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  • FIA Member Clubs unite in Montenegro to advance mobility and motor sport in Middle East, Europe and Africa

    Dubai, UAE, 20th April 2026:  Motorsport leaders from across Middle East will join counterparts from Europe and Africa for three days of collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing at the FIA Region I Spring Meeting getting under way in Budva, Montenegro tomorrow.

    With FIA President, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem in attendance, representatives from 102 Member Clubs will discuss priorities to advance safe and sustainable mobility for road users and motor sport for fans at the three-day congress, hosted by the Auto-Moto Association of Montenegro (AMSCG).

    FIA Member Clubs unite in Montenegro to advance mobility and motor sport in Middle East, Europe and Africa

    The FIA Region I Spring Meeting will also host commissions and working groups from across the network, with the International Historic Commission and Founding Members’ Club protecting and promoting motoring heritage, the FIA Eurocouncil supporting the future of mobility in Europe, and Clubs continuing to implement the Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programme across the Region.

    National Sporting Authorities will also be meeting in Montenegro to continue developing and improving motor sport for fans as well as advocating for enhanced driver safety on the track.

    To celebrate the Member Clubs showcasing their commitment to improving mobility services in their countries and across Region I, the three FIA Innovation Challenge 2026 Regional Champions will also be announced during the week.

    FIA President, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “I am delighted to be joining our Members and partners in Budva for this important regional gathering, and I look forward to engaging with colleagues from across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East on the key challenges and opportunities shaping mobility and motorsport today.

    “Montenegro provides a fitting backdrop for these discussions, as we consider how to strengthen transport systems, improve road safety, and support sustainable solutions that deliver safer, more sustainable, and more affordable mobility for all road users.

    “This meeting is an important opportunity to deepen collaboration, share expertise across mobility and motorsport, and advance our shared priorities.”

    In Montenegro, mobility is undergoing steady development, with continued investment in road infrastructure, including the opening of the Bar–Boljare motorway in 2022, helping to strengthen connectivity and support economic growth.

    Recent road safety reforms and the Sustainable Transport Action Plan are driving progress towards safer, more sustainable mobility.

    In motorsport, the country’s vibrant grassroots scene is led by rally and hill climb events, with competitions such as the Montenegro Trophy attracting growing regional participation and highlighting the potential for further development.

    The FIA Member Club structure forms the backbone of the federation’s governance and operations, with each full Member Club holding voting rights across the FIA’s elections and regulatory decisions. Clubs are grouped into two primary categories, with some serving in both roles:

    • National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) – govern and develop motorsport at a national level, are responsible for sporting events, issuing licenses, and engagement across regulations
    • Mobility Clubs – provide mobility services and represent the interest of road users, with a focus on road safety, travel and tourism, consumer rights, and sustainable mobility

    Within the FIA there are four Mobility Regions and six sport zones. The global FIA Membership is comprised of 245 clubs across 149 countries, connecting over 80 million members.

  • Asit Tripathy Takes Charge as President of Odisha Steel Producers’ Association

    Bhubaneswar, Apr 20 (BNP): Senior administrator Asit Tripathy has been elected as the President of the Odisha Steel Producers’ Association (OSPA), marking a key leadership transition in the state’s steel industry body.

    The announcement was made by the association, which represents leading steel producers and stakeholders in Odisha’s growing industrial sector.

    Tripathy’s appointment is expected to enhance coordination between industry stakeholders and policymakers, particularly as Odisha continues to strengthen its position as a major hub for steel production in India.

    Industry representatives said his administrative experience will help streamline engagement on policy matters, investment facilitation, and sectoral growth initiatives.

    The Odisha Steel Producers’ Association plays an important role in addressing industry concerns, supporting industrial expansion, and fostering dialogue between the government and steel manufacturers.

    The leadership change comes at a time when the state’s mineral-based industries are witnessing steady expansion, with increasing focus on infrastructure, capacity building, and long-term industrial growth.

     

  • Sovereign Gold Bonds Deliver Over 200 pc Gains as RBI Allows Early Exit

    Apr 20 (BNP): The Reserve Bank of India (Reserve Bank of India) has opened a premature redemption window for Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2020–21 Series VII, allowing investors to exit ahead of maturity and book significant gains.

