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  • Lightrun’s 2026 State of AI-Powered Engineering Report: Almost Half of AI-Generated Code Fails in Production

    Software Failures and Lack of Runtime Visibility Prevent Engineering Teams from Trusting Coding Assistants and AI SREs 

    NEW YORK, April 14, 2026 — Lightrun, the leader in software reliability, today released its State of AI-Powered Engineering Report 2026, based on an independent poll of 200 SREs and DevOps leaders (Directors, VPs, and C-levels at Enterprises in the US, UK, and EU). The report reveals that, until AI-powered engineering tools have live visibility of how code behaves at runtime, they cannot be trusted to autonomously ensure reliable systems. 

    Lightrun’s report reveals that a major volume of manual work is required when AI-generated code is deployed: 43% of AI-generated code requires manual debugging in production, even after passing QA or staging tests. Furthermore, an average of three manual redeploy cycles are required to verify a single AI-suggested code fix in production.

    As the volume of AI-generated code is rapidly increasing, it is essential to close this verification loop. As a result, engineering teams are turning to AI SRE (site reliability engineering) tools. These agents reason over existing observability, codebase changes, and infrastructure signals to propose incident causes and recommend fixes. However, the report found that 77% of engineering leaders lack confidence in current observability stacks to support automated root cause analyses and remediations. 

    Lightrun’s report, conducted with independent research firm Global Surveyz, captures the perspectives of senior engineering leaders on the AI-powered SDLC. It explores several timely issues, including: 

    ● AI-Generated Code Reliability Concerns: 88% of companies require 2-3 manual redeploy cycles just to confirm an AI-generated fix actually works in production.

    ● Wasted Developer Time: Developers spend an average of 38% of their week (two days) on debugging, verification, and troubleshooting.

    ● The Runtime Visibility Gap: 60% of SRE and DevOps leaders identify a lack of runtime visibility as the primary bottleneck in resolving incidents. This is underscored by the fact that, in 44% of cases where AI SREs or APM tools investigations failed, it was due to the necessary execution-level data not being captured.

    ● AI SREs: The Trust Wall: 97% of engineering leaders say AI SREs operate without significant visibility into what’s actually happening in production. And, 54% of resolutions to high-severity incidents still use tribal knowledge rather than diagnostic evidence from AI SREs or APMs. 

    This represents the core challenge of AI-accelerated engineering. Today’s AI agents operate using probability, reasoning their way toward conclusions. To ground that reasoning in reality, the report makes clear they need real-time visibility into what’s happening, including variable states, memory usage, and how requests move through a system. 

    “Engineering organizations need runtime visibility to embrace the possibilities offered by AI-accelerated engineering. Without this grounding, we aren’t slowed by writing code anymore, but by our inability to trust it,” said Ilan Peleg, CEO of Lightrun. “When almost half of AI-generated changes still need debugging in production, we need to fundamentally rethink how we expect our AI agents to solve complex challenges.” 

    The report is available online at http://lightrun.com/ebooks/state-of-ai-powered-engineering-2026.

  • BIScience Launches the First AI Suite for Effortless Cross-Media Ad Intelligence

    The AdClarity AI Suite combines an AI-powered chatbot that acts as a personal data science expert with proactive AI Insights, covering up to 85% of analyst work in seconds across digital, CTV, and linear TV channels. 

    New York, NY, April 14, 2026 – BIScience, the company behind AdClarity, the cross-media ad intelligence platform serving more than 2,000 brands including Adidas, Amazon, Booking.com, Disney, Shell, Sony, and Wix, today launches the AdClarity AI Suite. BIScience is the first ad intelligence provider to introduce these capabilities, making competitive insights effortless and accessible to every team member.

    The launch represents a fundamental change in methodology, not just a new feature. Until now, ad intelligence platforms have operated as static data repositories, requiring companies to spend significant time, money, and manual effort building reports. BIScience has redesigned this workflow entirely: instead of requiring users to find answers in data, the AI Suite delivers answers and intelligence directly to them across digital display, social, online video, CTV, and linear TV channels.

    BIScience Launches the First AI Suite for Effortless Cross-Media Ad Intelligence

    The suite offers two complementary sides of a single solution. One side helps users clearly define what they need and get precise answers on demand. The other guides them forward, proactively uncovering what matters even when they are not sure where to start, since many teams do not even know which questions they should be asking.

    AdClarity AI Chatbot functions as a personal data science expert. Users type questions in natural language and receive structured answers in seconds, drawn exclusively from AdClarity’s own cross-media data. A user can ask “Who’s winning in CTV in 2026 in the US?” or “How did my competitor’s channel mix shift last quarter?” and receive a clear response with key findings, detailed analysis, and supporting tables and charts. Users can drill deeper with follow-up questions and export executive-ready summaries directly from the interface.

