16, Apr 2026
Scaler Goes AI Native, Rebuilds Programs to Bridge Industry Skill Gap
Apr 16 (BNP): Bengaluru-based Scaler has become India’s first fully AI-native technology career platform, redesigning its entire learning ecosystem around artificial intelligence.
The platform has rebuilt its curriculum, projects, and hiring preparation modules to focus on hands-on AI skills rather than tool-based or theoretical learning.
The move follows a joint study with CyberMedia Research, which found that while 89% of engineers believe they are AI-ready, only 19% are actually working on AI systems, highlighting a major capability gap in the industry.
Scaler said the transformation is aimed at addressing this gap by working closely with over 1,200 companies, which reported a shortage of engineers with real-world AI development experience.
The initiative is designed to better align learning outcomes with industry needs in an increasingly AI-driven job market.
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- By Neel Achary
16, Apr 2026
New Study Ranks Hawaiian Monk Seal As Marine Mammal Most at Risk of Extinction from Plastic Pollution
3 in 4 Marine Mammals Most at Risk from Plastic Pollution Already Recognized as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered
WASHINGTON (Apr 16) – A new study released in Conservation Biology today and co-authored by scientists at Ocean Conservancy, Arizona State University and Shaw Institute is the first to rank marine mammals based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution (any plastic piece larger than 5mm, roughly the width of a pencil eraser).
The study, A global ranking of the relative vulnerability of marine mammals to macroplastic pollution, found that Hawaiian monk seals, African manatees, Australian sea lions, vaquita porpoises, and Mediterranean monk seals are the five marine mammals most at risk of population declines from plastics ingestion or entanglement. When the results are assessed at the level of order instead of individual species, sirenians, which include manatees and dugongs, are the most vulnerable to plastic pollution.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies 125 species as marine mammals, of which 8 were excluded from the study because they live primarily in freshwater habitats (like hippopotamuses) or live most of their life on land (like polar bears). Of the 117 marine mammals evaluated, more than 1 in 3 are red-listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered according to the IUCN; and of the 22 marine mammals in the highest-risk group, 17 are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
“All marine mammals are affected by plastic pollution, but we wanted to understand: which ones should we be most worried about? Which populations are most at risk?” said Dr. Erin Murphy, Ocean Conservancy’s manager of ocean plastic research and co-author of the study. “Knowing the answer to these questions can guide our efforts and add urgency where it’s needed most.”
To get their results, the researchers scored species according to 11 different traits reflecting the animals’ likelihood of exposure, relative sensitivity to plastics, and population resilience (the ability to bounce back from stressors); then ranked their vulnerability as high, medium-high, medium, medium-low and low.
The following specific species across mammal types and geographies landed on the highest risk list:
Hawaiian monk seal
African manatee
Australian sea lion
Vaquita (porpoise)
Mediterranean monk seal
West Indian (Florida) manatee
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin
Sei whale
North Atlantic right whale
Hector’s dolphin
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin
Dugong
Gray whale
North Pacific right whale
Irrawaddy dolphin
Atlantic spotted dolphin
Atlantic humpback dolphin
Risso’s dolphin
Common bottlenose dolphin
Baird’s beaked whale
Arnoux’s beaked whale
Indo-Pacific finless porpoise
“It is not surprising that Hawaiian monk seals emerged at the top of this list because they are curious fish-eaters that have been found tangled in fishing gear,” said Murphy. “They also have a small population located near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, exposing them to a lot of plastic. Local organizations have been conducting targeted debris removal programs to help protect the Hawaiian monk seal, and studies have shown that this has helped the population rebound. This gives us a lot of hope for how to protect the species at the top of the list.”
Murphy, alongside Ocean Conservancy colleagues Dr. Britta Baechler and Nicholas Mallos, co-authored a complementary study published in November 2025 that quantified the extent to which a range of plastic types result in the death of seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals that consume them. Drawing on data from more than 10,000 necropsies, or animal autopsies, the study found that even relatively small amounts of plastics can be deadly when ingested: ingesting less than a sixth of a soccer ball’s worth of plastics kills one in two harbor porpoises, the smallest of marine mammal species. Out of approximately 7,000 marine mammals in the study that had plastics in their guts at their time of death, 72% had consumed fishing debris, 10% soft plastics, 5% rubber, 3% hard plastics, 2% foam, and 0.7% synthetic cloth.
