16, May 2026
Eros Innovation Brings 200+ Industry Leaders Together at Cannes Next to Debate Sovereign AI and the Future of Film
CANNES, 16 May 2026: Eros Innovation presented AI in Asia at Cannes Next, the official innovation track of the Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes, on 14 May 2026. The three-hour programme at the Village Innovation, Pantiero, followed by a reception, brought together over 200 studio leaders, sovereign funds, government representatives, filmmakers, and technology companies to discuss sovereign AI, AI-native storytelling, and the future of film financing.
The programme focused on the idea that Asia is building the infrastructure for AI-native culture through sovereign and rights-aware AI systems. Eros Innovation’s Large Cultural Models (LCMs), launched at the IndiaAI Summit in New Delhi by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, as a sovereign AI initiative and trained on 1.5 trillion rights-cleared cultural tokens, formed the technological foundation of the discussions. The platform launches globally as Eros Universe in June 2026.
“We came to Cannes not to talk about what AI is doing to the entertainment industry, but to show what happens when AI is built from inside culture rather than on top of it. The industry once embraced VFX because it expanded human creativity rather than replacing it. We believe Cultural Intelligence is the natural next evolution — AI built responsibly to enhance creator value, protect identity, and unlock entirely new forms of storytelling for the global entertainment industry.”, said Kishore Lulla, Founder, Eros Innovation.
The programme opened with a keynote by Kishore Lulla, followed by a fireside conversation with Joerg Bachmaier, CEO of Studio Babelsberg, on how AI is changing large-scale film production while preserving human creative decision-making.
The first panel, Sovereign AI vs Platform AI – Who Owns Culture?, examined the development of sovereign AI systems outside dominant US and Chinese platform ecosystems. Speakers included Paul Trillo of Asteria Films, Alex Serdiuk of Respeecher, and Ridhima Lulla of Eros Innovation, with moderation by Anssi Komulainen of the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. Discussions focused on AI-native filmmaking, consent-based voice AI, cultural datasets, governance frameworks, and creator identity protection systems.
The second panel, AI-Native Storytelling – Not Assisted, Not Enhanced, Native, explored the shift from AI-assisted production to AI-native storytelling. Christina Caspers-Röhmer of Trixter (Cinesite Group), Shin Chul of BIFAN, Ridhima Lulla, and VFX supervisor Martin Madsen discussed AI-native character systems, evolving VFX workflows, and the growing AI filmmaking ecosystem in Asia. The session was moderated by Mikael Windelin.
The final panel, The Future of Film Financing in the AI Era, focused on how AI-driven cost compression and new financing structures are reshaping film funding and ownership models. Speakers included Marc Iserlis of Republic and filmmaker Miguel Faus, whose debut feature Calladita became the first blockchain-crowdfunded film. The discussion, moderated by Piyush Bhatia of Eros Innovation, also referenced Eros Innovation’s own film securitization model.
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- By Neel Achary
16, May 2026
Gig Workers Call Nationwide 5-Hour Shutdown, Demand Rs 20 Per Km
New Delhi, May 16 (BNP): Gig workers associated with app-based transport and delivery platforms have announced a five-hour nationwide shutdown demanding better wages, social security benefits and a minimum payment of Rs 20 per kilometre.
Representational image
The protest call, supported by several gig workers’ unions and associations, is expected to affect app-based cab services, food delivery operations and logistics services in major cities across the country.
Worker representatives alleged that rising fuel prices, increasing maintenance expenses and reduced incentive structures have significantly impacted their earnings in recent months. They claimed that despite rising operational costs, the per-trip payments offered by aggregator platforms remain inadequate.
Among the key demands raised by the workers are a guaranteed minimum fare of Rs 20 per kilometre, fuel compensation, insurance coverage, social security benefits and transparent payment policies.
Union leaders said the temporary shutdown is intended to draw attention to the financial challenges faced by lakhs of gig workers who depend on app-based services for their livelihood. They also urged the central and state governments to frame comprehensive welfare policies for workers in the gig economy sector.
Meanwhile, commuters and customers in several metropolitan cities may face inconvenience during the protest period due to reduced availability of ride-hailing and delivery services.
Several aggregator companies are yet to issue detailed responses regarding the shutdown call and the demands raised by workers.
