Category Archives: News

US Approves Apache Helicopter, M777 Support Deal for India Worth $428 Million

New Delhi/Washington, May 19 (BNP): In a significant boost to bilateral defence cooperation, the United States has approved a military support package worth over USD 428 million for India, covering sustainment support for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, according to the US Department of State.

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The approved package includes an estimated USD 198.2 million for support services and related equipment for Apache helicopters, aimed at ensuring operational readiness through engineering, logistics, technical support, training, and maintenance assistance. Major US defence firms Boeing and Lockheed Martin are expected to serve as the principal contractors for the Apache support programme.

In addition, the US has cleared a USD 230 million long-term sustainment support package for India’s M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, which are already in service with the Indian Armed Forces. The package includes spare parts, repair support, technical assistance, training, and logistics services, with BAE Systems designated as the principal contractor.

The approvals were issued under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme and notified to the US Congress. The US Department of State said the proposed support arrangements are intended to strengthen India’s defence preparedness and contribute to regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Officials noted that the proposed support packages would not alter the military balance in the region and would further reinforce growing strategic and defence ties between India and the United States.

HINDAMME and the Artisans at Madrasat Addeera Inspired by AlUla’s 7,000+ Years of Heritage in New Collection

Renowned Saudi Arabian fashion label HINDAMME and Arts AlUla’s Madrasat Addeera, a platform dedicated to creativity and traditional arts inspired by heritage, today revealed a limited-edition, slow fashion collection inspired by AlUla’s more than 7,000 years of continuous human heritage and iconic natural landscapes.
Designed by one of Saudi’s leading fashion names, Mohammed Khoja, and co-created with more than 26 local artisans from Madrasat Addeera, this exclusive launch champions Saudi craftsmanship and heritage with a distinctly modern take.

The collection features a refined selection of stylish abayas and shirts made from diverse materials capturing the essence of AlUla as the crossroads of ancient civilisations. Motifs reflect rock carvings – or petroglyphs – from AlUla’s millennia-old heritage sites, such as the open-air library of Jabal Ikmah known for its Dadanitic and Lihyanite inscriptions dating to the first millennium BCE. Intertwined with the petroglyphs are illustrations of indigenous flora and fauna, from the moringa plant to the Arabian oryx, translating AlUla’s natural and human heritage into contemporary wearable art.

Madrasat Addeera, located in the AlJadidah Arts District, was once home to the region’s first girls’ school. Today, its building has transformed into the first arts and design centre in AlUla where craft skills and practices are passed down and reimagined through immersive, hands-on training. A community-driven initiative, it provides vocational training in traditional arts to support AlUla and the region’s creative economy as well as a year-round public programme where visitors of all ages can attend traditional arts workshops.

The partnership underscores Madrasat Addeera’s role as a hub for heritage-driven creativity and artisan empowerment shaping AlUla’s cultural and creative landscape. Khoja worked directly with the school’s artisans to develop eight unique designs that authentically capture local identity and creative traditions, including block printing, hand embroidery, silk-screen printing and metalwork. Each piece took between one and two months to complete, demonstrating slow fashion principles and the meticulous labour of handmade products.

“AlUla has been a source of inspiration and creativity. This legacy, reflected across its heritage sites and natural landscapes, is brought to life through this collection by HINDAMME in collaboration with Madrasat Addeera’s skilled artisans,” said Hamad AlHomiedan, Director of Arts and Creative Industries, RCU.

“This collaboration embodies our commitment to transforming local heritage and craftsmanship into a vibrant creative economy that benefits AlUla and its people. Supporting local craftsmanship and handmade products, particularly as the world becomes more digitised and globalised, is key to preserving Saudi identity for generations to come. This collection celebrates this tangible heritage and how AlUla’s remarkable history continues to influence creative expression in the Kingdom and beyond.”

The HINDAMME and Madrasat Addeera collection builds upon a legacy of collaboration between Mohammed Khoja and AlUla. In 2019, the designer developed a bespoke collection inspired by the destination’s history as a crossroads of ancient civilisations, which was exhibited at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.

“AlUla has always been a profound source of inspiration for me,” commented designer Mohammed Khoja. “It is a place where history feels alive, layered and deeply present. This collection is about proving that heritage is not something we preserve behind glass, but something we evolve, wear and carry forward. The artisans were central to this collaboration. Their knowledge, intuition and approach to craft added depth and authenticity, and learning about Madrasat Addeera building as the first girls’ school in the region added an emotional depth. The memory held within that space, and its transformation into a place of creation, is a powerful narrative within the collection.” 

