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  • New Wage Rules to Increase Basic Pay Share, Reduce Tax Benefits

    Apr 15 (BNP): The implementation of India’s new labour codes is expected to change how employee salaries are structured, with possible impacts on take-home pay and tax liability.

    Under the revised rules, basic pay, dearness allowance, and retaining allowance must together form at least 50% of an employee’s total cost to company (CTC). This is expected to reduce the share of tax-free allowances in salary packages.

    New Wage Rules to Increase Basic Pay Share, Reduce Tax Benefits

    Earlier, companies often structured salaries with higher allowances such as HRA, LTA, and reimbursements to optimise tax benefits. Experts say the new framework will limit this flexibility and increase the taxable portion of income.

    While benefits like HRA and LTA exemptions will continue under existing tax regimes, their overall advantage may reduce as basic pay increases.

    Experts also indicate that employees may see higher EPF contributions, which could reduce monthly in-hand salary, especially for mid and senior-level professionals.

    Overall, the new labour codes aim to bring greater transparency in salary structures, while also changing how compensation and taxation are balanced for salaried employees.

  • Sensex, Nifty Jump Over 1.6 pc on Strong Global and Sectoral Gains

    Apr 15 (BNP): Indian stock markets ended the day on a strong note on Wednesday, as investors turned upbeat amid positive global cues and hopes of renewed talks between the US and Iran.

    The Sensex jumped 1,263.67 points (1.64%), while the Nifty 50 climbed 389 points (1.63%) to settle at 24,231.

    Broader markets saw even stronger momentum, with both midcap and smallcap indices rising more than 2%, showing that buying interest was not limited to large companies.

    All sectoral indices ended in positive territory. The Nifty IT index led the rally with gains of around 2.8%, while media and realty stocks also saw healthy buying, rising over 2% each.

    Investor sentiment improved as easing geopolitical tensions lifted global risk appetite and helped bring crude oil prices under control.

    Market experts said that while earnings expectations remain mixed in the near term, overall sentiment is supported by reasonable valuations and hopes of stronger corporate performance in FY27.

  • Overcrowded boat sinks in Andaman Sea; 250 feared missing

    Port Blair/Dhaka, Apr 15 (BNP): A major maritime tragedy has unfolded in the Andaman Sea after an overcrowded trawler carrying Rohingya refugees capsized, with around 250 people feared missing. The vessel, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was bound for Malaysia, is reported to have sunk due to heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowding, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

    Preliminary reports suggest the trawler was carrying nearly 280 passengers, most of them Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution and conflict in Myanmar. The passengers are believed to have come from the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, which host over a million displaced people from Rakhine state.

    Rescue Operations Underway
    The Bangladesh Coast Guard said one of its vessels rescued nine survivors, including a woman, on April 9. In a separate incident, the Bangladeshi-flagged vessel MT Meghna Pride spotted several individuals adrift on makeshift flotation devices and rescued them from deep waters near the Andaman Islands. Search and rescue operations are ongoing amid challenging sea conditions.

    Survivor Accounts Reveal Ordeal
    Survivors described harrowing conditions, alleging they were lured by traffickers with promises of employment in Malaysia. One survivor reported that several passengers died even before the capsizing due to inhumane conditions onboard. He also sustained burns from spilled fuel and drifted at sea for nearly 36 hours before being rescued.

    Ongoing Rohingya Crisis
    Thousands of Rohingya, a persecuted minority from Myanmar, undertake dangerous sea journeys each year to escape violence and dire living conditions. Many attempt to reach Malaysia, often relying on human trafficking networks. Meanwhile, Rakhine state continues to witness intense fighting between the military and the Arakan Army, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

    UNHCR Raises Alarm
    The UNHCR termed the incident a stark reminder of the “dire consequences of protracted displacement and the absence of durable solutions” for the Rohingya community. It called for urgent global efforts to address the root causes of displacement and ensure safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of refugees.

    Recurring Sea Tragedies
    The Andaman Sea, bordering Myanmar, Thailand and the Malay Peninsula, has frequently witnessed such incidents. Last year, at least 427 Rohingya were feared dead in two separate shipwrecks off Myanmar’s coast, underscoring the persistent risks associated with such perilous journeys.

    Further details on the missing persons and rescue efforts are awaited as authorities continue operations in the region.

  • Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain Shine as Odisha Duo Make IPL Impact

    Apr 15 (BNP): Odisha’s fast bowlers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain made a strong impact in the Indian Premier League while representing Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals.

