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Exit Polls Signal Tight Bengal Contest, BJP Sweep in Assam; UDF Poised for Kerala Comeback

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Exit polls for the 2026 Assembly elections have projected a dramatic political contest across five key regions, indicating a close fight in West Bengal, a strong showing for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam, a possible return of the United Democratic Front in Kerala, and continued dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu.

According to multiple poll projections, West Bengal is headed for one of the most closely watched contests of the election cycle. Several surveys suggest the BJP may breach the long-standing bastion of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and challenge the ruling All India Trinamool Congress for power after 15 years. However, some polls have also predicted a strong comeback for the TMC, indicating a razor-edge battle in the 294-member Assembly.

In Assam, nearly all exit polls forecast a decisive return for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP-led alliance, with projections suggesting a comfortable majority and a possible third consecutive term for the NDA in the northeastern state.

In Kerala, exit polls have largely indicated a return of the Congress-led UDF after a decade in opposition. If the predictions hold, it would end the Left Democratic Front’s tenure under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had scripted back-to-back wins in 2016 and 2021.

Tamil Nadu is projected to remain with the ruling DMK-led alliance under Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, with most polls predicting the party could overcome anti-incumbency and secure another term. However, some projections also point to a strong debut performance by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, adding uncertainty to the contest.

In Puducherry, almost all surveys predict that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance will retain power.

Political analysts cautioned that exit polls are only indicative and have previously missed actual outcomes in several major elections, including West Bengal in 2021 and parts of the 2024 general elections. Final results will be declared on May 4.

The outcome of these elections is expected to have far-reaching implications for national politics, setting the tone for upcoming state polls and shaping the political momentum ahead of future parliamentary contests.

April 30, 2026
From Foster Care to Homelessness, “No Address” Exposes a Growing Crisis

The feature film ‘No Address’ delivers an emotional and urgent look at the pipeline from foster care to homelessness, and the courage to find a way out

Sacramento, Calif. – Apr 30 – May is Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges faced by youth in the foster care system and the families, professionals, and advocates who support them. According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), more than 320,000 children are currently in the U.S. child welfare system, with an average age of just eight years old.

Against this backdrop, Robert Craig Films’ feature movie No Address brings a deeply human perspective to the issue, illustrating how quickly a child’s life can be disrupted, and the critical role support and stability play in shaping a better future. The film has resonated with audiences, earning a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

“No Address humanizes the story of so many individual experiences of homelessness, and Lauren’s story begins with her entering the foster system,” said Robert Craig, Producer at Robert Craig Films. “It’s heartbreaking when children are left without support due to circumstances beyond their control.”

“Films like No Address are critical in helping people understand the real-life challenges foster youth face every day,” said Cheryl Williams, Founder of Fundamentals For Foster Care, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster youth through educational stability initiatives. “When young people age out of the system without strong support, they are at significantly higher risk of homelessness.

In No Address, actress Isabella Ferreira portrays Lauren, a young girl whose life is upended when her mother, her only family, passes away, forcing her into the foster care system. Her journey reflects one of many pathways into care, showing how quickly a child’s world can change. Through the support of those around her, Lauren begins to find stability, hope, and a path forward.

The film features an acclaimed ensemble cast including William Baldwin, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Ashanti, Xander Berkeley, Beverly D’Angelo, and Ty Pennington, whose performances bring authenticity and depth to this powerful story.

Robert Craig Films invites the public to host their own group screenings of the movie as a step toward greater understanding of foster care and homelessness and a better future for those suffering. Information can be found at www.NoAddressMovie.com/Groups.

Through No Address and its broader storytelling initiatives, Robert Craig Films is committed to creating films that inspire empathy and meaningful action. Central to this effort is The Big 5 GIVEBACK, part of the No Address Movement, which pledges 50% of net profits from five No Address productions to nonprofit organizations and churches working to combat homelessness in their communities.

For streaming, rental, and purchase information for the feature film, NO ADDRESS, visit www.NoAddressMovie.com.

April 30, 2026
FIA expands major road safety initiative into Middle East, Africa

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, hails decisive step towards making roads safer and delivering lasting change worldwide

Dubai, UAE, 30^thApril 2026: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the expansion of a major road safety initiative into the Middle East and Africa.

