Category Archives: News

Chandrayaan-3 Wins Prestigious US Space Honour Years After Historic Moon Landing

May 23 (BNP): India’s landmark lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, has received the prestigious 2026 Goddard Astronautics Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, marking a major global recognition of the country’s achievements in space exploration. The honour was presented during the AIAA ASCEND 2026 Conference in Washington, D.C. on May 21.

The award recognises Chandrayaan-3’s historic feat of becoming the first spacecraft to successfully soft-land near the Moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023 — a scientifically significant region that had never before witnessed a surface-level landing mission. The achievement strengthened India’s position among leading spacefaring nations and opened new possibilities for future lunar exploration.

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, accepted the award on behalf of the Indian Space Research Organisation during the ceremony. He highlighted India’s long-term ambitions in deep-space exploration and human spaceflight while underscoring the growing cooperation between India and the United States in the space sector.

The Goddard Astronautics Award is regarded as the highest honour bestowed by AIAA for notable achievements in astronautics and commemorates pioneering rocket scientist Robert H. Goddard. Chandrayaan-3’s recognition reflects India’s expanding scientific capabilities and its rising global influence in advanced space research.

Shreyas WebMedia Solutions Participates in WTC Women’s Forum Meet in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, May 23: World Trade Center Bhubaneswar organized the WTC Women’s Forum Meet – WAVE (Women as Vibrant Entrepreneurs: Connect, Collaborate & Conquer) on May 22, 2026, at the IDCO Conference Hall, Bhubaneswar. The event brought together women entrepreneurs, professionals, and members of the WTC network to discuss business opportunities, collaboration, skill development, and institutional support.

Representing Shreyas WebMedia Solutions, Director K. Gouri and Administrative Officer Bhumika Lenka actively participated in the forum and interacted with fellow WTC members during the networking sessions.

During the meeting, all participating members introduced themselves and shared details about their businesses, future plans, and entrepreneurial journeys. Several members discussed their interest in expanding into import and export activities and highlighted the challenges they face in areas such as market access, logistics, international trade guidance, business networking, and regulatory processes. The forum created an open and supportive platform where members could voice their concerns and seek guidance from WTC Bhubaneswar.

The discussions aimed to help the organization better understand the needs of entrepreneurs so that suitable support, mentorship, and business solutions could be provided through the WTC network. Members also exchanged ideas on collaboration opportunities and explored ways to strengthen women-led businesses through global trade connections.

Key agenda points included planning for Raja Parba celebrations, arrangements for International Yoga Day, and a proposed visit to the World Skill Centre on June 5. The meeting also emphasized member engagement, institutional strengthening, and the importance of creating opportunities for professional growth and international business exposure.

Representatives from Shreyas WebMedia Solutions described the event as highly informative and beneficial, noting that it provided a valuable opportunity to connect with WTC members, understand industry challenges, and build meaningful professional relationships.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks followed by high tea, encouraging further networking and interaction among participants.

Karnataka Doctor Grows 30 Tonnes of Chemical-Free Kesar Mangoes on Rocky Land Using Israeli Technology

Karnataka, May 23 (BNP): A doctor from Karnataka has turned barren, rocky land into a thriving mango orchard, producing nearly 30 tonnes of chemical-free Kesar mangoes with the help of Israeli farming technology and sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Sameer Nair, an Ayurvedic practitioner based in Belagavi, transformed over five acres of rocky terrain into a high-density Kesar mango plantation after adopting Israel-inspired cultivation techniques. Beginning the venture in 2019, the orchard started yielding fruit within three years and has witnessed rapid growth since then, with production expected to touch nearly 30 tonnes this season — almost six times higher than earlier harvests.

Unlike traditional mango cultivation, which generally involves fewer trees per acre and longer waiting periods, Dr. Nair implemented high-density farming by planting around 700 saplings per acre. Supported by drip irrigation, solar-powered systems, and water conservation structures, the orchard has significantly improved productivity while reducing resource wastage.

The farm follows nearly 95 per cent organic practices, relying largely on cow dung-based manure and farm waste instead of chemicals. The mangoes are allowed to ripen naturally on trees without artificial ripening agents, aiming to preserve both taste and consumer health. Each fruit is also protected using eco-friendly bags to shield it from insects, harsh weather, and microbial damage, while enhancing quality and colour.

Sold under the brand “Vaishali Farm Kesar Mango,” named after his mother, the produce has attracted strong customer demand, with buyers visiting the orchard directly and exports reaching overseas markets in previous seasons. Dr. Nair is now reportedly planning to process surplus mangoes into pulp for long-term preservation.

