6, May 2026
India–EU Launch INR 169 Crore EV Battery Recycling Push
New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): India and the European Union have announced a joint initiative worth ₹169 crore aimed at accelerating the development of advanced technologies for recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The collaboration is designed to support sustainable mobility by improving the way used EV batteries are processed, recovered, and reused. The focus will be on developing innovative recycling methods that can help recover critical materials, reduce environmental waste, and strengthen the circular economy in the clean energy sector.
Officials noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment between India and the EU to promote greener transportation solutions and reduce dependency on raw material extraction through more efficient resource recovery systems.
The initiative is expected to encourage research and innovation in battery recycling technologies while also supporting long-term environmental and economic sustainability goals in the EV ecosystem.
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- By Neel Achary
6, May 2026
Isha Ambani Stuns in Gaurav Gupta Couture Saree at Met Gala 2026
New York, May 6 (BNP): Isha Ambani made a notable appearance at the Met Gala 2026 in a custom couture ensemble designed by Gaurav Gupta, celebrating Indian craftsmanship on one of the world’s biggest fashion stages.
Her outfit featured a handwoven saree crafted with gold threads and intricate detailing inspired by traditional Indian art forms. The ensemble was created by over 50 artisans and took more than 1,200 hours to complete, incorporating techniques such as zardozi, aari embroidery, and hand-painted motifs.
A key highlight of the look was the blouse, embellished with over 200 diamonds from Nita Ambani’s personal jewellery collection. The design combined heirloom pieces with contemporary couture, reflecting a blend of personal heritage and artistic craftsmanship.
She completed the look with a sculpted cape, diamond jewellery, and traditional accessories, adding to the grandeur of the ensemble. Ambani also carried a symbolic mango accessory, which she described as a meaningful and personal element of her outfit.
Her appearance at the event highlighted the global spotlight on Indian design and craftsmanship, showcasing the fusion of tradition and modern luxury on an international platform.
6, May 2026
India’s Exports Reach Record Dollar 863 Billion in 2025–26 on Services Push
May 6 (BNP): India’s external trade has reached a historic milestone, with total exports of goods and services touching an all-time high of $863.11 billion in FY 2025–26.
The sharp rise was primarily driven by the robust performance of the services sector, which continued to outperform merchandise exports. Strong global demand for India’s IT services, business process outsourcing, consulting, and professional services played a major role in boosting overall export earnings.
Merchandise exports also contributed to the growth, though at a more moderate pace compared to services. At the same time, imports increased due to higher demand for crude oil, raw materials, and other industrial inputs, reflecting continued domestic consumption and manufacturing activity.
Despite global economic uncertainties, India’s export sector remained resilient and diversified. The strong services-led growth highlights the country’s increasing integration into global value chains and its rising importance as a global services hub.
Overall, the record export performance underscores the structural strength of India’s external sector, with services emerging as the key driver of growth in FY 2025–26.
6, May 2026
Indian Teacher Soma Mandal Wins Cambridge Award for Climate Education Leadership
May 6 (BNP): Delhi teacher Soma Mandal has been named the South Asia regional winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, in recognition of her strong focus on climate education.
Teaching at GD Goenka Public School, she has developed a climate-centred learning approach that encourages students to understand environmental issues and take active steps toward sustainability. With over a decade of teaching experience and a background in environmental science, she has been working to make climate awareness an integral part of classroom learning.
As part of the recognition, she will receive a £500 book grant, a trophy, and international visibility through Cambridge publications, including a feature in upcoming textbooks.
6, May 2026
Centre Seeks Early PM SHRI Scheme Rollout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu
May 6 (BNP): The Ministry of Education is expected to write to the Chief Secretaries of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, urging them to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the earliest for implementing the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme in state-run schools.
The scheme aims to upgrade selected schools into model institutions aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on improved infrastructure, modern teaching practices, and overall quality enhancement in education.
Officials said the Centre is hopeful of faster progress in adopting the scheme and plans to send formal communications soon. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen school education and improve learning outcomes across states through NEP-based reforms.
