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  • Paytm Foundation launches second mobile learning bus to expand digital education in Odisha

    Apr 17 (BNP): Paytm Foundation has launched its second “Wisdom on Wheels” mobile learning bus in Odisha, expanding its effort to bring digital and computer education directly to rural and school communities.

    Paytm Foundation launches second mobile learning bus to expand digital education in Odisha

     Pic Credit: Pexel

    The initiative is designed to reach students in remote areas where access to computer labs and digital infrastructure is limited. The specially equipped mobile bus will travel across villages and schools, offering hands-on training in basic computer skills, digital literacy, and financial awareness.

    The bus functions as a fully functional mobile classroom, equipped with computers, internet connectivity, and learning tools, allowing students to practice real-world digital skills during sessions.

    According to officials, the programme aims to:

    • Improve digital literacy among government school students
    • Bridge the urban–rural technology gap
    • Promote basic coding and computer skills
    • Support financial and internet awareness in rural communities

    This is the second such bus in Odisha, indicating an expansion of the programme after earlier success in reaching students through mobile learning units.

    The initiative was showcased at an event at VSS University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, as part of broader collaborations between industry and educational institutions in the state.

  • Herbalife India and IIT Madras Sign Agreement to Establish Centre of Excellence

    Apr 17 (BNP): Herbalife International India Private Limited and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have entered into a partnership to set up a Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology at IIT Madras Research Park.

    The centre will focus on advanced research in plant cell fermentation, a biotechnology process used to grow plant cells in controlled environments to produce useful compounds such as herbal ingredients and bioactive substances.

    The initiative aims to:

    • Promote research in plant-based biotechnology and fermentation science
    • Support development of scalable and sustainable production methods
    • Encourage collaboration between academia and industry
    • Provide training and innovation opportunities in bio-manufacturing

    This facility is intended to strengthen translational research, helping move scientific discoveries from the lab toward practical applications in health, nutrition, and wellness industries.

  • Parle Magix Unveils ‘Masti Ka Fix’, Bringing Everyday Masti to Life

    Mumbai, April 17: Parle Products, has unveiled its latest campaign for Parle Magix, titled ‘Masti Ka Fix’. Designed to celebrate imagination and a light-hearted spirit, the campaign brings alive the playful essence of the brand, turning everyday moments into fun, memorable experiences.

    The film showcases a young boy and his friend as they embark on a fun-filled journey powered by the “magic” of Parle Magix. What begins as a simple question whether Magix truly has magic quickly unfolds into a series of imaginative, larger-than-life moments. From parting crowds on a busy street to playfully disrupting a gym scene and even fast-forwarding school time, the narrative captures the sense of wonder, exaggeration, and everyday mischief that resonates universally.

    Rooted in fun, spontaneity, and exaggeration, the campaign highlights how Parle Magix transforms everyday moments into exciting experiences. It reinforces the brand’s positioning as a playful, tasty treat that adds a dash of “masti” to daily routines whether at work, during breaks, or while sharing moments with friends and family.

    With this campaign, Parle Magix aims to deepen its emotional connect with a wider audience while strengthening its position as a go-to cream biscuit for fun and indulgence. Its unique flavours and affordable pricing further enhance its appeal as an accessible treat for everyday enjoyment.

    Commenting on the campaign, Mayank Shah, Chief Marketing Officer, Parle Products, said,

    “Parle Magix has always stood for adding joy to everyday moments. With ‘Masti Ka Fix’, we have built on a simple insight, people naturally bring imagination and fun into the ordinary. This theme allowed us to create a campaign that is both relatable and memorable, using storytelling to drive stronger brand recall and engagement. Through this, we aim to deepen our connect with consumers and reinforce Magix as a playful, affordable treat that fits seamlessly into everyday snacking moments.”

    Adding to this, Carlos Pereira, CCO & Founder, Carlos Creatives, said,

    “The idea was to bring alive the exaggerated imagination that people experience every day. We wanted to create a world where a simple biscuit could unlock moments of magic and mischief. ‘Masti Ka Fix’ captures this beautifully, blending relatability with playful storytelling that resonates widely.”

    Launched in 2010, Parle Magix is a cream biscuit range known for combining crunchy biscuits with smooth, flavourful cream. With popular variants such as Chocolate, Orange, Elaichi, Strawberry, and unique dual flavours like Mango-Pineapple and Mango-Coconut, Magix has steadily built a strong presence, becoming a favourite for everyday snacking.

    As part of a comprehensive 360-degree rollout, the campaign will be launched across television and digital platforms to maximise reach and engagement among a wide consumer base.

    Campaign Credits:

    • Client: Parle Products Private Limited
    • Brand: Parle Magix
    • CMO: Mayank Shah
    • Product Manager: Nivesh Gupta
    • Deputy Brand Manager: Suraj Kaul
    • Creative Agency: Carlos Creatives
    • Production House: Bubble Wrap Films
    • Director: Arjun Chakradhar
  • Strong Credit Momentum in FY26, Deposit Growth Also Rises: RBI

    Apr 17 (BNP): Bank lending in India picked up strong momentum in FY26, with credit expanding by 16.08% year-on-year, marking its fastest growth since FY24, when growth had crossed 20%, according to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data.

