Category Archives: News

Vedanta’s INR1 Lakh-Crore Odisha Projects to Be Monitored Every 15 Days: CM

Bhubaneswar, May 28 (BNP): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday assured that the progress of Vedanta Group’s proposed investment projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore in Odisha will be monitored through reviews every 15 days to ensure their timely execution and smooth implementation.

The assurance was given during a meeting between the Chief Minister and Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, where discussions focused on accelerating the company’s planned investments and strengthening Odisha’s industrial growth trajectory.

According to an official statement, the State Government has committed to closely tracking the progress of the proposed projects to address bottlenecks, facilitate faster clearances, and ensure seamless coordination between departments.

The Chief Minister reiterated Odisha’s commitment to becoming a leading industrial destination and emphasised the government’s proactive approach towards supporting large-scale investments that generate employment, infrastructure growth, and economic development.

Vedanta Group’s proposed investments, estimated at over ₹1 lakh crore, are expected to significantly contribute to the State’s industrial ecosystem and create fresh opportunities across multiple sectors.

Majhi further stressed that regular monitoring at short intervals would help maintain momentum and ensure that the projects move forward within stipulated timelines.

Europe Reels Under Historic Heatwave as Temperatures Soar Across Britain, France and Spain

London/New Delhi, May 28 (BNP): Not only India, but several parts of Europe are also grappling with record-breaking summer heat as an extreme “heat dome” triggers unprecedented temperatures across Britain, France, and Spain, raising alarms over public health, infrastructure stress, and the growing impact of climate change.

 Representational image

Meteorologists said the severe early-summer heatwave has been driven by a high-pressure system trapping hot air originating from North Africa, resulting in unusually high temperatures across the continent and shattering decades-old weather records.

Britain recorded its hottest May day in history, with temperatures at London’s Kew Gardens soaring to 34.8°C, surpassing previous records and intensifying concerns over heat-related health risks. In Spain, temperatures in several regions climbed to a scorching 46°C, placing significant strain on power grids, agriculture, and water resources.

France has also witnessed unusually high early-summer temperatures, with major cities reporting sweltering conditions that prompted authorities to issue health advisories and emergency warnings for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children.

Experts warned that the intensity and unusually early arrival of the heatwave underline a worrying climate trend, with extreme weather events becoming increasingly frequent and severe across Europe. Similar to the intense summer experienced in India, the European heatwave has once again highlighted the growing global challenge posed by climate change.

Authorities across affected countries have urged residents to remain hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and follow local weather advisories as the extreme conditions continue.

Folks House Names Smriti Papreja Principal to Drive Strategic Advisory, Governance, and Institutional Engagement

New Delhi, May 28 : Folks House, the strategic advisory and financial services platform within the wider Folks ecosystem, is pleased to announce the appointment of Smriti Papreja as Principal, Folks House, to represent the platform in strategic advisory, institutional positioning, governance, legal strategy and stakeholder engagement initiatives for Folks Funds and Folks Foundation.

Folks House has been established to help businesses, founders, family enterprises, institutions and growth-stage companies navigate growth, transformation and long-term value creation in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The platform operates at the intersection of strategic advisory, financial services, institutional development and legacy creation, with a focus on helping enterprises move beyond transactional growth toward institutional significance.

In her role, Smriti Papreja will support Folks Funds and Folks Foundation across advisory-led initiatives involving institutional engagement, fund positioning, governance frameworks, stakeholder communications, legal and regulatory perspective, ecosystem alignment and long-term value creation.

Folks Funds represents the investment engine of the Folks ecosystem, focused on enabling long-term capital deployment across industrial transformation, infrastructure, sustainability-linked sectors and emerging asset classes.

Folks Foundation represents the impact and purpose-led layer of the ecosystem, focused on advancing long-term social, ecological and institutional outcomes. Through this alignment, Folks House will support both platforms in strengthening credibility, governance, institutional readiness and stakeholder trust.