Dr. Nair’s success story highlights how a blend of modern agricultural innovation and eco-friendly farming can transform unproductive land into a sustainable, profitable venture.

New Balance Brings Grey Days 2026 to India

India,  May 23 : New Balance celebrated Grey Days 2026 with the launch of its first New Retail Concept store at DLF Mall of India, Noida, alongside ambassadors Janhvi Kapoor and Pat Cummins. A global celebration of the brand’s signature colour, Grey Days honours the timeless influence of grey — from its origins as a practical choice for runners to its evolution as a defining expression of New Balance’s heritage, craftsmanship, and independent spirit.

The New Retail Concept store introduces a new chapter in New Balance’s retail journey in India blending the performance and lifestyle universe together through an elevated retail environment designed around product discovery, community, and brand storytelling.

Positioned at the intersection of sports & culture, New Balance brought together its ambassadors in a neighbourhood-inspired setup which featured an engaging fireside chat & an interactive cricket session with the ambassadors—creating a moment that felt both personal and culturally relevant.

Pat Cummins, Australian cricketer and New Balance ambassador, added,

 “I’m delighted to be a part of the Grey Days celebrations in India. Grey has always been New Balance’s signature colour and it is exciting to see the brand bringing this to life in India – creating spaces where sport, style, and community come together in a very natural way.”

Stuart Henwood, Senior Director, New Balance, Middle East, Africa & India, said,

“Grey Days is a celebration of everything New Balance stands for – timeless design, craftsmanship, and an independent spirit that has defined the brand for decades. As we expand across the MEAI region, our focus remains on creating authentic, meaningful experiences that connect our consumers to the essence of New Balance.”

Speaking about the campaign and the store launch, actress and New Balance ambassador Janhvi Kapoor said,

“Grey Days celebrates what I personally love about New Balance  its quiet confidence and its ability to stay true to itself while continuing to evolve. It feels great being a part of this celebration that honours the brand’s legacy, timeless design, & brings together the entire New Balance community across the globe.”

Radeshwer Davar, Country Manager, New Balance India, said,

“The launch of our New Retail Concept store at DLF Mall of India, Noida marks an important milestone in New Balance’s retail expansion journey in the country. As we continue to strengthen our retail presence, our focus remains on delivering elevated and immersive consumer experiences. Celebrating this milestone with our ambassadors during Grey Days makes it particularly special and reflects the growing momentum of the brand in India.”

Fabindia Welcomes the Season with ‘That Summer Feeling’ Campaign

New Delhi,May 22 : Fabindia, India’s much-loved homegrown brand, unveils its Summer 2026 campaign, ‘That Summer Feeling’. Inviting you to step into the world of Fabindia, this thoughtfully curated collection celebrates the Indian summer through breathable apparel, artisanal accessories, and elevated home essentials. Crafted in natural fabrics such as cotton and linen, the range spans menswear, womenswear, kidswear, and home décor, offering effortless elegance and versatility for everyday comfort.

Inspired by the distinctive rhythm of the Indian summer, the collection captures the quiet pleasures of the season. Rooted in Fabindia’s craft legacy, the range showcases timeless techniques like Ajrakh, Indigo, Dabu, Ikat, Kalamkari and hand-block printing, reinterpreted for contemporary living. 

Speaking on the launch, a Fabindia spokesperson said:

 “Summer in India is more than a season, it is a feeling shaped by familiar moments, from quiet afternoons to breezy evenings with loved ones. With ‘That Summer Feeling,’ we sought to capture this sense of lightness through breathable fabrics, effortless silhouettes, and the enduring beauty of Indian craftsmanship.”

The heart of the collection is a vibrant Western wear line, blooming with a seasonal palette of indigo, white, mustard, soft pink, and earthy reds. This range brings a fresh energy to summer style, blending sophisticated trailing floral prints that captures the rhythmic, meandering beauty of climbing vines and stylized blossoms with geometric patterns. Whether it’s the breezy comfort of halter and V-necklines or the sharp, clean look of Cuban and band collars, every piece is a celebration of premium cotton and linen woven fabrics.

The summer story continues with a specialized workwear curation designed to keep you cool and polished throughout the workday. To complete the experience, the Home & Lifestyle range brings those same artisanal touches into your living space. Featuring hand-block printed cushions, airy bed linens, and handcrafted dinnerware, the collection offers everything needed to turn your home into a calm, refreshing summer sanctuary. 

