Category: News

Alappuzha(Kerala), May 24 (BNP): Veteran environmentalist Devaki Amma G will be honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri 2026 for her extraordinary contribution to environmental conservation and afforestation. The 92-year-old conservationist from Muthukulam in Kerala’s Alappuzha district has earned national recognition for transforming barren land into a thriving green ecosystem through decades of tireless dedication.

Over the last four decades, Devaki Amma single-handedly developed a five-acre man-made forest, popularly known as “Tapovanam,” on sandy and once unproductive ancestral land. What began as a personal effort gradually evolved into a self-sustaining ecosystem with thousands of trees, medicinal plants, birds, insects, and aquatic life, making it a model of grassroots environmental restoration.

Recognised among the country’s “unsung heroes,” Devaki Amma has been honoured for her unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation and afforestation. Despite physical challenges and limited institutional support, she continued planting and nurturing saplings for over 40 years, inspiring generations through her dedication to protecting nature.

Today, Tapovanam serves as a living classroom for students, researchers, and environmental enthusiasts, while also offering medicinal resources to local communities. Devaki Amma’s Padma Shri recognition highlights the importance of individual efforts in ecological preservation and sustainable living.

May 23 (BNP): India’s landmark lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, has received the prestigious 2026 Goddard Astronautics Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, marking a major global recognition of the country’s achievements in space exploration. The honour was presented during the AIAA ASCEND 2026 Conference in Washington, D.C. on May 21.

The award recognises Chandrayaan-3’s historic feat of becoming the first spacecraft to successfully soft-land near the Moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023 — a scientifically significant region that had never before witnessed a surface-level landing mission. The achievement strengthened India’s position among leading spacefaring nations and opened new possibilities for future lunar exploration.

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, accepted the award on behalf of the Indian Space Research Organisation during the ceremony. He highlighted India’s long-term ambitions in deep-space exploration and human spaceflight while underscoring the growing cooperation between India and the United States in the space sector.

The Goddard Astronautics Award is regarded as the highest honour bestowed by AIAA for notable achievements in astronautics and commemorates pioneering rocket scientist Robert H. Goddard. Chandrayaan-3’s recognition reflects India’s expanding scientific capabilities and its rising global influence in advanced space research.

Bengaluru, May 23: Bengaluru’s beloved Mediterranean dining destination, Olive Beach, invites guests to an intimate evening of slow dining and seasonal Italian flavours with the return of The Supper Society IP, an exclusive dining series that celebrates food, wine, and conversation in equal measure. On 29th May from 8 PM onwards, the next edition of the series, Italian Countryside Harvest, will be presented by Chef Eva Mariam and Chef Sairaj Ramaswamy, featuring a five-course dining experience paired with signature cocktails and beverages inspired by the warmth and conviviality of rustic Italian gatherings.

Centred around the theme Italian Countryside Harvest, the evening brings together Chef Eva and Chef Sairaj for a menu rooted in ingredient-forward cooking, warmth, and the spirit of communal dining. Inspired by rustic Italian tables and comforting regional flavours, the experience celebrates handmade classics, slow-cooked elements, and seasonal produce thoughtfully woven into a multi-course menu.

Chef Eva began her culinary journey at The Oberoi Bengaluru, while Chef Sairaj honed his craft across renowned kitchens including The Oberoi Udaivilas, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru and Olive Beach.  shared love for honest cooking, warmth, and bold Italian flavours, the duo has created a menu that celebrates comforting dishes, seasonal flavours, and the spirit of gathering around the table. 

The evening opens with a selection of amuse-bouche including Polenta & Funghi, featuring creamy parmesan polenta topped with sautéed wild mushrooms and parmesan crisp, alongside Arancini al Ragù, saffron risotto croquettes filled with slow-cooked ragù and mozzarella. The antipasti course includes Pollo Involtini, a chicken roulade with ricotta, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes finished with sage butter glaze, as well as Melanzane Involtini, grilled aubergine rolls layered with herbed ricotta, tomato sugo and basil oil. A berry and limone sorbet palate cleanser follows before the mains. Guests can then savour Beef al Marsala, pan-seared beef in a rich Marsala wine reduction served with garlic mashed potatoes and buttered greens, or Lasagna di Verdure, layered with roasted vegetables, béchamel, parmesan and tomato sugo. Dessert concludes the evening with a classic Tiramisù and Citrus Brulée Bombellini, paired with green apple-fennel gel and gelato.

