Category Archives: News

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.

Fuel Prices Hiked Across India as Global Crude Surge Pushes Petrol, Diesel Rates Up

New delhi, May 15 (BNP): Fuel prices across India witnessed a sharp increase on Friday, with petrol and diesel rates rising by up to ₹3 per litre amid escalating global crude oil prices and ongoing supply concerns linked to the prolonged West Asia conflict.

Representational image

The latest revision has pushed petrol prices in Delhi to ₹97.77 per litre, while diesel now costs ₹90.67 per litre. Similar increases were reported in several major cities across the country.

Officials said the hike was necessitated by sustained pressure on international energy markets, where crude oil prices have remained volatile due to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global supply chains. State-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have reportedly been facing heavy financial strain as import costs continue to rise.

The increase is expected to impact transportation expenses, logistics operations, and household budgets, potentially contributing to inflationary pressure in the coming weeks. Market experts believe the revision could also lead to a rise in prices of essential commodities due to higher freight costs.

The government maintained that despite the increase, India has continued to shield consumers from the full burden of global fuel price spikes by absorbing a significant portion of the costs over recent months.

The development has triggered political reactions and public concern, with opposition parties criticising the move and warning of its impact on common citizens already dealing with rising living expenses.

QNu Labs recognized as global leader in quantum key distribution

May, 15 : QNu Labs  a global leader in end-to-end hybrid quantum cybersecurity solutions, has been recognised as a ‘Global Established Leader’ in the MarketsandMarkets 360Quadrants Quantum Key Distribution Company Evaluation Report, 2026, a study that assessed over 170 companies across the global quantum-safe security ecosystem, categorizing the top 17 into Established Leaders.

The evaluation positions QNu Labs among companies operating in the Quantum Key Distribution market, which is gaining momentum as enterprises and governments prioritize next-generation cybersecurity solutions against emerging quantum computing threats. The report highlights quantum-safe security transitioning from an emerging technology area to a strategic priority, with organisations accelerating adoption of solutions capable of securing long-term data protection. The assessment evaluated over 170 companies across product offering, deployment architecture, transmission medium, revenue, geographic presence, and verticals including BFSI, Government and Healthcare, and Automotive, with the top 17 recognised as quadrant leaders.

Within this evolving landscape, QNu Labs is developing quantum-safe communication and encryption technologies based on Quantum Key Distribution and quantum cryptography frameworks for high-security sectors such as government, defence, BFSI, telecom, and critical infrastructure. As highlighted in the 360Quadrants analysis, the industry is increasingly prioritising scalable and deployment-ready solutions that can integrate seamlessly with existing communication infrastructure, an approach that closely aligns with QNu Labs’ focus on enabling real-world adoption of quantum-safe security systems.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Sunil Gupta, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, QNu Labs, said,

“We are entering a defining decade for global cybersecurity, where the conversation is no longer about whether quantum threats will emerge, but about how prepared organisations are to address them. “Being recognised by MarketsandMarkets 360 Quadrants as a leader is a strong endorsement of QNu Labs’ vision, innovation, and execution in quantum-safe cybersecurity. From QKD and QRNG to PQC and crypto-agile platforms, we have built a full-stack portfolio designed to protect the world’s most critical systems. This recognition reinforces our belief that quantum security is no longer a future aspiration  it is a present-day imperative.” This recognition also reflects QNu Labs’ commitment to building indigenous, world-class quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions that are not only technologically advanced, but also deployment-ready for governments, defence, telecom, enterprises, and critical infrastructure. As the quantum threat moves from theory to strategic reality, we believe this recognition validates our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to a quantum-safe future.”

The report also underscores the broader global movement toward post-quantum cryptographic readiness, where enterprises are increasingly expected to adopt security frameworks that can withstand next-generation computational threats.

Adding to this, Ms. Sudiptaa Paul Choudhury, Chief Marketing Officer, QNu Labs, said,

 “Quantum-safe security is rapidly becoming a strategic priority for organisations preparing for the next phase of cybersecurity evolution. This recognition of QNu Labs by MarketsandMarkets 360Quadrants reflects the growing industry confidence in scalable and deployment-ready Quantum Key Distribution solutions and the expanding real-world applications of fiber-based QKD networks, while reinforcing the role of indigenous innovation in building the future-ready secure communication infrastructure that critical sectors worldwide will depend on.

Today, QNu Labs delivers quantum-safe communication capabilities through Quantum Key Distribution systems and quantum cryptography-based platforms designed to secure sensitive data exchanges across high-trust environments. The company’s solutions are built to enable secure key exchange, strengthen communication security, and support organisations in transitioning toward quantum-resilient infrastructure without disrupting existing network systems.

ITR Filing Season Begins as Income Tax Department Launches ITR-1, ITR-4 Utilities

May 15 (BNP): The Income Tax Department has officially started the Income Tax Return (ITR) filing process for Assessment Year 2026-27 with the release of Excel-based offline utilities for ITR-1 and ITR-4 forms on the e-filing portal.

The move enables eligible taxpayers to begin filing returns for income earned during the Financial Year 2025-26. Taxpayers can now download the utilities, fill in income and tax details offline, calculate tax liabilities, generate JSON files, and upload them to the official portal for submission and verification.

The launch marks the beginning of the annual tax filing season and is expected to benefit salaried employees, pensioners, small business owners, and professionals covered under presumptive taxation schemes by allowing them to complete the process well before the deadline.

ITR-1 is applicable for resident individuals with annual income up to ₹50 lakh earned through salary, pension, up to two house properties, and other sources such as bank interest. The form also covers agricultural income up to ₹5,000 and long-term capital gains under Section 112A up to ₹1.25 lakh.

Meanwhile, ITR-4 is designed for resident individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and firms excluding LLPs with income up to ₹50 lakh opting for presumptive taxation schemes under Sections 44AD, 44ADA, and 44AE.

Officials have advised taxpayers to verify PAN, Aadhaar linkage, bank account details, Form 16, and other financial information before filing returns. The department has also encouraged early filing to avoid last-minute technical issues and penalties.

Income Tax Returns are mandatory documents through which taxpayers declare their income, deductions, and tax liabilities to the Income Tax Department. The last date for filing returns without penalty is expected to remain July 31, unless extended by the government.