    AI Insights takes a complementary approach, proactively surfacing important findings inside Brand Reports and key widgets. Rather than waiting for a user to ask the right question, AI Insights automatically generates clear narratives explaining what changed in the competitive landscape and why, updating as users change filters and selections. 

    “The AdClarity AI Suite represents a fundamental shift in how teams interact with market intelligence,” said Dorit Kaplan, VP of Product and Strategy at BIScience. “By embedding an AI data science layer directly into the platform, we’ve automated the heavy lifting of complex analysis. What used to require hours of manual work is now delivered in seconds, effectively handling 85% of the analytical pipeline instantly. With AI Insights, we’re moving beyond reactive searching to a proactive model that surfaces critical trends before they even appear on a team’s radar.” 

    Both capabilities operate entirely within the AdClarity platform and draw on BIScience’s full ad intelligence dataset, covering $393 billion in annual ad spend across 52 markets. To learn more or request a demo, visit: https://adclarity.com

  • Epson to Emphasise ROIC and Seek Sustained Growth by Redesigning Its Business Portfolio and Focusing Resources on Growth Domains

    Epson introduces the ENGINEERED FUTURE 2035 Long-Term Corporate Vision and Mid-Term Business Plan, Phase 1

     

    SYDNEY, Apr 14 – Epson has unveiled ENGINEERED FUTURE 2035, a Long-Term Corporate Vision that maps out the company’s strategy to 2035, along with a new Mid-Term Business Plan (2026-2028) that represents the first phase of work under the vision. In line with this plan, Epson will use ROIC as a management metric to optimise capital allocation, redesign its business portfolio, and focus resources on strategic growth domains. By transforming the earnings base and leveraging its precision technologies to expand in growth domains, the company aims to sustain corporate value growth.

    Long-Term Corporate Vision ENGINEERED FUTURE 2035
    Refining our technologies, engineering the future and delivering real-world value

    Epson sees the next decade as one in which volatility is the norm. Environmental and geopolitical risks will rapidly change, resources and energy will be increasingly constrained, and demographic changes will result in labour shortages worldwide. In developed economies, the labour pool continues to shrink. Meanwhile, emerging economies face critical challenges to develop foundational capabilities such as skills, education and infrastructure.

    Under these conditions, the sustainability of society and industry will increasingly depend on how effectively Epson can use limited resources, energy, and human potential. It is not enough to evolve technology itself. Driving advances in the technology itself will not be enough. The ability to design and optimise technology so that it genuinely functions within society is becoming increasingly critical. It is precisely because of the many constraints that Epson believes the future should not be left to chance but must be methodically engineered, starting with technology that is conceived in the field and continuously refined and implemented in the real world.

    That is why Epson seeks to leverage the efficient, compact, and precise technologies and philosophy it has developed over more than eight decades, building on the foundation of “Sho-Sho-Sei,” to create value that supports the transformation of society and industry through real-world implementation. The essence of Epson lies not in advancing technology for its own sake, but in translating advanced technology into things that are genuinely useful in the real world. Engineering is the force that connects the philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation to meaningful social implementation.

    Epson will deliver new value to the world by combining its efficient, compact, and precise technologies with designs optimised for real-world uses. From industry and across learning, working, and living, Epson will enhance productivity and reliability and expand the world’s possibilities. So that people and the planet can continue to advance together, Epson will simultaneously raise both social value and corporate value. That is the future that Epson envisions in ENGINEERED FUTURE 2035.

    Mid-Term Business Plan, Phase 1 (2026-2028)
    Achieving both growth and capital efficiency by optimising capital allocation based on disciplined ROIC management
    Epson’s Mid-Term Management Plan, Phase 1 (2026-2028), is the first stage of the company’s journey toward realising the ENGINEERED FUTURE 2035 long-term vision.

    Until now, Epson’s business structure has been highly dependent on mature markets, presenting challenges in terms of resource allocation to growth areas, execution speed, and capital efficiency. In Phase 1, Epson will confront these challenges head-on, transforming the earnings base and focusing resource allocation on growth domains. Management will emphasise capital efficiency, using ROIC as the primary management metric. By exercising disciplined ROIC-based management, Epson will aim to achieve a ROIC of 8% by fiscal 2028 and to build a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

    Specifically, Epson will review its fixed cost structure and asset efficiency, redesign global operations and the supply chain, and strengthen sales in emerging markets. It will simultaneously expand and enhance recurring business and solutions. These efforts will enable Epson to reduce invested capital while enhancing the earning power of its businesses. At the same time, the company will prioritise the allocation of the cash generated to future growth domains, accelerating the transformation of its business portfolio. Capital will be optimally allocated, with investment and business decisions made based on disciplined ROIC.

