Category: News

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): India is set to receive its fourth Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence missile system by May 2026, significantly enhancing the country’s air defence preparedness and strengthening strategic coverage across key regions.

The advanced S-400 system, regarded as one of the world’s most sophisticated long-range air defence platforms, is capable of detecting and engaging multiple aerial threats including fighter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 400 kilometres.

The upcoming delivery coincides with the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, during which the S-400 reportedly played a crucial role in intercepting hostile aerial threats and safeguarding military installations across northern and western sectors.

India had signed a defence agreement worth nearly ₹40,000 crore with Russia in 2018 for the procurement of five S-400 squadrons. So far, three squadrons have already been delivered and deployed in strategically important locations.

The first unit was deployed near the western border in December 2021, followed by the second near the northern frontier in 2022, while the third was positioned in Rajasthan in January 2023.

Officials said the fourth squadron will help eliminate critical radar blind spots, improve early warning systems, and further strengthen India’s multi-layered air defence shield alongside systems such as Barak-8, Akash, and NASAMS-II.

The fifth and final S-400 unit is expected to be delivered by November 2026, completing India’s full order of five squadrons.

The induction of the fourth S-400 system comes at a time when India continues to modernise its armed forces and bolster national security amid evolving regional security challenges.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): Cricket star Virat Kohli has been announced as the brand ambassador for the new Oakley Meta Performance AI glasses in India, a joint initiative by Meta Platforms and Oakley.

The partnership aims to promote AI-powered smart glasses designed to support athletes in training and performance. The technology is expected to help users stay focused by offering real-time insights in a lightweight and easy-to-use format.

As part of the collaboration, fans will also get a closer view of Virat Kohli’s daily routine, including training sessions, match preparation, and behind-the-scenes moments, captured using the smart glasses.

Meta said the idea behind the product is to bring technology closer to sport, helping athletes access useful information without interrupting their flow during practice or competition.

Company representatives added that the collaboration reflects how wearable technology is becoming more integrated into sports, offering practical support to improve focus and performance.

Overall, the partnership highlights the growing link between sports and AI-based wearable devices, aiming to enhance both athlete experience and fan engagement.

Dubai, Apr 29 (BNP): In a major development for the global energy sector, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that it will leave the OPEC and OPEC+ groups of oil-producing nations next month, ending nearly six decades of membership and raising fresh questions over the future of the cartel.

The UAE said the decision follows recent investments aimed at boosting its oil production capacity and would help the country meet growing global energy demand in the long term. Officials stated that leaving the group would provide greater flexibility in shaping its own production strategy without quota obligations.

The move is being seen as a significant blow to OPEC, with analysts warning it could weaken the alliance’s ability to influence global oil prices. Energy researcher Saul Kavonic described the development as “the beginning of the end of OPEC,” noting that the UAE accounts for a substantial share of the group’s production capacity.

The UAE joined OPEC in 1967 and its departure will reduce the cartel’s membership to 11 nations. OPEC was founded in 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela to coordinate oil production and safeguard the interests of exporting nations.

Market analysts believe the exit could trigger greater volatility in crude prices, as traders assess whether the UAE will ramp up independent production and whether other members may reconsider their positions.

The decision is also being viewed through a geopolitical lens, as it may pave the way for closer energy ties between the UAE and the United States at a time of shifting global alliances.

New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): Digital payments firm One 97 Communications has strengthened its core operations after fully distancing itself from Paytm Payments Bank, a move that is now seen as improving business clarity and supporting long-term profitability.

Following regulatory action by the Reserve Bank of India in early 2024, the company undertook a complete operational separation from its banking arm. This ensured that its payments and financial services businesses continued independently, without any reliance on the payments bank.

The company has also clarified in stock exchange filings that it has no financial exposure or ongoing commercial relationship with Paytm Payments Bank, with all such arrangements discontinued in 2024.

Market analysts and brokerages have viewed this structural “arm’s length” approach positively, noting that it has helped remove regulatory uncertainty and provided greater transparency around the company’s business model.

With this separation in place, One 97 Communications is now focusing on strengthening its core digital payments ecosystem and expanding financial services in a more streamlined manner. The move is expected to support operational efficiency and reinforce investor confidence in the company’s future growth prospects.

Overall, the restructuring is being seen as a key step toward simplifying operations and building a more stable and scalable business framework.

Raipur, Apr 29 (BNP): Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has launched a new mobile application designed to strengthen access to employment opportunities and government welfare schemes for workers across the state.

The app, named ‘e-Shram Saathi’, was launched during a review meeting of the Labour Department held at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. The initiative aims to create a simple digital platform where workers can connect with job opportunities and avail government services directly from their mobile phones.

The primary objective of the app is to bridge the gap between workers and employment systems by providing real-time access to job listings, labour-related services, and welfare schemes. It is intended to support both organised and unorganised sector workers by making essential information and services more accessible in one place.

Officials said the platform will also help improve transparency and efficiency in the delivery of labour welfare programs, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries can easily access government support without procedural delays.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also directed officials to conduct surprise inspections of industrial units using technology-based monitoring systems. This step is aimed at strengthening worker safety, ensuring compliance with labour laws, and protecting workers’ rights in industrial workplaces.

The launch of the app reflects the state government’s broader effort to integrate technology into governance and improve last-mile delivery of employment and welfare services.

