4, May 2026
UDF Surges to Power in Kerala, Crosses Majority Mark in 2026 Assembly Polls!
Thiruvananthapuram,May 4 (BNP): In a decisive political development, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has crossed the crucial majority mark in the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026, according to official trends from the Election Commission of India, signaling an end to a decade-long rule of the Left Democratic Front.
The UDF has surged ahead, leading in over 90 constituencies in the 140-member Assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 71 seats. As counting nears completion, the alliance appears poised for a decisive victory, reflecting a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
In a notable development, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is trailing in his stronghold Dharmadam, while Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan is leading in Paravur, further underscoring the changing electoral mood.
Reacting to the trends, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the outcome as a clear mandate for change after ten years of LDF governance. Emphasizing the party’s vision, he noted that the results reflect voters’ desire for a new direction and a different style of politics in the state.
Celebrations have erupted at Congress headquarters as party workers and leaders welcomed the strong performance, though senior leaders have urged caution until final results are formally declared.
If the trends hold, the UDF is set to return to power in Kerala, marking a significant political transition and potentially reshaping governance priorities in the state.
Further updates are awaited as the final results are confirmed.
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- By Neel Achary
4, May 2026
Rupee Weakens in Early Trade Amid West Asia Tensions and Elevated Oil Prices
Mumbai, May 4 (BNP): The Indian rupee opened on a weaker note on Monday, depreciating by 11 paise to 94.95 against the U.S. dollar in early trade, as ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia continued to weigh on investor sentiment.
Market participants remained cautious amid uncertainty in global markets, with risk appetite subdued due to the evolving situation in the region. Forex traders noted that sustained volatility in crude oil prices has added to the pressure on the domestic currency.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading near the $108 per barrel mark, keeping concerns alive for oil-importing nations like India. Elevated crude prices tend to widen the country’s trade deficit and increase demand for the U.S. dollar, thereby exerting downward pressure on the rupee.
Analysts also pointed out that the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major global currencies further contributed to the rupee’s weakness. In addition, cautious positioning by foreign investors and fluctuations in global equity markets influenced currency movements during the early session.
Despite the initial decline, traders expect the rupee’s movement to remain range-bound through the day, with investors closely tracking crude oil trends, geopolitical developments, and global market cues for further direction.
4, May 2026
Markets Surge at Open, Tracking Global Optimism and Easing Oil Prices
Mumbai, May 4(BNP): Indian benchmark equity indices opened the week on a strong note, rallying sharply in early trade on Monday amid easing crude oil prices and improved global market sentiment.
The BSE Sensex surged 657.80 points to reach 77,571.30, while the NSE Nifty 50 advanced 213.35 points to 24,215.10 during the opening session.
The upbeat momentum in domestic equities mirrored gains across Asian markets, which were trading higher following positive cues from global peers. Lower oil prices further boosted investor confidence, easing concerns around inflation and fiscal pressures for oil-importing economies like India.
Among the top performers on the Sensex was Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, which rallied around 4 percent. The surge came after the automaker reported record total sales of 2,39,646 units in April, marking a robust 33.29 percent year-on-year growth. The strong performance was driven primarily by rising demand for its small car segment, signaling a healthy start to the new financial year.
Market analysts attributed the rally to a combination of favorable macroeconomic indicators, stable foreign fund inflows, and optimism surrounding corporate earnings. The decline in crude oil prices has been particularly supportive, as it helps contain input costs and inflationary pressures.
Investors will continue to track global economic developments, corporate earnings announcements, and commodity price trends for further direction in the markets.
4, May 2026
BJP Crosses Majority Mark in West Bengal, Set to Form Historic First Government!
Kolkata, May 4 (BNP): In a dramatic political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday crossed the majority mark in the West Bengal Assembly elections, derailing Mamata Banerjee’s bid for a consecutive fourth term and marking a potential end to over a decade of All India Trinamool Congress dominance.
According to trends released by the Election Commission of India, the BJP is leading in 156 seats, comfortably surpassing the majority mark, while the Trinamool Congress is ahead in 86 seats. Its ally, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (Bimal faction), is leading in one seat.
If these trends hold, the BJP is poised to form its first-ever government in the state—ending 15 years of Trinamool rule and following a prolonged 34-year tenure of Left Front governments, which had previously defined West Bengal’s political landscape.
Reacting to the party’s strong performance, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari expressed confidence, stating that the BJP would secure over 180 seats. He also took a swipe at the ruling party, underscoring the scale of the BJP’s surge.
