14, May 2026
PM Modi’s UAE Visit Gains Significance Amid West Asia Crisis
New Delhi, May 14 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Friday is being viewed as a major diplomatic engagement amid the ongoing crisis and rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold high-level talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to further strengthen the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
According to reports, discussions are expected to focus on defence cooperation, energy security, maritime stability, trade resilience and regional security concerns amid fears of disruption to global supply chains and shipping routes in the Gulf region.
Energy cooperation is likely to remain a key agenda item, with both nations expected to discuss long-term crude oil and LNG supply arrangements, strategic petroleum reserves and alternative logistics mechanisms to minimise the impact of regional instability.
India and the UAE are also expected to deepen defence collaboration under a proposed Strategic Defence Partnership framework, covering areas such as cybersecurity, maritime security, intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism and defence manufacturing.
Officials and analysts believe the visit highlights the rapidly expanding India-UAE relationship, which has evolved beyond traditional energy ties into a comprehensive strategic partnership involving trade, infrastructure, fintech, renewable energy, digital technology and investment cooperation.
The welfare of the large Indian diaspora in the UAE is also expected to figure prominently in the discussions. The UAE hosts more than 4.5 million Indians and remains one of India’s most important economic and strategic partners in the Gulf region.
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- By Neel Achary
14, May 2026
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot to Inaugurate PanIIT Bangalore Summit 2026, India’s Flagship AI & Deep Tech Leadership Summit
Bengaluru, May 14: PanIIT Bangalore Summit 2026, presented by the Government of Karnataka and convened by Pan IIT Alumni India Association, will be inaugurated by Honourable Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot on May 16 at Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru. Positioned as India’s flagship AI and deep–tech leadership summit, the event will bring together 2,000+ delegates, including 250+ founders, 120+ investors, and participants from across the global IIT ecosystem of 500,000+ alumni across 23 IITs.
The summit, under the theme “Sovereignty in Technology,” comes at a time when India’s position in the global innovation economy is under sharper scrutiny. The concept note says India produces nearly 16% of global AI talent but spends just 0.7% of GDP on R&D, creating a gap between the depth of its talent and its ownership of technology. It argues that while India continues to supply skilled engineers to the world’s leading technology powers, the country must now build stronger capabilities in foundational technologies, infrastructure, and scientific research.
Bengaluru, the host city, is central to that conversation. The concept note describes Karnataka and Bengaluru as the epicentre of India’s technology ambitions, citing the state’s position among India’s top GDP-contributing states and Bengaluru’s role as the country’s leading hub for venture capital investment. It traces the city’s technology journey through multiple waves, beginning with public-sector and strategic institutions such as HAL, NAL, BHEL and DRDO, followed by the rise of IT services leaders such as Infosys, TCS, HCL and Wipro, the consumer-tech wave, and the product and SaaS wave. The current phase, it says, is the fifth wave: deep technology, artificial intelligence and scientific innovation.
The summit has been designed as a platform for execution rather than discussion alone. According to the materials, the programme will include high-level plenaries, deep-dive panels and parallel tracks across AI, defence, semiconductors, energy, mobility and healthcare. A curated pitch-a-thon will connect high-potential startups with 200+ venture capitalists, while 10,000+ participants of hackathon will tackle real-world challenges sourced directly from the Government of Karnataka, with the best solutions considered for real deployment at scale in the state.
The speaker lineup brings together leaders from government, science, business and the startup ecosystem. Confirmed participants include Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of ANRF and former CEO of India AI Mission, Venkat Padmanabhan of Microsoft Research India, Irina Ghose of Anthropic India, Vidit Aatrey of Meesho, Harsh Jain of Groww, Tarun Mehta of Ather Energy, Phani Kishan Addepalli of Swiggy, Pawan Kumar Chandana of Skyroot Aerospace, and Bharat Goenka of Tally Solutions.
The Government of Bihar will be sending two MLAs to participate in this mega event. Shri Ruhail Ranjan, MLA, Bihar, a technocrat and social worker, said that the Government of Bihar would like to host a similar event in the future to showcase the state’s development and opportunities.
Mr Prabhat Kumar, Chairman (IRS), Pan IIT Alumni Association, said, “The future global economy will be shaped by nations that control AI capability, compute infrastructure, and deep–tech ecosystems. India cannot remain only a consumer of global technology. It must become a producer of globally influential innovation.”
General Secretary Mr. Ashok Kumar said, “The countries that will lead the next global economic cycle will be those that convert research into execution. India has the demographic advantage, entrepreneurial energy, and technological capability. What we need now is stronger collaboration between industry, research, startups, and policy.”