    The redemption price has been fixed at ₹15,254 per unit, calculated on the basis of the average closing price of 999-purity gold over the previous three trading sessions.

    Investors who purchased at the issue price of ₹5,051 per unit are now earning returns of over 200%, excluding interest income. Those who availed the online subscription discount have recorded even higher effective gains of around 205%.

    In addition to capital appreciation, SGB holders also receive 2.5% annual interest, paid semi-annually during the holding period.

    The tranche, issued on October 20, 2020, has become eligible for early redemption after completing five years, as per RBI guidelines. While the scheme has an eight-year maturity period, investors are not required to hold until final redemption.

    Redemption requests must be submitted through the issuing bank, post office, or SHCIL, with proceeds credited directly to registered bank accounts on the redemption date.

    Tax treatment varies based on holding period and mode of purchase, with premature exits subject to applicable capital gains tax rules.

    The update highlights strong investor participation and significant wealth creation through sovereign-backed gold investment instruments.

  • Odisha Intensifies Survey and Digitisation of Ancient Manuscripts Under ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’

    Bhubaneswar, Apr 20 (BNP): Odisha has stepped up efforts to document and preserve its rich manuscript heritage through an extensive survey and digitisation initiative under the Government of India’s Gyan Bharatam Mission.

    A review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhavan was chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, where progress on the ongoing survey of palm-leaf manuscripts and ancient texts was assessed.

    Preserving a Rich Literary Legacy

    Odisha is home to a vast collection of traditional manuscripts written on palm leaves and paper, preserved over centuries in Sanskrit, Odia, Pali, and other regional languages. These manuscripts are considered a vital source of the state’s cultural, historical, and intellectual heritage.

    Officials informed that nearly 53,950 manuscripts have already been registered across the state, with survey and digitisation work actively underway by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture.

    Digital Preservation Push

    The initiative aims to create a comprehensive National Digital Repository, ensuring that rare and fragile manuscripts are preserved in digital form and made accessible for researchers, students, and institutions.

    ପ୍ରାଚୀନ ତାଳପତ୍ର ପୋଥି ଏବଂ ପାଣ୍ଡୁଲିପି ଗୁଡ଼ିକର ସର୍ବେକ୍ଷଣ, ସଂରକ୍ଷଣ ଓ ଡିଜିଟାଇଜେସନ ସଂପର୍କରେ ଏକ ବୈଠକ ଆଜି ଲୋକସେବା ଭବନଠାରେ ମୁଖ୍ୟ ଶାସନ ସଚିବ ଶ୍ରୀମତୀ ଅନୁ ଗର୍ଗଙ୍କ ଅଧ୍ୟକ୍ଷତାରେ ଅନୁଷ୍ଠିତ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି।

    ଏହିସବୁ ମୂଲ୍ୟବାନ ସମ୍ପଦର ସଂରକ୍ଷଣ ଓ ସୁରକ୍ଷା ପାଇଁ ସହଯୋଗ କରିବା ଓ ସ୍ୱେଚ୍ଛାକୃତ ଭାବେ ନିଜ ପାଖରେ ଥିବା… pic.twitter.com/nR7dzPp7Q4

    — I & PR Department, Odisha (@IPR_Odisha) April 18, 2026

    Authorities have encouraged public participation, urging individuals, monasteries, temples, and libraries to voluntarily register manuscripts in their possession. Registration can be done through the dedicated Gyan Bharatam mobile application, while departmental teams will also conduct field visits to assist in documentation.

    Focus on High-Priority Districts

    The current phase of the survey, which began on March 16, 2026, will continue for three months. Special focus is being given to districts such as Ganjam, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Nayagarh, and Puri, which have reported significant manuscript collections.

    Officials said manuscripts will be systematically mapped and verified district-wise to ensure accurate documentation and smooth coordination with local administrations.

    Safeguarding Knowledge for Future Generations

    The state government emphasized that the project is not only about preservation but also about ensuring long-term digital access to India’s traditional knowledge systems.

    The initiative is expected to strengthen research, promote cultural awareness, and safeguard Odisha’s manuscript heritage for future generations by bringing centuries-old knowledge into the digital era.

