Archives April 2026

Bhagalpur, Apr 29 (BNP): In a brazen daylight attack, armed assailants stormed the office of the Sultanganj Nagar Parishad in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district on Tuesday, killing Executive Officer Krishna Bhushan Kumar and critically injuring Municipal Chairman Raj Kumar Guddu.

The shocking incident occurred at around 4:00 PM, when both officials were in their respective chambers attending official work. According to eyewitnesses, a group of three to five armed criminals arrived on motorcycles, entered the civic office premises, and opened indiscriminate fire, triggering panic among staff members and visitors.

Eyewitness Ranjit Kumar said several people, including standing committee members, were present inside the office when the attackers barged in and began shooting randomly. Both injured officials were immediately rushed to hospital by staff and locals.

Senior Superintendent of Police Pramod Yadav said Executive Officer Krishna Bhushan Kumar displayed exceptional courage by confronting the attackers and attempting to stop them. CCTV footage reportedly shows him struggling with the assailants before being shot multiple times.

Kumar was hit by three bullets and succumbed to his injuries while being taken to Mayaganj Hospital. Municipal Chairman Raj Kumar Guddu remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment.

Police suspect the incident may be linked to long-standing personal rivalry within the local municipal administration, though all angles are being investigated.

The SSP confirmed that special teams have been formed to identify and arrest those responsible. CCTV footage has reportedly captured at least two of the attackers.

The incident has sparked sharp political reactions, with Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticising the Nitish Kumar government over deteriorating law and order in the state.

Heavy police deployment, barricading, and additional reinforcements have been put in place across Sultanganj to prevent any escalation of tension.

Mumbai, Apr 29 (BNP): Global gold demand recorded a modest but steady rise in the January–March quarter, supported primarily by strong investment buying in bars and coins amid persistent geopolitical tensions and elevated price levels, according to the latest World Gold Council (WGC) report released on Wednesday.

Total global gold demand, including over-the-counter (OTC) transactions, increased by 2% year-on-year to 1,231 tonnes in Q1 2026, compared to 1,205 tonnes in the same quarter last year.

The standout driver of growth was investment demand, which surged sharply as investors increased allocations to physical gold. Bar and coin purchases rose 42% year-on-year to 474 tonnes, reflecting growing demand for gold as a safe-haven asset during periods of global uncertainty and financial market volatility.

While overall physical demand growth remained moderate, the value of gold demand witnessed a significant jump. Total demand value soared to a record USD 193 billion, registering a 74% year-on-year increase, driven largely by higher international gold prices.

Analysts suggest that this trend highlights a shift in investor behaviour, with gold increasingly being used as a hedge against inflation, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical risk. Even as jewellery demand remains relatively stable, investment-led demand is playing a more dominant role in shaping overall market dynamics.

The report indicates that gold continues to retain its strategic importance in global portfolios, particularly during uncertain macroeconomic conditions, where investors seek stability and long-term value preservation.

Overall, the Q1 data reflects a resilient gold market, where modest volume growth is being outweighed by strong value expansion, underpinned by robust investment interest.

April 29: Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader, has released its audited financial statements and annual report for FY2025, reaffirming its preliminary numbers while demonstrating resilient performance in a dynamic macroeconomic environment.

The company reported revenue of €999.3 million, marking a 2.8% year-on-year increase and 6.1% growth in constant currency terms. Strong operational discipline contributed to improved profitability, with gross profit rising 8.6% year-on-year to €321.3 million, and gross margins expanding to 32.2% from 30.4% in FY2024.

Key Financial Highlights

• Revenue: €999.3 million (+2.8% YoY; +6.1% constant currency)
• Gross Profit: €321.3 million (+8.6% YoY)
• Gross Margin: 32.2% (up from 30.4%)
• Adjusted EBITDA: €138.2 million (margin at 13.8%)
• EBITDA: €118.7 million
• Net Profit: €39.5 million
• Operating Cash Flow: €102.8 million (up from €86.5 million in FY2024)

The Adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.8% remained within the company’s forecast range, reflecting continued cost discipline and operational efficiency.

