Dubai, UAE, 22^nd April 2026:  FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem has paid tribute to all parties across the FIA Formula One World Championship for coming together to agree a package of targeted regulatory changes for the 2026 season.

A number of refinements to the current regulations were agreed during an online meeting between the FIA, Team Principals, CEOs of Power Unit Manufacturers and FOM on Monday.

The changes covered qualifying energy management, race safety and power controls, race start-line safety systems, and wet weather visibility and grip improvements.

The final proposals will now be put before a FIA WMSC e-vote with a view to implementation before the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, except for the race starts proposals which will be tested and analysed during that weekend. 

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “I would like to praise everyone across the Formula One ecosystem – the FIA staff, teams, drivers and the Power Unit Manufacturers – for the constructive and collaborative work carried out in a very short space of time.

“While we have faced an unexpected gap in the calendar due to circumstances beyond the sport, all parties have remained fully committed to acting in the best interests of Formula One.

“More than ever, the drivers have been at the heart of these discussions, and I would like to thank them for their valuable input throughout this process.

Speaking on the sidelines of the FIA Region I Spring Meeting in Budva, Montenegro today, the FIA President added: “Safety and sporting fairness remain the FIA’s highest priorities. These changes have been introduced to address the issues identified in the opening events and to ensure the continued integrity and quality of the competition.

“We now look forward to the rest of what promises to be an exciting 2026 season.”

Monday’s discussions around potential adjustments were based on data gathered from the first three events of the 2026 season. 

The agreed changes include an increase from 8 to 12 in the number of events where alternative lower energy limits may apply, allowing greater adaptation to circuit characteristics. 

Other measures are designed to reduce excessive closing speeds while maintaining overtaking opportunities and overall performance characteristics. 

Meanwhile, the rear light systems have been simplified, with clearer and more consistent visual cues to improve visibility and reaction time for following drivers in poor conditions. 

The FIA Region I Spring Meeting in Budva reaches its conclusion tomorrow after three days of discussions by representatives from 102 FIA Member Clubs in the Middle East, Europe and Africa to advance safe and sustainable mobility for motor sport fans and road users.

New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon India’s civil servants to place the principle of ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’—the citizen as god—at the core of all governance decisions, emphasizing that public service must remain firmly focused on people-centric delivery and welfare.

In letters addressed to over one crore civil servants ahead of Civil Services Day, the Prime Minister highlighted that governance should be guided by compassion, accountability, and a continuous commitment to learning. He stressed that those entrusted with public responsibility must set an example through dedication and ethical service.

The letters, issued on April 20, were released in 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Punjabi, Assamese, Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil. This multilingual outreach was aimed at ensuring wider accessibility across ministries, departments, states, and Union Territories.

The message underscores the government’s focus on strengthening citizen-centric governance and reinforcing the role of civil servants as key drivers of policy implementation and public trust.

Apr 22 (BNP): The Government is set to conduct an Open House session on April 27 to address concerns related to steel imports, bringing together key stakeholders from the industry, trade bodies, and policymakers.

The meeting is expected to focus on rising import pressures, pricing trends, and the impact of global steel supply dynamics on domestic producers. Industry participants are likely to present their views on competitiveness, demand conditions, and possible policy measures to ensure stability in the sector.

The Open House initiative is seen as part of the government’s broader effort to engage directly with industry stakeholders and develop a balanced approach that supports both domestic manufacturing and market requirements.

Steel remains a critical sector for infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing, and any policy discussion around imports is expected to have wide-ranging implications for pricing, supply chains, and industrial growth.

The session is likely to play an important role in shaping future decisions aimed at strengthening India’s steel ecosystem while addressing concerns over import dependency and market fluctuations.

Apr 22 (BNP): Global AI development is now being limited less by model capability and more by the availability of computing infrastructure, according to Goldman Sachs.

While AI models continue to improve rapidly in performance and efficiency, the key constraint has shifted toward computing resources required to train and deploy them at scale. This includes access to advanced semiconductors, large-scale data centers, and sufficient energy supply.

The report highlights a widening gap between fast-moving AI innovation and the physical infrastructure needed to support it. Rising demand for computing power is being driven by the expansion of generative AI, large language models, and enterprise-level automation systems.

