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  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • TotalEnergies Develops Pangea 5, a Next-Generation Supercomputer That Will Increase its Computing Power Sixfold

    Paris, May 06 – TotalEnergies, in collaboration with Dell Technologies and NVIDIA, announces the signing of a contract for the design and installation of Pangea 5, its next high-performance supercomputer. Hosted at the Jean Féger Scientific and Technical Center (CSTJF) in Pau, in the South of France, Pangea 5 will multiply the Company’s computing power by six. It represents an investment of over 100 million euros.

    A significant increase in computing power to support TotalEnergies’ projects

    With this increase in processing speed, Pangea 5 will:

    expand the deployment of advanced seismic engineering to enhance the accuracy of subsurface imaging and accelerate exploration to support the Company’s strategy for low-cost and low-emission hydrocarbon production;
    support R&D uses of AI and meet growing digital needs to optimize computing times and deepen the understanding of complex phenomena like integrated power models.

    Controlled Energy Consumption and CO₂ Emissions

    Pangea 5 will rely on specialized processors, capable of massively parallel computations, offering greater energy efficiency than previous versions. At equal performance, Pangea 5’s energy consumption will be reduced by approximately 40%, and its associated cooling system’s consumption will be cut by a factor of five. The residual heat generated by the supercomputer will be recovered and used to help heat the buildings of the CSTJF, which host more than 2.500 people.

    Pangea 5 will be first commissioned in 2027.

    “Artificial intelligence and digital technology are strategic drivers of our energy transition. By increasing our computing power sixfold, we are strengthening our leadership in high-performance computing ensuring that our experts teams continue to have the means to push the envelope to support the development of our activities and meet the growing global demand for energy,” said Namita Shah, President, OneTech at TotalEnergies.

    “TotalEnergies is pushing the boundaries of high-performance computing, and we’re delighted to be part of that journey. Pangea 5 will give TotalEnergies the computing power to accelerate discovery, increase efficiency and drive the energy transition forward – that’s exactly the kind of outcome our collaboration is built for,” said Adrian McDonald, President, Dell Technologies EMEA

    “NVIDIA Compute, network and software platforms will provide Pangea 5 with exceptional parallel computing power, accelerating scientific workloads and opening new opportunities in artificial intelligence. With this choice of NVIDIA GPUs, CPUs and InfiniBand TotalEnergies is adopting an architecture capable of meeting the most demanding industrial and energy challenges, both today and in the years to come,” said John Josephakis, Vice President HPC & AI at NVIDIA.

  • ESIC Launches Free Health Check-Up Drive for Workers Under New Labour Framework

    New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): A free health check-up initiative for workers has been launched under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation), marking early implementation efforts linked to the new labour framework reforms.

    ESIC Launches Free Health Check-Up Drive for Workers Under New Labour Framework

    The initiative aims to improve preventive healthcare access for insured workers by offering routine medical screening and early detection services. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen workplace welfare and enhance social security coverage for the workforce.

    Officials stated that the programme will help identify health risks at an early stage, reduce long-term medical complications, and improve overall productivity by ensuring timely medical attention for workers.

    The drive also reflects the government’s focus on expanding worker welfare benefits under evolving labour reforms, with an emphasis on accessible and preventive healthcare.

    Authorities noted that the initiative is expected to benefit a large section of the organised workforce and reinforce India’s commitment to improving occupational health standards.

  • PM Modi and President To Lam Chart Next Phase of India–Vietnam Strategic Partnership

    PM Modi and President To Lam Chart Next Phase of India–Vietnam Strategic Partnership

    New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Vietnamese President To Lam at Hyderabad House, focusing on strengthening the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    The discussions covered key areas of cooperation including trade and investment, defence and security, digital technology, energy, and connectivity. Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

    The meeting emphasized enhancing economic engagement, improving supply chain resilience, and exploring new opportunities in emerging sectors such as infrastructure, critical minerals, and innovation-led growth.

