Archives April 2026

India’s Global Role Expands in Peace, Economy and Technology: Experts

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): India is increasingly being seen as an important force in shaping global peace, economic stability, and technological progress, according to global experts speaking at a recent international forum.

Experts noted that amid rising geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, India is gaining prominence for its ability to support multilateral cooperation and contribute to global stability. They also highlighted the country’s growing influence in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

An economics expert from a leading university in Singapore said that shifting global trade patterns, rising uncertainty, and weakening international trust are creating challenges for the world economy. In this context, India is viewed as a potential stabilising power capable of contributing to peace and cooperation at a global level.

He added that India’s role in international leadership will depend on how it chooses to engage with evolving global challenges.

A director from a leading science institution in London highlighted India’s positive approach toward artificial intelligence. He noted that while many Western populations remain cautious about AI, India is actively investing in building AI capacity and developing related infrastructure.

He also pointed out that India’s development model reflects a balance between economic growth and improving quality of life, even as the country manages challenges such as rising energy demand.

Experts further observed that India’s progress represents a broader shift in the Global South, where nations are increasingly focusing on innovation-led and inclusive development.

Overall, India’s growing engagement in technology, economy, and global cooperation is positioning it as a key contributor to future global stability.

Indian Markets End Higher Despite Crude Oil-Driven Volatility

Mumbai, Apr 29 (BNP): Indian equity markets closed higher on Wednesday, though they gave up part of their intraday gains due to a sharp rise in global crude oil prices and weak global cues.

The Sensex rose 609.45 points to close at 77,496.36, while the Nifty gained 181.95 points to end at 24,177.65.

Market sentiment turned cautious after Brent crude surged over 3 per cent amid geopolitical concerns and supply uncertainty. Despite this, select heavyweights such as ITC, Tech Mahindra, and Maruti Suzuki supported the indices.

Broader markets showed mixed performance, with small-cap stocks outperforming while mid-caps ended slightly lower. Sectorally, FMCG and realty stocks led gains, while construction and media sectors underperformed.

Analysts said rising crude prices and global developments are likely to keep markets volatile in the near term, with investors also watching upcoming US Federal Reserve policy signals.

Google Global Leadership Team Visits Silverline Prestige School in Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad, Apr 29 (BNP): Silverline Prestige School, a leading private school in Ghaziabad, has hosted the global leadership team of Google, marking a notable milestone in the institution’s engagement with international organisations.

The visit highlights growing collaboration between educational institutions and global technology leaders, with a focus on innovation, digital learning, and future-ready education practices.

According to the school, the interaction provided students and faculty with exposure to global leadership perspectives and emerging trends in technology-driven education.

The engagement is seen as an important step in strengthening industry-academia connections and encouraging the adoption of modern learning tools in schools.

Officials said such initiatives aim to inspire students to develop digital skills and prepare for future opportunities in a technology-driven world.

Grand Inauguration of ‘Vishwamangal Marathi Foundation’ on Maharashtra Day, 1st May at Alandi

Alandi, Pune Apr 29:  With the objective of promoting the Marathi language, culture and traditions, and uniting the global Marathi community on an international level, a new global platform titled ‘Vishwamangal Marathi Foundation’ has been established. The grand inauguration of this Foundation will take place on Maharashtra Day, Friday, 1st May 2026 at 10:00 am, at the historic and sacred town of Alandi. 

Under the divine blessings of Sant Shri Dnyaneshwar Mauli, the inauguration ceremony will be held at Fruitwale Dharamshala, Alandi, under the leadership of the visionary behind the Foundation, MLA Subhash Bapu Deshmukh, Founder of the Lokmangal Group of Industries. 

With the aim of providing a global platform for the Marathi language, culture, and entrepreneurship, this significant initiative has been undertaken by MLA Subhash Bapu Deshmukh (Solapur), who serves as the Executive Chairman of the Foundation. His work as the former Minister of Textiles has been widely appreciated and played an important role in boosting the industrial sector. Through his innovative efforts, this new global platform has taken shape, and it will be inaugurated on the occasion of the 66th anniversary of the formation of Maharashtra State. 

