Archives April 2026

New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): Silver prices gained in futures trade on Thursday, rising 0.82% to ₹2,53,800 per kilogram, supported by fresh buying interest and global market uncertainty.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver contracts for May delivery advanced by ₹2,058 per kg, with a total trading volume of 2,095 lots during the session.

Market participants attributed the rise to renewed position-building activity, as traders responded to volatile global cues, including concerns over US trade policy direction.

Analysts said the movement reflects cautious sentiment in the commodity market, where investors continue to take positions in precious metals amid uncertain international conditions.

Overall, silver remained firm in futures trade, tracking global risk sentiment and steady speculative demand.

Gurugram, Apr 16th: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has announced its Shubh Akshaya Tritiya sale, bringing festive offers on its Bespoke AI Home Appliances range. Designed to celebrate prosperity and new beginnings, the offers combine assured savings with long-term value, enabling consumers to upgrade to smarter, AI-powered living.

Samsung is offering attractive benefits on its Bespoke AI appliances, including cashback offers of up to INR 20,000 on refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and microwaves. Additionally, customers can enjoy a 5-year comprehensive warranty on Air Conditioners, along with Samsung Care+, which provides an extended warranty of 5 years. These benefits are aimed at enhancing peace of mind, minimizing unexpected repair costs, and improving the overall ownership experience for consumers.

The Shubh Akshaya Tritiya offers are valid until 31st May 2026 across Samsung.com, leading online platforms, and select retail outlets across India.

Powered by Bespoke AI for Smarter Living

Samsung’s Bespoke AI appliances are designed to deliver smart, intuitive and energy-efficient experiences. From personalised cooling to connected home management, these appliances combine advanced AI with elegant design.

Enhancing reliability, Samsung’s 2026 Bespoke AI Air Conditioner range comes integrated with SmartThings Home Care, a proactive monitoring and preventive maintenance solution. It continuously tracks appliance performance, detects potential issues such as gas leakage or filter cleaning needs, and alerts users in advance.

The Bespoke AI refrigerators with AI Vision Inside enable smarter food management in the kitchen by identifying stored items and integrating seamlessly with the connected ecosystem.

The Samsung Bespoke AI washing machines feature AI Wash, which intelligently senses load weight and fabric type to optimise water, detergent usage and wash cycles for efficient cleaning.

These appliances also feature Samsung’s SmartThings Family Care, which offers activity notifications, medication reminders and location-based alerts, supporting families with better care, connectivity and peace of mind.

New Delhi, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 years and above rose to 5.1% in March 2026, up from 4.9% in the previous month, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin released by the statistics ministry.

The increase was largely driven by rising joblessness in urban areas, where the unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in March, compared to 6.6% in February. The data indicates continued pressure in city labour markets, even as overall employment conditions remain broadly stable in rural regions.

The PLFS report highlights a modest but noticeable uptick in unemployment, reflecting ongoing structural challenges in urban job creation and labour absorption.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is engaging with commercial banks to explore ways to strengthen deposit mobilisation, amid growing concerns over shifting household savings patterns.

According to discussions held over recent weeks, RBI officials have sought feedback from lenders on strategies to attract more stable and long-term deposits. This comes as an increasing share of household savings is moving towards equities and other financial market instruments.

Banking sector experts note that this trend could pose challenges for liquidity management if deposit growth fails to keep pace with credit demand. The central bank’s consultations aim to ensure that the banking system remains resilient and well-funded despite evolving savings behaviour.

Apr 16 (BNP): India is accelerating the integration of compressed biogas (CBG) into city gas distribution (CGD) networks as global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies tighten amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The move reflects a broader push to strengthen domestic energy security and reduce dependence on imported natural gas.

The government has shifted from a voluntary adoption model to a structured mandate under the Compressed Biogas Obligation (CBO). As per the phased rollout, CBG blending in compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) will begin at 1% in FY 2025–26 and gradually increase to 5% by FY 2028–29.

The policy push comes at a time when India imports nearly half of its natural gas requirements, making it vulnerable to global price volatility and supply disruptions. The recent LNG supply crunch has further reinforced the urgency to diversify into domestic renewable fuel sources.

To support large-scale adoption, the Union Budget 2026–27 has removed central excise duty on the green component of blended CNG, improving cost efficiency and enhancing the financial viability of compressed biogas production. The move is expected to encourage greater private investment in the sector.

Infrastructure expansion is also gathering momentum, with around 170 compressed biogas plants currently operational and more than 300 additional plants under construction. These developments are being supported through policy frameworks that aim to strengthen linkages between biomass collection systems and city gas networks.