Experts note that the next phase of AI growth will depend heavily on investments in chip manufacturing, cloud infrastructure, and energy-efficient computing systems. Without corresponding expansion in these areas, the pace of AI adoption could face structural limitations.

The findings underscore a broader shift in the AI ecosystem—from software-led progress to infrastructure-led scaling—where computing capacity is becoming a critical strategic asset in the global technology race.

Apr 22 (BNP): Solidus has commissioned the largest captive open access solar power plant in Punjab, marking a significant step forward in the state’s renewable energy landscape.

The project is designed to provide dedicated clean power for captive consumption, reducing reliance on conventional grid electricity and lowering carbon emissions. By utilising the open access model, the plant enables efficient and cost-effective energy supply directly to consumers, improving energy security for industrial users.

The commissioning of this large-scale solar facility reflects the growing momentum toward renewable energy adoption among businesses, driven by sustainability goals, regulatory support, and the need for long-term energy cost stability.

With this development, Solidus strengthens its presence in the clean energy sector while contributing to Punjab’s expanding solar capacity and India’s broader transition toward sustainable power generation.

The project is expected to encourage further investments in captive renewable energy solutions, highlighting solar power as a viable and scalable alternative for industrial energy needs.

Apr 22 (BNP): NavPrakriti, an eastern India-based lithium-ion battery recycling and refurbishment company, has announced plans to invest over ₹1 billion (approximately $10.7 million) to establish a greenfield critical minerals refining facility in Odisha. The project marks a significant expansion of the company’s presence in India’s growing battery recycling and clean energy ecosystem.

 The proposed facility will focus on recovering key critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from end-of-life batteries used in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s domestic supply chain for essential minerals while addressing the rising challenge of battery waste management.

The company has stated that the facility is expected to become operational by the financial year 2029. Once operational, it will enhance large-scale recycling capacity and contribute to the development of a circular economy in the battery materials sector.

NavPrakriti’s expansion into Odisha reflects the increasing importance of sustainable resource recovery in India’s energy transition. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities and support regional industrial growth while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

With this investment, NavPrakriti aims to play a key role in advancing India’s critical minerals strategy and supporting the country’s shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy technologies.

New Delhi, Apr 22 (BNP): Indian equity markets began the day on a subdued note, with benchmark indices opening lower despite positive global developments following the extension of a US-led ceasefire. Investor sentiment remained cautious, reflecting deeper economic concerns rather than immediate geopolitical relief.

 A key factor weighing on the markets is the persistence of elevated crude oil prices, which continue to hover near the $90 mark. For an import-dependent economy like India, higher oil prices pose risks to inflation, corporate profitability, and overall economic stability.

Additionally, pressure on the Indian Rupee has added to market unease, as a weaker currency increases the cost of imports and contributes to broader financial strain. Investors are also seen engaging in profit booking, while global uncertainties continue to influence capital flows.

Market movements today highlight a cautious undertone, where optimism from easing geopolitical tensions is tempered by structural economic challenges.

Beyond the indices, the impact is felt at the ground level. Rising fuel costs and currency fluctuations can translate into higher living expenses, affecting households and small businesses alike. The current environment underscores the importance of stability in energy prices and macroeconomic conditions for sustained market confidence.

Apr 22 (BNP): India’s economic outlook continues to draw attention as experts highlight the dual themes of currency movement and the potential of untapped domestic wealth.

Market expert Nilesh Shah recently observed that the gradual depreciation of the Indian Rupee is a natural trend in a growing economy. He indicated that levels such as ₹100 per US dollar may be possible over time, emphasizing that such movement should be viewed in the context of broader economic fundamentals rather than immediate concern. A competitive rupee can, in fact, support exports and strengthen India’s position in global markets.

At the same time, attention has been drawn to the significant volume of gold held across Indian households—estimated at nearly $700 billion—which largely remains idle. Experts suggest that with the right policies and public trust, this gold can be monetized to support infrastructure development, economic expansion, and financial stability.

The discussion underscores the need for a balanced approach—managing external economic factors while effectively utilizing internal resources. Strengthening financial awareness, encouraging participation in monetization schemes, and building trust will be key to translating these opportunities into tangible growth.

India stands at a pivotal point where thoughtful economic strategies can help convert existing strengths into long-term, inclusive development.