Renowned orator and senior commentator Hon. Shri Vivekji Ghalasasi will be present as the Chief Guide for the inauguration programme. The event will also witness the presence of eminent personalities from various fields, leading entrepreneurs, social workers, and education experts. 

The slogan of the Foundation is “Zenda Marathi-cha… Marathi Bhashe-cha… Marathi Kartutva-cha” (The Flag of Marathi… of the Marathi Language… of Marathi Achievement). The Foundation has pledged to work wholeheartedly for the overall development and progress of the Marathi language and the Marathi community. 

In the backdrop of 750 years of Sant Shri Dnyaneshwar Mauli’s birth anniversary, the Foundation aims to spread the spiritual teachings of the Dnyaneshwari and the universal welfare message of the Pasaydan across the world. Along with this, the Foundation also seeks to promote Marathi language, culture and traditions globally, and revive Marathi schools in Maharashtra to preserve and nurture the language and cultural heritage. 

In today’s era of globalization, Marathi people are spread across the world. The Foundation aims to bring them together on one platform and create opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and exchange of knowledge. It also intends to unite Marathi individuals working in education, industry, entrepreneurship and social sectors, thereby contributing towards Maharashtra’s industrial development.

The Foundation has been structured to ensure global coordination. A Global Apex Executive Committee will consist of 10 members, while country-level executive committees will have 5 members each. For Maharashtra’s six divisions, regional committees will be formed with 10 members each. 

On the occasion of the inauguration, an Entrepreneurship Seminar has also been organized in the presence of leading entrepreneurs. The key purpose of this seminar is to provide a global platform to new entrepreneurs and offer guidance, networking, and coordination required for building industries. Eminent speakers participating in the seminar include Dr. Sanjay Vayal (Industry Consultant), Hon. Appasaheb Kondhare (Dubai), Hon. Uday Bhosale (London), among others. 

The Foundation will establish global communication and coordination through digital platforms, and will regularly organize conferences, discussion forums, and cultural programmes. It also plans to strengthen cooperation with Maharashtra Mandals and various organizations in India and abroad, ensuring a transparent and participative working system.

The Foundation has appealed to all Marathi-speaking people to attend this historic inauguration ceremony and enhance the pride of Marathi identity, as this initiative will play an important role in strengthening Marathi unity and uplifting the global Marathi community. 

Vishwamangal Marathi Foundation Inauguration Programme:

Date: Friday, 1st May 2026

Time: 10:00 am

Venue: Fruitwale Dharamshala, Alandi, District Pune

US Fed Likely to Pause Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Persist

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): The US Federal Reserve is expected to keep its key interest rates unchanged in its upcoming policy decision, as it continues to assess inflation risks linked to ongoing global tensions and volatile energy prices.

According to market observers, although inflation has moderated in recent months, uncertainties driven by geopolitical developments and fluctuations in crude oil prices remain a concern. This is likely to prompt the central bank to adopt a wait-and-watch approach.

Experts believe that beyond the rate decision, the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook and commentary will be closely watched for signals on future monetary action.

The Fed’s stance is significant for global markets, as it influences capital flows, exchange rates, and overall investor confidence across economies.

A steady policy decision may provide short-term stability, but the central bank is expected to remain cautious as it balances the need to control inflation while supporting economic growth.

234 Homebuyers Get Relief as NCLT Approves Resolution Plan for Nirmal Lifestyle Mulund in INR 1,491 Cr. CIRP

Business Wire India

In a landmark victory for hundreds of families, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai, has formally approved the resolution plan for Nirmal Lifestyle (Mulund) Private Limited. This judicial milestone, facilitated by RP Amit Karia from InCorp Restructuring Services LLP (IPE), officially clears the path for the long-awaited completion of the project, turning the dream of homeownership into a reality for distressed homebuyers. The resolution plan, submitted by resolution applicant Mantra Properties and Developers Private Limited, received unanimous support from the Committee of Creditors, signaling a definitive end to years of uncertainty.