“It has been such an honour to be a part of this project,” said Mona Al Joud – Textiles Artisan at Madrasat Addeera. “There was so much to learn from someone as established as Mohammed Khoja, and it was exciting to share our knowledge and skills in exchange. This collection is a letter from the people of AlUla to Saudi and the world. A lot of love, precision and intention go into each stitch and cut. I hope that people can appreciate that every piece carries our story.”

TVS Racing Wraps Up National Training and Selection Program for OMC 2026

Chandigarh, May 19 : Building on over four decades of racing excellence, TVS Racing today announced the successful completion of the TVS India One Make Championship  2026 Training & Selection Program. Conducted across four cities in India, the initiative reaffirmed TVS Racing’s long-standing commitment to identifying, training and nurturing the next generation of racing talent in the country. The final selection round was held between May 15 and May 17, 2026 at the Madras International Circuit (MIC), Chennai. Over 120 participants took part in the program across multiple categories – Women, Media, Rookie, Electric and TVS Apache RR310 Expert categories.

TVS India One Make Championship continues to stand as one of the country’s leading rider development platforms, blending professional racing exposure with structured training to strengthen India’s grassroots motorsport ecosystem and make competitive racing more accessible to aspiring riders.

The 2026 season holds added significance as TVS Apache celebrates 20 years of racing-inspired performance engineering, driven by TVS Racing’s ‘Track to Road’ philosophy. Learnings from the racetrack continue to shape not only motorcycle development, but also the training and preparation of riders for professional motorsport competition.

Participants underwent a structured training and evaluation process conducted by TVS Racing experts, focused on riding technique, consistency, track awareness and overall performance with an uncompromising emphasis on rider safety and race discipline.

Commenting on the successful completion of the program, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business  Premium, TVS Motor Company, said,

 “The TVS India One Make Championship has always been focused on creating racers through a structured and professional racing ecosystem. We identify, train and develop our riders across multiple stages of their racing journey, from rookies and young talent to experienced racers competing at national and international levels. The successful completion of the 2026 Training & Selection Program reflects our continued commitment to making motorsport more accessible and building the next generation of Indian racers across categories. Through expert mentorship, race craft development and competitive track exposure, TVS Racing continues to provide a structured pathway for riders to progressively build racing skills, gain competitive exposure and transition into higher levels of motorsport. The program has also played a pivotal role in democratising motorsport in India and building a strong, inclusive racing culture in the country.”

Since the inception of the TVS India One Make Championship in 1994, TVS Racing has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s motorsport landscape by building a structured and inclusive racing platform for aspiring riders. Over the last 30 years, the championship has trained and mentored more than 4,000 racers, making it one of India’s most successful rider development programs with a strong focus on rider safety, race discipline and professional racing exposure.

TVS Racing, India’s first factory racing team, was founded in 1982 has won several titles in the road racing, rallying, and supercross formats, contributing significantly to the development of the nation’s motorsport culture. Through decades of racing experience since 1994, TVS India OMC has established one of the most organized rider development ecosystems in the nation, offering a structured rider development ecosystems, creating an easy path from beginner’s training to professional racing competition in the Rookie, Women, Media, Electric, and Expert categories. TVS Racing’s continued success at the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship  including multiple consecutive manufacturer and team championship victories, further highlights its leadership in developing world-class racing talent.

The initiative continues to focus on identifying emerging racing talent from across regions, encouraging wider participation from women and new-age riders, and strengthening India’s grassroots motorsport ecosystem through structured training and professional mentorship under TVS Racing experts. The platform also plays an important role in building deeper engagement with the performance riding community and fostering a stronger racing culture in the country, strengthening brand affinity among performance enthusiasts.

UPSC Introduces Historic Reform, Early Answer Keys for Civil Services Prelims 2026

New Delhi, May 19 (BNP): In a significant reform aimed at improving transparency and candidate engagement, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced that it will release the provisional answer key for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026 shortly after the examination scheduled on May 24, marking a major departure from its long-standing practice.

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Describing the move as “a new beginning,” Dr. Ajay Kumar said the initiative is intended to institutionalise greater transparency, responsiveness and structured participation within India’s premier civil services recruitment process.