    The duo shared eight wickets between them, with Sakib Hussain taking 4 for 24 and Praful Hinge claiming 4 for 34, effectively dismantling the opposition batting lineup with pace and accuracy.

    Their performance, rooted in years of training in Bhubaneswar’s cricketing circuits, highlights the growing presence of Odisha talent on the national cricket stage.

    The match has further underlined the rise of emerging players from the state, who are steadily making their mark in top-level competitions like the IPL.

  • Vahan.ai rolls out second edition of Vahan Placement League (2026), scaling its recruitment campaign to unlock opportunities across India

    New Delhi, Apr 15: Vahan.ai, India’s AI-powered recruitment platform for the gig and blue-collar workforce, has announced the launch of the second installment of its flagship campaign, the Vahan Placement League (VPL) 2026. Launched with a high-energy rollout and the campaign anthem “Khelo Jam Ke, Jeeto Jam Ke,” this year’s edition sets the tone for a larger, more competitive and high-participation recruitment drive across the country. Building on the momentum of its inaugural edition, the campaign returns as the company’s largest Placement League to date, anticipating its highest-ever participation from Vahan Leaders (VLs) and access to the widest range of clients and job categories.

    Vahan Leaders are on-ground recruitment partners who play a central role in connecting employers with blue-collar workers across local markets. Through its network of Vahan Leaders, Vahan.ai augments local ecosystems rather than replacing them, enabling recruiters to scale their impact using AI-powered tools. This model not only enhances efficiency but also creates micro-entrepreneurship opportunities, ensuring that value creation remains distributed across the ecosystem.

    VPL 2026 will run for 10 weeks from March 23 to May 31, 2026, in parallel with the IPL season, with winners set to be announced in the first week of June. The campaign follows a cohort-based competition format, where Vahan Leaders are classified based on their past performance and capabilities. This year’s edition also introduces a two-phase structure, Phase I and Phase II, allowing participants to recover early deficits and maximise overall placements.

    The campaign is expected to see participation from over 1000 Vahan Leaders across the country, working on requirements from more than 20 employers across multiple categories. All major job categories supported by the platform are included in VPL, including Delivery Partners, Bike Taxi Captains, Picker Packers, 4W drivers, Manufacturing workers, and InstaHelp providers.

    VPL continues to play a key role in strengthening the blue-collar workforce ecosystem by unlocking better income opportunities across the network, regardless of gender or age, while increasing focus on Tier 2–4 cities. The campaign also reflects broad-based participation across regions, with placement contributions led by NCR, UP and Rajasthan at 36%, followed by MP, Chhattisgarh and Central India at 32%, Karnataka at 26%, East and West regions at 5%, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at 2%, and Tamil Nadu and Kerala at 1%.

    The campaign is being rolled out through a mix of digital and on-ground activations, including social media engagement, particularly on Instagram, as well as posters and danglers across Vahan Leader offices. In addition, “Booster Days” and “Booster Weeks” have been introduced to drive higher engagement and performance, while WhatsApp campaigns are being leveraged to connect both Vahan Leaders and blue-collar workers.

    At the core of VPL are its key stakeholders, with Vahan Leaders acting as the primary participants driving placements and competing for top rankings, while employers provide increased job opportunities in line with rising demand during the campaign period. The success of the campaign will be measured through participation levels, placement growth during the VPL period compared to non-VPL months, increased client growth, and engagement driven through booster initiatives.

    To further incentivise performance, VPL 2026 features a total prize pool exceeding INR 1 crore, with rewards including Mahindra 7X0, Tata Punch, Tata Nexon, Harley-Davidson X440, BMW G310 RR, and paid international vacations.

    Commenting on the launch, Madhav Krishna said, “Our Vahan Leaders are at the core of everything we do. They are the driving force behind how opportunity reaches millions of workers across the country. The Vahan Placement League is designed to empower them further, by combining technology, incentives, and scale to help them grow their businesses while unlocking greater access to jobs across India.”

    In the previous edition of the Vahan Placement League, Vahan.ai recognised and rewarded its top-performing Vahan Leaders for their exceptional contribution and impact on employment. As a gesture of appreciation for their dedication, a Vahan Leader from Rajasthan was awarded a Maruti Grand Vitara, while earlier winners included Ever Staffing in Bhopal, which received a Mahindra Thar, and Malik Group, which was awarded a Tata Nexon, reflecting how Vahan.ai continues to value and celebrate the success of its partners across India.

