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  • India and Sri Lanka Discuss Proposed Oil Pipeline and Strengthening of Bilateral Cooperation

    Colombo, Apr 20 ( BNP):  Vice President of India C P Radhakrishnan held discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Sunday, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation, including a proposed India–Sri Lanka energy link.

    According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, both leaders discussed the idea of a cross-border oil pipeline, which could serve as a key component of future energy connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.

    The talks also covered a wide range of issues aimed at deepening the multifaceted partnership between India and Sri Lanka. These included cooperation in housing development projects, energy security initiatives, and long-standing concerns related to fishermen from both countries.

    Officials noted that several India-led initiatives already underway were reviewed during the meeting, along with new proposals aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration. The proposed energy corridor was highlighted as a significant step toward strengthening long-term strategic and economic ties.

    Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, reflecting the shared vision of stable and forward-looking relations between the two South Asian neighbours.

    The discussions are expected to pave the way for closer coordination on infrastructure, energy, and people-centric development initiatives in the coming years.

  • Jindal Stainless launches ‘Jindal Infinity’ stainless steel rebars in Punjab, takes product to retail

    Amritsar, Apr 20: Jindal Stainless, India’s leading stainless-steel manufacturer, has announced the retail debut of its stainless steel rebars, ‘Jindal Infinity’, with a launch in Punjab, marking a strategic step towards bringing advanced construction solutions closer to end consumers. 

    Jindal Stainless launches ‘Jindal Infinity’ stainless steel rebars in Punjab, takes product to retail

    The product was unveiled in Amritsar through a two-day event hosted by Jindal Stainless, bringing together contractors, architects, and structural engineers, key stakeholders who play a critical role in material selection at the ground level. The interactions focused on driving material awareness, enhancing product understanding, and showcasing end-use applications. The product rollout is supported by an initial retail and distribution network of approximately 20 partners across Punjab.

    Commenting on the development, Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Mr Abhyuday Jindal, said,

    “As India continues to build at scale, the focus must shift beyond speed and upfront cost towards materials that deliver long-term performance, safety, and lifecycle value. Our entry into the retail segment with Jindal Infinity marks a strategic extension of our capabilities into the construction value chain. Stainless steel rebars have proven their relevance globally in demanding environments, and through this endeavour, we aim to bring these advanced solutions closer to Indian consumer. This is aligned with our larger vision of supporting a quality-first, safer, and more resilient environment.”

    ‘Jindal Infinity’ stainless steel rebars have proven their mettle in critical infrastructure applications such as coastal developments, metros, and real estate. Compared to conventional rebars, stainless steel rebars offer significantly higher resistance to corrosion, including a higher critical chloride threshold, which enhances durability in aggressive environments. They are engineered to deliver high load-bearing capacity, improved tensile strength, and superior seismic performance due to a higher tension-to-yield strength ratio, enabling better energy absorption under stress. Additionally, their inherent fire resistance at elevated temperatures and reduced concrete cover requirements contribute to enhanced structural safety and design efficiency. With a service life that can exceed twice that of conventional rebars, stainless steel reinforcement supports lower maintenance needs and improved lifecycle value, making it a viable solution for long-term infrastructure resilience.

    Commenting on the launch, Head of Sales, Jindal Stainless, Mr Rajeev Garg, said,

    “This effort is focused on building a robust last-mile ecosystem, anchored in retail availability and direct engagement with key stakeholders like consumers, architects, engineers and contractors. With a growing distributor and dealer network, we are creating the foundation for scale. The initial response underscores the need for high-performance, differentiated materials, particularly in applications where long-term durability and reliability are critical.”

    ‘Jindal Infinity’ stainless steel rebars are manufactured from billets casted at Jindal Stainless’ Hisar plant in Haryana and further processed into rebars at the company’s Ghaziabad facility. They form part of the company’s long product portfolio and are used across applications ranging from infrastructure and railways to bridges, highways, and real estate.

    While stainless steel rebars have seen established adoption in global markets such as Japan and parts of Europe for critical infrastructure in high-risk zones, Jindal Stainless aims to drive similar awareness and adoption in India through this targeted retail approach.

