5, May 2026
Indian Heritage and Contemporary Design Shine at Met Gala 2026
New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): Indian art, heritage, and modern design took centre stage at the Met Gala 2026, as several Indian celebrities showcased carefully curated ensembles inspired by the country’s rich cultural and artistic legacy.
The event witnessed strong references to classical and contemporary Indian art forms, drawing inspiration from figures such as Raja Ravi Varma, Ajanta cave paintings, and modern artists like Subodh Gupta. Traditional craftsmanship, intricate embroidery, and gemstone detailing were prominently featured across several high-fashion looks.
Prominent appearances included Isha Ambani in a diamond-studded ensemble inspired by traditional draping styles, Sudha Reddy adorned with an elaborate high-value jewellery piece, and Ananya Birla wearing a striking metallic-themed accessory designed by Subodh Gupta.
Filmmaker Karan Johar made a statement in a cape inspired by classical Indian paintings, while philanthropist Natasha Poonawala and members of Jaipur’s erstwhile royal family showcased couture designs blending heritage and contemporary fashion. Designer Manish Malhotra also presented a fusion look featuring traditional tailoring with modern artistic elements.
The showcase highlighted the growing global influence of Indian design, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling in international fashion platforms.
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- By Neel Achary
5, May 2026
India Continue to Lead ICC T20I Rankings After Latest Update
Dubai, May 5 (BNP): India have retained their position in the latest ICC T20 International rankings, followed by England in second place and Australia in third, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The updated rankings are based on a weighted system that gives full value to matches played since May 2025, while performances from the previous two years carry reduced weightage.
India’s strong and consistent performances in recent international tournaments, including their successful T20 World Cup campaign, have helped them maintain their standing in the global rankings.
5, May 2026
Religare Finvest appoints Karthik Srinivasan as CEO
New Delhi, May 5: Religare Finvest Limited (RFL), a Small and Micro Enterprises (SME)-focused NBFC, today announced the appointment of Karthik Srinivasan as its Chief Executive Officer.
A seasoned business leader with over three decades of experience across banking, financial services, and large-scale operations, Srinivasan brings deep strategic expertise and execution capabilities to lead Religare Finvest into its next phase of growth.
In his new role, Srinivasan will be responsible for formulating and executing the company’s strategy to build a scaled, multi-line NBFC. His focus will include expanding a robust phygital distribution network, strengthening risk management frameworks, and enhancing credit delivery using advanced technologies, including AI-led solutions. He will also work toward building a high-performing organization and fostering a resilient, growth-oriented culture.
Arjun Lamba, Executive Director at Religare Enterprises Limited, said,
“We are delighted to welcome Karthik Srinivasan as Chief Executive Officer of Religare Finvest Limited. His deep domain expertise and proven leadership will be instrumental in scaling the business. With strong capital backing and long-term support, we are well positioned to expand our presence in the SME lending space.”
Prior to joining RFL, Srinivasan spent over a decade at HDB Financial Services, where he played a key role in building and scaling consumer and asset finance portfolios across multiple product lines. He also contributed significantly to the company’s digital transformation initiatives. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Intelenet Global Services / Serco and worked with leading domestic and international financial institutions. He has also been involved in entrepreneurial ventures in the education and technology sectors.
Commenting on his appointment, Karthik Srinivasan said,
“I am delighted to join Religare Finvest at a pivotal time. My focus will be on strengthening core business fundamentals, investing in people and capabilities, and building a resilient institution that can sustain long-term growth.”
Srinivasan holds a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and a PGDM in Accounting and Finance from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
This appointment comes at a significant juncture for Religare Finvest. Following the Reserve Bank of India’s removal of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) restrictions, the company is now well-positioned to resume and scale its lending operations. Strengthened by improved institutional standing and a solid capital base, RFL is set to accelerate growth and expand its SME lending footprint.
Indranil Choudhury, Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Religare Enterprises Limited, added,
“Karthik brings a rare combination of strategic clarity and execution excellence. His leadership will be key in building a resilient organization and driving sustainable growth.”
With this leadership transition, Religare Finvest signals a strong intent to move forward with renewed momentum, leveraging technology, capital strength, and strategic leadership to unlock long-term value.
5, May 2026
Indian Markets End Lower Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Currency Pressure
Mumbai, May 5 (BNP): Indian equity markets closed lower on Tuesday as renewed geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over the fragile US-Iran ceasefire weighed on investor sentiment.
Benchmark indices came under selling pressure during a volatile trading session, with broader risk aversion also driven by a weakening rupee, which hit a record low against the US dollar amid rising crude oil prices.
The 30-share BSE Sensex ended the day down 251.61 points, or 0.33%, at 77,017.79. During intraday trade, the index had fallen as much as 754.37 points to 76,515.03 before recovering some losses.
Market participants remained cautious as elevated oil prices and global uncertainty added to concerns over inflationary pressures and foreign capital flows.
5, May 2026
Electric Two-Wheeler Penetration Hits 6.5 pc in FY26: Govt
New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): India’s electric mobility sector continues to register steady growth, with electric two-wheeler penetration reaching 6.5% in FY 2025–26, according to the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
The government said this growth reflects increasing consumer acceptance of electric vehicles, supported by improving availability of models, expanding charging infrastructure, and rising awareness about cleaner mobility options. It also indicates strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities within the EV ecosystem.
Officials highlighted that the steady rise in adoption demonstrates India’s ongoing transition towards sustainable transport solutions. The growth in the electric two-wheeler segment, which remains the largest contributor to EV sales in the country, is seen as a key indicator of broader e-mobility progress.
