Operation Sindoor Still On, Says Army; Strong Message to Terror Groups !

New Delhi,Apr22(BNP): Reaffirming its unwavering resolve against terrorism, the Indian Army on Tuesday issued a strong message on the eve of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that any act of terror or violation of national boundaries will be met with a decisive response.

On April 22 last year, terrorists killed 26 innocent people—mostly tourists—in Pahalgam, in an attack that shook the nation and drew widespread condemnation from governments and leaders across the world.

In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor during the intervening night of May 6 and 7. The operation involved well-coordinated and precise strikes targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists, including trainers, handlers, and associates linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The strikes were carried out with a focus on maximizing damage to terrorist infrastructure while minimizing civilian casualties.

In a social media post, the Army issued a stern warning to perpetrators of terrorism, stating that “when boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive. Justice is served. India stands united.” The post also featured a digital poster referencing Operation Sindoor with the message: “Some boundaries should never be crossed. India does not forget.”

Senior military officials have reiterated over the past year that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance and a high level of military preparedness round the clock.

As a tribute to the victims, a memorial has been erected in the meadows of Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam. Built of black marble along the banks of the Lidder River, the memorial bears the names of the 26 victims, including 25 tourists and a local resident, Adil Shah, honoring their memory and sacrifice.

Rebel Foods Faasos Gives Pizza Wraps a Bollywood Blockbuster Comeback

Mumbai, April 22: Faasos, one of India’s most loved food brands from Rebel Foods, is giving its fan-favourite Pizza Wraps a blockbuster comeback with a campaign inspired by the country’s timeless love for Bollywood. Bringing together food, nostalgia and pop culture, the brand has launched a series of AI-led digital assets where Pizza Wraps take centre stage in some of Hindi cinema’s most iconic scenes. From Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Om Shanti Om to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Phir Hera Pheri, the campaign reimagines familiar moments with a playful twist, placing Pizza Wraps as the hero of the story.

Rebel Foods Faasos Gives Pizza Wraps a Bollywood Blockbuster Comeback

Speaking about the campaign, Mohit Mahajan, AVP Marketing at Rebel Foods, said,

“Pizza Wraps received a fantastic response when we first introduced them, and we knew there was an opportunity to bring them back in a way that feels fresh, entertaining and relevant. Bollywood is a shared language for millions of Indians, and it gave us the perfect canvas to tell this story with humour and familiarity. Through this campaign, we wanted to celebrate a format that combines everything people love about pizza with the convenience they look for today.”

The campaign is rooted in a simple consumer insight. While pizza continues to be universally loved, it is not always the easiest option for today’s fast-moving lifestyles. From messy slices and wasted crusts to the need to pause and sit down to share, traditional pizza doesn’t always keep up with today’s on-the-go lifestyles. Faasos Pizza Wraps were created to change that. Packed with the indulgent flavours people love, the wraps offer a cleaner, easier and more personal way to enjoy pizza. Easy to hold, convenient to eat on the go and made for single-person indulgence, they bring together comfort and convenience in one satisfying format.

To amplify the campaign, Faasos has also partnered with over 20 influencers who are creating entertaining, filmy content around Pizza Wraps. Inspired by dramatic dialogues, iconic entries and everyday Bollywood-style moments, the creator-led content is set to drive conversations across social media platforms.

Life Insurance Industry Achieves Record INR 4 Trillion New Business Premium in FY26

Apr 22 (BNP): The Indian life insurance sector has recorded a landmark achievement by collecting approximately ₹4 trillion in new business premiums in FY26, marking the highest-ever annual figure for the industry.

Life Insurance Industry Achieves Record INR 4 Trillion New Business Premium in FY26

This milestone reflects strong consumer demand for life insurance products, increased financial awareness, and wider adoption across diverse market segments. Growth has been supported by digital transformation, improved accessibility, and expansion into emerging regions.

The industry’s performance highlights a growing focus on financial protection and long-term savings among Indian households. Insurers have also benefited from enhanced distribution capabilities and evolving product offerings tailored to customer needs.

The achievement underscores the sector’s steady expansion and its critical role in strengthening India’s financial security ecosystem.

PLI Food Processing Scheme Creates 3.39 Lakh Jobs, Exceeds Target

New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): The Government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the Food Processing Industry has achieved a significant milestone by generating approximately 3.39 lakh direct and indirect jobs as of February 2026, surpassing its target of 2.5 lakh jobs set for 2026–27.

Since its inception, the scheme has facilitated the disbursement of over ₹2,162 crore in incentives to beneficiaries, supporting growth, capacity expansion, and technological advancement in the sector.

PLI scheme for food processing creates 3.39 lakh jobs, disburses ₹2,162 crore in Incentiveshttps://t.co/vzfq4OTdLc

via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/tmDzj8fq78

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 22, 2026

The initiative has played a key role in strengthening India’s food processing ecosystem by encouraging investment, enhancing value addition, and improving supply chain efficiency. It has also contributed to increased income opportunities for farmers and supported the growth of food-based industries across the country.

The continued success of the PLI scheme reflects the government’s commitment to boosting manufacturing, generating employment, and promoting sustainable growth in the food processing sector.

RuPay Credit Cards Near 40 pc Share in New Issuances on UPI Boost

News Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): India’s credit card landscape is witnessing a significant shift, with RuPay credit cards rapidly gaining traction and nearing a 40% share in new issuances.

The growth is being driven by the integration of RuPay credit cards with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), enabling users to make seamless payments through QR codes across a wide network of merchants. This feature has expanded the usability of credit cards beyond traditional swipe and online transactions.