16, May 2026
Inaugural California Outdoor Economy Summit Highlights Rural Economies and Land Stewardship
On June 3–5, Cal Poly Humboldt will host California’s inaugural Outdoor Economy Summit, a new statewide event exploring how outdoor recreation drives economic growth, job creation, and long-term community resilience.
The three-day summit, located at the Adorni Center in Eureka, is a partnership between Cal Poly Humboldt, Redwood Region RISE, and Humboldt County’s Economic Development Division.
The event reflects a growing recognition that outdoor recreation—which encompasses activities ranging from camping, RVing, and fishing to amusement parks and festivals—is more than a lifestyle or amenity; it’s an economic force. In 2024, outdoor recreation generated more than $1.3 trillion in economic output nationwide. That’s about 2.4% of U.S. GDP, which supports more than 5 million jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
In California alone, outdoor recreation contributes more than $80 billion annually to the state’s economy, supporting more than 589,000 jobs.
“As California leads the nation in outdoor recreation—activity that supports thousands of jobs and helps drive our economy forward—it’s encouraging to see this gathering of regional leaders dedicated to expanding its economic benefits in Humboldt County,” says U.S. Sen. Adam B. Schiff. “As I continue the fight for more rural economic development, I am grateful for local leaders coming together to ensure we are protecting and strengthening our natural landscapes to support outdoor recreation.”
“California’s $81 billion outdoor recreational economy leads the nation,” says State Sen. Mike McGuire. “The Golden State’s incredible beauty sets us apart from the rest with the tallest trees on earth, our famous coastline, mountains, and deserts—it’s one of the most special places on Earth. And with every segment of the Great Redwood Trail completed, we’re offering unparalleled access to Northern California, and tapping the benefits of outdoor rec economy straight into our rural communities.”
“The outdoor economy is a major economic driver in California, but there’s an opportunity to grow it in a way that’s sustainable and supportive of our communities, including our Tribal communities,” says Genevieve Marchand, summit coordinator and Recreation Administration professor at Cal Poly Humboldt. “This summit creates a collaborative space so we can better understand how we can invest in and sustain it.”
The summit comes at a pivotal moment, as Assembly Bills 2578 and 2494—focused on strengthening outdoor recreation planning and investment across California—signal growing statewide attention to the sector’s economic and environmental impact.
“With growing attention at the state level, this is the right moment to bring partners together,” says Calder Johnson, summit coordinator and sector investment coordinator of arts, culture, and tourism at Redwood Region RISE. “The summit helps connect policy, investment, and on-the-ground work in a meaningful way.”
Speakers and participants include representatives from Hip Camp, California Natural Resources Agency, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, Founded Outdoors, California Council of Land Trusts, California Jobs First, the Great Redwood Trail Agency, and youth leaders involved in outdoor access initiatives. They’ll examine topics such as:
- Ecotourism and agritourism
- Representation in the outdoor economy
- Workforce needs
- Business development and investments
- Tribal lands and projects
- Land stewardship
- Long-term community and economic resilience
The California Outdoor Economy Summit is intentionally place-based. By convening leaders in Humboldt County, a region deeply connected to its forests, waterways, coastline, and Tribal lands, organizers hope what’s learned here can be applied across the state.
“This summit is designed to meet the moment,” Marchand said. “Through collaboration, stewardship, and shared commitment, we can move closer to an outdoor economy that works for communities while protecting the lands and waters that sustain them.”
16, May 2026
Rising Fuel Costs and Freight Pressures Reshape Export Industry Dynamics
By:- Rishabh Jain, Director- International Business, Petros Stone LLP
“The recent fuel price hike of over ₹3 per litre is significantly increasing both domestic logistics and international freight costs at a time when exporters are already dealing with high ocean freight rates and volatility in the West Asia corridor. While the weaker rupee offers some temporary relief on export realisations, it only partially offsets the rising cost pressures. What we are seeing across the industry is not strategic agility, but survival-driven adaptation. Many manufacturers are slowing production, liquidating inventory, and fulfilling orders through existing stock to manage working capital. At the same time, less competitive players are struggling to sustain operations, leading to a gradual consolidation within the sector.”
