Category Archives: News

Anytime Fitness India Earns ‘Master Franchise Of The Year ’ At Franchise India Awards 2026 In Fitness Category

New Delhi May 26 : Continuing its strong growth momentum, Anytime Fitness, India’s fastest-growing fitness franchise chain, has recently been awarded with the prestigious ‘Master Franchise of the Year’ in Fitness category at the Franchise India Awards 2026 held at the Yashobhoomi India International Convention and Expo Centre. The recognition highlights another milestone in the brand’s rapid expansion, strong presence and fitness facilities all across India.

The award was received by Head of Marketing – Ryan Rocque; Regional Manager Franchise Sales North and East – Mayank Bhatia and Arvind Raj. The event was attended by some of the world’s biggest franchises, entrepreneurs and business leaders to celebrate innovation and excellence.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director, Anytime Fitness India, said:

“We are extremely delighted to get honoured with the ‘Master Franchise of the Year- Fitness’ award at Franchise India Awards 2026. This marks a significant achievement in our journey towards making a community-driven fitness conscious India. It is truly encouraging to see our efforts, vision and commitment being recognised on such a prestigious platform.”

The award further reinforces Anytime Fitness India as one of the country’s leading fitness franchise brands, driven by its vision of building a healthier, fitter, and more active India. Since entering the Indian market in 2013, the brand has established itself as a convenient, accessible, and quality fitness destination catering to people across different fitness goals and experience levels. Its continued focus on innovation, inclusivity, customer experience, and a sustainable franchise-led growth model has helped build a loyal fitness community while empowering franchise partners nationwide.

Today, Anytime Fitness India operates close to 200 gyms across 45 cities, serving nearly 175,000 members. The company witnessed strong growth momentum over the past year with around 35 new clubs launched, while nearly 50 more are planned this year. Over the next three years, the brand aims to add another 200 gyms, further strengthening its nationwide presence.

While metro cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, continue to drive strong demand, the next phase of expansion is increasingly being led by emerging markets including Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and several other fast-growing cities. These markets are showing greater intent towards structured fitness and wellness investments, reflecting the growing adoption of healthier lifestyles across India. Beyond its fitness centres, the brand has also introduced community-driven initiatives such as FitCraft and Be Fit Fest, bringing together members, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts to celebrate active living and strengthen India’s evolving fitness culture.

CNG Prices Rise Again as Fuel Costs Continue Upward Trend

New Delhi, May 26 (BNP): Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices were increased by ₹2 per kilogram in the national capital on Tuesday, marking yet another rise in fuel costs amid continued volatility in global energy markets and mounting pressure on domestic fuel companies.

 Representational image

With the latest revision by authorities, the price of CNG in Delhi has increased to ₹83.09 per kg from ₹81.09 per kg. The hike comes as part of a series of fuel price revisions witnessed over the past two weeks, during which CNG rates have gone up multiple times.

The revised rates have also impacted neighbouring cities in the National Capital Region (NCR). Consumers in Noida, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida will now pay ₹91.70 per kg, while the price in Gurugram has risen to ₹88.12 per kg. In other cities, CNG prices climbed to ₹92.44 per kg in Ajmer and ₹95 per kg in Chennai.

The latest increase follows a ₹1 per kg hike announced just days ago, making it the fourth upward revision in a short span. Alongside CNG, petrol and diesel prices have also seen repeated increases recently, adding to concerns over rising transportation and household expenses.

Industry experts attribute the continued fuel price surge to elevated global crude oil prices and supply uncertainties linked to tensions in West Asia. Concerns over disruptions around key oil transit routes have intensified market volatility, increasing import costs for countries heavily dependent on energy imports, including India.

The repeated hikes are expected to impact commuters, transport operators and businesses relying on fuel, potentially leading to higher transportation and logistics costs across sectors.

TVS Motor Ranked No 1 Globally for Shareholder Value Creation in Durable Consumer Goods

Chandigarh, May 26 : TVS Motor Company, part of TVS VENU, has been ranked no 1 globally in the ‘Durable Consumer Goods’ category in the annual ‘Best Stocks in the World’, ranking published exclusively by Germany’s leading business weekly WirtschaftsWoche, based on the Boston Consulting Group Value Creators analysis.

