Author: admin

  • Odisha Introduces TUW Policy 2026 to Tackle Urban Water Stress

    Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (BNP): The Government of Odisha has notified the TUW Policy 2026, marking a major step toward sustainable water management and the promotion of circular economy practices.

    The policy focuses on improving the treatment and reuse of used water across urban local bodies (ULBs), with a target of achieving 100% treatment by 2030. It also aims to increase the reuse of treated water to 50% by 2036.

    Under the framework, treated wastewater will be encouraged for use in municipal services, industrial operations, and agricultural activities. This is expected to reduce dependence on freshwater sources and help address rising urban water stress.

    Officials said the initiative is designed to promote efficient water use, support long-term environmental sustainability, and strengthen water security in urban areas.

    The policy is seen as a key step in advancing Odisha’s broader goals of resource conservation and climate-resilient urban development.

  • Heavy Rain Havoc in Bengaluru: 8 Dead in 24 Hours, Hospital Wall Collapse Kills 7!

    Bengaluru, Apr 30 (BNP): Torrential rain and hailstorm lashed Bengaluru over the past 24 hours, leaving at least eight people dead and causing widespread flooding, severe traffic disruption, and infrastructure damage across the city.

    The worst tragedy occurred on Wednesday evening when a compound wall of an adjoining building near Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College and Research Institute collapsed during the downpour, killing seven people, including a child, and injuring several others.

    According to officials, roadside vendors and pedestrians had taken shelter near the wall to escape the heavy rain when the structure suddenly gave way, trapping multiple people under the debris. Rescue teams, police personnel, and emergency services rushed to the site and launched immediate relief operations.

    Large parts of Bengaluru remained waterlogged as continuous rain submerged roads and residential areas, with several streets resembling rivers. In many localities, waist-deep water disrupted normal life, stranded commuters, and caused major traffic snarls.

    Senior state leaders, including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, visited the collapse site and reviewed rescue and relief efforts. Authorities have ordered an inquiry into the incident to determine whether structural weakness, poor maintenance, or waterlogging contributed to the collapse.

    Civic officials said emergency teams are on alert as more rainfall is forecast, while residents have been advised to avoid vulnerable areas and waterlogged zones.

    The incident has renewed concerns over urban infrastructure preparedness and drainage management in Bengaluru during extreme weather events.

     
  • Deep Tech Startup Ctruh Raises USD 2.5 Million Seed Round to Build the Infrastructure Layer of the Spatial Internet; Sets US and UAE Launch for 2026

    Hyderabad, Apr 30: Ctruh, a Bengaluru-based deep-tech company building the infrastructure layer for the spatial internet, has announced the successful closure of its $2.5 million seed funding round, taking the company’s total capital raised till date to $4.5 million. The round was led by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), with Avinya Ventures joining as co-lead. India Accelerator, Founder’s Avenue, Anthill Ventures, and LVX also participated in the round, alongside angel investors Vivek Sinha, Founder & CEO of Emversity and former COO of Unacademy, and Shivakumar Ganesan, Co-founder & CEO of Exotel.

    Historically, high costs and technical complexity kept immersive 3D experiences locked behind a wall of specialized talent and bulky hardware. Ctruh is breaking this barrier by providing a browser-native, no-code infrastructure that makes building and deploying 3D highly accessible and scalable.

    The newly raised capital will be deployed toward accelerating research and development, advancing product innovation, and supporting Ctruh’s international expansion plans. As part of this next phase of growth, the company is set to establish on-ground sales operations in the United States and the United Arab Emirates in 2026.

    Ctruh is building foundational technology for the next era of the internet, where immersive 3D and XR experiences become more accessible, scalable, and commercially viable for businesses. Its proprietary browser-native no-code / low-code 3D engine enables immersive experiences to run instantly across devices without app downloads, SDKs, or specialized hardware. The other core technology is the VersaAI, the company’s generative AI engine that converts images, text, and video into production-ready 3D assets in minutes. Together, the engine and VersaAI form a deep-tech stack already powering customers across retail, e-commerce, D2C, automotive, real estate, education, and healthcare.

    The company’s flagship commercial platform, Commverse Studio, brings these capabilities together in a unified XR commerce environment. The no-code, AI-powered, browser-native platform enables brands to create and deploy immersive 3D/XR experiences in under 30 minutes, while integrating content creation, deployment, commerce functionality, and analytics into a single workflow.

    With this fresh round of funding, Ctruh will further deepen investments in its core technology stack, including its browser-native 3D engine, VersaAI, and upcoming vertical product offerings for sectors such as real estate and automotive. At the same time, the company will focus on strengthening its international market presence in the US and UAE, both of which are emerging as high-growth markets for XR and spatial computing adoption.