Performance Overview

While Nagarro delivered strong growth at the gross profit level, overall profitability was impacted by:

• Unrealized foreign exchange loss of €15.5 million on intra-group loans
• One-time expense of €12.4 million related to the implementation of new labour codes in India

As a result:

• EBIT stood at €83.0 million, down from €96.7 million in FY2024
• Net profit was €39.5 million, compared to €49.2 million in FY2024

Despite these factors, the company strengthened its financial position through improved cash generation and efficiency, with Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) improving from 88 days to 82 days.

Balance Sheet & Capital Allocation

As of December 31, 2025:

• Cash balance: €124.6 million
• Loans and borrowings: €310.1 million (down from €329.6 million)

Nagarro also:

• Repurchased shares worth €67.8 million during FY2025
• Announced a proposed dividend of €1.00 per share, subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting

Operational Strength

The company closed FY2025 with approximately 18,000 professionals across 38 countries, reinforcing its global delivery capabilities and position as a leading digital engineering partner.

A slight decline in clients generating over €1 million annually—from 186 to 180—reflects the successful transition of several implementation-led projects into stable, recurring managed services engagements, highlighting a shift toward long-term client relationships.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): In a significant move against rising cyber fraud, WhatsApp has banned 9,400 accounts allegedly involved in “digital arrest” scams since January this year, the Central Government informed the Supreme Court.

The development was disclosed in a comprehensive status report filed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in compliance with the apex court’s directions to curb the growing menace of online fraud and digital extortion.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, which had taken suo motu cognisance of digital fraud cases, had earlier directed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and other agencies to frame a coordinated mechanism for victim compensation and preventive action.

According to the report, WhatsApp launched a structured multi-week investigation in January 2026 following concerns raised by I4C, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the DoT over scams targeting Indian users.

The investigation reportedly followed a rigorous methodology involving identification of suspicious signals, mapping scam networks, taking action against linked accounts, and deploying automated safeguards to prevent future abuse.

Authorities said the banned accounts were linked to fraudsters impersonating law enforcement agencies such as police, CBI, customs officials, and other government departments. Victims were allegedly threatened through calls and messages, falsely told they were under investigation, and coerced into transferring money to avoid arrest.

The Centre also informed the court that a multi-pronged strategy involving telecom regulators, service providers, banks, tech companies, and investigative agencies such as the CBI is being implemented to tackle such cybercrimes.
Officials urged citizens to remain alert and reminded the public that genuine law enforcement agencies do not demand payments or conduct arrests through messaging apps or video calls.

The crackdown is being seen as a major step in strengthening India’s response to increasingly sophisticated cross-platform cyber fraud operations.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): India’s credit card spending recorded a strong month-on-month rise in March, increasing by 24% to ₹2,194 billion (₹2.19 lakh crore), supported by seasonal demand and a lower base effect, according to a recent report released on Tuesday.

The data indicates that while overall spending saw a noticeable jump, the broader consumption pattern is gradually stabilising, suggesting a normalisation in credit-driven expenditure trends.

Analysts noted that the increase in March spending was influenced by seasonal factors, which typically drive higher consumer activity during the period. However, when viewed over a longer period, spending growth appears to be moderating compared to earlier high-growth phases.

The report further highlighted that credit card usage continues to remain an important indicator of urban consumption, reflecting spending behaviour across categories such as retail, travel, and services.

Despite short-term fluctuations, experts suggest that consumer spending remains steady, with credit usage aligning more closely with income growth and broader economic conditions.

Overall, the data points to a healthy but stabilising credit card market, where sharp monthly increases are balanced by a more sustainable long-term growth trend.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): Major changes in LPG booking rules, delivery verification, and pricing are expected to come into effect from May 1, along with a continued push towards cleaner fuel usage, according to recent policy updates.

Under the revised system, booking intervals for LPG cylinders will be extended. Urban consumers will need to wait 25 days between bookings, while rural consumers will have a 45-day gap, compared to the earlier shorter cycle. The move is aimed at improving supply management and ensuring smoother distribution.

