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  • Compass Group India Invests in Cage-Free Egg Production with Global Food Partners

    SINGAPORE – 21 April, 2026 – Global Food Partners (GFP), a global consultancy helping food businesses achieve higher animal welfare standards in their supply chains, today announced it has supported Compass Group India, a leader in food services, to drive cage-free egg production and support local farmers in India.

    Due to limited cage-free supplies and regional market gaps, Compass Group India is using cage-free credits to offset a portion of its caged egg purchases. GFP administers the Impact Incentives programme; cage-free credits enable food businesses to directly support egg farmers making a sustainable transition to cage-free production—while helping to build and secure future supply.

    Compass Group has initially purchased around 4,000 cage-free credits in India, with each credit offsetting the purchase of 1,000 caged eggs—a total of four million eggs. The funds for this credit purchase go directly to three farms in India to expand their cage-free capacities and invest in their logistics networks.

    Via Compass Group Foundation, Compass Group India and other partners have also launched a new cage-free and free-range training centre with GFP as technical partner. The training centre, located outside of Bangalore, will support local farmers in their transitions to cage-free systems, teach best practices in egg production and management, and help farmers achieve long-term sustainability and profitability in their industry. 

    “Compass Group India has shown enormous leadership and innovation in not only their own cage-free commitments, but also in driving substantial, foundational change in how eggs are produced and supplied throughout India,” said GFP CEO Elissa Lane. “Their commitment to responsible sourcing extends to the new training centre that meaningfully supports farmers and strengthens the nation’s food system.”

    Compass Group has published a complete Animal Welfare Progress Report for 2026 with more details.

    Other industry giants that have adopted Impact Incentives as part of their cage-free strategy include KellanovaBest Western HotelsLagardère Travel Retail (PDF) Pizza Express (PDF). By sourcing cage-free eggs whenever possible, and using cage-free credits to address any supply-chain shortfalls, companies can report 100 percent compliance with cage-free mandates. GFP currently focuses on egg production throughout Asia, and has capabilities in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Latin America.

  • Rupee Dips Early as Strong Dollar and RBI Policy Shift Pressure Sentiment

    Apr 21 (BNP): The Indian rupee weakened in early Tuesday trading, slipping by 16 paise to 93.32 against the US dollar, as the greenback held firm in global markets and recent regulatory changes influenced currency sentiment.

    Rupee Dips Early as Strong Dollar and RBI Policy Shift Pressure Sentiment

    Traders pointed to the Reserve Bank of India’s move to ease earlier curbs on speculative positions as a key factor behind the rupee’s decline. The central bank had initially introduced restrictions earlier this month to limit excessive volatility in the currency market, including a cap on banks’ exposure to non-deliverable forward (NDF) positions. The partial rollback of those measures appears to have reopened room for increased market activity.

    Despite the dip, the rupee found some support from positive momentum in domestic equity markets and continued foreign fund inflows. However, lingering geopolitical concerns—particularly around developments in West Asia—kept investors cautious.

    Overall, the currency’s movement reflects a mix of global dollar strength, policy adjustments at home, and an underlying sense of uncertainty in international markets.

  • LIV Process Recognizes University Health San Antonio’s Denine Temple with First-ever Invisible Hero Award for Outstanding Work in Fight Against C. Diff

    PHILADELPHIA, April 21, 2026 – LIV Process, Philadelphia-based biotech, announces Denine Temple, System Director of Environmental Services (EVS) at University Health San Antonio, as the first recipient of the Invisible Hero Award, which honors outstanding work in the fight against C. diff (Clostridioides difficile). With the creation of the Invisible Hero Award, LIV Process continues to draw national attention to one of the most stubborn and costly healthcare-associated infections—and the often-overlooked heroes working to stop the spread of C. diff before it starts. 

    “We’re proud to recognize Temple and the EVS teams at University Health San Antonio for their exceptional commitment to stopping the spread of C. diff,” said Michael McIntyre, Founder and CEO of LIV Process. “Our first awardees are working in hospitals and healthcare settings to directly address gaps in infection prevention and cleaning effectiveness.” 

    For leadership in advancing infection-prevention protocol in her health system and nationwide, Temple is being recognized along with four University Health San Antonio Environmental Services (EVS) teams, led by: 

    • Bryan Blecha, Director, Ambulatory Sites Team 

    • David Harris, Director, Sky Team 

    • Jaime Rymers, Director, Rio and Horizon Team 

    • A’Neita Sammons, Director, Women’s and Children’s Team 

    “I’m honored to accept this award alongside my hardworking colleagues doing the often-invisible work of infection prevention,” said Denine Temple, System Director of Environmental Services, University Hospital San Antonio. 

