Archives April 2026

Apr 16 (BNP): Bengaluru-based Scaler has become India’s first fully AI-native technology career platform, redesigning its entire learning ecosystem around artificial intelligence.

The platform has rebuilt its curriculum, projects, and hiring preparation modules to focus on hands-on AI skills rather than tool-based or theoretical learning.

The move follows a joint study with CyberMedia Research, which found that while 89% of engineers believe they are AI-ready, only 19% are actually working on AI systems, highlighting a major capability gap in the industry.

Scaler said the transformation is aimed at addressing this gap by working closely with over 1,200 companies, which reported a shortage of engineers with real-world AI development experience.

The initiative is designed to better align learning outcomes with industry needs in an increasingly AI-driven job market.

3 in 4 Marine Mammals Most at Risk from Plastic Pollution Already Recognized as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered

WASHINGTON (Apr 16) – A new study released in Conservation Biology today and co-authored by scientists at Ocean Conservancy, Arizona State University and Shaw Institute is the first to rank marine mammals based on their vulnerability to macroplastic pollution (any plastic piece larger than 5mm, roughly the width of a pencil eraser). 

The study, A global ranking of the relative vulnerability of marine mammals to macroplastic pollution, found that Hawaiian monk seals, African manatees, Australian sea lions, vaquita porpoises, and Mediterranean monk seals are the five marine mammals most at risk of population declines from plastics ingestion or entanglement. When the results are assessed at the level of order instead of individual species, sirenians, which include manatees and dugongs, are the most vulnerable to plastic pollution.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies 125 species as marine mammals, of which 8 were excluded from the study because they live primarily in freshwater habitats (like hippopotamuses) or live most of their life on land (like polar bears). Of the 117 marine mammals evaluated, more than 1 in 3 are red-listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered according to the IUCN; and of the 22 marine mammals in the highest-risk group, 17 are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. 

“All marine mammals are affected by plastic pollution, but we wanted to understand: which ones should we be most worried about? Which populations are most at risk?” said Dr. Erin Murphy, Ocean Conservancy’s manager of ocean plastic research and co-author of the study. “Knowing the answer to these questions can guide our efforts and add urgency where it’s needed most.”

To get their results, the researchers scored species according to 11 different traits reflecting the animals’ likelihood of exposure, relative sensitivity to plastics, and population resilience (the ability to bounce back from stressors); then ranked their vulnerability as high, medium-high, medium, medium-low and low. 

The following specific species across mammal types and geographies landed on the highest risk list:

Hawaiian monk seal 
African manatee 
Australian sea lion
Vaquita (porpoise) 
Mediterranean monk seal
West Indian (Florida) manatee 
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin
Sei whale 
North Atlantic right whale
Hector’s dolphin
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin
Dugong 
Gray whale 
North Pacific right whale
Irrawaddy dolphin
Atlantic spotted dolphin
Atlantic humpback dolphin
Risso’s dolphin 
Common bottlenose dolphin
Baird’s beaked whale 
Arnoux’s beaked whale
Indo-Pacific finless porpoise

“It is not surprising that Hawaiian monk seals emerged at the top of this list because they are curious fish-eaters that have been found tangled in fishing gear,” said Murphy. “They also have a small population located near the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, exposing them to a lot of plastic. Local organizations have been conducting targeted debris removal programs to help protect the Hawaiian monk seal, and studies have shown that this has helped the population rebound. This gives us a lot of hope for how to protect the species at the top of the list.”

Murphy, alongside Ocean Conservancy colleagues Dr. Britta Baechler and Nicholas Mallos, co-authored a complementary study published in November 2025 that quantified the extent to which a range of plastic types result in the death of seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals that consume them. Drawing on data from more than 10,000 necropsies, or animal autopsies, the study found that even relatively small amounts of plastics can be deadly when ingested: ingesting less than a sixth of a soccer ball’s worth of plastics kills one in two harbor porpoises, the smallest of marine mammal species. Out of approximately 7,000 marine mammals in the study that had plastics in their guts at their time of death, 72% had consumed fishing debris, 10% soft plastics, 5% rubber, 3% hard plastics, 2% foam, and 0.7% synthetic cloth.

“You can’t fix a problem you don’t understand and that’s why Ocean Conservancy is committed to not only solving the ocean plastics crisis through prevention and cleanup but also advancing research,” said Dr. Britta Baechler, Ocean Conservancy’s director of ocean plastics research. “And it’s been energizing to see the impact our research has made, from inspiring volunteers to influencing policymakers to take action.”