    Deposits also showed healthy traction, rising 13.47% YoY—its strongest pace in the same period. Total bank credit stood at ₹213.61 trillion, while deposits reached ₹262.30 trillion.

    In the fortnight ended March 31, credit rose sharply by 2.8% (₹5.92 trillion), compared with a marginal 0.1% increase in the previous fortnight. Deposits grew even faster during the same period, up 4.87% (₹12.18 trillion). However, analysts noted that year-end figures may appear elevated due to changes in RBI reporting dates.

    Market experts said credit growth has improved in recent months, led by strong demand from corporates, MSMEs, and retail borrowers, particularly in segments like gold loans. Lower lending rates have also encouraged companies to shift back to bank borrowing, as bond market yields remained relatively high.

    According to industry experts, external funding avenues such as overseas borrowing have become costlier due to elevated global yields and currency volatility, further boosting reliance on domestic bank credit.

    Data shows major lenders including State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank have reported strong growth across corporate and MSME loan segments.

    Analysts also pointed out that bond market activity has remained subdued due to higher yields, while tighter global financial conditions have constrained external commercial borrowing. This has further strengthened banks’ role as key lenders in the system.

    However, experts cautioned that sustaining this pace of credit growth will require stronger deposit mobilisation, as rising credit demand is already creating pressure on liquidity and balance sheets. Banks have increasingly relied on certificate of deposits (CDs) to bridge funding gaps, with issuances rising sharply during FY26.

    Overall, while credit momentum remains strong, analysts expect banks to focus on deposit growth and funding stability to support sustained lending expansion going forward.

  • Apple Expands Sustainability Push in 2025

    Apr 17 (BNP): US tech giant Apple Inc. has reported a major expansion in its sustainability efforts, saying that a record 30% of all materials used in products shipped in 2025 came from recycled sources.

    In its latest statement, the Cupertino-based company said it has eliminated plastic from product packaging and now uses 100% recycled cobalt in Apple-designed batteries. It also confirmed the use of fully recycled rare earth elements in all magnets across its devices.

    Apple said its products are now shipped in fibre-based packaging designed for easy household recycling, marking a significant shift away from plastic-based materials.

    The company also reported a more than 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 compared to 2015 levels, with emissions remaining stable from 2024 despite strong business growth.

    Highlighting progress across multiple sustainability areas, Apple pointed to improvements in renewable energy use, recycling systems, water conservation, and zero-waste initiatives.

    Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company remains committed to environmental responsibility, adding that its sustainability goals are also driving innovation across its product ecosystem.

    The company further stated that Apple-designed circuit boards now use 100% recycled gold plating and tin soldering, and it has avoided more than 15,000 metric tons of plastic over the past five years through packaging redesign.

    Over the last decade, Apple engineers have replaced several plastic components in packaging with recycled or responsibly sourced paper alternatives, including screen protectors and trays.

    The company also noted an increase in iPhone production in India, reflecting its ongoing effort to diversify manufacturing locations.

  • India Advancing Green Hydrogen and Nuclear Energy to Boost Clean Power Capacity

    New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): India is steadily strengthening its position in the global clean energy transition through a combination of policy support, technological development, and industry participation, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.

    Addressing the World Hydrogen Energy Summit alongside the World Petrocoal Congress in New Delhi, he said India is pursuing a balanced energy strategy that integrates sustainability with energy security, while advancing across multiple sectors including green hydrogen, nuclear energy, and renewables.

    The Minister highlighted that India is actively developing indigenous capabilities in key technologies such as electrolyzers and is encouraging greater public-private collaboration to accelerate innovation and scale-up clean energy solutions.

    He noted that under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the country is targeting large-scale adoption of alternative fuels to decarbonise industries such as steel and cement, while also working to reduce production costs through domestic manufacturing.

    On nuclear energy, he said India is aiming for 100 GW of capacity by 2047 under its Nuclear Energy Mission, along with development of small modular reactors, including indigenous projects currently in progress.

    Dr. Singh also pointed to planned investments in the oil and gas sector and efforts to expand exploration areas, while increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix as part of a broader transition strategy.

    He added that emerging sectors such as electric mobility, battery recycling, and renewable manufacturing are creating new green job opportunities and supporting India’s shift toward a low-carbon economy.

    Overall, the Minister said India’s demographic strength, innovation ecosystem, and policy direction position it as a key player in global decarbonisation efforts while ensuring long-term energy security.

  • India’s Global GDP Share Likely to Reach 7pc by 2050, Says McKinsey

    New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): India’s share of the global economy is projected to grow steadily over the long term, reaching around 7% by 2050, according to a report by McKinsey & Company.

    The report attributes this expected rise to a combination of factors, including strong domestic demand, ongoing structural changes in the economy, and the expanding role of private capital and alternative investment markets. These developments, it notes, are helping unlock new sources of funding for businesses and supporting broader economic expansion.

