Category Archives: News

A Peak Achievement: Tulasi Reddy Palpunoori Summits Everest

Delhi / Hyderabad, 20 May 2026: 

For many, climbing Mount Everest is the ultimate adventure. For Indian mountaineer Tulasi Reddy Palpunoori, it became a journey of resilience, discipline, transformation, and perseverance that inspired people.

Tulasi Reddy Palpunoori from Bowrampet Village, Quthbullapur Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana, has successfully summited Mount Everest after years of discipline, endurance training, and relentless preparation.

What makes Tulasi’s story inspiring is how ordinary it began. Once a foodie who simply wanted to get fit, he gradually transformed gym workouts and healthier living into a passion for endurance sports and mountaineering. Over time, he completed multiple local runs, the demanding Ironman challenge, and several high-altitude expeditions across the world.

Along the way, Tulasi climbed several challenging mountains across the world, including:
* Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) — Highest peak in Europe
* Aconcagua (6,961 m) — Highest peak in South America
* Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) — Highest peak in Africa
* Kang Yatse I (6,400 m)
* Kang Yatse II (6,250 m)
* Dzo Jongo (around 6,240 m)
* High-altitude expeditions in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
* Lobuche East (6,119 m)

“Everest was the result of years of discipline, sacrifice, and consistent preparation. This achievement belongs to everyone who supported me throughout the journey,” Tulasi said. He credited his family, Sherpa team, friends, and expedition guides Bharath Thammineni and Romil Barthwal from Boots and Crampons for supporting him throughout the journey.

“Today is one of the proudest moments for our family. Years of sacrifice, courage, and determination have finally led Tulasi to stand on top of the world,” the family shared.

Odisha Witnesses EV Boom as Rising Demand Exposes Charging Infrastructure Gaps

Odisha, May 20 (BNP): Odisha is witnessing a steady rise in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), reflecting growing consumer interest in cleaner and more sustainable mobility options. However, the increasing shift towards electric transportation is also exposing critical gaps in the State’s charging infrastructure network, raising concerns over accessibility, convenience, and long-term preparedness.

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With increasing fuel costs, policy support, and greater environmental awareness, more consumers are opting for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles across urban and semi-urban areas. Industry stakeholders note that government incentives and evolving technology have further accelerated the transition toward EV mobility.

Despite the positive momentum, experts and users have pointed to inadequate charging facilities, uneven distribution of charging stations, and limited public access points as major challenges affecting wider adoption. Many EV users continue to rely heavily on home charging, while long-distance travel remains constrained due to limited charging availability on highways and in smaller towns.

Transport and energy sector observers believe that rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, including public fast-charging stations, battery-swapping facilities, and private-sector investment, will be essential to sustain the State’s EV growth trajectory.

Officials and industry representatives have emphasized the need for coordinated planning, stronger public-private partnerships, and targeted investments to create a reliable and accessible charging ecosystem capable of supporting Odisha’s evolving electric mobility landscape.

ASUS Celebrates One Year of Free Service Camps, Brings Customer Experience Initiative to Indore

The service camp will be held at ASUS Exclusive Store – Sigma Peripherals, UG 8, Silver Block, Silver Mall, RNT Marg, Indore, Madhya Pradesh – 452001 and will be open to customers from 11 AM to 5 PM.

Indore, 20 May 2026:  ASUS, a Taiwanese tech giant, will hold a one-day free service camp in Indore on May 23rd as part of ASUS Assurance, which is ASUS India’s promise of worry-free ownership, combining quality engineering with dependable support, protection, and service (the 4As) across the entire device lifecycle. ASUS Service camp, now marking its one-year milestone, will deliver hands-on technical support, comprehensive device health checkups, and expert guidance to help customers optimize performance and extend the life of their ASUS devices.

The service camp will be held at ASUS Exclusive Store – Sigma Peripherals, UG 8, Silver Block, Silver Mall, RNT Marg, Indore, Madhya Pradesh – 452001, and will be open to customers from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

As part of the initiative, ASUS customers can avail a wide range of complimentary services designed to enhance device performance and longevity. These include professional dust cleaning, heating issue checks, and overall system health evaluations. ASUS experts will also assist customers with MyASUS app setup, troubleshooting, and performance optimization, ensuring a smoother and more efficient user experience.