6, May 2026
Mother’s Day Brunch at Miri, The St. Regis Goa Resort
This Mother’s Day, celebrate the most important woman in your life with a sophisticated and joyful brunch experience at Miri. Set within the elegant surroundings of The St. Regis Goa Resort, this afternoon is designed to bring families together through thoughtful hospitality, exceptional flavours, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Guests can indulge in an elaborate, chef-curated menu featuring global brunch favourites, comforting classics, and a decadent array of desserts crafted to honour the occasion. Whether you prefer a refreshing non-alcoholic experience or a celebratory alcoholic package, Miri provides the perfect backdrop for a meaningful family gathering.
The afternoon will be accompanied by the soulful sounds of a live band, creating a relaxed yet memorable ambience that perfectly complements the spirit of the day.
Date: Sunday, 10th May
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
6, May 2026
Shashi Shekhar Vempati Named Chairperson of CBFC
Mumbai, May 6 (BNP): The government has appointed Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati, as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (Central Board of Film Certification).
He takes over from Prasoon Joshi, who has recently been assigned the role of Chairperson of Prasar Bharati.
An alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Vempati is also an author and co-founder of AI4India Org, an initiative working to expand access to artificial intelligence technology in India.
His appointment is expected to guide the CBFC’s role in film certification and regulatory oversight with renewed focus and leadership.
6, May 2026
UIDAI–NFSU 5-Year Pact to Boost Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): The Unique Identification Authority of India (Unique Identification Authority of India) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the National Forensic Sciences University (National Forensic Sciences University) to strengthen India’s cybersecurity framework and advance digital forensics capabilities.
The agreement was formalized between UIDAI CEO Vivek Chandra Verma and Prof. (Dr.) S.O. Junare, Director of the Gujarat Campus of NFSU, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
The partnership focuses on enhancing cyber resilience, improving the security of digital systems, and promoting research and training in emerging areas of cybersecurity and forensic science.
Key areas of collaboration include academic and professional skill development in cybersecurity, strengthening information security systems, improving forensic laboratory infrastructure, and providing technical support for cyber protection initiatives.
Officials said the collaboration will help build stronger expertise in digital security, improve system integrity, and support India’s growing digital ecosystem through advanced forensic and cybersecurity solutions.
6, May 2026
NILE Hospitality Launches ‘Holidays With NILE’ Summer Vacation Offer Across India
May 6: NILE Hospitality has announced its special summer vacation campaign, ‘Holidays With NILE’, across its properties in nine destinations, including Udaipur, Kandla, Amritsar, Indore, Dwarka, Bhuj, Sasan Gir, Navsari and Narkanda. Designed especially for families planning their summer holidays, the offer includes a complimentary room for children in select hotels, making travel more comfortable, convenient and memorable.
The offer is available till September across all participating NILE Hospitality properties. With summer vacations being one of the most preferred travel periods for families, the initiative aims to provide guests with a more relaxed and value-driven holiday experience.
From cultural escapes in Udaipur and Bhuj to spiritual getaways in Dwarka and Amritsar, peaceful retreats in Narkanda, business and leisure stays in Indore and Kandla, and nature-led experiences in Sasan Gir, NILE Hospitality offers travellers a wide range of destinations to explore during the holiday season.
The special summer vacation offer is aimed at families looking for short breaks, leisure holidays, spiritual trips, wildlife getaways and relaxed stays across India. Guests can book their stays at participating NILE Hospitality properties and avail the offer until September end, subject to availability and applicable terms.
NILE Hospitality continues to strengthen its presence across India through a growing portfolio of hotels that cater to both business and leisure travellers. With a focus on comfort, service excellence and guest-centric experiences, the company remains committed to creating meaningful stays across emerging and established destinations.
6, May 2026
IPL 2026 Playoffs Schedule Out; Final on May 31 in Ahmedabad
May 6 (BNP): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has announced the schedule for the IPL 2026 Playoffs, marking the final stage of a highly competitive season featuring 70 league matches filled with strong performances and close contests.
Qualifier 1 between the top two teams will be played on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, with a direct spot in the final at stake.
The Eliminator match between the third and fourth-placed teams will take place on May 27 at the New Chandigarh International Cricket Stadium. The same venue will also host Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the loser of Qualifier 1 will face the winner of the Eliminator to secure the second place in the final.
The season will conclude with the IPL 2026 Final on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium, setting the stage for a grand finish to the tournament.
