Archives April 2026

NEW ORLEANS, LA — April 9, 2026— WhereWeGo, a leading workforce technology company founded by former educators, today announced the launch of WhereWeGo Labs, a new initiative to build fast, free workforce tools around real problems workers and workforce organizations face every day. 

The initiative responds to a growing gap in the workforce ecosystem: too often, tools are slow to build, expensive to maintain and ultimately underutilized after launch. The workforce field generates an enormous amount of research, reports and strategy documents, but relatively few lightweight tools that translate those ideas into practical use for workers. AI now makes it possible to build those tools much faster and cheaper. WhereWeGo Labs will launch new workforce tools every 30 days and is inviting workers, workforce practitioners, training providers and partners to suggest problems the team should tackle next. 

“Everyone recognizes the need to fill jobs in high-growth industries like advanced manufacturing, yet most people would struggle to name even three of the roles in that field,” said Ben Ifshin, co-founder and CEO of WhereWeGo. “That is exactly the kind of gap WhereWeGo Labs is built to tackle. We’re launching fast, building in public, and inviting workers, practitioners, and partners to tell us what problems we should solve next.

Founded by two former public high school teachers, WhereWeGo has built digital platforms that have helped more than three million Americans explore careers, training programs and career pathways. The company’s work spans multiple regions and partners, with a focus on connecting workers, employers and training providers.  

WhereWeGo Labs is built around two core goals: showing that useful workforce tools can now be built faster and more affordably, and tackling real problems faced by workers and workforce organizations whether or not they fit a traditional business case. 

Initial tools currently in development, along with examples of the kinds of problems the WhereWeGo Labs initiative is designed to tackle, include: 

• Training Program Navigation for Mississippi: Workers often struggle to find clear, trustworthy information about local training options. This tool helps people explore Mississippi training programs through a searchable, filterable experience built around the questions real workers are actually asking. 

• Industry Clarity Score: Some industries have major opportunities, but from a worker’s perspective they can still feel opaque, fragmented or hard to enter. This tool evaluates how clear an industry is for workers by assessing barriers to entry, visibility into roles and pathways, and how easy it is to understand the steps needed to get started. 

• “Am I Cooked?”: As AI reshapes the labor market, many workers have little clarity about whether their role is vulnerable or what to do next. This interactive tool helps individuals assess career risk and identify adjacent pathways using the latest research on AI-driven job displacement. 

• Workforce Pell Eligibility Check: Many training providers and institutions are trying to understand whether their programs may qualify under emerging Workforce Pell guidelines. This tool helps them quickly assess eligibility questions in a policy environment that is still evolving. 

• Can a Mom Actually Work Here: Many workplaces say they support families, but workers with caregiving responsibilities often face hidden barriers in practice. This tool helps organizations evaluate how supportive their workplace is and identify concrete ways to improve. 

The launch of WhereWeGo Labs builds on the company’s broader approach: combining research, user data and real-world application to create light and easy-to-use tools that help to connect individuals with the right training and career pathways. 
 
“When you build out in the open, you give your products a chance to evolve and get tangible feedback from real workers and practitioners,” said Leah Lykins, co-founder and chief product officer of WhereWeGo. “Our approach is to act fast, embrace imperfection and use real-world feedback to refine our tools. This means that we have a much greater chance of solving the problems that are real barriers for workers and those who try to serve them.” 
 
The company’s latest report, informed by years of platform data, user behavior insights and work with workforce organizations across the country, highlights ongoing challenges in career navigation, training discovery and system complexity. WhereWeGo Labs extends that work by putting those insights into practice.  
 
WhereWeGo invites workers, training providers, workforce organizations and other partners to explore the first WhereWeGo Labs tools and submit ideas for future builds. To learn more, visit labs.wherewego.org. 

Bhubaneswar, Apr 10 (BNP): Odisha has taken a significant step towards strengthening its power infrastructure with the commissioning of new energy projects in the state capital region.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, visited the Grid Substation at Balianta after the inauguration of major power projects in Bhubaneswar.

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/EnergyOdisha

The state government has launched three new grid substations and eight key transmission lines aimed at improving electricity distribution and ensuring a stable power supply across the rapidly growing city.

Officials said the upgraded infrastructure will enhance the efficiency and reliability of power delivery, helping meet the increasing demand driven by urban expansion, industrial growth, and rising household consumption.

