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India’s Fintech Funding Grows Modestly, Late-Stage Firms Lead

New Delhi, Apr 28 (BNP): India’s fintech sector raised $513 million in the first quarter of 2026, registering a slight increase compared to last year, even as the number of funding deals declined.

A recent report indicates a clear shift in investor preference toward larger, established companies, with late-stage funding witnessing strong growth. In contrast, early-stage and seed funding saw a decline, reflecting a more cautious investment approach.

The digital lending segment attracted the majority of investments, accounting for nearly 60% of total funding, highlighting a focus on business models with proven performance.

Mumbai emerged as the leading funding hub during the quarter, followed by Bengaluru, driven by the growth of lending and financial services firms.

Overall, the trend suggests that India’s fintech sector is moving toward a more stable and mature investment phase, with emphasis on scale, sustainability, and profitability.

April 28, 2026
Air India Express Expands Network with 11 New Routes in Summer Schedule

Apr 28: Air India Express, India’s first international value carrier, today announced the launch of eleven new routes as part of its summer schedule, further strengthening its connectivity across major metros, state capitals, economic hubs, and key leisure destinations. Bookings for these flights are now open on the airline’s official website, mobile app, and through authorised travel partners.

As part of this expansion, the airline will enhance connectivity between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, while also linking both cities with Chandigarh and Dehradun. Additionally, direct flights between Mumbai and Patna will further expand access to eastern India.

Strengthening its leisure network, the airline will introduce direct connectivity between Pune and Chennai with Bagdogra, a key gateway to the Eastern Himalayas. Notably, the Pune–Bagdogra route will be exclusively served by Air India Express, operating five days a week.

The new routes, effective May 1, 2026, include multiple daily and weekly services connecting major cities such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Patna, Bagdogra, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ranchi, Kochi, and Delhi.

With this expansion, Air India Express will significantly scale its domestic footprint, operating 40 weekly flights from Ahmedabad, 108 from Bagdogra, 27 from Chandigarh, 393 from Delhi, 28 from Dehradun, 62 from Kochi, 86 from Kolkata, 174 from Mumbai, 42 from Patna, and 96 from Pune.

In addition to new routes, the airline has reinstated previously operated services such as Bagdogra–Chennai, Delhi–Kochi, and Hyderabad–Ranchi to cater to seasonal demand and evolving travel patterns.

This network expansion reflects Air India Express’ continued focus on improving regional connectivity, supporting tourism, and enhancing travel convenience for passengers across India.

April 28, 2026
AR Rahman Makes Royal Albert Hall Debut, Showcases Next-Gen Indian Talent on Global Stage!

Mumbai/London, Apr 28 (BNP): Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman marked a major milestone in his international concert journey with a sold-out debut performance at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, celebrating the rise of a new generation of musicians.

The three-night orchestral showcase, titled “AR Rahman x Rushil Ranjan,” was created in collaboration with composer and Associate Artist Rushil Ranjan. The production brought together emerging Indian talent and world-class performers in a unique blend of Indian and Western classical traditions.

A defining highlight of the concert was Rangreza, a newly commissioned composition co-created by Rahman and Ranjan. Rooted in Sufi philosophy, the piece explored shared spiritual and musical connections across cultures. It was performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Voices, alongside Associate Artist Abi Sampa, under the baton of Melvin Tay.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came with the participation of musicians from Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory and the Sunshine Orchestra, an initiative supporting talented youth from underserved communities in Western classical music. Their performance alongside an international orchestra at one of the world’s most prestigious venues was hailed as a landmark moment of representation.

Rahman said seeing the Sunshine Orchestra share the stage with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was deeply special, adding that he was proud of the young musicians for making India proud globally and taking music to new heights.

The programme also featured vocalist Sarthak Kalyani and percussionist Janan Sathiendran, while choreography by Aakash Odedra added a striking visual dimension to the performance.