  • Strong Jewellery Sales Mark Akshaya Tritiya Despite Record High Gold Prices

    New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): Jewellery retailers across India reported strong consumer demand on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, with buoyant sales in the gems and jewellery segment despite elevated gold prices.

    Industry players said customer footfall remained healthy throughout the day, with buyers continuing to make purchases of gold jewellery, coins, and investment products, driven by the traditional belief that buying gold on this auspicious day brings long-term prosperity.

    The resilience in demand comes even as gold prices remain at high levels, indicating sustained consumer confidence and strong cultural sentiment associated with the festival.

    Retailers noted that while some buyers opted for lighter-weight jewellery and digital gold options, overall sales volumes remained encouraging compared to expectations, reflecting the enduring significance of Akshaya Tritiya in India’s gold buying season.

    The festival once again reinforced its position as one of the most important occasions for the gems and jewellery industry, blending tradition, sentiment, and investment-driven purchasing behaviour.

     

  • MENA Fintech Association Welcomes Facephi as a Member to Support Digital Identity and Secure Financial Onboarding Across the Region

    MENA Fintech Association Welcomes Facephi as a Member to Support Digital Identity and Secure Financial Onboarding Across the Region

     

    Abu Dhabi, UAE – Apr 20 – The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), the region’s leading not-for-profit fintech industry body and globally ranked among the top fintech associations, is pleased to welcome Facephi, a global technology company specializing in digital identity verification and AI driven fraud prevention solutions, as a new scaleup member.

    Facephi joins MFTA at a time when financial institutions across the Middle East are accelerating digital transformation initiatives and prioritizing secure digital onboarding, identity verification, and fraud prevention capabilities. As banks and fintech providers continue to expand digital services, robust identity technologies are becoming a critical foundation for secure, compliant, and seamless financial experiences.

    Facephi delivers advanced end-to-end solutions that enable financial institutions to securely verify users, prevent fraud, and streamline digital onboarding processes. Its technology combines artificial intelligence, biometric recognition, and digital identity verification to help organizations provide secure, frictionless access to financial services while meeting evolving regulatory requirements.

    With a strong global footprint, Facephi works with banks, financial institutions, and digital service providers across multiple regions, supporting secure customer authentication, regulatory compliance, and digital identity management in increasingly digital financial ecosystems.

    As part of its engagement with the Association, Facephi will contribute its expertise to MFTA’s ecosystem initiatives focused on digital identity, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and secure financial infrastructure. As digital banking adoption accelerates across the region, biometric authentication and identity verification technologies are playing a growing role in enabling trusted financial services and protecting both institutions and customers.

    Henry Rosas, Senior Commercial Director, Facephi Middle East, commented:

    “Joining the MENA Fintech Association marks a strategic step in reinforcing our commitment to the region’s digital transformation. At Facephi, we are seeing a significant acceleration in demand for secure digital identity and fraud prevention solutions, driven by the rapid growth of digital banking and financial inclusion initiatives”.

     

    Digital identity and biometric authentication have become key enablers of financial inclusion and secure digital transformation. Financial institutions across the Middle East are increasingly investing in identity technologies to support digital onboarding, strengthen compliance frameworks, and mitigate fraud risks while delivering seamless user experiences for customers.

    MFTA continues to serve as a trusted platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators through working groups, roundtables, partnerships, and thought leadership initiatives. Facephi’s membership further strengthens the Association’s commitment to advancing secure digital infrastructure, responsible fintech innovation, and collaboration across the MENA ecosystem.

    Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association and Founder of Fils, added:

    “The MENA region continues to demonstrate strong progress in digital financial services, underpinned by resilience, regulatory advancement, and increasing institutional participation. At the MENA Fintech Association, we remain committed to actively supporting this growth by working closely with regulators, financial institutions, and technology leaders across the region. As digital identity becomes increasingly critical to enabling secure and inclusive financial ecosystems, we welcome Facephi to the Association. Their expertise will further strengthen our collective efforts to build trusted, compliant, and resilient financial infrastructure across MENA.”