    The campaign has been conceptualised by ArtE MediaTech Pvt Ltd with Jajabor Brand Consultancy being the media partner.


    Business News For Profit

  • Ajmera Fashion Ltd Announces Ambitious Expansion Plan to Open 400+ Stores Pan-India by March 2027

    Ajmera Fashion Ltd aims to bring affordable style to every corner of India with an expansion plan. The company’s goal is to open over 400 stores throughout India by March 2027. Presently, they have roughly 250 locations. They’re looking to bolster their footprint in major cities, as well as in growing Tier II and Tier III markets, by opening new stores.

    Ajmera Fashion Ltd Announces Ambitious Expansion Plan to Open 400+ Stores Pan-India by March 2027

     This growth will be fuelled by their various retail formats, such as Ajmera Trends and Little Wings. These stores are meant to appeal to a broad range of customers, regardless of age or fashion tastes. The brand’s approach centres on providing affordable, stylish clothing. Ultimately, the business hopes to improve accessibility in crucial markets across the country.

    While the main focus is on domestic growth, the company is also working towards fulfilling its ambition in the global market. The company already operates in Nepal. It is now planning to introduce its children’s wear brand, Little Wings, in the Nepalese market. This will mark a strategic step toward international expansion.

    The expansion plan is in line with the company’s long-term vision to become a leading fashion retail chain. The brand is working to build a robust omnichannel presence. Ajmera Fashion Ltd intends to boost both its reach and customer engagement by leveraging data and streamlining its supply chain. They’re also prioritising customer-focused experiences in their stores.

    Regarding this expansion, Ajay Ajmera Founder and CEO Ajmera Fashion Ltd stated,

    “Our path has always been about making fashion accessible and affordable for every Indian. Opening over 400 stores by March 2027 is more than just a goal; it shows our belief in the increasing need for quality fashion in various markets. We’re excited to be taking our brands beyond India, starting with Nepal, and then gradually expanding globally.”

    This ambitious retail expansion is anticipated to create numerous jobs and bolster the growth of India’s organised retail sector. Ajmera Fashion Ltd, with its emphasis on innovation, affordability, and customer satisfaction, is poised to achieve even greater success in the years ahead.

     Business News For Profit

  • Jhamu Yatra at Maa Sarala Temple: Odisha’s Sacred Fire Pilgrimage of Faith, Devotion and Living Heritage

    The sacred Jhamu Yatra, one of Odisha’s most spiritually powerful and culturally rich festivals, was observed with deep devotion at the revered Maa Sarala Temple in Jagatsinghpur district. The event drew thousands of devotees, transforming the temple precincts into a vibrant space of faith, ritual, and collective spiritual energy.

    Known as the “fire pilgrimage,” Jhamu Yatra is a unique tradition rooted in unwavering devotion to Goddess Sarala. The word “Jhamu” signifies fire or glowing charcoal, while “Yatra” denotes a sacred journey—together symbolising a spiritual path of purification, discipline, and surrender to the divine.

    The festival is observed by dedicated devotees known as Jhamu Bhaktas or Ghanta Patuas, who undertake a rigorous month-long spiritual discipline during the Odia month of Chaitra. Their observance includes fasting, meditation, and abstinence, reflecting a life of deep penance and commitment. During this period, they travel across villages, singing devotional songs and spreading the blessings of the Goddess, becoming living symbols of faith and tradition.

    A defining feature of the festival is the ceremonial procession of Goddess Sarala. The idol is carried in a beautifully decorated palanquin (bimana) from the temple to the Charaki ground near the Nanda temple. Accompanied by chants, bells, and devotional music, the procession reflects the emotional and spiritual bond between the deity and her devotees.

    At the Charaki ground, the most significant moment of the festival unfolds—the fire-walking ritual. Devotees, barefoot and spiritually prepared through months of penance, walk across burning embers as an offering to the Goddess. This act is deeply symbolic, representing purification, courage, and the belief that divine grace protects the faithful from harm.

    The ritual is performed in an atmosphere filled with intense devotion, where chants, hymns, and traditional instruments create a powerful spiritual rhythm. For devotees, this is not merely a ritual performance but a transformative experience—an act of surrender that reflects the triumph of faith over fear and devotion over physical endurance.

