Author: Neel Achary

The Westin Pushkar Emerges as Luxury Wedding Destination in Rajasthan

Pushkar, Rajasthan : The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa sets a new benchmark for destination weddings, offering a seamless blend of scenic beauty, luxury living, and curated experiences. Nestled amidst tranquil surroundings near Pushkar’s spiritual landmarks, the resort features sweeping 360° views of the Aravalli Hills and breathtaking sunset backdrops creating a picturesque setting for every celebration.

With four outdoor and two indoor venues, the resort offers versatile spaces for multi-day weddings, including a distinctive dome-shaped venue inspired by the Shiv Ling for sacred pheras. Expansive lawns and seamless baraat processions within the property ensure both grandeur and convenience.

The resort’s 98+ rooms and private villas including pool and plunge pool options are ideal for exclusive wedding buyouts, allowing guests to celebrate together in privacy and comfort. Complementing the celebrations are signature wellness offerings, a premium spa, Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio, and multiple pools for relaxation.

Dining experiences range from global cuisine at Seasonal Tastes to panoramic rooftop views at Panorama, alongside curated wedding menus tailored to each celebration. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities ensures an engaging stay for guests of all ages, while the resort’s pet-friendly approach adds a thoughtful touch.

“Weddings today are about creating immersive, meaningful experiences, and at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, we bring together nature, luxury, and thoughtful service to make every celebration truly personal and memorable,” said the General Manager, Vijay Chandran. “Our aim is to offer couples and their families a seamless, all-in-one destination where every detail is taken care of.”

Bringing together venues, villas, wellness, and bespoke experiences, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa delivers a seamless, all-in-one destination wedding experience.

A refined destination where serene landscapes, exclusive villas, and curated experiences come together to create truly unforgettable weddings.

Fresh Militia Violence in DR Congo’s Ituri Province Leaves At Least 69 Dead

Bunia, May 11 (BNP): At least 69 people were killed in a fresh wave of militia violence in the conflict-hit Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to local authorities and security sources.

The deadly attacks were reportedly carried out by armed fighters linked to the Codeco militia, which claims to represent the Lendu community, in several villages in late April. The violence comes amid escalating tensions between the Hema and Lendu ethnic groups, who have been engaged in a long-running conflict in the gold-rich province bordering Uganda and South Sudan.

Officials said the attacks followed earlier clashes involving the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP), an armed group associated with the Hema community, and the Congolese Army near the locality of Pimbo. Security sources stated that the violence claimed the lives of civilians, militia members, and soldiers.

Local civil society leaders described the killings as a “massacre,” with reports of bodies lying unattended for days due to continued militia presence in the affected areas. Humanitarian agencies also reported widespread panic, displacement of civilians, and destruction of property across several villages.

The United Nations mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) strongly condemned the attacks and reiterated its concern over the deteriorating security situation in eastern Congo. Earlier, the UN mission had rescued nearly 200 civilians caught in crossfire during clashes between armed groups and government forces.

Eastern DRC has remained unstable for decades due to the activities of multiple armed groups competing for control over the region’s vast mineral resources, including gold, cobalt, copper, and diamonds. The violence has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in Ituri province, where nearly one million people are currently displaced, according to UN agencies.

Authorities and humanitarian organisations have appealed for restraint and urged communities to avoid retaliatory violence as efforts continue to restore peace and stability in the region.

Delhi LG Unveils Plan to Transform Dwarka, Rohini and Narela Into Major Investment Hubs !

New Delhi, May 11 (BNP): Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to prepare a comprehensive and time-bound roadmap for transforming Dwarka, Rohini, and Narela into major investment and decentralised economic hubs of the national capital.

According to officials, Dwarka sub-city is being planned as a major destination for domestic and international investments in Information Technology (IT), IT-enabled Services (ITeS), digital infrastructure, and other non-polluting industries. Similar development initiatives are also being proposed for Rohini and Narela under the broader vision of balanced and sustainable urban growth.

During a recent high-level meeting with senior DDA officials, the Lieutenant Governor discussed various developmental initiatives aimed at bringing transformative changes to these sub-cities. He instructed officials to consult all stakeholders and submit a concrete action plan at the earliest.

Sandhu emphasised the need to explore opportunities for attracting IT companies, global capability centres, healthcare institutions, digital infrastructure industries, data centres, semiconductor plants, and warehousing facilities in these areas, in line with the provisions of the Delhi Master Plan.

Officials stated that the improved connectivity through the Urban Extension Road, expanding Metro network, transit-oriented development policy, upcoming educational hubs, and rapid residential growth have made Dwarka, Rohini, and Narela ideal locations for decentralised business and commercial development.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that the proposed transformation would not only attract large-scale investments but also create employment opportunities, boost revenue generation, reduce pressure on central Delhi, and promote sustainable urban development across the capital.

Centre Notifies Viksit Bharat-GRAM G Act; 125 Days of Guaranteed Rural Employment From July 1

New Delhi, May 11 (BNP): The Central Government has officially notified the Viksit Bharat-GRAM G Act, 2025, aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods by guaranteeing 125 days of employment annually to rural households across the country.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made the announcement on Sunday, stating that the new Act will come into effect from July 1, 2026. The initiative is expected to provide enhanced employment opportunities, economic stability, and social security to millions of rural families.

Addressing the media, Chouhan said the Viksit Bharat-GRAM G Act has been introduced as part of the government’s broader vision for inclusive rural development and empowerment. He stated that the scheme would help improve income generation, reduce migration from villages, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

The Minister further emphasised that the Act reflects the government’s commitment towards strengthening village economies, improving living standards, and ensuring greater participation of rural communities in the country’s development journey.