An estimated 11 million metric tons of plastics enter the ocean each year, the equivalent of one garbage truck’s worth every minute. In addition to conducting original plastics research, Ocean Conservancy advocates for solutions to plastic pollution that prevent it from reaching beaches and waterways in the first place. Ocean Conservancy has advocated for policies at the local, state, federal and international levels such as California’s SB54, Florida’s balloon release ban, the Farewell to Foam Act, the UN Plastics Treaty and more. Ocean Conservancy is also home to the International Coastal Cleanup® – the largest single day beach and waterway cleanup in the world, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of volunteers annually to remove millions of pounds of trash – and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative™, the largest international alliance dedicated to solving the issue of lost or abandoned fishing gear, also known as ghost gear, which is pound for pound the deadliest form of plastic pollution to marine life.

Mumbai, Apr 16:  At the end of a one week visit in India, François Provost, CEO of Renault Group, presented futuREady India, an Indian rollout of the futuREady strategic plan unveiled by the Group last March.

“With futuREady, our new Vision, Renault Group is accelerating its international growth by building on high-potential, fast-growing markets where the Group already has a strong presence. India, where we have been established for fifteen years, is a prime example: it represents more than one-third of the growth potential across the markets where the Renault brand already operates.

India is set to become not only a growth market, but also a centre of excellence and an export hub. Thanks to the commitment and expertise of our local teams, it will strengthen the Group’s overall competitiveness.

Thirty years ago, Renault Group began its first wave of international expansion. With futuREady, we are opening a new era in our global growth story – and India will be at the heart of it!” François Provost, CEO, Renault Group

“By 2030, we will offer a seven-model portfolio in India, spanning key segments from compact cars to larger SUVs, and featuring a full spectrum of electrified powertrains—from strong hybrids to fully electric vehicles.

Leveraging world-class engineering, competitive manufacturing, and a clear, ambitious product roadmap, India is poised to be a major driver of sustained value for Renault Group.” Stéphane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group in India

Largest product-driven offensive for Renault Group in India.

In India, Renault Group remains focused on growing a customer base ready to prioritise vehicles combining attractive design, advanced onboard technologies, and electrified powertrains, with an ambition to be among the top three markets for the Renault brand globally by 2030.

The Renault brand is therefore adopting a higher value-added positioning; driven by incorporating advanced technologies, both within the vehicle’s onboard systems and in its powertrain offerings.

Four vehicles are in the line-up to reach a total of seven vehicle portfolio by 2030, including Renault Duster, unveiled in January 2026, and already generating strong enthusiasm among Indian customers. As part of the futuREady announcements, the Group also presented Bridger Concept, which previews a new B-segment compact SUV, a true multi-energy vehicle including an electric version.

The seven vehicles will be based on two complementary platforms, RGEP and RGMP, deployed first on the Indian market and both designed with a multi-energy approach to offer internal combustion powertrains, including hybrids, and electric powertrains depending on needs.

Lastly, the brand also intends to stand out in the market through a strengthened commitment to its Indian customers. Through the Renault Forever initiative, the Group aims to build a lasting relationship based on trust, service quality, and simplified customer experience. Indian customers will notably benefit from a 7-year warranty.

A technology and export hub

Following the launch of futuREady on 10 March 2026, Renault Group is now unveiling futuREady India, aimed at establishing its 15000 employees full-fledged operations as a leading hub for local Indian market and for the world.

In Chennai, the Group has one of its largest engineering centres worldwide, bringing together 6,000 engineers and IT specialists in vehicle architecture, software, simulation, and vehicle lifecycle upgrades. This site is set to take on an elevated role within the Group by now developing platforms, vehicle architectures, and technologies for projects in India as well as for global markets.

On the industrial front, Renault Group now has full ownership of its Chennai manufacturing facility, significantly reinforcing its ability to localise production, deepen supplier integration and optimise end-to-end supply chains. Leveraging India’s strong sourcing competitiveness, this industrial footprint is being developed as a strategic export hub for vehicles, components, and associated services to other Renault Group regions, particularly South America.

The Group’s ambition is to generate €2 billion in annual exports by 2030 in vehicles, R&D, and components.

Renault Group thus confirms a strong conviction: India will play a decisive role in its growth and competitiveness over the next decade.