 

This gives a sigh of relief to around 234 homebuyers associated with a related partnership firm and its residential project, ‘Nirmal Olympia’, at Mulund, who, despite having no formal standing in the CIRP, will now see their interests protected through the resolution plan. The aggregate debt involved stood at approximately INR 1,491 crores. Mantra Properties and Developers Private Limited has undertaken in its plan to protect the interests of these homebuyers, effectively resolving the liabilities of the partnership firm in tandem with those of the corporate debtor.

 

Since the CIRP applied solely to Nirmal Lifestyle which held a 99.9% stake in the partnership firm and not to the firm itself, homebuyers were left without an avenue to submit their claims to the Resolution Professional. Adding to the complexity, the project land was mortgaged to the Secured Creditors/CoC members. Yet the approach reflects an inventive use of the resolution framework, stretching its reach to deliver relief beyond the confines of corporate insolvency proceedings.

 

RP Amit Karia, Managing Partner at InCorp Restructuring Services LLP, said, “Cases of this nature demand not just technical expertise, but the ability to align deeply divergent stakeholder interests toward a common resolution. What made this resolution particularly meaningful was not just the scale of debt involved, but the 234 homebuyers whose futures were tied to an outcome they had no formal standing to demand. Every resolution we complete reinforces our conviction that insolvency, when handled with rigour and empathy, can be a genuine instrument of value preservation for everyone involved in the process.”

The principal lenders comprised Beacon Trusteeship Limited, acting on behalf of Edelweiss ARC, and Assets Care and Reconstruction Enterprise Limited (ACRE) — both marquee institutional creditors in India’s structured finance landscape. The resolution plan received approval of 100% of the Committee of Creditors, reflecting strong consensus around the proposed resolution framework.

 

CricViz appointed as Official Data Collection Services and High Performance Partner for Cricket Australia

London And Melbourne, Apr 29: CricViz, the world’s leading cricket data and analytics provider, has been appointed as Official Data Collection Services and High Performance Partner for Cricket Australia, the national governing body for the game of cricket in Australia. The multi-year agreement is part of a data centralisation project that will establish a single, reliable statistics platform for Cricket Australia.

Cricket Australia will benefit from state-of-the-art data and analytics tools to support its men’s and women’s highperformance programmes. Further, Cricket Australia’s fans will enjoy richer match coverage, live insights and interactive digital experiences built on CricViz’s real-time data widgets, editorialised insights and predictive data feeds.

As part of the agreement, CricViz will provide a comprehensive suite of products and services, including:

  • Analytics ServicesAccess to a dedicated suite of performance data and video analysis products – Query Tool, Centurion and Video Scorecard.
  • Live Data Collection and Downstream Infrastructure: CricViz’s FastPath collection system, ball-by-ball video tagging, and downstream software (including enhanced LED scoreboard, reporting portal and streaming graphics).
  • Fan Engagement: Editorial insights for social media and digital engagement, CricViz MVP player ratings model, data feeds, historical data and widgets for digital platforms.

Michael Kivido, Managing Director for CricViz, said, “Cricket Australia is one of the most sophisticated cricket organisations in the world, and this partnership reflects what CricViz is building globally – a single, trusted data infrastructure that serves High Performance, Broadcast and Fan Engagement all under one roof. We are proud to add Cricket Australia to our growing network of official rightsholder partners and we’re looking forward to a long and productive relationship.”

James Allsopp, Chief of Cricket at Cricket Australia, added, “Data and video analytics are an enormously important aspect of team performance and we’re delighted this partnership will provide our teams access to CricViz‘s state-of-the-art analytics products.

“The partnership will also greatly enhance our coverage of the game for fans across our sites and social media platforms and help further enrich their experience.”

This partnership reinforces CricViz’s reputation as the industry leader in performance analysis. By partnering with Cricket AustraliaCricViz now provides data services to nine of the 12 Test-playing nations, as well as a collection of the world’s top cricket organisations, tournaments and franchises.

