Archives May 2026

WhatsApp Launches “Business AI” in India to Help SMEs Automate Customer Support and Boost Digital Sales

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): WhatsApp on Thursday announced the launch of its new AI-powered feature “Business AI” in India, aimed at helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) manage customer interactions more efficiently through the WhatsApp Business app.

The feature is designed to enable eligible businesses to provide 24/7 automated customer support, respond to queries instantly, generate leads, schedule appointments, and support sales conversations without requiring additional platforms or tools.

According to the company, Business AI can be customised using a business’s own information such as product catalogues, pricing, services, discounts, and delivery details. This allows businesses to offer more accurate and personalised responses to customer queries.

A key highlight of the feature is its multilingual capability, enabling interactions in multiple Indian languages to improve accessibility and customer reach across regions.

The platform will also soon support in-chat payments through UPI, allowing customers to complete transactions directly within conversations, further streamlining the digital commerce experience.

WhatsApp stated that businesses will retain full control over conversations and can intervene or take over chats from the AI at any time.

The company said the feature will be gradually rolled out to eligible businesses using the WhatsApp Business app under the Tools section, where users can activate and configure “Business AI” through guided steps.

Impact on small businesses

The launch is expected to benefit SMEs by reducing the burden of handling large volumes of customer messages with limited staff. By automating routine queries, businesses can improve response time, enhance customer engagement, and focus more on growth and operations.

Industry observers believe the move could strengthen India’s digital business ecosystem by enabling small enterprises to adopt AI-driven customer service and expand their online presence more efficiently.

Overall, the initiative reflects the growing integration of artificial intelligence into everyday business communication and digital commerce in India.

Mumbai, India, May 07: Iron Mountain (NYSE: IRM) has entered into a long term partnership with CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions Limited (“CleanMax”) to deliver solar and wind energy to the grid for its Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore data centers. 

The hybrid project, developed under a group captive model, will supply 32 million kWh of clean power annually for Iron Mountain’s data centers, increasing the renewable energy share of these facilities to up to 75%. By matching high-density IT loads with wind and solar, Iron Mountain is demonstrating progress towards its commitment to 24/7 Carbon–Free Energy (CFE) by 2040.

This partnership supports Iron Mountain’s proven Green Power Pass, allowing customers to take direct credit for the green energy procured for their infrastructure. By providing a transparent, auditable trail of renewable procurement, Iron Mountain enables customers to achieve their own ESG commitments for decarbonization. As AI and cloud demands surge, this approach ensures that digital growth in India is powered by smart, local energy solutions. 

“Data centers are the engine of the AI revolution, and that engine must run on clean power,” said Rajesh Tapadia, CEO, Iron Mountain Data Centers, India. “By focusing on hybrid renewable sources across Maharashtra and Karnataka, we are securing a sustainable and stable clean power supply while providing our customers with verifiable green power. This collaboration with CleanMax proves that scaling at the speed of the digital economy goes hand-in-hand with a 24/7 carbon–free future.” 

Mr. Kuldeep Jain, Managing Director, Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions Limited, added: “Data centers are becoming a key driver of electricity demand, and powering this growth with renewable energy is essential for a sustainable digital economy. Our partnership with Iron Mountain reflects our commitment to enabling this transition with clean, reliable energy solutions.”

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet has appointed renewable energy entrepreneur Tanya Singhal as Vice President for India, strengthening its leadership as it expands clean energy and grid modernisation initiatives in the country.

Singhal, known for her work in the renewable energy sector, joins the organisation at a time when India is accelerating efforts to improve power reliability, expand clean energy access, and modernise electricity infrastructure.

In her new role, she will lead initiatives focused on battery storage, grid digitalisation, and distributed renewable energy systems aimed at supporting India’s transition toward a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.

The organisation said her appointment comes as it completes three years of operations in India, where it has been working on projects related to clean energy access, energy storage, and strengthening power systems while also supporting economic opportunities and job creation.

Singhal is the co-founder of SolarArise, a utility-scale solar platform that developed large grid-connected solar assets across multiple Indian states. During her tenure, the company expanded its renewable portfolio with significant infrastructure investments and later achieved a landmark transaction through an Infrastructure Investment Trust listed on the London Stock Exchange.

An alumna of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Singhal also previously worked as a strategy consultant before moving into the renewable energy sector.

Industry observers say her appointment reflects the growing importance of experienced clean energy leaders in driving India’s next phase of energy transition and infrastructure modernisation.

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy approach is increasingly being viewed as a transformative force shaping India’s position in the evolving global order, with political observers and strategic experts describing the journey as a transition “from Vishwaguru to Vishwamitra.”

Over the past decade, India has projected itself as a “Vishwaguru” — a global guide rooted in civilisational values, diplomacy, development cooperation, and cultural influence. Under PM Modi’s leadership, the country has significantly expanded its international footprint through strategic partnerships, economic diplomacy, climate leadership, digital innovation, and humanitarian outreach.

However, analysts now believe India’s global engagement has evolved beyond moral leadership toward a more proactive, pragmatic, and collaborative role — symbolised by the concept of “Vishwamitra,” meaning a trusted friend of the world. The shift reflects India’s growing focus on strategic alliances, regional stability, humanitarian assistance, and balancing geopolitical interests amid rapidly changing global dynamics.

From championing the cause of the Global South and strengthening ties with major powers such as the United States, France, Japan, and Gulf nations, to maintaining diplomatic engagement with Russia and neighbouring countries, India has emerged as an influential and stabilising force in international affairs.

Prime Minister Modi’s flagship foreign policy initiatives including “Neighbourhood First,” “Act East,” and “Voice of Global South,” along with India’s active participation in global platforms such as the G20, Quad, BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), have significantly enhanced the country’s influence on global policymaking. India’s successful G20 presidency further strengthened its image as a bridge between developed and developing nations.