Designed to evoke the generosity and warmth of an Italian countryside table, The Supper Society promises an evening of soulful food, conversation, and shared experiences in the signature ambience of Olive Beach.

Bhubaneswar, May 23: World Trade Center Bhubaneswar organized the WTC Women’s Forum Meet – WAVE (Women as Vibrant Entrepreneurs: Connect, Collaborate & Conquer) on May 22, 2026, at the IDCO Conference Hall, Bhubaneswar. The event brought together women entrepreneurs, professionals, and members of the WTC network to discuss business opportunities, collaboration, skill development, and institutional support.

Representing Shreyas WebMedia Solutions, Director K. Gouri and Administrative Officer Bhumika Lenka actively participated in the forum and interacted with fellow WTC members during the networking sessions.

During the meeting, all participating members introduced themselves and shared details about their businesses, future plans, and entrepreneurial journeys. Several members discussed their interest in expanding into import and export activities and highlighted the challenges they face in areas such as market access, logistics, international trade guidance, business networking, and regulatory processes. The forum created an open and supportive platform where members could voice their concerns and seek guidance from WTC Bhubaneswar.

The discussions aimed to help the organization better understand the needs of entrepreneurs so that suitable support, mentorship, and business solutions could be provided through the WTC network. Members also exchanged ideas on collaboration opportunities and explored ways to strengthen women-led businesses through global trade connections.

Key agenda points included planning for Raja Parba celebrations, arrangements for International Yoga Day, and a proposed visit to the World Skill Centre on June 5. The meeting also emphasized member engagement, institutional strengthening, and the importance of creating opportunities for professional growth and international business exposure.

Representatives from Shreyas WebMedia Solutions described the event as highly informative and beneficial, noting that it provided a valuable opportunity to connect with WTC members, understand industry challenges, and build meaningful professional relationships.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks followed by high tea, encouraging further networking and interaction among participants.

Karnataka, May 23 (BNP): A doctor from Karnataka has turned barren, rocky land into a thriving mango orchard, producing nearly 30 tonnes of chemical-free Kesar mangoes with the help of Israeli farming technology and sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Sameer Nair, an Ayurvedic practitioner based in Belagavi, transformed over five acres of rocky terrain into a high-density Kesar mango plantation after adopting Israel-inspired cultivation techniques. Beginning the venture in 2019, the orchard started yielding fruit within three years and has witnessed rapid growth since then, with production expected to touch nearly 30 tonnes this season — almost six times higher than earlier harvests.

Unlike traditional mango cultivation, which generally involves fewer trees per acre and longer waiting periods, Dr. Nair implemented high-density farming by planting around 700 saplings per acre. Supported by drip irrigation, solar-powered systems, and water conservation structures, the orchard has significantly improved productivity while reducing resource wastage.

The farm follows nearly 95 per cent organic practices, relying largely on cow dung-based manure and farm waste instead of chemicals. The mangoes are allowed to ripen naturally on trees without artificial ripening agents, aiming to preserve both taste and consumer health. Each fruit is also protected using eco-friendly bags to shield it from insects, harsh weather, and microbial damage, while enhancing quality and colour.

Sold under the brand “Vaishali Farm Kesar Mango,” named after his mother, the produce has attracted strong customer demand, with buyers visiting the orchard directly and exports reaching overseas markets in previous seasons. Dr. Nair is now reportedly planning to process surplus mangoes into pulp for long-term preservation.

Dr. Nair’s success story highlights how a blend of modern agricultural innovation and eco-friendly farming can transform unproductive land into a sustainable, profitable venture.

Mumbai, May 22 : S8UL, a global name in esports and gaming content, has roped in Campa Energy, the flagship energy drink brand of Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), as the Title Sponsor for its Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 campaign. The move marks a major milestone for Indian esports, bringing together the country’s leading esports organization and a rapidly growing youth-focused consumer brand ahead of the world’s biggest esports tournament.