Varanasi, April 29 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Wednesday, where he offered prayers and performed darshan during his visit to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Pic Credit: Pexel 

The visit drew large crowds across the city, especially at key intersections like Lahurabir crossing, as residents gathered enthusiastically to welcome the Prime Minister. The atmosphere in Varanasi was marked by strong public turnout ahead of his scheduled roadshow.

Local leaders said the Prime Minister’s visits are often linked with new development announcements for the region, reflecting continued focus on infrastructure expansion and urban development in and around Varanasi.

Alongside the temple visit, the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the 594-km-long Ganga Expressway, a major road infrastructure project in Uttar Pradesh. The six-lane greenfield expressway, expandable to eight lanes, has been developed at an estimated cost of ₹36,230 crore.

The expressway spans 12 districts, including Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj, significantly improving regional connectivity across western, central, and eastern parts of the state.

Officials said the project is expected to reduce travel time between key cities such as Prayagraj and Lucknow, enhance road safety, and boost economic activity by improving logistics and accessibility.

Overall, the visit combines spiritual engagement at one of India’s most important religious sites with a major push for infrastructure development in Uttar Pradesh.

Kolkata, Apr 29 (BNP): West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to “forcefully rig the election” during polling in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters while visiting polling booths in her constituency, Banerjee alleged incidents of violence against party workers and disruption of the democratic process. She claimed that one of her party workers had been assaulted overnight and termed the incidents an attack on the “festival of democracy.”

She further alleged that central forces and election observers were acting at the behest of the BJP and intimidating Trinamool Congress workers during polling hours.

The BJP strongly denied the allegations, with senior leader Suvendu Adhikari accusing the Trinamool Congress of trying to create fear among voters.

Meanwhile, scattered incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from several parts of the state, including Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar, during the early hours of polling. Election authorities said the situation remained under close watch, with extensive deployment of security personnel to ensure peaceful voting.

The second phase of polling covers 142 constituencies and is being seen as crucial in deciding the political future of the state. Voting began at 7:00 AM and will continue till the scheduled closing hours.

Kolkata, Apr 29 (BNP): West Bengal registered a strong voter turnout of 18.39 percent till 9:00 AM on Wednesday as polling progressed in the second and final phase of the 2026 Assembly elections, reflecting enthusiastic participation by voters across the state.

Polling began at 7:00 AM under tight security arrangements across 142 constituencies spread over key districts, including Kolkata and surrounding regions. Long queues were witnessed outside several polling stations early in the morning as citizens turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right.

According to early data, Purba Bardhaman recorded the highest turnout at 20.86 percent, followed by Hooghly with 20.16 percent. Other districts also reported steady voting percentages, indicating a positive response from the electorate.

Election authorities stated that polling has remained largely peaceful and orderly so far, with extensive deployment of central and state security forces to ensure free and fair voting. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely across all constituencies.

The second phase is considered politically crucial, as it covers several high-profile seats and regions that could significantly influence the final outcome of the elections. Voting will continue till the scheduled closing hours, with turnout figures expected to rise steadily throughout the day.

Ghaziabad, Apr 29 (BNP): A massive fire broke out at the Gaur Green Avenue residential complex in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, triggering panic among residents and prompting a swift emergency response.

According to initial reports, flames and thick smoke were seen rising from one of the towers of the housing society. Residents rushed out of their apartments as the fire spread rapidly, while local authorities immediately evacuated the affected area.

Several fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and firefighting operations were launched to bring the blaze under control. Police and disaster response teams also reached the complex to assist in rescue and safety measures.

No immediate casualties have been reported so far, though some residents were said to be treated for smoke inhalation and shock.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Authorities have begun an investigation into the incident.

Grant Hewlett brings 15 years of cross-disciplinary experience to Litera’s mission of driving both efficiency and growth for law firms 

CHICAGO and AUSTIN, Texas – Apr. 29, 2026 – Litera, the legal AI platform provider that best unifies the practice and business of law, has appointed Grant Hewlett as VP, Product for Firm Intelligence. He will lead strategic direction and execution of Litera’s firm intelligence products, advancing its end-to-end, AI-driven business of law platform. Hewlett brings more than 15 years of experience spanning Big4 consulting, BigLaw operations, and Alternative Legal Service Provider (ALSP) leadership, giving him a complete view of how legal organizations function.

“Grant’s recent work advising AmLaw 100 and 200 firms gives him a firsthand understanding of what firms are navigating right now,” said Adam Ryan, Chief Product Officer at Litera. “His perspective will be invaluable as we build the next generation of firm intelligence with AI that drives both efficiency and growth on a single platform, embedded in the tools lawyers already use.”

Most recently, he was a founding partner of Gradient Legal Consulting, advising AmLaw 100–200 firms and corporate legal departments on revenue lifecycle optimization, operating model design, and AI integration into legal service delivery. Prior roles span Norton Rose Fulbright, Deloitte Consulting, and Vinson & Elkins, including building the legal business consulting practice at Gravity Stack / Reed Smith.

At Litera, he will focus on enhancing AI offerings, driving product innovation, and developing solutions to deliver measurable value, helping firms accelerate growth and raise the bar on client service.

“The opportunity to help modernize the business of law through Litera’s technology and market presence is special,” said Grant Hewlett. “Firm intelligence is at an inflection point — it’s where data, decisions, and partner economics meet — and there are few platforms with the reach and credibility to define what comes next. I’m honored to help shape the next chapter of firm intelligence on a platform firms use every day.”