Audiences were also treated to grand orchestral reinterpretations of Rahman’s celebrated scores from Jodhaa Akbar, Guru, 127 Hours, and Rockstar, among others.

The showcase marked a significant evolution in the global presentation of Indian film music, positioning emerging Indian artists at the forefront of an international cultural dialogue.

April 28, 2026
Trump Reviews Iran Hormuz Proposal, US Likely to Issue Counteroffer Soon!

Washington, Apr 28 (BNP): US President Donald Trump on Monday convened a meeting of his national security team to review Iran’s latest proposal concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies are transported.

According to reports citing US officials, the Trump administration expressed dissatisfaction with Tehran’s proposal, saying it failed to address key concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, particularly uranium enrichment and commitments against pursuing nuclear weapons.

Officials indicated that while the proposal was not rejected outright, the White House believes Iran has not fully met Washington’s core security conditions. The administration is now expected to prepare a counterproposal in the coming days.

White House representatives reiterated that the United States would not conduct negotiations through the media and said Washington’s red lines on regional security and nuclear issues remain clear. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also described Iran’s current offer as unacceptable.

Reports suggested Iran had proposed a phased understanding focused first on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing conflict, while postponing discussions on its nuclear programme to a later stage.

Meanwhile, economic pressure on Iran has reportedly intensified, with disruptions to oil exports leading to rising domestic crude inventories and difficulties in maritime shipments.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, and any agreement on its reopening would have major implications for global oil markets, trade flows, and regional stability.

April 28, 2026
Google AI Hub Launched in Visakhapatnam with Dollar 15 Billion Investment

Visakhapatnam, Apr 28 (BNP): The foundation stone for the Google Cloud India AI Hub was laid in Visakhapatnam, marking a major milestone in India’s digital infrastructure growth.

The project, backed by an estimated $15 billion investment, was launched by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu along with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The upcoming facility will feature a 1-gigawatt data centre capacity and will be developed across nearly 600 acres in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to strengthen artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities.

The City of Destiny shall shape the destiny of tomorrow’s technology. Welcome to Vizag, @Google!#GoogleBreaksGroundInVizag #ChooseSpeedChooseAP pic.twitter.com/NaOm7iIVyV

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) April 28, 2026

Officials said the AI Hub will enhance digital connectivity, support advanced technology services, and generate significant employment opportunities in the region.

The project is also expected to boost India’s global digital presence through improved cloud infrastructure and subsea connectivity linking major international regions.

With this development, Visakhapatnam is set to emerge as a key centre in India’s growing AI and technology ecosystem.

April 28, 2026

Accountants and Financial Advisers Offer Monthly Fee Payments as Their Clients Struggle

Apr 28 – Accountants and financial advisers are increasingly switching to allowing monthly fee payments to help ease the financial pressure on clients and themselves, new research* from Premium Credit, a leading provider of finance for businesses, shows.

Nearly two out of five (37%) questioned said cashflow at their business suffered last year and almost all (95%) said clients struggling to pay fees was the main or a contributory factor in the squeeze on cashflow.

However more than four out of five (85%) expect cashflow to improve over the next 12 months including 15% expecting cashflow to improve significantly over the period. More than half (52%) say that their client base has expanded over the past three years. Just 4% say their client base has shrunk.

The improvements are against a backdrop of more accountants and financial advisers allowing clients to pay fees monthly. Almost all (97%) say they allow clients to pay fees monthly over an extended period of time. Research** last year found just 70% were doing so.

Almost all (96%) questioned say they would consider allowing clients to pay fees monthly if asked – that compares to 68% in last year’s survey. There was similar strong support (98%) for offering clients the option to spread the cost of tax bills through instalments.

The study found that accountants and financial advisers are seeing signs of financial strain among clients as the table below shows. More than 25% say that over five in 10 clients are in poor health or on the verge of failing.

