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  • LPG Price Hike: 19-Kg Commercial Cylinder Up by INR 993 from May 1; Businesses to Feel the Heat!

    New Delhi, May 1 (BNP): In a major setback for businesses and commercial establishments, oil marketing companies have sharply increased the price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders by ₹993 with effect from May 1, 2026. The steep hike is among the sharpest monthly increases in recent years and is expected to significantly impact hotels, restaurants, caterers, bakeries, roadside eateries, and small businesses across the country.

    LPG Price Hike: 19-Kg Commercial Cylinder Up by INR 993 from May 1; Businesses to Feel the Heat!

    Following the latest revision, the new rates of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders in key metro cities are:

    Delhi: ₹3,071.50
    Mumbai: ₹3,046.50
    Bengaluru: ₹3,190.00 (approx.)
    Kolkata: ₹3,175.00 (approx.)

    In contrast, the price of the 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder remains unchanged, offering relief to household consumers. In Delhi, the domestic LPG cylinder continues to be priced at ₹913.

    Oil companies usually review and revise LPG prices on the first day of every month based on international fuel prices, exchange rates, and market conditions.

    This marks the third consecutive increase in commercial LPG prices in recent months. The rate was raised by ₹144 in March, followed by another hike of nearly ₹200 on April 1. With the latest increase, commercial users are expected to face mounting operational costs.

    Industry experts attribute the sharp rise to growing uncertainty in global energy markets and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28 and has now entered its eighth week, has disrupted shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.

    The disruption in crude oil and gas supply chains has added pressure on global fuel prices, prompting domestic price revisions.

    Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. has also announced hikes in bulk diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), commonly known as jet fuel, used for international airline operations. However, the company has not disclosed the revised rates in its official statement or on its website.

    In a statement, Indian Oil said, “Price revisions have been limited to select industrial segments, which constitute a relatively small share of overall consumption and are subject to routine monthly adjustments based on prevailing international prices.”

    The latest LPG price hike is expected to raise costs across several sectors, with many businesses likely to pass the additional burden on to consumers in the coming weeks.

     

  • Big EPFO Update: Minimum Pension May Rise 7.5 Times, ATM Withdrawals Soon!

    New Delhi,May 1 (BNP): In a major relief for millions of salaried employees and pensioners, the government is reportedly considering a sharp hike in the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95). The current minimum pension of ₹1,000 per month may be increased to ₹7,500, according to recent reports.

    Big EPFO Update: Minimum Pension May Rise 7.5 Times, ATM Withdrawals Soon!

    The proposed revision comes amid growing demands from labour unions and pensioners’ associations, who have long argued that the present pension amount is inadequate in view of rising inflation and living costs. A parliamentary panel has also reportedly supported the move, and a final decision is expected soon.

    In another significant development, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is also working on enabling ATM-based withdrawals for Provident Fund (PF) accounts. This move is expected to make access to funds faster, easier, and more convenient for subscribers.

    Reports suggest that under the proposed digital upgrade, members may be able to withdraw PF money directly through ATMs, similar to regular bank transactions, reducing delays in emergency fund access.

    Additionally, EPFO is likely to maintain an 8.25% interest rate on EPF deposits for FY26, subject to final approval from the Finance Ministry.

    If approved, these reforms would mark one of the biggest overhauls in EPFO services, offering higher retirement security and easier access to savings for crores of workers across India.

     
     

  • Tendo Announces Agreement with InfuCare Rx to Expand Affordable, High-Quality Infusion Care Nationwide

    Philadelphia, PA – May 1 – Tendo on Thursday announced a new agreement with InfuCare Rx®, a national infusion services provider, to expand access to high-quality, cost-effective infusion therapy through the Tendo Marketplace.

    Infusion therapy is a major cost driver across autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, as well as neurology, hematology, and immuno-oncology. This relationship supports Tendo Marketplace’s broader mission to support ambulatory care and bring new specialty clinical categories to employers, health plans, and patients—particularly in areas with high cost and complex care needs.

