1, Jun 2026
200 Over Students Celebrate Learning, Creativity, and Fun at OWIS Summer Camp 2026
Bengaluru, June 1: One World International School successfully concluded its much-awaited OWIS Summer Camp 2026 across its Sarjapur and Whitefield campuses. Bringing together more than 200 enthusiastic young learners, the camp offered an exciting blend of fun, fitness, creativity, friendship, and skill development. Over the course of the programme, students immersed themselves in a variety of engaging activities, discovering new interests, building confidence, and creating lasting memories.
Designed for students across multiple age groups, the camp offered a diverse range of activities spanning sports, wellness, performing arts, and creative expression, including Football, Basketball, Swimming, Skating, Yoga, Art & Craft, Athletics, Chess, Cricket, Dance, Music, and Martial Arts. With the flexibility to choose two activities based on their interests, each child enjoyed a personalised experience that encouraged both learning and self-discovery.
Speaking on the successful completion of the programme, Ms. Aparna Achanta, Principal, OWIS, Sarjapur, said,
“Summer breaks offer children a valuable opportunity to develop skills beyond academics, especially in non-scholastic areas that nurture confidence, creativity, and personal growth. Through OWIS Summer Camp 2026, we aimed to create a fun and engaging environment where children could explore new interests and stay active. It was wonderful to see students from OWIS and neighbouring schools participate with such enthusiasm, building friendships, confidence, and new skills along the way.”
Adding further, Ms. Madhu Khanna, Principal, OWIS Whitefield, said,
“At OWIS, we strongly believe that learning extends far beyond academics, and initiatives like our summer camp play an important role in nurturing creativity, teamwork, resilience, and self-expression among children. The overwhelming response to OWIS Summer Camp 2026 reflects the growing importance of experiential learning and well-rounded development for young learners. We are delighted to have created a joyful and engaging summer experience for students across both campuses.”
The camp also ensured a comfortable and student-friendly experience, with refreshments provided to all participants, coaching equipment arranged by the school, and transport available to enrolled students who opted for the service. Participation certificates were awarded to all students at the conclusion of the programme in recognition of their active involvement and enthusiasm throughout the camp.
With the successful conclusion of the summer camp, One World International School continues to strengthen its commitment towards creating meaningful learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom education. Known for its learner-centric approach, global outlook, and emphasis on holistic development, the school consistently provides platforms that encourage students to discover their interests, build confidence, and grow into well-rounded individuals.
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- By Neel Achary
1, Jun 2026
CBSE to Soon Activate Class 12 Re-Evaluation, Verification Portal; Students Asked to Await Official Notice
New Delhi, June 1 (BNP): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the online portal for Class 12 post-result verification of marks and re-evaluation will be activated soon, bringing clarity to students awaiting the application process following board examination results.
Representational image
The update comes amid growing concerns among students over delays in the activation of post-result services, which allow candidates to seek verification of marks and request re-evaluation of answer sheets.
Responding to queries raised by students on social media platform X, CBSE confirmed that the verification and re-evaluation portal would go live shortly and stated that a detailed official announcement would follow.
The board had earlier indicated that the portal was expected to open during the final week of May. However, activation was reportedly deferred to ensure a secure, transparent and error-free process for handling post-result applications.
Once operational, the portal will enable eligible students to apply for various post-result services, including verification of marks, access to photocopies of evaluated answer sheets and re-evaluation of specific responses as per prescribed guidelines.
Under the verification process, CBSE examines whether all answers have been evaluated, marks correctly totalled and final scores accurately uploaded. Students dissatisfied with their performance may subsequently apply for re-evaluation, subject to eligibility norms and procedural requirements.
Officials are expected to release detailed instructions regarding application dates, service fees, timelines and submission procedures shortly after the portal is activated.
Meanwhile, students have been advised to regularly monitor official CBSE websites and notifications for updates and keep important credentials, including roll numbers and admit card details, readily available to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
CBSE officials reiterated that students are not required to take any immediate action and should wait for the formal notification before initiating post-result applications.
1, Jun 2026
Renault records ninth consecutive month of wholesale growth
Mumbai, June 1: Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Group, recorded its ninth consecutive month of wholesale growth in May 2026, extending a strong growth streak that began in September 2025.
