7, May 2026
Suvendu Adhikari’s Aide Shot Dead in Bengal, Another Critically Injured in Late-Night Attack!
KOLKATA, May 7 (BNP): In a shocking incident that has intensified political tensions in West Bengal following the Assembly election results, Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in Madhyamgram near Kolkata airport late Wednesday night.
According to police, the incident took place around 10:20 PM when Rath, accompanied by another aide, Buddhadeb Bera, was returning home in a Scorpio vehicle. Their car was allegedly intercepted in a narrow lane by another vehicle, after which armed attackers on a motorcycle opened fire at point-blank range through the front passenger-side window.
Rath, who had been associated with Adhikari’s close team for nearly five years, sustained critical injuries and was declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital. Buddhadeb Bera was also seriously injured and is currently undergoing treatment.
Investigators said multiple rounds were fired during the attack. Police have launched an intensive probe and are examining all possible angles, including political rivalry and personal enmity. No arrests had been reported till the filing of this report.
The incident comes just 48 hours after the BJP secured a massive victory in West Bengal, winning 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly. Suvendu Adhikari retained his Nandigram seat and also defeated outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhowanipore.
Adhikari reached the crime scene around midnight but had not issued any official statement immediately after the incident. Meanwhile, the killing triggered fresh concerns over post-poll violence in the state.
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya condemned the attack and called for strict action against those responsible. Senior BJP leaders have reportedly directed party workers to maintain peace and avoid further escalation.
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- By Neel Achary
6, May 2026
Haiqu Launches Agentic Quantum Operating System for Enterprise Applications R&D
Full-stack platform combines agentic AI with proprietary middleware that helps build and solve complex problems faster with fewer computational resources on today’s quantum hardware
NEW YORK CITY – May 6, 2026 – Haiqu, a leading developer of quantum middleware, today announced the launch of its Agentic Quantum Operating System (OS), the first full-stack quantum intelligence platform for enterprise and scientific quantum R&D.
Currently, quantum development is impeded by the time and costs it takes to design the right application, execute the experiment, and iterate on the results.
Haiqu’s Agentic Quantum OS is designed to bring new performance standards to quantum R&D teams. It combines quantum research agents with Haiqu’s proprietary software stack to help teams identify the right problem, design executable quantum experiments, and run them efficiently on real quantum hardware.
Coupled with additional performance and execution layers, the platform is designed to help enterprise R&D teams get usable results faster, spend less money per experiment, train new researchers more easily, and turn early ideas into testable prototypes faster.
“The bottleneck for quantum R&D teams is often not access to a QPU. It is the time and expertise required to identify the right problem, structure the work and get credible application prototypes,” said Richard Givhan, CEO and Co-founder of Haiqu. “With our first Agentic Operating System, we are giving R&D teams effective tools to achieve commercial applications as systems become more powerful.”
Haiqu’s end-to-end platform equips quantum engineers to guide application development using natural language through business questions or exploratory research ideas to produce an execution-ready quantum application plan using three key pillars:
- Agentic Intelligence — built on Haiqu’s proprietary quantum algorithm research, domain-specific workflows, and a curated quantum theory knowledge base, that automates application design and guides users to optimal approaches.
- Haiqu SDK — developer tools built using agents with users in mind that can be easily deployed in agentic development workflows to maximize performance through data loading, algorithmic optimization and error mitigations, enabling users to extract more value from every quantum operation.
- Haiqu Runtime — an orchestration engine that streamlines how applications execute with an optimal infrastructure layer, reducing cost and time required to iterate on quantum applications.
In recent tests completed by the company on a quantum system, a molecular dynamics simulation that previously required $30,000 and more than nine hours to run was reproduced for about $25 in roughly 30 seconds by optimizing execution on the Haiqu platform. Similar results or better were found for optimization algorithms, quantum machine learning models, and probability distributions.
HaiquOS also demonstrated that agentic quantum workflows can translate advanced scientific problems into executable experiments. The system prepared simulations of the single-impurity Anderson model, a foundational model for strongly correlated electron systems, from scratch and built a Haiqu OS/SDK pipeline for simulating neutron-scattering experiments on one-dimensional quantum magnets. The pipeline reproduced experimentally observed signatures of magnetic materials, showing that today’s quantum computers, when paired with the right software stack, can already support meaningful scientific simulations. Learn more about these results here.
A number of enterprises already received early access to the OS, including Capgemini and Deloitte.
Dr. Kristin Milchanowski, Chief AI & Quantum Officer at BMO and Founding Director of the BMO Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum, said research into emerging quantum software platforms can help inform how the industry addresses foundational scalability challenges.
“As quantum hardware continues to evolve, foundational challenges such as data loading and efficient utilization of limited qubits remain critical hurdles,” said Milchanowski. “Observing research into tools like Haiqu’s middleware allows for a deeper understanding of how these bottlenecks might eventually be addressed. These early-stage, research-driven insights are vital for informing the long-term direction of the quantum landscape and understanding the future scalability of the technology.”
