Mumbai, Apr 28 (BNP): Actor Aamir Khan has confirmed that work on the much-awaited sequel to 3 Idiots is underway, raising excitement among fans eager to revisit one of Bollywood’s most iconic stories.
Speaking in a recent interview, Aamir revealed that the script for 3 Idiots 2 is progressing well and retains the same humour and emotional appeal that made the original film a blockbuster success. He said the new story is unusual and compelling, while being set 10 years after the events of the first film.
The actor also indicated his intention to reprise his much-loved role as Phunsukh Wangdu, saying it is one of the projects he plans to begin soon. He praised the writing team for crafting a beautiful and engaging storyline.
Industry reports suggest that the sequel may reunite the original star cast, including R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, and Kareena Kapoor Khan alongside Aamir Khan, though an official announcement is awaited.
Released in 2009, 3 Idiots became a landmark film in Indian cinema, celebrated for its humour, emotional depth, and sharp take on the education system. The sequel is expected to blend nostalgia with a fresh narrative for audiences across generations.
New Delhi, April 2026: India’s Manufacturing, Engineering, and Infrastructure (MEI) sector is witnessing steady expansion, driven by rising investments, stronger hiring activity, and rapid adoption of advanced industrial technologies.
The sector is entering a structured growth phase, supported by policy measures and growing confidence among industry players.
Hiring Momentum Builds Across Industries
Employment demand in the MEI sector is rising, with companies actively planning workforce expansion. Skilled talent is increasingly required in areas such as automation, engineering operations, project execution, and sustainable manufacturing, reflecting the sector’s transition toward modern production systems.
Semiconductors and Industrial Hubs Gain Strength
Investments in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing clusters are accelerating across states including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. These developments are expected to generate significant employment and strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Industrial centres such as Chennai, Pune, and Bengaluru continue to attract strong investor interest due to infrastructure and talent availability.
Industrial Corridors Improve Efficiency
Large infrastructure networks such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor are enhancing logistics efficiency, reducing costs, and improving connectivity between manufacturing hubs.
Technology and Sustainability Driving Change
Manufacturing units are increasingly adopting Industry 4.0 practices, including automation, digital systems, and smart production technologies. Alongside this, there is a growing focus on energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Outlook
With strong investment flows, expanding industrial clusters, and rising demand for skilled talent, India’s MEI sector is positioned to remain a key contributor to long-term economic growth and industrial transformation.
Generative AI refers to a subset of artificial intelligence technologies that create content such as images, text, and designs by learning from existing datasets. This technology is transforming industries like fashion, architecture, and home textile design. By using advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, generative AI automates and enhances creative processes, allowing designers to produce innovative and personalized products more efficiently.
Streamlining Home Textile Design Workflows
In the home textile sector, generative AI enables rapid generation of design variations, cutting down the time previously needed for manual iterations. Designers can input parameters into AI software and receive multiple pattern or color options within minutes. This efficiency fosters experimentation, allowing designers to explore unconventional ideas without significant resource investment.
Enhancing Creativity and Personalization
Beyond speed, generative AI enriches creativity by synthesizing data from multiple sources. It uncovers novel patterns and combinations that traditional design methods may not generate. Designers can push creative boundaries while offering consumers tailored designs that reflect personal style or specific requirements, enhancing overall satisfaction and engagement.
The Evolution of Home Textile Design
Historically, home textile design relied on manual craftsmanship, with intricate patterns and culturally significant motifs. The Industrial Revolution brought mass production, increasing accessibility but limiting creativity. The late 20th century saw a return to artisanal techniques, but efficiency remained a challenge. The digital age introduced tools for experimentation, and generative AI now represents a significant leap, merging speed with innovation.
How Generative AI Works
Generative AI learns from large datasets using machine learning techniques like supervised and unsupervised learning. It then employs algorithms such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) or Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) to generate new designs. GANs, for example, use two neural networks—the generator creates patterns, and the discriminator evaluates them—producing increasingly sophisticated outputs. This approach allows designers to explore numerous combinations of colors, textures, and styles efficiently.