Between September 2025 and May 2026, Renault India achieved cumulative wholesales of 38,225 units, reflecting a robust 46% growth compared to the same period last year.
In May 2026, Renault was one of only two passenger vehicle manufacturers in India to record positive retail sales growth, according to VAAHAN data. The company also reported a 64% year-on-year increase in wholesales during the month, underscoring the strength of customer demand and Renault’s growing presence in the Indian market.
The sustained growth momentum reflects Renault India’s continued focus on delivering products that resonate with Indian customers while strengthening its position in one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets.
1, Jun 2026
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to Hold Thanksgiving Meeting in Tiruchirappalli, Attendance Restricted to Pass Holders
Tiruchirappalli, June 1 (BNP): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay is scheduled to visit Tiruchirappalli today to participate in a thanksgiving public meeting at the St Joseph’s College ground near Chathiram Bus Stand, organised to express gratitude to voters and supporters from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency.
The event has been arranged to acknowledge public support received during the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, in which Vijay-led TVK secured a decisive mandate to form the government. Vijay had contested from two constituencies — Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East — winning both seats before later resigning from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency after assuming office as Chief Minister.
Despite stepping down from the constituency, Vijay is expected to personally thank party workers, supporters and voters in Tiruchirappalli district during the gathering.
According to organisers, Vijay will arrive at Tiruchirappalli Airport from Chennai by a special flight before proceeding to the venue, where extensive preparations and security arrangements have been made.
Unlike a conventional mass rally, attendance at the event will be strictly regulated through QR code-enabled entry passes, with participation capped at around 5,000 people. Organisers clarified that entry will not be permitted without valid authorisation under any circumstances.
As a precautionary measure, passes were reportedly not issued to pregnant women, children, school students, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals and people with health concerns, while authorities advised such groups to avoid attending the programme.
Police and administrative officials have issued guidelines regarding designated parking areas to minimise traffic disruption near the venue. Drinking water, medical support and other basic facilities have also been arranged for attendees.
Meanwhile, party workers and members of the public unable to secure entry passes have been encouraged to follow the event through television broadcasts and live social media coverage to ensure smooth management of the programme.
The thanksgiving meeting is expected to draw political attention in Tamil Nadu as Vijay continues to consolidate his leadership following the party’s electoral success.
1, Jun 2026
Mercom Capital Group Smart Grid Companies Attract Dollar 1.1 Billion in Corporate Funding in Q1 2026
June 01: Mercom Capital Group, LLC, an integrated communications, research, and media firm focused exclusively on clean energy markets, released its report on funding and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity for the global Smart Grid sector for the first quarter of 2026.
Corporate funding for Smart Grid companies, including venture capital (VC) funding, debt, and public market financing, totaled $1.1 billion across 16 deals in Q1 2026, representing a 115% increase year-over-year (YoY) compared to the $530 million raised in 21 deals in Q1 2025.
CHART: Smart Grid Corporate Funding Q1 2025-Q1 2026
“Rising power demand, grid reliability concerns, and increasing distributed energy deployment continue to drive investment in Smart Grid technologies,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO at Mercom Capital Group. “Funding activity in Q1 2026 reflected continued investor interest in Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Grid Optimization, and Smart Grid Communications technologies.”
VC funding for Smart Grid companies increased 8% YoY, with $373 million raised in 14 deals in Q1 2026 compared to $346 million in 18 deals in Q1 2025.
Smart Grid Communications companies accounted for the largest share of VC funding in Q1 2026, followed by Smart Charging and Advanced Meter Infrastructure.
The top Smart Grid VC funding deals in Q1 2026 included SPAN, which raised $163 million, plus an additional $75 million financing from Eaton; metiundo, which raised $48 million; Mitra EV, which raised $27 million; and Statiq, which raised $18 million.
CHART: Smart Grid Top 5 VC Funded Deals in Q1 2026
Announced debt and public market financing for the Smart Grid sector totaled $767 million across two deals in Q1 2026, up 317% compared to $184 million across three deals in Q1 2025.
Smart Grid corporate M&A activity included five transactions in Q1 2026. Smart Charging companies accounted for the highest number of acquisitions during the quarter.