Odisha Launches E Bus Service to Boost Clean Mobility and Urban Connectivity

Bhubaneswar, Apr 29 (BNP): The Government of Odisha has launched a modern electric bus (e-bus) service aimed at transforming urban transportation and promoting environmentally sustainable mobility across the state.

ଅତ୍ୟାଧୁନିକ ଇ-ବସ ଚଳାଚଳ ଭଳି ପଦକ୍ଷେପ ସହରୀ ପରିବହନ ବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥାରେ ଏକ ବୈପ୍ଳବିକ ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତନ ଆଣିବ। ନାରୀ ଶକ୍ତିର ସହଭାଗିତାରେ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିବା ଏହି ସେବା ଛାତ୍ରଛାତ୍ରୀ ଓ ଶ୍ରମିକମାନଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ବେଶ୍ ସହାୟକ ହେବ। ପରିବେଶ ଦୃଷ୍ଟିକୋଣରୁ ଏହି ଇ-ବସ୍ ସେବା ବାର୍ଷିକ ପ୍ରାୟ ୩୩୦ ରୁ ୩୯୦ ଟନ୍ କାର୍ବନ ନିର୍ଗମନ ହ୍ରାସ କରିବାରେ ସହାୟକ… pic.twitter.com/VnSLYBSF27

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 29, 2026

The initiative is expected to significantly improve daily commuting for students, workers, and the general public by offering a cleaner, more efficient, and reliable mode of transport. The programme also highlights the growing role of women in public service delivery, reflecting an inclusive approach to development.

Officials stated that the introduction of e-buses will contribute to reducing pollution levels, with an estimated annual reduction of around 330 to 390 tonnes of carbon emissions. This aligns with the state’s broader focus on green initiatives and sustainable urban planning.

In addition to the transport rollout, several development projects have been inaugurated and new initiatives announced to strengthen infrastructure and support economic growth in the region. These efforts are expected to enhance connectivity, improve public services, and create new opportunities at the district level.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the coming decade will be critical for Odisha’s growth, describing it as a period of commitment towards building a prosperous state by 2036. He noted that districts like Kendujhar will play a vital role in achieving this vision through continued development and infrastructure expansion.

The e-bus initiative is part of a larger strategy to modernise urban infrastructure, reduce environmental impact, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

NIVEA India Secures No.1 Spot in Skincare in TRA’s Brand Trust Report 2026 For The Sixth Consecutive Year

Business Wire India

NIVEA, India’s most trusted skincare brand*, has once again secured the No.1 position in the Skincare category in the 15th edition of the TRA Brand Trust Report 2026, marking the sixth consecutive year that Indian consumers have placed their trust in the brand. The recognition reinforces NIVEA’s strong credibility and enduring relationship with consumers across the country.

 

Conducted by TRA Research, the Brand Trust Report surveyed 2,551 peer-influencers across 16 major cities in India. These respondents represent individuals who significantly influence purchasing decisions within their social circles, offering a unique perspective on brand trust and reputation. This year’s report featured seven brands in the Skincare category, with NIVEA emerging at the top once again. In addition to leading the skincare category, NIVEA also secured the top position in the FMCG Super Category, further underscoring the brand’s widespread credibility and consumer confidence across categories.

 

As NIVEA India continues to strengthen its presence in the country, the brand remains committed to delivering skincare solutions rooted in care, quality and innovation. With a diverse portfolio spanning body lotions, sun care, skin creams, personal care products, deodorants, body washes and men’s grooming solutions, NIVEA continues to meet the evolving skincare needs of Indian consumers while reinforcing the trust it has built over the years.

 

Sharing her thoughts on the milestone, Geetika Mehta, Managing Director NIVEA India said: “As a brand, we deeply value the foundation of trust, which we consider pivotal to our continued success and growth. Our aim has always been to consistently strive towards making our consumers satisfied. The TRA report comes as a true recognition of our efforts being channelled in the right direction.”

