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  • Consumption Remains Growth Engine, Says FM Sitharaman; Calls for Policy Stability

    Pune, Apr 24 (BNP): Domestic consumption continues to remain a key driver of India’s economic growth, and predictable policy support is essential to sustain the country’s GDP expansion momentum, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday.

    Speaking at an event organised by State Bank of India in Pune, the Finance Minister highlighted that strong consumer demand is helping the economy maintain steady growth despite global uncertainties. She emphasised the need for consistent and predictable policy measures to support long-term economic stability.

    Sitharaman also said that a committee of bankers is currently examining whether banks should be allowed to enter exclusive tie-ups for distributing third-party financial products or move towards an open-architecture model that allows wider participation.

    She further advised banks to maintain a strong focus on customer relationships and physical interaction, even as the sector rapidly expands its digital and global footprint.

    The remarks underline the government’s emphasis on balancing digital transformation in banking with strong customer engagement and a stable policy environment to support sustained economic growth.

  • Markets Under Pressure as IT, Pharma Drag Indices Lower

    Mumbai, Apr 24 (BNP): Domestic equity markets opened on a weaker note on Friday, tracking heightened global uncertainties and a mixed start to the Q4 earnings season, with selling pressure seen across key sectors.

    Markets Under Pressure as IT, Pharma Drag Indices Lower

     The Sensex declined around 400 points, or 0.51%, to trade near 77,263 in early deals, while the Nifty slipped about 100 points, or 0.41%. Broad-based weakness was observed in IT, financial services, and pharma stocks, while select buying in FMCG and chemicals offered limited support.

    Heavyweights such as Cipla, Infosys, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Tata Consultancy Services, and ICICI Bank were among the top losers, dragging key indices lower.

    Sectorally, the Nifty IT index fell over 1.5%, reflecting pressure on technology stocks amid global risk-off sentiment. Banking and pharma indices also ended in the red, while broader market sentiment remained cautious.

    Market experts said volatility is likely to persist in the near term due to geopolitical tensions, crude oil price movements, and ongoing earnings announcements. They advised investors to remain selective and focus on fundamentally strong stocks during market corrections.

    Analysts further noted that a sustained uptrend in the Nifty would require a decisive move above the 24,500 level, which could signal improved market sentiment and renewed bullish momentum.

    On the global front, crude oil prices remained firm, with Brent trading near $107 per barrel and WTI around $97.6, adding to inflation and margin concerns for markets worldwide.

    Asian markets showed a mixed trend, with Nikkei posting gains while Hang Seng and KOSPI traded in the red, reflecting uneven regional sentiment.

    Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their selling streak for the fourth straight session, offloading equities worth ₹3,254 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs), however, provided some support by purchasing shares worth ₹941 crore, helping to cushion broader losses.

    Overall, markets remained sensitive to global cues, with investors closely tracking geopolitical developments and commodity price trends for near-term direction.

  • Government Strengthens Quality Checks for Medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras

    New Delhi, Apr 24 (BNP): The government has taken steps to further strengthen the quality assurance framework for medicines sold through Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country by signing new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with key agencies involved in the scheme.

    The initiative aims to ensure that medicines available under the affordable healthcare programme continue to meet strict safety and quality standards. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana provides low-cost generic medicines through a wide network of retail outlets, helping reduce healthcare expenses for millions of citizens.

    Officials said the latest MoUs will enhance monitoring systems, strengthen coordination between implementing bodies, and improve quality testing processes for medicines supplied to Jan Aushadhi stores. The focus is on making the supply chain more robust and transparent.

    At present, medicines under the scheme are sourced only from certified manufacturers and undergo quality checks before being distributed. The new arrangements are expected to further tighten these procedures and ensure greater consistency in standards across all outlets.

    The government has been expanding the Jan Aushadhi network in recent years to improve access to affordable healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

    Officials added that strengthening quality assurance will help boost public confidence in generic medicines and support the broader goal of making essential drugs more accessible and affordable across the country.

  • 6 Digital Platforms Driving Environmental Action in India

    India’s environmental challenges are intensifying but so is citizen participation, with digital platforms playing a crucial role in turning everyday users into active environmental contributors. The rise of citizen science is at the heart of this shift, as thousands of Indians now engage in biodiversity mapping and bio-blitz initiatives, contributing to global platforms that have collectively amassed over 300 million observations powering more than 7,000 scientific studies. Closer home, similar initiatives have already aggregated over 1.6 million biodiversity observations and 58,000+ species records, underscoring the scale at which public participation is shaping environmental data in the country. As climate action increasingly depends on localized, community-driven insights, these platforms are evolving beyond tools to become critical infrastructure for environmental decision-making and awareness.