1, Jun 2026
SunCharge Motors Secures Seed Funding from JITO Incubation & Innovation Foundation to Accelerate Infrastructure-Driven EV Innovation
June 1 : India’s electric mobility sector is entering a phase where infrastructure limitations are becoming one of the biggest barriers to scalable adoption. While much of the market continues to focus on vehicle design, charging speed, and pricing, SunCharge Motors is building from a different perspective, energy dependency itself.
The company has announced the successful closure of its seed funding round led by JITO Incubation & Innovation Foundation alongside participation from a group of strategic angel investors. While the company has not publicly disclosed the size of the round, the funding will support technology development, infrastructure research, and the expansion of SunCharge Motors’ solar-assisted mobility systems.
Founded by Sanskar Modi, the company is focused on developing solar-integrated electric mobility systems aimed at reducing dependency on external charging infrastructure. Its approach combines smart battery management systems, real-time energy control technologies, and integrated solar energy support to create mobility solutions designed specifically for India’s infrastructure realities.
The announcement comes at a time when India’s EV ecosystem continues to face challenges around charging accessibility, inconsistent power infrastructure, fleet downtime, and rural mobility scalability. Rather than treating these as secondary industry issues, SunCharge Motors has built its core vision around solving them directly.
“We believe India’s EV future cannot depend only on expanding charging infrastructure. The real opportunity lies in building smarter energy-integrated mobility systems that can adapt to India’s infrastructure realities. At SunCharge Motors, our focus is on creating solutions that improve energy accessibility, reduce charging dependency, and make electric mobility more practical and scalable for the long term”, said Sanskar Modi, Founder of SunCharge Motors.
Unlike many EV companies entering the market through consumer-first positioning, SunCharge Motors is approaching mobility as an energy infrastructure problem. The company’s long-term objective is to create systems that improve vehicle uptime, reduce charging dependency, and support more sustainable and decentralized mobility operations across urban and underserved regions alike.
With India accelerating its transition toward electric mobility, SunCharge Motors believes the next phase of EV innovation will not be defined only by vehicles, but by how intelligently energy itself is integrated into transportation systems.
1, Jun 2026
India’s leave paradox: Are Indian workers too busy to switch off
India is among the higher leave-entitlement markets in APAC. However, analysis of Deel platform data shows Indian workers use a smaller share of their annual leave than peers in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.
While leave is available, Indian workers appear more cautious in how they use it — with lower rates of full leave utilisation and a stronger tendency to spread shorter breaks across the year.
The analysis of over 4,500 full-time workers on Deel APAC contracts found:
- Despite being among the higher leave-entitlement markets in APAC, Indian workers used a relatively smaller share of their leave entitlement in 2025 than workers in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, or Japan.
- The median leave taken by Indian workers in 2025 was 12 days.
- Only 17.2% of Indian workers used 100% of their leave, compared with 57.2% in Singapore, 53.3% in South Korea, 50.8% in Malaysia, 42.9% in Hong Kong, and 35.9% in Japan. Just 29.9% of Indian workers used at least 80% of their leave entitlement, the lowest rate across major APAC markets analysed.
- India recorded the highest share of short-duration leaves. Among multi-day vacation leave requests (2 days or longer), 48.4% were exactly 2-day breaks.
The data points to a distinct leave pattern in India, where workers are more likely to take shorter breaks rather than extended holidays. This may reflect a more measured approach to time off, with employees spreading leave across the year instead of using it in longer stretches.
Rakesh Gaur, Head of Sales for India at Deel, said, “India’s leave data suggests employees are not stepping away from work less often; they are more selective about how they use time off. That cautious approach may reflect workload pressures, cultural habits, or a tendency to save leave for important periods like festivals or family events. The bigger question for employers is whether underused leave reflects productivity, or signals burnout, pressure, and workplace cultures where employees don’t feel comfortable fully switching off.”
Flexible leave policies also showed stronger time-off usage in India. Employees on flexible leave arrangements took more time off than those on fixed leave policies, suggesting that policy structure may influence behaviour as much as workplace culture.
1, Jun 2026
Odisha’s Traditional Bela Panna Gains National Spotlight in PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat
Bhubaneswar, June 1 (BNP): Odisha’s traditional summer beverage, Bela Panna (ବେଲ ପଣା), received national recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted it during the latest edition of Mann Ki Baat, drawing attention to the state’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.