WirtschaftsWoche, founded in 1926 and celebrating its centenary this year, is Germany’s largest weekly business publication, widely read by senior executives, institutional investors and corporate decision-makers across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Its annual ‘Best Stocks in the World’ analysis is one of the most widely cited rankings of listed companies in the German-speaking region.

The independent study evaluated more than 2,000 listed companies across 35 industries worldwide. Over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, TVS Motor Company delivered an average annual Total Shareholder Return of approximately 51 per cent   the highest in its global category, ahead of established peers from Japan, China, the United States, and India.

According to the analysis, TVS Motor’s performance was driven primarily by strong revenue growth (22 percentage points) and a premium market valuation (18 percentage points), complemented by improving profitability and continuous strengthening of the balance sheet. Notably, this profile aligns closely with the criteria the study identifies for resilient companies — profitable, growth-oriented, and financially disciplined, with reserves to withstand volatile market conditions.

Professor Sir Ralf Speth, Chief Mentor, TVS Motor Company, comments:

“This recognition by WirtschaftsWoche and BCG is the result of the consistent implementation of Chairman Sudarshan Venu’s clear strategic vision. His passion for the company, deep understanding of markets and customers, openness to new technology, and attentiveness to the workforce create a values-based environment in which creativity and performance can flourish. Equally exemplary is the strong commitment to social responsibility.

With this mindset – the ‘TVS Way’ – and under outstanding corporate leadership, the TVS team wins numerous international awards year after year, including accolades for environmental stewardship and exceptional product quality. TVS is synonymous with quality and a strong commitment to the environment, rooted in the skill of its people and built on manufacturing excellence. In symbiosis with this commitment, the company continues to advance energy‑efficient solutions and strengthen its leadership in electric mobility.

Under TVS Motor Company’s ownership, Norton’s global resurgence is now clear. This storied and deeply revered brand is once again delivering a compelling combination of technology, design integrity and dynamism. I am confident TVS Motor Company is strongly positioned for the future – delivering sustainable growth, strengthening global competitiveness and creating long-term shareholder value – recognition goes to the whole TVS team for their hard work and commitment.”

In its most recent financial year (2025–26), TVS Motor Company has built further on this momentum, recording its highest-ever annual sales of 5.89 million units, a 24 per cent increase year-on-year, with international business growing 33 per cent across more than 90 markets. Revenue grew 30 per cent year-on-year to Rs. 47,270 crore, with operating PBT up 40 per cent to Rs. 4,975 crore and operating EBITDA margin improving 60 basis points to 12.9 per cent.

Puri to Host Second BRICS Technical Meeting on Disaster Management from June 3

Puri, May 26 (BNP): The holy city of Puri is set to host the second technical meeting of BRICS member nations and partner countries from June 3, bringing together delegates, experts, and policymakers for discussions on strengthening global cooperation in disaster management.

According to official information, the high-level meeting will witness participation from representatives of several countries associated with the BRICS grouping, including Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and China.

The conference is expected to serve as a key platform for deliberations on disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, and management, with a focus on enhancing international cooperation and sharing best practices to effectively address natural and man-made disasters.

Experts and policymakers attending the event are likely to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative solutions aimed at improving disaster resilience amid rising climate-related risks and increasing disaster challenges across the globe.

The meeting assumes significance at a time when coordinated international efforts are becoming increasingly crucial to tackle emergencies and climate-induced disasters. Odisha’s hosting of the event is also expected to draw global attention to the state’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, an area in which it has earned recognition over the years.

Administrative authorities are making necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the international gathering in the pilgrim town.

Canopy’s New Report Highlights Fibre Breakthrough in the Fashion Industry

May 26, 2026, VANCOUVER: A new report from environmental nonprofit Canopy shows that wheat straw has the potential to create high-quality, sustainable viscose and lyocell fibre for the fashion industry — reducing reliance on forest fibres, cutting air pollution, and creating new income opportunities for rural communities.

The report, called From Wheat Straw to Wardrobes: Fashioning a new fibre future, reveals the results of a pilot project that tested whether pulp made from Indian wheat straw could be used to create high-quality viscose and lyocell fibres instead of conventional wood-derived pulp.

The results show that wheat straw pulp can not only directly replace wood-based pulp in viscose and lyocell fibre production, but can also create a range of yarns and fabrics that successfully meet brand performance and technical standards across multiple product applications.

