Category Archives: News

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Scripts History, Sets Record for Most Sixes by an Indian in IPL Season !

New Delhi, May 18 (BNP): Young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has scripted history in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League by registering the highest number of sixes hit by an Indian batter in a single edition of the tournament.

The explosive batter achieved the landmark through a string of power-packed performances, showcasing fearless stroke play and remarkable consistency throughout the season. His aggressive batting approach and ability to clear the boundary with ease have made him one of the standout performers of the IPL campaign.

Suryavanshi’s record-breaking feat underlines the rise of a new generation of Indian T20 batters who are redefining attacking cricket. His six-hitting prowess has not only entertained fans but also played a vital role in strengthening his team’s performances in key matches.

Cricket experts and former players have hailed the youngster’s achievement as a major milestone, noting that surpassing previous Indian records for sixes in a single IPL season reflects both his confidence and maturity at the highest level of franchise cricket.

The milestone further cements Suryavanshi’s growing reputation as one of India’s brightest emerging talents in the shortest format of the game.

WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda a Global Health Emergency

Geneva/Kinshasa/Kampala, May 18 (BNP): The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following a sharp rise in suspected infections and deaths.

According to health authorities, more than 300 suspected Ebola cases and at least 88 deaths have been reported, prompting fears of wider regional transmission. The DRC accounts for nearly all reported infections, while two suspected cases have been identified in neighbouring Uganda, raising concerns over cross-border spread.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that while the outbreak currently does not meet the criteria of a pandemic, the risk of transmission to neighbouring countries remains high, requiring urgent international coordination and preparedness.

Officials confirmed that the outbreak has been linked to the rare Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) strain of Ebola, for which no approved vaccines or specific treatments are currently available. Though both Congo and Uganda have experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past, this marks only the third documented outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain.

The WHO warned that the actual scale of infections could be significantly larger due to a high positivity rate among tested samples and the increasing number of suspected cases being reported. Emergency containment efforts, including surveillance, contact tracing, screening, and isolation measures, have been intensified in affected areas to curb further spread of the deadly virus.

Global health agencies have urged neighbouring nations to strengthen preparedness and public health monitoring as authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent a broader health crisis.

Panic Buying Ends, Petrol Pumps Across Odisha Witness Sharp Drop in Demand

Bhubaneswar, May 18 (BNP): After witnessing an unprecedented rush and panic buying over the past week, petrol pumps across Odisha wore a deserted look on Sunday as fuel demand dropped sharply following the restoration of regular stock supply.

Fuel stations in the Twin City of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, along with several other towns, reported unusually low customer turnout after days of long queues triggered by rumours of a possible fuel shortage. Many pumps that had temporarily run dry due to panic-driven demand were seen operating normally, with staff waiting idly for customers.

Petrol dealers said panic buying, amplified by television reports and viral social media posts, had pushed fuel demand far beyond normal levels, disrupting routine tanker delivery cycles and causing temporary shortages at several outlets. However, the situation stabilised after authorities and dealers assured uninterrupted fuel availability.

Officials of petrol pump associations said a large section of regular customers, who typically purchase fuel in small quantities, had already filled their tanks during the rush, leading to a sharp decline in footfall now. As a result, dealers expect reduced demand to continue for the next few days until fuel consumption returns to normal patterns.

According to dealers, major petrol pumps in Odisha recorded sales significantly below average on Sunday, with some outlets witnessing nearly a 60–70 per cent drop compared to normal daily business.

General Secretary of the All India Utkal Petroleum Dealers’ Association and owner of a fuel station in Bhubaneswar, Sanjay Lath, said the panic had eased after people realised there was no disruption in supply. He noted that fuel sales had dropped considerably as consumers who stocked up earlier are unlikely to revisit pumps immediately.

With supply chains functioning normally and adequate stock available, dealers expressed confidence that the fuel distribution system across the state has returned to stability.

Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan Season-3 Ends with Renewed Push for Cultural Growth and Artist Empowerment

New Delhi, 16 May, 2026: The concluding day of the 3rd Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan (SKBS) 2026 was celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm at Gangtok yesterday. Organised by the Sikkim Art, Culture and Heritage Development Board, the programme was graced by Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang as the Chief Guest, accompanied by the spouse of HCM Ms Krishna Kumari Rai.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described artists as the “soul of society” and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment towards the welfare, promotion and empowerment of artists, cultural practitioners and creative talent in Sikkim.

Welcoming artists from across Sikkim, various parts of India and neighbouring Nepal, the Chief Minister highlighted the deep cultural and emotional ties shared between Sikkim and Nepal through common language, traditions, festivals and music. He stated that artists from Nepal are always warmly welcomed in Sikkim and noted that such cultural exchanges provide valuable learning opportunities for local artists.

The Chief Minister said the Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan, launched in 2024, has evolved into an institutionalised platform dedicated to honouring artists and assuring long-term government support. He added that the programme would continue in the years ahead as part of the State Government’s vision to connect local artists with national and international platforms.

Emphasising that artists and athletes should no longer struggle financially to participate in national and international events, the Chief Minister assured that the Government remains committed to extending support to deserving talents requiring assistance.

Highlighting key initiatives undertaken in the cultural sector, the Chief Minister informed that the number of music and dance academies in the State has increased from around 10 in 2019 to nearly 60 at present. He stated that annual grants ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh are being extended to these institutions. He also spoke about initiatives such as Sikkim Idol and government sponsorships provided to talented youth for higher education and specialised training outside the State.

The Chief Minister further announced major incentives under programmes such as Golden Voice of Sikkim and Golden Beat of Sikkim aimed at encouraging emerging artists. He also highlighted initiatives, including the State’s film policy, promotion of traditional attire every Thursday, support for cultural festivals, and infrastructure projects such as the Swarna Jayanti Convention Hall at Namli and the upcoming cultural and sports village at Ranka.

Stating that “Humanity is the priority,” the Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment towards nurturing human talent, preserving Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage, and empowering the youth through sustained support and opportunities.

Earlier, Chairperson of the Sikkim Art, Culture and Heritage Development Board, Mr Sanjay Dilpali Rai, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significance of the Sammelan in preserving and promoting the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the State.

The programme also featured audio-visual presentations showcasing the activities and achievements of previous editions of SKBS, along with the screening of the trailer of “Sikkim In A Minute.”

On the occasion, the organising committee felicitated Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and former MLA Ms Krishna Kumari Rai in recognition of their unwavering support towards the event and the artistic community of the State. Representatives of the Association of 21 Communities of Sikkim were also honoured for their active participation and contribution towards the promotion of cultural activities in the State.

Felicitations were further extended to Mr Akshay Sachdeva, Director General of Police, Sikkim Police, along with several artists and distinguished individuals from different fields for their contributions towards society and culture.

A major highlight of the programme was the distribution of CMDG cheques under financial assistance schemes to various dance and music academies as part of the State Government’s continued support towards the promotion of arts and culture. Altogether, 70 institutions and beneficiaries, including students receiving educational assistance, were provided financial support during the event.

The programme also featured a special performance by visually impaired musician, arranger, singer and composer Mr Birman Tamang from Namchi.

Renowned actor, producer, director and social worker Mr Sonu Sood attended the concluding session of the Sammelan and addressed the gathering, appreciating the initiatives undertaken by the State Government to support and encourage artists and cultural practitioners. Senior artists associated with the celebration of the 50 years of Statehood were also felicitated during the programme.

The event witnessed the release of SKBS Magazine Edition-II, launch announcements under “Project-Cine Sikkim: A 1000 Dreams,” and the release of songs and music videos produced by local artists and academies.

Cultural performances presented by Dynamic Flickers Dance Academy, Devot Art, and several noted artists from Sikkim and neighbouring regions enthralled the audience throughout the day. 

Outer Delhi Warriors Rolls Out ‘Krishna Apra Future Star Under-15 Championship’, A Franchise Pathway Roadmap For Youth Cricket In Delhi NCR

Eight Franchise Teams, 200 Young Players, Live Auction and Streaming Broadcast Planned

New Delhi, May 16, 2026:
Outer Delhi Warriors, one of the prominent franchises in the Delhi Premier League, has officially announced the launch of the Krishna Apra Future Star Under-15 Championship, a grassroots T20 tournament aimed at identifying and developing the next generation of cricket talent from Delhi NCR.