Having been selected for the Esports Foundation’s Club Partner Program for the second consecutive year, S8UL launched its most ambitious Esports World Cup campaign yet across 13 titles, already securing qualification spots in Fortnite, Honor of Kings & Chess while remaining in contention across multiple other titles. The organization has also placed a strong emphasis on showcasing Indian talent internationally, with homegrown players competing across several esports titles alongside proven international talent. The onboarding of Campa Energy further strengthens this India-first vision, bringing together two homegrown brands to back Indian esports on the world stage.

As Title Sponsor, Campa Energy will be integrated across S8UL’s official team jerseys, digital content, fan engagement initiatives, city events, and on-ground activations throughout the EWC 2026 campaign. The association reflects a shared vision to champion Indian gaming talent on the global stage while deepening engagement with the country’s rapidly growing esports community.

Commenting on the association, Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO, S8UL Esports, said,

 “The conversation around Indian esports has changed significantly over the last few years. Today, it is no longer just about potential, it is about building globally competitive teams, creating sustainable fan ecosystems, and earning the confidence of major brands. Our partnership with Campa Energy represents that larger shift. As S8UL prepares for the Esports World Cup 2026 across multiple titles, having a homegrown brand support this journey reinforces the growing cultural relevance of esports in India. We see this as a shared effort to push Indian talent and Indian esports further onto the global stage.”

Campa Energy has been crafted for a generation that constantly challenges boundaries and aspires to achieve more with every step. Campa Energy will power S8UL’s athletes across multiple titles as they prepare to represent India on the global stage. The brand also has a growing presence within the esports ecosystem, having previously associated with JioBLAST All Stars vs India, a creator-led competitive entertainment format centered around Battlegrounds Mobile India, which featured popular S8UL creators including Payal Dhare, Raj Varma, and Parv Singh.

As per the recent FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Report 2026, the number of brands investing in Indian esports is expected to grow to 80 in 2026, with this association further highlighting the rising mainstream interest in the country’s rapidly evolving gaming and esports ecosystem.

The EWC 2026, set to take place in Paris, France from July 6 to August 23, 2026, will bring together over 2,000 players from 200 clubs across more than 100 countries competing for a record-breaking prize pool of $75 million  Backed by Campa Energy, S8UL will aim to make its mark while showcasing Indian esports talent at the highest level of international competition.

New Delhi, May 22 (BNP): What started as a satirical online campaign fuelled by memes, sarcasm and political commentary has rapidly transformed into one of India’s biggest digital sensations. The “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP), a meme-driven social media movement born out of public outrage and internet humour, has crossed 15 million followers on Instagram within just five days, overtaking the online popularity of India’s major political parties.

Operating under the handle @cockroachjantaparty, the platform has surged ahead of established political organisations in a dramatic display of internet influence. While the official Instagram account of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently has around 8.7 million followers, the Indian National Congress — one of India’s oldest political parties with a history spanning over 140 years — has approximately 13.2 million followers. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), founded in 2012, trails with nearly 1.9 million followers.

The movement reportedly emerged in response to controversial remarks linked to concerns surrounding unemployed youth, quickly evolving into an online expression of frustration over issues such as joblessness, inflation, governance and social inequality. Through viral reels, satire, memes and politically charged humour, the page has struck a chord with younger internet users, particularly Gen Z audiences.

In a country where political influence is traditionally built over decades through organisational networks and electoral outreach, the meteoric rise of the Cockroach Janata Party has triggered widespread discussion over the growing role of digital culture in shaping public discourse. Supporters see it as a symbolic protest movement reflecting youth dissatisfaction, while critics argue that viral popularity may not necessarily translate into meaningful political engagement beyond social media.

The trend has also attracted attention from prominent public figures and online influencers. Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan and leaders including Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad have publicly reacted to or expressed support for the viral trend, adding to its visibility and political intrigue.

As the “Cockroach” trend continues to dominate social media conversations, questions remain over whether the phenomenon will remain a meme-powered online moment or evolve into a broader expression of political sentiment among India’s youth.

