Archives April 2026

Bangalore, Apr 15 (BNP): Financial intelligence platform GoCredit has launched what it claims to be India’s first AI-powered Loan Agent in Bengaluru, introducing a chat-based system that helps users find and apply for personal loans through a single conversational interface.

The AI tool allows borrowers to compare loan options, check eligibility, and complete applications within one interaction, simplifying the lending process.

According to the company, the system has been in active use since March 2026 and is already processing real loan applications.

GoCredit also reported that it has facilitated over ₹100 crore in loan disbursals, generated more than 15 million loan offers, and served over 2 million borrowers so far.

The platform aims to make credit access faster, more transparent, and easier for users through artificial intelligence-driven solutions.

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has expressed confidence in Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, saying the team’s recent victories will help him settle into the season after a difficult start.

CSK began their campaign with three consecutive losses but have since recovered with back-to-back wins against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, lifting team morale and easing early pressure.

Ashwin believes the improved results will allow Gaikwad to play with greater freedom as captain and focus on regaining his batting rhythm. He also suggested that a minor adjustment in approach at the top of the order could benefit the opener in the T20 format.

With momentum shifting in their favour, the five-time IPL champions will aim to maintain their winning run in the upcoming fixtures.

Bengaluru, April 15: Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, today announced a partnership with Uber, one of India’s leading mobility platforms, that allows users to earn SuperCoins on every eligible Uber ride. This initiative advances SuperCoins into a lifestyle loyalty program, allowing users to earn on their daily commute while furthering Flipkart’s vision of building a rewards program akin to India’s loyalty ecosystem; for Uber it adds incremental value to everyday mobility.

By linking their Flipkart and Uber accounts, users can earn 4% of their fare as SuperCoins on every eligible ride, up to 150 coins per trip, with no cap on total earnings. These SuperCoins are credited directly to the user’s Flipkart account and can be redeemed across the Flipkart ecosystem, including Flipkart Minutes, Cleartrip and partner offerings.

This collaboration features limited-time incentives wherein new Uber users, or those who haven’t utilized the app in the last 84 days, can earn 150 bonus SuperCoins by completing their first ride within 28 days of linking accounts. Additionally, users who link their Flipkart and Uber accounts between April 15 and April 30, 2026, and complete their first ride within 28 days, can earn an additional 50 bonus SuperCoins.

Commenting on the partnership, Gaurav Arora, Vice President, Payments and SuperCoins at Flipkart, said,

“SuperCoins is evolving into a broader rewards layer across everyday use cases. Mobility is a natural extension, and this partnership with Uber allows us to integrate more seamlessly into how customers transact daily. Over time, we will continue expanding SuperCoins across categories to drive deeper engagement across the ecosystem.”

Arnab Kumar, Director Business Development, Uber India and South Asia, said,

“At Uber, we are focused on making everyday mobility more seamless and valuable for our users. This integration with Flipkart allows us to extend additional benefits to riders in a simple and intuitive way, while building on how users engage with everyday services across platforms.”

This partnership brings together two high-frequency consumer platforms, extending rewards into everyday use cases like mobility. It reflects a broader shift towards integrating value more seamlessly into how users engage across categories.

 

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): A recent report shows that India’s residential real estate market continued to be concentrated in major urban centres during the first quarter of 2026, with Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune accounting for nearly 60% of new housing launches.

 The data highlights strong activity in these key metropolitan markets, driven by steady demand, improved infrastructure, and continued interest from both end-users and investors.

Experts note that these cities remain attractive due to better job opportunities, urban development, and expanding housing options across multiple segments.

Overall, the report indicates that while housing supply is growing in several parts of the country, major metro cities continue to dominate new residential project launches.

Gujarat, Apr 15 (BNP): An Indian-flagged LPG tanker, Jag Vikram, has safely arrived at Kandla Port in Gujarat after carrying out a successful voyage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.

The vessel, owned by Mumbai-based Great Eastern Shipping Company, was carrying around 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG and had 24 crew members on board. It crossed the strategic waterway on April 11 before reaching Kandla on Tuesday morning, according to maritime tracking sources.

The safe transit is being seen as a reassuring development for India’s energy supply chain, given the importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil and gas movement.

The voyage also comes amid easing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, following reports of a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which has raised hopes of smoother maritime trade operations in the coming days.

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): St. Kitts and Nevis has inaugurated its High Commission in India, marking a significant step forward in diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The establishment of the mission is expected to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges. It will also facilitate closer coordination between the two governments and improve engagement on bilateral issues.