6, May 2026
Netwrix Builds Out Leadership Bench with CTO, VP of Engineering, and Head of Americas Channel
FRISCO, Texas – May 6, 2026 – Netwrix, a recognized leader in identity and data security solutions, today announced the appointment of Avesta Hojjati as Chief Technology Officer, Marcin Gierlak as Vice President of Engineering and Kraków Site Leader, and Natalie Tomlin as Head of Channel for North America.
“With AI fueling both external attackers and data leakage, our customers are confronted by security challenges that are more complex than ever — more identities, more data, more risk,” said Grady Summers, CEO at Netwrix. “We’re bringing in leaders across engineering and channel to accelerate innovation and help partners improve customers’ security posture and AI governance.”
Avesta Hojjati joins from SecurityScorecard, where he served as CTO and led cross-functional teams spanning AI, data science, threat intelligence, product engineering, and core platform operations taking a new platform from concept to production in under 12 months. He brings experience on both the offensive and defensive sides of security, alongside deep expertise in AI, machine learning, and distributed systems. Before SecurityScorecard, he spent eight years at DigiCert leading engineering across IoT security, automation, and digital trust. Earlier roles include Symantec and Yahoo. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is named on more than 45 patents.
Marcin Gierlak most recently served as VP of Engineering at Napster, where he led teams focused on machine learning and AI research in production systems. He has held engineering leadership roles at HID Global and IBM and has led distributed engineering teams across multiple geographies. Based in Krakow, he will also serve as site leader for Netwrix’s innovation center and engineering hub there.
Natalie Tomlin brings extensive channel and partner leadership experience across leading cybersecurity companies, including McAfee and Trellix, with additional experience building partner programs at Palo Alto Networks. Recognized by CRN as a Woman of the Channel, she has built and scaled partner-driven growth across national and commercial markets, working with MSPs and cloud providers such as AWS and Azure. At Netwrix, she will expand the North American partner network and strengthen how the company goes to market through the channel.
6, May 2026
Prabhas–Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit to Hit Screens in March 2027!
Hyderabad, May 6 (BNP): The makers of Spirit, starring Prabhas, have confirmed that the film will release as scheduled in March 2027.
Putting an end to speculation around delays, the production team announced that the project is progressing as planned, with shooting and post-production timelines on track. The update has come as a relief to fans eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated film.
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Spirit is one of the most talked-about upcoming projects in Indian cinema. While details about the storyline remain under wraps, the film is expected to feature Prabhas in a powerful and intense role.
The makers stated that further updates, including teasers and promotional material, will be released in due course as the film moves closer to completion.
6, May 2026
Real estate sentiment eases in Q1 amid global pressures
New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): India’s real estate sector witnessed a shift toward cautious sentiment in the first quarter of 2026, influenced by global economic uncertainty and rising cost pressures, according to a joint report by Knight Frank and NAREDCO.
The report noted a decline in stakeholder confidence, with the Current Sentiment Score dropping to 49 from 60, while the Future Sentiment Score eased to a neutral level of 50 from 61. The index reflects the outlook of developers, investors, and financial institutions on economic conditions and funding availability.
The moderation in sentiment has been largely attributed to global macroeconomic volatility, including rising crude oil prices, which have increased construction, logistics, and financing costs—impacting overall project viability.
Despite stable domestic economic fundamentals, geopolitical factors are beginning to influence both demand and supply dynamics in the sector.
The residential segment showed signs of slowing after a sustained growth phase, with moderation in both housing sales and new project launches during the quarter. Around 52 per cent of stakeholders expect housing sales to decline in the near term. However, 73 per cent believe property prices will either remain stable or continue to rise, driven by higher input and borrowing costs.
This divergence between softening demand and firm pricing underscores the structural cost pressures shaping the housing market.
Meanwhile, nearly half of respondents anticipate a slowdown in new project launches. In contrast, the office segment remains relatively resilient, with 41 per cent of stakeholders expecting improved leasing demand.
Industry experts described the current phase as a short-term recalibration rather than a fundamental slowdown, noting that end-user demand and steady price trends continue to support the sector’s long-term outlook.
6, May 2026
India, South Korea set to review trade pact to boost economic ties
New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): India and South Korea are expected to hold talks on May 25 to review their existing trade agreement, with an aim to strengthen economic cooperation and address key trade concerns.
The discussions will focus on revisiting the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has been in force since 2010. India is likely to push for updates to make the pact more relevant to current global trade dynamics and to tackle issues such as the trade imbalance.
Officials from both countries are set to participate in the negotiations, which are seen as an important step toward enhancing bilateral trade and creating more balanced and mutually beneficial opportunities.
The review could pave the way for a more modern and effective trade framework, helping deepen economic engagement between the two nations.
6, May 2026
Samik Bhattacharya Announces May 9 Oath Ceremony for New Bharatiya Janata Party Govt in West Bengal!