The service camp is designed as a VIP care experience for ASUS laptops, offering hands-on technical support and proactive maintenance completely free of cost. Customers will also receive expert guidance on best practices for device care, helping them maintain optimal performance over time. As ROG is also celebrating its 20th Anniversary, a special initiative this time has been included in the service. Each attendee especially ROG customers will receive a complimentary Liquid Thermal Paste replacement, a professional grade upgrade that significantly improves processor cooling and overall system efficiency.

To enhance the overall experience, souvenirs will be provided to participants attending the service camp.
This initiative reflects ASUS continued focus on strengthening its after-sales ecosystem and delivering accessible, high-quality service experiences across key markets. Backed by its robust 4A framework, Assured Quality, Always-on Support, All-around Coverage, and Added-value Experience, ASUS continues to expand its service footprint with over 200+ service centres, on-site support capabilities, and comprehensive customer care programs. 

ASUS has successfully held free service camps across Chennai, Pune, Bhilwara, Hazaribagh, Shillong, Delhi, Calicut, Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai and Surat demonstrating commitment to nationwide continue future camps scheduled in other cities.

ROTORIS names Rajat Patidar face of the brand for IPL 2026

New Delhi,  May 20 : Some stories build in silence. Quietly, with absolute intent, until the moment arrives that cannot be ignored. Rajat Patidar is that story. And ROTORIS has chosen to stand beside him at the summit.

Patidar went unsold at an IPL auction. He returned as a replacement. He then scored 112 not out off 54 balls in a playoff, becoming the first uncapped cricketer in IPL history to score a century on that stage. The crowd at Ekana Stadium had to look up his name. They have not stopped saying it since.

Three years, one captaincy, and one IPL title later, he stands at the top of the IPL 2026 table with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, defending a championship that broke 18 years of waiting. This season, at a strike rate of 213.46 with 21 sixes, Patidar is extending a legacy.

ROTORIS — India’s first design-led mechanical watch house — recognizes him as A ROTORIS Man for IPL 2026.

“I never needed the shortest path. I needed the right one. There were years when nobody was watching and those were the years that built everything that came after. ROTORIS speaks the same language. Every timepiece they make carries the weight of something done the right way, not the fast way. That is why this feels true. Not just to a campaign or a season, but to something that actually lasts.”

 Rajat Patidar, Captain, Royal Challengers Bengaluru

A ROTORIS Man is a rare designation. It belongs to those who did not simply arrive at greatness, but earned it in the years before anyone was handing out titles. Patidar spent those years in Indore, in Bhopal, on domestic pitches the cameras rarely visited. He scored a Ranji Trophy century in a final. He was released. He went unsold. He came back.

On a ROTORIS wrist, that journey does not just make sense. It is the entire point.

“We built ROTORIS for a very specific kind of person. Someone who is always becoming more. Rajat Patidar was released by the same franchise that would one day make him captain. He came back and gave them a title they had waited 18 years for. If that is not a ROTORIS Man, nothing is.”

• Aakash Anand, Founder, ROTORIS

“ROTORIS has always believed that the most beautiful things take time. You can see it in every dial we design. Rajat’s story is the most human version of that belief. He did not rush. He did not break. He kept going, and he arrived exactly where he was always meant to be.”

• Prerna Gupta, Co-Founder, ROTORIS

The brand enters the IPL 2026 playoffs having already written a year of firsts. In March 2026, Alpine F1 Reserve Driver Kush Maini wore the Astonia Sports Chronograph at the Melbourne season opener — the first time an Indian watch house appeared on an F1 grid. In April 2026, ROTORIS attended Watches & Wonders Geneva, the foremost gathering in the global watchmaking calendar. This summer, a second drop arrives — the Astonia and Manifesta collections, available by invitation to a waitlist that numbers in the tens of thousands.

Through the IPL 2026 season, Rajat Patidar will wear ROTORIS on and off the field. RCB has a captain. India has a timepiece. They were always going to find each other.