The election also witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout. West Bengal recorded one of its highest participation rates since Independence, with 93.19% polling in Phase I and 91.66% in Phase II, taking the combined turnout to an impressive 92.47%.
For context, in the 2021 Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress had secured a decisive mandate with 213 out of 294 seats and nearly 48% vote share, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats and around 38% votes—marking a significant rise from its earlier performance. The Left-Congress alliance failed to open its account.
As counting continues, all eyes remain on the final outcome, which could redefine the political trajectory of West Bengal and signal a historic satta parivartan in the state.
4, May 2026
Art-E Mediatech Bags Creative Mandate For IndiaMART For The Second Time
Delhi, May 04: Art-e Mediatech, is creative media and MarTech agencies, has secured the full social media mandate for IndiaMART, India’s largest B2B online marketplace. This win marks the second time the agency has been entrusted with the brand’s creative responsibilities.
As part of the renewed mandate, Art-E Mediatech will drive the full social media strategy and content planning initiatives for IndiaMART. The partnership aims to further strengthen the digital presence of the company with its large base of buyers and sellers across India.
The focus remains on augmenting brand communication messaging and establishing a deeper connection with a digital-first audience. The continued collaboration with Art-E Mediatech is expected to play an important role in increasing its brand awareness, enhancing the brand image in the digital ecosystem and fostering greater customer engagement through impactful and insight-led campaigns.
Art-E Mediatech will continue to build on its understanding of the brand and the category, delivering integrated campaigns across platforms with a focus on engagement and performance.
Commenting on the continued association with Art-E Mediatech, Dinesh Gulati, Chief Operating Officer, IndiaMart, InterMESH Ltd, shared,
“Since inception, IndiaMART has been at the forefront of digital transformation for Indian MSMEs. We understand the power of a strong online presence and how it can truly change the way you connect, transact and grow. Our ongoing partnership with Art-e media will reflect this scale, trust, and everyday relevance, while also mirroring the real impact IndiaMART creates for millions of businesses across the country”.
Rohit Sakunia, Co-founder of Ar t-E Mediatech, shared:
“IndiaMART is the largest online B2B marketplace in India, empowering MSMEs, and helping them connect with buyers online. Winning the creative mandate underscores our expertise in delivering result-oriented communication strategies and our considerable understanding of the B2B ecosystem. We aim to combine creative storytelling with data-driven insights to further strengthen IndiaMART’s digital presence and engagement.”
With this mandate, both organisations aim to continue building impactful digital narratives and strengthening engagement in the B2B space.
4, May 2026
Dubai real estate sales hit AED48B in April
Market shows more resilience as monthly sales transactions lift to almost 14,000
Dubai, UAE, May 4: The Dubai real estate market showed continued resilience in April, recording 13,977 sales transactions worth AED48 billion.
A market update issued today by fäm Properties showed that activity strengthened month-on-month, with sales volume rising 3.5% compared to March, while total sales value increased by 10.7%.
The strongest growth came in the commercial sector, including offices and shops, with 561 sales transactions valued at AED4 billion, up 33.9% YoY and 36.2% month-on-month.
Apartment sales were also up MoM by 6.5% to 11,377 transactions worth AED24.1 billion, while plot sales rose 34.7% MoM to 237 deals valued at AED6.6 billion. The average property price per sq ft was up by 16.1% YoY to AED1,840.
Data from DXBinteract revealed that primary sales again dominated in April, accounting for 10,563 sales transactions totalling AED35.8 billion, compared with 3,414 resales valued at AED12.2 billion.
“Last month’s performance reflects the market’s underlying strength, with steady demand across both residential and commercial segments,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.
“Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Dubai is benefiting from its reputation as a stable, transparent and well-regulated environment for investment. The continued dominance of primary sales also points to long-term confidence in the emirate’s growth and development pipeline.”
For the second month in succession, Dubai South was the best-performing area, with 1,171 sales transactions valued at AED2.7 billion, marking its sixth consecutive month in the top five.
TOP FIVE PERFORMING AREAS IN APRIL 2026
Transactions Sales value
Dubai South 1,171 AED2.7B
Jebel Ali First 887 AED1.9B
Al Barsha South Fourth 828 AED1.0B
Wadi Al Safa 5 814 AED1.4B
Dubai Islands 732 AED2.8B
The most expensive apartment sold in April was a luxury property at Aman Residences Tower 2 at Jumeirah Second which fetched AED171 million.