The mention of Bela Panna, a refreshing drink made from wood apple and widely consumed during summer months in Odisha, has been welcomed by cultural enthusiasts and citizens across the state. Deeply rooted in Odisha’s traditions, the drink is known not only for its refreshing taste but also for its health benefits, particularly in combating heat and aiding digestion.
Observers said the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment has brought renewed focus to Odisha’s indigenous food practices and traditional wisdom, which continue to hold relevance in modern lifestyles.
Bela Panna occupies a special place in Odisha’s cultural fabric and is especially associated with the observance of Pana Sankranti, marking the traditional Odia New Year. The beverage symbolises the state’s age-old knowledge of seasonal wellness and sustainable food habits.
The recognition in Mann Ki Baat is being viewed as an important moment for Odisha, encouraging greater appreciation of local traditions and showcasing the diversity of India’s cultural heritage on a national platform.
1, Jun 2026
Utkal: The Historical Pride and Cultural Identity of Odisha
Utkal is one of the ancient names of present-day Odisha and holds a special place in the history, culture, and identity of the Odia people. The name “Utkal” appears in several ancient texts, inscriptions, and literary works, reflecting the region’s rich heritage and glorious past. For centuries, Utkal was known as a land of art, architecture, learning, spirituality, and maritime trade. Even today, the term evokes pride among Odias and symbolizes the state’s cultural and historical legacy.
Origin of the Name Utkal
The word “Utkal” is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit words Ut (excellent) and Kala (art), meaning “the land of excellence in arts.” This interpretation highlights the region’s long-standing tradition of artistic and cultural achievements. Ancient scriptures such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and various Puranas mention Utkal as a prominent kingdom in eastern India.
Utkal in Ancient History
Historically, Utkal formed part of the larger region known as Kalinga. The area was inhabited by prosperous communities engaged in agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. Utkal gained prominence due to its strategic location along the Bay of Bengal, which facilitated maritime trade with Southeast Asian countries such as Java, Sumatra, Bali, and Sri Lanka.
The people of Utkal were known for their courage, independence, and cultural refinement. Ancient records indicate that the kingdom maintained political and economic relations with several neighboring regions and kingdoms.
Connection with Kalinga
Utkal and Kalinga are often mentioned together in historical texts. The Kalinga War fought in 261 BCE between Emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga kingdom remains one of the most significant events in Indian history. The immense destruction caused by the war led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and adopt a policy of non-violence.
Although Kalinga was the broader political entity, Utkal represented an important cultural and geographical region within it. The legacy of Kalinga and Utkal continues to shape Odisha’s historical identity.
Centre of Art and Architecture
One of the greatest contributions of Utkal to Indian civilization is its remarkable art and architecture. The region produced some of India’s finest temples, sculptures, and artistic traditions.
Notable monuments include:
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The Jagannath Temple at Puri
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The Sun Temple at Konark
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The Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar
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Mukteswar Temple and Rajarani Temple
These architectural masterpieces demonstrate the advanced engineering skills and artistic excellence of the people of Utkal.
Religious and Spiritual Significance
Utkal has long been a center of religious harmony and spiritual learning. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism flourished in the region at different periods of history. The Jagannath cult, centered in Puri, became one of India’s most influential religious traditions.
The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath attracts millions of devotees from across the world and serves as a symbol of Odisha’s spiritual heritage.
Maritime Heritage of Utkal
Ancient Utkal was renowned for its maritime activities. Odia sailors, known as Sadhabas, undertook voyages across the seas for trade and cultural exchange. They sailed to Southeast Asian countries carrying textiles, spices, ivory, and handicrafts.
The famous festival of Boita Bandana, celebrated during Kartika Purnima, commemorates this glorious maritime tradition. It reminds people of Utkal’s historical role as a major center of international trade.
Role in Literature and Education
Utkal has made immense contributions to literature and learning. The region produced distinguished poets, scholars, and writers who enriched Odia language and culture.
Prominent literary figures include:
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Sarala Das
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Upendra Bhanja
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Fakir Mohan Senapati
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Gangadhar Meher
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Madhusudan Rao
Their works helped preserve the cultural identity of Odisha and promoted social awareness among the people.