    1. WeNaturalists

    WeNaturalists is a global ecosystem for nature that connects individuals, communities and experts in conservation, sustainability and ecotourism, while also providing opportunities for people to collaborate, find job opportunities, showcase their work, and support environmental initiatives.

    WeNaturalists focuses on community-based action: building student-led initiatives on climate change; connecting scientists and professionals in the natural economy; etc. Programs such as Campus Champions are helping to engage many thousands of students across India, thereby transforming digital interaction into real-world impact.

    2. iNaturalist

    Citizen science platform iNaturalist enables users worldwide to collect and share observations about plants, animals and ecosystems; these observations are then compiled into a global biodiversity database that scientists and researchers can use.

    For Indian users, the iNaturalist app provides a great way to collect and record observations of the various types of biodiversity they encounter in their everyday lives, thereby helping to support conservation efforts and research about that biodiversity.

    3. Seek by iNaturalist

    Citizen science platform iNaturalist enables users worldwide to collect and share observations about plants, animals and ecosystems; these observations are then compiled into a global biodiversity database that scientists and researchers can use.

    For Indian users, the iNaturalist app provides a great way to collect and record observations of the various types of biodiversity they encounter in their everyday lives, thereby helping to support conservation efforts and research about that biodiversity.

    4. Pl@ntNet

    Pl@ntNet is an application that allows individuals to upload images of plants for crowd-sourced identification and species suggestions; this provides a growing global database for interpreting biodiversity and contributing to scientific knowledge about plants.

    In a country such as India where the variety of plants can be overwhelming, Pl@ntNet serves as a tool to allow citizens to participate as active contributors to the documentation of the ecological community.

    5. iNaturewatch Birds

    This app for urban biodiversity was designed with India in mind and enables users to identify common birds while also collecting valuable data for climate-related ecological studies.

    Involving both students and educators, it transforms birdwatching into a form of citizen science used to monitor environmental changes over time.

    6. ObsIdentify

    ObsIdentify is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) species identification tool that allows users to identify plants and animals simply by point-and-shoot photography and submit their observations to biodiversity databases.

    It represents the convergence of ecology and technology to produce a valuable resource for real-time environmental engagement and action-oriented data collection.

    Conclusion

    The emergence of these platforms signals a larger shift from awareness to distributed, data-driven environmental action. Citizen science in India is already generating massive volumes of biodiversity data, with nationwide initiatives and challenges documenting everything from rare species to medicinal plants across ecosystems.

    However, the next step lies in translating this data into impact whether through policy, conservation strategies, or sustainable livelihoods. As more Indians come online and climate urgency grows, digital platforms like these will play a defining role in shaping how individuals engage with the environment not as passive observers, but as active contributors to the planet’s future.


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  • Sanju Samson’s Unbeaten Century Powers CSK to 207

    Chennai, Apr 24 (BNP): Sanju Samson produced a brilliant unbeaten 101 to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a strong total of 207 runs in a dominant batting display.

    Samson held the innings together after early wickets and played a controlled yet aggressive knock, ensuring CSK recovered well and finished strongly. His timely acceleration in the death overs helped push the team past the 200-run mark.

    The right-hander’s effort stood out as a lone fightback, with limited support from the other end, but he maintained composure throughout to anchor the innings.

    With this century, Samson once again underlined his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure in big matches.

  • Relief for Consumers as Odisha Stops Electricity Disconnections in Heatwave Period

    Bhubaneswar, Apr 24 (BNP): In a consumer-friendly move during the intense summer season, the Odisha government has directed that electricity connections will not be disconnected for non-payment of dues during the peak heat period.

    The instruction has been issued by Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister K. V. Singh Deo to the state Energy Department and all power distribution companies (DISCOMs).

    The decision has been taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply for residents as temperatures rise sharply across the state, increasing the demand for electricity for cooling and essential household needs.

    Officials said the directive is aimed at providing temporary relief to consumers, especially vulnerable households, during extreme weather conditions. However, they added that the relaxation is seasonal and does not waive outstanding dues, which will still need to be cleared by consumers in due course.

    The move is expected to help prevent hardship during peak summer months while maintaining focus on reliable power access across urban and rural areas.

    Authorities have also urged consumers to use electricity judiciously, even as supply companies work to manage rising demand across the state.

  • Crude Oil Prices Jump as Middle East Tensions Fuel Supply Concerns

    Mumbai: Global crude oil prices surged on Friday, rising up to 2% as renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East kept energy markets volatile, even as the United States announced a unilateral ceasefire move.

    Brent crude climbed to around $107 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose to nearly $97.6 per barrel, reflecting persistent concerns over global supply stability.