“You can’t fix a problem you don’t understand and that’s why Ocean Conservancy is committed to not only solving the ocean plastics crisis through prevention and cleanup but also advancing research,” said Dr. Britta Baechler, Ocean Conservancy’s director of ocean plastics research. “And it’s been energizing to see the impact our research has made, from inspiring volunteers to influencing policymakers to take action.”
An estimated 11 million metric tons of plastics enter the ocean each year, the equivalent of one garbage truck’s worth every minute. In addition to conducting original plastics research, Ocean Conservancy advocates for solutions to plastic pollution that prevent it from reaching beaches and waterways in the first place. Ocean Conservancy has advocated for policies at the local, state, federal and international levels such as California’s SB54, Florida’s balloon release ban, the Farewell to Foam Act, the UN Plastics Treaty and more. Ocean Conservancy is also home to the International Coastal Cleanup® – the largest single day beach and waterway cleanup in the world, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of volunteers annually to remove millions of pounds of trash – and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative™, the largest international alliance dedicated to solving the issue of lost or abandoned fishing gear, also known as ghost gear, which is pound for pound the deadliest form of plastic pollution to marine life.
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16, Apr 2026
Snabbit hires Abhinav Ankur as CBO to consolidate early lead in India’s USD 60B quick home services market
Bengaluru, Apr 16: Snabbit, India’s first quick-service app for on-demand home services, today announced the appointment of Abhinav Ankur as Chief Business Officer (CBO). A seasoned operator with a strong track record of scaling high-growth businesses, Abhinav will lead Snabbit’s business expansion as the company deepens its position as a category creator and early market leader in one of India’s largest yet under-penetrated consumer segments.
Abhinav brings extensive experience across consumer internet and logistics-led platforms, having held leadership roles at OYO and WheelsEye, where he drove business growth, operational scale, and category expansion. Known for translating strategy into execution at pace, he joins Snabbit at a pivotal moment as the company moves from rapid early adoption to structured market leadership.
Growing demand
Snabbit is redefining convenience for urban Indian households through its quick-service model for on-demand home services. In six months, the platform has scaled from 10,000 to over 40,000 daily jobs and crossed 1 million jobs in March, placing it among the fastest-scaling players in the space and signaling strong repeat demand in a high-frequency category.
India’s home services market is estimated at over $60 billion, with the majority still fragmented and offline. It is expanding rapidly at a projected CAGR of 18-22% through FY2030, as consumers increasingly seek convenience, reliability, and accountability that offline alternatives struggle to provide.
First to market & early lead consolidation
As the category begins to formalize, Snabbit is emerging as a market maker, building the first scaled quick-service layer for daily home services with a focus on speed, reliability, and consistency. The company’s approach is not just aggregating demand, but structuring supply and usage to enable category-wide shift towards organized, tech-enabled consumption.
Abhinav’s appointment comes as Snabbit sharpens its focus on building depth, strengthening its operating model, and consolidating its early leadership position while expanding across urban markets.
“Opportunities to shape a category at this scale are rare,” said Abhinav Ankur, Chief Business Officer, Snabbit. “Daily home services remain one of the largest offline segments in India. What stood out to me about Snabbit is the clarity of the model and the early signs of product-market fit. The pace of adoption, combined with strong execution, creates the opportunity not just to participate in this market, but to define it.”
Aayush Agarwal, Founder, Snabbit, added,
“Scaling a category like ours requires both speed and structure, with the importance of the latter only increasing as we grow. Abhinav brings a deep understanding of how to build systems that can operate at this level of complexity, and we’re excited to have him lead this next phase with us.
Having scaled from 400 to 40,000 daily jobs in under a year, we are at a clear inflection point. The depth and discipline with which we operate from here will define our ability to build a high-quality, sustainable organization that serves millions of customers and experts.”
With this appointment, Snabbit is doubling down on its ambition to become the defining platform for on-demand home services in India by combining speed, reliability, and operational excellence at scale.
The company is actively hiring across roles as it continues to invest in talent, technology, and infrastructure to support its next phase of growth.