    In addition to University Health San Antonio, LIV Process plans to award other outstanding advocates reducing infections across the United States. LIV Process technology is being applied by EVS personnel across leading US healthcare systems, including Veterans Health Administration hospitals, University of Virginia Health, University of Texas Southwestern, University of Massachusetts, Duke University Medical Center, Cleveland VA, Houston Methodist and Baptist Health. 

  • Markets Edge Higher Amid Cautious Sentiment

    Apr 21 (BNP): Indian equity markets kicked off Tuesday’s session on a mildly positive note, reflecting cautious optimism among investors despite ongoing global geopolitical tensions.

    Markets Edge Higher Amid Cautious Sentiment

     At the opening bell, the BSE Sensex rose by over 200 points to reach 78,732.45, marking a gain of 0.27%. Meanwhile, the NSE Nifty 50 edged up slightly to 24,374.55, registering an increase of 0.04%.

    The early uptick suggests that market participants are maintaining a balanced stance—encouraged by domestic factors but still wary of uncertainties in the global landscape. Analysts note that while the green opening indicates resilience, volatility could persist throughout the session as investors closely monitor international developments and their potential economic impact.

    Overall, the tone remains cautiously positive, with traders expected to stay selective and alert in the near term.

  • Former MLB Players Lead Ember Sports Mobile App, Bringing Pro-Level Training to Athletes Everywhere

    The MLB veterans say platform is a “game changer” for athletes at every level 

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — April 21, 2026 — Sports technology company Ember Sports is bringing professional-level baseball and softball training tools to athletes nationwide through a new mobile app developed in collaboration with former Major League Baseball players and coaches Brady Clark and Damon Mashore. Designed to make advanced player development more accessible, the platform delivers real-time performance insights using a mobile device, eliminating the need for costly hardware or exclusive facility-based systems. 

    Clark and Mashore, former MLB outfielders with a combined 18 seasons in the major leagues, now serve in leadership roles at Ember, helping guide the platform’s development and real-world application. Clark is the company’s Chief Operating Officer, while Mashore serves as Chief Integration Officer. Their involvement reflects a broader shift toward making the types of training tools once reserved for professional athletes available to players at every level. 

    Leveraging built-in iOS video capture, Ember’s mobile app provides immediate, actionable feedback through tools such as its Hitting and Pitching Analyzers. Athletes can review performance using video replay, telestration and side-by-side comparisons, allowing for deeper analysis of swing mechanics, pitch execution and overall performance. 

    The platform also introduces virtual reality capabilities designed to enhance training in ways that are difficult to replicate in traditional environments. A key feature is Ember’s ability to teach pitch tunneling, an advanced skill in which multiple pitches follow the same initial path before breaking differently, making them more difficult for batters to recognize and hit. 

    “Teaching hitters how to see the ball the way MLB players do has always been one of the hardest things to train,” Mashore said. “With Ember’s technology, we’re able to simulate that in a meaningful way. That’s a big step forward.” 

    With more than 25 million baseball and softball athletes across the United States, access to advanced training tools has often been limited by cost and availability. Ember aims to expand that access with a subscription starting at $12.99 per month, delivering data and insights traditionally available only at the professional level. 

    “This is truly disruptive technology because of how easy it is to use and the low-cost barrier,” said Clark. “It opens the door for more players at every level. From the conversations Damon and I have had across our baseball network, the reaction is usually, ‘I can’t believe you guys can do this.’ Especially with VR, no one has been able to teach how we ‘see’ the ball.” 

    By removing the need for specialized equipment and training facilities, Ember is expanding access to high-level development tools once reserved for the big leagues. Its virtual reality platform places athletes in customizable environments that simulate live pitching with adjustable speed, movement and location, helping improve pitch recognition, timing and decision-making. 

    “You’re either on the forefront of technology or you’re behind the game,” Mashore added. “Being able to deliver this level of insight to players outside of the professional level at such an affordable cost is simply a game changer.” 

    With leadership rooted in decades of professional playing and coaching experience, Ember Sports is entering the market with strong credibility and a focus on accessibility, aiming to bring professional-grade training within reach for the next generation of baseball and softball athletes. 