The new network is also expected to reduce transmission constraints and strengthen the overall energy system, ensuring better preparedness for future requirements.

During the visit, the Chief Minister reviewed the operational status of the Balianta Grid Substation and assessed the readiness of the newly commissioned facilities.

The initiative marks an important milestone in Odisha’s efforts to modernise its power sector and support long-term urban and economic development.

Mumbai, Apr 10: NIVEA, India’s most trusted skincare brand*, has unveiled its latest innovation in bodycare, the NIVEA Super 10 Serum Lotion, designed to deliver visibly glowing, healthy-looking skin in just 5 days. While consumers today invest significantly in face care, bodycare often remains overlooked despite common concerns such as dullness, uneven skin tone, and dark spots. Addressing this gap, NIVEA brings advanced skincare science into bodycare with a formula that works 10 layers deep, helping reduce dullness and enhance the skin’s natural radiance.

Powered with Niacinamide, 120X Vitamin C alongside Vitamin A & E, the NIVEA Super 10 Serum Lotion combines high-performance ingredients with trusted care to improve skin texture, even out tone, and boost glow over time. Its lightweight, non-sticky, and fast-absorbing texture makes it ideal for everyday use, delivering nourishment without heaviness.

Bringing this insight to life, NIVEA’s latest brand film brings the product’s promise to life through a simple, relatable narrative that highlights the need for effective body care in everyday routines. Showcasing the Super 10 Serum Lotion, the film focuses on its advanced formulation powered by Niacinamide and Vitamin C, along with its lightweight, non-sticky texture that works deep within the skin. With a strong emphasis on visible results, it demonstrates how the lotion helps reduce dullness and enhances skin’s natural glow in just 5 days, making body care both effortless and impactful.

Geetika Mehta, Managing Director, NIVEA India, said: “Consumers today are increasingly aware of skincare ingredients and are looking for solutions that deliver visible results. With the Super 10 Serum Lotion, we are bringing efficacious ingredients like Niacinamide and Vitamin C into body care, ensuring that consumers don’t have to compromise when it comes to caring for their skin beyond the face. This launch reflects our commitment to combining innovation with trusted care.”

Bhubaneswar, Apr 10 (BNP): In a formal appeal to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, MP Aparajita Sarangi has urged the state government to reconsider the decision to halt the proposed Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project, stressing its importance for the city’s long-term urban development.

Highlighting the rapid pace of population growth and urbanisation in Bhubaneswar, Sarangi said the city’s existing transport system is already under severe strain, leading to increasing traffic congestion in the capital and nearby areas. She noted that a metro rail network would provide a safer, faster, and more reliable public transport option for all sections of society, including women, senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities.

She described the metro project as more than just a transport initiative, calling it a long-term investment in sustainable urban infrastructure and planned city growth.

On the economic front, the MP said the project could generate significant employment opportunities and attract fresh investments into the region. Improved connectivity to key cultural and religious landmarks such as the Lingaraj Temple, Dhauli, and ISKCON Temple Bhubaneswar, she added, could also give a strong boost to tourism and enhance the city’s profile as a modern urban centre.

Raising financial concerns, Sarangi pointed out that around ₹274 crore has already been spent on the project. She warned that stopping work at this stage could lead to a waste of public money and potentially increase costs if the project is restarted in the future.

She further emphasised that metro systems are long-term infrastructure assets that may not deliver immediate financial returns but provide substantial social and economic benefits over time.

Concluding her appeal, Sarangi urged the state government to consider public interest and long-term gains, and expressed willingness to work with the Centre to explore additional funding and support for the project.

The proposal to halt the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project has triggered fresh debate over urban mobility priorities and infrastructure planning in the state.

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): At a time of “unprecedented volatility” in the global economy, Shaktikanta Das, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, has called on Indian industry to focus on safeguarding jobs, strengthening balance sheets, and making strategic investments to stay prepared for future challenges.

Speaking at the All-India Management Association National Leadership Conclave in New Delhi, where he was also conferred the Public Service Excellence Award, he delivered a keynote address titled “Turning Turbulence into Triumph: India’s Journey Through Crises.”

He said businesses must prioritise building organisational resilience, redesigning supply chains, and reducing overdependence on vulnerable networks. Companies—especially exporters—should also diversify into new markets and invest in skilling their workforce to improve adaptability.