The inaugural edition of the championship will be held at the Jamia Millia Islamia grounds from June 20 to June 27, 2026. Player trials are scheduled to begin in May, followed by a live player auction and a planned broadcast on a leading streaming platform.

As part of the initiative, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has been appointed Brand Ambassador, bringing with him extensive mentoring experience from his tenure with Gujarat Titans.

Former India cricketer and broadcaster Aakash Chopra has also joined the championship as Brand Ambassador and will serve as one of the key public faces of the tournament.

The tournament’s management team will additionally include Sanjay Rawat as Tournament Secretary and Navnati Dinesh as League Observer.

Tournament Structure

The championship is designed as an Under-15 boys’ T20 competition featuring players selected through open trials conducted across Delhi NCR.

The tournament format will mirror the structure of professional franchise leagues:

• Open trials for aspiring cricketers

• A live player auction

• Selection of 200 players across eight franchise teams

• 15 league-stage matches

• Two semi-finals and a final

The top-performing players will earn entry into the Outer Delhi Warriors Academy Training Programme, which aims to provide long-term development support, professional mentorship, and structured performance training.

Leadership Commentary

Naresh Panwar, Co-owner of Outer Delhi Warriors, said:

“Outer Delhi Warriors has always believed in building a larger vision for grassroots cricket. We feel there is a strong need to create a structured pathway for young cricketers and prepare them for highly competitive environments from an early stage.

The Krishna Apra Future Star Under-15 Championship marks our first formal initiative toward identifying and nurturing promising cricket talent across Delhi NCR.”

Outer Delhi Warriors entered the Delhi Premier League during the 2025 season and has quickly established itself as one of the league’s recognizable franchises, featuring players such as Priyansh Arya, Suyash Sharma, Harsh Tyagi, and Shivam Sharma.

Speaking about the initiative, Aakash Chopra said:

“Indian cricket has never lacked talent. What has often been missing is the right identification and support system at an early age. Structured trials, auctions, and professional exposure can inspire young players and motivate them to pursue cricket seriously.”

Parthiv Patel added:

“The journey from raw talent to professional cricket requires discipline, proper guidance, match exposure, and consistent development. The Krishna Apra Future Star Under-15 Championship has been designed with exactly that vision.”

Sponsorship and Vision

Manish Gupta of Krishna Apra, a well-known real estate brand in North India, said:

“We believe in investing in the country’s future, and sports play a major role in shaping it. We are proud to support an initiative that aims to build the next generation of Indian cricketers.”

The championship is also expected to receive guidance and support from senior international cricketers as the organizers look to create a strong developmental ecosystem for emerging T20 talent in India.

Former Agriculture student receives Honorary Doctorate from his University

 Hyderabad’s Agri entrepreneur, who created new export categories for India honoured by UAS Bengaluru

Hyderabad, May 16, 2026: In a rare and significant recognition, the University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore conferred an Honorary Doctorate on its former student, Hyderabad-based agripreneur Dr GVK Naidu, Founder and Managing Director of Sam Agritech, during its 60th Convocation Ceremony.

UAS is India’s premier agricultural university and among the country’s oldest institutions dedicated to agricultural education, research and extension. Thaawarchand Gehlot, Governor and Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences, presided over the function and formally presented the Doctorate.

The honour is considered exceptional, as agricultural universities seldom confer honorary doctorates upon their own alumni. It recognises Dr Naidu’s pioneering contribution to India’s fresh produce export sector and his role in transforming agricultural innovation into globally competitive business models.

Responding to the recognition, Dr Naidu said, “I never imagined that the university where I once studied would one day honour me with a doctorate. This recognition belongs to the farmers, employees, and partners who have been part of this journey.”