Other luxury apartments sold for AED122 million at Baccarat Residence T1 at Downtown Dubai and AED118 million at Building C at Marsa Dubai. The most expensive villa went for AED76 million at Eden Hills.
With properties worth more than AED5 million accounting for 11.81% of sales, 12.65% were between AED3-5 million, 17.54% between AED2-3 million, 34.7% between AED1-2 million and 23.3% were below AED1 million.
BEST-SELLING PROJECTS IN APRIL 2026
Primary market apartments
|
|
Volume |
Value AED |
Median price AED |
|
Creek Bay Tower B |
198 |
584.0M |
2.0M |
|
Damac Lagoons – Valencia Tower A |
155 |
142.6M |
764K |
|
Damac Lagoons – Valencia Tower B |
150 |
133.0M |
750K |
|
Creek Haven Tower |
144 |
385.6M |
2.0M |
|
Meriva Sunset |
135 |
523.1M |
3.2M |
Primary market villas
|
Saih Shuaib 1 |
254 |
2.0B |
6.6M |
|
Dubai Investment Park First |
74 |
106.3M |
1.3M |
|
Damac Islands 2 – Bahamas 2 |
45 |
140.5M |
2.8M |
|
Salva The Heights |
43 |
353.5M |
7.1M |
|
Serro 2 The Heights |
43 |
343.8M |
8.0M |
Resale apartments
|
Citywalk Building 18a |
64 |
363.3M |
4.9M |
|
The Polo Residence – A3 |
60 |
121.7M |
1.8M |
|
Ciel |
44 |
38.6M |
750K |
|
The Hamilton |
22 |
29.7M |
1.5M |
|
Peninsula Three |
19 |
34.4M |
1.8M |
Resale villas
|
Damac Lagoons – Costa Brava (2) |
15 |
51.7M |
3.1M |
|
Jumeirah Village Triangle |
13 |
72.7M |
5.6M |
|
Rukan 3 |
11 |
14.8M |
1.1M |
|
Aura |
10 |
51.9M |
5.2M |
|
Damac Lagoons – Santorini (1) |
10 |
35.8M |
3.6M |
4, May 2026
Epson launches SureColor F20060 industrial dye sublimation printer
SYDNEY, May 4 – Epson has announced its new SureColor F20060, a 76‑inch industrial dye sublimation printer designed for high‑volume textile production environments.
Epson SureColor F20060 76‑inch industrial dye sublimation printer
Succeeding the SureColor F11060, the SureColor F20060 builds on Epson’s proven industrial platform while delivering significantly higher productivity through an expanded printhead configuration and faster printing speeds of up to 300 m2/h.
The SureColor F20060 has been developed for textile manufacturers and print service providers requiring fast turnaround times, consistent output quality and reliable operation in demanding production workflows.
The printer features eight PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads, enabling faster throughput without compromising image quality or stability. With printing speeds of up to 300 m2/h, it is well suited to industrial‑scale production of fashion apparel, sportswear, home furnishings and soft signage.
PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead
An optional Jumbo Roll system, supporting media rolls of up to 300 kg allows for extended, uninterrupted printing and reduced downtime caused by frequent media changes.
This makes the SureColor F20060 particularly suitable for high‑volume manufacturing environments where continuous operation is critical.
To ensure consistent print quality at high production speeds, the printer incorporates Epson Precision Dot Technology combining halftone processing, LUT optimisation and Micro Weave technology to deliver accurate colour reproduction, smooth gradations and reduced banding.
Advanced media handling features support reliable and repeatable output, including easy media loading, Advanced Auto Tension Control (Ad‑ATC) for stable media feeding and an integrated dryer designed to minimise ink transfer and reduce wrinkling during operation.
The SureColor F20060 runs on a bulk ink system with 10‑litre or 3‑litre ink boxes and hot‑swap capability to minimise interruptions during long print runs. User‑replaceable printheads further contribute to reduced maintenance time and improved operational efficiency.
A 9‑inch LCD touch panel provides an intuitive user interface, while integrated auto‑adjustment technology, including an RGB camera system, assists in maintaining consistent print quality across different media types.
Senior product manager, professional print solutions at Epson Australia, Shuhei Sato said, “Textile manufacturers continue to demand higher productivity, consistent output quality and reliable day‑to‑day performance. The SureColor F20060 builds on the strengths of the F11060 platform while delivering a clear productivity increase, with higher throughput that supports faster turnaround times in industrial production environments.”