  • Mumbai Indians Crush Gujarat Titans by 99 Runs as Tilak Varma Stars with Maiden IPL Century

    Mumbai, April 21(BNP): Mumbai Indians delivered a commanding all-round performance to secure a resounding 99-run victory over Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

    Mumbai Indians Crush Gujarat Titans by 99 Runs as Tilak Varma Stars with Maiden IPL Century

    Arriving at a venue that has historically posed challenges and amid a difficult run of form, Mumbai Indians rose to the occasion with a clinical display. The innings was anchored by Tilak Varma, who registered his maiden IPL century with an unbeaten 101 off 45 balls, guiding MI to a formidable 199/5 in 20 overs.

    After a measured start—scoring 19 off his first 22 deliveries Tilak Varma shifted gears dramatically, adding 82 runs from his next 23 balls. His knock came at a crucial juncture after early setbacks caused by Kagiso Rabada, and proved pivotal in setting up a challenging total.

    In response, Gujarat Titans struggled to build any momentum as Mumbai’s bowlers dominated proceedings from the outset. Early breakthroughs from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya put the hosts on the back foot, while Ashwani Kumar delivered a standout performance with a four-wicket haul. Support from Mitchell Santner and Allah Ghazanfar ensured Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 100 in 15.5 overs.

    Speaking after the match, Tilak Varma said, “The first hundred is always special. It was important for me to spend time at the crease and then play according to the situation. I backed my basics and it paid off.”

    Captain Hardik Pandya added, “Winning here is always challenging. This result was much needed for the team and will give us confidence going forward.”

    Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, highlighting lapses in the middle overs and inconsistent execution with the ball as key factors behind the defeat.

    The result marks Gujarat Titans’ heaviest loss in IPL history, while also providing a significant boost to Mumbai Indians’ campaign. With this emphatic win, Mumbai Indians strengthen their position in the standings and gain crucial momentum for the remainder of the tournament, while Gujarat Titans will look to regroup and address key areas ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

  • Swaranjali Delhi Presents Shraddhanjali 2026 in Bhubaneswar

    A Musical Tribute Dedicated to Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi

    Swaranjali

     

    Bhubaneswar, Odisha | Apr 21: Swaranjali Delhi proudly presents Shraddhanjali 2026, a heartfelt evening dedicated to the revered Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi, in association with Shreyas WebMedia Solutions.

    The event will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Gita Govinda Sadan, Jayadev Bhawan, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar.

    Shraddhanjali 2026 will celebrate the timeless beauty of Indian Classical Music, featuring captivating vocal and instrumental performances by distinguished artists and emerging talents. The program aims to honour the immense contribution of Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi to Indian classical music and inspire future generations to preserve this rich heritage.

    Speaking on the occasion, the organisers shared that the event is envisioned as a tribute filled with devotion, artistry, and gratitude, bringing together music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and disciples under one roof.

    The evening promises to be a soulful experience showcasing tradition, excellence, and the enduring legacy of Indian classical music.

    The organisers cordially invite all music patrons, members of the cultural fraternity, and the public to attend this special event.

    Event Details:

    • Event: Shraddhanjali 2026
    • Date: June 20, 2026
    • Time: 5:00 PM onwards
    • Venue: Gita Govinda Sadan, Jayadev Bhawan

    Program Details:

    Group – Indian Classical Music

    • Sitar & Sarod Duet: Shri Jeeban Prakash Das & Shri Sandeep Rout
    • Vocal: Smt. Bilambita Banisudha
    • Sitar: Shri Subrata De

     

    RSVP:

    9910300319 | 8447507053 | 99370 01349

  • HCLTech appoints Kimsuka Narsimhan as Independent Director

    NOIDA, Apr 21(BNP): HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today announced the appointment of Kimsuka Narsimhan as an Independent Director w.e.f. April 20, 2026.

    HCLTech appoints Kimsuka Narsimhan as Independent Director

    A Chartered and Cost Accountant by qualification, Kimsuka brings with her over 35 years of extensive experience in the consumer goods industry. She has held senior leadership roles across Finance, Risk Management, Strategy, and Business Transformation with leading global organizations. Her career highlights include serving as CFO – Asia Pacific at Kimberly-Clark, CFO – India Region at PepsiCo and holding global and India leadership roles at Unilever.

    Kimsuka has worked across multiple geographies, including Europe, the Middle East & Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.

    On the non-executive front, she has over a decade of experience as Director on the Boards of prominent organisations such as Bharti Airtel, Meesho, Akzo Nobel and Astra Zeneca. She has also served as a member/Chair of Board Committees viz. Audit, Nomination & Remuneration, ESG and Risk Committees. In addition to her corporate board roles, she is a Board Member of the SIM People Development Fund (SIMPDF).