Founded in 1996, Sam Agritech has emerged as one of India’s leading integrated exporters of fresh and value-added produce. The company has played a key role in developing new export categories from India, including fresh pomegranate arils, fresh-cut coconut chunks, fresh figs, dried arils, and ready-to-eat fruit segments.

In recent years, the company has also diversified into high-value crops such as Hass avocado cultivation, blueberry initiatives, and almond processing, aligning with evolving global demand trends and expanding India’s horticulture footprint.

Sam Agritech operates a fully integrated farm-to-market ecosystem across South India, including nurseries, captive farms, high-care processing facilities, and international marketing networks. It is also recognised for establishing multi-locational high-care processing units near cultivation zones, enhancing product freshness and food safety.

The company adheres to global standards, including HACCP, ISO, Global GAP, BRC, US FDA, SMETA, and Fair Trade certifications, and has made a notable social impact, with over 90 per cent of its workforce comprising women in rural processing operations.

Industry observers describe the honour as recognition of the growing importance of value addition, innovation, and market-linked agriculture in India’s agri sector.-

Eros Innovation Brings 200+ Industry Leaders Together at Cannes Next to Debate Sovereign AI and the Future of Film

CANNES, 16 May 2026: Eros Innovation presented AI in Asia at Cannes Next, the official innovation track of the Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes, on 14 May 2026. The three-hour programme at the Village Innovation, Pantiero, followed by a reception, brought together over 200 studio leaders, sovereign funds, government representatives, filmmakers, and technology companies to discuss sovereign AI, AI-native storytelling, and the future of film financing.

The programme focused on the idea that Asia is building the infrastructure for AI-native culture through sovereign and rights-aware AI systems. Eros Innovation’s Large Cultural Models (LCMs), launched at the IndiaAI Summit in New Delhi by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, as a sovereign AI initiative and trained on 1.5 trillion rights-cleared cultural tokens, formed the technological foundation of the discussions. The platform launches globally as Eros Universe in June 2026.

 “We came to Cannes not to talk about what AI is doing to the entertainment industry, but to show what happens when AI is built from inside culture rather than on top of it. The industry once embraced VFX because it expanded human creativity rather than replacing it. We believe Cultural Intelligence is the natural next evolution — AI built responsibly to enhance creator value, protect identity, and unlock entirely new forms of storytelling for the global entertainment industry.”, said Kishore Lulla, Founder, Eros Innovation.

The programme opened with a keynote by Kishore Lulla, followed by a fireside conversation with Joerg Bachmaier, CEO of Studio Babelsberg, on how AI is changing large-scale film production while preserving human creative decision-making.

The first panel, Sovereign AI vs Platform AI – Who Owns Culture?, examined the development of sovereign AI systems outside dominant US and Chinese platform ecosystems. Speakers included Paul Trillo of Asteria Films, Alex Serdiuk of Respeecher, and Ridhima Lulla of Eros Innovation, with moderation by Anssi Komulainen of the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. Discussions focused on AI-native filmmaking, consent-based voice AI, cultural datasets, governance frameworks, and creator identity protection systems.

The second panel, AI-Native Storytelling – Not Assisted, Not Enhanced, Native, explored the shift from AI-assisted production to AI-native storytelling. Christina Caspers-Röhmer of Trixter (Cinesite Group), Shin Chul of BIFAN, Ridhima Lulla, and VFX supervisor Martin Madsen discussed AI-native character systems, evolving VFX workflows, and the growing AI filmmaking ecosystem in Asia. The session was moderated by Mikael Windelin.

The final panel, The Future of Film Financing in the AI Era, focused on how AI-driven cost compression and new financing structures are reshaping film funding and ownership models. Speakers included Marc Iserlis of Republic and filmmaker Miguel Faus, whose debut feature Calladita became the first blockchain-crowdfunded film. The discussion, moderated by Piyush Bhatia of Eros Innovation, also referenced Eros Innovation’s own film securitization model. 

Gig Workers Call Nationwide 5-Hour Shutdown, Demand Rs 20 Per Km

New Delhi, May 16 (BNP): Gig workers associated with app-based transport and delivery platforms have announced a five-hour nationwide shutdown demanding better wages, social security benefits and a minimum payment of Rs 20 per kilometre.

