Archives April 2026

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): India’s IT services sector is likely to witness restrained growth of around 3 per cent as artificial intelligence-led efficiencies continue to put pressure on pricing and margins, according to a Kotak Institutional Equities report.

The report states that while AI adoption is improving productivity and operational efficiency across IT firms, it is also leading to lower billing rates, creating a deflationary impact on overall revenue growth.

Mid-tier IT companies are expected to perform relatively better compared to large players, supported by niche capabilities, agile business models, and faster adaptation to new technologies.

Kotak noted that the global shift toward automation and AI-based solutions is reshaping traditional outsourcing models, making the industry more competitive on pricing.

However, the report added that AI will remain a long-term growth driver, helping companies improve efficiency even as near-term revenue growth stays moderate.

Overall, the IT sector is expected to enter a phase of stable but slower growth, with firms focusing on productivity gains and technology-driven transformation.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): Veteran Indian golfer Vijay Kumar, one of the most accomplished figures in the country’s professional golf circuit, passed away in Lucknow following a heart attack. He was 57.

Kumar was widely respected for his consistency and dominance in Indian golf, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He turned professional in 1988 and went on to build a distinguished career spanning more than a decade at the top level.

Among his notable achievements, he won the Indian Open in 2002 and secured the Order of Merit title four times, making him one of the most successful players in Indian golfing history.

Known for his disciplined approach and competitive spirit, Vijay Kumar played a key role in shaping the growth of professional golf in India and inspired a generation of emerging golfers.

His demise has been widely mourned across the sporting community, with tributes highlighting his contribution to Indian golf and his legacy as a champion athlete.

Bhubaneswar, Apr 29 (BNP): The Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack has issued a traffic advisory imposing restrictions on several key routes in the city on April 30, in view of the one-day special session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly.

The restrictions will be effective from 7 am and are intended to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain security in and around the Assembly complex and nearby government institutions.

According to the advisory, vehicles moving from Housing Board Square towards Rabindra Mandap will be diverted at Keshari Talkies Square. Traffic from AG Square towards PMG will be rerouted via Jaydev Bhawan and IG Park Road.

Similarly, vehicles from the Master Canteen area heading towards PMG will be diverted through alternative routes near Lower PMG. Traffic from 120 Infantry Battalion Square will not be permitted towards Rabindra Mandap and will instead be redirected towards Power House Square.

Vehicles coming from Lok Bhawan Square towards MLA Colony and Rabindra Mandap will be diverted at 120 Battalion Square towards Sastrinagar Square.

Emergency services such as ambulances, fire services, and police vehicles will be exempted from these restrictions. Vehicles authorised for entry into the State Assembly, Lok Seva Bhawan, and other government offices in the area will also be allowed passage.

The police have requested citizens to cooperate with the traffic arrangements and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience during the session.

New Delhi, Apr (BNP): India is increasingly being recognised as an important force in global stability, economic growth and technological development, global experts said during the “Resilient Futures Summit 2026” held in New Delhi.

Experts noted that amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and global uncertainty, India is emerging as a key economy contributing to balance, resilience and cooperation in the international system.

Danny Quah, Professor of Economics at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, said the world is currently facing uncertainty due to shifting trade patterns and weakening global trust. He observed that India is being looked upon as a potential stabilising power in this changing global environment and may play an important role in supporting peace and cooperation.

He added that India’s growing economic and diplomatic presence places it in a position where its decisions could have a meaningful impact on global outcomes.

Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum in London, highlighted India’s forward-looking approach toward emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. He said that while many Western countries remain cautious about AI, India is actively building capacity and investing in AI-driven development.

Blatchford also noted India’s development path, stating that the country is working to balance rapid economic growth with improvements in living standards, even as it manages challenges such as rising energy demand and urban expansion.

Experts at the summit said India’s combination of technological adoption, economic resilience and policy flexibility is strengthening its global standing and positioning it as a key contributor to future global growth.

New Delhi, April 29: Silver prices declined in futures trade on Wednesday as investors reduced positions amid a stronger US dollar and rising crude oil prices, which weighed on overall bullion demand.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver futures for May delivery fell by ₹1,137, or 0.48%, to ₹2,36,208 per kilogram, with a trading volume of 2,020 lots.