Benefits of Generative AI in Home Textiles
Generative AI increases creative output, allowing designers to experiment with combinations that may not be feasible manually. It accelerates productivity by streamlining workflows, enabling rapid iteration and faster market response. The technology also helps align designs with consumer trends, enhancing satisfaction and driving sales. Moreover, it allows for scalable uniqueness, enabling brands to maintain diverse and cohesive collections.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its advantages, generative AI faces challenges. Quality and diversity of training data are critical; poor datasets can produce uninspired designs. Designers also worry about balancing algorithmic outputs with human creativity. Intellectual property issues arise when AI generates designs inspired by existing patterns, highlighting the need for updated legal frameworks to address ownership and originality concerns.
Future Trends in Home Textile Design
By 2030, generative AI will drive customization, allowing consumers to personalize patterns and colors in real time. Sustainability will benefit as AI identifies eco-friendly materials and reduces production waste. Smart home integration will create responsive textiles that adjust to ambient conditions or user preferences. These trends point to a more personalized, efficient, and environmentally conscious textile industry.
The Evolving Role of Designers
Designers are increasingly acting as curators and strategists, using AI to explore patterns, textures, and color schemes. Human intuition remains essential to ensure designs are aesthetically cohesive and aligned with market trends. Designers interpret AI-generated outputs, selecting and refining concepts that resonate with consumers while preserving creativity and originality.
Conclusion: Embracing Generative AI
Generative AI is more than a tool; it is a transformative force reshaping home textile design. It streamlines workflows, enhances creativity, and facilitates rapid iteration. Designers who embrace AI as a collaborative partner will unlock new levels of innovation while maintaining artistic expression. As we progress further into 2026 and beyond, integrating generative AI will be crucial for creativity, sustainability, and market competitiveness in home textiles.
A Celebration of Textile Heritage, Devotion & Artisan Empowerment
HH Maharani RadhikaRaje Gaekwad of Baroda
New Delhi, Apr 28: RSB Foundation, the CSR arm of the RSB Group, today unveiled Project Tantavyaa: Shwet Shyam at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy. The gathering brought together India’s textile legacy, cultural leadership, and artisan communities, with a clear focus on reviving and supporting traditional textiles through sustainable, community-led initiatives.
Rooted in the textile traditions of Odisha, Bengal, and Assam, Shwet Shyam is a craft-led cultural experience inspired by the values of Swabhiman (dignity), Shaktikaran (empowerment), and Sankirtan (devotion). The initiative places strong emphasis on bringing handloom traditions back into focus while creating sustainable livelihoods for artisan communities, particularly women. The showcase will continue until 2nd May 2026, offering an immersive journey into India’s textile heritage and cultural legacy.
The evening opened with a traditional Mangalacharan performance. The inauguration was graced by the Chief Guest, Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, who spoke about the importance of preserving India’s craft heritage in line with the vision of Swadeshi 2.0 and the Five-F value chain.
Union Minister of Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji
Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, Government of India said: “As we move towards a more self-reliant India, it is initiatives like these that reinforce the value of Swadeshi, ensuring our traditional crafts continue to thrive in a modern, global context.” This was followed by addresses by Ms. Priyanka Behera, Director – CSR, RSB Group, and Pankaj S. Chadha, outlining how sustainable, community-led approaches can help bring rare textile traditions back into practice.
A key highlight of the evening was the book launch and address by His Holiness Indradyumna Swami Ji, adding a spiritual dimension to the showcase. The event also witnessed the presence of eminent royals, including HH Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Baroda, Shriji Huzur Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Ji of Udaipur, Maharani Nivriti Kumari of Udaipur, Yuvrani Meenal Kumari Singh Deo of Dhenkanal, Kunwarani Ritu Ajatshatru Singh and Celebrity Astrologer & Vastu Expert Dr. Jai Madaan , reinforcing the cultural significance of the initiative.