16, Apr 2026
Stock Markets End Lower as Profit Booking Hits Financial Shares
Apr 16 (BNP): Indian equity markets ended lower on Thursday after a volatile trading session, as investors booked profits in banking and financial stocks following a recent rally.
The Sensex closed 122.56 points, or 0.16%, lower at 77,988.68. During the day, the index swung sharply, touching an intraday high of 78,730.32 before slipping to a low of 77,674.93, reflecting strong volatility.
Similarly, the Nifty 50 declined 34.55 points, or 0.14%, to close at 24,196.75, as selling pressure emerged at higher levels.
Market participants said the fall was mainly driven by profit-taking after recent gains, particularly in banking and financial stocks, while broader sentiment remained cautious amid global cues.
16, Apr 2026
MF Bharat App to Expand Mutual Fund Access for Gig Workers in Smaller Cities
Apr 16 (BNP): MF Bharat, the mutual fund investment platform operated by iPrudent (formerly Prudent Asset India Pvt Ltd), has announced a new initiative aimed at improving financial inclusion among gig workers and investors in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
The programme seeks to simplify access to mutual fund investments through digital tools, making it easier for first-time and underserved investors to participate in wealth creation opportunities.
The initiative is expected to particularly benefit gig economy workers by offering a more accessible and user-friendly investment experience, helping them build long-term financial stability.
Company officials said the platform is focused on expanding awareness and participation in mutual funds beyond major urban centres, contributing to broader financial inclusion across India.
16, Apr 2026
Equity Mutual Fund AUM Rises 17pc in March on Sustained Investor Inflows
Apr 16(BNP): India’s equity-oriented mutual funds registered a strong 17.38% year-on-year increase in average assets under management (AUM) in March, driven by consistent and diversified investor inflows across multiple fund categories.
The growth was largely supported by strong participation in flexi-cap, mid-cap, and thematic funds, indicating that investors are increasingly looking beyond large-cap exposure and showing a stronger appetite for diversified equity strategies with higher growth potential.
Market observers note that the steady inflows reflect continued confidence among both retail and institutional investors, even amid periodic market volatility and global uncertainties. The sustained investment trend also highlights the deepening participation of domestic investors in equity markets.
Experts further point out that improved market sentiment, coupled with disciplined monthly inflows through systematic investment plans (SIPs), has played a key role in supporting AUM growth. This trend underscores a shift toward long-term wealth creation rather than short-term trading behaviour.
Overall, the rise in AUM signals strengthening investor engagement in equity mutual funds, with diversified fund categories continuing to attract significant capital inflows.
16, Apr 2026
Mumbai to Conduct Tree Census After 8 Years
Apr 16 (BNP): Mumbai is set to begin a fresh tree census next week, ending an eight-year gap since the last comprehensive count, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced.
The citywide exercise, expected to take nearly 18 months, will map and document trees across different zones, providing an updated picture of Mumbai’s green cover.
The previous census conducted in 2018 recorded around 33.7 lakh trees, including large green pockets such as Aarey. Officials say the upcoming survey will play a crucial role in tracking changes in tree population, guiding urban development, and strengthening environmental conservation efforts.
The initiative is also expected to support data-driven decision-making in protecting and expanding the city’s green spaces.
16, Apr 2026
Jeanologia unveils a new sustainable textile finishing model powered by AI, laser and ozone at Indo Intertex
Valencia (April 16, 2026).
Jeanologia, a global leader in eco-efficient technologies for the textile industry, is taking part in Indo Intertex 2026, held from April 15 to 18 at the Jakarta International Expo (Indonesia), bringing together manufacturers, production managers, and industrial decision-makers from across the textile value chain in the Asia-Pacific region.
In this setting, the Spanish company presents a new model for garment finishing based on the integration of its artificial intelligence system “Billy,” laser technology, and G2 Ozone, designed to transform production processes towards more automated, efficient, and responsible models.
More than 25 years ago, Jeanologia revolutionized denim finishing with its laser technology, replacing manual processes such as hand sanding and sandblasting, which were associated with high environmental impact and risks to workers’ health. Today, the company takes a step further by combining this technology with advanced air-based washing solutions and AI, consolidating a more creative, precise, clean, and efficient production model.