    “By working with InfuCare Rx, we are proud to expand access to innovative infusion care models that improve affordability while enhancing the patient experience,” said Ben Maisano, SVP Strategy at Tendo. “This relationship strengthens our national network and helps employers and plan sponsors better navigate some of the most expensive specialty therapies in the US.”

    InfuCare Rx provides comprehensive infusion services through a growing national footprint, including:

    • 20+ infusion nursing offices and suites

    • Nationwide nursing and home infusion services

    • 300+ conditions treated

    “We are excited to collaborate with Tendo to expand access to safe, high-quality infusion therapy in more convenient and cost-effective settings,” said Deven Patel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at InfuCare Rx. “Together, we’re making it easier for patients to receive complex specialty treatments closer to home while helping payers and employers better manage specialty drug spending.”

    InfuCare Rx enhances the infusion care experience by offering flexible care delivery options, including ambulatory clinics and in-home services. This approach supports cost-effective care while maintaining strong clinical oversight and improving convenience, reducing travel burden, and expanding access to specialty care nationwide.

    “For patients undergoing ongoing infusion therapy, convenience and continuity of care make a meaningful difference,” said Mike Reese, VP Clinical Advocacy at Valenz. “Having access to trusted, home-based infusion options allows us to guide members toward high-quality care that fits their lives.”

    The InfuCare Rx care delivery model includes standardized protocols and ongoing patient monitoring to support quality, safety, and outcomes across infusion therapies.

    With the addition of InfuCare Rx, Tendo adds to its national infusion network for Tendo’s Marketplace, offering greater choice, value, and modern site-of-care options for patients and partners across the country.

  • Bhubaneswar to Host ‘Shraddhanjali 2026’ — A Musical Tribute to Guru Bauri Bandhu Sethi

    Bhubaneswar, April 30: Delhi-based cultural organization Swaranjali is set to bring an evening of classical music and tribute to Odisha’s capital with Shraddhanjali 2026, a commemorative concert dedicated to Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi.

    The event will be held on June 20, 2026, at 5 PM at Gita Govinda Sadan, Jayadev Bhawan, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Organized in association with Shreyas Webmedia Solutions, the program aims to honor the legacy of the late guru through a curated lineup of classical performances.

    Bhubaneswar to Host ‘Shraddhanjali 2026’ — A Musical Tribute to Guru Bauri Bandhu Sethi

     

    The evening will feature a group vocal presentation by the disciples of Shri Avimanyu Sahoo from Sishuniketan School, Mancheswar. Instrumental highlights include a sitar and sarod duet by Shri Jeeban Prakash Das and Shri Sandeep Rout. Vocal recital by Smt. Bilambita Banisudha and a solo sitar performance by Shri Subrata De are also part of the program.

    The event will be anchored by Vidwan Shri Alok Das, adding a narrative touch to the musical proceedings.

    Organizers have extended an open invitation to music lovers, patrons of classical arts, and the general public to attend the event and pay tribute to the revered गुरु through music.

    For further details and RSVP, interested attendees may contact 9910300319, 8447507053, or 9937001349.

    Swaranjali, founded by Subrata De, continues to promote Indian classical music through performances and cultural initiatives across the country, in collaboration with partners like Shreyas Webmedia Solutions.

  • WEX® Taps Extend to Enable Corporate Card Payments in SAP Concur Solutions

    WEX brings smarter AP solutions to Corporate Card customers with the help of growing fintech business, Extend.

    NEW YORK–Extend, a leader in embedded virtual card payments, today announced a collaboration with WEX Inc. (NYSE: WEX), a global leader in intelligent payment solutions, to enable virtual card payments inside Concur Invoice. WEX corporate card customers can now connect their WEX commercial account in Concur Invoice to generate and settle vendor payments with virtual cards—all automatically and without leaving the Concur platform.