Traditionally, UPSC released official answer keys only after completion of the entire examination cycle, including the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test, often leaving aspirants dependent on unofficial answer keys to assess performance and determine their preparation strategy for subsequent stages.

Under the newly introduced system, candidates will gain early access to a provisional answer key soon after the Preliminary Examination, enabling them to evaluate their performance with greater clarity and confidence. The Commission has also opened a formal mechanism for aspirants to raise objections through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep) available on the UPSC online platform.

According to the revised process, candidates will be allowed to submit objections and representations until May 31, 2026, at 6:00 PM, if they identify discrepancies in the provisional answer key. To ensure credibility and academic rigour, objections must be supported with documentary evidence and reasoned explanations using recognised academic references, with candidates permitted to cite up to three authentic sources.

The Commission stated that all objections will undergo detailed scrutiny by expert panels comprising subject specialists before the final answer key is prepared. Only valid and evidence-backed representations will be considered for incorporation into the final version.

While the reform allows quicker clarity on answer accuracy, UPSC clarified that official Preliminary Examination marks will continue to be released only after the conclusion of the complete recruitment cycle, maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the examination process.

Education experts and aspirants have welcomed the development, noting that timely access to answer keys could significantly reduce uncertainty and help qualifying candidates transition more efficiently into preparation for the highly competitive Main Examination. The move is being seen as a landmark procedural reform that could redefine transparency standards in India’s competitive examination ecosystem.

Fire Breaks Out in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, May 19: A fire incident was reported in VSS Nagar, Bhubaneswar, today amid ongoing intense heatwave conditions in the region. The exact cause of the fire is currently unknown.

At this stage, no confirmed cause has been established, and authorities are examining all possible factors. The fire was brought under control after prompt response measures by emergency services.

Officials are continuing on-ground assessment to determine the extent of damage and other details related to the incident.

Residents have been advised to remain cautious due to the prevailing high temperatures and to follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.

Pharmacy Shops to Remain Open Despite AIOCD Nationwide Strike Call Against E-Pharmacies

New Delhi, May 19 (BNP): Major pharmacy chains, hospital-attached medical stores, Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT Pharmacy outlets across the country will continue operations on May 20, despite a nationwide shutdown call issued by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against the functioning of e-pharmacies and online medicine platforms.

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The decision comes following discussions between representatives of the AIOCD and national drug regulatory authorities, during which concerns regarding online medicine sales, regulatory oversight and market practices were raised. According to sources, the association was assured that the concerns are under active review and that the existing regulatory framework governing the sector is being examined to address issues affecting retail pharmacy stakeholders.

Several pharmacy associations and retail medicine networks have reportedly chosen not to participate in the proposed shutdown, citing the importance of uninterrupted healthcare services and the potential hardship that medicine shortages could create for patients dependent on essential and life-saving drugs.

Sources indicated that retail pharmacy associations from multiple states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Ladakh, have provided written assurances confirming that pharmacies under their jurisdiction will continue to function normally.

The AIOCD, which represents more than 1.24 million chemists and drug distributors nationwide, had earlier announced a one-day strike on May 20 to protest what it termed the unregulated expansion of e-pharmacy operations and alleged predatory pricing practices. The organisation has raised concerns over the sale of medicines without adequate prescription verification and warned against the misuse of digital systems that could potentially enable unauthorised access to antibiotics and habit-forming medicines.

The trade body has also expressed apprehension over deep discounting practices by large corporate-backed online medicine platforms, arguing that such pricing structures threaten the sustainability of small and independent pharmacies, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to physical chemist shops remains critical.

At the same time, stakeholders opposing the shutdown stressed that closure of pharmacy outlets could adversely affect patients requiring continuous medication and emergency healthcare support. Consumer welfare and uninterrupted access to medicines, they said, remain a priority while regulatory concerns are addressed through consultation and policy review.

The issue of e-pharmacy regulation continues to remain under scrutiny, with industry bodies seeking stricter safeguards, clearer compliance mechanisms and a balanced policy framework to ensure fair competition while protecting public health interests.