Every handcrafted garment in the collection carries the Craftmark Tag, reaffirming Fabindia’s commitment to authenticity and artisan excellence. 

Street Foods by Punjab Grill opens first standalone dine-in outlet in Malviya Nagar

Lite Bite Foods Group, one of India’s  multi-brand food & beverage companies, announced a landmark milestone for Street Foods by Punjab Grill – the opening of the brand’s first-ever standalone, high-street dine-in outlet, located in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. Having built a strong and loyal following through its presence in malls, food courts, and commercial complexes, Street Foods by Punjab Grill now makes its debut on the neighbourhood high street, offering guests a proper sit-down dining experience for the very first time.

Since its inception, Street Foods by Punjab Grill has established itself as a go-to destination for authentic, soul-satisfying Punjabi street food within the convenience of retail and commercial settings. The brand has steadily expanded its footprint across food courts and mall outlets in key cities, earning a devoted following for its bold flavours and Punjab Grill pedigree.

For guests who have enjoyed Street Foods by Punjab Grill at their favourite mall or food court, the Malviya Nagar outlet offers something entirely new: the chance to walk in off the street, be seated, and enjoy their favourite dishes in a relaxed, unhurried setting. It is the brand’s first foray into a full dine-in format, complete with table service and the warmth of a true neighbourhood restaurant.

The menu carries forward the same beloved offerings that have defined Street Foods by Punjab Grill – robust kebabs, tandoori specialities, hearty gravies, and freshly baked breads the bold, rustic flavours of Punjab, served with the accessibility of street food and the quality of a fine-dining heritage.

“Street Foods by Punjab Grill has resonated strongly with guests wherever we’ve operated  from malls  to standalone outlets across the country. Malviya Nagar is the most exciting evolution: our first high-street home, where guests can come in, sit down, and truly experience the brand. This dine-in format has been something our guests have long asked for, and we’re thrilled to finally deliver it.”— Rohit Aggarwal, Founder and Managing Director, Lite Bite Foods Group

Malviya Nagar’s bustling high street, a favourite among South Delhi’s young professionals, families, and food enthusiasts offers the ideal launchpad for this new chapter. The neighbourhood’s vibrant food culture and residential density make it the perfect setting to introduce the brand’s first standalone outlet, allowing Street Foods by Punjab Grill to become a genuine part of daily neighbourhood life.

CAI launches two new earth-inspired shades for bestselling Eva Slides

Mumbai, May 22 : CAI, the contemporary footwear label known for combining elevated design with everyday comfort, expands its bestselling Eva collection with two new shades: Tan and Olive. Inspired by earthy minimalism, the latest colour additions are timeless, grounding, and effortlessly wearable, offering a sophisticated update to one of the brand’s most-loved silhouettes.

Since its launch, Eva has emerged as a standout style for the brand, with over 30,000 pairs sold and a 4.8+ customer rating. Designed to seamlessly blend comfort and functionality, the thong slides feature an ultra-lightweight EVA sole that is flexible, durable, and fully waterproof. A 2.5-inch heel provides the perfect amount of elevation while maintaining all-day ease, making the silhouette particularly suited for everyday wear and monsoon-ready dressing.

The new Tan and Olive shades stay true to CAI’s clean, minimal design language while introducing fresh styling possibilities. Rooted in versatile, earthy tones, the colours are designed to complement a wide range of summer and all-season wardrobes, pairing effortlessly with everything from casual daywear to travel looks.

Speaking on the launch, Aradhana Minawala, Co-founder of CAI, said,

“Eva was created to feel effortless, minimal, and rooted in comfort. It is a silhouette designed to be incredibly comfortable and versatile, an easy, year-round staple that fits seamlessly into every wardrobe.” 

Built for women who value ease without compromising on style, Eva offers a cloud-like feel underfoot, superior grip on wet surfaces, and a secure thong design that is both practical and easy to maintain. Its universal appeal has made it a go-to for customers seeking footwear that works across occasions, from daily errands and weekend outings to vacations and rainy-day dressing.The Eva Slides are INR 2,699 and are currently available at an introductory  INR 2,599.

Meme to Movement? ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ Crosses 15 Million Followers in 5 Days !

New Delhi, May 22 (BNP): What started as a satirical online campaign fuelled by memes, sarcasm and political commentary has rapidly transformed into one of India’s biggest digital sensations. The “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP), a meme-driven social media movement born out of public outrage and internet humour, has crossed 15 million followers on Instagram within just five days, overtaking the online popularity of India’s major political parties.