Wood-derived pulp is used to create many Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCFs) including viscose and lyocell. These materials are often positioned as more environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fibres such as polyester, and to cotton, due to being derived from trees. However, analysis shows that more than 300 million trees are cut down annually to create these fibres, including from some of the world’s most climate-critical and biodiversity-rich forests. Leaving these forests standing is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce carbon emissions and support the global “30×30” biodiversity target, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and waters by 2030.

The pilot — named Project Latvus — brought together nonprofits Canopy and Fashion for Good, brands C&A, H&M Group, and Reformation, supply chain innovators and manufacturers Chempolis, TITK, Inovafil, Yee Chain, Shahi, Filpucci, and DBL traceability technology provider Textile Genesis and wheat straw supplier A2P (Agri to Power) Energy. The project was supported by Laudes Foundation and built on Spinning Future Threads, an earlier report commissioned by Laudes, which found that agricultural waste could be feasibly sourced as a raw material for textiles. By connecting stakeholders across the supply chain, Project Latvus aimed to integrate every stage of production — from farm to garment — to help identify and solve challenges that often slow the scale-up of new materials.

Representatives from brand Reformation and TITK noted that the fibre closely matched the look and feel of conventional lyocell while meeting performance expectations for commercial applications. Other supply chain partners also reported confidence in the fibre’s potential to scale.

Canopy, who led the project and authored the report, noted that alternative feedstocks play a critical role in diversifying the fashion industry’s fibre basket, reducing reliance on forests, and strengthening supply chain resilience. They also highlight the wider environmental and social benefits of scaling these materials, including reducing air pollution from crop burning and creating new income opportunities for rural farming communities.

In particular, the report highlights India’s potential to become a leader in the production of next-generation MMCFs, due to the country’s large supply of agricultural residue alongside circular textile to textile production systems. Estimates suggest that more than 90 million tonnes of crop residue are burned annually in India, representing a significant untapped resource that could instead be used to create low-impact fibre for textiles and other uses. Scaling this opportunity could help create new income streams for farming communities, strengthen local manufacturing capacity and support the growth of a more circular textile industry. Crop burning is also estimated to contribute to seasonal air pollution in Northern India, where levels of fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 — tiny air pollution particles that can harm human health — have in recent years measured above WHO safety guidelines. 

Canopy is calling on fashion brands to support the scale-up of MMCFs that don’t rely on wood pulp, noting in the report that pooled demand will help these materials achieve price parity and scale quickly.

“Project Latvus shows that the future of fibre is already here. While continued scale-up is needed to optimize efficiency and close the price difference, the direction is clear — Next Gen MMCFs are ready for the next stage of commercial adoption,” said Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of Canopy. “By diversifying feedstocks beyond forests, we have a real opportunity to build a more resilient, circular, and low-impact textile industry.”

Read the full report.

Malaysia Airlines Marks 200th Boeing Aircraft Delivery Milestone with Latest 737-8 Arrival

KLIA, May 25:  Malaysia Airlines today marked the arrival of its Boeing 737-8 aircraft, the fourth of the type delivered to the airline this year, and a milestone that also represents the 200th Boeing aircraft delivered to Malaysia Airlines in its history.

 Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of MAG, said,

“This delivery holds special significance as it marks the 200th Boeing aircraft to join the Malaysia Airlines fleet since 1972. More than just an addition to our fleet, this milestone reflects a long-standing operational history that has supported our capacity growth and fleet evolution over the decades as we continue our deep-seated mission to connecting Malaysia to the world. The introduction of these nextgeneration aircraft will further strengthen our ability to support future growth opportunities and evolving market needs, while continuing to deliver a more modern and comfortable travel experience for our customers.” 

The airline’s fleet history reflects periods of significant scale and ambition, including widebody operations such as the Boeing 747 and Boeing 777, which underscored the airline’s long-haul capabilities and global connectivity during key phases of growth. Together with the evolution of the Boeing 737 family, these aircraft reflect how the airline that has continuously adapted, modernised, and expanded its reach over the decades. 