The FIA Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programme aims to support local authorities and organisations with training, mentorship, and evidence-based actions to develop concrete projects that improve road safety for everyone.

Road traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death worldwide, with the burden falling disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries.

According to the World Health Organization, the African region records the highest road traffic fatality rate globally, while countries across the MENA region continue to face significant and persistent road safety challenges.

The expansion of the FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme into the Middle East and Africa, following its successful introduction in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions, further strengthens the Federation’s global effort to promote and protect safe mobility for road users worldwide.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “Following the success of the first FIA Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programmes, I am delighted to announce we are expanding the initiative to Africa and the Middle East. This marks a decisive step towards making roads safer and delivering lasting change worldwide.

“Through our partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), we are working together with our Members to equip them with the essential tools and networks needed to drive global action and build a safer future for all road users.”

The FIA Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programme was developed by the FIA in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and with the support of the FIA Foundation.

FIA Region I MENA Mobility Council President Essa Hamza Alfailakawi said: “Across the Middle East and North Africa, improving road safety requires strong collaboration and a shared commitment to change.

“Through the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme, we can strengthen regional cooperation and support our Member Clubs to play a leading role in shaping safer mobility systems.”

FIA Region I ACTA President Jinaro Kibet said: “Road safety is one of the most urgent public health challenges across Africa, and initiatives like FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life are critical in helping us address it at scale.

“This programme empowers our Member Clubs with global expertise to deliver practical, life-saving solutions within their communities.”

April 30, 2026
Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Six Odisha Districts by IMD

Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (BNP): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar has issued a short-term weather alert forecasting thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall in parts of Odisha within the next three hours.

As per the nowcast issued at 06:55 am, wind speeds may reach 30–40 kmph, with gusts up to 50 kmph, during the thunderstorm activity. The weather conditions are likely to affect one or two places in Cuttack (including Cuttack city), Khordha, Puri, Koraput, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts.

Authorities have advised residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions, especially in open and vulnerable areas, and to move to safer locations in case of worsening weather conditions.

April 30, 2026
Epson partners with FLOURISH as NZ artist Emma Bass Redefines the Floral Still Life

SYDNEY, 30 April 2025 – This May, Potts Point’s premier design destination, Becker Minty, presents FLOURISH, by celebrated New Zealand artist Emma Bass. FLOURISH is supported by Epson with all of the artworks in the exhibit printed at SKAR Lab using the Epson SureColor P20560 (64”) fine art printer and the Epson SD-10 Spectrophotometer with Auto Table.

Opening May 8, 2026, the collection offers a bold and contemporary twist on the still life, highlighting fragility, impermanence and cycles of life. Perfectly timed for Mother’s Day.

Transformative beauty
Bass’ works transform the traditional still life into something visceral and emotionally resonant, although they bring joy and uplift, they also contain narrative threads, and cycles of life, decay, death and rebirth. She elevates botanical subjects into commanding focal points that shape the emotional mood and tenor of public and personal spaces.

Epson SD-10 Spectrophotometer with Auto Table

From Healthcare to Fine Art
A former nurse with 20 years of experience as a commercial photographer, Bass’ relationship with healthcare has sharpened her understanding of how the visual environment impacts wellbeing, “Flowers mark our most important moments- birth, love, grief, and celebration, says Bass, I photograph them not just as beautiful objects, but as portraits of strength.”

The Intersection of Art and Design
Presented within the curated interior spaces of Becker Minty, FLOURISH places fine art in direct dialogue with design, in their shared objective of uplifting and transforming the spaces in which we dwell. The exhibition reinforces Bass’s belief that art should be lived with, not simply admired. For Mother’s Day, the show invites collectors to invest in a “permanent bloom”- artwork that brings beauty and contemporary edge into everyday living spaces.

Aesthetics as a way of life
Bass’ subtropical mid-century Auckland house and garden is a carefully curated explosion of colour, botanical art and a vast collection of vases. As a products of her environment, both Bass and her works project her art and its philosophy of pleasure, joy and uplift as a way of living.