New AI System Uses Thermal Camera Sensors to Steer Ships Clear of Gray Whales in the San Francisco Bay

SAN FRANCISCO (May 20)—Last year, 21 gray whales were found dead in and around San Francisco Bay and 40% of those deaths were due to collisions with ships. Whale season typically peaks in May in the area and already seven whales have died thus far. Today, a local coalition has unveiled a near real-time, thermal camera monitoring system that detects whales’ heat signatures and “blows” (exhaled breath) in the busy waterway and then alerts nearby mariners to re-route or reduce their speed to avoid hitting them.

Currently amid a 12,000-mile migration from their Alaskan feeding ground to their Mexican mating and birthing lagoons and back, gray whales are taking an unexpected detour into the heavily-trafficked Bay, presently a new challenge for the Bay Area mariner community to address. Scientists believe the whales are impacted by the changing climate: their food sources in the Arctic aren’t sustaining them for their journey, requiring them to make unusual stops in the Bay and elsewhere to search for food.

“It is heartbreaking to see these starving whales stumbling around in the middle of the hustle and bustle of San Francisco Bay. Every day is a nailbiter. But what gives me hope is seeing how all the right partners in the Bay Area community have come together to do something. This new system will save whales’ lives. We are all proud of this.”

— Professor Douglas McCauley, Director, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, UC Santa Barbara

Designed by researchers at the Benioff Ocean Science Lab, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Service, whale experts at The Marine Mammal Center, the system employs Flir thermal cameras coupled with AI-powered detection technology developed by WhaleSpotter that identifies marine mammals, 24/7, detecting the heat signature of a warm-blooded whale blow at a range of up to 4 nautical miles (7 km). Each detection is instantly reviewed by one of WhaleSpotter’s credentialed marine mammal specialists before any alert goes out. Once they are spotted, UCSB scientists map out the whale detections on the Whale Safe website and share them with Bay mariners and the U.S. Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Service, which then can radio vessels when there are whales in the area under imminent threat.

The effort comes amid a troubling new pattern in gray whale population decline: Half of all Eastern North Pacific gray whales have died in the past 10 years. Researchers point to changes in their Arctic feeding grounds as the trigger for this crisis. As Arctic sea ice declines precipitously, the food chain upon which the whales depend is under threat. Less ice means less food.

As a result, many hungry gray whales are making a detour on their migration route into the San Francisco Bay, apparently to rest and search for food. This puts them at great risk as they must navigate around the many cargo ships, tankers, ferries, speed boats, fishing boats, and tour boats that transit the Bay every day. Many emaciated and exhausted whales have become victims of ship-strikes.

“We’re relieved to have these cameras going live during this critical moment in the gray whale season. Last year was one of the deadliest on record for gray whales in the Bay, with 21 dead, and seven more have already died this year. The whale and mariner communities have been racing to get ahead of this, building new tools and partnerships we didn’t have a year ago.”

— Rachel Rhodes, Scientist leading the project, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory

The first node in the whale detection network was installed in collaboration with the Coast Guard on a USCG communication station on Angel Island. The system points across the Bay towards Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge and covers a hotspot of overlap between gray whales and vessels. The second detection system will be installed on MV Lyra, a passenger ferry operated by San Francisco Bay Ferry on a daily route connecting Vallejo to Downtown San Francisco. SF Bay Ferry, a public ferry agency that carries 3 million passengers per year, will host the first such vessel-based whale detection system in the Bay. Discussions are underway to expand the network to eventually create capacity to detect and track all whales present in all parts of the Bay. Next strategically important expansion locations based on the whale data include sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz.

“SF Bay Ferry has worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Marine Mammal Center, the Harbor Safety Committee, our contract operator Blue & Gold Fleet and our sister agency Golden Gate Ferry to develop and elevate whale protection protocols and avoid strikes in the San Francisco Bay. This work includes ongoing monitoring, enhanced communication and education among mariners, and operating mitigations such as route adjustments and speed reductions in the presence of whales. Testing the thermal monitoring system designed and provided by the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory is the next evolution of our work, and we’re thrilled to soon have one of the Bay’s two monitoring cameras on our ferry. We remain committed to bringing together fellow vessel operators to protect whales with the best available technology and protocols.”