Representational image

The protest call, supported by several gig workers’ unions and associations, is expected to affect app-based cab services, food delivery operations and logistics services in major cities across the country.

Worker representatives alleged that rising fuel prices, increasing maintenance expenses and reduced incentive structures have significantly impacted their earnings in recent months. They claimed that despite rising operational costs, the per-trip payments offered by aggregator platforms remain inadequate.

Among the key demands raised by the workers are a guaranteed minimum fare of Rs 20 per kilometre, fuel compensation, insurance coverage, social security benefits and transparent payment policies.

Union leaders said the temporary shutdown is intended to draw attention to the financial challenges faced by lakhs of gig workers who depend on app-based services for their livelihood. They also urged the central and state governments to frame comprehensive welfare policies for workers in the gig economy sector.

Meanwhile, commuters and customers in several metropolitan cities may face inconvenience during the protest period due to reduced availability of ride-hailing and delivery services.

Several aggregator companies are yet to issue detailed responses regarding the shutdown call and the demands raised by workers.

Foundation Stone Laid for Sangita Jindal Craft Shila under JSW IP Holdings Initiative

Chandigarh, May 16 : The Kanoria Centre for Arts announces the Foundation Stone-Laying Ceremony of Sangita Jindal Craft Shila, marking the formal commencement of construction of a new space dedicated to the exhibition and practice of craft. The ceremony took place today, 15th May (Friday) in the Urmila Kailash Black Box at the Kanoria Centre for Arts, Ahmedabad.

Named in honour of Sangita Jindal, whose sustained support has contributed significantly to the visibility and growth of Indian craft traditions, the Sangita Jindal Craft Shila is envisioned as a vibrant, evolving platform within the Kanoria Centre campus.

The project is designed by Studio Sangath, an AD100 architecture firm led by Khushnu Panthaki Hoof and Sönke Hoof. The studio had earlier designed the Kanoria Art Shop (Galleria30) and the Urmila Kailash Black Box and continues its long association with the institution.

Conceived as both an exhibition space and an active workshop environment, the Sangita Jindal Craft Shila will provide a setting where craft is not only displayed but also experienced as a living process. It will bring together artisans, artists, designers, and audiences through exhibitions, hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and collaborative engagements.

At a time when craft is moving beyond just preservation towards new ideas and conversations, the Sangita Jindal Craft Shila aims to highlight the knowledge, skill, and stories that are part of craft practices. The space will encourage people to engage more closely with the process of making, while also supporting artisans and practitioners in exploring new directions and ways of working.

The foundation stone ceremony marked by a plaque unveiling, symbolising the beginning of this new addition to the Kanoria Centre for Arts.

Through this initiative, the Kanoria Centre for Arts continues its long-standing commitment to promoting artistic practices and creating meaningful spaces for learning, exchange, and creative production.

Rupee Breaches 96-Mark for First Time, Hits Historic Low Against Dollar

Mumbai, May 15 (BNP): The Indian Rupee plunged to a historic low on Friday, breaching the 96-mark for the first time against the US Dollar amid rising crude oil prices, a stronger American currency and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

The domestic currency touched an all-time low of 96.14 during intra-day trade in the interbank foreign exchange market, falling 50 paise from its previous close of 95.64 on Thursday. The rupee had opened at 95.86 before slipping further during the trading session.

Forex traders attributed the sharp decline to growing global uncertainty, particularly the intensifying Iran-Israel conflict and concerns over possible disruptions in crude oil supply through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Market experts said investors are increasingly moving towards the US Dollar as a safe-haven asset amid fears of geopolitical instability and volatile energy prices. Rising crude oil costs have also added pressure on the Indian currency, as India remains heavily dependent on oil imports.

According to analysts, the rupee has emerged as one of the worst-performing Asian currencies this year, registering a decline of over six per cent so far in 2026.

Financial observers warned that a prolonged weakness in the rupee could increase import costs, fuel inflationary pressure and impact domestic fuel prices in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India is expected to closely monitor the foreign exchange market to maintain stability.