The Ministry noted that policy support and industry participation have played a crucial role in accelerating adoption, while continued investments in technology and manufacturing are expected to further strengthen the sector in the coming years.
5, May 2026
India Expands Rare Disease Care Network to Strengthen Diagnosis and Treatment Access
New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): The Government of India has further strengthened its framework for rare disease management under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021, building on the National Health Policy, 2017.
The policy is being implemented through 15 Centres of Excellence across the country, including two in the North-East, to improve access to specialised diagnosis and treatment services.
Officials said the focus is on early detection, improved clinical care, and stronger health system support to ensure timely treatment for patients with rare diseases. The government is also encouraging research and innovation in the field through leading medical institutions.
Steps have also been taken to reduce treatment costs by exempting life-saving medicines from basic customs duty.
Health authorities said the initiative reflects India’s continued efforts to build a more integrated and responsive healthcare system for rare disease patients.
5, May 2026
India, Japan Strengthen Healthcare Cooperation
New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): India and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the healthcare sector during the third Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening healthcare systems, building resilient medical supply chains, and enhancing collaboration in digital health, innovation, and workforce development.
The meeting was co-chaired by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Japan’s Minister in charge of Healthcare Policy, Kimi Onoda. Both sides highlighted the importance of their ongoing partnership, guided by a shared vision of improving healthcare access, promoting innovation, and ensuring better health outcomes.
Officials noted that the JCM continues to serve as an important platform for advancing bilateral collaboration. Key areas of discussion included tackling non-communicable diseases, strengthening supply chains for medical products, expanding digital health initiatives, and developing skilled healthcare professionals.
India showcased its initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and its growing capabilities in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, while Japan shared its experience in advanced medical technologies, digitalisation, and public-private collaboration models.
Both countries expressed confidence that continued cooperation will further strengthen healthcare systems and support sustainable, inclusive development in the years ahead.
5, May 2026
Indian Journalists Win Pulitzer Prize for Cybercrime Investigation
New York, May 5, 2026: Indian journalists Anand RK and Suparna Sharma, along with Natalie Obiko Pearson, have been awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category for their work on a cybercrime investigation published by Bloomberg.
The award-winning project highlighted the growing threat of digital scams, telling the story of a Lucknow-based neurologist who was deceived by cybercriminals impersonating officials and subjected to a prolonged ordeal that led to significant financial loss. The report brought attention to the human impact of increasingly sophisticated cyber fraud.
In addition, journalist Devjyot Ghoshal was named a finalist in the same category for his investigation into cybercrime and trafficking networks in Southeast Asia, where victims are reportedly forced into carrying out scams.
Another Indian journalist, Aniruddha Ghosal, was part of a team that won in the International Reporting category for an investigation into the use of advanced surveillance technologies by authorities across countries.
The Pulitzer Prizes, administered by Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, are among the highest honours in global journalism. The recognition highlights the growing role of Indian journalists in uncovering complex global issues and bringing critical stories to light.
5, May 2026
India U-18 Hockey Teams Set for Australia Series Ahead of Asia Cup
New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): India’s Under-18 men’s and women’s hockey teams are set to compete in a four-match series against Australia as part of their preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup.
The series is designed to provide both teams with valuable international exposure and competitive match practice ahead of the continental tournament. Taking on a strong opponent like Australia is expected to help players sharpen their skills, adapt to high-pressure situations, and improve overall team coordination.
The matches will also serve as an important platform for team management to assess player performance, experiment with combinations, and fine-tune strategies. Officials believe that such international fixtures are crucial in building confidence and readiness among young players as they prepare to represent the country on a larger stage.
With the Asia Cup approaching, the series is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s preparations and ensuring both teams are well-equipped to deliver strong performances.
5, May 2026
Oteria Launches New Brand Film Skin In Every Light Celebrating the Modern Woman’s Everyday Care, Confidence and Self-Love
May 05: Oteria, a premium gender-neutral skincare brand under Rivpra Formulations, has unveiled its latest multimedia brand film Skin in Every Light celebrating the modern woman who effortlessly balances ambition, relationships and self-care in her everyday life.
Conceptualized around relatable daily moments, the film showcases a woman who seamlessly manages her professional responsibilities while also caring for the people around her, all while making time for herself. Through this narrative, Oteria reinforces the importance of self-care as an essential part of everyday life.
Set across multiple scenarios, the film showcases how simple personal care rituals naturally fit into a busy lifestyle. From getting ready for an important day at work to sharing thoughtful moments of care with loved ones at home, the narrative reflects the evolving priorities of today’s consumers who seek balance between ambition, relationships and self-care.
Speaking on the launch, Vibhor Rastogi, Director, Rivpra Formulations & Oteria shared, “At Oteria, we believe self-care is an essential part of everyday living. Through this brand film, we wanted to capture relatable moments from modern lifestyles where personal care naturally fits into busy routines, relationships, and daily responsibilities. The campaign reflects our vision of making self-care simple, thoughtful, and seamlessly integrated into the lives of today’s consumers.”
The brand film centres on self-care as a natural extension of everyday life, highlighting quiet, everyday routines. It also thoughtfully weaves Oteria’s hero products, including its lip balms and under-eye cream, into these moments, showcasing how skincare can seamlessly blend into daily rituals and feel both intuitive and essential.
With this launch, Oteria continues its focus on promoting skin awareness and education around circadian rhythm-based skincare, encouraging users to align skincare with their body’s natural rhythm for better overall skin health. The film also features Oteria’s newly launched lip balm range, priced between INR 499 and INR 799, available in variants such as Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla.
The new brand film #SkinInEveryLight is now live across Oteria’s digital and social media platforms, including Instagram and the brand’s official YouTube channel.