“These measures are essential for ensuring long-term sustainability and enabling future growth for Indian industry,” he noted.

His remarks come amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have begun affecting global supply chains and pushing up input costs for Indian manufacturers. Crude oil prices have also surged sharply, adding inflationary pressure on businesses.

Recent data from S&P Global shows that manufacturing input costs have risen at their fastest pace in nearly four years, while new orders have slowed to their weakest level since mid-2022.

Against this backdrop, he underlined the importance of energy security, self-reliance, and diversification as key pillars for sustaining India’s economic momentum in an uncertain global environment.

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): In a significant push towards expanding women’s representation in politics, the Union Cabinet has approved key proposals to accelerate the implementation of 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

The move involves amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam along with a new Delimitation Bill. The aim is to bypass delays linked to the next Census by using data from the 2011 Census, allowing the reservation policy to be rolled out sooner.

According to sources, the government is planning a series of legislative steps to delink the reservation from the pending Census exercise, which had earlier been a key condition for its implementation.

The Cabinet has also cleared a proposal to expand the size of legislative bodies. The Delimitation Bill is expected to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by around 50%, a move aimed at better representation as the population grows. A separate law is likely to address similar changes in Union Territories.

If implemented as planned, the expanded Lok Sabha could come into effect by the 2029 general elections, potentially reshaping India’s political landscape with a larger House and a substantial increase in women lawmakers.

This development marks a crucial step toward operationalizing the long-awaited women’s reservation policy, which has remained pending for years despite broad political consensus.

Pune’s vibrant dining scene welcomes an exciting new addition as SALT Indian Restaurant announces the launch of its second outlet in the city. Opening its doors on March 27th at Amanora Mall, the new space marks an important milestone for the brand as it continues to expand its footprint in Pune. Known for its contemporary interpretation of Indian cuisine, SALT blends rich regional flavours with modern presentation, creating a dining experience that is both comforting and refreshingly innovative. With its warm ambience and inviting setting, the new outlet is designed to welcome diners looking to explore bold flavours, celebrate special moments, or simply indulge in a memorable meal with friends and family.

The expansion comes on the back of the overwhelming response SALT received from its first outlet in Pune. Recognising the city’s growing appetite for vibrant dining experiences, the brand saw an opportunity to bring its unique culinary philosophy to a wider audience. “Pune has always been a city that appreciates good food and vibrant dining experiences. The response we received to our first outlet here was incredibly encouraging, and it felt natural for us to expand further in the city. Our second outlet allows us to reach a wider audience while continuing to showcase SALT’s philosophy of making Indian cuisine more interesting,” shares Chef Balaji Balachander – Culinary Director and Co-founder at SALT Indian Restaurant.

At the heart of SALT’s menu lies a celebration of India’s diverse flavours, thoughtfully elevated through contemporary techniques and presentation. The new outlet continues this tradition while incorporating local influences, drawing inspiration from Maharashtra’s bold spices and regional ingredients. Diners can expect a menu that balances innovation with nostalgia, featuring standout dishes such as the Chard Chicken Burrata Salad, Thecha Broccoli, Mutton Sukha Golis, and Murgh Sakora Kebab. For those craving robust regional flavours, highlights like the Kolhapuri Mutton Cookerwala and Kombdi Cha Rassa promise a comforting yet elevated experience. The meal concludes on a sweet note with the indulgent Double Ka Meetha Pull Me Up, a playful twist on a classic favourite.

With this new space, SALT hopes to continue creating memorable dining experiences while celebrating the incredible depth and versatility of Indian cuisine. With its signature flavours, lively atmosphere, and a menu designed to delight both familiar patrons and new diners alike, SALT’s newest address is set to become another favourite on Pune’s culinary map.

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP):  Droupadi Murmu has nominated Harivansh Narayan Singh to the Rajya Sabha, marking his return to the Upper House shortly after his previous term came to an end.

Harivansh’s earlier tenure in the Rajya Sabha concluded on April 9. His fresh nomination fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Ranjan Gogoi, who had been serving as a nominated member.

A seasoned parliamentarian and current Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh is widely regarded for his experience in legislative proceedings and parliamentary affairs. His re-entry is expected to bring continuity and stability to the functioning of the House.

The move also underscores the importance of experienced voices in the Upper House, especially at a time when legislative debates continue to play a crucial role in shaping policy and governance.