    Availability of ‘Jindal Infinity’ stainless steel rebars will be expanded to other key markets of Punjab including Ludhiana and Chandigarh, followed by select markets across Haryana and Andhra Pradesh over the next six to twelve months. With this move, Jindal Stainless aims to catalyse a shift in the evaluation of construction materials even at the last point of consumption. By bringing stainless steel rebars to the last mile, the company is laying the foundation for a more durable, resilient and future-ready construction practices in India.

  • Modi’s Jhalmuri Stop in Jhargram Wins Hearts During Bengal Visit

    Jhargram, West Bengal,Apr20(BNP): In a notable and candid moment during his election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unscheduled stop at a roadside jhalmuri stall in Jhargram, adding a local flavour to a day packed with rallies across the state.

    Modi’s Jhalmuri Stop in Jhargram Wins Hearts During Bengal Visit

    During his visit to College Mor, the Prime Minister interacted warmly with the vendor, enquired about the price, and insisted on paying for the popular snack despite initial reluctance from the seller. He was also seen sharing jhalmuri with children and supporters present at the spot, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.

    The spontaneous gesture, captured on camera and widely shared on social media, drew positive reactions from locals and supporters. Such interactions are seen as part of the Prime Minister’s broader approach to connect with people through culturally relatable moments, especially in regions that hold significant political importance.

    The brief pause amid a hectic campaign schedule blended local culinary culture with public engagement, further amplifying its impact beyond the immediate gathering.

  • Nykaa Takes Over Bandstand with a Giant Pink Birthday Cake

     

    ~A birthday cake that turns every slice into a beauty giveaway~

    Nykaa Takes Over Bandstand with a Giant Pink Birthday Cake

     

     

    Mumbai, Apr 20: This April, Nykaa turned its birthday celebration into an unmissable on-ground experience at Bandstand Promenade. Bringing its signature playfulness and consumer-first approach to life, Nykaa unveiled a giant birthday cake installation from April 18 to 19, 2026, inviting Mumbai to quite literally take home a slice of beauty.

    Set against the iconic seafront, the installation transformed the promenade into a beauty-first celebration zone. Engineered as an interactive, gamified experience, the cake went beyond a visual stunt. Beauty lovers could pull out a slice of the cake, each designed as a gift box filled with curated beauty goodies, with the surprise element built into every slice. This playful “pick your slice” mechanic brought alive Nykaa’s core proposition of discovery, surprise and delight, in a format that was both experiential and shareable. In true birthday spirit, Nykaa flipped the script: “It was Nykaa’s birthday, but the gifts were for you!”

    More than just a visual spectacle, the activation was designed to spark organic conversations both on-ground and online. With its picture-perfect design and interactive mechanic, the cake doubled up as a social-first moment, encouraging consumers to celebrate, share and engage with the brand in a fun, memorable way.

    Conceptualised as a phygital extension of Nykaa’s birthday campaign, the installation acted as a powerful bridge between offline engagement and online commerce. While consumers could show up and claim their slice of beauty in person, the celebration did not stop there.

    For those who could not make it to Bandstand, Nykaa’s Birthday Sale is also live till April 21 across the app and website, bringing exclusive deals, offers and surprises directly to consumers nationwide.

    With this activation, Nykaa continued to push the envelope on experience-led marketing, turning a brand milestone into a high-energy, consumer-centric celebration that blended content, community and commerce seamlessly.

     

     

  • Prerna Khurana Highlights Tradition and Investment Value of Gold on Akshay Tritiya

    By:- Prerna Khurana, Director at Khurana Jewellery House

    “Akshay Tritiya is more than just a buying occasion, it is an emotion deeply rooted in tradition, prosperity and timeless belief” says Prerna Khurana, Director, Khurana Jewellery house. “While today’s consumer is evolving towards lightweight, wearable, and design-led gold jewellery, the intrinsic value of gold as a lasting investment continues to inspire strong demand.”

    She added, “On this auspicious occasion, we at Khurana Jewellery House are delighted to celebrate our patrons with specially curated gifts, as they join us in embracing the spirit of new beginnings and enduring prosperity.”