Kolkata, May 22 (BNP): A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the state government made the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in all recognised madrasas across the state. The directive, issued by the Directorate of Madrasa Education, mandates that the national song be sung during morning assembly prayers before classes begin in institutions functioning under the Minority Affairs and Madrasa Education Department.

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The order applies to government model madrasas, government-aided institutions, approved Shishu Shiksha Kendras, Madhyamik Shiksha Kendras, and recognised unaided madrasas. The move comes nearly a week after the state government extended a similar mandate to schools, making Vande Mataram part of morning assemblies across educational institutions. Officials said the directive has been approved for immediate implementation as part of efforts to introduce uniformity in assembly practices and promote patriotic values among students.

The decision has sparked sharp reactions from opposition parties and sections of civil society, with critics alleging that educational institutions are being drawn into political debates. Several leaders questioned the timing and intent of the order, arguing that consultations with madrasa authorities and educators could have preceded such a move.

Reacting to the criticism, Samik Bhattacharya defended the government’s decision and rejected allegations of communal polarisation. “Vande Mataram and madrasas have no conflict. This is not about Hindu-Muslim politics. The slogan has historically been used across political traditions, including by the Congress during the freedom movement,” he said while backing the directive.

Written by novelist Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Vande Mataram played a prominent role during India’s freedom struggle and remains a symbol of patriotism, while also periodically emerging as a subject of political and ideological debate in public life.

Groundbreaking responsible AI tool to launch as paid add-on for Spotify Premium users 

Santa Monica and Stockholm, May 21, 2026 – Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) today announced landmark recorded music and music publishing licensing agreements enabling Spotify to launch a new tool allowing fans to create covers and remixes of their favorite songs from participating artists and songwriters. 

This groundbreaking tool will be powered by generative AI technology that will open up additional revenue streams and new ways to drive discovery. It introduces a creation model where artists and songwriters can directly share in the value generated through AI-driven licensed covers and remixes on the Spotify platform. 

The new tool will launch as a paid add-on for Spotify Premium users and create an additional source of income for artists and songwriters, on top of what they already earn on Spotify. 

“Solving hard problems for music is what Spotify does, and fan-made covers and remixes are next. What we’re building is grounded in consent, credit, and compensation for the artists and songwriters that take part. Through each technological transformation, we have worked together with Sir Lucian and his team to evolve the music ecosystem into a richer, more beneficial experience for fans and a more rewarding outcome for artists and songwriters,” said Alex Norström, Co-CEO, Spotify. 

“The most valuable innovations in the music business always bring artists and fans closer together. That principle is at the heart of this pioneering AI-enabled superfan initiative, which is designed to support human artistry, deepen fan relationships, and create additional revenue opportunities for artists and songwriters. Building on our long track record of leading the industry through technology changes, and collaborating with Alex, Gustav, Daniel and the team at Spotify, this initiative is firmly artist-centric, rooted in responsible AI, and will drive growth for the entire ecosystem,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group.

Mumbai, May 21 (BNP): India is set to enter a new phase of climate-linked financial innovation with the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Ltd (NCDEX) preparing to launch RAINMUMBAI, the country’s first exchange-traded weather derivatives contract, on June 1, 2026. The pioneering product is designed to help businesses, investors and weather-sensitive sectors manage financial risks arising from monsoon uncertainty through a regulated market instrument.

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The launch marks a significant step toward integrating climate variability into India’s financial ecosystem, particularly at a time when erratic weather patterns and rainfall fluctuations increasingly affect agriculture, logistics, infrastructure and commodity markets. Linked to rainfall data, the contract will allow stakeholders to hedge against unexpected monsoon outcomes and minimise economic disruptions caused by excessive or deficient rainfall.

Developed by National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Ltd, RAINMUMBAI is expected to create a structured and transparent framework for managing weather-related risks using market-based mechanisms. The initiative is also seen as a major move toward strengthening financial preparedness against climate-linked uncertainties while broadening the scope of derivatives trading in India.

Industry experts believe the introduction of weather derivatives could benefit multiple sectors dependent on seasonal rainfall, offering a more predictable risk-management system and helping businesses make informed financial decisions during the crucial monsoon period. The development signals India’s growing focus on combining technology, finance and climate resilience in economic planning.