    As an established SAP Concur partner, Extend provides WEX with the infrastructure key to facilitating—and accelerating—this strategic integration designed to deliver more value to business customers. This news reflects Extend’s growing position as a trusted fintech partner for financial institutions and corporate payment providers looking to deliver embedded payment capabilities inside the platforms their customers already rely on.

    A Seamless Payments Experience for WEX Customers

    For WEX corporate card customers using Concur Invoice, this integration not only enables a new level of control and security over vendor payments, it also means a more streamlined and automated AP process. When an invoice is received, Concur Invoice automatically generates a virtual card linked to the customer’s registered WEX commercial account—complete with a unique 16-digit number, spend limit, validity date, and invoice reference—then authorizes, remits, and reconciles the payment end to end.

    This gives WEX customers the ability to:

    • Settle invoices with single-use virtual cards generated from their existing WEX commercial account

    • Control payment amounts and timing with per-invoice virtual card parameters

    • Pay suppliers faster, improving cash flow, and days payable outstanding

    • Automate reconciliation and gain complete visibility into payment delivery

    • Eliminate paper checks and reduce associated risks and administrative burden

    • Earn available card rebates on vendor transactions

    “WEX is committed to providing our customers with intelligence-led solutions that transform Accounts Payable from a back-office function into a strategic driver of working capital,” said  Carlos Carriedo, Chief Operating Officer, Americas Payments & Mobility, WEX. “By partnering with Extend to embed virtual card payments inside Concur Invoice, we are delivering infrastructure that offers granular control over every transaction, all without disrupting how they already operate.”

     

    WEX: Optimizing the AP Lifecycle with Virtual Card Technology

    WEX modernizes the entire AP lifecycle through an intelligence-led orchestration layer that replaces vulnerable credentials with single-use virtual tokens that help neutralize fraud at the point of issuance. This digital architecture simplifies complex global payments across countries, currencies and systems to manage virtual cards and process transactions — all on one platform. By combining this transaction processing with strategic supplier enablement and guided enrollment, WEX helps transform Accounts Payable from a traditional cost center into a scalable, value-generating asset.

    Andrew Jamison, CEO and co-founder of Extend, shares “WEX is one of the most respected names in corporate payments, and this partnership reflects the momentum we’re seeing across the industry. Extend has built the infrastructure that lets card issuers and payment platforms deploy new capabilities inside the software their customers already use, without ripping and replacing what’s already working. As customer expectations rapidly evolve, so does the race to deliver more connected payment workflows—Extend is excited to be the partner that makes it possible.”

    Extend: The Embedded Payments Layer for Enterprise

    Extend’s platform sits at the intersection of card rails, spend management, and expense software—connecting legacy payment infrastructure to modern business workflows. With partnerships across major issuing banks, integrations with the three largest card networks, and a growing footprint within solutions like Concur Invoice, Extend has built the connective tissue that allows financial institutions and corporate payment providers to offer new experiences to end users without costly, time-intensive direct integrations.

    As business software platforms and card programs continue to converge, Extend is uniquely positioned to accelerate this shift across the industry. The WEX partnership is the latest example of a leading corporate payment provider leveraging Extend’s infrastructure to move faster, reach more customers, and deliver more value from existing card programs. 

  • etrailer First in St. Charles County to Offer Missouri Child Care Works

    The company is the first in the county to introduce the shared child care support solution for its employees.

    (St. Louis, Mo., April 30, 2026) Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), in partnership with Kids Win Missouri, recently worked with etrailer to launch the Missouri Child Care Works Tri-Share program. As the first local business to adopt the program, etrailer is expanding access to shared child care support for its workforce.

