first certified as a DX Certified Business Operator under the DX Certification System in April 2022. This marks the company’s second successful renewal, following its previous renewal in 2024. transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.
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2, Apr 2026
Weak Budget Planning Leaves Large Funds Unspent in Odisha
A recent report has raised serious concerns over the quality of budget planning by the Odisha government, pointing to a significant gap between projected allocations and actual spending.
According to findings by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the state’s budget estimates have not been realistic, leading to consistent underutilization of allocated funds. While the government has been increasing its annual budget size, it has struggled to spend the funds effectively within the financial year.
Pic Credit: Pexel
For the 2024–25 financial year, the state initially proposed a budget of ₹2,75,613.86 crore. This was later increased with a supplementary allocation of ₹12,155.74 crore, taking the total budget to ₹2,87,769.60 crore. However, actual expenditure stood at ₹2,31,613.37 crore, leaving a substantial ₹56,156.23 crore unspent—about 19.5% of the total budget.
The report highlights that such a large gap reflects weaknesses in financial planning, execution, and monitoring. It also noted that departments failed to surrender unspent funds amounting to ₹2,815.91 crore, further indicating lapses in fiscal discipline.
The audit body emphasized that unrealistic projections and poor expenditure management are key reasons behind this trend. Experts suggest that better planning, timely implementation, and stronger oversight mechanisms are essential to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently and effectively.
2, Apr 2026
Edmond Wong takes helm as the President of Orange Business Asia-Pacific from retiring predecessor Nick Lambert
Edmond Wong has been appointed as the Asia-Pacific President at Orange Business, taking over from incumbent Nick Lambert, who will be retiring by the end of April.
Apr 02: Nick has successfully led the APAC region for close to seven (7) years since 2019, bringing about significant business transformations amidst a complex global landscape while delivering outstanding performances year-on-year thanks to his strategic vision and strong focus on customers. His contributions and achievements leave APAC in a stronger position than ever, as the region is now poised for further wins and key growth across all markets.
As the named successor, Edmond brings with him 15 years of experience in business, leadership, and transformation in large, complex global organizations, and has also lived and worked in multiple countries, including Singapore, Melbourne, Tokyo, Seoul, and Beijing for a multicultural environment understanding. Currently based in Singapore, Edmond was the Head of Business Management APAC at Orange Business since June 2020, prior to succeeding this role.
Having previously executed major corporate and regional programs across Sales and Marketing and driving Go-to-Market strategy for different parts of the region, Edmond has a proven track record in driving profitability and is skilled in stakeholder management, regional growth strategies with exemplary leadership in operational excellence and change management. He will now focus on accelerating APAC’s next phase business journey and growth levers, executing transformation, and fostering strategic partnerships.
“I’m deeply grateful to the Orange Business management team for their trust and faith in me to lead the APAC region. Over the next few months, I look forward to immersing into the different APAC market’s challenges and needs, meeting customers and collaborating with partners, expanding new grounds, and ensuring that we continuously drive momentum for the region.
“I wish to sincerely thank Nick for his guidance, support, and valuable advice to me from his time as the President of APAC until this transition period before his retirement. We share a special bond, and I hope to continue his work legacy and build on from his outstanding achievements,” said Edmond.