Utkal and the Formation of Odisha
The name Utkal played a significant role during the movement for the unification of Odia-speaking regions. During British rule, Odia-speaking areas were divided among different provinces, leading to administrative and cultural challenges.
Visionary leaders such as Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, and Utkal Gourab Fakir Mohan Senapati worked tirelessly to unite Odia-speaking people. Their efforts culminated in the creation of Odisha as a separate province on April 1, 1936, making it the first state in India formed on a linguistic basis.
Utkal in the National Anthem
The importance of Utkal is reflected in India’s National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” written by Rabindranath Tagore. The anthem includes the phrase:
“Punjab Sindhu Gujarat Maratha, Dravida Utkala Banga”
This mention highlights Utkal’s historical significance and its contribution to India’s cultural diversity.
Legacy and Modern Relevance
Today, Utkal remains a symbol of Odisha’s rich heritage and collective identity. Educational institutions, cultural organizations, and public establishments continue to use the name Utkal to honor the state’s glorious past.
The spirit of Utkal is reflected in Odisha’s traditions, festivals, arts, literature, and social values. Preserving this heritage is essential for future generations to understand and appreciate their roots.
Conclusion
Utkal is far more than an ancient geographical name; it is a symbol of Odisha’s historical greatness, cultural richness, and enduring legacy. From its role in ancient trade and temple architecture to its contributions to literature, religion, and statehood, Utkal has left an indelible mark on Indian civilization. Understanding the history of Utkal helps us appreciate the remarkable journey of Odisha and its people through the ages.
1, Jun 2026
PMI Industry Roundtable highlights Construction Talent Gap in South Asia to Nearly Double by 2035
June, 1: Project Management Institute the authority in project management, convened a high-level construction and infrastructure roundtable bringing together more than 25 senior executives from leading organisations. The roundtable brought together leaders from across infrastructure, construction, energy, renewables, transportation, technology, manufacturing, and advisory sectors, representing both public and private enterprises. Held under the theme ‘Closing the delivery capability gap in Indian infrastructure: From national ambition to predictable on-ground execution’, the roundtable explored how India’s infrastructure ecosystem can strengthen execution capability, build future-ready project talent, and improve delivery outcomes as project complexity and investment scale continue to rise.
Speaking about the growing importance of project management in infrastructure delivery, Amit Goyal, Managing Director, PMI South Asia, said,
“India’s infrastructure growth story will increasingly be defined by how effectively projects are executed on the ground. As infrastructure projects become larger, more interconnected, and time-sensitive, organisations will need skilled professionals who can manage complexity, align multiple stakeholders, and optimise resources to deliver consistent, precise outcomes. Building future-ready project talent and strengthening delivery capability will be critical to the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, ensuring that infrastructure investments translate into long-term economic and social impact.”
The Construction Project Management Talent Gap Report by PMI, 2026, indicates that demand for construction project professionals across South Asia is expected to accelerate significantly by 2035, driven by sustained infrastructure and industrial investment across the region. Under high-growth scenarios, South Asia’s construction talent gap could increase from 291,000 professionals today to 558,000 by 2035, with India alone projected to require nearly 395,000 construction project professionals by then.
During the session, Yash Singh, Partner, Business Consulting, KPMG India, highlighted,
“India’s infrastructure and construction sector is entering a high-growth phase, making substantial investment in skilled project talent critical for delivering projects efficiently and sustainably. We are delighted to partner with PMI in such knowledge initiatives and advancing the dialogue around strengthening project and execution excellence.”
The discussion highlighted the operational and financial consequences of weak project execution across the industry. A 2020 global PMI survey also found that industry estimates indicate that 72% of projects exceed budgets, 73% face delays, and 70% experience scope creep. At the same time, nearly USD 127 million is lost for every USD 1 billion invested due to inefficiencies in project performance. Average project overruns affect profitability, stakeholder confidence, and long-term competitiveness.
As part of PMI South Asia’s broader Construction Roundtable series, this roundtable aimed to create a collaborative platform for industry leaders to identify capability gaps, exchange best practices, and explore diverse interventions that can strengthen infrastructure delivery outcomes across the region. The series builds on the first Construction Roundtable held during PMSAC24 in September 2024, which convened C-suite leaders and representatives from leading organisations across the infrastructure ecosystem.