Summit Chair Neeraj Kumar said, “Bengaluru showed the world that Indian talent can build globally respected technology enterprises. This summit aims to deepen that momentum by creating partnerships that move beyond discussion into investment, deployment, and long-term innovation.”
Pan IIT Alumni India is the national federation representing over 500,000 IIT graduates across 23 IITs, with a global presence in 27 countries. Established in 2002, it has evolved into a nation‑building institution, linking talent with government, industry, and academia. Through the Pan Pre-eventIIT Alumni Foundation, it has built one of India’s largest vocational and livelihood education networks in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development and KVIC. Aligned with the Viksit Bharat Abhiyan, PanIIT drives initiatives in AI, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and skill development, positioning IIT alumni as a strategic resource for India’s innovation decade.
14, May 2026
Jammu Border Village Families Switch to Traditional Stoves to Save Fuel !
Jammu, May 14 (BNP): Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel amid rising global crude oil prices and the ongoing West Asia conflict, nearly 40 families in Gajansu village near the International Border in Jammu have switched to traditional stoves for cooking.
Women in the village were seen preparing chapattis and vegetables on mud stoves using firewood and cow dung cakes, reviving an age-old cooking practice to reduce dependence on LPG and other fuels.
Residents said the initiative was aimed at supporting the country during challenging times and promoting fuel conservation. Villagers also urged people across the nation to adopt similar practices and use resources responsibly.
Many women in the village said food cooked on traditional stoves is healthier and more natural compared to gas-cooked food. They also pointed out that the ash produced from the stoves can be reused for household purposes such as cleaning utensils.
Locals recalled how the village had collectively followed government guidelines during the Covid-19 lockdown and said they were once again united in responding to the Prime Minister’s appeal.
Some residents also encouraged people to adopt carpooling and other fuel-saving measures, stressing the importance of public cooperation during periods of economic and global uncertainty.
14, May 2026
Trump Holds Summit Talks With Xi Jinping During China Visit
Beijing, May 14 (BNP): US President Donald Trump held high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday as both leaders began a series of meetings and diplomatic engagements scheduled over two days.
Trump received a grand ceremonial welcome in the Chinese capital, including a gun salute, performances by cheering schoolchildren and a visit to the historic 15th-century Temple of Heaven.
The US President is accompanied by several prominent business leaders and officials during the visit, including Elon Musk, Nvidia chief Jensen Huang and Trump’s son Eric Trump.
The summit discussions are expected to focus on trade relations, technology cooperation, global security issues and economic partnerships amid evolving geopolitical tensions between the two countries.
14, May 2026
Tamil Nadu Govt Hikes DA by 2 pc for Employees and Teachers
Chennai, May 14 (BNP): The Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday announced a 2 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and teachers with retrospective effect from January 1, 2026.
According to an official statement, the DA has been revised from 58 per cent to 60 per cent, benefiting nearly 16 lakh government employees, teachers, pensioners and family pensioners across the state.
The government said the decision would place an additional financial burden of around ₹1,230 crore on the state exchequer. The administration stated that government employees and teachers play a crucial role in implementing welfare-oriented programmes and ensuring effective public service delivery.
The move is expected to provide financial relief to employees and pensioners amid rising living costs and inflation.
14, May 2026
HDFC Life collaborates with the Kolkata Knight Riders to spread the message of financial preparedness
Mumbai, May 14: HDFC Life, one of India’s most trusted and leading life insurers, has launched the campaign ‘Kal Ka Plan’. The campaign is aimed at highlighting the importance of being financially prepared with life insurance solutions offered by HDFC Life, and will be propagated through digital avenues. It has been launched across India leveraging the on-going cricket season and HDFC Life’s association with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Speaking on the campaign, Pritika Shah – Head – Marketing, HDFC Life – commented, “Driving deeper connect and affinity amongst audiences at a mass scale has been a core focus area for us. The digital campaign leverages on our association with the Kolkata Knight Riders and presents relatable cricket-based scenarios to explain the benefits of being financially prepared. We trust that this will resonate with audiences and encourage them to take their first step towards financial security, thereby ensuring a life of pride for their families.”
14, May 2026
CyberPower expands rack power portfolio with PDU models for modern IT infrastructure
SYDNEY, May 14 – Global power protection specialist CyberPower Systems has enhanced its Power Distribution Units (PDUs) range in Australia with new models designed to meet growing demand for reliable, high‑density rack power distribution in today’s data‑driven environments.