    Cash created through this transformation of the earnings base will be actively deployed, under disciplined capital allocation, to projects that maximise long-term value creation. In addition to strategic investments in things such as mergers and acquisitions, Epson will invest a total of ¥280 billion over the three-year period in growth domains, including in the Precision Innovation segment as the primary growth engine and the Industrial & Robotics segment, which will be a key growth driver for the next phase.

    Throughout the period of the mid-term business plan, Epson will reinforce its management discipline and execution capabilities to sustain growth and increase corporate value, while driving structural transformation toward 2035.

     

     

  • Ransomware Attacks Surge in India; Manufacturing Firms Among Most Affected: Report

    Apr 14 (BNP): India has emerged as a major target for cybercriminals, becoming the Asia-Pacific hotspot for ransomware attacks, with the manufacturing sector among the worst affected, according to a recent industry report.

    The study highlights that a significant share of impacted organisations in India’s manufacturing sector were forced to pay ransom demands in 2025, underscoring the growing financial and operational risks posed by cyberattacks.

    Experts note that ransomware groups are increasingly targeting industrial operations, where disruptions can halt production, impact supply chains, and cause large-scale financial losses.

    The report also points to a rising trend of extortion-based attacks, where data is stolen and companies are pressured into paying to prevent its release or to restore access.

    India’s rapid digitalisation and expanding industrial base have made it an attractive target for global cybercriminal networks, particularly those focusing on high-value sectors like manufacturing.

    Security experts warn that unless organisations strengthen cyber defences and invest in advanced threat detection systems, such attacks are likely to continue rising in frequency and severity.

  • Amit Shah Calls Women’s Reservation Bill Urgent Step for Political Empowerment

    New Delhi, Apr 14 (BNP): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the Women’s Reservation Bill is a crucial and timely reform, stressing the need for its swift implementation.

    In a post on social media platform X, Shah highlighted that the bill is aimed at strengthening women’s participation in policymaking and ensuring greater representation of “Nari Shakti” in governance.

    He described the proposal as an important step toward empowering women and said it reflects a broader commitment to inclusive decision-making in the country.

    Shah further stated that the reform should be implemented without delay, calling it essential for enhancing democratic participation.

    The Women’s Reservation Bill is widely viewed as a significant initiative to improve gender balance in legislative bodies and increase women’s role in political leadership.

  • Rising Heat in Kerala Triggers Government Advisory

    Apr 14 (BNP): Kerala has issued a heat alert as temperatures are expected to rise sharply in the coming days across several districts.

    Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warned that Palakkad may record temperatures close to 40°C, while Kollam could reach around 39°C. Most other regions are likely to experience temperatures between 36°C and 37°C.

    The State Disaster Management Authority has advised residents to take precautions, especially during peak afternoon hours. People have been urged to avoid direct sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm, stay hydrated, and take necessary steps to prevent heat-related illnesses such as sunstroke.

    Authorities have also asked vulnerable groups, including children, elderly citizens, and outdoor workers, to remain cautious during the intense heat conditions.

    The advisory comes amid a steady rise in summer temperatures across the state, signalling a continuing heatwave-like situation in several parts of Kerala.

  • Asian Lawn Bowls: Navneet Leads India to Men’s Pairs and Fours Golds

    New Delhi, Apr 14 ( BNP):India delivered a standout performance at the Asian Lawn Bowls Championships, securing a remarkable double gold in the men’s pairs and men’s fours events.

    At the heart of this success was Navneet, whose steady composure and precise execution played a decisive role in India’s dominance across both categories.

    In the men’s pairs event, the Indian duo showcased excellent coordination and tactical awareness, maintaining control in key moments to outclass their opponents. The momentum carried forward into the men’s fours, where a well-balanced team effort ensured another confident victory.

    Navneet’s ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver accurate shots at crucial stages stood out throughout the tournament, making him one of the key contributors to India’s success.

    The double gold marks an important milestone for India in lawn bowls, a sport steadily gaining recognition on the international stage. The performance also reflects the growing depth and competitiveness of Indian athletes in emerging global sporting disciplines.

    This victory is expected to further boost confidence within the squad as they prepare for future international competitions.