Smriti brings over six years of experience across Intellectual Property Rights, commercial matters and constitutional matters. A graduate of Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, and Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, she has advised and represented leading organizations including Delhivery and Metalman on matters relating to the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Her multidisciplinary experience across legal strategy, stakeholder engagement and complex commercial matters positions her strongly to represent Folks House in supporting the broader Folks ecosystem across capital, advisory, governance and impact-led initiatives.

Commenting on the appointment, Smriti Papreja, Principal, Folks House, said,

“Folks Funds and Folks Foundation represent two important dimensions of the Folks ecosystem, capital and purpose. Through Folks House, our role is to bring strategic clarity, governance thinking, legal perspective and institutional advisory depth to support both platforms. The future belongs to organizations that combine capital with responsibility, and growth with long-term institutional discipline.”

Folks House’s core philosophy is rooted in the belief that: Businesses create value. Brands create influence. Institutions create legacy.

Through this appointment, Folks House aims to further strengthen the institutional architecture of the Folks ecosystem by supporting Folks Funds and Folks Foundation in building a credible, governance-led and purpose-aligned presence across investors, stakeholders, partners and institutions.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Scripts IPL History, Smashes Record 65 Sixes

New Delhi, May 28 (BNP): Fifteen-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals scripted history in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), smashing the highest number of sixes ever recorded in a single edition of the tournament and surpassing a long-standing milestone set by Chris Gayle.

The teenage cricketer hammered an astonishing 65 sixes during the season, officially breaking Gayle’s 14-year-old record for the most sixes in one IPL edition. Gayle had previously held the record after blasting 59 sixes during a dominant season in 2012.

Sooryavanshi’s fearless stroke play and explosive batting emerged as one of the biggest highlights of IPL 2026, with the young Rajasthan Royals batter consistently dismantling bowling attacks through the tournament.

Cricket experts and fans have hailed the achievement as a landmark moment in IPL history, considering the record had stood untouched for over a decade despite the league witnessing some of the biggest power-hitters in world cricket.

The record-breaking feat has further cemented Sooryavanshi’s status as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket, with his remarkable consistency and attacking approach drawing widespread praise throughout the season.

PM Modi Pays Tribute to Veer Savarkar on Jayanti, Highlights Courage and Patriotism

New Delhi, May 28 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary, remembering his courage, patriotism, and contributions to social reform through a post on social media platform X.

In his message, the Prime Minister said Veer Savarkar’s bravery and nationalist spirit would continue to inspire generations. He also highlighted Savarkar’s intellectual contributions and emphasis on social reform.

“Remembering Veer Savarkar on his Jayanti. His courage and patriotism will always inspire people. His intellect and emphasis on social reform are also noteworthy,” the Prime Minister wrote in a post on X.

The Prime Minister paid homage to Savarkar’s role as a freedom fighter and nationalist thinker, noting that his life and ideals continue to inspire people across the country. Tributes were also paid by leaders and supporters on the occasion of Veer Savarkar’s Jayanti.

Paradip Set for Industrial Boost as CM Launches JSW Utkal Steel Plant Project

Paradip, May 28 (BNP): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the ambitious JSW Utkal Steel Plant project in Paradip, formally launching one of the State’s biggest industrial investments aimed at transforming the coastal region into a major manufacturing hub.

The mega integrated steel plant is coming up in the Dhinkia area near Paradip, on the land parcel that had earlier been allotted to the proposed South Korean steel giant POSCO project before it was shelved. The revival of industrial activity in the region marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s push for large-scale industrialisation and port-led economic development.

Designed with an initial production capacity of 13.2 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA), the project is expected to emerge as one of the largest integrated steel manufacturing facilities in the country. The first phase of the project involves an investment of ₹65,000 crore, with total investments projected to touch ₹1 lakh crore in subsequent expansion phases.

Apart from steel manufacturing, the integrated facility will include a 900 MW captive power plant, a dedicated cement grinding unit, and a captive jetty near Paradip Port to facilitate seamless handling of raw materials and exports.