Firm’s financial state of health	Up to 10% accountants and advisers estimate SME clients are in this category	10% to 24% accountants and advisers estimate SME clients are in this category	25% to 49% accountants and advisers estimate SME clients are in this category	50% to 74% accountants and advisers estimate SME clients are in this category	75% to 100% accountants and advisers estimate SMEs clients are in this category
Very healthy	3%	23%	36%	37%	1%
Quite healthy	7%	14%	38%	39%	2%
Average health	6%	15%	62%	14%	3%
Poor health	23%	47%	22%	6%	2%
On the verge of failing	28%	46%	18%	8%	0%

Nearly two out of three (66%) accountants and financial advisers surveyed say HMRC is getting tougher on tax arrears and debts. That is double the 33% who believe HMRC has become more understanding.

Recent tax rises affecting SMEs such as Employers’ National Insurance and increases in the minimum wage have hit SME businesses, the survey found. Around half of accountants and financial advisers surveyed (48%) say the Government changes have reduced staff and recruitment at firms they work with while 47% say it has cut profits.

Jennie Hill, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium Credit (Specialist Finance) said: “Accountants and financial advisers continue to show real flexibility and creativity in how they support clients, while also ensuring their own fees are paid on time.

“We’re seeing increasing use of monthly payment options being offered, and it’s clearly making a difference. More accountants and advisers are feeling optimistic about their cashflow for the year ahead. Enabling clients to spread the cost of fees through convenient monthly payments benefits everyone — it improves affordability for clients, supports timely payment, and reduces risk to both the business and the client relationship.”

April 28, 2026

Bullet Train Plan for South India to Boost Speed, Connectivity: Railway Minister

New Delhi, Apr 28 (BNP): Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the proposed bullet train project in South India will be a major step in transforming regional rail connectivity and modernising India’s transport network.

He said the high-speed rail corridor reflects the government’s vision to extend next-generation railway infrastructure beyond western India and strengthen connectivity across key southern cities and economic centres.

The Minister noted that the project is expected to significantly cut travel time, improve passenger experience, and support faster movement between major urban and industrial hubs, thereby boosting economic activity in the region.

Officials indicated that planning and technical assessments are in progress, with focus on advanced rail technology, safety systems, and globally benchmarked infrastructure standards.

The initiative is part of India’s broader push to develop high-speed rail corridors aimed at improving mobility, enhancing regional integration, and supporting long-term economic growth.

April 28, 2026
India Sees Sharp Rise in Women’s Employment to 39 pc in 2025

New Delhi, Apr 27 (BNP): India has witnessed a strong rise in women’s participation in the workforce, with the women’s employment rate increasing to 39% in 2025 from 22% in 2017, Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday.

Speaking at an event in the capital, the Minister said the improvement reflects expanding job opportunities for women across sectors and growing inclusion in both formal and informal employment.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several enabling reforms and initiatives have helped improve women’s access to employment and economic participation.

Steady Rise in Workforce Participation

Mandaviya also highlighted that the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) has increased from 23.3% in 2017–18 to 40% in 2025, indicating a steady improvement in women’s engagement in the labour market.

He said the trend reflects a broader structural shift in India’s economy, with more women entering diverse sectors, including services, digital platforms, and emerging industries.

Focus on Digital and Platform Economy

The Minister was speaking at the SwigStree event in New Delhi, which focused on women’s participation in the platform and gig economy.

Officials noted that increasing involvement of women in such sectors is contributing to financial independence and broader economic empowerment.

The government said continued focus on skill development, digital access, and employment-linked initiatives will further strengthen women’s participation in India’s workforce in the coming years.

April 28, 2026
AVer Unveils Next-Generation Matrix Tracking Box, Redefining Simplicity in Multi-Camera Production for High-Impact Venues
Taipei, Taiwan – Apr 28: AVer Information Inc., an award-winning provider of AI audio-video solutions, announces the MT500 Matrix Tracking Box, designed as the successor to the industry-favorite MT300 to empower venues like large lecture halls, government chambers, and corporate boardrooms to manage multi-camera setups effortlessly. With native Dante AV-H1 and NDI® support2, the MT500 removes the “cable mess” of traditional Pro AV, allowing high-quality video and audio to travel over a single standard network cable. Besides, the MT500 delivers dual 4K video outputs for simultaneous lecture capture and in-room display alongside hassle-free AI features. This new addition to AVer’s line of Matrix Tracking Boxes is a remarkable all-in-one device that delivers seamless, high-impact communication.