  • Ministry of Industry Joins ALUMINIUM Arabia as Strategic Partner

     
    Apr 20: ALUMINIUM Arabia has announced the participation of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources as a Strategic Partner for its upcoming edition, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing its aluminium and mining sectors in line with Vision 2030. The partnership underscores the Ministry’s role in driving industrial diversification, strengthening value chains, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for aluminium production and innovation.
     
    The Ministry’s participation will provide high level strategic visibility and thought leadership, while supporting policy development and ecosystem enablement across the aluminium sector. Through its participation, the Ministry aims to accelerate non-oil GDP growth by further strengthening the aluminium sector’s position as a targeted sector within the National Industrial Strategy, which targets a mining sector contribution of SAR 240 billion by 2030. The platform will also highlight Saudi Arabia’s competitive advantages, including world class industrial assets such as Ma’aden’s Ras AlKhair complex, to attract foreign direct investment and global industry players.
     
    The event is expected to facilitate B2B engagement, enabling partnerships, technology transfer, and the development of advanced manufacturing clusters. It will also support job creation, skills development, and Saudization efforts within downstream aluminium industries. In addition, the Ministry will leverage the platform to promote sustainable practices, strengthen international collaboration, and gain insights into global market trends and emerging technologies.
     
    As a Strategic Partner, the Ministry aims to drive investment and strengthen connectivity and efficiency across the sector’s stakeholder ecosystem.
     
    The upcoming edition of ALUMINIUM Arabia will take place from 15-17 June 2026 in Riyadh, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and global stakeholders to shape the future of the aluminium sector in the region, following a recent update to the event schedule.

  • UP Simplifies Wheat Purchase System, Eases MSP Procurement Norms for Farmers

    Lucknow, Apr 20 (BNP): In a significant relief for farmers, the Uttar Pradesh government has relaxed procurement norms by allowing wheat sales at government purchase centres without mandatory online registration.

    As per an official statement, the earlier requirement of completing a digital Farmer Registry for crop identification and verification will now be optional for wheat procurement under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.

    The decision has been taken to reduce procedural hurdles and address difficulties faced by farmers, particularly those in rural areas with limited access to digital facilities.

    Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed all District Magistrates to ensure immediate implementation of the revised guidelines across the state.

    Officials said the move is aimed at making the procurement process more accessible, ensuring that farmers can sell their produce smoothly without being affected by technical or administrative barriers.

    The change is expected to boost participation in government procurement centres and improve ease of selling wheat during the current procurement season.

  • Gold and Silver Futures Decline Amid Weak Demand and Profit Booking

    New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): Precious metals witnessed a decline in futures trading on Monday, with both gold and silver prices falling due to weak spot demand and increased selling pressure from market participants.

    Gold and Silver Futures Decline Amid Weak Demand and Profit Booking

     On the Multi Commodity Exchange of India, silver futures for May delivery dropped sharply, reflecting a broad-based sell-off. The decline was attributed to reduced investor interest and profit booking after recent price movements.

    Gold futures for June delivery also traded lower during the session, weighed down by subdued spot demand and weak global cues. Market analysts noted that cautious sentiment in international markets contributed to the downward pressure on prices.

    Traders observed that both metals came under selling pressure as participants reduced positions amid uncertain global trends. The movement indicated a shift toward caution in the precious metals segment, with investors reassessing short-term price direction.

    Overall, the session reflected a softer tone in bullion markets, driven by weak demand signals and global market influences.

     

     

  • Crude Oil Futures Rise on Strong Spot Demand and Fresh Buying Interest

    New Delhi, Apr 20 (BNP): Crude oil prices witnessed a sharp rise in futures trading on Monday, supported by firm spot demand and increased participation from market players.

    On the Multi Commodity Exchange of India, crude oil futures for May delivery rose significantly, reflecting strong buying momentum in the market. The upward movement was driven by fresh positions built by traders amid steady demand conditions in the spot market.

    Market analysts noted that the increase in open interest indicated renewed confidence among participants, contributing to the sustained strength in prices during the trading session.

    The rally in crude oil futures highlights the influence of underlying demand trends and trader sentiment on commodity markets, as energy prices continue to respond to both domestic and global factors.

    Overall, the session reflected a positive bias in crude oil trading, with demand-side support playing a key role in price movement.