Today’s aircraft, bearing registration number 9M-MVR, departed from Boeing’s Seattle Delivery Centre on 21 May 2026 at 2:00pm local time and made refuelling stops in Honolulu and Guam before continuing its journey home to Malaysia. Operated as flight MH5045, the aircraft was flown by Captain Arian Syazwara B. Adenan, Captain Mohd Aidilputra bin Abd Razak and First Officer Ahmad Asnawi bin Ahmad Rahman, and landed at KL International Airport  on 24 May 2026 at 1:30pm after a a total flight time of 19 hours 44 minutes. 

he latest addition reflects Malaysia Aviation Group’s  continued focus on fleet modernisation as it strengthens network connectivity, improves efficiency and enhances the travel experience across its network. The Boeing 737-8 plays an important role in supporting the Group’s narrowbody operations with greater fuel efficiency, improved reliability and enhanced passenger comfort.  

To date, MAG has taken delivery of 18 Boeing 737-8 aircraft from its total order of 55 Boeing narrowbody aircraft, comprising 43 Boeing 737-8s and 12 Boeing 737-10s, with deliveries scheduled through to 2030.

KIIT International Chess Festival 2026 Opens in Bhubaneswar With Global Participation

Bhubaneswar, May 25 (BNP): The 17th edition of the KIIT International Chess Festival commenced at the KIIT campus in Bhubaneswar, bringing together thousands of players, officials and chess enthusiasts from across the globe for one of India’s largest international chess tournaments.

Organised by KIIT Deemed to be University in association with International Chess Federation, All India Chess Federation and the Odisha Chess Association, the tournament is being held from May 23 to 30 and features a record prize pool of ₹1.31 crore — the highest offered by any university-hosted chess event in India.

The festival has drawn participation from over 40 countries, with around 4,000 players, officials and accompanying delegates attending the event. The tournament features a strong international field, including 25 Grandmasters, 50 International Masters and more than 85 title holders, reflecting its growing stature in the global chess calendar.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Achyuta Samanta said KIIT has consistently promoted sports alongside academics and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting chess and nurturing young talent. He also acknowledged the support of FIDE, AICF and the Odisha Chess Association in helping the festival evolve into a globally recognised competition.

Tournament Director Sekhar Ranjan Sahoo said nearly 2,800 players are competing in this edition and described the event as one of the richest chess festivals globally. He expressed optimism that participation would continue to grow in future editions.

Organising committee president Ranjan Kumar Mohanty noted that the tournament, which started in 2011 with a prize pool of ₹16 lakh, has grown significantly over the years to become an internationally recognised event.

Vice Chancellor of KIIT-DU Saranjit Singh highlighted the importance of sports infrastructure in producing world-class athletes and said institutions must create a supportive ecosystem for talent development.

The week-long championship is expected to further strengthen Odisha’s position as an emerging destination for international sporting and intellectual events while providing young players with valuable global exposure.

CBSE Overhauls Payment System; PSU Banks, IIT Experts to Fix Re-Evaluation Glitches

New Delhi, May 25 (BNP): In response to widespread technical glitches and payment-related issues faced by students during the CBSE post-result and re-evaluation process, the Centre has initiated a major overhaul of the payment and digital infrastructure of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

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Following discussions between Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, it has been decided that four public sector banks — State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and Indian Bank — will assist CBSE in strengthening its payment gateway system and integrating secure payment mechanisms with its post-examination services portal.

The move comes after students and parents raised concerns over failed transactions, portal instability and delays in accessing re-evaluation services following board examination results. Officials said the upgraded payment framework will introduce stronger digital payment protocols, help resolve transaction glitches and facilitate automatic refunds in cases of excess or failed payments.

In a parallel intervention, the Education Ministry has also directed CBSE to undertake a complete review of its digital systems to ensure a seamless and student-friendly experience. Expert teams comprising professors and technical specialists from Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur will be deployed to assist the board in improving portal stability, server performance, IT infrastructure and authentication systems.

The expert teams are expected to assess the overall robustness of CBSE’s online platform and recommend corrective measures to ensure a glitch-free re-evaluation process, smoother user access and improved payment efficiency.

Reiterating that student welfare remains the top priority, Pradhan directed CBSE to implement corrective measures on an urgent basis to ensure transparency, reliability and a hassle-free experience for students availing post-result services.

Slow travel and shorter journeys emerge as defining summer travel trend for 2026

In 2026, luxury travel is becoming more intentional, with travellers increasingly choosing shorter, slower, and more meaningful escapes over long, exhaustive holidays. The focus is shifting from covering multiple destinations to experiencing a place more deeply, whether through wellness, nature, culture, or simple moments of pause. From restorative retreats nestled in the mountains to heritage stays steeped in local storytelling, these short-haul getaways offer the luxury of ease, accessibility, and emotional connection. As travellers prioritise balance, flexibility, and mindful living, the rise of closer-to-home escapes is redefining what modern summer travel looks like.