— Seamus Murphy, Executive Director, SF Bay Ferry

The thermal camera expansion is one piece of a broader collaboration coordinated through the San Francisco Harbor Safety Committee’s Marine Mammal Subcommittee that brings together a dozen organizations, including ferry operators, Vessel Traffic Service, marine mammal specialists, and research institutions to protect gray whales while keeping vessel traffic moving safely through the Bay.

“You can open an app on your phone and instantaneously see the exact location of every Muni bus in San Francisco. We aim to soon be able to do the same thing for whales in the Bay. This would be a game changer for whale safety.”

— Professor Douglas McCauley, Director, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory 

“For too long, mariners have been asked to protect whales they simply couldn’t see. We’re changing that. This deployment means ships in San Francisco Bay now have eyes on the water, day and night, miles ahead. The whales have been here for thousands of years. We intend to keep it that way.”

— Shawn Henry, CEO, WhaleSpotter

“I’m excited to see WhaleSpotter deployed in San Francisco Bay. This kind of real-time whale monitoring is a major step forward for reducing vessel strike risk and protecting gray whales navigating one of the nation’s busiest waterways. Having 24/7 visibility into when whales are present will strengthen awareness and communication across the maritime sector and support action to help keep both whales and vessels safe.”

— Kathi George, Director of Cetacean Conservation Biology, The Marine Mammal Center

Teenage Star Vaibhav Suryavanshi Powers Rajasthan Royals to Thrilling Win, Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

Jaipur, May 20 (BNP): Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting to guide Rajasthan Royals to a remarkable seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in a high-scoring Indian Premier League encounter, keeping Rajasthan firmly in contention for a playoff berth.

Chasing a daunting target of 221 runs, Rajasthan Royals rode on Suryavanshi’s explosive 93 off just 38 deliveries, an innings studded with 10 towering sixes and seven boundaries. Displaying fearless intent and maturity beyond his years, the young batter dismantled the Lucknow bowling attack and laid the foundation for one of Rajasthan’s most crucial wins of the season.

Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants had posted a formidable 220/5 in 20 overs, powered by a blistering 96 from Mitchell Marsh, who narrowly missed a century, while Josh Inglis added quickfire momentum with a 29-ball 60.

In reply, Suryavanshi forged a strong opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who contributed a fluent 43 off 23 balls. The chase was later steadied and completed by Dhruv Jurel, who remained unbeaten on 53 off 38 deliveries, ensuring Rajasthan crossed the finish line comfortably in just 19.1 overs.

The victory lifted Rajasthan Royals to 14 points and significantly boosted their playoff aspirations ahead of a crucial final league clash against the Mumbai Indians. A win in the upcoming fixture would secure Rajasthan a place in the playoffs, intensifying excitement among fans as the IPL season nears its climax.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Return for Afghanistan ODIs; Ravindra Jadeja Misses Out on Test & ODI Squads

May 20 (BNP): The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Tuesday announced Team India’s squads for the upcoming Test and One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan, with the return of senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the ODI format emerging as a major highlight.

The squad announcement signals the comeback of two of India’s most experienced campaigners, strengthening the batting line-up ahead of the bilateral contest. Their return is expected to boost both stability and experience in the ODI unit as India prepares for a busy international calendar.

In another significant development, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was excluded from both the Test and ODI squads, raising questions over team strategy, fitness considerations, or workload management. The selectors, however, have not officially elaborated on the reason behind his omission.

The selection panel also made notable changes in the wicketkeeping department, with KL Rahul replacing Rishabh Pant in the squad, adding another talking point ahead of the series.

The India-Afghanistan series is expected to provide crucial match exposure and help the team refine combinations across formats, while fans eagerly await the return of Rohit and Kohli in India colours.

Supreme Court Refuses to Relax Stray Dog Order; Aggressive Rabid Dogs May Face Euthanasia

New Delhi, May 20 (BNP): In a significant ruling on public safety and stray animal management, the Supreme Court of India refused to modify its earlier directive ordering States and Union Territories to remove stray dogs from high-footfall public spaces, including schools, hospitals, bus terminals, and railway stations.