Apr 16 (BNP): Indian equity markets ended lower on Thursday after a volatile trading session, as investors booked profits in banking and financial stocks following a recent rally.

The Sensex closed 122.56 points, or 0.16%, lower at 77,988.68. During the day, the index swung sharply, touching an intraday high of 78,730.32 before slipping to a low of 77,674.93, reflecting strong volatility.

Similarly, the Nifty 50 declined 34.55 points, or 0.14%, to close at 24,196.75, as selling pressure emerged at higher levels.

Market participants said the fall was mainly driven by profit-taking after recent gains, particularly in banking and financial stocks, while broader sentiment remained cautious amid global cues.

Apr 16 (BNP): India’s benchmark 10-year government bond yield may ease below the 7% level by June, although short-term volatility is likely to continue due to global and domestic economic factors, according to a report.

 The report notes that bond yields saw sharp fluctuations in March, mainly driven by rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions, which pushed yields to their highest level in the current financial year.

However, easing inflation pressures, adequate liquidity in the financial system, and expectations around policy stability are expected to support bond market conditions in the coming months.

On the macroeconomic front, India’s GDP growth is projected at around 7.1% for the current fiscal year, supported by strong domestic consumption and steady investment activity. Export performance is also expected to benefit from lower tariffs, although global trade disruptions and slower world growth could weigh on momentum.

The report also highlights that government efforts to manage retail fuel prices may help support household consumption. Inflation is projected to average around 4.5% in FY27, while comfortable liquidity conditions are expected to provide additional stability to financial markets.

Apr 16 (BNP): MF Bharat, the mutual fund investment platform operated by iPrudent (formerly Prudent Asset India Pvt Ltd), has announced a new initiative aimed at improving financial inclusion among gig workers and investors in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

The programme seeks to simplify access to mutual fund investments through digital tools, making it easier for first-time and underserved investors to participate in wealth creation opportunities.

The initiative is expected to particularly benefit gig economy workers by offering a more accessible and user-friendly investment experience, helping them build long-term financial stability.

Company officials said the platform is focused on expanding awareness and participation in mutual funds beyond major urban centres, contributing to broader financial inclusion across India.

(Left to right: Bejoy, Dipu, Krishna Kumar, Neena Prasad, and Karthik)

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 16: The Asian School of Business is launching three new courses for the 2026-2027 academic year. Admissions have commenced for the Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Design (B.Des), and Master of Computer Applications (MCA). These programs are specifically designed to equip students for both high-level employment and entrepreneurship.

BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts)

As the first Performing Arts course in South Kerala, this program offers specializations in Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam. Led by the renowned Indian classical dancer Dr. Neena Prasad, this 4-year degree is offered in collaboration with CUSAT. Beyond artistic training, the comprehensive curriculum covers performance, production, digital outreach, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

B.Des. (Bachelor of Design)

The Bachelor of Design is a fully multidisciplinary program. Its highlights include a “Studio + Industry + Technology” model and futuristic specializations. The learning approach features:
* Studio-based experiential learning.
* Live industry projects and design challenges.
* Mentorship from design experts and industry veterans.
This CUSAT-approved course is ideal for those aspiring to be UX/UI Designers, Visual Communication Specialists, Product Designers, Creative Strategists, or Design Entrepreneurs.

MCA (Master of Computer Applications)

This MCA program is tailored for those seeking careers in the age of Artificial Intelligence. The curriculum is perfectly suited for high-demand fields such as AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Full-Stack Development.
Key Features: Project-based learning, continuous coding assessments, and technical evaluations.
Practical Experience: Includes mandatory internships and capstone projects.
Career Paths: Prepares students for lucrative roles such as Software Developer/Engineer, Data Scientist, Cyber Security Analyst, Cloud Architect, and Tech Entrepreneurship.

Participants / Key Personnel in the Press Meet:
Dr. Neena Prasad: Renowned Artist and Chief Mentor
Mr. Karthik Raja: CEO, Faceprep
Dr. C. Krishna Kumar: Director, ASB
Prof. Dipu Babu: Head of Operations, TRINS Group
Prof. Bejoy Thomas Kuruvilla: Coordinator – New Programmes, ASB

For information on admission:
Phone: 9847563334, 9961439966, 9363747099
Email: admission.asb@gmail.com, admissions@asbindia.org.in
Website: www.asb.ac.in