Operating under the handle @cockroachjantaparty, the platform has surged ahead of established political organisations in a dramatic display of internet influence. While the official Instagram account of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently has around 8.7 million followers, the Indian National Congress — one of India’s oldest political parties with a history spanning over 140 years — has approximately 13.2 million followers. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), founded in 2012, trails with nearly 1.9 million followers.

The movement reportedly emerged in response to controversial remarks linked to concerns surrounding unemployed youth, quickly evolving into an online expression of frustration over issues such as joblessness, inflation, governance and social inequality. Through viral reels, satire, memes and politically charged humour, the page has struck a chord with younger internet users, particularly Gen Z audiences.

In a country where political influence is traditionally built over decades through organisational networks and electoral outreach, the meteoric rise of the Cockroach Janata Party has triggered widespread discussion over the growing role of digital culture in shaping public discourse. Supporters see it as a symbolic protest movement reflecting youth dissatisfaction, while critics argue that viral popularity may not necessarily translate into meaningful political engagement beyond social media.

The trend has also attracted attention from prominent public figures and online influencers. Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan and leaders including Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad have publicly reacted to or expressed support for the viral trend, adding to its visibility and political intrigue.

As the “Cockroach” trend continues to dominate social media conversations, questions remain over whether the phenomenon will remain a meme-powered online moment or evolve into a broader expression of political sentiment among India’s youth.

West Bengal’s Mandatory ‘Vande Mataram’ Order in Madrasas Triggers Political Storm

Kolkata, May 22 (BNP): A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the state government made the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in all recognised madrasas across the state. The directive, issued by the Directorate of Madrasa Education, mandates that the national song be sung during morning assembly prayers before classes begin in institutions functioning under the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department.

 Representational image

The order applies to government model madrasas, government-aided institutions, approved Shishu Shiksha Kendras, Madhyamik Shiksha Kendras, and recognised unaided madrasas. The move comes nearly a week after the state government extended a similar mandate to schools, making Vande Mataram part of morning assemblies across educational institutions. Officials said the directive has been approved for immediate implementation as part of efforts to introduce uniformity in assembly practices and promote patriotic values among students.

The decision has sparked sharp reactions from opposition parties and sections of civil society, with critics alleging that educational institutions are being drawn into political debates. Several leaders questioned the timing and intent of the order, arguing that consultations with madrasa authorities and educators could have preceded such a move.

Reacting to the criticism, Samik Bhattacharya defended the government’s decision and rejected allegations of communal polarisation. “Vande Mataram and madrasas have no conflict. This is not about Hindu-Muslim politics. The slogan has historically been used across political traditions, including by the Congress during the freedom movement,” he said while backing the directive.

Written by novelist Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Vande Mataram played a prominent role during India’s freedom struggle and remains a symbol of patriotism, while also periodically emerging as a subject of political and ideological debate in public life.

Spotify and Universal Music Group Announce Landmark Licensing Agreements for Fan-made Covers and Remixes

Groundbreaking responsible AI tool to launch as paid add-on for Spotify Premium users 

Santa Monica and Stockholm, May 21, 2026 – Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) today announced landmark recorded music and music publishing licensing agreements enabling Spotify to launch a new tool allowing fans to create covers and remixes of their favorite songs from participating artists and songwriters. 

This groundbreaking tool will be powered by generative AI technology that will open up additional revenue streams and new ways to drive discovery. It introduces a creation model where artists and songwriters can directly share in the value generated through AI-driven licensed covers and remixes on the Spotify platform. 

The new tool will launch as a paid add-on for Spotify Premium users and create an additional source of income for artists and songwriters, on top of what they already earn on Spotify. 

“Solving hard problems for music is what Spotify does, and fan-made covers and remixes are next. What we’re building is grounded in consent, credit, and compensation for the artists and songwriters that take part. Through each technological transformation, we have worked together with Sir Lucian and his team to evolve the music ecosystem into a richer, more beneficial experience for fans and a more rewarding outcome for artists and songwriters,” said Alex Norström, Co-CEO, Spotify. 

“The most valuable innovations in the music business always bring artists and fans closer together. That principle is at the heart of this pioneering AI-enabled superfan initiative, which is designed to support human artistry, deepen fan relationships, and create additional revenue opportunities for artists and songwriters. Building on our long track record of leading the industry through technology changes, and collaborating with Alex, Gustav, Daniel and the team at Spotify, this initiative is firmly artist-centric, rooted in responsible AI, and will drive growth for the entire ecosystem,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group.