The programme is designed to convert agricultural residue, organic waste, and sewage into usable clean fuel, offering both environmental and economic benefits while reducing waste disposal challenges.

Officials believe the structured expansion of biogas blending will play a key role in reducing import dependence, supporting rural income generation, and advancing India’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the Odia language will be made compulsory in all schools across the state, reinforcing efforts to strengthen linguistic heritage and cultural identity.

The announcement was made during the concluding ceremony of the ‘Odia Paksha’ celebrations, highlighting the state government’s focus on promoting the mother tongue among students from an early age.

The Chief Minister stated that the directive will be implemented across all educational institutions in Odisha. As part of the initiative, more than 18,000 copies of Odia Barnabodha and Shishu Lekha Pustak will be distributed to students to deepen their understanding of the language and its cultural significance.

Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening students’ connection with Odia language, literature, and traditions, while ensuring its wider usage in academic learning.

The government also reiterated its commitment to expanding educational infrastructure and promoting inclusive learning through initiatives aligned with national education objectives.

Washington, Apr 16 (BNP): India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, held meetings with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and former US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, as both countries continue discussions on a proposed bilateral trade agreement.

The meetings come at a time when India and the US are working to refine the details of their bilateral trade framework, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and addressing tariff and market access issues.

According to official inputs, a delegation of Indian officials is expected to travel to the United States for further negotiations on the agreement in the coming weeks.

In an earlier social media post, the Indian envoy noted that discussions covered a wide range of bilateral cooperation areas and also included exchanges on key global developments. The engagement was described as constructive, with both sides reaffirming support for stronger India-US relations.

The trade talks follow the announcement of a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement earlier this year, under which tariff reductions and market access measures were discussed as part of broader negotiations.

However, the evolving global trade environment and policy shifts in the United States have influenced the timeline for finalisation. Officials have indicated that the agreement is expected to move forward once the revised tariff structure becomes clearer.

The negotiations are also taking place amid broader trade-related reviews initiated by the US under its trade enforcement mechanisms, adding further complexity to ongoing discussions.

Despite these challenges, both sides continue to express commitment to advancing the trade partnership and strengthening economic ties.

Mumbai, April 16: Oceana Signature marked a defining milestone with the unveiling of its first Signature Atelier at Jio World Plaza, bringing together fashion insiders and tastemakers for an immersive introduction to its vision of conscious luxury. Designed as an intimate, dreamy, and elegantly crafted high-end kiosk, the Atelier blends refined design, craftsmanship, and storytelling to offer an elevated retail experience.

 At the heart of the launch was “50 Shades of Slay – The Signature Edit”, a curated fashion showcase conceptualised as a head-to-toe luxury experience. Alongside Oceana’s specialised collection, the edit featured six carefully curated, external designers: AraiyabyAza, Jewels by Shivani & Nupur, Babita Malkani, HYUE, Taangerine Tiger, and Mister Pearl, each aligning with the brand’s aesthetic and ethos. Together, they came alive as part of a collaborative showcase under the Fifty Shades of Slay umbrella.

The collection spotlighted statement pieces such as the Hobo Crystal Bag, Embrace Crystal Swarovski Clutch, and raw silk rhinestone potlis, characterised by bold textures, sculptural silhouettes, and intricate hand-beading. Positioned within the luxury segment, pieces ranged from ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 and were available as limited-edition exclusives at the launch.

Speaking on the launch, Rima Kapadia (Creative Head), Co-founder: “For us, this Atelier is about creating a feeling, where craftsmanship, emotion, and design come together in a way that feels deeply personal. ‘50 Shades of Slay’ is an extension of that idea, where every piece tells a story of individuality and intention.”

Reflecting Oceana’s ocean-inspired identity, the Atelier’s design embraces organic opulence, with fluid architectural lines, champagne gold and ivory tones, and high-gloss finishes. A key highlight, the “Artisan Spotlight” installation, traces the 21-day journey of each creation, celebrating craftsmanship and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to slow, conscious luxury. Guests experienced bespoke customisation services, including name and initial etching, along with private styling previews tailored for occasionwear and the upcoming wedding season.

Co-founder Rashi Maniar (Corporate Head) also added on the launch: “Stepping into Jio World Plaza is a significant moment for us. It reflects how consciously created, cruelty-free luxury is no longer niche; it belongs in the most elevated retail conversations globally.”

The launch also signals the beginning of Oceana’s 2026 expansion, with upcoming entries into London and New York.