Archives April 2026

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): AvenuesAI has announced its entry into the turnkey artificial intelligence solutions segment, targeting corporate and institutional clients with secure, enterprise-ready AI tools.

The company is focusing on its new PrivateGPT platform, an on-premise small language model (SLM) solution designed to run within an organisation’s internal systems. The platform aims to help businesses use advanced AI capabilities while ensuring full control over their data.

According to the company, the solution is built for enterprises that prefer local deployment over cloud-based systems, offering enhanced data security, privacy, and compliance.

With this initiative, AvenuesAI is looking to tap into the growing demand for customised and private AI systems as organisations increasingly integrate AI into their operations, automation, and decision-making processes.

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Vikram Solar on Monday announced that it has surpassed 10 GW in cumulative global solar module deployments, marking a key milestone in its growth journey in the renewable energy sector.

The achievement is equivalent to more than 25 million solar modules installed worldwide and is capable of powering over 5 million households in India, according to a company statement.

The company also highlighted that it doubled its total installed capacity from 5 GW to 10 GW in just two years, driven by strong demand for solar energy solutions and sustained expansion in domestic and international markets.

Over the past two decades, Vikram Solar has steadily built its presence in the renewable energy space, reflecting the broader growth of India’s solar manufacturing and deployment ecosystem.

Udaipur, Rajasthan  Apr 13: Akme Fintrade (India) Limited (“AFIL”), a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), is pleased to announce that its credit ratings have been assigned and upgraded to ACUITE A- (Stable) assigned/upgraded across Bank Loans & NCDs aggregating ₹835 Cr, and ACUITE A2+ assigned for Commercial Paper of ₹20 Cr by Acuité Ratings & Research Limited.

The revised ratings reflect Akme Fintrade (India) Limited’s improving financial profile, supported by stable business performance, healthy asset quality, and strengthened credit fundamentals. The Company has received ACUITE A- (Stable) rating across its Bank Loan facilities and Non-Convertible Debentures aggregating to ₹835 Crores, including both fresh assignments and upgrades, while its Commercial Paper programme of ₹20 Crores has been assigned ACUITE A2+ by Acuité Ratings & Research Limited.

This rating action highlights the Company’s consistent operational performance, prudent risk management practices, and disciplined growth strategy. The stable outlook indicates sustained confidence in the Company’s ability to maintain its financial strength over the medium term. The upgrade and assignment are expected to significantly enhance the Company’s credibility in the debt markets, strengthen investor confidence, and improve its ability to access diversified and cost-effective funding sources.

Going forward, this development positions the Company strongly to accelerate its growth trajectory, expand its lending portfolio across key segments, and continue delivering sustainable value to its stakeholders while maintaining robust governance standards.

Management Comment:

The rating upgrade marks an important milestone for Akme Fintrade (India) Limited and reinforces the confidence of stakeholders in our long-term strategy. We are committed to scaling our operations responsibly while maintaining strong asset quality and governance standards. This development enhances our ability to grow sustainably and deliver consistent value to our investors.

The rating upgrade underscores AFIL’s robust asset quality, prudent risk management practices, and consistent growth strategy.

The Company remains focused on expanding its lending portfolio while maintaining strong governance standards and financial discipline.

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): India’s energy storage sector is expected to see strong growth over the next decade, with the Behind-the-Meter (BTM) stationary storage market projected to rise significantly, according to a report by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA).

The report estimates that annual demand for BTM storage systems will increase from about 32 GWh in 2025 to over 39 GWh by 2033, driven by rising adoption of distributed energy solutions.

Behind-the-Meter systems refer to energy storage and generation units installed on the consumer’s side of the electricity meter. These include rooftop solar installations, battery storage systems, and backup power solutions used in applications such as UPS systems, inverters, and telecom infrastructure.

The report highlights that growing demand for reliable and clean energy, along with increasing decentralised power generation, is expected to support the sector’s expansion in the coming years.

Tokyo, Japan, Apr 13: On March 30, 2026, transcosmos and transcosmos online communications began offering an automated message translation feature of KANAMETO—a LINE-powered Government DX tool—to Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, as part of the city’s existing KANAMETO services to support the implementation of multilingual functionality on the city’s LINE official account.

Kumamoto City began using a LINE official account in 2018 and has since distributed a wide range of information, including event updates, childcare, health, and community safety information.

On March 30, 2026, Kumamoto City upgraded its LINE official account to a multilingual version with the introduction of KANAMETO’s automated message translation feature. The renewed account supports messaging in English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, Indonesian, Nepali, and Vietnamese, in addition to Japanese.

When users add the Kumamoto City LINE official account, a message prompting them to configure message settings appears in multiple languages. After selecting their preferred language in the settings, users can receive messages translated into their chosen language. Users may also choose to receive the original Japanese text together with the translated messages.