    It also highlights India’s demographic advantage, rapid urbanisation, and accelerating digital adoption as key drivers that could strengthen growth momentum in the coming decades.

    At the same time, McKinsey cautions that maintaining this trajectory will depend on sustained reforms, productivity improvements, and deeper integration with global trade and investment flows.

    Overall, the findings underline India’s growing weight in the global economy, with the country expected to play a more prominent role in shaping global growth trends by mid-century.

  • Harivansh Re-Elected Unopposed as Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha

    New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): Harivansh Narayan Singh was re-elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on Friday, marking a continuation of his tenure in the Upper House leadership.

    His nomination to the Rajya Sabha came from President Droupadi Murmu after a vacancy arose following the retirement of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as a nominated member.

    The position of Deputy Chairman had fallen vacant after the completion of Harivansh’s earlier term as a Rajya Sabha member on April 9. Subsequently, Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan scheduled the election for April 17, 2026, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Council of States.

    With no other nominations filed, Harivansh was elected unopposed, ensuring continuity in the functioning of the Upper House.

  • Gautam Adani Leads Asia Wealth Rankings on Bloomberg Index

    New Delhi, Apr 17 (BNP): Billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani has emerged as Asia’s richest individual, surpassing Mukesh Ambani, according to the latest update of the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

    The change in ranking reflects a fresh surge in Adani’s net worth driven by recent gains in the market value of his listed companies. The Bloomberg index tracks daily fluctuations in billionaire wealth based on movements in global financial markets and asset valuations.

    As per the latest estimates, Adani’s wealth has seen a strong upward move in 2026, placing him ahead of Ambani in Asia’s billionaire rankings. The shift underscores the sharp volatility in global wealth standings, where changes in stock prices can quickly alter positions among the world’s richest individuals.

    Both industrialists continue to remain among the top global billionaires, with their fortunes closely tied to the performance of their respective conglomerates—Adani Group and Reliance Industries.

    Market analysts note that such rankings can change frequently as equity markets fluctuate, especially in sectors linked to infrastructure, energy, and technology.

    The Bloomberg Billionaires Index is updated daily based on closing market values in New York and provides a real-time snapshot of global wealth movements.

  • Punjab Kings Crush Mumbai Indians; Gujarat Titans Take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Key IPL Showdown

    Punjab Kings Crush Mumbai Indians; Gujarat Titans Take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Key IPL Showdown

    Mumbai, Apr 17: Punjab Kings delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Mumbai Indians by 7 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in an IPL 2026 clash, extending Mumbai’s losing streak to four matches.

    After being put in to bat, Mumbai Indians posted a competitive total of 195/6 in 20 overs, powered by a century from Quinton de Kock, who remained unbeaten and anchored the innings. Naman Dhir contributed with a valuable half-century, providing late momentum to the total.

    However, Punjab Kings made light work of the chase, reaching 198/3 in just 16.3 overs. The innings was headlined by a blistering knock from Prabhsimran Singh, who set the tone early, and a commanding innings from skipper Shreyas Iyer. The duo stitched together a massive 139-run partnership, effectively sealing the match with 21 balls to spare.

    With the ball, Arshdeep Singh stood out for Punjab Kings, picking up three crucial wickets and restricting Mumbai from crossing the 200-run mark. In contrast, Mumbai’s bowling attack struggled to contain the opposition, with even Jasprit Bumrah going wicketless.

    Punjab Kings’ clinical chase and disciplined bowling effort propelled them higher up the points table, while Mumbai Indians continue to face challenges near the bottom.

    Playing XIs:

    Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Mayank Rawat, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah

    Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Cooper Connolly, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

    The result strengthens Punjab Kings’ playoff push, while Mumbai Indians will look to regroup quickly as the tournament progresses.

    Gujarat Titans Set to Face Kolkata Knight Riders in Crucial IPL Clash

    Gujarat Titans will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the 25th league match of IPL 2026 today, promising an exciting contest between two competitive sides at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

    Both teams enter the match with strong ambitions as the tournament gains momentum. Gujarat Titans will look to capitalize on their home advantage and deliver a solid all-round performance, while Kolkata Knight Riders aim to maintain consistency and strengthen their position in the points table.

    The match is expected to witness key battles across departments, with Gujarat’s bowling attack likely to challenge Kolkata’s dynamic batting lineup. On the other hand, Kolkata’s bowlers will aim to restrict Gujarat’s top order and control the game in the middle overs.

    Match Preview: What to Watch

    • Home Advantage: Gujarat Titans have historically been strong at Ahmedabad and will look to leverage familiar conditions.
    • Key Players: Both sides boast impactful match-winners capable of turning the game at any moment.
    • Pitch Conditions: The surface at Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to favor batters initially, with some assistance for bowlers as the game progresses.
    • Tournament Context: With the league stage heating up, every win is crucial for playoff positioning, making this encounter significant for both teams.

    Fans can expect a high-intensity clash as Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders battle it out in what promises to be an engaging IPL fixture.

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