Multi-Camera Tracking and Switching for Higher Engagement

With built-in PTZ Link Premium, the MT500 connects AVer cameras to 8 world-leading microphone brands together to create synchronized Voice Tracking while intelligently switching between diverse camera angles based on voice location, always providing the best angle of the active speaker. It employs AI algorithms to understand the “flow” of a conversation, switching angles naturally to maintain visual interest.

AI-Driven Automation for Minimized Manual Effort

The MT500 incorporates a suite of AI features to ensure a clear and professional visual experience for every participant. By automating focus, switching, and configuration, FaceFocus, IntelliSwitch, and InstaConfig3 provide zero-touch multi-camera adjustments. Together, these innovations strengthen operational efficiency by eliminating manual technical setups and reducing the configuration time required for complex hybrid environments.

Key Benefits at a Glance

The MT500 Matrix Tracking Box redefines how organizations approach multi-camera environments by prioritizing ease of use and professional results. Key benefits include:
- Operational Efficiency: Eliminates the need for a dedicated human operator through fully automated AI tracking and switching.
- Versatile Distribution: Serves two audiences at once with dual-output streams for simultaneous in-room and remote viewing.
- Seamless Integration: Reduces technical overhead by unifying NDI®, Dante®, and local audio mixing into a single, compact hub.
- Optimal Visual Engagement: Ensures remote participants feel included with broadcast-quality, and the most professional angle of every speaker.
- Long-Term Peace of Mind: Drives higher student retention and stronger corporate alignment backed by AVer’s industry-leading 5-year warranty.
April 28, 2026
Cleartrip Expands into Train Bookings with IRCTC Partnership, Strengthens Multi-Modal Platform

Apr 28: Cleartrip, a Flipkart company and one of India’s fastest-growing online travel platforms, today announced the launch of train ticket bookings in partnership with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the official ticketing arm of Indian Railways.

Leveraging IRCTC‘s strong infrastructure, this integration offers both reliability at scale and a simplified, user-friendly experience. Cleartrip will allow users to search for, book, and manage their train journeys effortlessly within the app, marking a significant step towards becoming a unified, multi–modal travel platform.

With this launch, travellers can access train ticket bookings across routes in India, including General and Tatkal quotas as prescribed by the guidelines of the Ministry of Railways, alongside essential services such as real-time seat availability, fare insights, PNR status tracking, berth preferences, and secure digital payments, all in a single, intuitive interface.

Manjari Singhal, Chief Growth and Business Officer, Cleartrip, said, “Train travel is a critical part of India’s mobility ecosystem, and this launch marks an important step towards realizing our vision of becoming a unified, multi–modal travel platform. With our partnership with IRCTC, we are focused on simplifying the booking experience and making it more accessible to millions of travellers.”

Gaurav Patwari, Chief Business Officer, Air, Cleartrip, said, “With over 800 million reserved passengers travelling by train every year, the opportunity isn’t just about scale; it’s about delivering a differentiated experience. By embedding seamless booking experience, predictive intelligence, and personalization into the platform, we are ensuring that every step, from discovery to post-booking support, is fast, reliable, and stress-free.”

India’s rail network is one of the world’s most complex mobility systems, serving 23 million passengers daily and 7 billion annually, making it one of the world’s largest transportation systems. Cleartrip aims to capitalize on this enormous demand by integrating train bookings into its services. The company plans to extend this offering to its web platform soon, ensuring a seamless cross-platform experience for users.

April 28, 2026

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Steady Rise in Workforce Participation

Focus on Digital and Platform Economy