 

Acknowledging the brand’s continued leadership, N. Chandramouli, CEO, TRA Research, said: “Congratulations to NIVEA on securing the No.1 position in the Skincare category in TRA’s Brand Trust Report 2026. What makes this achievement especially noteworthy is the consistency, this marks six years in a row that Indian consumers have placed their trust in the brand. Trust at this level reflects not just product performance, but long-term reliability and emotional connection with consumers. NIVEA’s continued leadership in skincare demonstrates how sustained brand credibility, familiarity, and product efficacy translate into enduring consumer confidence.”

 

motorola edge 70 pro Sale Starts Today – Featuring a 50MP Advanced Sony-LYTIA™ 710 for Stunning Night Captures With AI Enhancement Powered by Mediatek Dimensity 8500 Extreme, Starting at Just Rs 36,999* Along With Assured FIFA Goodies and a Chance to See the World Cup

Business Wire India

  • The motorola edge 70 pro goes on sale today at 12 PM onwards on Flipkart, Motorola.in, and leading retail stores across India at an effective price starting at just Rs 36,999*
  • The motorola edge 70 pro brings an exclusive FIFA World Cup™ 2026 campaign, where consumers purchasing between 29th April to 29th May can get assured FIFA goodies, play on www.hellomotofifa.in to win daily limited-edition motorola edge 70 fusion devices, and stand a chance to win tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match in Los Angeles.
  • The smartphone features a Triple 50MP Pro-Grade Camera System led by the Sony-LYTIA™ 710 sensor with OIS, along with a 50MP ultra-wide + macro camera and 50MP autofocus front camera, enabling pro-grade AI photography and 4K 60FPS video across all camera’s
  • The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme, delivering flagship-grade performance with advanced on-device AI, up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB UFS 4.1 storage, and vapor chamber cooling
  • The smartphone introduces Collections by Motorola, featuring luxurious Satin-Luxe, Tailored Fabric, and Marble finishes in Pantone™ curated colours for a premium and distinctive design
  • The device features a 6.8” 144Hz 1.5K True Colour Quad-Curved AMOLED display with Pantone™ validation, HDR10+, and segment-leading 5200 nits peak brightness for immersive visuals
  • The smartphone packs a massive 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery delivering up to 51 hours of battery life, supported by 90W TurboPower™ fast charging for all-day power in minutes
  • Built for durability, the device comes with MIL-STD-810H certification, IP68 + IP69 protection, and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i for enhanced resistance against water, dust, and extreme conditions

 

Motorola, a global leader in mobile technology and innovation and India’s leading AI smartphone brand~, today announced the sale of the motorola edge 70 pro, bringing pro-grade low-light photography, flagship performance, premium design, and intelligent AI capabilities to consumers. Starting today, consumers can purchase the device from 12 PM onwards on Flipkart, Motorola.in, and leading retail stores across India, at an effective price starting at just Rs 36,999*.

The motorola edge 70 pro sets a new benchmark in smartphone imaging with its Triple 50MP Pro-Grade Camera System, led by the advanced Sony-LYTIA™ 710 sensor powered by moto AI. The system delivers exceptional low-light photography with superior clarity, enhanced dynamic range, and sharper details, while ensuring blur-free captures even in fast-moving scenarios. With Pantone™ Validated Colours and SkinTone™ accuracy, the device reproduces true-to-life visuals, complemented by ultra-sharp 4K 60FPS video recording across all cameras for a seamless and cinematic capture experience.

Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor, designed to deliver fast, efficient, and AI-driven performance. With up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, 256GB UFS 4.1 storage, and an advanced vapor chamber cooling system, the smartphone ensures smooth multitasking, responsive gaming, and sustained peak performance across demanding use cases.

Blending craftsmanship with innovation, the motorola edge 70 pro introduces Collections by Motorola, featuring premium finishes such as Satin-Luxe, Tailored Fabric, and Marble textures in Pantone™ curated colours. With a 6.99mm* ultra-slim profile and quad-curved comfort design, the device offers a refined in-hand feel while maintaining durability and style.

The smartphone features a stunning 6.8” 144Hz 1.5K True Colour Quad-Curved AMOLED display, delivering immersive visuals with HDR10+, 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut, and 10-bit colour depth. With segment-leading 5200 nits peak brightness and Pantone™ validation, users experience vibrant colours and exceptional outdoor visibility, complemented by Dolby Atmos® stereo speakers for an enhanced multimedia experience.