Digital creativity with industrial precision
At Indo Intertex 2026, Jeanologia showcases the latest developments in its laser technology, now enhanced by its AI system Billy, improving design quality and marking precision on denim garments. This combination allows for the accurate reproduction of vintage effects, localized wear, and complex patterns with full consistency, eliminating manual reprocessing and ensuring more authentic finishes.
Live demonstrations at Jeanologia’s booth feature the Compact Super laser system, highlighting its capacity to deliver high-speed processing, increased productivity, and consistent quality in industrial environments.
Full process automation and increased execution speed allow manufacturers to meet the demands of the textile industry, where operational efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability have become key factors for competing in international markets.
The ozone revolution
As a complement to laser technology, Jeanologia presents its Atmos process, based on G2 Ozone + Indra technology, which enables garment finishing treatments using air, replacing traditional water-based washing processes.
G2 Ozone transforms oxygen from the air into ozone, which acts as a natural oxidizing agent for indigo, allowing the fabric to be cleaned and the final tone of the garment to be adjusted. It offers a sustainable alternative to traditional and polluting stone washing, enabling abrasion effects, marbling, and tone variations in denim (from dark to medium or light washes) without the use of pumice stones or toxic chemicals.
The combination of AI, laser, and ozone technologies makes it possible to produce garments with an authentic and natural look, without manual intervention, with minimal water consumption and no harmful substances, in line with the company’s global goal: Mission Zero, which aims to dehydrate and detoxify the textile industry worldwide.
Asia, the new axis of textile competitiveness
Asia-Pacific has established itself as the main driver of the global textile industry, concentrating some of the world’s largest production and export hubs. Manufacturers and brands are accelerating their transition towards more efficient, automated, and sustainable models, driven by growing international demands for traceability, environmental impact reduction, and competitiveness.
Jeanologia has a strong presence in the region, where it has been working for more than two decades alongside manufacturers, exporters, and major textile groups, providing technological solutions, consultancy, and local technical support. This track record has enabled the company to position itself as a strategic partner in the industry’s shift towards cleaner, digital, and more profitable processes.
“Competitiveness in the textile industry is no longer measured solely in terms of cost, but in the ability to produce efficiently, with traceability and sustainability. The factories adopting this model in Asia are the ones that will lead the global supply chain in the coming years,” said Jean-Pierre Inchauspe, Business Director for Asia at Jeanologia.
16, Apr 2026
GAIL to Develop 600 MW Solar Project with Battery Storage in Uttar Pradesh
Apr 16 (BNP): GAIL (India) Limited has entered into an agreement to develop a 600 MW solar power project in Uttar Pradesh, incorporating an advanced battery energy storage system to enhance reliability and efficiency.
The integration of battery storage will help manage the intermittent nature of solar power by storing excess energy and supplying it during peak demand or low generation periods, ensuring a more stable power supply to the grid.
This project marks a significant step in GAIL’s strategy to diversify into renewable energy and strengthen its clean energy portfolio. It is also aligned with India’s broader push to increase non-fossil fuel capacity and reduce carbon emissions.
Once operational, the project is expected to contribute substantially to the state’s renewable energy capacity, support growing electricity demand, and improve grid stability through sustainable power solutions.
The initiative highlights GAIL’s continued focus on energy transition and its commitment to supporting India’s long-term climate and energy security goals.
16, Apr 2026
India’s Trade Deficit Seen Widening in FY27 on Oil Price and Global Risks
Apr 16 (BNP): India’s trade deficit could expand in the financial year 2026–27, driven by global economic uncertainty and potential volatility in crude oil prices, according to a recent report.
Rising geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in global demand are expected to put pressure on exports, while higher oil prices may increase the country’s import bill. As India remains heavily dependent on energy imports, any sustained rise in crude prices could significantly impact the trade balance.
The report also highlights that external risks, including shifting trade dynamics and currency movements, could add to the pressure on India’s overall trade performance.
While domestic demand is expected to remain stable, analysts caution that global headwinds may limit export growth, making it challenging to contain the widening gap between imports and exports.
Experts suggest that managing energy costs, diversifying export markets, and strengthening domestic manufacturing could help mitigate some of these risks in the coming year.