RuPay credit cards ride UPI growth, approach nearly 40% share in new issuances https://t.co/94cue2lzmJ

via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/EaIC9cDs6C

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 22, 2026

The increased convenience is encouraging wider adoption, particularly among first-time credit users and consumers in smaller cities, where QR-based payments are deeply embedded in everyday transactions.

Banks and financial institutions are also supporting this trend by promoting RuPay credit cards as a cost-effective and accessible option, aligning with the country’s push for strengthening domestic payment systems.

The rising share of RuPay credit cards reflects the evolving digital payments ecosystem in India, where innovation and infrastructure are enabling greater financial inclusion and transforming consumer spending behaviour.

With UPI continuing to expand its footprint, RuPay credit cards are expected to play a growing role in bridging digital payments and formal credit access.

Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Compressed Biogas Policy 2026, Clears UGC Pay Scales for Model Colleges

Mumbai, Apr 22 (BNP): The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy, 2026, aimed at promoting scientific waste management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the state.

The policy envisions the development of biogas projects through public-private partnerships under a hybrid annuity model. To ensure smooth execution, district-level coordination committees will be established to oversee implementation and facilitate project development.

The initiative is expected to strengthen waste-to-energy infrastructure, improve waste disposal practices, and contribute to cleaner and more sustainable energy generation.

In addition, the Cabinet has approved the implementation of UGC-recommended pay scales for faculty in model colleges, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the quality of higher education and supporting academic professionals.

These decisions underline the state government’s focus on sustainable development and educational advancement, aiming to create long-term environmental and institutional benefits.

Tesla Expands India Journey with New Model YL and Stronger Service Network

Mumbai, Apr 22 (BNP): Tesla has announced the launch of its second offering in India, the Model YL, a three-row, six-seater electric SUV .

The launch marks a significant step in Tesla’s India expansion, aimed at meeting the growing demand for premium electric vehicles with greater space and versatility.

In addition to expanding its product portfolio, Tesla will strengthen its service and body shop network across cities including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. The company is also enhancing its charging infrastructure along major highways to support seamless intercity travel.

Commenting on the development, Sharad Agarwal, General Manager, Tesla India, stated that the company is committed to improving accessibility and delivering a superior ownership experience through expanded infrastructure and customer support.

Tesla’s continued investments underscore its long-term commitment to the Indian market and its role in advancing the transition to sustainable mobility.

India’s Seafood Exports Cross INR 72,325 Crore in FY26, Driven by Shrimp Demand and New Market Growth

Apr 22 (BNP): India’s seafood exports have crossed ₹72,325.82 crore in FY26, supported by strong global demand for shrimp and continued diversification into new international markets.

Industry data indicates that shrimp remains the dominant export segment, contributing the largest share of overall seafood shipments. Improved aquaculture practices, better quality control, and expanding export linkages have further strengthened India’s position in global seafood trade.

India’s Seafood Exports Cross INR 72,325 Crore in FY26, Driven by Shrimp Demand and New Market Growth

Exporters have also benefited from gradual diversification beyond traditional markets, with increasing demand emerging from newer destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and select Western regions. This shift has helped cushion the sector against regional trade fluctuations and price volatility.

Despite global supply chain challenges, India’s seafood industry has maintained steady growth, supported by advancements in cold chain infrastructure, processing capacity, and compliance with international standards.

Trade experts note that sustained investment in aquaculture and market expansion strategies will be key to maintaining export momentum in the coming years, especially as global demand for seafood continues to rise.

The sector’s performance underscores its growing importance in India’s agricultural export basket and its contribution to rural livelihoods, particularly in coastal states.

Chardham 2026: Helicopter Operator Warns of Rising Booking Scams

Apr 22  (BNP): As the Chardham Yatra 2026 season gets underway, a Dehradun-based helicopter operator has alerted pilgrims about a rise in fraudulent booking activities targeting devotees planning helicopter travel to Himalayan shrines.

Chardham 2026: Helicopter Operator Warns of Rising Booking Scams

The operator has reported an increase in fake websites, impersonated travel agents, and misleading social media promotions offering guaranteed or discounted helicopter bookings for routes including Kedarnath. These scams, officials say, are particularly active during the early phase of the pilgrimage season when demand is high.

In response, the operator has released a free safety advisory guide aimed at helping pilgrims identify authentic booking channels, avoid advance-payment frauds, and verify authorised service providers before making reservations.

The advisory emphasises that helicopter services for the Chardham circuit are strictly regulated and bookings should only be made through verified and official platforms. Pilgrims have been urged to exercise caution and avoid unverified online offers.

Tourism stakeholders note that such fraudulent activities tend to spike during peak pilgrimage periods due to heavy demand and limited service slots. Authorities are expected to step up awareness efforts to protect devotees and ensure safe travel arrangements.

With increasing pilgrim turnout expected in 2026, officials have also highlighted the need for stronger digital vigilance and public education to curb scam networks targeting religious tourism.

India Faces Food Inflation Risks Ahead of Kharif Season

Apr 22 (BNP): India could witness emerging food inflation risks ahead of the Kharif agricultural season, even with significant government support measures in place, including subsidies valued at approximately USD 18.6 billion, according to a senior economist from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The outlook is influenced by disruptions in global supply chains, particularly those linked to geopolitical tensions affecting critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. These disruptions have contributed to volatility in the movement of essential commodities and agricultural inputs.

While domestic policy interventions and subsidy mechanisms continue to provide stability to the agriculture sector, external supply-side pressures remain a key concern for price control and market equilibrium.

The FAO economist noted that maintaining food security will require a combination of strong domestic production, efficient supply chain management, and close monitoring of global trade dynamics.

Authorities are expected to remain vigilant to ensure price stability and protect consumer interests during the upcoming agricultural cycle.