The July contract also weakened, dropping by ₹1,964, or 0.81%, to ₹2,40,799 per kilogram, in a business turnover of 6,868 lots.

Market analysts said pressure on precious metals increased as oil prices remained elevated and currency movements reduced investor appetite for safe-haven assets like silver.

Mumbai, April 29: Crystal Crop Protection Limited, one of India’s leading research-led agri-input companies, has announced the appointment of Akshay Kumar as its brand ambassador. Alongside this association, the company unveiled its first national campaign, “Desh Ka Kisan, Desh Ka Asli Hero,” celebrating the resilience and contribution of India’s farmers.

The partnership brings together Crystal’s three-decade commitment to Indian agriculture with Akshay Kumar’s strong connection to the nation’s ethos. Through this collaboration, the company aims to deepen its engagement with farmers and promote the adoption of advanced agricultural solutions to enhance farm productivity and profitability.

Commenting on the association, Ankur Aggarwal said,

“Akshay Kumar represents resilience, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose—values that align strongly with Crystal. This partnership connects a national icon with the true heroes who feed the nation—our farmers.”

The campaign will be rolled out across television, digital platforms, and on-ground farmer engagement initiatives. It will highlight farmers as the backbone of the nation while showcasing Crystal’s role in supporting them through crop protection solutions, seeds, and its advisory network, including the “Crystal Doctor” initiative.

Speaking on the collaboration, Akshay Kumar said,

“This association is a natural partnership. Being connected with a brand that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India’s farmers is truly meaningful. Together, we aim to celebrate farmers and inspire a new era of confident, modern agriculture.”

Sohit Satyawali added that the association will bring credibility and authenticity to the brand while strengthening efforts to deliver advanced crop solutions to farmers.

Known for its strong focus on research and development, Crystal Crop Protection Limited continues to expand its footprint through innovation, a robust distribution network, and strategic acquisitions, reinforcing its position in India’s agricultural ecosystem.

 

Kendrapara, Apr 29 (BNP): A census of the Mangrove Pitta was conducted across five ranges of the Rajnagar Mangrove Forest Division, covering important coastal mangrove habitats in Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts.

According to Divisional Forest Officer Vardhraj Gaonkar, the survey was carried out using both direct and indirect observation methods across multiple mangrove patches in the region. The exercise was conducted to assess the presence and distribution of the species in its natural habitat.

A total of 70 trained enumerators, organised into 35 teams, participated in the census exercise conducted on Sunday.

The primary objective of the study was to collect scientific data on the bird’s distribution, habitat conditions, breeding patterns, and behavioural traits. The survey will also serve as a baseline for future population monitoring and conservation planning.

Officials said such assessments are important for understanding biodiversity trends in fragile mangrove ecosystems and for strengthening long-term conservation strategies in coastal Odisha.

The data collected is expected to support ongoing efforts to protect wetland and mangrove habitats that are crucial for a variety of bird species, including the Mangrove Pitta.

New Delhi, April 29: India’s LPG under-recoveries are expected to rise sharply and could reach nearly ₹80,000 crore in FY2027, driven by volatility in global energy markets and ongoing disruptions in West Asia, according to a recent assessment by ICRA.

The report notes that geopolitical tensions in key oil and gas-producing regions have tightened global supply conditions, leading to higher import costs for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This is expected to widen the gap between import prices and regulated domestic retail prices.

Under-recoveries occur when fuel retailers sell LPG at government-controlled prices that are lower than their actual procurement cost. When international prices rise, the financial burden on oil marketing companies increases.

ICRA highlighted that continued instability in global energy supply chains may keep LPG pricing under pressure in the medium term, especially if crude oil prices remain elevated.

Despite global uncertainties, domestic LPG demand in India remains steady, supported by household consumption and policy measures aimed at ensuring affordable access to clean cooking fuel.

Analysts said future trends in LPG under-recoveries will depend on global crude movements, geopolitical developments, and adjustments in domestic pricing mechanisms.

Overall, the outlook indicates continued fiscal pressure in the energy sector, with LPG cost gaps likely to remain a key concern for policymakers.