A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N. V. Anjaria observed that public authorities must prioritize citizen safety, particularly in areas frequently accessed by children, elderly persons, patients, and travellers.

The apex court clarified that stray dogs removed from institutional or crowded public spaces cannot be reintroduced into the same areas even after sterilisation and vaccination. Interpreting the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, alongside the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the court noted that stray dogs do not have an unrestricted or absolute right to occupy all public places irrespective of their nature and usage.

In a stern observation, the court also indicated that aggressive or rabid dogs posing serious risks to human life may be subjected to euthanasia under legal provisions, while warning authorities of contempt action in case of non-compliance with its directions.

The ruling comes amid growing concerns over rising dog bite incidents across the country, with the court acknowledging the need to balance animal welfare with public safety.

NATO Considers Warship Deployment in Strait of Hormuz; Iran Warns of ‘Serious Consequences’

Brussels/Tehran, May 20 (BNP): Rising tensions in the Middle East have intensified amid discussions within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization over a possible maritime security mission in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to safeguard commercial shipping routes and regional stability. The move comes as disruptions in the oil transit corridor continue to trigger global concerns over energy security and maritime trade.

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However, NATO officials clarified that no formal decision has yet been taken regarding the deployment of warships, stressing that any mission would require political consensus among all 32 member nations. Senior alliance officials indicated that discussions remain at a preliminary stage, with several member states reportedly expressing reservations over direct military involvement in the volatile region.

Reacting sharply to reports of a possible foreign naval mission, Iran warned that any expanded military presence in and around the Strait of Hormuz could lead to “serious consequences,” reiterating its opposition to external intervention in regional waters. Tehran has maintained that foreign military deployments risk escalating tensions further in an already fragile geopolitical environment.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most crucial energy corridors, through which a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passes daily, making any disruption a matter of global economic concern.

Vestian Launches Managed Workspace Platform, Targets 2 Mn Sq Ft Expansion

Bengaluru, May 20 : Vestian has expanded its service portfolio with the launch of Vestian Spaces, an integrated managed workspace platform that brings together workplace strategy, design, project execution, and facility management under a single offering.

The move marks a strategic service line extension for the company as occupiers increasingly shift toward flexible, scalable, and experience-led workplace solutions. Through Vestian Spaces, the firm aims to provide enterprises with end-to-end workplace services across the entire office lifecycle, moving beyond traditional real estate advisory and transaction services.

The company plans to scale the platform to over 2 million sq. ft. within the next three years, targeting major office markets including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, and the National Capital Region.

Unlike conventional coworking and managed office operators that rely heavily on outsourced vendors, Vestian said its platform will operate on a fully integrated in-house model, enabling the company to manage the entire workplace lifecycle internally  from advisory and design to execution and ongoing operations.

“Workplaces are no longer viewed as static real estate assets; they have become strategic tools for business performance, talent engagement, and organizational agility,” said Michael Silver, Chairman, Vestian. “With Vestian Spaces, we are bringing together the expertise required to help companies build and operate workplaces that can evolve with changing business needs.”

Shrinivas Rao, CEO, Vestian, said the company sees increasing demand from enterprises looking for integrated workplace solutions.

“Clients today want more than just office space  they seek scalable environments that enhance employee experience, support business expansion, and simplify workplace management,” Rao said. “Vestian Spaces delivers a seamless and future-ready workplace experience through a single accountable partner.”

Highlighting the company’s operating model, Ajai Kartik, Executive Vice President, Vestian Spaces said the platform differentiates itself by keeping all core workplace functions in-house rather than outsourcing them to third-party vendors.

“The managed workspace sector has largely evolved around outsourced delivery models. Vestian Spaces takes a fundamentally different approach by offering a fully integrated, in-house operating structure that ensures accountability, consistency, and quality across the workplace lifecycle,” he said.

Industry experts believe the managed workspace segment is entering a new phase of growth as large enterprises increasingly prefer flexible, capex-light office models amid changing workplace strategies and rapid expansion of GCCs in India.

With the launch of Vestian Spaces, Vestian enters the rapidly evolving managed workspace segment, addressing the growing preference among occupiers for flexible, fully managed, and experience-centric office solutions over traditional leasing models.