In addition, by using KANAMETO’s Rich Menu switching feature in combination with the automated translation function, Kumamoto City can display Rich Menus in translated languages for users who choose to receive information in languages other than Japanese.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, said, “The launch of the FUJIFILM X–T30 III is a testament to our mission of ‘Giving our world more smiles.’ This hybrid camera reflects our belief that ‘We bring diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people together to change the world.’ By blending Fujifilm’s rich heritage in photography with cutting-edge technology, we are empowering India’s growing community of creators. The X–T30 III is designed to help photographers and filmmakers unlock their full potential, offering them the tools to craft compelling visual stories with uncompromised performance.”

“Indian creators are no longer just taking photos or just shooting video; they are crafting comprehensive visual stories,” said Mr. Arun Babu, Associate Director, Head of Electronic Imaging, instax™, Optical Devices Business, FUJIFILM India “The X–T30 III is positioned perfectly for this new era. It gives serious creators the tactile, soul-satisfying experience of a classic photography camera, seamlessly fused with the power to record breathtaking 6.2K, 10-bit cinematic video. It is the only hybrid tool you need.”

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described the Women’s Reservation Bill as one of the most important decisions of the 21st century, highlighting its potential to transform women’s participation in governance.

Speaking at a national-level event, the Prime Minister said the legislation marks a historic step towards strengthening women’s representation in Parliament and state assemblies, and reflects India’s commitment to inclusive growth.

He emphasized that empowering women and increasing their role in decision-making will play a key role in building a stronger and more developed nation.

The remarks come amid ongoing discussions around the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which aims to enhance political representation for women across legislative bodies.

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Small finance banks are likely to deliver a strong performance in the fourth quarter of FY26, supported by steady credit demand and improving operational efficiency, according to a recent report.

The report notes that while near-term business conditions remain supportive, the sector’s outlook for FY27 will largely depend on broader macroeconomic factors, including interest rate movements, inflation trends, and overall economic growth.

It adds that continued loan growth and better asset quality could help strengthen earnings in the coming quarters. However, external risks such as global uncertainty and domestic liquidity conditions may influence future performance.

Analysts suggest that small finance banks remain well-positioned for growth, but caution that sustainability will depend on how macroeconomic trends evolve in the next fiscal year.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/ashabhosle 

Mumbai, Apr 13 (BNP): A wave of emotion swept through the film, music, and sports fraternity as several prominent personalities, including Asha Parekh, Sachin Tendulkar, and Tabu, paid heartfelt tributes to legendary singer Asha Bhosle following her passing at the age of 92.

Friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered to offer their final respects, remembering her as one of Indian music’s most versatile and enduring voices.

Asha Bhosle, who built a remarkable career spanning over eight decades, created her own distinct identity in playback singing despite the towering legacy of her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar. Known for her unmatched range and versatility, she recorded nearly 12,000 songs in multiple languages and earned a place in the Guinness World Records for her prolific output.

Her journey began in 1943 at the age of just 10, and she continued to sing and record for decades, making her one of the longest-performing artists in global music history.

Over her illustrious career, she received several top honours, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan. She was also honoured with multiple National Film Awards for timeless classics like “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” and “Mera Kuchh Saaman.”

From soulful melodies to energetic chartbusters, her unforgettable songs such as “Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja,” “In Aankhon Ki Masti,” and “Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main” continue to resonate across generations.

As tributes pour in from India and abroad, Asha Bhosle is being remembered not just as a singer, but as a cultural icon whose voice defined an era of Indian music.

New Delhi, Apr 13:  With summer bringing along harsh sun exposure, rising pollution levels, tanning and visible dullness, skin requires more than just basic care. Constant exposure to UV rays, heat and environmental aggressors can leave skin looking damaged, uneven and tired, making it essential to adopt a routine that not only nourishes but also protects and repairs. Addressing this need, NIVEA introduces the upgraded NIVEA Natural Glow Body Lotion—designed to repair dull, damaged skin, reduce tanning and restore skin’s natural brightness. Enriched with 50x Vitamin C* and SPF 15 with UV filters, the lightweight, non-sticky formula helps shield skin from sun damage and environmental stressors while working to improve overall skin tone and texture. With regular use, the lotion delivers visibly glowing, even-toned skin in just 7 days, making it an ideal everyday companion for summer skincare without feeling heavy or greasy in humid weather.

As a trusted leader in the body lotion category, NIVEA continues to innovate to meet evolving consumer needs, especially during peak summer months when skin is most vulnerable to sun and pollution damage. Commenting on the same, Geetika Mehta, Managing Director, NIVEA India, said, “At NIVEA, we understand that summer skincare needs to go beyond moisturization. With the upgraded Natural Glow Body Lotion, we are bringing together sun protection, tan reduction and effective brightening in one lightweight formula that actively helps repair and protect skin from harsh summer conditions. As one of the leading brands in the body care category, our focus remains on delivering solutions that combine trusted care with visible results—helping consumers maintain healthy, radiant and resilient skin throughout the season”