Officials said the move reflects the growing partnership between India and St. Kitts and Nevis, with both sides looking to expand collaboration in multiple sectors.

The High Commission will also provide improved consular services, making support more accessible for citizens and strengthening people-to-people connections.

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): Escalating tensions between Iran and the United States are beginning to impact everyday life in India, with rising crude oil prices triggering a broad-based increase in the cost of essential commodities and consumer goods. From kitchen staples to household appliances, prices are already climbing and are expected to rise further, putting additional pressure on household budgets.

Cooking Oil Prices Rise Amid Import Dependence
One of the earliest visible impacts has been on cooking oil prices, which have increased by over 7%. India meets nearly 57% of its edible oil demand through imports, making it highly vulnerable to global supply disruptions. Key oils such as palm, soybean and sunflower have been directly affected. The surge in crude oil prices has also raised transportation and logistics costs, further inflating retail prices.

FMCG Products Under Pressure; Shrinkflation Returns
Daily-use FMCG products, including soap, shampoo and biscuits, are also witnessing price pressures. Companies are either increasing prices or resorting to “shrinkflation”—reducing product quantities while maintaining the same price—to offset rising input costs. Higher energy prices have pushed up raw material and packaging expenses.

Consumer Durables Turn Costlier
Consumer durables such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and LED televisions have recorded price increases of up to 15%. The rise is attributed to higher costs of metals, components and logistics, all linked to the spike in global crude oil prices.

Wider Impact Across Sectors
Beyond FMCG and appliances, sectors such as textiles, paints and plastics are also witnessing increased production costs. Industry experts warn that if geopolitical tensions persist, inflationary pressures could intensify in the coming months.

Outlook
Economists caution that continued volatility in crude oil prices may sustain upward pressure on costs across sectors, affecting both businesses and consumers. Further price hikes cannot be ruled out if supply chain disruptions deepen.

Apr 15 ( BNP): Indian stock markets started the trading session on a strong note on Wednesday, supported by positive global cues and easing crude oil prices.

The BSE Sensex rose sharply by 1,422.85 points to 78,270.42 in early trade, while the Nifty 50 advanced 438.25 points to 24,280.90.

The upward movement was driven by gains in global equities and a decline in oil prices, which slipped below the $100 per barrel level. Market sentiment also improved amid expectations of renewed diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran.

All Sensex constituents traded in positive territory during early deals, with strong buying seen in stocks such as InterGlobe Aviation, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Eternal, Larsen & Toubro, and Bajaj Finance.

Overall, investors showed strong buying interest, reflecting improved risk appetite in global and domestic markets.

Chennai, April 15: SWELECT Energy Systems Limited, a leading name in solar energy solutions, today announced the launch of its latest innovation – Off-Grid Solar Cooking, a clean-energy cooking solution unveiled on the auspicious occasion of Tamil New Year.

The product arrives at a time when LPG prices are rising steeply and gas availability is increasingly uncertain, offering households a sustainable and self-sufficient alternative for everyday cooking.

SWELECT’s Off-Grid Solar Cooking solution leverages solar PV panels to power standard electrical induction stoves, eliminating dependence on both the electricity grid and cooking gas. Households can now prepare meals using nothing but the power of the sun, bringing true energy independence directly into the kitchen.

From the Management Desk

Dr. Arulkumar Shanmugasundaram, Managing Director & CEO, SWELECT Energy Systems Limited, said:

“This Tamil New Year, we wanted to bring a meaningful gift to Indian households – the freedom to cook without worrying about gas cylinders or power cuts. Off-Grid Solar Cooking is a testament to SWELECT’s commitment to making clean energy practical for everyday life. I am proud that our engineers have developed a unique proprietary solution with IP rights in a fast turnaround. As we scale up, we invite households across the country to be among the first to experience solar-powered cooking.”

Key Highlights

• Technology: Enables standard induction stoves to operate entirely on solar energy, with no grid electricity or cooking gas required.
• Energy Independence: Shields households from volatile LPG prices and uncertain gas availability.
• Cost Savings: Significantly reduces monthly fuel and electricity expenses over the long term.
• Clean Cooking: Zero emissions at the point of use, contributing to healthier homes and a cleaner environment.
• Target Audience: Households seeking energy security, cost savings, and sustainable living solutions.
• Availability: Offered in limited numbers during the launch phase.

The launch of Off-Grid Solar Cooking reinforces SWELECT’s vision of democratizing clean energy for every household. As the company scales up production capacity, interested customers are encouraged to register early to experience this next-generation solar-powered cooking solution.