India’s humanitarian diplomacy has also earned widespread international recognition. From the Vaccine Maitri initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic to evacuation missions in conflict zones, disaster relief operations, and digital public infrastructure support to developing countries, India has increasingly positioned itself as a dependable and responsible global partner.

Strategic experts note that the changing world order — marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, technological competition, and climate challenges — has created new opportunities for India to play a more decisive global role. PM Modi’s foreign policy doctrine has focused on balancing national interests with international cooperation while advocating for a multipolar and inclusive world order.

Political commentators say the transition from “Vishwaguru” to “Vishwamitra” reflects India’s effort to combine soft power with strategic realism — positioning the nation not only as a civilisational leader but also as a trusted ally capable of contributing meaningfully to global peace, security, and sustainable development.

As India continues to strengthen its diplomatic outreach and strategic influence, the Modi government’s foreign policy vision is expected to remain central to the country’s aspiration of emerging as a leading global power in the decades ahead.

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday launched a nationwide initiative offering free annual health check-ups for workers aged 40 years and above.

Speaking at ESIC Medical College & Hospital in Delhi, the Minister said the initiative is aimed at strengthening preventive healthcare for workers and improving early detection of health issues through regular medical screening.

He added that the rollout of the four Labour Codes reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing dignity, welfare, and social security for workers across the country under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Describing the occasion as a tribute to “Shram Shakti,” Mandaviya said the government is focused on expanding social security coverage and ensuring better healthcare access for the workforce.

Officials said the initiative is expected to improve occupational health outcomes and promote a more structured approach to worker welfare through timely and preventive medical care.

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): The Government has launched JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care), a QR-enabled digital health platform designed to improve monitoring and delivery of maternal and child healthcare services across the country.

The platform is an upgraded version of the existing Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) system and creates a continuous digital health record covering the full cycle of care—from pregnancy and delivery to postnatal and newborn services, as well as family planning.

Key features of JANANI

The system enables QR-enabled digital Mother and Child Health (MCH) cards, allowing easy access and portability of health records. It also supports real-time tracking of beneficiaries, automated alerts for high-risk pregnancies, and digital dashboards for health officials to monitor service delivery and identify gaps.

JANANI integrates with national health platforms such as U-WIN and POSHAN, ensuring seamless data sharing across programmes and improving coordination between healthcare services. It also allows registration through multiple identifiers, including ABHA, Aadhaar, and mobile numbers, helping reduce duplication and improve accuracy.

The platform further supports self-registration via web and mobile access, along with reminders for antenatal visits, immunisation schedules, and critical health milestones.

Progress so far

According to official data, JANANI has recorded over 1.34 crore beneficiary registrations, including more than 30 lakh pregnant women. It has also generated over 30 lakh MCH cards and completed more than 1 lakh biometric verifications.

Importance and benefits

Officials said the platform is expected to significantly strengthen maternal and child healthcare delivery by ensuring timely monitoring and early intervention in high-risk cases. It is also designed to improve continuity of care, particularly for migratory populations, by maintaining portable digital records accessible across the country.

By combining real-time tracking, automated alerts, and integrated health data systems, JANANI is expected to enhance efficiency in service delivery, reduce missed health check-ups, and support better health outcomes for mothers and children.

The government said the initiative reflects a broader push toward digital health transformation and more inclusive, technology-driven public healthcare services in India.

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): Gold and silver prices rose by up to 1% on Thursday as global markets reacted to rising crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty linked to US–Iran negotiations, according to market data.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), June gold futures touched an intraday high of ₹1,52,887, gaining 0.49%, while silver futures for July climbed as much as 1.49% to ₹2,57,055 during the session.

Internationally, precious metals also traded in positive territory. COMEX gold rose to around $4,703 per ounce, while silver gained over 1% to trade near $78.17 per ounce.

Analysts attributed the upward movement to continued safe-haven demand amid global uncertainty, including tensions in West Asia and concerns surrounding the ongoing US–Iran discussions. Market sentiment has been influenced by reports of negotiations involving nuclear-related commitments and strategic maritime routes.

A weaker US dollar, with the index trading below the 98 mark, also supported the rally in precious metals by making them more attractive to global buyers.

At the same time, rising crude oil prices added to inflationary concerns, further boosting demand for gold and silver as defensive assets. Brent crude traded above $102 per barrel, while WTI also recorded gains.

Market experts say precious metals may continue to remain supported in the near term, driven by geopolitical risks, currency movements, and energy market volatility.

Mumbai, May 7 (BNP): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has announced a packed home season for 2026–27, featuring a wide range of international and developmental fixtures across senior and age-group levels.

A key highlight of the schedule is the Indian women’s cricket team hosting Zimbabwe women for a maiden white-ball series in October 2026. The series will include three T20 Internationals in Raipur followed by three One-Day Internationals in Baroda, marking an important addition to India’s women’s international calendar.

The BCCI said the season has been designed to provide extensive competitive exposure across formats, with India set to host “A” teams, U19 squads, and senior women’s sides from multiple countries, including Australia, England, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

As part of the broader schedule, India A men’s team will face Australia A in a multi-format series in Puducherry, while the India U19 men’s team will play Australia U19 in both one-day and multi-day matches across Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

On the women’s development front, Australia A women will tour India for a multi-format series across Mohali and Dharamshala, followed by matches against England A women in Pune and Navi Mumbai. The India U19 women’s team will also feature in a busy calendar, hosting England U19 in a T20 series and Sri Lanka U19 in a white-ball series across Chennai and Puducherry.

Officials said the expanded calendar reflects a strong focus on building depth in Indian cricket, providing consistent international exposure and strengthening the pipeline across senior and junior levels in both men’s and women’s cricket.