Officials said the project is expected to strengthen Odisha’s industrial ecosystem by linking mineral-rich hinterlands with global maritime trade routes through Paradip’s strategic port infrastructure. The development is also likely to generate substantial employment opportunities and stimulate ancillary industries in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reiterated the State Government’s commitment to making Paradip a major industrial growth centre, adding that mega investments such as the JSW project would accelerate economic growth and infrastructure development while creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Shoppers Stop Launches BTS Album ARIRANG in India with Exclusive Fan Experience

Mumbai,  May 28: Shoppers Stop, India’s premium fashion, beauty and gifting destination, announced the availability of BTS’ highly anticipated fifth studio album ARIRANG across the country. Marking the comeback of the decade by the pop royalty, th release brings one of the most significant global music moments closer to Indian fans.

To enhance the fan experience, Shoppers Stop introduced dedicated in-store experience zones. These curated spaces will allow customers to engage with the album through immersive displays, photo opportunities, and a BTS-inspired environment, bringing fans closer to the music and the moment.

Commenting on the same, Kavindra Mishra, Customer Care Associate, Managing Director and CEO, Shoppers Stop said;

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Bringing BTS’  ARIRANG to select Shoppers Stop stores is an extension of that commitment, giving fans access to an exclusive in-store experience. With the growing influence of global music and fandom culture, we see this as an opportunity to connect more deeply with our younger customers and deliver experiences that go beyond traditional retail.”

Positioned as a collectible, ARIRANG features the CD, photo card set, and more making it a must-have for and collectors alike. Inspired by the traditional Korean folk song ‘Arirang’, the album blends BTS’ Korean roots with universal themes of identity, emotion, and resilience, resonating across cultures and generations.

The 14-track album showcases BTS’ artistic evolution, ranging from high-energy anthems like and to introspective tracks such as and . The “ anchors the album with its message of resilience and moving forward through life’s

With this initiative, Shoppers Stop continues to strengthen its connection with youth culture, offering customers access to global trends and fandom-driven experiences, while transforming its stores into experiential destinations that go beyond traditional retail.

fifth studio album is available in select Shoppers Stop Stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Noida, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Gujarat, Goa, Jaipur, Guwahati, Chandigarh, Shillong and more.

Swaranjali Delhi to Organise ‘Shraddhanjali 2026’ in Bhubaneswar on June 20

Bhubaneswar: Renowned cultural organisation Swaranjali Delhi is set to present Shraddhanjali 2026, a special evening dedicated to Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi, on June 20, 2026, at Gita Govinda Sadan, Jayadev Bhawan, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar.

The cultural programme, organised in association with Shreyas Webmedia Solutions, which is also the official media partner for the event, will begin at 5 PM and feature an array of classical music and dance performances by eminent artistes and young talents.

The event will showcase an Odissi dance recital by noted artiste Ms. Geet Mullick, while the disciples of Shri Avimanyu Sahoo from Sishuniketan School, Mancheswar, will present a group vocal performance.

Music lovers will also witness a Sitar and Sarod duet by Shri Jeeban Prakash Das and Shri Sandeep Rout. The programme further includes a vocal recital by Smt. Bilambita Banisudha and a solo sitar performance by Shri Subrata De.

The accompanying artistes for the evening include Shri Pran Prakash Das, Shri Lalit Kumar Kar, Shri Kulamani Sahoo and Shri Dhaneswar Ojha. The event will be anchored by Vidwan Shri Alok Das.

Organisers said the event aims to pay tribute to the immense contribution of Guru Late Suramani Bauri Bandhu Sethi towards Indian classical music and culture while bringing together distinguished artistes and audiences on a common cultural platform.

Art enthusiasts, music lovers and members of the cultural fraternity have been cordially invited to attend the programme.

For further details and RSVP, interested persons may contact 9910300319, 8447507053 or 9937001349.