  • IMD Forecast Indicates Likelihood of Below-Normal Southwest Monsoon in 2026; El Niño Emergence Raises Concern

    New Delhi / Kolkata, April 14 (BNP): The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its first long-range forecast issued on April 13, 2026, has indicated that India’s primary rainfall season—the South West Monsoon (SWM)—is likely to be below normal or deficient in 2026.

    IMD Forecast Indicates Likelihood of Below-Normal Southwest Monsoon in 2026; El Niño Emergence Raises Concern

    According to IMD, the seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole is expected to be around 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA), which translates to approximately 800 mm, with a model error margin of ±5%. The LPA is based on rainfall data from 1971–2020, averaging about 868.6 mm.

    Key Probabilistic Outlook

    The IMD has also outlined the distribution of probabilities for the 2026 monsoon season:

    35% chance of deficient rainfall (below 90% of LPA) — significantly higher than the climatological probability of 16%
    31% chance of below-normal rainfall (90–95% of LPA)
    27% chance of normal rainfall (96–104% of LPA)
    6% chance of above-normal rainfall
    1% chance of excess rainfall

    Based on these projections, the likelihood of below-normal or deficient rainfall conditions is notably higher than the long-term average, signaling a potential stress year for monsoon-dependent sectors.

    Climatic Drivers Behind the Forecast

    The IMD has identified key large-scale climate drivers influencing the 2026 monsoon outlook, including:

    El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
    Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
    Eurasian snow cover extent

    Currently, weak La Niña conditions are prevailing over the Equatorial Pacific. However, IMD expects a transition to ENSO-neutral conditions between April and June, followed by the possible development of El Niño conditions during the monsoon season.

    El Niño conditions are generally associated with weakened monsoon circulation and reduced rainfall over the Indian subcontinent, although historical records indicate that outcomes can vary depending on the interaction of other ocean-atmospheric factors.

    Impact Concerns

    The forecast has raised concern for India’s agriculture sector, particularly as nearly 60% of farmers depend directly on monsoon rainfall for Kharif cultivation.

    A weak monsoon, if realized, could:

    Disrupt Kharif sowing and yield prospects
    Impact rural incomes and agricultural productivity
    Increase dependence on irrigation and groundwater resources
    Add pressure on food prices and supply chains

    This outlook comes at a challenging time, following reported crop losses in several regions due to hailstorms and flooding during the 2026 pre-monsoon season, compounding risks for the agricultural economy.

    Advisory and Preparedness

    The IMD has urged stakeholders, including central and state governments, to strengthen preparedness measures, including:

    Efficient water resource management
    Crop contingency planning
    Strengthening irrigation support systems
    Monitoring of evolving ENSO and IOD conditions throughout the season

    The IMD emphasized that while long-range forecasts provide early guidance, monsoon variability remains dynamic and subject to intra-seasonal changes.

  • Patna’s Landmark Ekta Bhawan Pulled Down for Urban Project

    Patna, Apr 14 ( BNP): One of the city’s most distinctive modern-era structures, Ekta Bhawan, has been demolished, bringing an end to a landmark that stood for nearly four decades.

    Known for its unusual and eye-catching design, the building had become a familiar sight near the banks of the Ganga, close to Gandhi Maidan. Its unique appearance even earned it the nickname of a “satellite building” among locals.

    The structure was recently pulled down to clear space for the upcoming Patna Haat project, part of efforts to develop new urban infrastructure in the area.

    However, the demolition has triggered concern among conservation architects and sections of the public. Many believe the building, despite not being very old, held architectural and cultural value and could have been preserved or integrated into the new development.

    Critics argue that removing such distinctive structures erases elements of the city’s evolving identity, while others see the move as part of necessary urban transformation.

    The debate highlights a broader challenge faced by growing cities—how to balance development with the preservation of unique architectural heritage.

     

  • MP Awards INR 5.14 Cr Narmada Survey Project to Matrix Geo

    Bhopal, Apr 14 (BNP): Technology firm Matrix Geo Solutions has secured a major contract from the Madhya Pradesh government to carry out an advanced aerial survey of the Narmada Parikrama route.

    The company has received a formal letter of acceptance for the project, which is valued at over ₹5.14 crore and is expected to be completed within six months.

    As part of the assignment, Matrix Geo Solutions will use a combination of drones, aircraft, and helicopters, along with advanced LiDAR technology, to capture high-resolution geospatial data across the survey area.

    The project is aimed at supporting various state government initiatives by providing accurate mapping and data insights, which can be used for planning, infrastructure development, and environmental monitoring.

    The use of modern aerial surveying techniques is expected to improve efficiency, precision, and coverage compared to traditional methods, marking a significant step in the adoption of advanced geospatial technologies for public projects.