    Missouri Child Care Works is designed to increase family access to affordable, high-quality child care through locally coordinated cost-sharing partnerships. St. Charles County-based etrailer is bringing this new shared child care support model to its employees. The program is modeled after the Tri-Share approach, which divides the cost of child care among employers, families and either state government or a philanthropic partner.

    etrailer First in St. Charles County to Offer Missouri Child Care Works

     

    This initiative helps employee families with children age five and under to receive child care support through funding from etrailer and the state. Administered by CCAMO, the employer and state contributions are paid directly to participating child care providers, making the benefit easy to use for etrailer employees.

    etrailer is a family-owned and operated business specializing in RV, trailer and towing accessories. Founded in 1946, the company’s showroom and installation facility is located at 1507 Highway A in Wentzville, Missouri. etrailer.com is the world’s leading online retailer of custom-fit towing accessories.

    “We couldn’t be more excited about the support this program brings to growing families around the shop, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next,” said Greg McCarthy, Team Enthusiast at etrailer.

    “When employers invest in child care benefits, they play a critical role in removing barriers for families returning to the workforce while strengthening their ability to attract and retain talent,” said Robin Phillips, CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri. “With full-time child care representing one of the largest expenses for working families, our partnership with etrailer offers a meaningful solution to support employee retention.”

    Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on a comprehensive early childhood education experience through impactful programs and partnerships. The organization’s services include workforce development, child care business supports, advocacy and policy work, and its new Child Care Keeps Missouri Working, a regional campaign offering concierge solutions to businesses undergoing employee recruitment and retention challenges due to the overwhelming shortage of quality child care options. For more information, call (314) 535-1458 or visit www.mochildcareaware.org.

  • IndiaMART InterMESH Limited releases Q4FY26 and FY26 results, reports consolidated Revenue of Rs. 1569 Crore for the year and Rs 404 crore for the Q4

    Noida, India, Apr 30: IndiaMART InterMESH Limited (referred to as “IndiaMART” or the “Company”), today announced its financial results for the full year and fourth quarter ending March 31, 2026.
     
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Q4 FY2026):
     
    IndiaMART reported consolidated Revenue from Operations of Rs. 404 Crore as compared to Rs. 355 Crore in the corresponding quarter of last year, representing a growth of 14%. This includes IndiaMART Standalone Revenue of Rs. 368 Crore, representing YoY growth of 10% and Busy Infotech Revenue of Rs 34 Crore.
     
    Collections from Customer grew to Rs. 595 Crore for the quarter, representing YoY growth of 10%, primarily comprising of IndiaMART Standalone Collections of Rs. 546 Crore representing YoY growth of 8% and Busy Infotech Collections of Rs 45 Crore.
     
    Deferred Revenue as on March 31, 2026 increased to Rs. 1,965 Crore representing a YoY growth of 17%. This primarily includes IndiaMART Standalone Deferred Revenue of Rs. 1,832 Crore and Busy Infotech Deferred Revenue of Rs. 124 Crore.
     
    Net Profit for the quarter was Rs. 50 Crore. Cash Flow from Operations for the quarter was Rs. 290 Crore. Cash and Investments balance stood at Rs. 3,280 Crore as on March 31, 2026.
     
    Standalone Financial Highlights (Q4 FY2026):
     
    Standalone Revenue from Operations increased to Rs. 368 Crore as compared to Rs. 336 Crore last year representing a growth of 10%. The growth was primarily driven by improvement in realization from paying suppliers.
     
    Collections from Customer grew to Rs. 546 Crore for the quarter representing a YoY growth of 8% and Deferred Revenue as on March 31, 2026 increased to Rs. 1,832 Crore representing a YoY growth of 14%.
     
    EBITDA for the quarter was Rs. 135 Crore representing margin of 37%. Net Profit for the quarter was Rs. 69 Crore.
     
    Operational Highlights (Q4 FY2026):
     
    IndiaMART registered Unique business enquiries of 27 million in Q4FY26. Supplier Storefronts grew to 8.7 million, an increase of 5% YoY and paying suppliers at the end of the quarter were 220K.
     