Epson SureColor P20560

The SureColor P20560 offers fast processing speeds and an expanded 12-colour ink set, providing a wider colour gamut and up to 99% Pantone coverage*. The SC-P20560 is fed by a bulk ink system and ships with 12 cost-effective 1.6L ink packs designed for high-volume print jobs. A 4.3-inch optical touch colour LCD, optional 1Tb SSD and Adobe PostScript 3 improve workflow and efficiency with the SC-P20560. Epson Edge Print PRO RIP software is also bundled with the machine, making it a comprehensive solution for professional printing workflows.

Epson SD-10 Spectrophotometer with Auto Table

The SD-10 is an easy-to-use, full-featured colour measuring device that when seamlessly combined with the Auto Table and Epson Edge Color Lite colour management software (compatible with Epson’s RIP software, Epson Edge Print PRO) offers a genuine colour management solution that addresses most colour management requirements and maximises print output quality. Epson has made colour management for professional printers easier and more reliable than ever with its Auto Table for the SD-10 spectrophotometer. Epson’s Auto Table for the SD-10 Spectrophotometer addresses and rebuffs the common perception that colour management is time consuming and requires high technical knowledge and skills.

EXHIBITION DETAILS
• Title: FLOURISH by Emma Bass
• Dates: From 8 -26 May 2026 (Opening event 8 May from 5.30pm – 7.30pm)
• Location: Becker Minty, 7/81 Macleay Street, Potts Point, Sydney, NSW 2011

*99% coverage of PANTONE PLUS FORMULA GUIDE solid-coated palette based on Epson Proofing Paper White Semimatte printed with the Epson Driver at 2400 x 1200 dpi. PANTONE coverage may vary when printed under other conditions.

Epson, PrecisionCore, SureColor, TFP, UltraChrome, Epson Cloud Solution PORT and Epson Edge are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

April 30, 2026
Government Boosts Export Strategy, Focus on MSMEs and Agriculture

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The government has reviewed India’s export ecosystem with an aim to further strengthen the country’s global trade performance, with special emphasis on MSMEs, agriculture exports, and the promotion of “Brand India”.

During the review, officials discussed measures to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exporters in global markets. A key focus was placed on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, which play a crucial role in employment generation and export diversification.

The discussions also highlighted the need to boost agricultural and food product exports by improving quality standards, strengthening supply chains, and expanding access to new international markets. In addition, efforts to promote “Brand India” were emphasized to improve the country’s global trade identity and attract stronger demand for Indian goods.

The initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to increase export volumes, reduce trade barriers for domestic producers, and ensure more inclusive participation in international trade growth.

April 30, 2026
PM Highlights Citizens’ Hard Work as Key to National Strength

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted that the hard work, dedication, and energy of citizens are the true foundation of a nation’s strength.

In a message shared publicly, he noted that people across the country contribute continuously to national progress through their efforts in different fields. He emphasized that this collective commitment plays an important role in driving development and strengthening the country’s growth journey.

The Prime Minister also underlined that discipline, perseverance, and unity among citizens help accelerate progress, making their contribution central to building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

April 30, 2026
India sees rising adoption of transactional risk insurance amid surge in large and complex M&A deals: Marsh report
Mumbai, Apr 30: As global M&A activity rebounded strongly in 2025, Indian dealmakers are increasingly turning to transactional risk insurance to navigate complexity, manage execution risks, and drive deal certainty, according to the latest insights from Marsh’s Transactional Risk Insurance 2025: Year in review report.

Globally, M&A deal value surged nearly 37% year-on-year to approach USD 5 trillion, with a sharp rise in large and mega deals. This trend is mirrored in India, where growing deal sizes, cross-border activity, and regulatory scrutiny are accelerating demand for structured risk solutions. Marsh recorded a 34% increase in global transactional risk insurance limits to USD 91.6 billion, alongside a 37% rise in policy volumes, reflecting the increasing role of insurance as a core component of deal-making.

Key India insights

In India, transactional risk insurance is gaining traction across both private equity and strategic corporate transactions, particularly in sectors such as technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and energy, where deal sizes and regulatory considerations are intensifying.
- Deal complexity: Larger and more complex deals are driving demand for higher insurance limits and multi-layered coverage structures
- Buyer shift: Corporate buyers now account for a larger share of insured transactions globally (54%), a shift increasingly visible in India as corporates pursue strategic acquisitions
- Claims trends: Claims frequency and severity are rising globally, signalling a maturing market and reinforcing the need for early engagement and robust deal structuring
Additionally, pricing trends have shifted, with premium rates increasing across regions, including Asia (up 8% year-on-year), indicating a transition toward a more disciplined underwriting environment.