    In the domestic market, crude oil futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) traded lower at around ₹9,077 per barrel, down nearly 1%, indicating mixed sentiment between global and local benchmarks.

    For the week, both major global crude benchmarks recorded strong gains—Brent up nearly 19% and WTI rising about 17%—driven by fears of supply disruptions and heightened geopolitical risk.

    Market analysts said ongoing uncertainty around key maritime routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, continues to support prices. Any disruption in this critical shipping corridor could significantly impact global oil flows.

    Brent crude faces near-term resistance around $99, with potential upside towards $104–$110 if bullish momentum continues. On the downside, support is seen near $95, with stronger levels around $90–$88.

    Geopolitical developments, including shifting signals on ceasefires and military activity in the region, have added to market volatility. While diplomatic efforts are underway, traders remain cautious.

    Domestic equity markets also reflected global risk aversion, with Sensex and Nifty trading lower in early sessions amid broad-based selling pressure.

    Overall, analysts expect crude oil to remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments in the near term, with volatility likely to persist.

  • Gold, Silver Prices Under Pressure in Early Market Trade

    Mumbai, Apr 24 (BNP): Precious metals witnessed weakness in early trade on Friday, with both gold and silver prices declining on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) amid a broadly cautious global market sentiment.

    Gold futures for June delivery opened lower at ₹1,51,167 per 10 grams, down 0.39%, compared with the previous close. The metal extended losses during the session, touching an intraday low of ₹1,50,750 before recovering some ground. At the last update, gold was trading marginally lower at around ₹1,51,449.

    Silver futures also came under pressure, slipping nearly 1% in early trade. The May contract fell to an intraday low of ₹2,39,200 per kg before recovering slightly to trade around ₹2,41,345.

    In international markets, precious metals mirrored the weak trend, with gold and silver both trading lower on COMEX amid profit-booking and risk-off sentiment.

    Market analysts attributed the decline to a stronger US dollar, elevated bond yields, and ongoing global uncertainty. Rising crude oil prices, which have moved above the $100 per barrel mark, have also added inflation concerns, influencing investor sentiment across commodity markets.

    Broader financial markets remained under pressure as well, with domestic equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty trading lower in early sessions, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors.

    Experts suggest that near-term volatility in gold and silver is likely to continue as global macroeconomic factors, including inflation trends and geopolitical developments, remain in focus.

  • India Approves INR 30 Billion SAARC Currency Swap Facility for Maldives

    New Delhi, Apr 24 (BNP): India has approved a ₹30 billion currency swap arrangement for the Maldives under the SAARC framework, aiming to provide financial stability support to the island nation and strengthen regional economic cooperation.

    The facility is part of India’s ongoing commitment to assist neighbouring countries in managing foreign exchange liquidity pressures and maintaining macroeconomic stability during periods of financial stress.

    Officials said the swap arrangement will allow the Maldives to access foreign currency support when needed, helping it meet short-term balance of payments requirements and stabilise its external financial position.

    The move is also seen as a reflection of India’s broader strategy to deepen economic engagement within South Asia through mechanisms such as the SAARC Currency Swap Framework, which is designed to provide financial backstops to member countries during currency volatility.

    The Maldives, a key maritime neighbour of India, has been working to manage fiscal pressures amid global economic uncertainties. The latest support is expected to ease immediate liquidity concerns and reinforce financial cooperation between the two countries.

    Analysts note that such arrangements not only provide short-term relief but also contribute to strengthening regional financial resilience and trust among South Asian economies.

  • OpenAI Launches GPT-5.5, Advances Toward Smarter End-to-End AI

    New Delhi, Apr 24 (BNP): OpenAI has introduced its latest artificial intelligence model, GPT-5.5, positioning it as a significant upgrade designed to handle complex tasks more efficiently and with greater independence.

    The company says the new model delivers improved performance in areas such as coding, research, analysis, and productivity tasks, while also generating faster and more structured responses. The focus, according to OpenAI, is on making AI systems more capable of completing multi-step work without continuous user guidance.

    Unlike earlier versions that often required detailed prompting at each stage, GPT-5.5 is built to better manage full workflows. It can plan tasks, use tools, refine outputs, and continue working toward a final result, reflecting a shift toward more autonomous “agent-like” AI behaviour.

    Early evaluations suggest stronger performance in technical and reasoning tasks, particularly in software development and problem-solving scenarios. The model is also said to be more efficient, aiming to reduce computing requirements for certain workloads while maintaining higher output quality.

    The launch comes at a time of rising global competition in artificial intelligence, with major technology companies racing to develop systems that go beyond conversational abilities and move toward practical task execution.

    Industry experts believe this latest release signals a broader transition in AI development—from simple assistants that respond to prompts, to systems capable of independently managing and completing real-world digital work.