Ms. Priyanka Behera, Director CSR RSB Group
Speaking on the occasion, Priyanka Behera, Director – CSR, RSB Group, said: “Tantavyaa is about restoring pride to our artisans and ensuring that craft becomes a sustainable source of livelihood, especially for women. Shwet Shyam reflects our commitment to reviving traditional textiles through community-led efforts that create long-term impact.”
Curated under Project Tantavyaa, the showcase brings together over 100 handcrafted textile pieces, presenting India’s heritage crafts as living traditions supported by sustainable ecosystems. The evening concluded with a presentation of Dhenkanal’s culinary heritage from Odisha, extending the celebration beyond textiles.
Mumbai/London, Apr 28 (BNP): Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman marked a major milestone in his international concert journey with a sold-out debut performance at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, celebrating the rise of a new generation of musicians.
The three-night orchestral showcase, titled “AR Rahman x Rushil Ranjan,” was created in collaboration with composer and Associate Artist Rushil Ranjan. The production brought together emerging Indian talent and world-class performers in a unique blend of Indian and Western classical traditions.
A defining highlight of the concert was Rangreza, a newly commissioned composition co-created by Rahman and Ranjan. Rooted in Sufi philosophy, the piece explored shared spiritual and musical connections across cultures. It was performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Voices, alongside Associate Artist Abi Sampa, under the baton of Melvin Tay.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came with the participation of musicians from Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory and the Sunshine Orchestra, an initiative supporting talented youth from underserved communities in Western classical music. Their performance alongside an international orchestra at one of the world’s most prestigious venues was hailed as a landmark moment of representation.
Rahman said seeing the Sunshine Orchestra share the stage with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was deeply special, adding that he was proud of the young musicians for making India proud globally and taking music to new heights.
The programme also featured vocalist Sarthak Kalyani and percussionist Janan Sathiendran, while choreography by Aakash Odedra added a striking visual dimension to the performance.
Audiences were also treated to grand orchestral reinterpretations of Rahman’s celebrated scores from Jodhaa Akbar, Guru, 127 Hours, and Rockstar, among others.
The showcase marked a significant evolution in the global presentation of Indian film music, positioning emerging Indian artists at the forefront of an international cultural dialogue.
After months of anticipation and excitement around its India debut, premium energy drink 28 BLACK – through its partner Indicart Retail Services Private Limited – has officially launched its Indian online store, www.28black.in, making its products available for purchase online to consumers across the country.
“With an ambitious and young demographic, India is a market full of energy, a perfect match for an energy drink like 28 BLACK,” said Daniel Geuther, CEO of Yinbev Beverages India Pvt. Ltd., the exclusive importer of 28 BLACK in India. “We couldn’t be more excited to finally bring 28 BLACK to the Indian consumers. I am convinced that Indians will love the unique taste and brand lifestyle that defines 28 BLACK.”
Already available in 26 countries, 28 BLACK introduces its signature Acai and bestselling Gummibär flavours wrapped in the brand’s distinctive black-and-gold design that sets the brand apart in the international energy drink landscape. The brand has also been recognized for its excellence in design, frequently receiving the Red Dot Design Award for brand and communication design.
The launch of 28black.in provides a seamless and convenient shopping experience for consumers to explore the 28 BLACK range and have their favourite energy drinks delivered directly to their door. The online store features detailed product information, high-quality imagery, and secure online payment options.
Starting today, Indian consumers can purchase the following 28 BLACK flavours:
28 BLACK Açaí – A smooth, fresh and fruity flavour of açaí berries, delivering a refreshing taste that feels lighter and more refined than conventional energy drinks.
28 BLACK Gummibär – A playful yet polished classic energy drink taste with a flavour reminiscent of German Gummy Bears offering a rich and refreshing experience.