    Speaking about the company’s growth plans and long-term vision, Vinay Agastya (Founder & CEO – Ctruh) At Ctruh,

    Our focus has always been to simplify technology for businesses by making advanced solutions more accessible. We are building an infrastructure for the upcoming generation of digital experiences, where our goal is to create spatial experiences for every business, regardless of size and scale. This funding will accelerate our ability to do exactly that.”

    Commenting on the investment, Vinay Bansal, CEO & Co-Founder, IPV, says,

    “While the AI Space continues to get increasingly crowded, Ctruh is cutting through the noise with a strong technical differentiation. Its patented 3D engine enables high-fidelity 4K, 8K, and even 16K experiences to run smoothly on the web with fast load times. What stands out is how they are combining AI with 3D and XR to scale immersive content creation, making these experiences not just cutting-edge, but usable and scalable for everyday business applications.”

    “Every once in a while, a category emerges where infrastructure has to be built before applications can scale, and 3D is that category today. What drew us to Ctruh is that they’ve spent three years building the hard, foundational layer most companies are unwilling to build. A browser-native 3D engine and a generative AI pipeline that produces production-ready assets, together, that’s a real moat. We’re backing Vinay and the team to build the infrastructure that makes the spatial internet usable for every business, not just the large ones.”Gaurav Singhvi, Managing Partner, Avinya Ventures

    By significantly reducing the cost, complexity, and skill barriers associated with 3D and XR deployment, the company is enabling brands and enterprises to move from experimentation to scalable implementation much faster.

    Backed by ecosystem partners including, IIM Bangalore NSRCEL, and the LeapFWD Accelerator Program, Ctruh has also earned recognition through multiple industry milestones, including the ELEVATE 2025 Award from the Government of Karnataka and the Aegis Graham Bell Award 2025 for Innovation in Immersive Experience.

  • Ladakh Hosts Rare Exposition of Lord Buddha’s Sacred Relics for First Time

    Leh, Apr 30 (BNP): The sacred relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Ladakh today for a special public exposition scheduled from May 1 to May 15.

    The relics were received at the Air Force Airport by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, along with senior officials and security personnel. They were brought in a special aircraft of the Indian Air Force under tight security arrangements.

    From the airport, the relics were transported on a specially arranged flatbed vehicle to Jivatsal, where they will remain on display for devotees during the exposition period.

    Sacred relics of Lord Buddha from National Museum reach Ladakh as Leh marks Buddha Purnimahttps://t.co/dGQE2Kao9k

    via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/HNsKaKrhu8

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 30, 2026

    Officials said this is the first time the sacred relics have been taken out of their permanent location within India for a public exhibition, making it a historic and rare event.

    Speaking to the media, Saxena described the occasion as deeply significant, especially for Buddhist followers and the people of Ladakh. He noted that the exposition will open to the public on May 1, coinciding with Buddha Purnima.

    The relics are believed to symbolise the living presence of Lord Buddha and his universal teachings. Their display is being seen not only as a religious event but also as an effort to highlight and preserve India’s rich Buddhist heritage.

    Ladakh, known for its monasteries and spiritual traditions, has been chosen as a key venue for the exposition. The relics will also be taken to Zanskar on May 11 and 12, followed by a concluding ceremony in Leh on May 14, before returning on May 15.

    Officials expect the event to boost spiritual tourism and further strengthen cultural and religious ties in the region.

  • India Rises to World’s No. 2 Solar Market as Clean Energy Push Gains Pace

    New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): India has become the world’s second-largest solar energy market, marking a major milestone in its transition toward clean and renewable power, experts say.

    India emerges as world’s 2nd-largest solar market, green energy momentum accelerates: Expertshttps://t.co/WEweuhJzfp

    via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/vKsSY90lp5

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 30, 2026

    According to energy analysts, the country’s rapid expansion in solar capacity reflects a steady shift driven by large-scale installations, supportive policy measures, and growing investment from both public and private sectors.

    They note that falling solar technology costs and improved grid infrastructure have also played a key role in accelerating adoption across states. As a result, solar power is becoming an increasingly important part of India’s overall energy mix.

    Experts further highlight that this growth is helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels while supporting the country’s climate commitments and long-term sustainability goals.

    With continued expansion and new projects in the pipeline, India is expected to strengthen its position as a global leader in renewable energy in the coming years.

  • ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Inaugurates Advanced Auto Steel Line to Boost ‘Make in India’ Push

    New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India has started operations of a new automotive steel production line at its Gujarat plant, aiming to boost local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.

    The new Pickling Line and Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM), with a capacity of 2 million tonnes per year, was inaugurated by Keiichi Ono. The facility will produce high-quality steel used in the automobile industry.