Websites:
www.swaranjali.org
shreyaswebmediasolutions.com

Global Citizen Solutions ranks 15 active citizenship programs in Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026

London – May 27, 2026 — Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), a leading citizenship and residency advisory firm, today releases the Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 (GCP Index 2026) — an independent, data-driven assessment of active sovereign Citizenship Programs worldwide. The 2026 edition evaluates fifteen schemes across five continents through eighteen performance indicators grouped in five thematic sub-indexes: Procedure, Mobility, Tax Optimization, Quality of Life, Investment, and two cross-cutting indicators: Compliance and Credibility.

Published over forty years after the Saint Kitts and Nevis Act of 1984 created the world’s first investment migration program, the GCP Index 2026 arrives at a moment of genuine structural change. The 2026 edition spanning five continents — from the Eastern Caribbean to Europe, the Pacific, MENA, and an emerging African presence — reflects an industry that has grown far beyond its island origins. The overarching finding is that the market is consolidating governance quality rather than price, with compliance, not cost, now the primary axis of competition across all regions.

“The most important shift in our industry is no longer about which single program is best suited to your needs, but about which combination of programs is the right one,” said Patricia Casaburi, CEO, Global Citizen Solutions. “Families today are constructing citizenship portfolios of mobility, tax residence, and legal access that reflect a far more sophisticated understanding of risk, opportunity, and belonging in a fragmented world. The 2026 GCPI reflects that reality. It assesses each program on its own merits, but it is designed to be read as a map: showing where each jurisdiction excels, where it falls short, and how it fits into the broader strategic picture our clients are building.”

Caribbean: Governance over Price

The five Eastern Caribbean nations — St. Kitts and Nevis (93.08), Antigua and Barbuda (90.64), Grenada (87.87), Dominica (87.19), and St. Lucia (86.29) — sweep the top five positions. The competitive story here is not dominance by default: the October 2025 ratification of ECCIRA, the first unified regional CBI regulator in the industry’s history, and a Memorandum of Understanding explicitly establishing a minimum investment threshold of no less than $200.000 together mark a structural shift from competing national programs toward a single, regulated regional market.

 Europe: Unmatched Mobility and Quality of Life in Austria & Malta

Two of Europe’s programs — Malta’s Citizenship by Merit (83.58) and Austria’s Citizenship by Merit (80.12) — lead the global index on two of its most applicant-critical dimensions. Austria records a perfect Mobility score of 100.0, providing access to 185 visa-free destinations, and leads Quality of Life at 90.6. Malta’s full EU and Schengen access underpins its 98.5 Mobility score. Compliance is equally the European strength: Austria (95) and Malta (93) sit at the top of the global governance ranking — a position that directly translates into banking access and long-term program durability.

Pacific: A New Budget Tier and Zero-Tax Proposition in Vanuatu & Nauru

The 2026 cycle’s most significant supply-side development is the emergence of a credible budget tier below $150,000 USD. Vanuatu (86.14) and Nauru (83.64) both achieve perfect Tax Optimization scores of 100.0 — the only programs in the index to do so — on the strength of fully zero-tax regimes covering income, corporate, capital gains, wealth, and inheritance. Processing windows of two to four months are also the fastest in the global market.

Middle East, Turkey and Africa: Scale, Strategic Positioning and Emerging Markets

Türkiye (77.41), Jordan (74.83), and Egypt (69.51) offer a value proposition unavailable elsewhere: access to large domestic economies, and in Türkiye’s case, NATO membership and EU customs union access in case, due to its geostrategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and US E-2 Treaty eligibility (under three-year domicile requirement rule)— a combination no other citizenship program can match. Jordan’s 2025 reforms repositioned its program around active job creation. The region’s structural weakness is consistent: worldwide tax systems weigh Tax Optimization scores across all three. Africa’s São Tomé and Príncipe (71.23) meanwhile launched a development-linked framework in 2025.

The Portfolio Model Replaces the Single-Program Approach

Across all regions, the 2026 Index reflects a deeper behavioural shift among applicants. Ultra-high-net-worth families are no longer seeking a single best programme — they are constructing diversified portfolios of citizenship, residence, and digital access rights calibrated to risk profile, time horizon, and tax footprint. The GCP Index has been designed to serve that question: assessing each program on its own merits while functioning as a map of where each jurisdiction excels, where it falls short, and how it fits into a broader strategic picture.