Ministry of Ayush Issues Public Health Advisory on Heatwave, Urges Preventive Measures

New Delhi, May 19 (BNP): The Ministry of Ayush has issued a public health advisory in response to rising temperatures and heatwave conditions across several parts of the country, urging citizens to take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The advisory outlines key preventive measures such as maintaining adequate hydration, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities. Citizens have been advised to wear light, breathable clothing, consume sufficient fluids, and adopt simple lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Emphasising India’s traditional systems of wellness, the Ministry has also recommended incorporating Ayurvedic practices, seasonal dietary habits, and cooling foods into daily routines to help the body adapt to extreme heat conditions. The advisory encourages the use of natural cooling methods along with balanced nutrition to maintain overall health and immunity during the summer season.

In addition to preventive guidance, the Ministry has highlighted basic emergency response steps for heat-related illnesses, including immediate cooling of the body, rehydration, and seeking timely medical assistance in severe cases.

The advisory is aimed at increasing public awareness and strengthening preparedness as several regions continue to face intense heatwave conditions, with special focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as children, elderly persons, and outdoor workers.

SEBI to Open Bhubaneswar Branch Office, Announces Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Bhubaneswar, May 18 (BNP): The Securities and Exchange Board of India will soon establish a branch office in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant step toward strengthening financial market regulation and investor outreach in eastern India. The announcement was made by SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey while addressing a regional investor awareness programme organized by the Association of Mutual Funds in India in the city.

Pandey said SEBI would initially begin operations from a smaller office in Bhubaneswar, with activities currently managed through Mumbai and Kolkata gradually shifting to the new centre. He added that plans are also underway to establish a permanent office in the state capital in the future.

Highlighting the growing relevance of alternative financing mechanisms, the SEBI Chairman encouraged Odisha to explore the use of municipal bonds to fund urban infrastructure and development projects. He noted that 22 urban local bodies across the country have issued 33 municipal bonds, mobilizing nearly Rs 4,500 crore for development activities. Municipal corporations in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have already benefited from the model, he said.

Pandey emphasized that Odisha, with its expanding urban landscape, should leverage municipal bonds to meet increasing financial requirements for infrastructure expansion. He also pointed out that the Central government offers grant-based incentives to encourage such bond issuances.

Speaking on the growth of India’s mutual fund industry, Pandey said the sector has expanded significantly from nearly Rs 12 lakh crore in 2015-16 to around Rs 82 lakh crore at present. Odisha’s contribution currently stands at about Rs 71,000 crore, accounting for less than one per cent of the national market.

Observing that Odisha contributes nearly three per cent to India’s economy, he said the state’s participation in the mutual fund ecosystem should also rise proportionately. At the same time, he noted that Odisha remains among the leading states in terms of monthly growth in Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) investments.

He further highlighted the rapid growth of India’s capital market over the past decade, stating that the country’s total market capitalization increased from Rs 95 lakh crore in 2015-16 to Rs 463 lakh crore in 2025-26. During the same period, the number of investors rose from 3.8 crore to 14.5 crore.

Pandey also said India recorded 366 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in 2025-26, through which companies raised nearly Rs 1.9 lakh crore, placing the country among global leaders in IPO activity.

Chandikhol Set to Emerge as Strategic Crude Oil Storage Hub Under India-UAE Partnership

Bhubaneswar, May 18 (BNP): Odisha is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s energy security, with Chandikhol set to emerge as a major strategic crude oil storage hub under a significant India-UAE energy partnership formalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United Arab Emirates.

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Under the proposed initiative, Chandikhol will house a massive underground strategic petroleum reserve with a storage capacity of nearly 40 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil. Estimated at around Rs 8,743 crore, the project is expected to significantly enhance India’s emergency fuel preparedness and strengthen long-term energy resilience.

The agreement for the project was signed between the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, following discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The partnership is seen as a major step toward deepening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and reinforcing India-UAE strategic ties.

Although the Union Cabinet had approved the project in 2018, implementation was delayed due to land acquisition-related challenges. With renewed focus and momentum, the project is now expected to move forward, positioning Odisha as an important pillar in India’s petroleum infrastructure network.

Experts believe the underground reserve will play a vital role during emergency or war-like situations by helping maintain fuel availability in the event of disruptions to global crude oil supplies. The facility is also expected to strengthen India’s strategic fuel reserves and improve preparedness against international supply uncertainties.

Once operational, the project is likely to boost industrial growth, infrastructure development and employment opportunities in Odisha, further reinforcing the state’s growing importance in India’s energy and industrial ecosystem.

WTC Bhubaneswar, World Skill Centre and RBL Bank Organized Interactive Session on Skill Development and MSME Banking