16, May 2026
Foundation Stone Laid for Sangita Jindal Craft Shila under JSW IP Holdings Initiative
Chandigarh, May 16 : The Kanoria Centre for Arts announces the Foundation Stone-Laying Ceremony of Sangita Jindal Craft Shila, marking the formal commencement of construction of a new space dedicated to the exhibition and practice of craft. The ceremony took place today, 15th May (Friday) in the Urmila Kailash Black Box at the Kanoria Centre for Arts, Ahmedabad.
Named in honour of Sangita Jindal, whose sustained support has contributed significantly to the visibility and growth of Indian craft traditions, the Sangita Jindal Craft Shila is envisioned as a vibrant, evolving platform within the Kanoria Centre campus.
The project is designed by Studio Sangath, an AD100 architecture firm led by Khushnu Panthaki Hoof and Sönke Hoof. The studio had earlier designed the Kanoria Art Shop (Galleria30) and the Urmila Kailash Black Box and continues its long association with the institution.
Conceived as both an exhibition space and an active workshop environment, the Sangita Jindal Craft Shila will provide a setting where craft is not only displayed but also experienced as a living process. It will bring together artisans, artists, designers, and audiences through exhibitions, hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and collaborative engagements.
At a time when craft is moving beyond just preservation towards new ideas and conversations, the Sangita Jindal Craft Shila aims to highlight the knowledge, skill, and stories that are part of craft practices. The space will encourage people to engage more closely with the process of making, while also supporting artisans and practitioners in exploring new directions and ways of working.
The foundation stone ceremony marked by a plaque unveiling, symbolising the beginning of this new addition to the Kanoria Centre for Arts.
Through this initiative, the Kanoria Centre for Arts continues its long-standing commitment to promoting artistic practices and creating meaningful spaces for learning, exchange, and creative production.
16, May 2026
Yogi govt’s AI vision gains new momentum, Lucknow emerges as a growing hub of technology and innovation
New Delhi, May 16: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as one of the country’s largest hubs for technology and AI innovation. In line with this vision, more than 50 IAS officers and senior administrators from across India participated in the ‘AI Transformation Conclave 2026’ held in Lucknow on Friday.
During the conclave, a high-level capacity-building workshop on the theme ‘The AI-Powered Public Administrator: Competencies for a New Era of Governance’ was conducted by Dr. Subi Chaturvedi, founder of NIHIT and Sherpa of Working Group-7 of the India-US CEO Forum.
Dr. Subi Chaturvedi said, “Uttar Pradesh, especially Lucknow, is emerging as the most suitable center for AI innovation in India. Earlier known for its culture and heritage, the city is now building a new identity as a hub of innovation under the current government’s leadership.”
She added, “With companies like InMobi launching deep-tech operations in the state, a new ecosystem of governance, research, talent, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship is taking shape in Uttar Pradesh.”
The conclave also featured extensive discussions on the Uttar Pradesh government’s ambitious AI policy and technology vision.
Recently, the country’s first AI City was approved in Lucknow’s Vrindavan Yojana at a cost of ₹368 crore, while a special budget allocation of ₹225 crore has been made for the UP AI Mission.
On this occasion, Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the State Transformation Commission, stated that Uttar Pradesh is moving towards becoming a national model for AI transformation in government functioning, which will further accelerate the state’s goal of becoming a trillion-dollar economy.
Principal Secretary of the IT and Electronics Department, Alok Kumar, said, “The government is fully committed to building robust infrastructure for emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and deep-tech innovations.”
Special provisions for the UP AI Mission, AI City, and other emerging technologies have been included in the recent budget.
The conclave also witnessed detailed discussions on the role of AI in the AI ecosystem, cybersecurity, digital governance, MSMEs, startups, and citizen-centric services.
Referring to the ‘MANAV’ framework presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Chaturvedi emphasized ethical, accountable, accessible, and human-centric AI. She said, “Inclusive growth and a trustworthy technological future can only be achieved through safe and human-friendly AI.”
The NIHIT platform is an important initiative operating under the India-US CEO Forum, supported by InMobi, Mastercard, and Tata Sons. It functions as a knowledge-sharing platform aimed at strengthening innovation, startups, MSMEs, cybersecurity, and global supply chains between India and the United States.