    Commenting on the performance, Mr. Dinesh Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer, said, “We remain focused on driving sustained growth by continuously enhancing platform quality, deepening buyer–seller engagement, and building a more trusted marketplace experience. Our rapid adoption of AI, spanning from standardized cataloging, precise matchmaking results, to conversational AI tools, is making the experience more seamless and efficient. Supported by a resilient business model and strong cash generation, we remain well positioned to deliver long-term value for all stakeholders.”
     
    Business News For Profit

  • EC Introduces QR-Based ID Cards for Counting Centres Ahead of May 4 Vote Count

    Kolkata, Apr 30 (BNP): The Election Commission of India has introduced QR code-based photo identity cards for counting centres to prevent unauthorised entry during vote counting for the Assembly elections in five states on May 4.

    EC Introduces QR-Based ID Cards for Counting Centres Ahead of May 4 Vote Count

    The new system will be implemented during counting of votes for the Assembly polls in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, along with by-elections in seven Assembly constituencies across five states. Officials said the system will later be extended to all Lok Sabha and Assembly elections nationwide.

    According to the Commission, the QR-based verification system has been developed through the ECINET platform and forms a key part of a newly introduced three-tier security arrangement at counting centres.
    Under the security protocol, identity cards issued by the Returning Officer will be manually checked at the first and second security layers. At the innermost level near the counting halls, entry will be permitted only after successful scanning of the QR code on the authorised identity card.

    The Commission said the move is aimed at eliminating the possibility of unauthorised persons entering sensitive counting areas and ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and security during the counting process.
    The new identity cards will be applicable to all authorised personnel allowed inside counting centres, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical teams, candidates, election agents, and counting agents.
    Election officials described the initiative as a significant technological upgrade in election management, designed to strengthen the integrity of the counting process and streamline access control on a crucial day of the electoral exercise.

     

  • India Receives 657 Repatriated Antiquities from United States

    New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The United States has returned 657 antiquities, valued at nearly $14 million, to India as part of ongoing efforts to repatriate stolen cultural property.

    US restitutes 657 stolen antiquities to Indiahttps://t.co/qmUZagU6W9

    via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/QMLqfuU0yB

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 30, 2026

    The return was announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Tuesday. Officials noted that while the latest handover marks a significant step, further work is needed to trace and recover more smuggled artifacts linked to India’s cultural heritage.

    The repatriated items are believed to include a wide range of historical and cultural objects that were illegally taken out of the country over time. Authorities described the move as part of broader international cooperation aimed at curbing antiquities trafficking and restoring cultural heritage to its country of origin.

    US officials also indicated that efforts to identify and return additional stolen artifacts will continue in coordination with Indian authorities.

    The development has been welcomed as a positive step in strengthening cultural ties and preserving India’s rich historical legacy.

  • CISCE Declares ICSE, ISC 2026 Results; Pass Percentage Above 99 pc, Girls Lead Again!

    New Delhi, Apr 30 (BNP): The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) on Thursday announced the results of the ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) board examinations for 2026, with the overall pass percentage crossing 99 percent in both categories.

    CISCE Declares ICSE, ISC 2026 Results; Pass Percentage Above 99%, Girls Lead Again!

    The results brought cheer to lakhs of students and parents across the country, with girls once again outperforming boys in overall performance.

    According to official figures, the ICSE Class 10 examinations recorded an impressive pass percentage above 99 percent, while the ISC Class 12 results also maintained a similarly high success rate.

    Girls registered a higher pass percentage than boys in both examinations, continuing the trend of strong academic achievement seen in recent years. Education experts said the consistent performance reflects disciplined preparation and sustained academic standards across affiliated schools.

    Students can access their scorecards through the official CISCE websites and authorised digital platforms. The council has also opened provisions for rechecking, improvement examinations, and other post-result services as per board norms.

    School authorities and parents congratulated successful candidates, while students are now expected to begin preparations for higher secondary admissions, undergraduate courses, and various competitive entrance examinations.

    The declaration of the 2026 board results marks an important milestone for students as they move toward the next phase of their academic and professional journeys.