    Commenting on the appointment, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson, HCLTech said,

    “We are pleased to have Kimsuka as part of the Board as HCLTech pivots to a phase of growth led by new technologies such as AI. Her rich global experience will be of immense value to our growth strategy and corporate governance, and I look forward to working with her”.

    “HCLTech has been a key pillar of India’s global leadership in technology services. I am delighted to join this exciting journey and look forward to working with the Board,” added Kimsuka Narsimhan.

    The appointment further strengthens the diversity ratio of the HCLTech Board to over 54%.

  • Michał Rudaś Enthrals New Delhi at The Piano Man, Weaving a Soulful Indo-Polish Musical Tapestry

    Michał Rudaś Enthrals New Delhi at The Piano Man, Weaving a Soulful Indo-Polish Musical Tapestry

     

     

    New Delhi, Apr 21 — It was an evening where music dissolved borders and emotion spoke a shared language. At The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre, celebrated Polish vocalist Michał Rudaś delivered a spellbinding performance that left audiences captivated, reaffirming his rare ability to build a living, breathing bridge between India and Poland through song.

    Michał Rudaś performing at the Pianoman New Delhi

    Rudaś, known for his deep engagement with Indian music, curated a repertoire that was as diverse as it was immersive. Moving effortlessly from Bollywood chartbusters—rendered with remarkable sensitivity and linguistic finesse—to the velvet elegance of Frank Sinatra classics, and the poignant lyricism of Polish romantic compositions, he created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and expansive. Each piece was not merely performed, but inhabited—infused with a sincerity that resonated deeply with listeners.

    The evening was elevated by a rich spirit of collaboration. Piotr Malec on the tabla brought rhythmic depth and a distinctly Indian pulse, seamlessly complementing Rudaś’s cross-cultural explorations. At the piano, Shomudra Ghosh anchored the performance with grace and fluidity, his playing adding both structure and spontaneity to the unfolding musical narrative. Together, the trio crafted a soundscape where traditions met, conversed, and ultimately merged.

    What set the concert apart was not just its musical range, but its emotional intelligence. Rudaś’s connection with the audience was immediate and profound—his interpretations of Hindi songs drawing spontaneous applause, his Polish renditions offering moments of quiet introspection, and his Western selections bridging familiarity with finesse. It was a rare artistic experience where every note felt intentional, every pause meaningful.

    More than a concert, the evening stood as a testament to the growing cultural dialogue between India and Poland. In Michał Rudaś, one finds not only a vocalist of exceptional calibre, but a true cultural ambassador—an artist who understands that music, at its finest, is an act of empathy and exchange.

    As the final notes faded into a standing ovation, the sentiment in the room was unmistakable: this was not just a performance, but a moment—one that will linger in memory as a celebration of music’s boundless ability to connect worlds.

     

  • Lumon agrees to acquire Fiscal FX

    Foreign exchange and currency risk management Lumon Corporate has agreed to acquire the business and assets of Fiscal FX, marking a major milestone for Lumon as it continues to expand its breadth and quality of service.

    Fiscal FX represents the seventh acquisition by Pollen Street Capital-backed Lumon since 2018. The acquisition is expected to be completed later this spring and will help accelerate growth in Lumon’s corporate division both internationally and in the UK.

    Lumon agrees to acquire Fiscal FX

    Vic Darvey, CEO of Lumon, says: “Acquiring Fiscal FX marks another significant step forward as we continue to expand Lumon’s global footprint; uniting expertise, enhancing our capabilities and ultimately, delivering more value to our clients.”

    Fiscal FX, a London-based foreign exchange and international payments specialist, has built an exceptional reputation since it’s foundation in 2019, particularly focusing on SMEs and owner-managed businesses.

    Over the past six years, Fiscal FX has seen consistent, organic growth, developing a loyal client base of more than 600 corporate accounts across the globe. The company has handled almost £1 billion worth of transactions since it’s inception thanks to outstanding client retention and reliable, recurring revenue.

    Lumon agrees to acquire Fiscal FX

    Archie Scarborough, CEO of Fiscal FX, says: “Joining Lumon is a hugely exciting step for our team and our clients. We’ve built something special over the past six years – a business that genuinely puts its clients first – and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved. Lumon shares those values, and I’m looking forward to what we can build together.”