16, May 2026
Rupee Breaches 96-Mark for First Time, Hits Historic Low Against Dollar
Mumbai, May 15 (BNP): The Indian Rupee plunged to a historic low on Friday, breaching the 96-mark for the first time against the US Dollar amid rising crude oil prices, a stronger American currency and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The domestic currency touched an all-time low of 96.14 during intra-day trade in the interbank foreign exchange market, falling 50 paise from its previous close of 95.64 on Thursday. The rupee had opened at 95.86 before slipping further during the trading session.
Forex traders attributed the sharp decline to growing global uncertainty, particularly the intensifying Iran-Israel conflict and concerns over possible disruptions in crude oil supply through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Market experts said investors are increasingly moving towards the US Dollar as a safe-haven asset amid fears of geopolitical instability and volatile energy prices. Rising crude oil costs have also added pressure on the Indian currency, as India remains heavily dependent on oil imports.
According to analysts, the rupee has emerged as one of the worst-performing Asian currencies this year, registering a decline of over six per cent so far in 2026.
Financial observers warned that a prolonged weakness in the rupee could increase import costs, fuel inflationary pressure and impact domestic fuel prices in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India is expected to closely monitor the foreign exchange market to maintain stability.
15, May 2026
Hotel industry faces severe manpower shortage
Pune May 15 : As India’s hospitality sector is expanding rapidly, the hotel industry is facing a major shortage of trained entry-level manpower. Considering recruitment gaps, high attrition (workforce dropouts), and the urgent need for job-ready candidates, the ‘Direct Placement’-based Hospitality Vocational Diploma Pathway is emerging as an effective and practical solution.
In the hospitality sector, there is not only a need for managers or senior experts, but also a strong demand for disciplined, service-oriented, and operations-ready entry-level employees who can quickly adapt to hotel environments. With an estimated 30% to 40% manpower shortage in the skilled and semi-skilled categories across various markets, the industry is shifting rapidly from unorganized hiring practices toward a structured workforce pipeline.
Unlike the traditional “training first, job later” approach, this model provides candidates with the opportunity to begin working directly in hotels from the very start. Candidates start their jobs immediately while simultaneously progressing through structured grooming, workplace readiness training, and a step-by-step vocational diploma framework. This ensures that the industry gets immediately useful staff, while candidates receive real work experience along with a strong career direction.
Under this pathway program, after candidate identification and onboarding, special focus is given to communication skills, professional discipline, service mindset, grooming standards, and hospitality behaviour. Candidates are then placed into actual hotel roles, allowing them to gain real operational exposure and develop essential skills and professional habits through hands-on work. For more information, call/WhatsApp: 9769559855 / 9769761099.
This program is supported and implemented by STAAR UNIADVISE, an experienced organization working in the education and career pathway sector. The organization plays an active role in candidate mobilization, screening, channel activation, and implementation monitoring, enabling the model to be executed effectively across multiple regions.
To enhance the credibility of this initiative, the supporting vocational institution has been operational since 2007 and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, along with various registrations and recognitions. With leadership having over three decades of experience in hospitality and vocational training, along with strong industry-linked networks, this program aligns closely with the direct recruitment requirements of leading hotel groups.
For candidates, the program offers a complete package of employment, hands-on experience, career growth, and a vocational diploma. For hotels, it creates a reliable supply of trained and consistent entry-level manpower. Therefore, this model is being seen as a decisive shift toward a new approach of “Job-first Career Building.”
15, May 2026
Bihar Govt to Participate in Pan IIT Alumni India Bangalore Summit 2026 to Boost Tech and Innovation Ecosystem
Patna May 15: The Bihar government is participating in the Pan IIT Alumni India Bangalore Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on May 16 as part of a wider effort to strengthen Bihar’s technology and innovation ecosystem, deepen engagement with industry and investors, and expand the state’s role in India’s emerging deep-tech and digital economy.
The summit, themed “Catalysing Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Nation Building,” is expected to bring together IIT alumni, investors, technology leaders, startup founders, policymakers, academicians, and industry experts from India and abroad. Discussions will focus on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, deep technology, entrepreneurship, and next-generation industrial opportunities.
According to official communication issued by Rachna Patil, Secretary (Expenditure), Finance Department, Government of Bihar, engagement with the summit is being viewed as a strategic step toward advancing Bihar’s proposed “New Tech Hub” initiative and strengthening collaboration between government, academia, industry, and investors.