As part of its long-term growth strategy, 28 BLACK is actively seeking partnerships with retailers across India to expand its distribution network. The company is open to forming strategic partnerships with supermarkets, convenience stores, cafes, clubs, and other retail establishments that cater to consumers who seek energy and lifestyle.
By Umesh Sharma, CIO-Debt, The Wealth Company Mutual Fund
“The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is widely expected to keep policy rates unchanged at the current 3.5%–3.75% range at its April meeting, reflecting a continued “wait and see” approach amid heightened geopolitical risks and surging energy prices. Escalating tensions in the Middle East have pushed crude oil and natural gas prices higher, complicating the inflation outlook even as underlying core inflation shows signs of moderation.
While the rate decision itself appears straightforward, the tone of forward guidance will be the key market focus. Recent FOMC communications suggest a slight hawkish tilt, with policymakers emphasizing the risk that energy driven inflation could become more persistent. The March dot plot already showed a shift among members toward fewer rate cuts in 2026, even though the median projection still points to at most one cut later in the year. Notably, dissents within the Committee have increased in recent meetings(see graph below), underscoring growing differences over the timing and scale of future easing.
This meeting also carries added significance as it is expected to be Chair Jerome Powell’s final one before Kevin Warsh assumes the chair, pending confirmation. Markets will therefore listen closely for any signals on how unified the Committee is ahead of the leadership transition, as a divided FOMC could make an early rate cut path under the new chair more challenging.”
Washington, Apr 28 (BNP): US President Donald Trump on Monday convened a meeting of his national security team to review Iran’s latest proposal concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies are transported.
According to reports citing US officials, the Trump administration expressed dissatisfaction with Tehran’s proposal, saying it failed to address key concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, particularly uranium enrichment and commitments against pursuing nuclear weapons.
Officials indicated that while the proposal was not rejected outright, the White House believes Iran has not fully met Washington’s core security conditions. The administration is now expected to prepare a counterproposal in the coming days.
White House representatives reiterated that the United States would not conduct negotiations through the media and said Washington’s red lines on regional security and nuclear issues remain clear. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also described Iran’s current offer as unacceptable.
Reports suggested Iran had proposed a phased understanding focused first on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing conflict, while postponing discussions on its nuclear programme to a later stage.
Meanwhile, economic pressure on Iran has reportedly intensified, with disruptions to oil exports leading to rising domestic crude inventories and difficulties in maritime shipments.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, and any agreement on its reopening would have major implications for global oil markets, trade flows, and regional stability.
Visakhapatnam, Apr 28 (BNP): The foundation stone for the Google Cloud India AI Hub was laid in Visakhapatnam, marking a major milestone in India’s digital infrastructure growth.
The project, backed by an estimated $15 billion investment, was launched by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu along with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The upcoming facility will feature a 1-gigawatt data centre capacity and will be developed across nearly 600 acres in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to strengthen artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities.
Officials said the AI Hub will enhance digital connectivity, support advanced technology services, and generate significant employment opportunities in the region.
The project is also expected to boost India’s global digital presence through improved cloud infrastructure and subsea connectivity linking major international regions.
With this development, Visakhapatnam is set to emerge as a key centre in India’s growing AI and technology ecosystem.
New Delhi, Apr 28 (BNP): Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the proposed bullet train project in South India will be a major step in transforming regional rail connectivity and modernising India’s transport network.
He said the high-speed rail corridor reflects the government’s vision to extend next-generation railway infrastructure beyond western India and strengthen connectivity across key southern cities and economic centres.
The Minister noted that the project is expected to significantly cut travel time, improve passenger experience, and support faster movement between major urban and industrial hubs, thereby boosting economic activity in the region.
Officials indicated that planning and technical assessments are in progress, with focus on advanced rail technology, safety systems, and globally benchmarked infrastructure standards.
The initiative is part of India’s broader push to develop high-speed rail corridors aimed at improving mobility, enhancing regional integration, and supporting long-term economic growth.