Epson designs and manufactures all core components of the SureColor F20060, including printheads, inks and Epson Edge Print software, ensuring long‑term consistency, quality and reliability of supply.
Positioned as the next generation in Epson’s industrial textile printer portfolio, the SureColor F20060 provides a scalable and future‑ready solution for businesses looking to increase production capacity without compromising print quality.
The SureColor F20060 is expected to be available in Australia and New Zealand in late May 2026.
4, May 2026
Tamil Nadu Polls 2026: Vijay’s TVK Surges Ahead, Signals Major Political Shift!
Chennai,May 4 (BNP): Tamil Nadu, long regarded as the citadel of Dravidian politics for over five decades, may be on the brink of a significant political shift as early trends from the 2026 Assembly election counting suggest an intense and unpredictable contest.
Traditionally dominated by the two major Dravidian parties—Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)—the state is now witnessing a strong three-cornered battle. The ruling DMK, led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, faces a resurgent AIADMK in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, alongside a formidable new challenger—Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), founded by actor-turned-politician Vijay.
According to the latest counting trends, TVK has surged ahead of the DMK in several constituencies, indicating a potential breakthrough moment for the debutant party. This unexpected momentum has added a dramatic twist to the electoral landscape, raising questions about the future of Tamil Nadu’s long-standing political order.
Pre-election exit polls largely projected a second consecutive victory for the DMK. However, Axis My India pointed to a strong “Vijay effect,” suggesting that TVK could emerge as a kingmaker by securing close to 100 seats in the 234-member Assembly, where the majority mark stands at 118.
As counting continues, all eyes remain on whether these early trends will translate into a historic mandate. If sustained, the results could mark a profound transformation in Tamil Nadu politics, breaking the decades-old binary and ushering in a new era of multi-polar competition.
4, May 2026
Swedish Clean-Tech Pioneer KonveGas Eyes Strategic Alliances in India
Delhi, May 04: Building on the momentum of its recent investment announcement at India Energy Week in Goa, Swedish clean-tech innovator KonveGas has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Bioenergy, Biofuels & Biomaterials (BBB) Summit 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi from 7th May 2026 to 9th May, 2026. This move signals a critical phase in the company’s official launch in the Indian market as it actively seeks strategic partners to localize its world-class composite storage technology.
As India and the European Union move toward the final ratification of the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), KonveGas is positioning itself at the forefront of this new economic corridor. The FTA is expected to catalyze unprecedented technology transfers, particularly in the high-growth sustainability sector, making the entry of specialized European firms like KonveGas both timely and strategically vital for India’s net-zero ambitions.
Bridging the Infrastructure Gap with Type 4 Technology KonveGas specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced Type 4 glass fiber composite cylinders, a technology that is up to 75% lighter than traditional steel and entirely corrosion-resistant. For an Indian market rapidly expanding its Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and Green Hydrogen infrastructure, these lightweight storage solutions solve a major logistical bottleneck: the high cost and weight of transporting gas across vast distances.
“India is not just a market for us; it is the future global hub for green energy innovation,” said Alexander Enulescu, Founder & CEO, KonveGas. He added “Following our successful engagement in Goa earlier this year, we are now moving from intent to action. Our presence at the BBB Summit is about finding the right Indian partners be it in manufacturing, distribution, or infrastructure to help us scale these solutions locally under the ‘Make in India’ spirit.”
Strategic Synergies at the BBB Summit The BBB Summit comes at a time when the Indian technology space is hungry for efficient storage and mobility solutions. With the government’s push for 20% ethanol blending and the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the demand for safe, durable and cost-effective storage has never been higher.
KonveGas’s participation at the New Delhi summit will focus on:
- The Mobility Revolution: Introducing lightweight cylinders for heavy-duty trucking, transit buses and maritime applications.
- Localized Manufacturing: Discussing joint venture opportunities to establish production lines in India’s industrial hubs.
- Decarbonization: Demonstrating how Swedish engineering can reduce the carbon footprint of India’s logistics sector by up to 70%.
The company is currently in the midst of its official Indian launch process and is inviting potential collaborators ranging from energy PSUs to private automotive giants to explore how Swedish composite technology can be integrated into the Indian supply chain.