Kolkata, May 6 (BNP): Samik Bhattacharya, president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal, on Wednesday announced that the oath-taking ceremony of the new state government will be held on May 9.
Addressing reporters, Bhattacharya said the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in central Kolkata, beginning at 10 am.
The event is expected to be a high-profile affair, with the presence of senior party leaders, dignitaries, and a large number of supporters. Preparations are currently underway to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony.
The swearing-in will formally mark the beginning of the new BJP-led government in the state, with further details regarding the chief minister and council of ministers likely to be announced soon.
6, May 2026
Delhi rolls out 13 mobile heat relief units to combat heatwave
New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday flagged off 13 mobile heat relief units to provide immediate support to people affected by the ongoing heatwave in the national capital.
The initiative aims to offer on-the-spot assistance, including access to drinking water, basic medical aid, and relief services, especially for vulnerable groups such as daily wage workers, the elderly, and those exposed to extreme outdoor conditions.
The mobile units will be deployed across key locations in Delhi, focusing on high-footfall and heat-prone areas to ensure timely outreach and support.
The Chief Minister said the move is part of the government’s broader efforts to tackle the impact of rising temperatures and protect public health during the peak summer months.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the city’s heat action response by improving accessibility to essential relief services and reducing heat-related risks among residents.
6, May 2026
Chandigarh University chefs win big with 13 medals at national culinary meet
May 6 (BNP): Students from Chandigarh University delivered a standout performance at Culinary Art India 2026, bringing home a total of 13 medals and earning recognition on a national stage.
Competing against participants from leading institutes across the country, the student chefs impressed judges with their strong technical skills, creativity, and attention to detail. They took part in a variety of categories, ranging from live cooking challenges to display-based events, where presentation and innovation played a key role.
The team’s success reflects rigorous training, consistent practice, and exposure to real-world culinary standards. Faculty mentorship and hands-on learning also played an important role in helping students refine their techniques and perform under competitive conditions.
This achievement not only highlights the talent of the students but also strengthens the university’s position in culinary education, showcasing its focus on developing industry-ready professionals with both skill and creativity.
6, May 2026
Goafest Returns with Second Edition of Advertising Plays
Mumbai, May 06: Jointly organised by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), Goafest returns with the second edition of ‘Advertising Plays’. A dedicated sports and wellness IP, Advertising Plays will bring together professionals from advertising, media, and marketing in a fun, informal, and engaging environment.
This year’s line-up is designed to be high-energy, inclusive, and accessible, encouraging participation across skill levels and interests. The programme features structured inter-agency competitions such asTable Tennis and Pickleball, fostering teamwork and friendly rivalry among participants and Goafest is pleased to welcome Mediakart as the ‘Powered By’ sponsor for Advertising Plays, in association with Republic TV.
Energising morning sessions, including Yoga and Zumba will promote well-being, balance, and mindful networking for all delegates. Complementing these are a range of indoor and immersive experiences such as Foosball, Air Hockey, VR Cricket, and Panja (arm wrestling), all designed to drive engagement and participation. Together, these activities will blend physical sport, recreation, and interactive experiences, ensuring there is something for everyone.
The initiative also brings in a strong competitive spirit, with tournament winners receiving awards and on-ground recognition for their achievements. A live leaderboard integrated within the Goafest app will track points across all activities in real time, adding to the excitement and engagement. At the culmination of the festival, the agency with the highest cumulative score will be awarded the coveted ‘Sportiest Agency’ title, celebrating both performance and team participation.
“Advertising Plays is a reminder that while we compete fiercely in boardrooms and pitches, we are also part of one vibrant, closely-knit industry. Bringing it back for its second season, we wanted to create a space where that spirit of camaraderie can truly come alive, on the field, in moments of celebration, and through shared experiences that go beyond work. It’s not just about sport; it’s about agencies coming together, letting guards down, and rediscovering the joy of collaboration through healthy competition”, added Mohit Joshi, Co-Chair of the Goafest 2026 Organising Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Havas Media Network India.
On bringing Advertising Plays back for its second season, Jaideep Gandhi, Vice President, Advertising Agencies Association of India and Chairman of the Goafest 2026 Organising Committee, said, “Advertising Plays reflects what Goafest truly stands for- a balance of work and play. The response to its debut showed us how much the industry values coming together beyond business, to connect, celebrate and recharge. As we bring it back this year, we look forward to seeing the community come together once again to inspire, celebrate and play, and we’re delighted to have Mediakart on board as the ‘Powered By’ sponsor for Advertising Plays, in association with Republic TV.”
Open to all registered Goafest delegates, Advertising Plays has been designed with inclusivity at its core. The platform promotes gender-neutral participation and aims at creating opportunities for informal networking in relaxed settings, encouraging cross-agency interactions, and enabling stronger industry relationships through shared experiences.
Set to take place on May 20, 21 and 22, 2026, at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, the second edition of Advertising Plays will further strengthen Goafest’s commitment to delivering a more holistic and engaging festival experience.