  • Ceremonial Reception Marks Start of South Korean President’s India Visit

    New Delhi , Apr 20 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today attended the ceremonial reception held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, marking the beginning of his official state visit to India. The visit underscores the growing strength of the India–South Korea relationship and reaffirms both nations’ commitment to deepening their Special Strategic Partnership.

    President Lee Jae Myung was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full state honours, including a guard of honour, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and senior dignitaries. The reception highlighted the importance India places on its diplomatic engagement with the Republic of Korea.

    The visit comes at a crucial time when both countries are seeking to expand cooperation across key sectors such as trade, advanced manufacturing, defence, semiconductors, digital technologies, and clean energy. It also reflects a shared vision for building resilient and diversified global supply chains.

    Following the ceremonial reception, President Lee is scheduled to pay tribute at Rajghat and hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening economic collaboration, enhancing investment opportunities, and advancing cooperation in emerging technologies.

    Both sides are also likely to explore expanded partnerships in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, shipbuilding, and green energy transition, along with efforts to further boost bilateral trade and private sector engagement.

    The visit includes participation from leading business representatives, reinforcing the strong economic dimension of the India–South Korea relationship and highlighting growing opportunities for industrial and technological collaboration.

    This high-level engagement marks an important milestone in India–South Korea relations and sets the stage for a more dynamic and future-oriented partnership in the years ahead.

  • Sensex, Nifty Slip into Volatility After Early Gains Amid Global Uncertainty

    Sensex, Nifty Slip into Volatility After Early Gains Amid Global Uncertainty

    Mumbai, Apr 20 (BNP): Indian equity markets witnessed a choppy session on Monday, with early gains quickly fading as caution gripped investors.

    The BSE Sensex opened on a firm note, rising over 200 points in initial trade, while the Nifty 50 also advanced, reflecting a positive start to the day.

    However, the upward momentum proved short-lived. As trading progressed, both indices turned volatile and slipped into negative territory. The Sensex erased its gains to trade lower, while the Nifty also dipped, indicating a shift in market sentiment.

    The volatility comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and increasing crude oil prices, factors that tend to weigh heavily on investor confidence. Elevated oil prices can fuel inflation concerns and impact corporate profitability, prompting a more cautious approach in the markets.

    Overall, the session reflected a fragile balance between optimism and uncertainty, as investors remained sensitive to global developments influencing domestic market trends.

  • Kolkata Ladies League Launches to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

    Kolkata, April 20: The Kolkata Ladies League a unique all-women collective, was officially launched in a warm and celebratory gathering that marked the beginning of a one-of-a-kind initiative dedicated to empowering women through cross-support of resources and collaborative growth. The newly formed league, comprising 60+ members from diverse professional and entrepreneurial backgrounds, aims to create a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and mutual advancement, with a strong focus on nurturing businesses across all scales. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Aditi Dutta, Founding Member & Owner, Akar;  Swati Chakraborty Das, Kolkata Ladies League & Owner, Mishti Bahar; Nandini Bhattacharya, Founding Member & founder of All Bengal Men’s forum, Moumita Mukherjee, Founding Member & founder of Sristi Boutique, Soma Chakraborty, Founding Member, Kolkata Ladies League, and Co-Founder & Managing Director, Goodace Hospital and others.

    Kolkata Ladies League Launches to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

    Envisioned as a collaborative platform, the Kolkata Ladies League seeks to encourage innovation, resource-sharing, and collective progress by bringing together women from varied industries and professional domains. The initiative aims to empower members to grow together, scale their ventures, and contribute meaningfully to the broader entrepreneurial landscape.

    The launch was commemorated with a special Baishakhi Adda, upholding the spirit of the Bengali New Year and promoting meaningful connections among members and guests. The event also witnessed heartfelt intergenerational bonding with the elders of “Tomar Tikhana,” adding a socially inclusive dimension to the celebration. The gathering provided an engaging space for dialogue, exchange of ideas, and the generation of new business opportunities, reinforcing the league’s vision of building a supportive ecosystem for women-led enterprises.