Officials said detailed implementation guidelines and operational mechanisms for the scheme will be rolled out ahead of its launch on July 1.

Iran Ready for ‘Negotiations With Dignity’, Says President Amid Rising Regional

Tehran, May 11 (BNP): Iran has expressed its willingness to continue diplomatic engagement and negotiations, provided the talks are conducted with “dignity,” mutual respect, and without pressure or threats, according to Iranian media reports.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran remains open to dialogue and peaceful solutions but will firmly safeguard the country’s national interests and sovereignty. He emphasised that negotiations must be based on fairness, respect, and international principles rather than coercion or unilateral demands.

The remarks come at a time of heightened tensions in the West Asia region and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and regional mediators to reduce conflict and restore stability. Reports indicate that discussions are continuing through indirect diplomatic channels, with Iran recently responding to a US-backed proposal aimed at easing tensions in the region.

Iranian officials have maintained that while the country prefers diplomacy over confrontation, it will not compromise on its rights, security, or strategic interests during any future negotiations.

Tanishq Celebrates ‘Many Indias’ at Rivaah Wedding Lounge with Femina Miss India 2026 Winners

New Delhi, May 11 : Tanishq, India’s leading jewellery brand from the House of Tata, hosted the winners of Femina Miss India 2026 at its Rivaah Wedding Lounge in South Extension, New Delhi, bringing to life a shared premise that many Indians expressed through individuality, culture, and craft.

The newly crowned winners of the 61st Femina Miss India, Sadhvi Satish Sail, Femina Miss India World 2026, Rajnandini Pawar, Femina Miss India 2026  1st Runner Up, and Sree Advaita G, Femina Miss India 2026 –  2nd Runner Up, each represent distinct cultural journeys shaped by different regions, languages, and lived experiences. Their coming together reflects how diverse identities converge on a common platform, much like Tanishq’s Rivaah Wedding Lounge, where varied expressions of Indian bridal traditions coexist in one space.

Designed as a first-of-its-kind, fully curated bridal jewellery destination in the country, the Rivaah Wedding Lounge brings together craftsmanship and culture under one roof. From the intricate polki and kundan jewellery of the North and West, to the delicate filigree of the East and temple jewellery of the South, the space reflects the richness and diversity of Indian bridal culture. At its core is the belief that every bride is one of a kind, not just in her personal style, but in the deeply individual way she carries forward the customs, stories, and communities that shape who she is. Catering to over 10 Indian bridal communities, the Lounge enables brides to discover jewellery that is both aesthetically aligned and culturally meaningful.

Conceptualised with the understanding that wedding celebrations begin with family, the Lounge offers a warm, immersive environment shaped by experience and personal expression. For those seeking a more intimate experience, it features exclusive private luxurious lounges that provide privacy along with personalised assistance, allowing families to make meaningful choices together.

At the heart of the Rivaah Wedding Lounge is a thoughtfully crafted design journey that spans every stage of the wedding celebration. Brides can co-create their wedding looks with the support of in-house bridal designers and expert stylists, curating jewellery that complements their outfits and overall aesthetic across wedding functions. From bespoke creations and heirloom transformations to personalised details such as names, motifs, and symbolic elements, every piece is crafted to reflect the bride’s individual story.

For today’s bride, jewellery is not just about ceremony; it’s about storytelling. Every piece becomes an extension of her style, her journey, and the worlds she moves between. That is where Rivaah Wedding Lounge stands apart. By bringing together evolving trends, cultural nuances, and timeless artistry. It creates jewellery that feels both rooted and refreshingly modern. The result is a collection designed for brides who want to honour tradition, while expressing it entirely in their own way. Wedding shopping has evolved beyond convention, creating a need for experiences that feel more personal, contemporary, and reflective of today’s bride. In just eight months since the launch, Rivah Wedding Lounge has been part of over 1,500 bridal celebrations, creating bespoke trousseaus and bringing each bride’s unique vision to life across every occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Pelki Tshering, Chief Marketing Officer, Tanishq, said,

“Rivaah is built on the belief that there isn’t one way to be an Indian bride. Weddings today bring together multiple cultures, influences, and identities, and jewellery becomes a powerful medium to express that. Our association with Femina Miss India echoes this philosophy of bringing together varied journeys, backgrounds, and perspectives on a unified platform that celebrates individuality. With Rivaah, we translate this into design and experience, enabling every bride to express who she is, in her own way.”

Sharing her experience, Sadhvi Satish Sail, Miss India World 2026, said,

 “Having grown up across cultures and languages, I have always seen identity as layered and evolving. At Rivaah, that idea comes alive, where every jewellery piece feels rooted yet open to interpretation. It allows you to express your own story, not fit into a single idea of a bride.”

Rajnandini Pawar, 1st Runner Up, added,

 ““My journey has always been about carving my own path, and that is exactly what stood out to me at Rivaah. When I spoke to the designers, I found it incredibly thoughtful that they offer in-house styling and design guidance, making the experience feel truly intentional and personal. It reflects the belief that every bride’s journey is unique and her jewellery should be too.”

Sree Advaita G, 2nd Runner Up, shared,

“With roots across different cultures, I have always seen identity as a blend of influences. What I loved about Rivaah is how its designs bring those worlds together so seamlessly balancing tradition with contemporary sensibilities in a way that feels deeply relevant to today’s bride. It feels like a celebration of everything that makes each of us who we are.”

The engagement concluded with curated interactions and content moments, bringing together two platforms that celebrate India’s diversity in complementary ways, one through people, and the other through design, craft, and bridal expression.