4, May 2026
Bob Nguyen ACS wins Milli Award for 2026 Australian Cinematographer of the Year at the 56th ACS National Awards
ADELAIDE, 4 May 2026 – At this year’s Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) 56th National Awards in Adelaide, it was Bob Nguyen ACS who won the prestigious Australian Cinematographer of the Year Milli Award. Nguyen also won a Gold Tripod in the Feature Films – Budget Under $5m category for Ky Nam Inn.
Bob Nguyen ACS accepting his awards by video link
Nguyen is a critically acclaimed and highly awarded member of the Australian Cinematographer’s Society and an extremely experienced celluloid cinematographer. His notable works include SUT and SONG LANG, with SONG LANG garnering more than 30 international awards. In 2019 Nguyen won the Golden Tripod and the prestigious Milli Award for Australian Cinematographer of the Year for the first time. Bob’s cinematography on BLACK HEN and MUOI – THE CURSE RETURNS also earned him double Gold Awards and two additional Golden Tripods at previous ACS National Awards.
On winning the award Nguyen said, “It is a great honour to have won the Milli for the second time, particularly when the standard of cinematography in Australia is so high. I would like to thank the ACS, all of their sponsors for putting on the awards and for everything they do for cinematographers and congratulate all of the other nominees for their excellent work.”
(l-r) Ray Martin AM and ACS national president Brent Crockett ACS
The 2026 56th ACS National Awards was, as always, in the ever capable and professional hands of host and MC for the evening, Ray Martin AM. Martin, in his inimitable fashion, entertained and guided the full house alongside presenters that included ACS national president Brent Crockett ACS.
Crockett presented Hall of Fame Awards to Mark Wareham ACS and László Baranyai HSC ACS HCA, the Life Membership Award to Richard Chataway ACS and Carolyn Constantine ACS and the John Leake OAM ACS Emerging Cinematographer Award to Emilie Lowe.
Then the Student Cinematography Award went to Jake Frazer for The Native Police and other Gold Tripod winners included Aaron Farrugia who won the John Bowring ACS Station Breaks & Promos for The Block “Heartland”, Maximilian McKay took home the Music Videos award for 21st Century Cool Girl – Chloe Qisha and Haidarr Jones who won the Neil Davis International News award for Gaza Aid Delivery.
The Current Affairs award went to Tom Hancock for Australian Story: Betrayal, The Story Of Hannah Grundy and Dave May ACS won in Entertainment & TV Magazine for Love on the Spectrum U.S. – E7.
The Ron Taylor AM ACS & Valerie Taylor AM Wildlife & Nature award went to Jack Riley and Nick Robinson for The Kimberley S1E1 and Alper Kasap took out the gong for Short Films with KUDUZ.
The Gold Tripod for Drama Series budget under $1m went to Brendan Barnes SASC ACS for Go and the Gold Tripod for Drama Series budget $1m and over went to Nicola Daley ACS BSC for The Handmaid’s Tale.
Then the Feature Films – Budget $5m and over Gold Tripod award went to Stephen Windon ACS ASC for THE ELECTRIC STATE.
The Judges’ Merit Award went to Matthew Davies for Javelin Aerospace ‘In Our Blood’.
ACS national president Brent Crockett ACS
ACS National President Brent Crockett ACS said, “A huge congratulations to Bob Nguyen ACS on being named Australia’s Cinematographer of the Year for the second time. It’s a powerful reflection of Bob’s consistency, craft and extraordinary eye behind the camera. This recognition is thoroughly deserved. My sincere thanks to our industry sponsors, supporters and the South Australian ACS Branch Committee for delivering an outstanding night in Adelaide and congratulations to all award recipients. Australian cinematography continues to stand among the very best in the world and it’s exactly why our talent is so highly sought after here and internationally.”
Other Gold Tripod and Award Winners included:
Serial TV & Comedy Series – Dave Cameron NZCS ACS for Madam S1E1
Branded Content & Advertising – Christian Fitzpatrick ACS for Penta Tequila – Método Penta Quintaesencia
Corporate – Branded Content, Education & Events – Christian Fitzpatrick ACS for Sub-Atmospheric Carbon Neutral Vacuum Distillation
Commercials – Budget under $200K – Jackson England for AMAN – Amankora
Commercials – Budget $200K and over – Jani Häkli for Go Mongolia
Bob Miller ACS Scholarship – Tom Waugh and Tad Errey
Ron Windon ACS Contribution award to Mick Fanning (presented to Mick by Ron’s son Steve Windon ACS ASC)
Images by Sam Oster