The new PDU41004, PDU41005,
CyberPower PDUs are designed for today’s high‑density, high‑demand environments. As server racks become more densely populated and edge computing deployments expand, modern IT environments need dependable, space‑efficient power delivery that minimises complexity. The new PDU models address this directly, offering reliable rack power for comms rooms, network cabinets and data‑centre racks.
CyberPower Systems Oceania GM ANZ Robert Hartvigsen said, “Our new PDU models deliver dependable, consistent rack power that just works. They are engineered for simplicity, reliability and seamless integration with UPS systems, giving IT teams confidence in their rack infrastructure.”
The four new PDU models provide a trusted solution for growing equipment density, pairing compact design with single‑phase input support and durable metal construction.
For scalable operations, new 32‑amp variants offer higher load capacities across wider network deployments.
Key features and advantages
The PDU41004, PDU41005,
Core specifications include:
• Rack‑mountable design optimised for space efficiency
• Multiple IEC output sockets for server and network hardware
• Robust metal housing for durability
• Reliable single‑phase power distribution
• Compatibility with the CyberPower UPS ecosystem
• Support for higher‑capacity 32‑amp configurations for scaling environments
Product features and highlights include:
• Seamless pairing with CyberPower UPS solutions
• Reliable distribution for business‑critical equipment
• Compact and rugged rack design
• Strong value without compromising quality
• Ideal for comms cabinets, data centres and edge sites
Customers across professional IT, MSP and enterprise environments are facing increasing rack equipment density and tighter turnaround expectations. These PDUs provide simple, dependable power distribution which is ideal when intelligent switching is unnecessary but quality and operational reliability are critical. Also, by aligning with CyberPower’s UPS range, the new models enable standardised, end‑to‑end rack power infrastructure, simplifying procurement and long‑term maintenance.
For systems integrators and resellers, the family also broadens the ability to offer complete rack power packages under a single, trusted brand, strengthening CyberPower’s position in the power ecosystem.
For CyberPower, the new models strengthen its reputation as a complete rack power infrastructure provider, not just a UPS vendor.
In short, for customers, the new PDUs mean more consistent, reliable rack power distribution, simplified sourcing and deployment, scalable 32‑amp options for higher‑load environments and confidence in globally recognised power protection technology.
Robert Hartvigsen concluded, “By combining trusted reliability with scalable design, our PDUs help partners and customers build better‑performing, more consistent infrastructure.”
The new CyberPower PDU41004, PDU41005, PDU44004, and PDU44005 are available now through authorised CyberPower distributors and resellers.
14, May 2026
Amul Hikes Milk Prices by INR 2 Per Litre, Consumers Feel Inflation Heat !
Vadodara,May 14 (BNP): Dairy major Amul has increased the prices of its packaged milk variants by ₹2 per litre, with the revised rates coming into effect from May 14 across the country.
The price hike applies to popular variants including Amul Gold, Amul Shakti, Taaza, Cow Milk and Slim & Trim. Following the increase, a 500 ml pouch of Amul Gold will now cost ₹35, while Amul Shakti and Slim & Trim are priced at ₹32 and ₹26 respectively in Gujarat.
The move has triggered concern among consumers in Vadodara, where residents said the rising prices of essential commodities are putting additional pressure on household budgets. Many homemakers and middle-class families expressed worry over managing daily expenses, stating that milk is an essential item consumed in almost every household.
The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets Amul products, said the increase amounts to nearly 2.5 to 3.5 per cent and marks the first hike in milk prices since May 2025.
14, May 2026
The Climate Pledge and C40 Cities Launch Blueprint to Electrify India’s Freight Highways
Bengaluru, May 14 : The Climate Pledge co-founded by Amazon, today published India’s first evidence-based roadmap for shifting freight transport from diesel to zero-exhaust-emission battery electric trucks in collaboration with C40 Cities .
The National EV Highway Guidance Framework recommends a phased plan to electrify India’s busiest freight routes by 2027, beginning with 20 priority highways identified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, expanding to industrial centres and ports and ultimately creating a seamless, EV-ready national freight network by 2035
Why this Framework Matters India’s freight demand is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, increasing the need for cleaner transport solutions. Road transport already accounts for nearly 70% of goods movement in the country, while medium and heavy-duty trucks, despite making up just 3% of vehicles on the road, contribute around 53% of particulate emissions. With demand projected to grow over four-fold by 2050, scaling electric freight will be key to reducing emissions and improving efficiency. This Framework outlines practical pathways, aligned with the Government’s focus on electrification and sustainable mobility, and India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
“India’s transition to cleaner freight will require strong collaboration across government and industry. The EV Highway Guidance Framework launched under the Laneshift program today is an important step in this direction and will help create a scalable pathway for electric trucking in the country. Through the e-FAST India platform, NITI Aayog has been bringing together logistics operators, OEMs, energy providers, and financial institutions to build an enabling ecosystem for freight electrification. Building on these efforts, partnerships led by C40 Cities, The Climate Pledge, and private sector stakeholders such as Amazon and Ashok Leyland demonstrate how collaborative action can help move electric freight from pilots to large-scale deployment.” said Dr. O.P. Agarwal, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog.