As part of the proposed engagement, Shri Ruhail Ranjan, Hon’ble MLA, Islampur (Nalanda), Shri Abhishek Anand, Hon’ble MLA, Cheria Bariarpur (Begusarai), and Prof. Pritam Kumar from IIT Patna have been identified to interact with stakeholders at the summit. The state government is also examining the possibility of hosting a future Pan IIT Alumni India or technology-focused summit in Bihar to strengthen direct engagement between research institutions, startups, investors, venture capital networks, and private industry.
The move comes at a time when Bihar is seeking to diversify its industrial base through the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package 2025, which offers incentives across sectors, including information technology, electronics, electric mobility, logistics, renewable energy, food processing, and advanced manufacturing. The policy includes land support, capital subsidies, SGST reimbursement, employment-linked incentives, and infrastructure assistance to improve the state’s investment competitiveness.
Commenting on the initiative, Shri Ruhail Ranjan, Hon’ble MLA, Islampur (Nalanda), said: “Bihar stands at an important economic turning point. For years, the state was viewed largely as a source of talent and labour. The next phase must focus on building an economy where young people can create companies, develop technology, and generate opportunities within Bihar itself. Our engagement with the Pan IIT Alumni India summit is about understanding how strong innovation ecosystems are built and how government, academia, and industry can work together to attract long-term investment.”
“Policies alone cannot create innovation. States must create conditions where businesses feel supported, startups can access networks and capital, and research institutions can convert ideas into economic growth and employment generation. Bihar is now attempting to move seriously in that direction,” he added.
Dr. Preetam Kumar, Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Patna, said, “The establishment of three AI Centres of Excellence at IIT Patna represents an important step toward strengthening Bihar’s deep-tech and research capabilities. The collaboration between the Government of India, Government of Bihar, Tiger Analytics, and IIT Patna aligns public funding, academic research, and industry participation toward practical deployment. The Centres will focus on agriculture, healthcare, robotics, education, wireless technologies, and disaster management while supporting startup incubation, innovation, and skilled employment creation.”
He further added that the proposed Research Park at IIT Patna could strengthen the connection between academic research and industry-led commercialisation while helping create a stronger innovation ecosystem within the state.
Ashok Kumar, Secretary, Pan IIT Alumni India, said: “For decades, Bihar contributed significantly to India’s talent pipeline while much of the technology investment and industrial expansion happened elsewhere. This is a significant move because modern investment no longer flows only toward states offering incentives or low operating costs. It increasingly follows research capability, skilled talent, institutional support, policy continuity, and the confidence that businesses can execute and scale efficiently over the long term.”
“Technology companies look for states where governments engage continuously with industry, reduce operational friction, improve infrastructure, and support long-term growth. Bihar’s engagement with the Pan IIT ecosystem reflects a serious intent to position the state within India’s next technology and innovation cycle,” he added.
The initiative reflects Bihar’s growing recognition that industrial growth can no longer depend only on conventional infrastructure and subsidy-led models. States that attract long-term investment increasingly combine research capability, institutional collaboration, skilled talent, policy continuity, and sustained industry engagement. Bihar is now seeking to build that alignment at scale.
15, May 2026
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru presents “The Mango Reign” seasonal celebration
As the season of mangoes arrives in all its richness, Welcomhotel Bengaluru invites guests to indulge in ‘The Mango Reign’, a specially curated dining experience celebrating the many expressions of the beloved fruit. Running from 15th May to 31st May at Welcomcafe Jacaranda, the hotel’s all day dining restaurant, the promotion brings together tropical flavours, seasonal favourites and thoughtfully crafted creations inspired by mangoes.
The specially curated dinner buffet showcases mango woven across indulgent desserts, refreshing beverages and select savoury preparations, while still offering a lavish spread of signature dishes and comforting classics. From refreshing pours and tropical accents to decadent sweet endings, the experience is designed to celebrate the season in a refined and flavourful manner.
Extending the celebration beyond the restaurant, guests can also enjoy specially curated takeaway meal boxes, ideal for those looking to savour the seasonal experience at home. Available in both vegetarian and non vegetarian options, the takeaway offerings are paired with mango inspired accompaniments and desserts, bringing together comfort and indulgence in every box.