    The visit comes at a significant milestone as both countries mark 10 years of their upgraded strategic partnership. The engagement is expected to further deepen bilateral ties and open new avenues for cooperation between India and Vietnam.

  • BC Jindal Group Appoints Sanjay Bhargava to Lead Jindal India Power Limited as Chief Executive Officer

    New Delhi, May 06: BC Jindal Group, India’s leading conglomerate with over Rs. 18,000 crore turnover, has announced the appointment of Sanjay Bhargava as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its power business, Jindal India Power Limited.

    BC Jindal Group Appoints Sanjay Bhargava to Lead Jindal India Power Limited as Chief Executive Officer

    In his new role, Sanjay Bhargava will be responsible for further enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening performance at the group’s 1,200 MW thermal power generation facility in the state of Odisha, which comprises two 600 MW units. The BC Jindal Group, led by Shyam Sunder Jindal, Promoter BC Jindal Group, commissioned the state-of-the-art facility in 2015, which has been running successfully with an increasing Plant Load Factor (PLF) year after year.

    We are pleased to welcome Sanjay Bhargava as the Chief Executive Officer of Jindal India Power Limited. He brings a wealth of experience with him to the company alongside expertise of India’s power sector. We believe his leadership and experience will support and contribute to the company’s continued growth,said a spokesperson of the BC Jindal Group.

    With over 35 years of experience, Sanjay Bhargava is a thermal power plant professional who has worked in different domains of the power industry including, power sales strategy, plant operations and maintenance, commercial and regulatory, advocacy and business development, to name a few. In the past, he has been associated with reputed companies like Tata Power. 

    Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Sanjay Bhargava, CEO, Jindal India Power Limited said, “I am delighted to join Jindal India Power Limited as the Chief Executive Officer. Along with the talented team at the plant, I look forward to continue driving operational excellence and sustainable growth at the facility. I am thankful to the leadership at BC Jindal Group for entrusting me with this opportunity.”

    Since its inception, Jindal India Power has signed multiple Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with state DISCOMs and other consumers across Bihar, Haryana, Delhi, and Noida, to name a few. These agreements encompass short-term, medium-term, and long-term power supply arrangements, showcasing the company’s expertise in the sector.

    Founded in 1952 by Shri BC Jindal, the BC Jindal Group, led by Shyam Sunder Jindal, Promoter, BC Jindal Group, is one of India’s leading conglomerates and is engaged in a diverse portfolio of businesses that includes packaging films, energy and steel products.

  • Odisha Investors’ Meet Showcases State as Emerging Industrial Growth Destination

    Ahmedabad, May 6 (BNP): The Government of Odisha, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, organized a high-impact Investors’ Meet roadshow in Ahmedabad to promote the state as a preferred destination for industrial investment and next-generation growth.

    Hon’ble CM Shri @MohanMOdisha leads a high-impact Investors’ Meet Roadshow in Ahmedabad, positioning #Odisha as a preferred destination for next-generation industrial growth.

    With participation from over 500 industry representatives, the roadshow featured focused sectoral… pic.twitter.com/hjWP3Dy8RP

    — CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) May 6, 2026

    Odisha Investors’ Meet Showcases State as Emerging Industrial Growth Destination

    The event witnessed participation from over 500 industry leaders and stakeholders, along with 26 focused one-on-one meetings with potential investors. Sectoral discussions were also held, including key focus areas such as textiles and manufacturing, highlighting Odisha’s diversified industrial opportunities.

    The state showcased its strategic advantages, including a strong coastline, port-led connectivity, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly policy environment. Officials emphasized Odisha’s commitment to building integrated, future-ready industrial ecosystems under its broader development vision.

    The strong response from the business community reflected growing investor confidence in Odisha’s economic potential and its evolving position as an emerging industrial hub in eastern India.

    The initiative is expected to further boost investment inflows, generate employment opportunities, strengthen MSME participation, and accelerate industrial infrastructure development in the state.