“We continue to invest in making our operations more sustainable, and electrifying our logistics is a key part of that effort. Through The Climate Pledge, we are also working with stakeholders to help scale electric freight solutions more broadly in India. The project findings and framework are encouraging, and reinforce the importance of continued collaboration between government and industry to accelerate adoption,” Abhinav Singh, VP, Operations, India and Australia, Amazon.
From Pilot Project to Policy The Framework draws insights from Laneshift pilot project, led by C40 Cities and The Climate Pledge, by bringing together truck manufacturers, fleet operators, logistics providers, and financiers to test electric freight. As part of the project, electric trucks completed 600 trips on the Bengaluru-Chennai corridor, covering over 200,000 km across sectors, generating insights on performance, reliability and cost, and supporting early adoption through long-term contracts. To assess scalability, the project also undertook a 6,500-km pilot along the Golden Quadrilateral, connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Laneshift project demonstrated operational viability of electric freight across all use cases, and commercial viability for operations exceeding 400 km per day. The project saw 4.2-times increase in electric truck orders and the securing of long-term commercial contracts , signaling growing market confidence.
“Decarbonizing freight is not a future ambition; it is an immediate economic and public health imperative for the country. Laneshift has shown that zero-exhaust-emission trucks can operate commercially on long-haul corridors, that costs are coming down, and that when the right stakeholders align their efforts, barriers give way. India has the scale, the policy momentum, and the industry appetite to be the next frontier,” said Naim Keruwala, Regional Director for South and West Asia at C40 Cities.
14, May 2026
Compass Group India Backs Cage-Free Egg Production with Global Food Partners
New Delhi, May 14 : Global Food Partners a global consultancy helping food businesses achieve higher animal welfare standards in their supply chains, today announced it has supported Compass Group India, a leader in food services, to drive cage-free egg production and support local farmers in India.
According to the Release of Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025 (2024–25) published by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, the country is the world’s second-largest producer of eggs, with total production estimated at 149.11 billion eggs in 2024–25, reflecting steady year-on-year growth. However, an Ernst & Young report titled Transitioning to Cage-Free: A Roadmap for Corporates in the Egg Supply Chain highlights that a significant share of this production still relies on conventional battery cage systems, underscoring both the urgency and the opportunity to transition towards higher-welfare egg production practices.
Due to limited cage-free supplies and regional market gaps, Compass Group India is using cage-free credits to offset a portion of its caged egg purchases. GFP administers the Impact Incentives programme; cage-free credits enable food businesses to directly support egg farmers making a sustainable transition to cage-free production—while helping to build and secure future supply.
Compass Group has initially purchased around 4,000 cage-free credits in India, with each credit offsetting the purchase of 1,000 caged eggs—a total of four million eggs. The funds for this credit purchase go directly to three farms in India—U and V Agro, Hensway India, and Happy Hens Farm—to expand their cage-free capacities and invest in their logistics networks.
Via Compass Group Foundation, Compass Group India and other partners have also launched a new cage-free and free-range training centre with GFP as technical partner. The training centre, located outside of Bangalore, will support local farmers in their transitions to cage-free systems, teach best practices in egg production and management, and help farmers achieve long-term sustainability and profitability in their industry.
“Compass Group India has shown enormous leadership and innovation in not only their own cage-free commitments, but also in driving substantial, foundational change in how eggs are produced and supplied throughout India,” said GFP CEO Elissa Lane. “Their commitment to responsible sourcing extends to the new training centre that meaningfully supports farmers and strengthens the nation’s food system.”
Compass Group has published a complete Animal Welfare Progress Report for 2026 with more details.
Other industry giants that have adopted Impact Incentives as part of their cage-free strategy include Kellanova, Best Western Hotels, Lagardère Travel Retail, and PizzaExpress. By sourcing cage-free eggs whenever possible, and using cage-free credits to address any supply-chain shortfalls, companies can report 100 percent compliance with cage-free mandates. GFP currently focuses on egg production throughout Asia, and has capabilities in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Latin America.