Sanjay Kedia, CEO & President, Marsh India, said, “As India continues to position itself as a global investment hub, the ability to effectively manage transaction-related risks will be critical. We are seeing growing awareness and adoption of transactional risk solutions among Indian dealmakers, especially as cross-border transactions and regulatory complexities increase. This trend is expected to accelerate further in 2026 as businesses seek greater resilience and confidence in deal execution.”

Aditya Samag, Private Equity and M&A Leader, Marsh India, said, “India is witnessing a clear shift toward larger, more complex transactions, particularly in high-growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, and infrastructure. In this environment, transactional risk insurance is no longer optional—it has become a strategic tool for investors and corporates to enhance deal certainty, manage regulatory exposures, and remain competitive in auction processes.”

Looking ahead, India is expected to remain a key growth market for M&A, supported by strong domestic fundamentals, investor confidence, and increasing cross-border interest. However, global geopolitical uncertainty and evolving regulatory frameworks may continue to influence deal activity and risk strategies.

Transactional risk insurance is therefore expected to play a critical role in enabling deal certainty, bridging valuation gaps, and protecting against downside risks in India’s evolving deal landscape.
April 30, 2026
Vikram Doraiswami Presents Credentials as India’s Ambassador to China

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Senior Indian diplomat Vikram Doraiswami has formally taken over as India’s Ambassador to China after presenting his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held in the national capital.

A seasoned officer of the Indian Foreign Service, Doraiswami brings extensive diplomatic experience to one of India’s most significant overseas postings. His appointment comes at a time when India–China relations remain closely watched, with ongoing efforts to maintain dialogue while addressing outstanding bilateral concerns.

As the new envoy in Beijing, he is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic communication, managing sensitive issues between the two countries, and supporting efforts to stabilize and advance ties through sustained engagement.

April 30, 2026
After XChat, XMoney Next: Elon Musk Plans Payments Revolution on X

New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): Elon Musk is taking another significant step toward transforming X into an “everything app,” with reports suggesting that its upcoming payments and banking service, X Money, is nearing launch. Following the rollout of XChat, the platform’s standalone messaging service, X is now focusing on digital transactions and financial services integrated directly into the app.

Musk, who played an early role in building PayPal, is now expected to bring a similar payments ecosystem into the social media space. The broader vision is to combine messaging, social networking, commerce, and financial tools within one seamless platform.

What X Money Could Offer

According to reports, X Money is likely to support peer-to-peer payments, allowing users to send and receive money directly through chats or user profiles without leaving the platform. The service has drawn comparisons with WeChat, which successfully combines messaging, payments, and social media features in one ecosystem.

The platform is also reportedly exploring a debit card linked to user accounts, potentially through a personalised Visa card connected to an X profile. This would enable users to make purchases both within and outside the platform.

In addition, an AI-powered assistant developed by xAI may help users track spending, organise transactions, and analyse financial activity in a user-friendly format.

Some early reports also indicate introductory benefits such as cashback offers of up to 3 percent and savings interest rates near 6 percent, though the long-term availability of these incentives remains uncertain.

Launch Timeline and Regulatory Hurdles

While X Money is said to be nearing limited public release, no official launch date has yet been announced. Reports suggest the rollout has been delayed due to regulatory approvals, as payment services in the United States require licences across multiple states. Key approvals, including those in New York, are still pending.

As a result, the service may initially be introduced in phases with restricted access before expanding more broadly.

Part of a Bigger Vision

Payments remain central to Musk’s long-term roadmap for X. The company aims to merge communication, content creation, commerce, and financial services into a single digital platform. Reports also suggest that creator payouts on X could eventually shift to X Money, reducing reliance on third-party payment processors.

Competition and Challenges

If launched successfully, X Money is expected to compete with established players such as PayPal, Cash App, and other fintech platforms, while also entering spaces served by messaging-based payment systems like WhatsApp Payments.

However, analysts note that trust, security, and reliability will be key factors in determining adoption. As banking and payments involve sensitive user data and financial confidence, seamless performance and robust safeguards will be essential once X Money officially launches.

April 30, 2026