    Jhamu Yatra holds a special place in Odisha’s cultural and religious identity. It represents a living tradition where ancient beliefs continue to thrive in contemporary times, connecting generations through shared faith and collective memory. The festival also reflects the unique syncretism of Odisha’s spiritual landscape, where devotion is expressed through discipline, ritual, and community participation.

    Over the years, the festival has grown beyond its rural origins, attracting devotees, cultural observers, and researchers interested in India’s intangible heritage. It stands today as a powerful reminder of how traditional practices continue to shape cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.

    To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, local authorities implemented extensive arrangements for crowd control, security, and essential services. These measures helped maintain order and allowed devotees to participate in the rituals with safety and ease.

    Jhamu Yatra at Maa Sarala Temple is more than a festival—it is a living expression of Odisha’s spiritual soul. It embodies devotion, resilience, and continuity, preserving a sacred tradition that continues to inspire faith and cultural pride across generations.

     

  • Lok Sabha may expand to 850 seats; women’s reservation push by 2029

    New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): The Centre has proposed a major expansion of the Lok Sabha, increasing its strength to up to 850 seats as part of efforts to implement 33% reservation for women from the 2029 general elections. The proposal forms part of a constitutional amendment aimed at operationalising the provisions of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

    Under the proposal, around 815 seats would be allocated to states and 35 to Union Territories. This would require an amendment to Article 81 of the Constitution to revise the existing cap of 543 Lok Sabha seats.

    Linked to Census and Delimitation
    Seat allocation is proposed to be based on population data from the latest census, as determined by Parliament. The Centre is also expected to introduce a Delimitation Bill to redraw constituency boundaries in line with the revised seat structure.

    Special Session of Parliament
    The government is likely to table the constitutional amendment during a special sitting of Parliament scheduled from April 16 to 18. The session will focus on enabling the implementation of women’s reservation, which was passed in 2023 but remained contingent on a fresh census and delimitation exercise.

    Faster Implementation Path
    Sources indicate that the government may link the rollout of reservation to an earlier census dataset, such as 2011, to fast-track implementation ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

    Significant Structural Reform
    If approved, the proposal would mark one of the most significant structural reforms to India’s parliamentary framework, expanding representation while paving the way for greater participation of women in national politics.

    Further details regarding the bill and its implementation timeline are awaited.

  • Early Season Wheat Procurement Shows Sharp 69 pc Decline: FCI Data

    Apr 15 (BNP): Government wheat procurement has declined sharply in the ongoing 2026–27 rabi marketing season, reaching 15.30 lakh tonnes so far, according to data from the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

    This marks a drop of over 69% compared to the same period last year.

    Wheat procurement in India typically takes place between April and March, with the bulk of purchases carried out in the initial months of the season by the FCI and state agencies.

    FCI data shows that total wheat arrivals so far stand at 34.74 lakh tonnes, while procurement operations began on April 1.

    The significant year-on-year decline reflects slower procurement activity in the early phase of the current season.

  • Italy pauses defence ties with Israel, signals policy shift

    Rome, Apr 15 (BNP): Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced the suspension of Italy’s defence treaty with Israel, signalling a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy amid escalating tensions in West Asia. The decision coincided with sharp criticism from Donald Trump over Italy’s refusal to support the United States in its military campaign against Iran.

    Italy pauses defence ties with Israel, signals policy shift

    “In view of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel,” Meloni said on Tuesday. The agreement, first approved in 2006, provides for cooperation in military equipment exchange and joint technology research.

    The move comes amid growing concern in Italy over recent regional developments, including Israel’s bombing of Lebanon and allegations that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired warning shots near Italian UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. These incidents have contributed to rising public disapproval within Italy.

    While Meloni has so far maintained a measured stance on Israel’s military operations in Gaza, domestic pressure has been mounting, with sections of the public opposing continued hostilities and U.S. military actions against Iran. In a related development, Italy last month reportedly denied U.S. aircraft access to its Sigonella airbase in Sicily for stopovers.

    Israel sought to downplay the impact of the suspension. Foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein stated that the arrangement was a long-standing memorandum of understanding without substantive operational content and would not affect Israel’s security.

    However, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid described the development as indicative of a broader diplomatic challenge, saying the government was struggling to retain the support of traditional allies.

    The developments highlight a shifting geopolitical landscape, with Italy reassessing its strategic positioning amid intensifying regional tensions and increasing domestic political pressure.