A key update is the introduction of a mandatory OTP-based delivery verification system. Consumers will now need to confirm LPG deliveries through a one-time password sent to their registered mobile numbers. This digital system is intended to improve transparency and reduce misuse, hoarding, and diversion of subsidised cylinders.

On the pricing front, LPG rates have already seen an increase in recent months, with domestic cylinders rising by about ₹60 in April. Commercial cylinder prices have also increased more sharply, and further revisions may take place depending on global crude oil movements and market conditions.

The government is also continuing its focus on promoting piped natural gas (PNG). In areas where PNG infrastructure is available, households may be encouraged to switch, with phased restrictions on LPG supply for eligible users expected over time.

Despite global uncertainties, officials have said LPG, PNG, and CNG supplies remain stable, with priority being given to essential services. Consumers have been advised to avoid panic buying and complete necessary eKYC updates to ensure uninterrupted service.

Overall, the changes are aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening supply management, and gradually shifting consumers towards cleaner and more sustainable energy options.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): India is set to receive its fourth Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence missile system by May 2026, significantly enhancing the country’s air defence preparedness and strengthening strategic coverage across key regions.

The advanced S-400 system, regarded as one of the world’s most sophisticated long-range air defence platforms, is capable of detecting and engaging multiple aerial threats including fighter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 400 kilometres.

The upcoming delivery coincides with the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, during which the S-400 reportedly played a crucial role in intercepting hostile aerial threats and safeguarding military installations across northern and western sectors.

India had signed a defence agreement worth nearly ₹40,000 crore with Russia in 2018 for the procurement of five S-400 squadrons. So far, three squadrons have already been delivered and deployed in strategically important locations.

The first unit was deployed near the western border in December 2021, followed by the second near the northern frontier in 2022, while the third was positioned in Rajasthan in January 2023.

Officials said the fourth squadron will help eliminate critical radar blind spots, improve early warning systems, and further strengthen India’s multi-layered air defence shield alongside systems such as Barak-8, Akash, and NASAMS-II.

The fifth and final S-400 unit is expected to be delivered by November 2026, completing India’s full order of five squadrons.

The induction of the fourth S-400 system comes at a time when India continues to modernise its armed forces and bolster national security amid evolving regional security challenges.

Rourkela, Apr 29 (BNP): The National Institute of Technology Rourkela has secured the 186th position in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2026, strengthening its position among leading higher education institutions in Asia.

The latest rankings assessed 929 universities across 36 countries and territories, where NIT Rourkela continued to maintain a strong presence, reflecting its steady academic and research progress.

The improved ranking highlights the institute’s growing focus on academic quality, research output, and institutional development. It also reflects its expanding reputation in engineering education and innovation at both national and regional levels.

According to the ranking framework, universities are evaluated on parameters such as teaching standards, research performance, industry engagement, and international outlook. NIT Rourkela’s position indicates positive progress across these key areas.

Overall, the result reinforces the institute’s standing as one of India’s leading technical education institutions, with ongoing efforts to further enhance academic excellence and global competitiveness.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): Cricket star Virat Kohli has been announced as the brand ambassador for the new Oakley Meta Performance AI glasses in India, a joint initiative by Meta Platforms and Oakley.

The partnership aims to promote AI-powered smart glasses designed to support athletes in training and performance. The technology is expected to help users stay focused by offering real-time insights in a lightweight and easy-to-use format.

As part of the collaboration, fans will also get a closer view of Virat Kohli’s daily routine, including training sessions, match preparation, and behind-the-scenes moments, captured using the smart glasses.

Meta said the idea behind the product is to bring technology closer to sport, helping athletes access useful information without interrupting their flow during practice or competition.

Company representatives added that the collaboration reflects how wearable technology is becoming more integrated into sports, offering practical support to improve focus and performance.

Overall, the partnership highlights the growing link between sports and AI-based wearable devices, aiming to enhance both athlete experience and fan engagement.