Culture-Led Escape – Close to Home

voco Amritsar

Set in the heart of one of India’s most culturally rich cities, voco Amritsar offers travellers a short haul escape that blends heritage, comfort, and immersive local experiences. Located close to the Golden Temple and the city’s historic old lanes, voco Amritsar features 139 contemporary rooms designed for a relaxed and comfortable stay. Guests can also unwind over leisurely meals at Saffron – all day dining, sundowners and rooftop evenings at Plum Lounge, or rejuvenating wellness experiences at Tattva Spa. Through thoughtfully curated experiences including heritage walks, local dining, and cultural discovery, voco Amritsar reflects the growing shift towards slower, experience-led getaways, that feel both restorative and deeply connected to place.

Heritage & Wellness Escapes – Slow Living in Regal Surroundings

Six Senses Fort Barwara

Set within a restored 14th-century fort in Rajasthan, Six Senses Fort Barwara offers a slower, more intentional style of escape shaped by heritage, wellness, and a strong sense of place. Within easy reach of major North Indian cities, the retreat brings together royal history, holistic wellness experiences, locally inspired cuisine, and the quiet serenity of the fort’s surroundings. From unhurried mornings overlooking the Aravallis to restorative spa rituals and immersive cultural experiences, the property reflects the growing shift toward travel that feels restorative, personal, and deeply connected to its destination.

Wellness Retreats – Reset, Rebalance, Restore

Six Senses Vana

As wellness continues to define modern travel, short-haul retreats are increasingly becoming spaces for genuine reset. Nestled within Dehradun’s sal forests, Six Senses Vana offers personalised wellness journeys rooted in holistic healing, mindfulness, and ancient therapies. With its deeply immersive approach to wellbeing, the retreat reflects a growing preference for purpose-driven escapes where rest, balance, and inner wellbeing take precedence over packed itineraries.

Nature-Led Escapes – Into the Wild, Without the Distance

Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa

Set between the Malani Hills and the tranquil Kosi River, Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa offers a slower, more restorative escape from the pace of city life. Just a few hours from Delhi NCR, the resort brings together wild landscapes, sunrise safaris, riverside trails, Ayurvedic therapies at Quan Spa, Kumaoni flavours at The Corbett Kitchen, and nature-inspired cocktails at Sal Bar. Whether travelling solo, with friends, or family, it’s an ideal setting for a mindful summer getaway immersed in nature.

Familiar Favourites – Comfort in the Known

Holiday Inn Resort Goa

In an era of uncertainty and fast-paced lives, travellers are returning to destinations that feel familiar yet indulgent. Goa continues to lead this sentiment, with trusted stays offering comfort, accessibility, and ease. Holiday Inn Resort Goa embodies this shift, where repeat visits are less about novelty and more about effortless relaxation and rediscovering joy in the familiar.

Padma Shri 2026 for Devaki Amma G. for Extraordinary Contribution to Conservation

Alappuzha(Kerala), May 24 (BNP): Veteran environmentalist Devaki Amma G will be honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri 2026 for her extraordinary contribution to environmental conservation and afforestation. The 92-year-old conservationist from Muthukulam in Kerala’s Alappuzha district has earned national recognition for transforming barren land into a thriving green ecosystem through decades of tireless dedication.

Over the last four decades, Devaki Amma single-handedly developed a five-acre man-made forest, popularly known as “Tapovanam,” on sandy and once unproductive ancestral land. What began as a personal effort gradually evolved into a self-sustaining ecosystem with thousands of trees, medicinal plants, birds, insects, and aquatic life, making it a model of grassroots environmental restoration.

Recognised among the country’s “unsung heroes,” Devaki Amma has been honoured for her unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation and afforestation. Despite physical challenges and limited institutional support, she continued planting and nurturing saplings for over 40 years, inspiring generations through her dedication to protecting nature.

Today, Tapovanam serves as a living classroom for students, researchers, and environmental enthusiasts, while also offering medicinal resources to local communities. Devaki Amma’s Padma Shri recognition highlights the importance of individual efforts in ecological preservation and sustainable living.