Despite its slim design, the device houses a massive 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery, delivering up to 51 hours of battery life. Supported by 90W TurboPower™ charging, users can power up quickly and stay connected, productive, and entertained throughout the day.

Adding to the overall experience, the motorola brings an exclusive FIFA World Cup™ 2026 campaign, where consumers purchasing the motorola edge 70 pro between 29th April and 29th May can claim assured FIFA-branded goodies worth Rs 2000.

Taking the excitement further, Consumers can access a dedicated microsite (www.hellomotofifa.in) to play an interactive football-themed game inspired by the “Football is Calling” campaign and get a chance to win 10 FIFA World Cup™ limited-edition motorola edge 70 fusion devices daily during this period

As participants engage and climb the leaderboard, they move closer to the ultimate reward, where 10 lucky winners will win world cup match tickets to watch a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match live in Los Angeles, bringing fans closer to experiencing the world’s biggest football stage.

Built for reliability, the smartphone meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards and offers the highest level of protection with IP68 and IP69 ratings, ensuring resistance against dust, water, and extreme conditions, making it a dependable companion for everyday use.

Running on Hello UI based on Android 16, the device offers a clean, secure, and intelligent software experience with moto AI features, enhanced privacy through ThinkShield, and 3 OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates.

Availability:

The motorola edge 70 pro will be available in two storage variants — 8GB RAM + 256GB and 12GB RAM + 256GB — and comes in premium Pantone™ curated colours: PANTONE™ Tea, PANTONE™ Titan, and PANTONE™ Lily White, featuring luxurious Satin-Luxe, Tailored Fabric, and Marble finishes.

The device will go on open sale starting 29th April 2026, from 12 PM onwards on Flipkart, Motorola.in, and leading retail stores across India, at an effective launch price starting at Rs 36,999*.

 

Offer Details:

Product Name: Motorola Edge 70 Pro

Launch Price:

Edge 70 Pro 8/256 GB: Rs 38,999

Edge 70 Pro 12/256 GB: Rs 41,999

Affordability Offer details:

Consumer can avail either of below 2 offers

1. Instant Bank discount upto Rs 2000 from leading banks

2. Exchange Bonus upto Rs 2000

Effective Price with Offer:

edge 70 Pro 8/256 GB : Rs 36,999*
edge 70 Pro 12/256 GB : Rs 39,999*

Operator Offer:

Exclusive Jio SIM Offer: Free access to Google Gemini Pro Plan for 18 months, worth Rs. 35,100

FIFA Offer:

The motorola edge 70 pro brings an exclusive FIFA World Cup™ 2026 campaign, where consumers purchasing between 29th April to 29th May can get assured FIFA goodies, play on www.hellomotofifa.in to win daily limited-edition motorola edge 70 fusion devices, and stand a chance to win tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match in Los Angeles.

#Buy either a motorola signature or a motorola edge 70 pro between 29th April to 29th May to watch your world cup dream come true!

  • After your purchase, to claim FIFA World Cup 26™ goodies just send #Hello Fifa on WhatsApp +918067916686
  • Register on https://www.hellomotofifa.in/ and fill in the entry form with your details
  • Play the game and stand a chance to win match tickets

To know more about the product visit: 

Flipkart – https://www.flipkart.com/motorola-edge-70-pro-pantone-tea-256-gb/p/itm8e1524c8da543?pid=MOBHHVERBZZKYEY2

Motorola website – https://www.motorola.in/smartphones-motorola-edge-70-pro/p?skuId=642

Disclaimers:

^ All battery life claims are approximate and based on the median user tested across a mixed use profile (which includes both usage and standby time) under optimal network conditions. Actual battery performance will vary and depends on many factors including signal strength, network and device settings, temperature, battery condition, and usage patterns.

*Price including all offers

~ As Per TechArc India’s Leading AI Smartphone Brand Report 2025