    The company said the plant will help produce Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), which is widely used in modern vehicles to make them safer, lighter, and more fuel-efficient.

    The facility is equipped with modern technology and will manufacture different types of automotive steel, including galvanised and press-hardened steel.

    This project is part of the company’s ₹60,000 crore expansion plan at its Hazira site.

    Ambassador Ono said the project reflects stronger cooperation between India and Japan and supports the “Make in India” initiative.

    CEO Dilip Oommen said the new plant will reduce imports and support the growth of India’s auto industry.

    India’s demand for automotive steel is about 7.8 million tonnes per year and is expected to grow in the coming years.

    The company also announced leadership changes, with Dilip Oommen stepping down as CEO on June 30 and Amit Harlalka taking over from July 1.

  • Indian Markets End Lower as Sensex Drops 582 Points, Nifty Slips Below 24,000

    Mumbai, Apr 30 (BNP):  Indian stock markets closed sharply lower on Thursday, with benchmark indices facing significant selling pressure throughout the session.

    The BSE Sensex declined by 582 points, reflecting broad-based weakness across key sectors. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty fell below the crucial 24,000 mark, signaling cautious investor sentiment.

    Market participants remained wary amid a mix of global uncertainties and domestic factors, which weighed on investor confidence. Selling was seen across sectors, with heavyweight stocks dragging the indices down.

    Analysts suggest that volatility may continue in the near term as investors closely track global trends, economic data, and corporate earnings for further direction.

  • Final Day to Apply: Fresh Registration for Subhadra Yojana Ends Today

    Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (BNP): Today marks the last opportunity for eligible applicants to complete their fresh registration for the Subhadra Yojana, as the application window officially closes.

    The scheme, aimed at supporting beneficiaries through targeted welfare measures, has seen strong interest since registrations opened. Authorities have urged those who have not yet applied to complete the process without delay to avoid missing out.

    Applicants are advised to ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly and that their registration details are accurate before the deadline. Any incomplete or pending applications may not be considered once the portal closes.

    With the deadline now at hand, officials emphasize timely action, encouraging eligible individuals to take advantage of the scheme while the window remains open.

  • BSG Brings Together Stakeholders to Advance Climate-Resilient Communities

    New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) brought together voices from across sectors for its fifth Sustainability Conclave in New Delhi, creating a space for meaningful conversations around climate change and community resilience.

    With the theme “Building Resilient Futures: Climate, Communities and Collective Strength,” the conclave focused on a simple but powerful idea: real change happens when people come together. Speakers and participants shared insights on how communities can better prepare for climate challenges, while also supporting each other through sustainable practices.

    Rather than just discussing problems, the event highlighted practical ways to move forward—emphasizing collaboration, shared responsibility, and the role every individual can play in building a more resilient future.

     

  • Ace Designers Opens Ahmedabad Plant, Targets 4,000 Machines Annually in Next Phase of Global Expansion

    Ahmedabad, Apr 30: Ace Designers Limited announced the inauguration of its new state-of-the-art assembly facility at Panchratna Industrial Park, Ahmedabad. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in ADL’s growth journey, reinforcing its commitment to capacity enhancement, business expansion, and strengthening its global footprint.

    Ace Designers Opens Ahmedabad Plant, Targets 4,000 Machines Annually in Next Phase of Global Expansion

    Over the next five years, the facility is designed to achieve an annual production capacity of approximately 3,000 turning machines and 1,000 machining centres. The plant will emphasize localization through the development of regional vendors and the deployment of skilled manpower. Starting with a workforce of around 100 employees, the plant is expected to scale up to approximately 350 personnel over this period.

    Founded in 1979 by three engineers from the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Ace Designers began as a design consulting company and went on to establish the Ace Micromatic Group. Following the amalgamation of Ace Designers, Ace Manufacturing Systems, and Micromatic Machine Tools, Ace Designers Limited has emerged as India’s largest manufacturer of CNC turning centres and machining centres.

    With an anticipated annual turnover exceeding INR 2,800 crore in FY 2025–26, ADL has the capacity to manufacture 8,000 turning centres and 3,400 machining centres annually. The company has established a strong global presence across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, North and South America, and Europe, and has maintained over 25 years of market leadership in CNC Turning and Machining Centres in India.

    TK Ramesh Managing Director, ADL said

    “Our decision to set up this plant in Gujarat is driven by our commitment to be closer to key industrial hubs and our customers. This proximity will enable faster response times, better service support, and deeper collaboration with our customers to enhance their productivity.”

    Bill Shukla Joint Managing Director, ADL said

    “This facility has been conceptualised as a next-generation manufacturing unit, integrating advanced processes and digital technologies. It will play a crucial role in delivering high-precision, high-performance machine tools aligned with the evolving demands of modern manufacturing. “