“For the small island states of the Eastern Caribbean, citizenship by investment is a development engine that has translated mobility demand into schools, hospitals, climate-resilient housing, and post-disaster reconstruction,” said Joe Rice, Head of Caribbean Programs, Global Citizen Solutions. “The GCP Index captures the technical strength of these programs, but the deeper story is what they make possible: a model in which sovereign reputation, family legacy, and national development are mutually reinforcing.”

“At Global Citizen Solutions, we believe that informed decisions begin with rigorous data,” said Dr. Laura Madrid, Lead Researcher, Global Intelligence Unit, Global Citizen Solutions. “This Index is our contribution to a more transparent, evidence-based industry: a framework that allows applicants, policymakers, and practitioners to evaluate 15 programs against the dimensions that genuinely matter: procedural integrity, mobility, fiscal environment, quality of life, and institutional credibility.”

NABARD Hosts Lecture on ‘Developed India 2047’ in Memory of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

New Delhi, May 27: In the memory of Baba Saheb, NABARD, New Delhi Regional Office organized an inspirational lecture series on the topic ‘Developed India 2047 – Relevance of the thoughts of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar (Baba Saheb)’.

The event was graced by the presence of  Dr. Sanjay Paswan, former Union Minister of State (Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology) as the Chief Guest. Dr. Sanjay Paswan is a prominent Dalit thinker and has edited the 14-volume ‘Encyclopedia of Dalits in India’.

The programme was presided over by Shri BB Ghadge, National General Secretary, All India NABARD Progressive Employees Welfare Association.

The event was attended by Sh. Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD New Delhi Regional Office, along with Dr. Har Gopal Yandra, Managing Director, NABCONS and office staff members and NABCONS personnel. Special invitations were also given to sanitation workers, security guards, maintenance personnel, and others.

First of all, the guests present offered flowers and garlands on the statue of Baba Saheb, after which in the welcome speech by Mr. Manjeet Siwan, Secretary of NABARD Delhi Progressive Employees Welfare Association threw light on the ideology of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. Mrs. Anita Rana, Development Assistant, recited a self-composed poem based on the life of Baba Saheb.

In his address, Dr. Sanjay Paswan highlighted the relevance of Baba Saheb’s ideas for India’s social and economic development and underlined their role in building an inclusive and strong nation by 2047. He particularly highlighted his vision for rural development, social inclusion, and ensuring equal opportunity which is crucial in today’s times.

Shri B.B. Ghadge, National General Secretary, All India NABARD Progressive Employees Welfare Association, while mentioning various initiatives of NABARD, said that the organization is committed to inclusive development inspired by the principles of Baba Saheb to achieve the goal of “Developed India 2047”.

In his address, Sh. Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, highlighted NABARD’s transformative journey over the past four decades and its vital role in rural development. He also stated that achieving the vision of “Developed India 2047” depends on strengthening the rural economy, strengthening the institutional framework, and ensuring inclusive and sustainable development.

Dr. Har Gopal Yandra, Managing Director, NABCONS, in his address, emphasized the historical significance of the CRAFICARD Committee, whose recommendations led to the establishment of NABARD in 1982 as a dedicated development financial institution to meet the credit and development needs of agriculture and rural areas. He also underlined that NABARD’s operations are in accordance with the constitutional ideals of social justice, inclusive growth, and equal opportunity.

The discussions at the lecture reaffirmed that the principles propounded by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—especially social justice, inclusiveness, and economic empowerment—remain highly relevant today for achieving the goals of a ‘Developed India 2047’.

Officers and employees actively participated in the program and deliberated on the topic. All participants in the lecture series were encouraged to reflect on their contributions to nation-building.

The program was moderated by Mrs. Sheena, Assistant Manager, and organized in collaboration with the NABARD Progressive Employees Welfare Association.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Samarth Rai, Assistant Manager.