    Soma Chakraborty, Founding Member, Kolkata Ladies League, and Co-Founder & Managing Director, Goodace Hospital, said,

    “Today, more than ever, initiatives like the Kolkata Ladies League are the need of the hour. Women across sectors are building ideas, businesses, and communities, yet many of them still lack a strong support system. This collective was envisioned as a space where women can come together, share resources, exchange experiences, and uplift one another irrespective of the scale of their ventures. The response we witnessed reaffirmed our belief that collaboration, not competition, will drive meaningful growth.”

     
  • Water Management takes centre stage at PlumbexIndia 2026 in Bengaluru

    Bengaluru, April 20: PlumbexIndia 2026 concluded with strong industry and government participation, reinforcing its role in advancing the country’s water security and sustainable infrastructure agenda.

    Water Management takes centre stage at PlumbexIndia 2026 in Bengaluru

    The three-day event, organised by the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), brought together over 15000 visitors, 180 exhibitors, and representatives from countries, such as USA, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, France, Isreal Japan, Tiwan and China.

    The event was supported by two key ministries of government of India, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) and The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT Mission), underscoring growing alignment between policy and industry.

    Gurmit Singh Arora, National President, Indian Plumbing Association said

    “Plumbex India 2026 has once again demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing India’s most pressing water challenges. The conversations, innovations, and partnerships forged here reflect a shared commitment across government, industry, and academia to build resilient, efficient, and sustainable water systems. As India continues to urbanise rapidly, platforms like PlumbexIndia are essential in translating ideas into actionable solutions on the ground,”

    Chandra Shekhar Gupta, National Vice President, IPA, added:

    “This year’s PlumbexIndia has reinforced the importance of integrating engineering excellence with policy direction and on-ground implementation. The strong participation and the MoU signing with CaHO are significant steps towards improving water and sanitation standards, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare.”

    A key outcome of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IPA and the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations, aimed at strengthening water, sanitation, and plumbing standards in healthcare infrastructure.

    The event featured high-level discussions on urban water management, groundwater sustainability, engineering-led infrastructure solutions, and design-driven innovation, with participation from leading experts across sectors.

    Key initiatives included the IPA Bathroom Challenge, a live technical competition supported by IAPMO and IWSH, and “Around the Drop”, a student-focused design platform in partnership with Ethos Empowers.

    The event also recognised 21 industry leaders through the IPA Awards of Excellence and honoured winners of the “My Water My Story” an initiative by IPA Vanita (women’s wing of Indian Plumbing Association), celebrating grassroots contributions to water conservation,  Among the participants, Anvitha A, emerged as the National Winner, standing out for her exceptional contribution to the “My Water My Story” initiative.

    Building on the outcomes of 2026, the next edition of PlumbexIndia is expected to further strengthen its role as a national platform for collaboration, innovation, and actionable solutions in water and sanitation.

  • Special Handloom Expo to celebrate India’s Living Handloom Traditions at Janpath

    New Delhi: The Development Commissioner (Handlooms), is organizing a Special Handloom Expo- “Vastra Sanskriti- The Timeless Weave”  at the Handloom Haat, Janpath. Scheduled from 21st to 30th April 2026. The ten-day exhibition will showcase the rich heritage, colors, and craftsmanship of India’s traditional handlooms.

    Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, the expo will feature 75 handloom weavers, self-help groups (SHGs), and cooperatives from across the country, offering a vibrant display of India’s textile traditions.

    The event aims to promote traditional handlooms while connecting weavers directly with buyers, exporters, and wholesalers, providing them with better market access and recognition.

    The expo celebrates the skill and dedication of Indian weavers, featuring handloom products and cultural stories from various states, making it a perfect opportunity for festival shopping. Visitors can explore a wide range of real handloom silks, cotton sarees, suit-dupatta sets, shawls, stoles, bedsheets, home furnishings, dhotis, kurtas, and rugs, all under one roof.

    The exhibition underscores the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and National Design Centre’s joint efforts to empower weavers, preserve India’s weaving legacy, and promote sustainable growth of the handloom sector.

    Event Details:

    What: Special Handloom Expo: “Vastra Sanskriti- The Timeless Weaves”

    When: April 21st to 30th, 2026

    Time: 11AM- 8PM

    Where: Handloom Haat, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi

    Access to Venue : Nearest Metro: Janpath Metro Station (Gate No. 2), nearby Janpath market area